SEPTEMBER 2015
DREAM DESIGN
Biggest ever issue
Bold ideas for Brighton home from ARCH-angels Architects
Health Matters MAN UP!
What’s next for
JODIE KIDD
Weekend
RETREATS
+Holiday lets tax tips
Blinding ideas
for the best dressed windows
&
Stylish New
The region’s largest property publication
FREE
10 pages of the best new homes
W E LOV E... Our colourful Chichester dresser painted in Blakeney Blue, against the tactile and rustic Bowsley dinnerware, and the crisp silhouette of our Alderney conical vase
Neptune Hailsham, BN27 1DQ, 01323 849 483, info@neptunehailsham.com
INSIDE 5
10
Property news from around the City
13
What’s trending
16 ARCH-angels, page 16
Crosby, Stills and Nash, page 20
COVER STORY : ARCH-angels transform a Brighton home
19
Talk Money : Letting to buy
20
Calendar : Out and about in September
24
Howlett Clarke : Their amazing charity challenge
32
Selling your home : Your essential moving check list
38
Social Media : Adding value
40
Overseas : Beautiful Venice
42
King & Chasemore interview : Customer is King
44
Career Ladder : Mark Tulley, Gemini Print
46 Howlett Clarke, page 24
Hill House & Home Truths
Chalk Architecture : Brighton, a place to work
48
September Collection : Weekend retreats and pied-Ă -terres
51
STax : Tax advice on owning a holiday home
54
COVER STORY : New Homes Special ... Continued over For all advertising, editorial and general enquiries contact Managing Director Lynne Edwards: 07931 537588 lynne@portfoliopublications.co.uk
www.portfoliopublications.co.uk Cover: Image courtesy of Unique Home Stays See page 13
New homes, page 548
Interiors, page 71
62
Schools : Education news round-up
65
Gardening : Late summer colour
68
Shopping : Textiles and cosy throws
71 77 75
Health : Man up! COVER STORY celebrity interview : What next for Jodie Kidd?
80
Golf guy : Roughing it
82 86
Local News
88 90 97
Motoring, page 97
COVER STORY: Interiors - Blinding ideas
100
National News Jodie Kidd, page 77
Business lunch : Jeremy’s - something special in the heart of Sussex Style : Looking stylish in an Indian Summer Motors : Showcasing Mercedes The BIG story : Angela Merkel, German superwoman
The PORTFOLIO team Managing Director: Lynne Edwards 07931 537588 • lynne@portfoliopublications.co.uk Business Editor: Maarten Hoffmann Production Editor: Fiona McTernan 07966 244 046 portfoliomagazineproduction@gmail.com For advertising and general enquiries contact maarten@platinumbusinessmagazine.com Lynne Edwards: 07931 537588 lynne@portfoliopublications.co.uk Designer: Sally Wynn Interiors Editor: Tara de la Motte www.portfoliopublications.co.uk portfoliopublications@dollydesigns.co.uk tara@sussex-homes.co.uk Cover: Image courtesy of John Lewis www.johnlewis.com
Contributor: Kate Hill
Chief Sub-Editor & Contributing Editor: Daniel Frickelton portfoliomagazineeditorial@gmail.com
Published by: All rights reserved. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions relating to advertising or editorial. The publisher reserves the right to change or amend any competitions or prizes offered. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from the publisher. No responsibility is taken for unsolicited materials or the return of these materials whilst in transit.
EXPERT column
Y
THE HILL HOUSE
ou’re either an animal person or you’re not. There’s no “Oh-Iquite-like-cats-on-Tuesdays” point in the spectrum. I started this build project as an animal person. I may be reaching tipping point. Our own pets (three cats, two dogs and counting) are challenging enough. Granted, they didn’t ask to be put through a year of building work, picking their way through rubble – although we’ve tried to mitigate against distress with periodic boarding. That hasn’t stopped the protests. Cats express their general disgust by using dog beds for occasional bladder relief. The dogs, in turn, can clear a room of all living creatures (builders included) following a heavy meal. Dave, our bulldog, has honed the particular skill of escaping into our difficult neighbour’s garden and pooing on their lawn after every build-related complaint – impressive, and hard to explain away as coincidence after a while. On the plus side, their house is on the market.
HOME TRUTHS Arggh help – there’s a wasp! STOP RIGHT THERE! DON’T MOVE… Contrary to popular belief, wasps DO serve a useful environmental purpose: they eat flies, caterpillars and other pests, and help pollinate plants. Without them, we’d be overrun with other creepy crawlies. Faced with a wasp, some of us carry on regardless, enjoying our ice cream al fresco. Others flap their arms, shriek and run from the garden. But if you take steps to deter the little blighters, no-one gets hurt.
“It’s like Noah’s Ark for the undesirables”
A STING IN THE TAIL
It’s the animals we didn’t know we lived with, too. We’ve uncovered three ants nests (ouch), giant yellow slugs, more mice than I care to remember, and plagues of mosquitos visiting nightly through part-finished windows. It’s like Noah’s Ark for the undesirables. The other Saturday, my partner and I had a breakfast catch-up with The Builder. As we talked in the kitchen over coffee, something on top of the hallway door caught The Builder’s eye. A foot. Attached to a little leg. Attached to… the remains of a rather flat and dry frog, which had somehow met a sticky end squished between door and frame. We stood there awhile contemplating the tiny corpse, flummoxed by how and when it might have reached such a height. It remains a mystery, but I notice The Builder now checks doors before he closes them.
Kate Hill
When wasps approach, stay calm and still, or walk slowly away flapping simply annoys them. Some fragrances, including mint and eucalyptus, smell dreadful to wasps. Placing pots of fresh mint around your outdoor dining area, or treating surfaces with eucalyptus oil, may help to deter them (and possibly you). Experts at waspinator.co.uk have found that wasps detest rivals. Keep them at bay with a ‘nest’ made of a paper bag or lantern hung from a garden tree or parasol – and hope they go next door.
WHY DO THEY ALWAYS PICK ON ME? Wasps are attracted to lots of things. In early summer they prefer proteinbased foods to help build muscle (and, presumably, because they want to fit into their bikinis). But now, when nest building and breeding are over, they move on to pudding: fruit, ice cream, fizzy drinks… if you want to be left in peace, take desert indoors. They are also attracted to bright colours, and strong fragrances: perfume, aftershave, deodorant – even hairspray. So, if you take your cream tea into the garden, wearing a sunflower yellow shirt and reeking of Lynx, don’t blame us if you get the wrong sort of attention.
St. Aubyns, Hove BN3Villas, 2TG Wilbury
Hove BN3 Guide Price6SE £499,995 - £450,000 £425,000 25
12
12
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ilities are in good working order. 3. All Measurements are approximate.
www.mishonwelton.com
Hill Brow, Hove BN3 6QHVillas, Wilbury
Hove BN3 Guide Price6SE £499,995 - £1,300,000 £1,200,000 54
22
32
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94 Church Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 3EB
Tel: 01273 778 877
First Avenue Hove BN3Villas, 2FH Wilbury Hove BN3 Guide Price6SE ÂŁ499,995 ÂŁ699,950 5 3
2 1
22
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ilities are in good working order. 3. All Measurements are approximate.
www.mishonwelton.com
Palmeira Avenue, Hove BN3Villas, 3GA Wilbury Hove BN3 Guide Price6SE ÂŁ499,995 ÂŁ599,950 5 3
2 2
12
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94 Church Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 3EB
Tel: 01273 778 877
PROPERTY news
PROPERTY NEWS # CONVEYANCING FOCUS £100 SELFIE The release of July’s Conveyancing FOCUS welcomed a surge of selfies as Searches UK asked you to embrace the ‘selfie’ and send them your snaps for the chance to win a £100 cash donation to a charity of your choice. To celebrate the release of the third edition of Conveyancing FOCUS, Searches UK decided to reach out to its readers and asked you to share a photo of yourself with the magazine on social media with the hashtag #ConveyancingFocus. Searches UK’s head office was inundated with photos from clients and prospective clients, all trying to bag the £100 charity prize. Some of you even got your dogs involved! The winner of the competition was Clare Osborne of PDT solicitors, who chose to donate the £100 to the World Cetacean Alliance. The charity supports marine conservation and sea life in captivity, a cause that Clare is extremely passionate about. To find out more about Searches UK and the services offered, please visit www.searchesuk.co.uk
SEQUENCE EMPLOYEES HAVE A BALL AT GOLF DAY A group of 18 employees from various branches of Sequence (UK) took time out of their busy schedules to raise awareness and funds for CLIC Sargent, the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people and their families. Tuesday, 21st July saw a group of staff members take to the beautiful British countryside for a game of golf at Pyecombe Golf Club and raise £346.22. Sequence have been a corporate partner of CLIC Sargent since 2001 and have raised £360,000 in this time through various avenues. Drew Bailey, Branch Manager at Fox & Sons Estate Agents, Hove, organised the Golf Day, gathering troops from local branches. Unfortunately for Drew, it wasn’t his team that won, but the Preston Park office. Catherine Cadman, Fundraising Manager at CLIC Sargent, says: “I would like to say a massive thank you to Drew and the various branches and to Sequence as a whole. They have been our partners for nearly 15 years and have raised such a huge amount to support the work that we do.”
90% PREFER PRINTED DETAILS WHEN BUYING A PROPERTY According to a recent study, 90% of the British public still consider print vital when buying a house. The study, carried out by Sussex marketing specialists Evonprint, reveals that while 75% of people initially search for a house online, 68% of them prefer to then be given a printed brochure detailing a property’s features, and 52% said that having a printed brochure makes the decision easier. Overall, 90% of the people surveyed still valued print material in the property industry and didn’t believe the internet dominated the process of purchasing a house. Another survey carried out by paper pressure group Two Sides also revealed that 78% of the people surveyed said that they would prefer to read content on paper rather than online, and 84% of people stated that they retained information more effectively when they read it on paper.
A better
perspective 10 PORTFOLIO
With a breath-taking choice, offices countrywide and an eye for what matters to you, we make moving home more exciting.
01273 772175 | winkworth.co.uk/brighton-hove
PROPERTY news
HAMPTONS CYCLE CHALLENGE Darren Middleton, Senior Branch Manger at Hamptons International’s Haywards Heath office, is taking on the challenge of cycling from London to Paris. The challenge will take place over four days from 2nd September and will total over 300 miles, taking him through Kent before crossing the English Channel to adventure through Northern France, with the trip culminating at the Eiffel Tower. Darren has taken on this challenge to raise funds for the Martlets Hospice in Hove, a cause close to Darren’s heart as his Dad stayed there in August last year. Darren commented, “The amazing staff there enabled my family and me to spend quality time with my Dad. Their compassion and respect made the last few weeks full of dignity, laughter and incomparable care. This is something I will never forget and will be eternally grateful for. This is a huge challenge for me and one that I am determined to complete to make my Dad proud and to show as much appreciation as I can to these most wonderful people.” Darren has had support from law firm MW solicitors and the Giant Store in Shoreham, who have donated the kit for the challenge. Anyone wishing to sponsor can do so via Darren’s Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/Darren-Middleton2.
Hove £685,000
BRITAIN’S BEST GARDEN WINNER International estate agency, Fine & Country, have scoured the country and found Britain’s best garden. Having received countless garden entries from across the country, the global network of over 300 offices invited the public to vote for their favourite. The gardens with the most votes from each region were then shortlisted and sent to the competition judge Martyn Cox, gardening expert and columnist for The Mail on Sunday. The overall winner was chosen by Martyn and the winning entry announced as Mr & Mrs Green of Birmingham, whose garden was a celebration of colour and wildlife. The couple have won two tickets to the dazzling RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2016. David Lindley from Fine & Country Head Office, Park Lane says, “We see so many beautiful gardens in our profession, we wanted to celebrate them, regardless of whether the properties were for sale or not. Mr & Mrs Green’s entry is charming and traditional and a worthy winner of the competition. We would like to thank all those who took part this year by either entering their garden or voting for their favourite entry, and to Martyn for his expert opinion.” www.fineandcountry.com
Hove £855,000
PORTFOLIO 11
Roedean £995,000
Brighton £650,000
BEAUTIFUL homes
WINKWORTH’S ‘A’ LISTER
T
his rarely available five-bedroom Victorian villa is an outstanding example of a period townhouse. The double-length living/dining room is rich in period features, including deep skirting boards and original cornicing. The kitchen is found off the dining area, completing this merge of contemporary and period openplan living space. Access to the attractive courtyard garden is from the dining room down a smart wrought iron stair case. This, in turn, has access to the double garage, which is also accessible via a slip road off Denmark Villas itself. There are two further off-street parking spaces. The lower ground floor is currently arranged as a fifth bedroom, bathroom and reception room as well as additional office space and utility room. This level has been designed to allow the diverse space to be used as a nanny or granny annex, extra accommodation for a large family, or alternatively, may be turned into a separate flat. The bedrooms are set over the first and second floors. The large master bedroom comes with a free-standing bath and has a delightful outlook down the tree-lined, leafy street. A further double bedroom and bathroom can be found on this floor. As you continue to the second floor, there are two good-sized double bedrooms and a shower room.
Denmark Villas, Hove BN3 3TE Price: £1,500,000 Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 3
Why you chose Winkworth; “We are perfectly situated between Hove station and the seafront, which provides us with easy access to all the shops and restaurants as well as the delights of Brighton. The house is spacious, light and elegant, with excellent parking facilities for a property so central and a lovely bijou garden to relax in, anytime of day. Winkworth also sold our previous property, so we feel we can really recommend them. They are always on hand to discuss any matter, large or small, while presentation of the property is first32 Church Road, Hove class..” Sarah Turck Winkworth
12 PORTFOLIO
01273 772175 www.winkworth.co.uk
NEWS
TRENDING In keeping with our theme this month of holiday rentals, we offer you The Retreat, which is squirreled away down winding Cornish lanes, yet within a stone’s throw of the coastal villages of Tintagel, Boscastle and Crackington Haven. Positioned in the most tranquil of settings in beautiful countryside surroundings, there are distant sea views from this one-bedroom cottage. The suntrap deck, complete with hammock, is perfect for al fresco dining, surrounded by the fragrance of wild flowers and herbs. More information from www.uniquehomestays.com.
ON THE COVER
Everything in its Place: Storage for Stylish Homes by Rebecca Winward Both practical and stylish, Everything In Its Place is a new storage bible that showcases a wide variety of successful storage solutions that don’t skimp on style. We have more stuff than ever before, so where (and how) should we keep it all? Winward demonstrates how our experience of every room in the house can be improved through clever choices of storage solutions that balance form and function. She also addresses the fact that, while storage is inherently practical, it also holds huge potential for decorative impact. Examining the subject from every possible angle, Rebecca considers what to store where and what best to store it in, before going on to discuss the storage demands of different items (clothes, books, crafting equipment) and even storage by style, from minimalist to vintage to rustic. Published by Ryland Peters & Small, 10th September 2015
GRAND DESIGNS This September, Channel 4’s flagship series Grand Designs returns with seven brand new stories following home builders pursuing their architectural dreams. Designer and writer Kevin McCloud guides us through the trials and tribulations of those obsessively trying to create a unique place to live, often over many months, even years. This series features a modernist villa perched atop a crumbling cliff in Snowdonia, a Frank Lloyd Wright inspired bachelor pad made out of four shipping containers in the Northern Irish countryside, and the UKs first amphibious house on a floodplain of the Thames in Buckinghamshire. The series will also feature revisits to some of the series previous builds to see what changes have been made and discover whether the reality has lived up to the dream.
Unscripted: My Ten Years in Telly by Alan Sugar As the star of the award-winning BBC series The Apprentice, Alan Sugar has won millions of fans, who tune in to watch his mix of business wisdom, witty putdowns and ability to cut straight through bullshit. In Unscripted, Alan Sugar reveals how he ended up fronting one of our most successful and long-running shows and the challenges it presented. He describes how he lost patience with some of the luvvies, wafflers and wannabees he encountered along the way, and tells us what he really thought of some of the tasks and candidates he came across during the making of The Apprentice, giving his reaction to the egos and the backbiting as well as the genuine talent that shone through. He explains how he brought on board Nick Hewer, Margaret Mountford and Karren Brady, what became of the winners when the cameras stopped rolling - and how working on the show has inspired him and many others. Published by Macmillan, 24th September 2015
WE LOVE: iON The Home iON The Home is an easy-to-use, affordable, wireless monitoring and security camera system that’s ideal for use in homes or businesses. iON the Home is a sleekly designed system that allows you to monitor everything and everyone via a user-friendly app on your smartphone or tablet. It provides 24/7 live streaming, two-way talk function and remote viewing via Android or iOS mobile devices. The intuitive iON the Home app makes watching, deleting, sharing, storing or downloading videos simple. Available in black or white, the camera’s unique, folding-hinge design allows it to be placed on a flat surface and angled for optimum point-of-view, or mounted flush on any wall or ceiling. iON the Home is £129.99 and available from uk.ioncamera.com and Currys stores nationwide. PORTFOLIO 13
Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk
Dyke Road Avenue, Hove £1,200,000 Four bedroom detached house in sought after location. EPC E
Dyke Road, Hove £1,500,000 A beautiful detached five bedroom family home. EPC F
Roedean Crescent, Brighton £1,290,000 Detached Arts & Crafts four bedroom, two reception. EPC E
Carlisle Road, Hove £1,100,000 Extremely well presented four bedroom house. EPC F
Pembroke Crescent, Hove £900,000 Five bedroom, two reception room family home. EPC F
Crown Gardens, Brighton £550,000 Three Bedroom Town House Close to Brighton Station. EPC B
Hamptons International Estate Agents Hove Sales. 01273 796 061 | Lettings. 01273 796 063
BEAUTIFUL homes
HOME WITH A VIEW
T
his beautifully presented detached family home offers spacious accommodation arranged over three floors benefiting from off-road parking to the front. The ground floor benefits from a good size living room and spacious dining area with bi-folding doors opening to the south west facing rear garden. There also is a charming family room with cast iron wood burning stove. The kitchen is split-level and has a gas-fired Rayburn cooker together with contemporary hob and oven. On the first floor there are four bedrooms an en-suite shower room and luxury family bathroom. The master bedroom is on the third floor and benefits from an en-suite, together with lovely sea views. A particular feature of the property is the spacious paved terrace which leads down to the remainder of the garden which is laid to lawn approximately 120ft in depth.
Dyke Road, Hove BN3 6PE Price: OIEO £1,500,000 Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 3 Extras: Off road parking; Garage; Beautiful master bedroom with ensuite bathroom Best Bits: Stunning good sized garden; Distant sea views from top floor; Sought after location Hamptons International 82 Church Road Hove BN3 2EB 01273 230 230 www.hamptons.co.uk PORTFOLIO  15
BEAUTIFUL homes
DREAM DESIGN The challenge: transforming a traditional City centre bungalow into the perfect home. ARCH-angels architects take us through the project THE BRIEF: The client came to ARCH-angels with a drawing of a modern white ‘box’ with an Art Deco/Bauhaus influence, as he did not want anything traditional. He explained that he wanted a house of its time that looked different from anything else, and he wanted it to be built with modern materials, with lots of glass to emphasise the views. THE CHALLENGE: The proposal involved demolishing the roof of the existing bungalow and adding two floors above. This three-storey house with hints of Bauhaus style, its clean lines, expansive glazing and flat roof opening up to stunning views towards the sea, makes a significant statement amidst the street of 1930s-style architecture. It was important for the client to maximise the views to the south and west, and this was achieved with a flat
16 PORTFOLIO
terrace roof, perceptively designed through a series of steps. The glazing visually connects the house to the garden and opens out on the first floor with a dual aspect view in the living room area. This offers an elevated outlook over the garden and across Brighton. Although this project was an extension of an existing dwelling, the contractor and the architect worked very closely together to implement cost-effective, sustainable methods of construction, with the aim of achieving a code 4 rating. However, the Code for Sustainable Homes is not a requirement on this form of construction. Concerns over the stress and strain of the timber frame through moisture and exposure to the elements due to its position on a steep hill resulted in double battening on the outside, with flashing and rail detailing to produce effective
sealing and weather-tightness. High levels of insulation were carefully installed, ensuring a good level of air-tightness. OUR COLLABORATION: There was an excellent working relationship between client and architect, with an emphasis on collaborative working. The contracting and design team worked on practically resolving issues as they presented themselves. A highlight of the project includes the staircase design, which is particularly unusual. It has become an outstanding feature of the building as it sits within a glazed tower projecting into the landscape, flooding the interior with daylight. THE DETAIL: The two-storey “extension” has produced a contemporary house with flat roofs at different levels and three terraces that step
ARCHITECTURE
Client Testimonial: “My project was an ambitious conversion of a dated bungalow, into a contemporary five bedroom home. With the help of ARCH-angels Architects, this vision was delivered to create an inverted house that fully utilised the tight plot, and encompassed the panoramic views. From design, planning and build, ARCH-angels ensured the house was built to highest specification, with clever design ideas, and thoughtful layout.”
back and in on two floors for enjoying fantastic far-reaching views over Brighton, the sea and the South Downs. Due to the site’s gradient, ARCHangels responded by planning an “upside down house” with elevated living on the first floor, floor-to-ceiling windows to soak up the views and terraces to the front and rear. A second floor “pod” houses a bedroom and en-suite, with a third wrap-around terrace, and the white rendered finish emphasises the geometric shape of the house and its references to Modernist architecture. The stairwell at the rear of the house is so much more than a practical solution, bringing aesthetic interest to the design, with varying roof heights showing how the idea of a contemporary box design can be pushed into a more visually interesting outcome. Juliet balconies on the front elevation enhance the appearance of the floor-to-ceiling glazing, with the brick slip cladding making a feature on the front façade. This emphasised the vertical form and references the bay windows of the local surrounds, which was a local planning requirement. Dual aspect views in the living room area offer an elevated outlook over the back garden and also across Brighton, with the wood burner forming a central focal point in the room. The dining area has more space than the original design as the planners asked for the terrace to be halved and replaced with windows to reference the local vernacular. Two of the bedrooms look out onto the garden, where there were already mature trees and shrubs keeping the house private from neighbours at the back. THE RESULT: The overall design response has been hugely successful in meeting the client’s brief, the challenges of the site and the planning conditions. ARCH-angels Architects have produced an elegant home which sits within its environment in a responsive way and articulates a particular visual narrative, a complete transformation from the original bungalow.
For information and advice about your dream project contact ARCH-angels Architects 3, Dorset Place, Brighton BN2 1ST. 01273 267184 | www.aaarchitects.co.uk
PORTFOLIO 17
maslen.co.uk
De Montfort Road, Brighton
ÂŁ550,000
FREEHOLD
This beautiful 3 bedroom house fuses modern clean styling with a wealth of original features. Situated within easy walking distance of Brighton Station and the City Centre this stunning property has many features including a large modern fitted kitchen opening onto the landscaped rear garden - a fantastic loft room with en-suite facilities and a generous open plan lounge/dining room with high ceilings. Viewing this property is highly recommended.
Maslen Estate Agents 39 Lewes Road, Brighton, East Sussex BN2 3HQ t:01273 677001 e:lewesroad@maslen.co.uk
LEWES ROAD
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WOODINGDEAN
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HOVE
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FIVEWAYS
TALK money
“If you don’t need to raise any capital, and you have a deposit, many residential lenders will give ‘permission to let’”
LETTING TO BUY Claire Cook from Independent Financial Advisors Talk Money on letting your home
C
an you let your property and move? Over the past few months I have dealt with many people who want to move but want to retain their current property and let it out. Many people see property as a long-term investment and an asset they want to retain, especially if they live in a sought-after area. If you have plenty of equity, this can often be achieved; the deposit for the new property can be raised by arranging a “buy-to-let” mortgage on your current place. There are limits to how much you can borrow, normally 75% of your property value. Your current mortgage would have to be redeemed and the excess capital used towards your deposit. If you don’t need to raise any capital and you have a deposit independent of borrowing further money, many residential lenders will give “permission to let”. This means that you can keep your mortgage where it is and your lender will allow you to let it out. Some lenders will increase your rate if you do this, but many will allow you to keep the same deal.
So, once you know you can achieve the deposit, you will probably need to find a mortgage for your new property. This new lender needs to be comfortable with the let property in the background. All residential lenders will have criteria to decide whether they will ignore the let property, but assuming they do, they will base the new mortgage on your earned income with normal lending policy applying. The larger the deposit you can raise for the new property, the better the rate you will achieve on that mortgage. However, if you borrow more on the buy-to-let to increase the deposit, the rate on the let property will go up. So, there is a balance to be struck as to how much you borrow on each property. An independent adviser can look at the deals available and advise you on the best way to set things up. For both of the mortgages, the criteria vary greatly, so choosing the right lenders is crucial to making this scenario work. Sometimes
there is a choice of deals; other times it literally boils down to just one or two who can lend the amount you require. There’s no doubt about it, if you are trying to “let to buy” it is crucial to look at the whole market. If you are thinking of moving and would like to look at your options, please feel free to call me, Claire Cook, on 01273 224667. We offer a free initial consultation and would be very happy to help. or visit: www.talkmoney.co.uk Talk Money is a trading style of Aspect 8 Ltd, which is an appointed representative of Best Practice IFA Group Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Your home is at risk if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other loan secured on it. See more from Talk Money at www.portfoliopublications.co.uk
PORTFOLIO 19
CALENDAR of events
SEPTEMBER Our pick of September events: Musicals, Festivals, Open Days and more
20 September
19 September
Nina Conti
Crosby Stills & Nash The group will perform songs from their extensive catalogue, as well as new material from each member. Once again, Crosby Stills & Nash will be accompanied by Shane Fontayne (guitar), Russ Kunkel (drums), Kevin McCormick (bass), James Raymond (keyboards), and Todd Caldwell (organ). More than four decades since they first harmonized in Laurel Canyon, and played their first-ever concert as a trio at the legendary Woodstock festival, Crosby Stills & Nash continue a creative partnership that is one of the most influential and enduring in music. David Crosby, Stephen Stills, and Graham Nash have each been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice – once with Crosby, Stills & Nash, and a second time with The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, and The Hollies, respectively. They are also in the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame, honoured both for Crosby Stills & Nash as a group, and as individual solo artists. Brighton Centre, 8pm. www.brightoncentre.co.uk
Nina Conti presents her new show, In Your Face. British Comedy Award-winning ventriloquist, Conti, has stormed Live at the Apollo, Russell Howard’s Good News, Sunday Night at the Palladium, and made a BAFTA nominated film - all without moving her lips. This year, Nina will create a new show each night by plucking inspiration from the audience. Strap into the mask as Nina gets in your face. With the help of Monkey and a bag of tricks, truly anything can happen in this unmissable improvised adventure of hilarious witchery. ‘Put simply, Nina Conti is a genius’ Mirror ‘A gem… funny, poignant, novel’ Guardian De La War Pavilion, Bexhill-on-Sea, 8pm. www.dlwp.com
28 September – 3 October
22 – 26 September
Rebecca
Avenue Q: The Musical
Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again… Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca is timeless; the book is beloved by generations and the iconic Alfred Hitchcock Oscar-winning film is recognised as a classic. Emma Rice, the award-winning director, has now created a spellbinding new stage production of Daphne du Maurier’s masterpiece which conjures Cornish romance and theatrical magic. Following the mysterious death of his first wife, Maxim de Winter returns to Manderley with his new young bride. Surrounded by memories of the glamorous Rebecca, the new Mrs De Winter is consumed by jealousy. She sets out to uncover the secrets of the house and a past fiercely guarded by the sinister housekeeper, Mrs Danvers. All is not what it seems in Manderley... Kneehigh Theatre is based in Cornwall, just a stone’s throw from Daphne du Maurier’s home; the company has previously collaborated with the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company. Theatre Royal, Brighton. For times and prices visit www.atgtickets.com/brighton
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Winner of the Tony Awards ‘Triple Crown’ for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book, Avenue Q is part flesh, part felt and packed with heart. Following five years in the West End, sell-out runs worldwide and a smash hit tour in 2014 (packed with mischief, bad behaviour and political incorrectness), this hugely entertaining show is coming to Brighton Dome. Created by Jeff Marx and Robert Lopez (co-creator of Book of Mormon and writer of the songs for Disney’s Frozen) Avenue Q is an irresistibly charming musical which tells the story of the loveable characters on a downtown New York street trying to make sense of life’s burning issues. Hilarious, cheeky and uproariously entertaining, with a terrific batch of songs performed by a cast of hugely talented performers and puppets, Avenue Q is a musical like no other. Brighton Dome. For times and prices visit www.brightondome.org
1 – 30 September Brighton Digital Festival Brighton Digital Festival is a month-long celebration of digital culture which takes place throughout September. The community-led programme offers an eclectic mix of individuals and organisations from the cultural and digital sectors getting involved and putting on outstanding events. Last year there were over 150 events across Brighton and Hove, bringing a combined audience of 47,000, making Brighton Digital Festival one of the fastest-growing digital culture festivals in Europe. The 2015 events programme is now live with a broad variety of workshops, exhibitions, conferences, hackathons and more. Full programme of events available at www.brightondigitalfestival.co.uk
CALENDAR of events
September 11 – 12 Brighton Alternative Jazz Festival Showcasing deep jazz from leading artists from the US, Europe and the UK. The Friday headliner is Kiermyer-Birchall Transcension: a new quartet featuring English saxophonist Nat Birchall with Canadian drummer Franklin Kiermyer (who has worked with legendary figures, including Pharoah Sanders), plus other top musicians from New York. Saturday night brings more big names: William Parker (bassist) and Hamid Drake (drummer), both iconic American musicians, make up one of the pre-eminent rhythm sections in the world. John Dikemanis, an American saxophonist, is based in Amsterdam. As a trio, they’re making waves as one of the most exciting new groups in jazz. And it’s not all about the boys… Key women in avant-jazz performing include Danish saxophonists Mette Rasmussen and Julie Kjaer, and from the UK, saxophonist Rachel Musson and trombonist Sarah Gail Brand. The Old Market, Hove, for times and prices visit www.theoldmarket.com
10 – 13 September
24 – 27 September
Heritage Open Days
Brighton Art Fair
Heritage Open Days is England’s biggest heritage festival, involving 40,000 volunteers. It celebrates our fantastic history, architecture and culture, offering people the chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences - all of which are free to explore. Every year over four days in September, the bunting is unfurled and buildings of every age, style and function throw open their doors. It is a oncea-year chance to discover the often hidden or forgotten gems on our doorsteps and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities that bring local history and culture to life. For more information and details of Open Days in East and West Sussex, visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk
27 September Rockinghorse Dragon Boat Festival Rockinghorse Children’s Charity has teamed up with Brighton Marina for the 2015 Dragon Boat Festival on Sunday, 27th September to raise money for sick children in Sussex. The charity’s third annual Dragon Boat Race challenge sees 20 local businesses battle it out on the waters in Marina Square to become the 2015 Rockinghorse Dragon Boat champions while raising money for the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton. A great day out for all the family, entry for spectators is free and all ages are welcome. Races start from 10am, continuing to 3pm, and there will be plenty of food and drink, children’s activities and entertainment on offer throughout the day. Marina Square, Brighton Marina. Free entry for spectators (all ages welcome). Races start from 10am. For more information visit www.rockinghorse.org.uk/events.
Now in its twelfth year, Brighton Art Fair is a premium selling event, with 100 of the best contemporary artists from the UK and abroad, showing and selling their diverse work direct to the public. The fair always promotes a good balance in established and emerging artists and insists that all work is exciting, fresh and exceptional. This is what keeps Brighton Art Fair’s strong reputation as one of the must-see visual arts events in the country. Brighton Art Fair enables artists across all media to build a relationship with buyers, potential buyers, galleries, shops and curators. The fair selects the most talented painters, print makers, photographers and sculptors, along with artist groups and galleries. Brighton Dome & Corn Exchange. www.brightonartfair.co.uk
28 September – 14 November Young Chekhov trilogy Platonov, Ivanov and The Seagull. These three plays, written when Anton Chekhov was young, offer a new perspective on the dramatist, revealing a youthful anger and romanticism that is very different to his mature, more familiar work. The Young Chekhov season brings these three dramas together to offer audiences the chance for the first time ever to explore the birth of a revolutionary dramatic voice. Anna Chancellor, James McArdle and Samuel West lead a 23-strong ensemble company. Between them, the ensemble will play around 50 parts in total. Each of the three plays can be seen as a single performance or they can be enjoyed as one event, either over different days or as one intense theatrical experience on Trilogy Days. This season-within-a-season is anchored by a trio of talent – Chekhov himself, playwright David Hare, and director Jonathan Kent. Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester. For times and prices visit www.cft.org.uk PORTFOLIO 21
52 Church Road Hove, BN3 2FN • Tel 01273 778844 113 St. Georges Road, Brighton BN2 1EA • Tel 01273 685111 10 Station Road, Portslade BN41 1GA • Tel 01273 383830
Albany Villas, Hove - £300,000
Hove Office 01273 778844
Sawyer & Co are delighted to offer this superb one bedroom ground floor garden flat occupying the whole of the ground floor of this imposing period property. Situated in one of the most highly sought after locations in Hove, offering easy access to Hove Seafront and various shopping facilities, restaurants, cafes and bars in nearby Church Road. Hove mainline station is also close by with direct links to London.
Marine Parade - Guide Price £300,000 - £325,000
Brighton Office 01273 685111
Beautifully styled one bedroom seafront flat with secluded private patio. As part of an impressive Grade II listed detached property, this lower ground floor flat is particularly well balanced in terms of its room size and layout. A high quality finish of Farrow & Ball neutral décor with contrasting black walnut engineered flooring throughout creates a contemporary and relaxed ambience and overall cohesion of style. Towards the eastern end of Brightons seafront with the bustle of Kemp Town village just behind, this south-facing flat is perfectly placed for sunny coastal living. EPC Rating D
www.sawyerandco.co.uk
Abinger Road, Portslade - £305,000
Portslade Office 01273 383830
A spacious two bedroom Victorian terraced home in South Portslade. A lovely roomy mid-terrace property, this red brick home comfortably fuses modern styling with period features. Recently painted in contemporary grey, the combination of wood flooring on the ground floor and neutral carpets upstairs make for a colour palette that’s easy on the eye. With both a modern kitchen and bathroom too this property is sure to be in demand. Located on a quiet road in South Portslade and close to a good choice of nurseries and primary schools it’s an area popular with young families. EPC rating D
Your Local Multi-Award Winning Estate Agent Bronze Sawyer & Co South East Agency of the Year
BEST
BEST
LETTING AGENT in Brighton And Hove
ESTATE AGENT
2014
in Brighton And Hove
2014
Winner 2015 GOLD WINNER SOUTH REGION
for
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
sawyerandco.co.uk www.sawyerandco.co.uk
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SAWYER & CO
LEGAL matters
ATLANTIC CROSSING Preparations are underway for an epic rowing challenge sponsored by Howlett Clarke
R
eaders of Portfolio will be aware that Nick McCulloch, our Digital Marketing expert at QualitySolicitors Howlett Clarke, will soon undertake the challenge of his life when he rows 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean for charity. Nick and his rowing partner Tom Parker are part of the Talisker Atlantic Challenge and aim to raise £1million for three charities – The Sussex Beacon, Wallace and Gromit’s Grand Appeal and Barnado’s. In view of the generous support already given by many Portfolio readers to this tremendous cause, we thought it appropriate to bring everyone up to date on how the project is progressing. Since February, when Nick announced the challenge in the pages of Portfolio, he has been working furiously hard on his fitness, completing vital safety training and attracting sufficient corporate sponsorship to make sure donations made during the race all go to the three charities. Nick said: “I’m not sure what is tougher, raising money for good causes or rowing across the Atlantic! The costs associated with building a boat
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and filling it with the latest technology are not insignificant. However, Tom and I are absolutely determined that as people donate during our Atlantic crossing every penny will go to our good causes.”
“We are offering businesses some really creative ways to get involved” The technology Nick refers to is state-ofthe-art. In addition to the latest navigational gadgetry required for a transatlantic crossing, the whole journey will be beamed live, 24 hours a day, to a massive online global audience. These facts haven’t gone unnoticed by local and national businesses keen to have their company branding visible on the boat, embedded within the broadcasts and displayed on clothing worn by the duo. Nick added: “Our boat, Ocean 2, will soon be delivered, and in due course emblazoned with the logos of our commercial partners. But this is much more
than just artwork on the side of the boat; we are offering businesses some really creative ways to get involved. “I must give particular thanks to QualitySolicitors Howlett Clarke for everything they have done to make my involvement in this challenge possible. They quickly agreed to become a main commercial sponsor and give me all the support and flexibility I’ve needed to turn a crazy idea into a truly exciting and worthwhile endeavour.” If you are interested in sponsoring Nick and Tom and being part of their 3,000-mile, 60-day adventure, call 0203 740 2660 or visit atlantic-tempest.com.
QualitySolicitors Howlett Clarke 8-9 Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AZ 01273 327272 www.qualitysolicitors.com/howlettclarke See more from Howlett Clarke at www.portfoliopublications.co.uk
in association with Sawyer & Co
Fine & Country 52 Church Road, Hove BN3 2FN
Near Sayers Common
EPC: D
With endless potential for further development (subject to consents) this property is a real investment opportunity. Located on the edge of the charming residential village of Sayers Common, this substantial mid-Sussex farmhouse, together with a four bedroom Grooms Cottage, original granary, 5 stables and a spectacular Sussex Barn, sits on an impressive 10.7 acres of beautiful countryside. The sixteenth century farmhouse was extended in the 70s to its current size and layout and is impeccably presented, forming a perfect example of traditional architectural features perfectly juxtaposed alongside urban style décor and contemporary fixtures. Recently refurbished by its current owner the property is now a blank canvass for some inspired interior creativity.
Tel: 01273 739911
Kings Esplanade, Hove
OIEO £1,600,000
EPC: D
A uniquely positioned 3-bedroom mansion flat in this friendly building from where there are wonderful sea views and glorious sunset. The rich yellow facade of this period building catches the eye while walking along Hove promenade. Built in 1899 the Mansions shaped gables,Venetian style windows and corner turret also attracted leading musicians and performers of the day as can be seen from its two proudly displayed blue plaques. As well as its enviable seafront location this ground floor apartment also has beautiful period features of high ceilings, plaster cornicing, large panelled doors and well-proportioned rooms. The light touch interior palette of soft greys and neutrals embodies a stunning classic elegance. This is seaside living with style in abundance.
Tel: 01273 739911
Guide Price £950,000
Tel: +44 (0)1273 739911
HOMES THAT STAND OUT COSTS THAT DON’T.. At Nash Watson, we don’t believe a premium service should come at a premium price. So we won’t charge you one. What you get is expert advice, marketing, beautiful photography and considered design. All at an honest price. Because while we believe your home should stand out, we don’t believe our costs should. Call Lisa, Lucy or Claire on 01273 733500 or email home@nashwatson.com and we’ll help shape something that’s exactly right for your home or investment.
FROM HOUSE TO HOME
NASHWATSON.COM
HOME IS THE NICEST WORD THERE IS LAURA INGALLS WILDER
Wilbury Gardens, Hove An aspirational family home centrally situated with generous accommodation and a superb west facing, landscaped garden. Built in the Victorian era this detached six bedroom house has been sympathetically restored with a contemporary feel and pretty much offers all that modern family life demands.
OIEO ÂŁ2,400,000 Please contact our Branch Director, Steve Neocleous, on 01283 821800 to discuss your property requirements.
M I S H O N M A C K AY. C O M
BEAUTIFUL homes
VISTA DREAM
W
estern Esplanade is a private seafront terrace situated in a tucked-away location and yet only a short distance from the centre of Brighton & Hove. The unassuming exterior, with its unusual crenelated roofline, hides a simply stunning interior. Contemporary, yet comfortable, superbly appointed and beautifully presented throughout. The entire rear elevation is fitted with full-height, sliding glazed doors opening to decked terraces from which the sea views are breath-taking. Finished to a particularly high standard, the property’s features include room-controlled under-floor heating throughout, engineered oak flooring on the ground floor, a bespoke kitchen with range of integrated appliances, a Lutron lighting system and a Control4 home automation system allowing computer controlled music, radio and television.
Western Esplanade, Brighton, BN41 1WE Price: £3,250,000 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 Extras: Luxuriously appointed; Open-plan sitting room and family room; Plunge pool; Master bedroom suite with terrace Best Bits: Exclusive seafront property; Private beach; Panoramic sea view; Tucked-away location Mishon Mackay 170 Church Road, Hove BN3 2DJ 01273 821800 www.mishonmackay.com Savills 37-39 Perrymount Road Haywards Heath RH16 3BN 01444 446000 swwright@savills.com PORTFOLIO 29
9 Offices Covering Brighton & Hove 27 Offices in Sussex 37 Offices in London
WOODSIDE AVENUE Fox and Sons are delighted to offer this detached three bedroom house situated in this elevated sought after location within easy reach of Preston Park train station. This property comprises three bedrooms, three reception rooms, newly fitted kitchen, bathroom, an attractive garden & lovely views.
PRICE £699,950
Preston Park – 01273 508761
CLIFTON TERRACE, BRIGHTON This magnificent Grade II listed Victorian property is on Clifton Terrace undoubtedly one of the most desirable addresses in Brighton. Having many period features, excellent room proportions, and potential to modernise to create a stunning family home.
PRICE OIEO £1,100,000
Western Road 01273 777000
OLD FORT ROAD Fox & Sons are delighted to offer for sale a rare opportunity to acquire one of Shoreham Beach’s most highly desirable foreshore properties.
PRICE £1,500,000
Shoreham 01273 461671
CAMBRIDGE MEWS, CAMBRIDGE GROVE Fox and Sons are delighted to offer this superb town house in central Hove which is securely tucked away behind electric gates in a private mews development. This property has so much to offer, Hove Mainline Station, a huge variety of shops plus a large selection eateries all within a short stroll.
PRICE £500,000
Hove 01273 820280
www.rightmove.co.uk www.primelocation.co.uk www.fox-and-sons.co.uk
REGENCY SPLENDOUR ON BRIGHTON SEAFRONT Arundel Terrace is one of the most prestigious locations in both Kemp Town and Brighton. With only a couple of freeholds on the terrace left, this is a very rare opportunity to own part of Brighton’s history. This magnificent Grade I listed Regency mansion is set just back from the seafront. The views along the coast to the East and West are truly spectacular and provide the best Brighton has to offer. The house is currently arranged as an upper maisonette with a ground floor flat and a lower ground floor flat. The ground floor flat could easily be incorporated into the main house, offering even more living space. The house has 5 bedrooms, a large roof terrace, front and rear patios, 4 reception rooms. A tunnel leads under the house and provides fantastic storage space. There is of course full access to the private residents gardens known as the Kemp Town Enclosures.
PRICE ÂŁ2,695,000 Kemptown 01273 688148
PROPERTY feature
MOVING HOUSE
Make sure you know who to inform when you move house with our useful guide to who needs to know
W
ith the average UK resident moving eight times in their lives, this can come with a pile of work to go through, and a lot of headaches. Boxes2Move have put together a useful guide to help those who are relocating, which they can tick off once they have informed the relevant people of their new address. The key to a stress-free house-moving experience is planning. While the obvious things are easy to prepare for, it’s sometimes the little things that can really catch us out. You may not be moving for a few weeks or even months, but you need to begin your life admin now. The first thing you need to do is notify the relevant organisations about where and when you will be moving. NOTIFY THE COUNCIL You must tell your local council of your change of address and the exact date that you have moved into the property, so that you are paying the correct council tax charges from the right date. You do have up to one month to notify the council from when you move in, but do aim to complete this as early as possible to avoid any delays to your billing process. REDIRECT YOUR POST Companies always need to contact you via post, so be sure to use a redirection service like those offered by the Royal Mail. You can choose to have the service running for three, six or 12 months, plus you can extend this if you still have mountains of post being sent to your old address.
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The service costs from £29.99 per surname and you can find more information about it on Royal Mail’s website, www.royalmail.com.
is you can easily change your address online using the DVLA’s website at www.motoring. direct.gov.uk.
UPDATE YOUR TV LICENCE Your TV licence doesn’t automatically follow you when you change address, so you will need to update your details to avoid being caught out. You can easily do this up to 3 months before you move by filling in an online form. Nobody wants to be landed with an on-the-spot fine because it’s simply slipped their mind, so the sooner you do it, the better. You can find the form and more information about TV licences at www. tvlicensing.co.uk.
RING YOUR CURRENT UTILITIES PROVIDERS It’s important to give final meter readings for your old property so that you won’t be overcharged for your final energy bill. You can either take these yourself, or you can arrange a time for someone to come and take these for you through your landlord or estate agent. Give your current energy and water suppliers a ring at least 48 hours before you move into the new property and inform them of the date you are moving and the new address so that they can send the final bill to you. You will also need to provide meter readings for the new property that you are moving into, so be sure to take these as soon as you move in or you may be overcharged from the onset of your contract.
“Your TV licence doesn’t automatically follow you when you change address, so you will need to update your details to avoid being caught out” GET IN TOUCH WITH THE DVLA Don’t push this job to the bottom of your to-do list, as it’s super important. If you don’t update your driving licence with your current address, you won’t be aware if you get any speeding fines through the post. Don’t celebrate just yet, as the fine will catch up with you and you could end up being lumbered with an even bigger penalty for missing the previous payments. The good news
TRANSFER YOUR BROADBAND You need to decide whether you want to stick with the same internet provider or switch to a new one. If you are still only a small way into a 12 or 18-month contract it makes sense to stay with the same company. However if you are coming to the end of a contract it wouldn’t hurt to shop around for a better deal. You may find that your current provider doesn’t even provide services in your new area, so you may have no option but to switch providers. If you decide to stay with your internet provider, you simply need to call them prior to the moving day and they will be able to arrange
With thanks to www.boxes2move.co.uk
123-125 Dyke Road, Hove, BN3 1TJ
01273 232 232 property@austingray.co.uk the switch for when you move in. Once you are in your property, you will usually need to phone the internet provider and provide them with a long unique number called a MAC code, which will provide them with information about the speed of the line, the exchange and the line type. You will be charged for the cost of installing the new phone line, which can be up to £130, depending on the provider. MOVE YOUR DIGITAL TV PACKAGE ACROSS One of the first things you want to do when you’ve unpacked the cardboard boxes and settled into your new home is to put your feet up in front of the TV and relax. But if you’ve forgotten to transfer your digital TV package over to the new address, you might not be able to do this for quite a long time. Every provider is different, but the majority require you to inform them of the move at least two weeks before it happens. They will then be able to book an appointment to come round and re-install it. Large organisations such as Sky and Virgin Media offer their own advice on how to make this as easy as possible, so be sure to check these out. PROTECT YOUR CONTENTS Accidents may happen during the move, fragile items can become damaged and things get lost, so make sure your possessions are fully covered during the transition and check your current home insurance policy. Contact your current provider as soon as you know you are moving and inform them of your plans. That way they can tell you whether any of your possessions will be covered or whether there are any restrictions. Prevent accidents as much as possible by using strong, durable moving boxes. Boxes2Move have an extensive variety of high-quality moving and storage boxes that will keep your possessions secure. (www.boxes2move.co.uk). It’s also crucial that you transfer your current contents insurance to your new address. This
can be done by informing your provider of your change of address prior to moving. They will then take certain elements into account to calculate your new premium, such as postcode, the type of property you are moving into and the value of your belongings. INFORM YOUR BANK You must change your address with your bank as soon as you move into the new property to avoid any statements, new cards or bills getting sent to the old address. This wouldn’t just be an inconvenience, it could potentially help someone to commit identity fraud if they got hold of your banking information. This switch isn’t the hassle it used to be; you can alter your address within a few minutes by either going into the branch or logging into online banking and manually changing it yourself.
www.austingray.co.uk
For advice with the sale of YOUR property contact Graham Farthing
LOOK AFTER YOUR LOVED ONES The comedian W.C Fields famously said, “Never work with children or animals,” and the same should be applied to moving house. You need to ensure the well-being of your children during the moving process, especially if they are very young or babies. Ask a friend or relative to watch them for a few hours while you get the house organised and you can bring them back once everything is clean and settled. It is also a good idea to put your dog or cat in a kennel during the moving process, as they will also become unsettled once they see furniture being taken away. Once you’ve moved in, keep them inside for a few weeks until they get used to their environment before letting them outside on their own as they may be at risk of getting lost or trying to find their way back to your old property. The majority of these steps will only take a few moments, and once completed, these tips will significantly reduce the stress of moving day. Good luck and happy moving!
Avondale Road £699,950
PATCHAM OLD VILLAGE - ÂŁ1,000,000
A handsome five bedroom residence tucked away in a secluded position providing tranquil and secure living space. Unique contemporary interior with a landscaped garden and double garage.
WITHDEAN - ÂŁ785,000
A newly constructed contemporary style four bedroom home built to a high specification with stunning southerly views. Stunning open plan living room, dining room and kitchen with large bi-fold doors and fantastic views.
108 Old London Road, Brighton. Tel: 01273 565566
www.spencerandleigh.co.uk
Citywide sales & lettings www.spencerandleigh.co.uk
WESTDENE - £750,000
A stunning newly modernised four bedroom detached bungalow overlooking Downland to the front with amazing southerly views over the city towards the sea from the rear. Viewing highly recommended.
PATCHAM - Offers in excess of £699,950
This stylish detached five bedroom residence constructed in 2014, promotes sustainable living through its clever use of space, light and energy efficiency. Internal viewing truly is essential.
10 South Street Portslade. Tel: 01273 421777
www.spencerandleigh.co.uk
the letting experts for
landlords
to rent your property to the right people contact us now on
01273 321333 www.propertymoves.co.uk 109 Church Road, Hove.
From pads to maisonettes – you’ll soon be perfectly matched at property moves.
BEAUTIFUL homes
CITY SLICKER
A
very modern, recently built, very central, two-bedroom, third-floor flat close to Brighton station & the city centre. Key features include a lift, secure underground parking and central heating. There is a spacious lounge with a south-facing balcony and a very modern, fully-fitted, open-plan kitchen. There are two double bedrooms, with the master bedroom enjoying an en-suite bathroom. There is also a family bathroom. This property is unfurnished and heating is included in the monthly rent. Viewing is highly recommended. Tenant fees apply. Further details upon request.
Dyke Road, Brighton BN1 Price: ÂŁ1,675pcm rent includes heating Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2 Extras: Balcony; Communal gardens; Wooden flooring; Heating included Best Bits: Underground parking; Balcony; Contemporary finish; Great location Property Moves 109 Church Road Hove BN3 2AF 01273 321333 www.propertymoves.co.uk
PORTFOLIO  37
ADDED VALUE Craig Vile from Angels Media on how online valuations can enhance your website and help your brand Convincing people of the merits of social media isn’t always easy. I recently visited a wellestablished agency with half a dozen branches – a traditional, well-respected, old-school estate agency with excellent knowledge of the local area. I met with their Managing Director, who’d been in charge of the business for roughly 35 years. He said the firm had been running social media but they weren’t sure why; they couldn’t really see the point of it. As well as this, it soon became clear to me that they hadn’t been doing it correctly. Their social media posts consisted almost entirely of photos of their latest properties, something which is quite common among estate agents who don’t properly understand how to use social media. The MD was also totally against the idea of an online valuation tool because he thought it would jeopardise his company’s reputation. If the valuation wasn’t 100% accurate, he believed this would have a detrimental effect on his agency’s name. While I fully understood the reasons behind his concerns, I was eager to explain to him that social media is an integral part of an estate agent’s armoury, in order to build brand awareness and, more importantly, trust in the local community. I wanted to make him believe that social media should be embraced, not treated with suspicion. People might quite rightly ask how social media can build trust. Well, anyone that uses an agency in this day and age will Google them and look them up on social media beforehand – whether that be a Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Google+
profile, or any other social media platform. Firstly, they’ll want to know they’re dealing with approachable humans – which is why personalised, engaging and creative posts work much better than simply posting properties. Secondly, they’ll want to know how complaints and issues are dealt with, especially so in the case of landlords. Creating and then regularly updating a strong social media presence doesn’t only increase an agency’s target audience, it also allows for instant engagement and communication. Agents can engage with clients in a way they were never able to before. From a purely business perspective, agents are often keen to know how social media can be monetised. In other words, how can companies bridge the gap between social media and actual results or conversion of leads? As I’ve mentioned previously, the online valuation tool helps an agency to engage with social media traffic and capture their details while also doing what is says on the tin – providing a fast, accurate valuation of property. Still, some agents will feel this has the potential to damage their reputation and will therefore remain wary. I often use this scenario to make them think differently. A potential client walks into a branch, one that is short-staffed and only has one member of staff front of house. That member of staff is on the phone and doesn’t stop their phone conversation to engage with the person who has walked in. The client, who is on their lunch break and doesn’t have time to be waiting
forever, hangs around for a couple of minutes and then walks out the door. This is something an agency would never allow to happen. If they did, it would send the owner potty! However, despite thinking it’s something they would never allow to happen, in reality it is something agents let happen every day, on a very regular basis. Just because they can’t see it, doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. An agency’s website will attract thousands of possible vendors and landlords every day, but, like in the scenario outlined above, there is nothing there to engage them. They’ll arrive at the website, have a browse around, and then leave. Agents need to be more forward-thinking and creative to satisfy the “want” – instant gratification for their valuation request – vendors and landlords are after when they visit an agency website. If you do provide that, we can guarantee an increase in volume of lead generation. Consequently, you’ll be speaking to more vendors/landlords, carrying out more valuations, taking on more instructions and letting and selling more property. To grow a business you need to be speaking to more clients (vendors and landlords, not buyers and tenants). It’s that simple. For further advice on how to generate more leads for your agency and enhance your digital marketing strategy, please get in touch on: 0208 663 4963 or craig.vile@angelsmedia.co.uk.
Residential Estate & Letting Agents • Land & New Homes Brighton & Hove City Office Residential Sales & Lettings 3-6 North Road, Brighton East Sussex BN1 1YA Sales 01273 688881 Lettings 01273 688884 E brighton@oakleyproperty.com
Central Brighton £499,950
2
1
2
2
1
2
2
This well proportioned first floor modern apartment offers direct views across Hove Park with secure parking and sold with a Share of the Freehold.
oakleyproperty.com
London Office 40 St James’s Place London SW1A 1NS T 020 78390888 E enquiries@tlo.co.uk
2
Brighton £509,000
A spacious third floor city centre apartment with a superb west facing 43’0/13.11m (approx) sun terrace overlooking the Royal Pavilion and an allocated gated parking space under the building (by separate negotiation).
Hove Park £429,950
Lewes Town & Country Residential Sales & Lettings 14a High Street Lewes East Sussex BN7 2LN T 01273 487444 E lewes@oakleyproperty.com
1
2
An attractive third floor apartment which is overlooking the landscaped gardens is situated in a prime location at the heart of Brighton’s city centre with undercover parking & rooftop views toward the downs.
Central Brighton £375,000
1
1
1
2
A fantastic centrally located, fifth floor penthouse style apartment close to Brighton Station with gated allocated parking space, a paved terrace and a separate balcony.
OVERSEAS
BELLA CASA Apartments at Palazzo Molin now 50% sold as the prime property market in Venice strengthens during the Art Biennale
C
oinciding with the opening of the 56th Venice Biennale, 50% of apartments at Palazzo Molin, the 15th century residential conversion in San Marco, have now been sold as sales momentum rapidly picks up. As art aficionados from around the world flock to Venice for the bi-annual art exhibition, sales agents Venice Sotheby’s International Realty reported a year-on-year rise of 20% in enquiries for prime real estate in Venice. In particular, demand for highly specified properties in central locations has increased, as buyers increasingly favour turn-key solutions over restoration projects. Ann-Marie Doyle of Venice Sotheby’s International Realty, said: “The market in Venice is very active at the moment, especially at the top end with clients seeking prestige properties with a high-quality finish. Buyers from the UK, France, Germany and Austria have been key players in the Venetian market for years and this international interest has remained strong; however, this year we have seen a noticeable rise in demand for prime properties priced between €3,000,000 and €10,000,000. Notably, US buyers are now returning to the market due
40 PORTFOLIO
to the advantageous exchange rates.” Palazzo Molin, which completed last summer after an award-winning restoration and refurbishment, has been converted into 17 highly specified apartments that combine classic Venetian architecture with contemporary design.
“The market in Venice is very active at the moment, especially at the top end with clients seeking prestige properties with a highquality finish” Located minutes from landmarks such as Piazza San Marco and the Fenice Opera House, apartments in the historic palace have been bought as second homes and buy-to-let investments.
Ann-Marie added: “Whilst Venice is not a traditional ‘buy-to-let’ location, it is a city where buyers can have the best of both worlds - a second home in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, as well as strong rental investment potential. There is an ever-increasing demand for prestige short-term rental apartments in Venice and this, coupled with the shortfall of top-quality apartments that appeal to a sophisticated international clientele, is driving the high-end rental market. Visitors, and indeed buyers, come to Venice for its rich cultural offering, and events such as the Biennale reaffirm its timeless global appeal.” Venice Sotheby’s International Realty, the leading agency specialising in historic property in Venice, is exclusively marketing Palazzo Molin. Prices range from €870,000 to €2.6 million; the price of the main piano nobile apartment will be supplied on application. Those interested in visiting the development should email lorenza@venicesothebysrealty.com. www.palazzomolin.com www.venicesothebysrealty.com The Veronese apartment at Palazzo Molin is available to rent for €2,950 per week
2 Church Road, Hove BN3 2FL hove@elliottsestateagents.co.uk 01273 773399
www.elliottsestateagents.co.uk Also in Hangleton
Hilltop, Dyke Road Avenue, Brighton Elliotts are delighted to offer this attractive modern detached family house, situated in an exclusive gated cul-de-sac in one of Brighton & Hove’s most prestigious locations and offered for sale for no ongoing chain.
• •
• • • • • •
Four double bedrooms Family bathroom plus additional en-suite shower room Rear sun lounge Two separate reception rooms Good sized living accommodation Exclusive gated cul-de-sac Double garage/double width driveway No ongoing chain
PRICE £850,000
• • • • • • • •
1930’s Tudor style detached Big modern kitchen with granite work surfaces Two sizeable separate reception rooms Rear double glazed conservatory Four first floor bedrooms En-suite shower room plus main bathroom Integral garage with private drive House set behind its own service road
Goldstone Crescent, Hove Elliotts are delighted to offer this imposing 1930’s Tudor style detached house, set back and occupying an elevated position behind a raised service road, particularly spacious accommodation with plenty of scope, located within a few steps of Hove Park in one of Hove’s most prestigious residential districts.
PRICE £775,000
BUSINESS Interview
THE CUSTOMER IS KING
Executive Branch Manager, Rodger Heasman
Portfolio catches up with King & Chasemore’s Regional Director, Tom Middleton
T
he day after the glitzy party celebrating the re-opening of the fabulous flagship office of King & Chasemore in Church Road, Hove, we caught up with Regional Director Tom Middleton. Tom is responsible for 17 of the 22 King & Chasemore’s offices from Newhaven to Chichester in East and West Sussex. King & Chasemore, in turn, is part of the largest estate agency network in the UK, Countrywide, which has over 1,300 sales and lettings branches and is in the top FTSE 250 group of companies. Executive Branch Manager , Rodger Heasman takes care of the day-to-day running of this branch. Tom, this is now a beautiful, contemporary space with a very welcoming reception area for customers. 42 PORTFOLIO
“Yes, we are very conscious of giving each and every customer a warm welcome, and we hope this seating area immediately puts them at ease. Our Property Consultants are able to discuss potential clients’ needs and give them a real personal service. We have undergone a complete culture change here at King & Chasemore, and the layout of this office reflects this. All 9 Brighton & Hove offices will soon undergo the same transformation in the near future” So has anything else changed within the organization over the past few months? “Well, the whole organization now has a new CEO, Alison Platt, who has come from BUPA; she comes from a very customer-focused background and has cast a fresh pair of eyes
over this business. She has undoubtedly had a lot of influence on the direction in which the company is going, specifically by focusing carefully on each and every customer and helping them through the sometimes painful process of purchasing a property. Many at Board level now have a lot of top retail experience, and their improved message of the customer being at the heart of everything we do now feeds through to the local offices here at the sharp end. We like to think of it as putting people and property together. So much so, in fact that, unlike other estate agency chains, King & Chasemore are now investing in more staff, not less, so that we can devote more time to ensuring the buying process is as easy as possible. A complaint often levelled at estate agents is that they don’t communicate effectively with their customers,
BUSINESS Interview
Rodger Heasman and Martine McIntire
“We are very conscious of giving each and every customer a warm welcome, and we hope this seating area immediately puts them at ease” and this increase in head count will enable us to meet and exceed clients’ expectations in this respect. We even have two Financial Advisers in this branch alone.” I would imagine that within such a successful organisation you have all the latest technology at your fingertips? “Yes, our Property Consultants have tablets which calculate floorplans and do 100% of the preparation when placing a property on the market at the time of a first visit, so that when they leave the property the particulars are all done. This now saves us, and more importantly the client, so much time, and is 100% paper-free! All the 3-D floorplans and photos are included in our fixed percentage agency rate – so we are totally transparent about the costs involved at the outset. We feel
this is really important to gain the trust of the public.” We hear it must be hard to retain good staff in this business. How do you manage it? “The staff get good solid training on our values, and we ensure that we have local people who know the area. We rely upon recommendations from past clients, and to do this we need to keep the continuity of the staffing in the offices. In fact, Rodger and his team from the Hove office recently received the Top Customer Service award, out of 135 Countrywide branches.” Would you say that the internet plays a big role in the business? “Yes, undoubtedly. The internet has transformed estate agency and has speeded
up the process of getting a property to market and selling it. King & Chasemore is represented on the big portals like Zoopla and Rightmove, but we also need to promote the company in new ways. Like advertising in PORTFOLIO magazine, which definitely reflects the needs of the modern estate agents by showcasing our best properties in a new way, with style and longevity. Luckily for us, everyone seems to love looking at, and investing in property in this country. I hope they continue to need the services of offices like ours – we’d love to see them!” KING & CHASEMORE 20 Church Road, Hove BN3 2FN 01273 206107 www.kingandchasemore.co.uk
PORTFOLIO 43
CAREER LADDER This month we speak to Mark Tulley about his role as Group Sales Director at Gemini Print
YOU HAVE BEEN IN THE PRINT INDUSTRY A LONG TIME, MARK… Yes, 40 years. My one and only other profession was as a Motor Underwriter Clerk when I left school at 16. Clients come to me for technical expertise on the handling of print and distribution of high-end marketing collateral. There’s usually a reasonable budget involved, so attention to detail, price and deadlines are crucial. YOU MUST HAVE SEEN SO MANY CHANGES IN THE INDUSTRY? The single biggest change is the speed at which print is now turned around. It really has moved towards a commodity-driven product. Fortunately, Gemini have kept pace with the investment needed via sound financial housekeeping and a 5-10-year plan. There are many good printers who have fallen away as financial institutions called in credit terms across the industry. The strong will of course survive and eventually prosper, although most will say that conditions are still challenging for the print industry. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? Aside from the compulsory paper round, my first paid job was as a waiter in a Brighton seafront café. I earned £1 per day and my bonus was a 1/2p for every meal I served and then cleared. One day I broke the 100 barrier and received 50p. That was the day I learnt the true motivation of a commission structure. WAS YOURS A TRADITIONAL ROUTE INTO YOUR CAREER? Not at all. I needed a job and was taken on as a print apprentice on £20 per week in 1976. I never imagined I would stay, but the guys I worked with were great and somehow I fell in love with the trade. At 22 I desperately needed a car and realised the only free cars were given to sales reps. My future was decided at
44 PORTFOLIO
that moment and off I went to London to try and conquer the world of print sales. WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY AT WORK FOR YOU, MARK? A typical day involves me walking my little white Bichon Frise at about 05.45 and arriving at the office for 07.15. For the next 11-12 hours I will be speaking to clients and the Gemini sales team to maximise the amount of work that we book in during the day. After that, back home for dog walk no 2. I do wonder who’s got the best life, the dog or me? WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? That’s really easy… people. I am fortunate that I have met some of the most interesting, funny, sad, mad people that anyone could hope to meet in my time. Fortunately, these people are still friends in most cases, and my life has been truly blessed to be able to socialise while working in an industry that I love. DO YOU FIND TIME TO NETWORK PROFESSIONALLY? Never, ever, underestimate the value of networking. I met Julian, CEO of the Brighton Fringe at a Curry Club. We got on well and now we are in our 2nd year as principle print partner to one of the best annual events in Brighton. I also met Lynne, MD of Portfolio Magazine at a Platinum Business event. If people can see there is a human side to your business, that is a good start to a relationship. GEMINI SEEMS TO GET INVOLVED IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY. HOW DOES THAT WORK? Yes, Gemini Support the Brighton Fringe and Gay Pride as principal print partners. Of course, we benefit in return for the very high profile these events offer us. More importantly, all the guys involved are really nice people to work with. We do sponsor many other charities, too numerous to mention here.
WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT? It could be classed as a professional achievement, but I guess gaining the respect of my parents for making the most of my career, no matter what the obstacles. IF YOU WEREN’T IN THE PRINT INDUSTRY WHAT DO YOU SEE YOURSELF DOING? When I was in my teens I loved drama and went to a specialist out-of-hours school to pursue that road. My teacher was actually quite upset that I didn’t go to RADA, but it wasn’t a ‘cool’ thing to do at 16, so I let the opportunity slip by. However, you could say that sales gives you the chance to play a part every day, so perhaps it’s not too dissimilar? I still love the stage, though. WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? To play professional football, preferably for Spurs! I wasn’t good enough for that, but played in Sussex for a few teams at senior level until I was put out to grass at 43. I made some fantastic friends along the way. Sport is a great leveller and egos are quickly shot down in the dressing room. So I miss the banter enormously. WITH SUCH A DEADLINE-DRIVEN DAY JOB, WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELAX? Fortunately, I have a very understanding wife as there are constant demands on my time during the week. However, weekends are for us and you will usually find us in the Laines or in Hove on a Saturday afternoon for drinks with good friends and a Peroni. IN THREE WORDS, WHAT QUALITIES ARE REQUIRED IN YOUR JOB. Determination, integrity and likeability. Gemini Print Unit A1, Dolphin Way Shoreham-by-Sea West Sussex BN43 6NZ www.gemini-print.co.uk 01273 464 884
VISIT OUR AWARD-WINNING HOVE SHOWROOM for a stunning range of kitchen displays, furniture, worktops and appliances. The Kitchen Store offers a bespoke consultancy service to help you choose your dream kitchen. For friendly advice and inspired kitchen ideas take a closer look or call us today.
Showroom: 130 Old Shoreham Road, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 7BD Tel: 01273 95 77 78 Or visit our Lancing showroom | www.thekitchenstore.co.uk
CHALK ARCHITECTURE: WHO WE ARE Chalk Architecture is a multi-disciplinary design practice creating innovative and successful Interior, Architecture and Branding Design solutions for clients based in the UK, Ireland, France & the Far East. Working closely with local and international collaborators, the Chalk team provide a client-focused service and are dedicated to delivering creative and dynamic designs for hospitality, retail and residential projects, large or small. Chalk Architecture has worked with some of Brighton’s most inspirational entrepreneurs, developing unique branded retail and hospitality experiences: Small Batch Coffee Roasters, The Hare & Hounds, The Seven Stars & Bagelman, to name a few. Chalk provides their specialist “total design” solutions to clients from the UK to France and China. Excelling in Interior Architecture, they were short-listed for the coveted Building Design Magazine, Interior Architect of the Year Award in 2014. Not limited to interiors, they are engaged as architects by myhotel to extend their facility on Jubilee Street and are currently involved in developing designs for a brace of exciting new mixed-use schemes in Brighton.
FUTURE BRIGHTON
A PLACE TO WORK Paul Nicholson at Chalk Architecture looks at the future of the city’s digital sector
T
here has been much talk of late of Brighton being host to a burgeoning digital sector. Back in February The Times ran an article entitled Silicon Beach, eulogising Brighton for bursting at its seams with tech
entrepreneurs starting businesses at their kitchen tables while sipping their single-origin coffees. These entrepreneurs made the choice to be here by
PAUL NICHOLSON Paul is an RIBA Chartered Architect, qualifying as a registered architect at Kingston University in 2000. Having worked with and carried out projects for Professor Roloef Uyten Bogaardt in Cape Town, Patrick Lynch Architects and Project Orange Architects in London, Paul formed Chalk architecture with his colleague Damon Webb in 2008, combining architectural, interior design and graphics skills to provide a total design solution for hospitality and retail sector clients. A keen endurance sports enthusiast, Paul raises money for local charities, having run the 2014 & 2015 Brighton Marathons for the Rocking Horse Appeal, and is due to run the Brighton and London Marathons in 2016.
the coast rather than to make the schlep up to London every day. This theme runs contra to the clichéd joke, usually made by Londoners, of how people migrate here and then lose all sense of ambition. As a business that supports local entrepreneurs to develop their brand identity and create corresponding integrated interior design solutions, we really don’t get the joke or see the basis of it. Our cabal of local clients tends to have a magical combination of ambition and altruism. In the last 12 months we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of people, mostly in our core areas of expertise of the leisure & retail sectors, coming to us with their concepts. Interestingly, though, in the last six months it has been the digital SMEs that have come looking for inspiration as to how to re-imagine their office spaces. These clients are conscious of how they, when they started, made a lifestyle choice to work for their own benefit, under their own rules. They want that spirit of independence, of choosing to work under
https://m.facebook.com/ChalkArchitecture
better lifestyle conditions, to be translated into their office environments. These businesses are maturing and expanding, but they are not losing sight of the
Proud supporters of The House That Zac Built, building sustainable housing for disadvantaged families in rural Tanzania
BUSINESS
“Digital SME’s have come looking for inspiration as to how to re-imagine their office spaces”
core values that made the founding partners go it
to compensate. Currently, demand is far
Seb Royle. Seb has already experienced much
alone in the first place.
outstripping supply, and a very basic principle of
success in the office sector and has now focused
A great example of this is the social
economics derives from that situation. New office
his attention on this genre.
intelligence business Brandwatch, founded in
space is coming on line; contractors McAleer
Brighton in 2005 by Giles Palmer. They occupied
& Rushe are busy constructing the City View
“The growth in the co-working and shared
circa 2000 sq m of Grade A office space in the
building by Brighton station in the New England
office market has been enabled by technology,
North Laine in September of last year. They are a
Quarter (www.cityviewbrighton.co.uk), providing
greatly reducing the barriers required to set
spectacular success story, and their potential for
3,200 sq m of A Grade facilities, part of which will
up business and be successful. With the world
further growth is seemingly limitless. Clearly, the
be ring-fenced and aimed specifically at digital
becoming more mobile and business being
city would benefit from their continuing presence
start-ups. The Circus Street development (www.
carried out from home, in coffee shops, or on the
here as an innovative employer.
circusstreetbrighton.com)
Cathedral
train, the best co-working spaces will provide a
Group was approved at planning committee in
sense of place for their members. Design-led
“Thinking about our future growth shapes our
March of this year and is due to strike site soon,
working environments with top technology,
plans, and you can end up a victim of your own
providing a further 3000 sq m of office space,
great coffee, a bar, meeting spaces, educational
success. We’ve expanded and improved our
hopefully by 2017. However, the city needs
seminars and social events can provide the
offices three times over the past five years.
more. Given the potential for greater returns on
ideal environment for members to collaborate
Running a successful business comes down
office developments, one would imagine more
and grow together. Flexibility of lease terms and
to your people performing at their best, and
developers entering the fray to make the most
small deposits are all expected. What started
that’s not just about paying them enough and
of them.
as a niche concept has now become a viable
by
the
alternative to the traditional office market.”
motivating them through meaningful work,
An intriguing twist to the story involves a
but through the environment in which they do
sub-sector to the office development world,
it. We try and look after our people as much
that of the specialist property firms providing
as possible, and finding space for table tennis,
flexible tenancy terms and co-working space.
There are exciting times ahead for the
football, bean bags, sheds, drinks fridges
Co-working is a style of work that involves a
Brighton economy, especially for those just about
and the other things that bind us together is a
shared working environment, often an office,
to make the leap into the wide-open expanse of
crucial part of our strategy.”
and independent activity. Unlike in a typical office
being self-sufficient. The city needs to encourage
Giles Palmer, CEO, Brandwatch
environment, those co-working are usually not
the expansion of office space that offers
employed by the same organisation. The UK
flexible tenures. The camaraderie that exists in
In a strengthening economy, the level of
market is the biggest in the world. with 2377
these types of places can only help de-mystify
demand for decent office space is not an
such places, 677 of which are in Greater London.
entrepreneurship and encourage more people to
unsurprising fact. However, the lack of supply in
Last year alone London saw a 20% increase in
go for it.
the city is certainly a worrying one. The Estates
flexible office space provision, taking the number
Gazette quote a study by EGi claiming there was
of locations to nearly 800. By comparison, only
Chalk Architecture, The Cycle Hub,
37,000 sq m of available office space in Brighton
Brighton & Hove has 10 such flexible or co-
109 Stroudley Road, Brighton BN1 4DJ
in 2014, and in that year alone 15,000 sq m were
working spaces, while Bristol already has 42.
Tel: 01273 448700
occupied. The year-on-year trend is for demand
Chalk is in the design development phase of
Twitter: @chalkdesign &
to dramatically increase, so the maths suggest
a regional flexible office/ co-working concept
@chalkarch #FutureBrighton
that supply will have to increase considerably
that is being co-ordinated by local entrepreneur
www.chalkarchitecture.com
Seb Royle, Founder, Platform Nine
Find out more about what amazing work Zac and his team are doing at www.thehousethatzacbuilt.org
www.smallbatchcoffee.co.uk PORTFOLIO 47
THE collection
THE SEPTEMBER COLLECTION Charming Cottages and stylish pied-à-terres make up our September collection...
Coastal living Brunswick Square, Brighton This raised ground-floor apartment is luxurious coastal living with understated flair. The feature lounge in this lovely two-bedroom apartment has generously high ceilings with decorative cornicing and centre chandelier, and is a room filled with light from its two large windows, set into the bay and facing west over the square. White marble fireplaces, cast iron column radiators with decorative detailing and stained glass features throughout, along with luxurious touches like underfloor heating . Window seats are perfectly placed for looking out to sea as well as having practical integral storage below.
Price: £600,000 Fine & Country 01273 739911 www.fineandcountry.com
48 PORTFOLIO
THE collection
Regency elegance Clifton Hill, Brighton A most charming Regency cottage, circa 1818, located in the desirable Clifton Hill Conservation area of central Brighton. This unique home, thought to have been originally built as a coastguard’s cottage, has a real tranquil countryside feel to it, and yet is located only a short stroll from Brighton station, the city centre and seafront. Boasting a lovely south-facing, walled private garden, period features, two to three bedrooms and no onward chain. It is perfect for commuters, people wanting city centre living without the noise or as an impressive pied a terre.
Price: £699,950 Halls Estate Agents 01273 571955 | www.halls-estate.com
Private mews College Mews, Kemp Town, Brighton In a private gated mews with off-street parking, this unique and beautiful three bed cottage is situated in the heart of Kemp Town Village. The house boasts oak wood flooring throughout. The kitchen-dining room opens through patio doors to the south-facing garden, with a further archway leading to the lounge and study area. The three bedrooms are on the first floor, the master bedroom with an en-suite. The stone spiral staircase continues up to the roof terrace, with glass roof light, which floods down to the ground floor level. The roof terrace is a fabulous entertaining space with a southwest aspect and a hot tub.
Price: OIEO £650,000 Mishon Mackay 01273 670067 | www.mishonmackay.com
Charming haven Exceat Cottage, East Dean Road, Seaford This lovely detached cottage is situated within the Seven Sisters Country Park adjoining the visitors centre at Exceat. Exceat Cottage, built in the 1800s, enjoys outstanding views through Cuckmere Haven to the sea and backs onto the South Downs Way and Friston Forest. Originally the birthplace and home of George Potter, and now having undergone partial renovation, the cottage offers further scope for improvement. The potential accommodation could be 4/5 bedrooms, bathroom, shower room, kitchen/breakfast room, 2/3 reception rooms. There are gardens to three sides of the property, including a sun deck enjoying the fabulous view.
Price: OIEO £475,000 Graves, Son & Pilcher 01273 321123 | www.gsp.uk.com
PORTFOLIO 49
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01273 862 410
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HOLIDAY Lets
TAX EFFICIENT HOLIDAY LETTING Looking for tax-free income? Andrew Stanley, Managing Director of Stanley Tax Associates (STax), on how to make Furnished Holiday Lets work
W
ith the changes in the most recent budget to tax relief on interest payments for buy-to-lets (B2L), many are left looking for ways to improve the tax efficiency of their investments. For those lucky enough to have rental properties in areas with demand for holiday lets there is a highly tax efficient alternative to B2L. Furnished Holiday Lets (FHL) can claim tax relief on fixtures and potentially deliver a taxfree income for many years without engaging in anything that could be seen as provocative to HMRC. Here’s how it works: Properties within the European Economic Area (EEA) fulfilling the criteria are classed under UK taxation as Furnished Holiday Lets (FHL). To be eligible, a property: • Must be based in the EEA; visit www.gov. uk/eu-eea for list of EEA countries • Must be available to rent for at least 210 days per year • Must actually let for at least 105 days per year, and • Lets must generally be short (less than 31 days) Please note that while these are the main criteria; detailed guidance is available on www.gov.uk. Compared to B2Ls, successful FHLs are generally higher revenue, higher running cost investments. Although this article focuses on the tax benefits of this area of property, it goes without saying that, just as with B2Ls, with the right property, in the right location, and with the right team around you, there are returns to be made. Of course, the inverse is also true. In brief, FHLs are exempt from the proposed changes to higher rate interest relief
announced in the summer budget. Although this is great news, it gets even better. Unlike a B2L, FHLs are able to claim capital allowances (CA) on plant and machinery used within the business. This not only covers the loose plant (furniture, white goods and so on), but also extends to the fixtures in the building (sanitary ware, electrics, heating, fitted carpets etc).
“Furnished Holiday Lets (FHL) can claim tax relief on fixtures and potentially deliver a tax-free income for many years” CAs are a form of tax relief given on eligible items of plant and machinery. They reduce your taxable profit and therefore the tax you pay. They are generally given over time in a similar way to depreciation in accounting. The Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) accelerates CAs for recent expenditure. In many cases this means the saving is given in year one rather than bit by bit over a number of years. Returning to FHLs, a proportion of the purchase price of a property is deemed to have been to pay for the fixtures that were in place at the time. You are perfectly entitled to claim CAs on these, regardless of how long ago the purchase took place. Unfortunately, valuing them in a way acceptable to HMRC is
not straightforward and requires the services of a specialist firm like STax. The size of these claims can vary greatly depending on the quality and quantity of items installed; however, for FHLs they average around 25% of the purchase consideration, so £125k of allowances for a property which cost £500k. This can create a massive reduction in your taxable profit, or could even trigger a tax rebate. Imagine a successful FHL that yields 5% taxable profit before allowances. The property was purchased for £500K in 2015, a CA survey was conducted and a claim for £125K of CAs made. No tax is payable until year six, by which time the FHL owner has netted £125K of income with no tax due. The combination of availability of CAs with the exemption to the changes for higher rate tax relief on interest makes FHLs a very attractive alternative to B2L. Of course, you do need the right advisors in place. STax (www.STaxuk.com) are real estate tax advisors. We are a professional firm combining qualified tax advisors, accountants and surveyors, perfectly positioned to assist you in this area or any other real estate-related tax matter. If you are looking to change your B2Ls to FHLs, buy new FHLs or simply claim on those you have had for a while, contact us today for a free appraisal of your position. STax (Stanley Tax Associates Ltd) 24 Greville Street, London EC1N 8SS 020 7147 9940 7 Queen Square, Brighton BN1 3FD Andrew@StaxUK.com www.STaxUK.com
PORTFOLIO 51
H ME of the MONTH ...as selected by PORTFOLIO magazine
www.onthemarket.com
1 bedroom maisonette for sale Clifton Street Passage, Brighton
Price: £289,950
Key features: •
Quiet cul-de-sac
•
Maisonette
•
Split level living
•
One bedroom
•
Lounge with recessed study/alcove
•
Kitchen
•
Private walled patio
•
Close to Brighton Station
Austin Gray - Hove 123-125 Dyke Road, Hove, BN3 1TJ
Tel: 01273 232 232
Making Moving a Pleasure If you are buying or selling your property, Healys offers an unrivalled legal service. In order that your matter proceeds smoothly we offer the following as standard to our clients: • • •
Direct dial to your Solicitor No hidden charges Competitive fees
We would be delighted to provide you with a free personal quotation. Please contact one of our team on: 01273 669139 or email: property@healys.com or visit www.healys.com and complete our online quotation form.
8/9 Old Steine Brighton BN1 1EJ
solicitors Incorporating Johnson McCabe
local & independent
We are local, independent solicitors providing an expert legal service with a personal approach Property
Civil Litigation
• Buying and Selling Property • Re-Mortgages • Freehold Enfranchisement • Lease Extensions • Buying and Selling Investment Properties
• Employment • Debt Recovery • Property • Contentious Probate • Insurance Claims • Fraud Claims to include Defending SOCA Claims • Consumer Law • Neighbour disputes • Dispute Resolution/ Mediation of Claims
Business • Landlord and Tenant and Commercial Property • Buying and Selling Businesses and Shares • Employment Law • Licensing
Commercial Litigation
• Wills • Probate and Administration of Estates • Inheritance Tax Planning and Trusts • Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection • Elderly Client Care
• Commercial contract/ Consumer Disputes • Director/Shareholders/ Partnership Disputes • Insurance Claims • Construction and Engineering • Commercial Property Disputes • Professional Negligence Claims • Intellectual Property Disputes
Vallance Hall, Hove Street, Hove, East Sussex BN3 2DE
Life and Family
Personal Injury
info@engleharts.co.uk • 01273 204411
• Family and Matrimonial • Co Habitation Agreements/Disputes • Civil Partnerships • Pre-nuptial Agreements • Divorce
• Road Traffic Accidents • Medical Negligence • Accident at Work and on Construction Site • Fatal Accidents • Structured Settlements
Wills and Trusts
For more information please contact us at Engleharts Solicitors:
www.engleharts.co.uk
NEW homes
UNIQUE NEW PROPERTIES A great location, individual builds and panoramic views give these properties from Spencer & Leigh the wow factor Spencer & Leigh have been instructed to sell some delightful new properties over recent years, and none more so than two individual properties in the Withdean area of Brighton, which enjoy gorgeous panoramic views across the City.
BANKSIDE, WESTDENE The first is a unique detached property in Bankside which has the benefit of four bedrooms, one of which has en-suite facilities and family bathroom, plus a separate cloakroom. A particular feature is the large lounge/dining room with two pairs of bi-fold doors opening to a smart fitted kitchen with quality appliances. The light, airy, contemporary space is complemented by vaulted ceilings in the bedrooms. A wrap-around lawned garden and ample car parking complete this lovely property. OFFERS IN EXCESS OF £650,000 ARE INVITED
HILLBROW ROAD, WITHDEAN Hillbrow Road is a newly constructed luxury property which offers generous fourbedroom accommodation, again with a family bathroom and en-suite bathroom facilities, plus an additional cloakroom. A particular feature of this property is the stunning open plan living/ dining room, including large kitchen with large bi-fold doors, offering panoramic views. There is a further balcony, patio and garden. Additional benefits include the fabulous dark wood flooring and carpets throughout. GUIDE PRICE £785,000 - £825,000
Both properties are well located for all amenities and are within a reasonable distance to Preston Park railway station.
To view, contact the selling agents, Spencer & Leigh on 01273 565566, or visit www.spencerandleigh.co.uk
54 PORTFOLIO
NEW homes
YOUR NEW HOME If you’ve always dreamed of owning a new-build home, here are some good reasons why now would be a great time to take the plunge… • •
•
•
•
•
No Chain! The best part about buying a new property is no one holding up the deal. Favourable new build deals from the developers: They may even part exchange with your own home. Design Your Dream Home Your Way: Your new home will reflect your style, not someone else’s taste. You may be able to influence this at a certain build stage. Choose a Floor Plan and Room Layout that Meets Your Needs: You can have exactly what your family need and want. All New, Under Warranty: Your new home — and the products that comprise it — will be brand-new and under warranty. Energy and Cost Savings: Today’s new homes are far more energy efficient than homes built even five years ago, saving
•
•
•
•
you money from day one. Advanced Technology and Design: Today’s new homes meet stringent energy standards and codes not in place in the past. Low Maintenance: They’re also made of cutting-edge building products that require less care and maintenance.. Community Amenities: Many new homes are built in lavish master-planned communities catering for your local needs, like schools and shopping facilities. That New Home Feel: A used home was someone else’s dream, not yours. It reflects their choices and family memories. You can enjoy that fabulous new property which no one has lived in before!
A WORD OF CAUTION Ensure you can get a mortgage on the property, and at what build stage this will be available to you. Ask when the property will be finished, and ensure your solicitor checks this. Bear in mind there can be teething problems, such as cracks produced by dried out plaster, and do check before you move in that all integrated appliances work. Check the state of the roads surrounding the development to ensure easy access on completion. Consider what state the garden will be in, and if you’ll need to lay out and plant. As always, get all the professional advice available to ensure your purchase lives up to your dream!
If you’d like to advertise in PORTFOLIO magazine’s regular NEW HOMES section, please contact Lynne Edwards on 07931537588, or email lynne@portfoliopublications.co.uk www.portfoliopublications.co.uk
ng i v r e Resf plan h of aunc at l vent e
JOIN US AT THE LAUNCH EVENT AT PRESTON MANOR Saturday 26th September • 10am to 5pm
Preston Manor, Preston Drove, Brighton, BN1 6SD (parking available)
A prestigious development of 31 luxury 2 & 3 bedroom apartments in a gated environment opposite Preston Park, Brighton Ready Summer 2016 • 10 Year BLP Warranty Majority with Balconies/terraces Convenient for Brighton Mainline Station Prices from £325,000 with allocated parking
For more information call sole selling agents Oakley on 01273 688881 Email brighton@oakleyproperty.com or visit parqbrighton.co.uk
HOMES
NEW homes
ParQ LIFE This September, Cross Stone Homes are holding the Off-Plan Sales Launch Day for the exclusive ParQ development
O
n 26th September, Cross Stone Homes will be launching their new development, ParQ at Preston Manor, Preston Drove, Brighton, BN1 6SD. ParQ is a prestigious development of 31 luxury 2-& 3-bedroom apartments located in a gated environment overlooking Preston Park, while still being convenient for Brighton Mainline Railway Station. The launch will release apartments for off-plan purchase; prices start from £325,000 and include an allocated car parking space. Managing Director of Cross Stone Homes, Ross Barbour, commented ‘I am very excited by the launch of ParQ; it is the first residential scheme in this area for many years. I am confident that this will only add to the attractiveness of the street scene and is likely to encourage more residential development nearby”. James Epps, Residential Director of Oakley, commented: “The majority of apartments will have a balcony or terrace, and many have stunning views across Preston Park towards the tennis courts. “A lot of thought has been given to the specification of the apartments, which will be finished to a high standard and include engineered oak flooring in the living areas, contemporary high-gloss kitchens with
branded integrated appliances, stylish Porcelanosa bathrooms and en-suites and fitted wardrobes to all bedrooms. “Purchasing off plan enables buyers to secure their chosen apartment early and often enables them to sell their current property as construction continues on their new home.” To mark the off-plan launch of the development, Oakley are inviting interested
parties to join them at Preston Manor on Saturday, 26th September, between 10am5pm. Parking will available on the day. If you would like further information regarding the development, or to enquire about how to reserve an apartment off plan, sole agents Oakley can be contacted on 01273 688881. www.oakleyproperty.com
PORTFOLIO 57
MARINE DRIVE - ROTTINGDEAN
FEEL ON TOP OF THE WORLD FINAL SEAFRONT PENTHOUSE AVAI BLE
2 BEDROOM PENTHOUSE WITH EXCEPTIONAL SEA VIEWS AND SECURE UNDERGROUND PARKING
www.azurerottingdean.co.uk
Selling agents:
01273 300 525 01273 829 300
A development by:
generator a lifestyle worth living
NEW homes
THE VIEW FROM THE TOP The stunning penthouse at Rottingdean’s boutique development, Azure, is now available
O
ffering unparalleled sea views, the penthouse at Azure is one of the most impressive coastal homes currently on the market. Set in the picturesque village of Rottingdean and perched high above the beach, the penthouse represents the best in modern luxury living, combining the highest standards of specification and design with an unbeatable location. It is the final remaining property to be released at Azure, the boutique collection of just nine bespoke apartments built by niche property company Generator Developments. Azure takes inspiration from the elegant, simple lines of Art Deco design, reworked in a sophisticated, contemporary style. The penthouse is unashamedly modern in design, offering light, airy, open-plan living space and sophisticated interior design. Its piece de resistance is its stunning balcony that wraps the full length of the property, giving sweeping, uninterrupted views of the South Coast. The interiors make the most of natural light, with two sets of sliding glazed doors leading out from the living area. Enclosed with glass and steel balustrades, the balcony offers plenty of space for dining or relaxing al fresco, providing a panoramic vantage point for enjoying the coastal setting. The kitchen, dining, living area is a fluid and
flexible space that is perfect for entertaining. The master bedroom has a spacious dressing area with a walk-in wardrobe and en-suite bathroom, as well as sliding glass doors out to the balcony. The second bedroom also has fitted wardrobes and floor-to-ceiling windows again offering breath-taking sea views.
“The penthouse represents the best in modern luxury living, combining the highest standards of specification and design with an unbeatable location” Finished with meticulous attention to detail, the specification is contemporary and neutral, providing a fresh canvas for the buyer to stamp their own style. The designer kitchen features sleek wood-veneered, handle-free units and stone worktops, fitted with the full range of integrated appliances. Bathrooms have contemporary Laufen sanitary ware
suites with chrome Grohe fittings, a centre-fill bath to the main bathroom with Aqua TV and separate rain shower. Underfloor heating, video door entry systems, engineered wood flooring and broadband connectivity are all included as standard. The property benefits from an allocated space within the secure underground car park, with lift access to each floor. Not only does the penthouse enjoy this outstanding seaside position, Azure offers the perfect combination of a friendly village setting just three miles from Brighton, yet on the edge of the green, open spaces of the South Downs. David Webb from sales agent David Webb Residential comments: “With very few true seafront properties on the market, and even fewer of this calibre, Azure has proved highly popular. All but one of the properties have now been sold, so anyone who is interested in the final opportunity to purchase a home at Azure should act swiftly. Owning a penthouse always carries a special prestige, and we expect demand to be high.” The penthouse at Azure is on the market at £1.1million. For further information visit: www.azurerottingdean.com or contact agents Mishon Mackay on 01273 829 300 or David Webb Residential on 01273 300525. PORTFOLIO 59
% EEDD % 5600 ERVV ES R
RETIREMENT VILLAGE | DITCHLING COMMON | EAST SUSSEX
Final phase now released The final phase of this award-winning retirement village set in the heart of the beautiful South Downs has now been released. Occupying a premium location within the village, Rafael Court and Purchace Manor offer a range of one and two bedroom apartments, many with feature arch windows, high ceilings and great views. St George’s Park is now an established retirement village with 270 residents and world class amenities which will shortly include the residents-only leisure club with 14m swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, café, games room, hobbies room, fitness room, gym, therapy room, hair dressing salon and laundrette. Demand is expected to be high, so if you’re looking for a retirement setting that’s second to none, or you are perhaps looking on behalf of an older relative, don’t delay – call or visit us today!
EXTENSIVE LEISURE FACILITIES* | SHOP | LIBRARY | RESTAURANT | TREATMENT ROOMS | 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SUPPORT | CAR POOL | 250 ACRES OF BEAUTIFUL GROUNDS | HAIRDRESSERS | MINI BUS SERVICE | SECURED BY DESIGN SECURITY | BOWLING GREEN *SOME FACILITIES DUE IN LATER PHASES
One bedroom apartments from
Two bedroom apartments from
£310,000 £440,000
For more information about our award winning Retirement Village call Eileen, Mark or Judith on
Or please visit our website
01444 259 732
WWW.STGEORGESPARK.CO.UK
NEW homes
“Being able to enjoy an active lifestyle is one of the biggest attractions for people who live here”
RETIRE IN STYLE
Last few homes available in stunning last phase at St George’s Park retirement village in Ditchling
T
he highly anticipated final phase of apartments was released at St George’s Park retirement village in Ditchling, East Sussex earlier in the year and the 32 one-bedroom and two-bedroom homes, which offer some of the most prestigious apartments available to date, have been selling fast. The properties are situated within a stunning period-style building, known as Purchace Manor, which has been designed to mirror the architecture of the original Victorian building. The final phase also included a brandnew leisure centre and health club, known as Rafael Court, which is due to open this November. Featuring a selection of onebedroom apartments, the state-of-the-art facilities include an indoor heated swimming pool, gym, Jacuzzi, sauna, games rooms, therapy rooms, café and hairdressing salon, which will further increase the extensive range of social and recreational facilities. Philip Smith, Sales and Marketing Director at St George’s Park, comments: “We are delighted to release the final phase of apartments at St George’s Park. St George’s Park has been a great success story, and people buying homes in the final phase will benefit from the strong community that is already established here. Being able to enjoy an active lifestyle is one of the biggest attractions for people who live
here, so all residents will enjoy the addition of the excellent facilities that the new leisure centre will bring. For those looking for an easy-to-manage home in their retirement, which is safe and secure, with a vast range of activities and social life on the doorstep, St George’s Park ticks all the boxes.” It is no surprise that these homes have been selling fast, but there are still a few remaining.
The available properties at St Georges Park start at £365,000 for a two-bedroom apartment in Purchase Manor and from £310,000 for a one-bedroom apartment in Rafael Court. For further information contact the sales office on 01444 259732 or visit www.stgeorgespark.co.uk
PORTFOLIO 61
EDUCATION
INVEST IN EDUCATION Benjamin Franklin said that “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest”. Fresh from record exam results, Sussex schools are opening their doors to prospective pupils
A
survey commissioned by the Independent Schools Council on why parents send their children to independent schools found that the most common answer was “Better standards of education.” Other reasons cited included: “A better start in life; more chances in life; better chances for future careers; better discipline; and smaller pupil-teacher ratios.” Single-sex education and boarding are two other factors
that attract parents to the independent sector. Barnaby Lenon, Chairman of the Independent Schools Council, says many parents choose to send their children to independent schools because of the varied extra-curricular activities on offer. “Sport, music, drama, dance, clubs, societies, community service, cadet forces, The Duke of Edinburgh Award and the Young Enterprise scheme all provide enjoyment for many children, and this spills
over into the academic side of school life,” explains Lenon. Fresh from celebrating exceptional GCSE and A Level results and welcoming their new intakes, over the next few months many of the top independent schools in Brighton & Hove and throughout Sussex will be opening their doors to welcome prospective parents and pupils to Open Days and Evenings.
BRIGHTON COLLEGE
Saturday, 3rd October: Open Afternoon at the
LANCING COLLEGE
The latest inspection report from the Independent
Junior School
Open Mornings are held each year for entry to
Schools Inspectorate (ISI) awarded all three
8th October: Open Doors at the Junior School
Third Form (Year 9) and Lower Sixth (Year 12).
Brighton College schools the top grades possible
(9.30 – 11.30)
The next will be on Saturday 3rd October.
in every category. For the Senior School, this
10th October: Master classes and Open Morning
To register for the Open Morning, you will
meant ‘Excellent’ in eight categories, plus a rare
at the Senior School (9am to 12pm)
need to complete the online booking form.
‘Exceptional’ for Achievements and Learning.
15th October: Open doors at the Senior School
www.lancingcollege.co.uk
College Open Mornings (11+, 13+, 16+)
(9.30am to 11.30am)
Saturday, 26th September 2015,
10th November: Sixth form Open Evening
LEWES OLD GRAMMAR SCHOOL
from 9.30am to 12.30pm.
(6pm to 8pm)
The School has long been established at the
Pre-Prep and Prep School Open Mornings
www.bhhs.gdst.net
centre of the historic county town of East Sussex
(3+ to 10+)
and over the years has become affectionately
Saturday, 3rd October 2015 from 9am to 1pm.
HURSTPIERPOINT COLLEGE
known as LOGS. The academic standing of LOGS is
9am to 10.30am: Nursery and Pre-Prep Open
Parents and their families are invited to come to one
strong and growing but not to the detriment of its
Morning (3+ to 7+ entry)
of the Open Mornings, which generally take place
traditional friendly and supportive ethos.
10.15am to 1pm: Prep School Open Morning (8+ to
on a Saturday. Visitors attend an introductory talk,
Open Days
10+ entry)
followed by a tour around the campus to see the
Nursery to Year 6 Open Morning at Morley House
www.brightoncollege.org.uk
College in action, and ending with the opportunity
22nd September 2015, from 9.30am to 12pm
to join staff and pupils for a buffet lunch.
If you wish to have a look around the school, please
BRIGHTON & HOVE HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS’ DAY
Saturday, 26th September: Open Morning for all
contact the School Office to make an appointment
SCHOOL TRUST
schools:
01273 472634.
The Independent Schools Inspectorate recently
Pre-Prep 9 am. Prep 10 am.
Senior School Open Day
said: “The school is highly successful in meeting
Senior School, 10.30 am
Open Days are available at all times to suit. Contact
its aims to provide a high-quality, broadly based
Tuesday, 6th October: 11+ entry, 9.45am
the school to make an appointment to meet Mr
education for girls in a happy, stimulating and
Saturday, 10th October: 16+ entry, 10.30 am
Blewitt and have a tour of the School.
safe environment, supported by a strong pastoral
www.hppc.co.uk
Sixth Form Open Evening January 2016 at 6pm
system’
62 PORTFOLIO
www.logs.uk.com
Sussex’s original wooden flooring centre For friendly advice contact 01273 423600 99 Trafalgar Road, Portslade, BN41 1GU www.woodenflooringcentre.com FREE PARKING AT BACK OF SHOWROOM
BEAUTIFUL homes
nTheMarket.com 64 PORTFOLIO
INTERIORS
INTO THE GARDEN Make the most of the end of summer in your garden. Portfolio Interiors Editor, Tara de la Motte, on what to do in the September garden
Things to do this month: n n n n
S
eptember brings the end of summer as autumn begins. The days will soon become shorter, but there is still a lot more to be done in the garden in readiness for next spring. Now is a good time to plant bulbs while the ground is still warm and easy to dig, before the weather becomes colder. Bulbs such as crocuses, daffodils and hyacinths can be planted now, but leave tulips until the end of October or even November. Other spring-flowering biennials such as forget-me-nots and ‘Erysimum’ can be planted now in borders or pots for a great spring show. Mixing these plants with tulip bulbs in a large container will provide you with a wonderful display next spring. Remember to plant the tulip bulbs first, and deeper, then the erysimum and forget-me-nots on top. The September border is still a riot of colour, and although it is autumn there are lots of plants that are taking centre stage at this time of year. There are many treats yet to be enjoyed in our garden, like the Japanese anemones, ‘Verbena bonariensis’, ‘Rudbeckias’ and the
n beautiful ‘Echinacea purpurea,’ all providing our September garden with autumn colour. The rudbeckias look like black-eyed daisies and will flower right through autumn and even into winter if the weather is kind.
The September border is still a riot of colour, and although it is autumn there are lots of plants that are taking centre stage at this time of year
n
Establish a new lawn, either from seed or turf; Transplant evergreens; Continue to water pots and remove faded blooms; Plant new perennials while the soil is still warm; Put a coat of preservative on wooden furniture to protect it from bad winter weather; Collect fallen leaves from lawns to prevent damage to grass.
Although September is the beginning of autumn, days can still be warm and you can extend the summer by looking after your garden. See more garden ideas at www.portfoliopublications.co.uk
Paying a bit of attention to your garden now will keep it fresh and interesting. Continued dead-heading and cutting back plants that have finished flowering, then forking the borders, will all help towards the enjoyment of your autumn garden.
PORTFOLIO 65
SHOPPING
TACTILE TEXTILES Show your home you love it by dressing it with gorgeous fabrics. Something for every room in the house…
www.zara.com/uk
ON TREND Working the geometric trend, this Harlequin Array Striped Throw from John Lewis is bold and beautiful. £75 www.johnlewis.com
DELUXE STYLE Deliciously soft and comforting, this faux fur throw comes in luxe silver and divine caramel (pictured). £99.99. www.zara.com/uk
COUNTING UP The ultimate luxury: crisp Egyptian cotton sheets with a high thread count…This 400 thread count Egyptian cotton bed set is from Next, priced from £45.00 www.next.co.uk
DIVINE DECADENCE PRETTY LINENS Brighten up your washing up with this Marks & Spencer Boho Paisely Tea Towel, £6 www.marksandspencer.com 68 PORTFOLIO
Dark florals are a thing this season. Turn your bedroom into a boudoir with this Olivia Square pillowcase £19.50. www.marksandspencer.com
CHECK IT OUT Tartan is always a classic for a cosy blanket. Marks & Spencer Winterberry Check Throw £79 www.marksandspencer.com
UNDER FOOT This Eva orange and grey patterned flat weave rug from Habitat will brighten up any space. £65.00 www.habitat.co.uk
HOME TIME There’s no place like Home… This cushion says it all. Home Word Cushion £10.00 www.next.co.uk
TABLE TOP Dress your table with a pretty table runner and make every day a little bit more special. Baspharus Runner £16 www.next.co.uk
BOTANICAL GARDENS Botanical prints are still in vogue and this elegant table runner brings the look to the table. £19.99 www.zara.com/uk
LOVE IT Show your kids you love them with this Heart Rug, £39.50 from Marks & Spencer. www.marksandspencer.com
GROW YOUR OWN Buy your fabric by the metre and create your own style. John Lewis Patagonia smoke £25m, Taza putty £20m, Nazca claret £16m, Patagonia Indian blue £25m www.johnlewis.com
MATCHING PAIR Mix and match sizes for a contemporary look. Stylish cushions from Zara Home, £19.99 www.zara.com/uk
PORTFOLIO 69
COOL CONSERVATORIES STYLISHLY HOT BLINDS To see these contemporary shades visit our showroom at 36-38 Warren Road Woodingdean Brighton BN2 6BA
or call
01273 684848 to arrange a home visit
www.sussexblindsandshutters.com info@sussexblindsltd.co.uk All shutters, blinds and awnings are made-to-measure & expertly fitted
SUSSEX B L INDS
BLIND FASHIONS Enhance your home with the right blinds, shutters, or curtains. Portfolio Interiors Editor, Tara de la Motte, on dressing your windows
C
hoosing a good window treatment will enhance the beauty of both the interior and exterior of your property. Having the same window treatment at the front of the house will create a cohesive look to the passer-by. When you get it right it will not only look pleasing, it will trap warmth, provide privacy and make a decorative statement. Whatever the style of the window, there is an adornment or treatment to suit every situation. Curtains, blinds or shutters are an investment, so it is important that you select the right treatment for your windows and get professional advice to avoid expensive mistakes. For curtains and blinds, look to have them custom made if possible, and for shutters, choose a reputable company. Shutters now come in a wide range of materials and colours, and companies can even tailor fit unusually shaped windows too.
Sussex Blinds, www.sussexblindsltd.co.uk BLINDS Blinds are extremely functional and can be made in any colour and fabric of your choice to match existing décor. There is a variety of types, including Venetian, Roman, horizontal, vertical and roller blinds. All these blinds may be available in a wide range of materials, patterns and colours. Offering privacy and elegance, the Roman blind is a good choice but can cut out some light and top view unless made from sheer fabric. Roller blinds are smart and discreet and very suitable for functional places like kitchens and bathrooms. Both Roman and roller blinds can be combined with curtains to add elegance and warmth.
interior. However, they do let some light in, so if you like to sleep in a dark room, shutters are not a good solution. They do cut out drafts amazingly and are available in various materials, colours and slat widths. There are shutters that come in café style, which are fitted to the lower section of the window for privacy at eye level but which also let in light. Shutters can also help disguise awkward window frames, and, above all, shutters offer minimal fuss and are very attractive.
“Latest advances in technology bring battery-operated blinds which can be operated using an app or a remote control” For garden rooms and conservatories Venetian blinds are a good option, but consider as well specialist roller blinds with aluminium backing, which will block light and reflect heat away from the room. To keep heat in, there are specialist blind companies that offer thermal blinds, which are woven with a metallic fibre to reflect heat back into a room. Latest advances in technology bring battery-operated blinds which can be operated using an app or a remote control, and these can be controlled or programmed to lower and raise automatically. SHUTTERS Curtains and blinds are the more conventional window treatments, but the beauty that shutters can bring to a home is on another level. Shutters offer complete privacy when closed, but when opened they create atmosphere, allowing light to filter in through the slats to soften the
72 PORTFOLIO Sussex Blinds, www.sussexblindsltd.co.uk
INTERIORS CURTAINS Curtains bring a room together and add a luxe finishing touch to the windows. Curtains that are lined and interlined can shut out drafts while warming up the interior. This type of window treatment will also soften the windows. If budget allows, always choose full-length curtains for a sense of height and drama. Extralength curtains will drape liberally and form a pool of material on the floor which will look highly sophisticated. For large windows a combination of floor-length curtains with Roman or roller blinds works well together. Full-length curtains will look good with floor-length voiles, too, and using voiles will maximise natural light. With such a wide variety of curtain fabrics available on the market, there will be something to suit every interior. If you choose a heavy curtain fabric, try combining this with a sheer roller blind or delicate voile to keep your windows looking simple but elegant. Curtain poles can provide the finishing touch for curtaining, especially when finished with wonderfully-crafted finials. Choosing good quality poles will add visual impact, and setting them slightly higher than usual will create the illusion of additional height. Carefully chosen window treatments can enhance each room in the home and give you the chance to show your style and indulge in the prettiest fabrics or colours.Panoramic scenes that completely cover, edge to edge and floor to ceiling, make a stunning focal point for a room. A low ceiling can be made to feel taller with clever use of scenic paper. A wall covering of this nature is costly, but the result is amazing. See more interiors ideas at www.portfoliopublications.co.uk
We design, create and install bespoke furniture to commercial, domestic and retail sectors.
Web site: www.redjoinery.com Twitter: @redjoinery Tel: 01273 463799 Mob: 07970274626
HEALTH
MAN UP
Dr Catherine Swann on why men’s health matters for everyone
W
hen we talk about inequalities, in health and in other areas, the focus is often on improving the life chances of women or disadvantaged groups in our community. But did you know that one in five men die before the age of 65? Or that men have a significantly shorter life expectancy than women – to the extent that boys born between 2008-10 can expect to reach around 78.2 years of age, compared to 82.3 years for girls (source: ONS)? Put more simply, on average, men live two hours less a day (source: BMJ). Some of the difference can be explained by male-specific diseases like testicular or prostate cancer, but much of it is preventable. This month, we take a look at some of the key health issues for men, and what you can do to improve your chances of a long, healthy life. MEN’S HEALTH – WHY IS IT DIFFERENT? Men are more likely than women to behave in ways that risk damaging their health, including smoking and drinking to excess – so they’re more likely to suffer from behaviour-related cancers and other diseases. They also have more accidents at work and home (source: ONS). Mental health is a key factor. Almost 4 in 5 suicides are men, and although statistics indicate that more women have common mental health problems like anxiety or depression, higher rates of alcohol dependency, frequent drug use, homelessness and ‘going missing’ indicate that mental health problems in men
are significantly under-reported (source: Men’s Health Forum). Finally, there is good evidence that men are less knowledgeable about health and health services than women: caring for your own or other people’s health is often – mistakenly – seen as a ‘female’ concern. Men are also less likely to acknowledge illness, seek help or use services when they are unwell (source: Men’s Health Forum). Any of this sound familiar? Taken together, it adds up to a shorter lifespan. WHAT WORKS? Better health isn’t rocket science – but it does involve taking responsibility, making changes and being consistent with new habits. • Get informed: Read up on the risks that you take and understand what it means for your health. Men’s Health Forum (menshealthforum.org.uk) are a good source of information – their ‘Man Manual’ on health is available online • Prevention is better than cure: changing unhealthy behaviours before problems start is crucial. If you’re over 40, ask your GP for a free NHS Health Check. They focus mainly on vascular health, but are a great opportunity to raise any other issues that are bothering you. Many GP and private practices offer more thorough men-only health MOTs - great if you have concerns beyond your vascular health. • Keep talking: health, especially mental
•
health, can be difficult to talk to other people about – yet illness is one time when we need support. Bottling it up, pretending it isn’t happening and not seeking help won’t make illness go away. Open up to friends, family, a healthcare professional or online forum and you’re likely to find someone who knows how you’re feeling. Know your options: organisations such as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (nice.org.uk) produce national guidelines on effective prevention and treatment for hundreds of health conditions. If you’re unwell or want to reduce your risks, find out what works – and talk to your GP about next steps.
Dr Catherine Swann Senior partner at Evidence into Practice Associates, a research and delivery organisation specialising in health, care and community.
www.eipa.co.uk PORTFOLIO 75
NOT KIDDING AROUND English rose Jodie Kidd is the quintessential country girl, but, with a love of racing cars and rumours of becoming a Top Gear host, she is far more than just a pretty face
S
ince Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans was unveiled as the man at the helm of the highly anticipated reboot of BBC’s Top Gear, rumours have been flying like super cars round Silverstone over who his co-hosts will be. Motorcycle racer Guy Martin, presenter Sue Perkins and even nineties pop star Jay Kay have been in the mix, but the best odds are on ex-supermodel Jodie Kidd.
For many, Kidd is the perfect choice. In 2003 she was named Top Gear’s ‘fastest star in a reasonably priced car’ for that year, and has form as a presenter on Channel 5’s The Classic Car Show. At a recent appearance at Wimbledon she expressed sadness at watching the final episode of the current series of Top Gear, the last show ever for long-time host and Kidd’s good friend, Jeremy Clarkson. But away from this furious speculation, the Surrey-born beauty seems most comfortable within the Sussex countryside, taking in the polo at Cowdray or dressing up for Glorious Goodwood. Ever the equestrienne, her father is former show jumper Johnny Kidd, and as a child during her time at St Michael’s School in Petworth she, too, show jumped. “Just being in the countryside is relaxing,” she says. “Going for a ride is the most relaxing
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“She was Top Gear’s ‘fastest star in a reasonably priced car’, and has form as a presenter on Channel 5’s The Classic Car Show”
thing in the world. Or going for a walk with my little boy, Indio, playing a round of golf or putting on a family movie. That, to me, is relaxing. We love going on long walks, or going to Fishers Farm in West Sussex. Indie is a real outside boy and just spending time together is the best.” Her life may not be the glamorous whirlwind of fashion shows it once was, but even when relaxing in the countryside you won’t see her in sweatpants and wellies. “I like to be chic. I like my Ralph Lauren and I’d call it country chic,” she laughs. “I kind of have a dual life, where I’m at home chopping wood in the garden or with the horses or running around after my son. Then I’m in something warm and practical – a cashmere jumper and sweat pants. And then I have this other life where I get dressed up and come to London and do my work.”
CELEBRITY interview
Kidd’s modelling career began at the tender age of 16 and she soon became one of Britain’s biggest supermodels, alongside older sister Jemma. She’s featured in campaigns for Chloe and Yves Saint Laurent, among many others, and has graced the cover of British Vogue several times. At 6”2 and barely a size 6, the willowy beauty created a stir in the fashion industry for being unhealthily thin. These days, though, she is the picture of health and extols the virtues of organic food. “I live in the country and grow my own veg at home,” Kidd reveals. “We’re very organic and we always support local farmers and produce. So I eat pretty healthily. I am quite conscious of what to eat and I absolutely love it.” Her main beauty secret, though, is green supplements, “...Because I try to keep my body as alkaline as possible. I am not going to not
have a glass of wine, a lovely cake or a nice pasta or something like that – everyone should enjoy that. Life wouldn’t be worth living if you can’t have that. You should have a balance. When you’re more alkaline your immune system works better.” Her love of cooking won her a place in the Celebrity Masterchef final in 2014, where she remained remarkably calm under extreme pressure, something she credits to her high-octane lifestyle. “I’ve been doing highadrenaline sports, and with my career walking down catwalks, it’s always been highly stressed and high-anxiety,” she nods. “So I’m quite used to that fish-out-of-water scenario, and that’s where I come into my own. “It was scary because I didn’t have as much experience as others in the competition, but I just gritted my teeth and said, ‘Right, you’re
going to give this 150%’. I kind of like life with a little bit of nervousness and pace. I thrive on that adrenaline.” This is why Kidd is such a credible candidate for a show like Top Gear, which is well known for sending its presenters on outrageous, nailbiting adventures. She’s raced motorcars in the Gumball 3000, galloped about the polo field, excelled on Masterchef and done it all with the elegance and grace you would expect from one of the world’s most successful models. However, Kidd reveals she is happiest in her role as a mother. “I’m a mum, and with my career, that’s the toughest job I’ve had to do. It’s all about organisation to try to be a good mum and work on my career. It takes a lot of effort, but it’s the most wonderful thing.”
PORTFOLIO 79
GOLFGUY...
ROUGHING IT Continuing our page of golf tips…This month: Is there any sure-fire way to get out of the rough?
GolfGuy writes: We golfers are a stout-hearted lot, a band of brothers and sisters prepared and willing to endure all manner of filthy weather, slow play and bad luck in the pursuit of golfing nirvana. We enter bunkers with steely, snakeeyed determination, taking our medicine with scarcely a whimper and exit them with a mere shake of the head to express our disappointment (and embarrassment). We can take a lot of punishment. At this juncture of the golfing season, nothing can dish out more punishment than the copious rough bordering our Sussex fairways and greens. Aside from the obvious time-wasting and frustrating process of searching for wayward golf balls, getting out
of the rough and back in play is arguably one of the most difficult and exasperating aspects of summer golf. We watch the professionals slash it out of ankle-high salad, waist-high hay or greenside Bermuda grass with the texture of steel wool, landing it on the putting green with regularity. We do our best to emulate the confident strength of their swings, but we don’t often get it right. Sometimes the ball “jumps” out of the rough and flies off the back of the green into even worse trouble, but most often, especially from deep rough, it merely hops a couple of feet forward, despite the ferocity of the stroke, leaving us with the same shot again. Alternatively, the ball disappears altogether, never to be seen again.
I’m sure the best advice would be to stay on the fairways in the first place, but this is no easy task when playing onto our parched, cement-like summer courses, where even a well-struck drive can bounce nearly as far sideways as it does forward. I suppose the ultimate solution is to only play golf in the winter, when the rough is negligible and the fairways softer. Is there any way to get out of the rough with a more consistent result, or should we all donate our tailored shorts to Oxfam and stock up on winter golf apparel?
GolfGuy
GOLF
The Golf Pro replies: Unfortunately, we all find ourselves in deep rough on the golf course from time to time. And while it’s true that better players hit fewer wayward shots, they also usually make better decisions when they do have to play from a tough position. Obviously, it’s best not to be in the rough in the first place... Of course, even the very best golfers hit bad shots. So when the inevitable happens and you’re faced with a shot out of thick rough, here are some tips that will keep the disaster scores off your card, or, for the lower handicapper, give you a chance of saving par: Lies in rough
Playing From the Rough •
•
•
Ball in back third of stance •
•
•
It’s the decisions you make when in the rough that will have the biggest impact on your overall scores. Good players aren’t necessarily better at hitting out of the rough – they just make better shot choices, limiting the damage to their score. When you’re in the rough, try to find a patch of grass similar to the one your ball is resting in for your practice swings. Don’t take a practice swing close to your ball, though – you can easily disturb the grass your ball is sitting on, causing it to move and causing you a penalty shot. One of the biggest mistakes that amateur golfers make is being too greedy with their club selection. More often than not, you should take a very lofted club like a wedge. Yes, that might automatically rule out reaching the green, but a lesser lofted club won’t get the ball up in the air quickly enough, or the club will come in at too shallow an angle, getting caught up in the grass behind the ball. Find your straightest line to the fairway from the rough, so that even a poor contact gets you out of difficulty. I see so many golfers try to pinch a few extra yards either with a lower lofted club or by taking a more direct line to the flag. Even if it works out, all they’ll steal is a few extra yards, making little difference to their next shot. Playing the ball in the back third of your stance will help you get a steeper angle of attack on a golf ball buried in thick rough. You may also want to hinge your wrists a little earlier in the back swing to feel like you’re picking the club up. Tighten your grip a little as the high grass may wrap itself around the club neck. This will twist the club in your hand, closing the club face before impact.
Hit at ball (should be through) If you are close to the green and want the softer landing shot from the rough, it is important to remember that, if the pace of your swing is aggressive to get out, then the pace of the golf ball is likely to be quick across the green. Try to concentrate on making a longer follow through but keeping your pace constant. Let the weight of the club and length of the swing, not your aggression, dictate the distance of the shot!
If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at: lee@midsussexgolfclub.co.uk
Follow through
With thanks to our golfing expert, Lee Andrews, PGA Golf Professional, Mid Sussex Golf Club www.midsussexgolfclub.co.uk
th wi olf e l tic x G ay ar sse ou p r s e hi Su y g t Mid hen noth e. n i Br to nd w d, a o fre u n yo b, a rou an g u a l r c 81 CPORTFOLIO for laye p
CITY news
CITY NEWS A DAY FOR GROWING YOUR BUSINESS It’s a day for everyone: you’ll meet entrepreneurs, managers, employees, CEOs and freelancers from business, charities and social enterprises. There are 20 workshops, panels and conversation sessions to help you design your plan for growth. Growth in profits is not the only focus of the day; growth covers personal development for teams as well as individuals and leaders; and, of course, evolution and expansion in terms of business. This year’s Brighton Business Summit will be held on Friday, October 16th at the Clarendon Centre, New England Street, Brighton. Organised by the Brighton Chamber of Commerce, the theme for 2015 is growth. Two keynote speakers are Nikki Gatenby, Managing Director of Propellernet, one of the most progressive search marketing agencies in the UK, and Jim Duffy from Entrepreneurial Spark, which promotes business start-ups and helps them grow. Sessions include: Head honchos that inspire growth, Growing your reputation, How to be a Digital Nomad, Take the money and run, and much more. Special guest speakers include Kristen Forbes, Monetary Policy Committee member, who will talk about growing your business in a global economy, and there’ll be an exclusive game changers interview with MD Giles Palmer of Brandwatch. “I am really excited about the line-up and sessions we have planned for this year’s Summit,” says Sarah Springfield, Director, Brighton Chamber. “A third of the tickets have already sold. It’s the best networking event for me in the year. This year there’ll be lots that is new, including four delicious, nourishing and tasty meals throughout the day, entertainment, and not a dull moment.”
CREATIVE ARTS CENTRE RE-OPENS Public performance will return to a distinctive arts venue next spring following the completion of multi-million-pound building work. The public performance programme at the University of Sussex’s Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts will begin early next year following the end of an extensive refurbishment. R H Partnership Architects have worked with the university to transform the Grade II listed theatre (formerly the Gardner Arts Centre), which has been closed for eight years, into a modern, flexible environment that will host exhibitions, performances, teaching and research. The space has been adapted to create a state-of-the-art 350-seat auditorium, gallery and display areas designed for art and audio visual installations, rehearsal studios, breakout creativity zones and a new café and bar. The centre’s Creative Director, Laura McDermott, was appointed in May and will officially take up her post in November. The Sir Basil Spencedesigned venue has been renamed after former Chancellor Lord Richard Attenborough, two of his sons, who are university alumni, his daughter, Jane Holland, and granddaughter Lucy, who were killed in the 2004 Thailand tsunami.
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RESIDENCY CHECKS Landlords who rent properties to illegal immigrants will face up to five years in prison under a crackdown announced by the Government in August. Under a law passed last year, landlords are required to check the residency status of tenants before offering them an agreement. If they fail to do so, they face a civil penalty of up to £3,000 a night per adult resident. The scheme was first introduced in the West Midlands and will now be extended throughout England. However, the National Landlords Association has previously warned that immigration checks by landlords would drive vulnerable foreigners into the arms of an “underclass of rogue operators.” The UK Association of Letting Agents has said its members already carry out such checks every day but believes that it is not appropriate to make housing professionals responsible for policing the country’s borders. It said the checks could restrict access to housing to people from other countries.
CITY news
PET HEADQUARTERS Pets’ Corner, which was founded in Haywards Heath and has offces in Brighton and Crawley, wants to build a new HQ that will be at the forefront of environmental sustainability and bring more than 100 staff under one roof. The expanding firm is desperate to buy the freehold, but could relocate outside Sussex if permission is refused. Dean Richmond, Managing Director of Pets’ Corner, said: “We want to be as green as possible and build something that is going to represent that focus. People work with us because they care about animal welfare and sustainability, which is also something I care about passionately”. Pets’ Corner is opening 18 new stores this year, and by the time the centre is built in two years’ time its workforce could have expanded significantly. An agent for the developer estimates the outline scheme at Northlands Farm would generate 200 to 325 construction jobs over two years, 775 to 995 jobs when finished, and add £16 million to the local economy. The centre would create up to £2 million in business rates, with £1 million to be retained by Mid Sussex District Council. Some 17 businesses have already enquired about freehold opportunities.
MORE SUPERFAST BROADBAND More homes and businesses in the
South
East have been reached by the Government’s nationwide rollout of superfast broadband, figures published in August reveal. The rollout is delivering superfast access - internet speeds greater than 24 Mbps - to those properties not covered by existing commercial networks and is on track to take superfast access to 95 per cent of the UK by 2017. More than four out of five UK premises already have access to superfast speeds, and the rollout is currently reaching an additional 40,000 homes and businesses every week. This follows recent news that BT will make up to £129m available to extend the Government-led rollout of superfast broadband across the UK. The additional funding will be made available to local authorities for reinvestment in providing further superfast broadband coverage to even more homes and businesses, and much earlier than originally planned. Homes and businesses can find out more information about going superfast online at www.gov.uk/gosuperfast.
BRIGHTON CENTRE Agreement needs to be reached this year on a new conference and music venue to replace the Brighton Centre so that it it does not get delayed for another decade, according to a recent warning. Brighton and Hove City Council leader Warren Morgan expects significant progress to be made by the end of the year on the £540 million redevelopment of Brighton seafront, which includes extending Churchill Square shopping centre to the seafront and creating a new venue at Black Rock. The new venue would see a 10,000 capacity music venue created to replace the Brighton centre, which holds 4,500 people. The £540 million Brighton Waterfront development is estimated to bring an additional £4.6 million annually to the council and create 2,000 full-time jobs. Coun Morgan said: “I’m still very keen that we get sign-off on Black Rock and the extension of Churchill Square, collectively known as the Waterfront development, and King Alfred by the end of the calendar year. It would not mean work starting, but some sort of committee agreement or in principle agreement, something along those lines, getting to the end of the negotiation part of the process.” PORTFOLIO 83
CITY news
BRIGHTON PIER IN TOP FIVE Brighton Pier is officially the fifth most visited free attraction in the country. Official figures released by VisitEngland showed that only the British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern and Natural History Museum attracted more visitors. The Pier attracted 4.5million visitors last year - up 12.5% on 2013. The Pier’s General Manager, AnnMartin, said: “We are thrilled.We have always been reasonably high on the list, but to come just behind the big guys is fantastic. It shows the enduring popularity of piers in general and Brighton Pier in particular. We get millions of visitors a year, who keep returning, so obviously, we are doing something right. And the fact that we are a free attraction - something we are really proud of - no doubt encourages people to keep coming back over and over again.” Visits to free attractions were up 4% overall in 2014. The British Museum marked its seventh consecutive year as the most visited free attraction in England, with 6.7 million visitors, followed by the National Gallery (6.4 million visitors). The Tate Modern saw an impressive growth of 18.4% to 5.8 million visitors in 2014, but The Imperial War Museum, with 915,000, saw the greatest increase on the list.
BEDLAM BREWERY A craft brewery started by friends as a hobby is looking to triple its capacity with an injection of capital investment. Bedlam Brewery, based at Albourne Farm Estate, at the foot of the South Downs, was originally founded in 2012 by Nick Cooper and James O’Connor, who are still shareholders, and launched commercially in February of this year at the Craft Beer Rising convention in London. Under the direction of Dominic Worrall, owner of The Bull pub in Ditchling, the brewery is looking to expand from a capacity of 9,000 litres a week to up to 30,000 litres a week. The expansion will be paid for by a £250,000 cash injection from investors, while an additional £250,000 is also being sought via crowdfunding. Meanwhile, Bedlam is preparing to launch its first kegged original recipe pilsner lager under the experienced hand of German Head Brewer Fabio Israel, who cut his teeth at Bavarian beer giant Warsteiner. The brewery’s benchmarks, golden, IPA and porter, are already served in some 80 pubs in Sussex. The investment will also allow Bedlam to avoid moving to new premises as it expands. Dominic said: “We have a beautiful location next to two vineyards and we really embrace our rural environment. We generate our own energy via solar power, grow our own hops on-site and distribute all our spent grain for free to local farmers for use as cattle feed.” He added: “We’re very much the new boys, but we want to have an impact.”
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LA CAVE À FROMAGE RECEIVE GLOBAL RECOGNITION Fine cheese purveyors La Cave à Fromage is celebrating five years at their shop in Hove - fresh after being named one of the best cheese shops in the world. La Cave’s selection of artisan cheese is curated by expert David Deaves. With cheeses from across Sussex as well as further afield, La Cave’s sister shop in South Kensington was recently named third best cheese shop in the world by the Daily Telegraph. To celebrate the anniversary, La Cave served its five most popular cheeses from their time in Hove - Sanite-Maure de Touraine, a goat’s cheese from the Loire, Bath Soft, a Briestyle cheese from Kelston, the Lancashire Bomb, and Stilton in Port. David said: “We’re so thrilled that the residents of Brighton and Hove are as passionate about cheese as we are. “It’s been a brilliant five years, and we’re looking forward to many more – sharing our brilliant produce with our loyal customers”. ww.la-cave.co.uk
CITY news
NOMINATE CUSTOMER SERVICE STARS FOR SUSSEX SERVICE AWARDS Following the recent success of Sussex-based Evonprint’s Sussex Service Awards, the search continues for the unsung heroes of customer service. The awards, launched in May of this year, reward unparalleled customer service in the Sussex area, and the deadline for nominations is drawing closer. Sussex residents have until Sunday, 4th October 2015 to nominate those who have gone the extra mile in customer service and deserve recognition. After the first round received a remarkable response from the public, Evonprint chose the Manager of Pets Corner, Shoreham, Sophie Cook, as their winner in July this year. Every quarter, the nominee with the best customer service story will be presented with a hamper of prizes worth over £75, while the nominator will receive a £20 Love to Shop voucher. To
nominate
someone Stars
for
Evonprint’s
Sussex
Service
Awards,
simply
sussexservicestars@pmwcom.co.uk.
Nominations should include the name of the nominee, where they work and a brief explanation of why they deserve to win. This award will be presented in November, so get nominating to ensure customer service workers get the recognition they deserve.
HAMPTONS INTERNATIONAL 12TH YEAR OF SPONSORSHIP OF THE FESTIVAL OF BRITISH EVENTING Leading residential agent Hamptons International was delighted to sponsor the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park in August 2015 in what marks its 12th year of supporting this special equestrian event. The weekend commenced with a VIP lunch, hosted by Hamptons International on the Friday. Guests were welcomed by Peter Phillips, who provided a fascinating insight into the background of the Festival, changes for 2015 and an overview of the cross-country course designed by his father, Captain Mark Phillips. At lunch, guests were invited to take part in a Q&A session with one of Britain’s leading event riders, Harry Meade. In addition to talking through his career highs and lows of the past year, Harry shed light on his top tips for finding the right equestrian property. Following lunch, Harry led guests around the cross-country course, talking them through the skill and technique required to master championship jumps and fences. The estate agency also ran a competition over the weekend in aid of their corporate charity, Cancer Research UK, which offered the chance to win a day accompanying Harry Meade and his team at an event. Andrew Marshall, Senior Regional Sales Director at Hamptons International, comments: “The Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park is always a highly anticipated date in the Hamptons International calendar, and we were thrilled to support the event once again in 2015. We were delighted to entertain our existing clients as well as meet new faces and welcome members of equestrian communities from both near and far.”
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NATIONAL news
NATIONAL NEWS OBAMA ON THE EU President Obama has said that the UK’s EU membership “gives us much greater confidence about the strength of the transatlantic union” and that “the EU [has]made the world safer and more prosperous.” He also admitted that the failure to pass “common sense gun safety laws” in the US was his biggest frustration. Mr Obama said the UK was America’s “best partner” because of its willingness to project power beyond its “immediate self-interests to make this a more orderly, safer world”. He said British Prime Minister David Cameron had been an outstanding partner and congratulated his government for meeting the NATO target of spending 2% of GDP on defence. With just 18 months left in power, he said the area he has been “most frustrated and most stymied” by was gun control, “even in the face of repeated mass killings.” “If you look at the number of Americans killed since 9/11 by terrorism, it’s less than 100. If you look at the number that have been killed by gun violence, it’s in the tens of thousands,” Mr Obama said. “For us not to be able to resolve that issue has been something that is distressing,” he added.
ENERGY CRISIS
GOOD IKEA Swedish firm IKEA will become the first national retailer in the UK to pay above the government’s new National Living Wage from next year. IKEA, known for its flat-pack, self-assembly items, said it would pay all its 9,000 UK workers at least £7.85 an hour from April 2016. The rate for employees in London will be £9.15 an hour. Chancellor George Osborne announced a new compulsory living wage of £7.20 an hour in the Budget earlier this month. He said that employers must pay at least that much to workers aged 25 and over from April, with the rate rising to more than £9 an hour by 2020. The existing minimum wage for those over 21 is £6.50 an hour. Ikea said it would instead pay all its UK workers - including those under 25 - the rate set annually by the Living Wage Foundation, making it the first national retailer to do so. Rhys Moore, Director of the Living Wage Foundation, said: “This is a huge step for the British retail sector and we hope that many other businesses will follow the leadership IKEA is showing on the issue of basic pay.” IKEA is the UK’s biggest furniture retailer, with 18 stores and plans to open more in Sheffeld, Reading, Exeter and Greenwich in South East London. 86 PORTFOLIO
Businesses are being locked into energy contracts without their consent. Ivan McKeever, CEO of SwitchMyBusiness.com, which carried out the study, says, “Smaller-to-medium-sized businesses are in a uniquely challenging position: the business energy market lacks the transparency that consumers now have and smaller businesses do not have the resources to liaise with lots of suppliers and negotiate a good deal.” 18.4% of businesses have been automatically rolled over onto a new contract without their consent, and a further 16% of SMEs don’t know whether they have been victims of autorenewal. The study comes in the wake of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) report, which found that UK SMEs are unnecessarily losing £500 million a year on energy. While some energy suppliers have taken steps towards making the business energy market fairer, the practice of auto-renewal, by which businesses are locked into another fixed-term contract without their express permission, continues.
NATIONAL news
THE UK’S PASSIONPRENEURS
NO EXCUSES The government has announced the creation of a Small Business Commissioner, tasked to deal with late payments for SMEs. This person will address the key issues facing small businesses, the unfair power balance from which big firms benefit and the lack of advice available to small businesses. Many businesses have suffered the strains that come with late payment, and with
A new survey has revealed that 80% of British workers would give up their day jobs to start a new business linked to a hobby or a passion of theirs if money was no object. Nearly half (49%) have little to no interest in their current careers. The survey revealed that the age of 45 is the age when 56% of us lose the love of our jobs. A new hobby inspires a fifth of us to become entrepreneurs with our passions in mind. For women, running a business linked to a passion for food and drink (26%) is the most common dream, whereas for men it’s their passion for outdoors activity and sport (30%). The research shows that aspiring ‘Passionprenuers’ are most likely to be between the ages of 18-24 years (60%). In fact, 31% within this age group are 5-to-9ers: that is, people creating a new business ideas outside of working hours. Geographically, the top city for aspiring passionpreneurs is London, where 47% of residents are already making money from a hobby, setting up a business idea or attending an evening course linked to their hobbies, with the long-term view of setting up a business.
nearly half of small business owners nervous about borrowing, this continues to be an issue.
CROWD FUNDING SUCCCESS
David Vine, MD of Concur says: “A crackdown on late payments is most definitely overdue. This is a battle many small businesses have had to fight on their own for too long. Cash flow can make or break a business, particularly in those crucial early days of growth – so, without timely receipt of payment, they’re simply unable to plan, invest and develop. SMEs are the backbone of the UK economy, so it is only right that the issue is addressed.” The first steps have now been taken, and once the new Small Business Commissioner is appointed, it will then be a matter of building on that momentum to show SMEs they have a government that will truly support them. Giving small businesses greater confidence and a stronger voice to demand prompt payment will enable more SMEs to survive tough times and will encourage growth.
E-Car Club, which hires out electric cars on a pay-as-yougo basis, raised £100,000 for investors on the Crowdcube platform in 2013. And now it’s been bought by Europcar, the car hire company that operates throughout Europe and beyond. E-Car Club and Europcar aren’t saying exactly what the deal is worth, but they describe the exit terms offered to the 63 investors who put up that £100,000 two years ago as representing a ‘multiple return’. Most of those investors will not have expected to be able to walk away from their investments with a profit so quickly, but the emergence of a suitor in the form of Europcar has accelerated the exit process dramatically. E-Car Club’s sale therefore represents a breakthrough moment. Until now, British equity crowdfunding platforms have had to talk purely theoretically about the potential for investors to make money. Now they have a real-life case study to tell the world about.
UPS AND DOWNS The average advertised salary drops to £33,696 in June, down 0.9% from £34,002 in May, reaching an 11-month low. The number of advertised vacancies hits a post-recession high of 1,092,030 in June, up 3.2% from May, but this growth is driven by an increase in lower-paid positions. The five most difficult places to get a job in the UK at the moment are in the North East of England, and it appears a fault line is opening in competition for jobs between the North and the South. Thankfully, the National Living Wage (NLW) is set to impact one in 10 new workers across the UK, mainly everyday heroes, such as 15,000 new healthcare workers and nurses and 9,800 new education professionals. Both sectors will see job roles advertised with a higher salary.
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JEREMY’S RESTAURANT AT BORDE HILL Daniel Frickelton finds something special deep in the heart of Sussex
W
e were one grunt of frustration from turning around and heading back home. The Borde Hill Road leading us from Haywards Heath on the final stretch to Jeremy’s was closed for road works. We asked one of the road workers about a detour to the restaurant. He looked as though he could have eaten us for lunch but sloughed us off with a grumpy “Not a clue, loves. Not from ‘round ‘ere.” Two phone calls to the restaurant and a twenty-minute trek through the verdant outback of East Sussex later, we were seated on Jeremy’s terrace in glorious sunshine with the Garden of Eden before us, sipping welcoming glasses of calming local Sussex champagne. It will be a while before we have removed the last traces of Lynne’s fingernails from the steering wheel, but we would soon be very glad we had made the effort. Barney from Budapest took our orders, and by the time we had eased down the amusebouche - a piece of lobster in a very dense seafood cream sauce and vinaigrette balsamic
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– we were feeling pretty chilled. Isabelle from Avignon brought us a carafe of white wine from southern Italy and our starters. The combination of grapes – Falanghina, Vesevo and Benventano – was a new experience
“Local meats, fish and vegetables, enhanced and embellished with edible flora from their garden, form the core of their culinary offerings” for us. The rich, deep, fruity flavours were very different to the dry, crisp whites we usually choose with fish, but this wine is very
irresistible and complements a wide spectrum of food flavours. Lynne opted for “Jeremy’s amazingly goodvalue Menu of the Day,” as it is described on the restaurant’s website. Her confit duck salad was superb, and, as the first of three courses for only £22, it was in truth amazingly good value. One can barely get a very average pizza and bottle of supermarket wine for that price in Brighton. I’m a sucker for a fresh stalk of asparagus, and when it’s white asparagus I’ll walk the extra mile (or even risk driving around in circles for a half hour). Jeremy’s white asparagus was, like my companion, dressed to perfection and poshed up with beaucoup de bouquet: flowers and herbs galore. Jeremy’s was seriously busy on this occasion. The men’s dark suits and black ties were the only clues that the function taking place in the garden and pavilion area was a wake. The subdued, but upbeat, chatter of the guests suggested that this gathering was
BUSINESS lunch
more a celebration of life than a funereal event. Jeremy and Vera confirmed this when we met them later on the terrace. “We know all of these people,” said Vera. “They are all local, as was the person whose long life they are now celebrating.” It is difficult to imagine a pleasanter or more appropriate way to bid a fond farewell to a beloved friend or family member. Other “locals” to be found at Jeremy’s may be found on their menus, where local meats, fish and vegetables, enhanced and embellished with edible flora from their garden, form the core of their culinary offerings. My turbot, for instance, came straight off the boat in Shoreham-by-Sea, crackling with freshness and bursting with flavour. The chef had little to do but fry it perfectly. Perhaps because this was too boring, the fish arrived on a bed of unctuous risotto laced with tomatoey sweetness and plenty of edible blossoms and herbs. I will get this risotto recipe, even if it means eating dandelion salad for a month! Lynne chose the pea and mint risotto main from the Summer Menu of the Day. Full of light,
creamy goodness, it was “just the right amount of food,” which is code for “didn’t interfere with pudding.” Not content with merely being pretty to look at, this risotto was a veritable summer garden on a plate, with a perfect balance of pea and mint flavours. And the ingredients were about as local as they come: with the exception of the risotto rice, it all came straight out of Jeremy’s and Vera’s garden. Aurore, also from France, brought puddings. Going with the summery flow of the afternoon, I plumped for the strawberry tartlette with accompanying ice cream, decorated with colourful floral bits. It was too pretty to eat, but too well made to waste, a dilemma I solved by eating everything but the flowers and herbs. Lynne’s dessert was a chocolate brownie so beguilingly light that they had to add some silky daubs and streaks of a caramel sauce so naughty that I swear I heard Beelzebub laughing hysterically in the garden. Or did that have something to do with the wake...? Aurore had let slip that Vera is from Denmark. Having spent over twenty years there myself, I sent a hand-written greeting in
Danish to Vera, to which she promptly replied in an appropriate manner. Test passed, Vera and Jeremy came out onto the terrace to say hello. Vera and I had a right old catch-up on our Danish, and Jeremy insisted, with a manly chuckle, that “There ain’t nothin’ like a Dane.” This particular Anglo-Danish team appear to go very well in harness, and our brief time with them confirms what everybody knows already: they make some of the very best grub around, and serve it in a beautiful, relaxed atmosphere in which you are made to feel personally welcome and at peace with yourself and nature. Now, that’s value for money! Jeremy’s Fast Track business ordering option If you don’t have time for lolly-gagging around on a sunny garden terrace all afternoon, consider the Fast Track business ordering option. Basically, just call or email Jeremy’s before noon and they will email the day’s menu across. Tell them what you want by return email at www.jeremysrestaurant. co.uk/menus/food/fast-track-menu and your business lunch will be timed to arrive at your table when you do. What could be easier?
JEREMY’S Borde Hill Gardens Haywards Heath RH16 1XP 01444 441102 www.jeremysrestaurant.co.uk PORTFOLIO 89
STYLE
EXTENDING SUMMER Enjoy the last of the summer, and keep cool while looking sharp. Samantha Wilding gives her tips
A
s I write this, the weather is decidedly, well, undecided. A not-quite-hotenough mix of cloudy and bursts of sunshine. I’m hoping by the time you actually read this we might be in the midst of one of our Indian Summer heatwaves. It doesn’t happen often, but it certainly has an impact when it does – particularly in terms of dressing for work and surviving a suffocating commute. So, what’s the best way to remain looking polished and professional while keeping your cool ? IT’S TIME TO LIGHTEN UP, GENTLEMEN The shirt should be your starting point. I’m hoping you still have your heavy winter suits, jackets and trousers packed away, but it’s surprising how many men wear the same shirts all year round. Branch out a bit. First, consider the fabric - opt for natural fibres such as cotton, linen or a blend of both. Or even seersucker. More commonly worn across the Atlantic, it can look very smart – think Gregory Peck in To Kill a Mockingbird. Although linen is wonderfully light and breathable, it does crease like mad, and a blend keeps those creases at bay. Lighten your colours too – and think beyond white. I freely admit to secretly admiring Michael Portillo in his ice-cream coloured shirt and jacket combinations. His choices of pale yellow, mint green, pink and sky blue exude summer and have a certain Continental je ne sais quoi. If pastel or bright colours aren’t your thing, the same summery effect can be achieved with a gingham check. Gingham looks crisp and is much more interesting than the usual stripe; you’ll find it adds a bit of personality to your look without sacrificing formality.
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Turning to jackets, cotton, linen (or best yet, a blend) should be chosen in favour of hot, stuffy wool. Choose neutral shades (navy or beige for example) that will go with a number of your shirts, to give you maximum wearability. Mr Portillo wears his rainbow assortment of shirts with navy, red and even yellow blazers – but I don’t expect you to go crazy… For more informal office days, pair your shirt with chinos and a lightweight blazer and you’re ready to go. Keep short-sleeved shirts for casual or smart-casual occasions – they can be a bit too informal for daily business attire. If you’d like to forego a tie, you can button your shirt fully (very modern) or leave the top button undone (depending on the cut of the shirt). You could also opt for a cotton pique polo shirt – just make sure you choose a tailored version with no logos. White, navy and other neutrals are your
go-to colours here. A crisp white polo can look really smart under a lightweight suit – try it. I’m a huge fan of the suede loafer worn without socks. There’s nothing quite like it for evoking a bit of ‘summer on the Riviera’ attitude. And please – always wear closed toe shoes in hot weather (think suede brogues or chukka boots as alternative options). Some final top tips: 1. I’ve said it before. These four items do not belong in a professional environment: flip flops, shorts, sandals and sports trainers 2. Think light colours and lighter weights for suits and jackets – pale grey check and stone are good options for summer 3. Colour and texture can also be added through details such as patterned pocket squares, ties or socks
STYLE
“If you want to be a bit more fashionforward, and your office culture allows it, culottes are a fantastic warm weather option”
IT’S EASIER FOR WOMEN Arguably, it is much easier for women to dress professionally in the heat, as we have many more outfit options. Some of the same rules apply as for men – lighter weight, natural fabrics are your best bet, particularly cotton, silk or a linen blend. For more formal days at work, choose sharp separates. Shirts (with or without sleeves) or good quality white t-shirts look great paired with plain or print slim cut trousers. Add a lightweight jacket or a sleeveless longline ‘blazer’ – a creative way to add a tailored touch without bulk. A good quality white t-shirt can also look really sharp and chic worn with a jacket and a silk scarf. This season, wide-leg, fluid trousers still abound, in solid colours, prints or stripes. The striped versions are another great way to add some tailoring while staying comfortable. Choose office-appropriate neutrals as the dominant colour, such as navy, black or even khaki. If you’re petite like me, keep loose tops tucked in to streamline your silhouette. With print trousers, choose a plain top and, of course, add heels for height. Stripes also work their magic by elongating your legs. If you prefer dresses, choose a simple shift with a contrasting lightweight cardigan (don’t wear a jacket – the frump factor is in danger of creeping in here). Add colour with a contrasting slim belt and structured bag. If you want to be a bit more fashion-forward, and your office culture allows it, culottes are a fantastic warm weather option. Choose a neutral colour (again, black, white, navy or khaki) and wear them with a crisp shirt or a striped breton. These look great worn with
block heels, mules or flat sliders. You can still wear open-toe shoes, but that doesn’t mean they have to be sloppy, or flat for that matter. The new block heel and mule shapes are a great way to achieve both height and comfort. Some final top tips: 1. Keep it minimal. Don’t overaccessorise in warm weather – you don’t want extra jewellery jangling and creating fuss 2. If you’re still going bare-legged, exfoliate and lotion regularly – your legs will thank you for it. If you do choose tights, invest in the best ultra sheers: Wolford Naked 8s 3. Finally, always wear nude underwear under white clothing as it becomes invisible…
www.styleandgrace.eu | @alwayschicUK
FINANCE
CHINA CRISIS China has a market cap of some $5.9 trillion, whereas the Greek stock market is smaller in terms of value than Expedia.com. Yet the influences of each may be misinterpreted. Skerrits Consultant Andy Merricks discusses CHINESE WHISPERS (LOUD ONES) It’s fascinating in the investment world how quickly we move on from one major worry to the next. It seems a short time ago that Greece was on everyone’s mind, yet now that an agreement has been reached (however temporary – we will return to this) this has been put to the back of the collective mind and been replaced by China. The most common question we get at present is “but what about China?” The recent Chinese stock market crash (correction, pull back, call it what you will) has been well publicised over here, appearing as a feature on numerous news reports. It reminds me of my late Dad, who always used to phone when news headlines shouted about Billions Being Wiped Off Stocks. “You never call me about the Billions Being Wiped ON Stocks headlines, do you, Dad?” I grumbled. “I don’t know what you’re talking about son,” he’d say. “I’ve never seen those headlines.” “Exactly, Dad. Exactly.” In a similar way, most people in the UK are unaware that the Chinese “A” Share market rose by over 100% before it gave back its 30% in the “crash”. As usual, most private investors
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waited too long before joining the party as the market was rising and suffered burnt fingers as the bubble burst, but it has raised awareness about China and its effect on the global economy. So how worried should we be by a Chinese slow down? Possibly, not as much as we fear. JUST IMAGINE THAT CHINA DOES NOT EXIST Hear us out on this one! We’re going to lean heavily upon a research note published by BCA Research for the following comments, but it makes for an interesting perspective. The perception we have in the West is that China is now a global powerhouse and is somehow ever more central to the global economic wherewithal than is perhaps comfortable. Its influence is undeniable, and one would be a fool to argue otherwise, but is it as influential as we think? Comparing the Greek stock market and the Chinese stock market is like comparing Manchester United to Accrington Stanley in terms of size. China has a market cap of some $5.9 trillion, whereas the Greek stock market is smaller in terms of value than Expedia.com. Yet the influences of each may be misinterpreted. There is an argument that
says that the Greek crisis is less about Greece itself and more about the wider entity that is the European Union and the single currency. What happens with Greece could be the canary in the coal mine when and if other peripheral European states enter a similar crisis. On a global scale, what happens in Europe is potentially far more damaging than a Chinese slowdown. So this is where we ask you to suspend real life for a while. Imagine that China did not exist. As BCA state, “One’s first reaction may be to say that growth would collapse as exports to China evaporate. But that is looking at only one half of the equation. If China disappeared, everything that China now exports would have to be produced elsewhere. Since China exports more than it imports, over the long haul that could mean more employment in the rest of the world.” Much depends upon whether your country is a consumer or a supplier. The popular view is that China is the seat of global manufacturing and that it has been quite clever in lending the US the money (by buying Treasuries – the US equivalent of gilts - and thus the vehicles by which governments borrow money) to buy Chinese goods, thus boosting the Chinese economy. However,
FINANCE
“China has a market cap of some $5.9 trillion, whereas the Greek stock market is smaller in terms of value than Expedia.com. Yet the influences of each may be misinterpreted”
there is also the perception that China has been hoovering up the world’s commodities in order to urbanise its population and is thus the world’s major importer as well. How often do we hear of companies hoping to open the door to sell to China? In reality, Chinese “true” exports are not as great as we may think. A large share of Chinese imports is only intermediary as they go towards making something that is exported again. For example, China only adds about 4% value to an iPhone, even though there is a Made In China sticker on the back. Who would a slowing Chinese economy affect most? Not the USA, whose exports to China only account for 0.7% of their GDP. Britain, France, Italy and Spain would be similarly only slightly hit as we all sit around the 1% of GDP figure. Germany would hurt more, with a 2.6% figure, but it is the rest of Asia and the commodity-producing countries such as South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Brazil, Australia and Chile that would bear the brunt of a Chinese deceleration. This is why we maintain our negative stance on Emerging Markets. So, when we’re asked about China, our reply is along the lines of yes, it is a concern, but there are perhaps other things we should worry about more in the short term. INTEREST RATES ON THE RISE? Notwithstanding our comments above on China and its importance in the global
economy, we appear to be a lone voice when it comes to interest rate expectations in the US. Everyone now seems to be fairly confident that rates are going to go up (not a lot, as Paul Daniels would say) in September, but we’re not so sure. Certainly, if they did, it wouldn’t be a great surprise to see them come down again fairly quickly, reflecting that the initial rise has been a mistake.
to be absolutely no reason for a rise, yet one of the MPC actually voted for one at the last meeting. Bizarre. Interest rates staying on hold for longer could see a market rally take place, even though it should perhaps worry more about the reasons behind rates staying where they are, which would, by and large, be negative. No one ever claimed investors’ logic was easy to understand.
“One’s first reaction may be to say that growth would collapse as exports to China evaporate. But that is looking at only one half of the equation”
THEY THINK IT’S ALL OVER… It’s not yet. Anyone who thinks that the Greek crisis is over should have a long sit down. Our view is that the conditions Greece accepted (beyond grudgingly) in July are clearly unsustainable and will be challenged within months. Quite what happens next we don’t know, but life in Greece took a turn for the worse a few weeks ago and history shows us that the people don’t stay quiet for long in such circumstances. Another chapter to the Greek Tragedy is just a few pages away, we fear.
Why would you raise rates when you have a potential threat to global growth, such as a Chinese deceleration, and with inflation still hiding, effectively, from view? The US economy is not exactly steaming ahead, and oil and commodity prices remain depressed. We get the sense that interest rates may go up, simply because, well, it’s about time they did. And that would be a dangerous mistake. The same goes for this country. There appears
Disclaimer: These are our views and are for professional use only.
Skerritt Consultants Skerritt House 23 Coleridge Street Hove BN3 5AB 01273 204999 www.skerritts.co.uk
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THE P L AT I N U M CLUB BRIGHTON | GATWICK
The Platinum Club, the region’s leading networking forum, has continued its expansion with events held at the Grand Hotel, Brighton and the Hilton Hotel, Gatwick. Platinum evenings are unstructured, relaxing and primarily social events with an eclectic mix of business leaders from a wide spectrum of sectors. All events are hosted and relevant introductions are made throughout the evening. Fine Champagne and hand-made canapés complete an effective and highly enjoyable evening of diverse news, views, opinion and a wealth of new contacts. There are many more benefits to membership. Membership is limited to four members per business sector and for more information about joining the Platinum Club,
please contact info@theplatinumclubbrighton.co.uk or call 07966 244046
Call: 07966 244046 • e-mail: maarten@platinumbusinessmagazine.com • web: www.theplatinumclubbrighton.co.uk
Lookers Mercedes-Benz Business Solutions
Surprisingly Affordable New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate
E 220 BlueTEC AMG Night Edition Auto Just £254+VAT per month* Representative Finance Example: Mercedes-Benz E 220 BlueTEC AMG Night Edition Estate Auto: Monthly Payment (Excl. VAT)* £254.00 Advanced Payment (Excl. VAT)* £2,286.00 Payment Profile 9+23 Annual Mileage 10,000
For more details, visit www.lookers.co.uk/mercedes-benz
Mercedes-Benz of Brighton Victoria Road, Portslade, Brighton, East Sussex BN411DY 01273 426 728 Mercedes-Benz of Maidstone Bircholt Road, Parkwood, Maidstone, Kent ME15 9YN 01622 623 711
Official government fuel consumption figures in mpg (litres per 100km) for the E-Class. range: urban 19.9(14.2)-70.6(4.0), extra urban 35.3(8.0)-76.4(3.7), combined 27.7(10.2)-68.9(4.1). CO2 emissions 237-107 g/km.
*Business users only. Contract hire agreement. Advance payment applies. All payments subject to VAT at 20%. Finance based on a Contract Hire agreement, 10,000 miles per annum. Vehicle condition, excess mileage and other charges may be payable. Rental includes Road Fund Licence for the contract duration. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. No ownership option. Orders/credit approvals on selected E-Class Estate models between 1 July and 30 September 2015, registered by 31 December 2015. Subject to availability, offers cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Some combinations of features/options may not be available. Credit provided subject to status by Mercedes-Benz Financial Services UK Limited, MK15 8BA. 58541
LOOKING GOOD
Maarten Hoffmann has a preview of the Mecedes-Benz 2015 range in the stunning grounds of Gravetye Manor
L
ookers Mercedes-Benz made the irresistible offer to join them at the beautiful Gravetye Manor in West Hoathly recently and that is not an invitation I am minded to refuse. The 2015 range was on display with a constant stream of present and future customers invited to enjoy the cars and the glorious manor house that was built in 1598 and once used as a foundry to supply 12-pounder guns to Woolwich until 1769. This brings me neatly onto one of the world’s bullet proof cars, in terms of build quality, and I rightly enjoyed jumping from one to another and ripping around the picturesque countryside. The new CLS is superb and I will be reviewing it in depth in the next issue and no better way to get your hair in the wind than in the new SLK,
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which is great fun on those country roads. I own an S-Class therefore it was a treat to get behind the wheel of the 2105 model which is seriously calling on my wallet although the all-new and long-awaited S-Class Coupe is calling slightly louder. No wonder this is one of the world’s leading premium luxury cars and loved by chauffeur driven CEO’s the world over. You can do what I did, although you might have to visit a Lookers showroom to do it, but they are all available for your delight and delectation and they would love to offer you a test drive. I don’t think you will be disappointed and many thanks to Jane Saunders and the Lookers team for a great day out.
MOTORING
LOOKERS MERCEDES-BENZ Victoria Road, Portslade Brighton BN41 1DY 01273 707070 www.lookers.co.uk or visit www.mercedes-benz.co.uk
BUSINESS interview
ANGELA MERKEL
SUPERWOMAN
Considered to be the most powerful woman in the world and the de facto leader of Europe, Martin Hoffmann profiles Angela Merkel
A
ngela Merkel is one of the few people to have migrated to East Germany from West Germany – a path rarely trodden in the rush of humanity trying to go the other way. This move was prompted by her father’s religion: born Catholic, he converted to Lutheranism and received a pastorate at a church in Quitzow, which was then in East Germany. Thus began the rise of a lady who is generally recognised as the most powerful woman in the world and the de facto leader of Europe. Merkel is a riddle wrapped in a conundrum, having been brought up in the East and formerly a member of the Free German Youth (FDJ), a youth movement that was sponsored by the ruling Socialist Unity Party. Later, at the Academy of Sciences, she became a member of the FDJ district board and Secretary for ‘Agitprop’, dealing with Agitation and Propaganda. Merkel claimed she was Secretary for Culture, and when Merkel’s ex-boss in the department contradicted her, she insisted that “according to my memory, l was Secretary for Culture. But what do l know? I believe l won’t know anything when l am 80.” The trouble was, she was not 80, and one might therefore reasonably expect her to recall her title. This is the woman who went on to rule over the largest exercise is democracy in a lifetime – the European Union. Hence the riddle. Merkel’s rise was predicted at a very young age. At school, she learned to speak Russian fluently and was awarded prizes for her proficiency in Russian and mathematics. At the University of Leipzig she studied physics from 1973 to 1978, earning a doctorate as a physical chemist for her thesis on quantum chemistry, after which she worked as a researcher and published several papers. Merkel entered politics in the wake of the Revolutions of 1989, briefly serving as the Deputy Spokesperson for the first democratically
elected East German Government in 1990. Following the German reunification of that year, she was elected to the Bundestag for StralsundNordvorpommern-Rügen , a seat she has held ever since. Following the 2005 federal election, she was appointed Germany’s first female Chancellor at the head of a grand coalition consisting of her own CDU party, its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), and the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD). In the 2009 federal election, the CDU obtained the largest share of the vote, and Merkel was able to form a coalition government with the support of the CSU and the Free Democratic Party (FDP). At the 2013 federal election, Merkel led the CDU/CSU to a landslide victory with 41.5% of the vote and formed a second grand coalition
“In Angela Merkel, the world has just witnessed the unmistakable return of Germany as the dominant power of Europe” with the SPD after the FDP lost all of its representation in the Bundestag. In 2007, Merkel was President of the European Council and chaired the G8, the second woman (after Margaret Thatcher) to do so. She played a central role in the negotiation of the Treaty of Lisbon and the Berlin Declaration. One of her priorities was also to strengthen transatlantic economic relations by signing the agreement for the Transatlantic Economic Council on 30 April, 2007. Merkel is seen as
playing a crucial role in managing the financial crisis at the European and international levels, and has been referred to as “the decider.” Merkel advocated a strong transatlantic partnership and German-American friendship. In the spring of 2003, defying strong public opposition, Merkel came out in favour of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, describing it as “unavoidable” and accusing Chancellor Gerhard Schröder of anti-Americanism. She criticised the government’s support for the accession of Turkey to the European Union and favoured a “privileged partnership” instead. In doing so, she reflected public opinion that grew more hostile toward Turkish membership of the European Union. Full Turkish membership would place the entire union in the hands of a country with 74 million Muslims, who would carry an enormous voting bloc, and this has long been deemed unacceptable. In October 2010, Merkel told a meeting of younger members of her CDU party at Potsdam that attempts to build a multicultural society in Germany had “utterly failed”, stating: “The concept that we are now living side by side and are happy about it does not work and we feel attached to the Christian concept of mankind; that is what defines us. Anyone who doesn’t accept that is in the wrong place here.” She continued to say that immigrants should integrate and adopt Germany’s culture and values. This has added to a growing debate within Germany on the levels of immigration, its effect on Germany and the degree to which Muslim immigrants have integrated into German society. The current appalling debacle we see on the streets of Calais, protested over by utterly inept British and French Governments, hinges on the refusal of Britain to take any more immigrants, ignoring the fact that Germany has taken in over 400,000 since 2012. Over the same period, the UK has taken in only 103,000.
“During the long night of negotiations over Greece on July 12-13, something fundamental to the European Union cracked”
On 25 September, 2007, Merkel met the 14th Dalai Lama for private and informal talks in the Chancellery in Berlin amid protests from China. China afterwards cancelled separate talks with German officials, including talks with Justice Minister Brigitte Zypries. Unlike many world leaders, she did not buckle and stuck to her guns. One of Merkel’s priorities was strengthening transatlantic economic relations: she signed the agreement for the Transatlantic Economic Council on 30 April, 2007 at the White House. The Council, co-chaired by an EU and a US official, aims at removing barriers to trade in a further integrated transatlantic free-trade area. This project has been described as ultraliberal by the French left-wing politician JeanLuc Mélenchon, who fears a transfer of sovereignty from citizens to multinationals and an alignment of the European Union on American foreign policy and institutions. Der Spiegel reported that tensions between Chancellor Merkel and US President Barack Obama eased during a meeting between the two leaders in June 2009. Commenting on a White House press conference held after the meeting, Der Spiegel stated, “Of course the rather more reserved Chancellor
couldn’t really keep up with the Obama charm offensive, but to reciprocate for Obama’s ‘good natured’ diplomacy, she gave it a go by mentioning the experiences of Obama’s sister in Heidelberg, making it clear that she had read his autobiography.” Relations between the two soured dramatically when the leaks from whistleblower Edward Snowdon revealed that America’s National Security Agency had been spying on Germany, and on Merkel personally, for decades. In an angry exchange with Barack Obama, Angela Merkel compared the snooping practices of the US with those of the Stasi, the ubiquitous and all-powerful secret police of the Communist dictatorship in East Germany, where she grew up. The German Chancellor also told the US President that the NSA cannot be trusted because of the volume of material it had allowed to leak. Livid after learning that the Americans were listening in on her personal mobile phone, Merkel furiously confronted Obama with the accusation: “This is like the Stasi.” And she would know! The newspaper also reported that Merkel was particularly angry because, based on the disclosures, “the NSA clearly couldn’t be trusted with private information, because they
let Snowden clean them out.” Rather than resorting to a European response, Merkel pursued a bilateral pact with the Americans aimed at curbing NSA activities and insisting on a “no-spying pact” between allies. Obama refused but agreed to desist from monitoring Merkel personally. It is alleged that she went into secret meetings with selected heads of European countries to devise technology that would defend against US snooping aggression. This is phenomenally difficult as the US is the leading player in the sector and it marks the first time that Germany recognised US aggression since 1944. Russia’s stance has always comprised a mixture of fascination and trepidation for Merkel. Not only fluent in Russian, she has studied Soviet history in an attempt to understand what makes them tick. After all, if Europe is to stand up in its own right on the international stage and rebuff America’s crass attempts to spy-then-placate, Russia would be the obvious partner. Alas, this plan was doomed after the Ukraine invasion and Putin’s ostracisation from Planet Earth. Nevertheless, Merkel is very good at the long game and is now seen as the go-between for isolated Russia and the West. PORTFOLIO 101
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Meeting Putin for talks at the Kremlin, she stressed the importance of finding a diplomatic solution. “It’s necessary for us to work, to cooperate, including over complicated situations - the way the situation is now - and try to find diplomatic solutions,” she said at the start of the talks. Political analyst Lilia Shevtsova said the meeting between the two leaders was highly symbolic. “They are hardly happy to see each other,” the prominent pro-Western analyst wrote on Facebook. “He is trying to retain his seat at the table by turning to the shadows of the past and other people’s glory. But she has not accepted his rules of the game.” He has shrugged off Merkel’s gesture and instead played up ties with Asia, Latin America and Africa. “Everyone we wanted to see was here,” he said in televised remarks. He then immediately hosted 91-year-old Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, who praised him for standing up to Washington and noted that their two countries had been slapped with sanctions. “That is the reason why we should remain together,” Mugabe said. When the Zimbabwean Butcher is the only person who will talk to you, you know there is a problem. Putin is rumoured to be a raging misogynist, and having to deal with Merkel must rankle. This was demonstrated for the entire world to see in 2007. The incident of Vladimir Putin, Angela Merkel and the dog is a famous one. It was 2007 and Merkel was visiting Putin at his presidential residence in Sochi to discuss energy trade. Putin, surely aware of Merkel’s well-known fear of dogs, waited until the press gathered in the room, then called for his black Labrador to be sent in. The Russian president watched in
unconcealed glee as the dog sniffed at Merkel, who sat frozen in fear. Later, in discussing the incident with a group of reporters, Merkel attempted an explanation of Putin’s behaviour. Her quote, reported in George Packer’s December 2014 profile of Merkel in the New Yorker, is one of the most pithily succinct insights into Putin and the psychology of his 14year reign that I have read: “I understand why he has to do this — to prove he’s a man,” Merkel said. “He’s afraid of his own weakness. Russia has nothing, no successful politics or economy. All they have is this.”
“I understand why Putin has to do this — to prove he’s a man. He’s afraid of his own weakness. Russia has nothing, no successful politics or economy. All they have is this.” Merkel is not the first person to suggest that Putin’s machismo — everything from his harassment of fellow heads of state to his shirtless photos and his invasion of Ukraine are shows of strength meant to mask feelings of weakness. But she has put her finger on this phenomenon with remarkable bluntness. Her female instincts kick in and are right on the money. She has an especially close relationship
with Putin (this incident notwithstanding) and unusual insight into how Putin’s Russia works. Among Western leaders, her relationship with Putin is almost certainly the closest and most important. Yet all this closeness has apparently made her respect Putin less, not more. It is also dangerous, tempting the nuclear-armed and legitimately formidable Russian military into a war in Europe. But at least Merkel, who is in many ways the pivot point between Russia and the West, understands what she is up against. And here is a point that cannot go unrecognised. Love her or hate her, Margaret Thatcher was a force to be reckoned with and stood up to hectoring bullies and maledominated military aggression. If Merkel is to be the confidante of both Obama and Putin, there is an obvious gender connection here. Do women make better politicians than men? Both ladies were female scientists who became the first women to lead a maledominated Conservative Party, and the first women to lead their countries. But their leadership styles could not be more different. Where Thatcher ruled with an iron fist, Merkel prefers discussion, deliberation and consensus. Her nickname, ‘Mutti’ (‘mummy’), is a far cry from the ‘Iron Lady’. Her leadership style – prudent, democratic, and modest – has proven to be hugely successful. She exemplifies a different type of leadership, one that many other women, regardless of political affiliation, can relate to. A survey in August 2013 showed that a third of German women now consider her a role model. Yet there is a significant similarity: neither Thatcher nor Merkel consider themselves feminists. And although her gender undoubtedly affected her career, Merkel very rarely talks PORTFOLIO 103
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about it. Her party has by far the smallest percentage of female members of parliament, even if their leadership and cabinet appear otherwise; she has always worked in maledominated environments. Her path to power has been more a marathon than a sprint, and one during which her ability was frequently doubted. Her political record on women’s issues
Particularly troubling is that Germany has one of the highest gender pay gaps in Europe. This failure was recently criticised by the Social Democrats (SPD). Unlike Merkel, they call for the implementation of a minimum wage as a step towards correcting gender pay inequality. They also support women in higher positions by backing a 40% quota for women on boards, which Merkel delayed until 2020. But their
vote for her party, compared to 39% of German men. This goes against global trends, where women have begun to lean more towards the left of the political spectrum. But despite her success in the election, only 28% are happy with Merkel’s ‘Frauenpolitik’ and more than half of German women believe that a lot more needs to be done before gender equality is achieved. Dealing with prejudice throughout her career,
is lacking, and many feel she has done too little to promote gender equality. Unresolved issues include equal pay, women’s career prospects and women on boards.
criticisms were blunted by questions about the number of women in the SPD leadership, which does not showcase the same gender diversity as the top ranks of the CDU. This brings us to the deeper problem: issues of gender remain largely unrecognised and unaddressed in German political
Merkel has been reluctant to emphasise her femininity. Years ago, as leader of the opposition during Gerhardt Schroeder’s chancellorship, ‘Die Merkel’ made a conscious effort to run a gender-neutral campaign and would not have dared to tackle women’s issues for fear of being labelled and restricted to those issues – a common fear among female politicians.
discourse. Neither party was willing to address issues in gendered terms in their recent national campaigns. The failure of German politics to address women’s issues is further highlighted by the worrying fact that 46% of women don’t look to the government for help on women’s issues. Merkel managed to secure 44%
But unlike male leaders in the past, she has accidentally been bestowed with the ‘burden of representation’, which makes her failure to act on behalf of women more visible. Her dress style makes a firm statement that she will not be judged by her gender. A vast array of trouser suits ensures that little comment, whether bitchy or complimentary, can be levied. Needless to say, the perennial Queen of the May, Karl Lagerfeld, couldn’t help himself when he whined: “Bad proportions, too long pants, too tight jackets. She has scarcely any time to come to Paris, and when she is in Paris to visit President Holland she is very busy.” Not going to Paris to shop is his benchmark for judging women, which about says it all!
of
the women’s
But with fashion not coming to her as naturally as economics, Merkel has got her formula and she’s sticking with it. Her signature look comprises three-button blazers, often from German designer Bettina Schoenbach, in a huge range of colours. Dutch graphic designer Noortje van Eekelen even created a personal Pantone chart that runs to an impressive 90 shades. That’s one for every situation Europe’s
Proof that Merkel speaks fluent English most powerful woman might find herself in. In Angela Merkel, the world has just witnessed the unmistakable return of Germany as the dominant power of Europe. After decades of deliberately constraining its power, Germany has snapped its restraints. Instead
stay solvent, to keep her banks to open, to stay in the Eurozone. It was an exercise in power politics. Greece was the immediate object of the exercise, but Angela Merkel was giving a lesson in fiscal discipline to all the other debtor nations of
of aligning itself to the collective interest of a unified Europe, Germany has asserted its own interests. At the extreme, there have been hysterical comparisons with Germany’s Nazi past. But even moderate and responsible Germans have marked this episode as a turning point in the history of their country: “During the long night of negotiations over Greece on July 12-13, something fundamental to the European Union cracked,” wrote Germany’s former Foreign Affairs Minister, Joschka Fischer. What changed, he said, was “the Germany that Europeans have known since the end of World War Two”. The German Chancellor put Germany’s demands ahead of those of its European partners. She overruled her core partner,
Europe – including France. Germany’s first postwar Chancellor, Konrad Adenauer, famously declared: “German problems can only be solved under a European roof.”
France, in the co-management of Europe and the majority of EU governments. Formally, Greece has been negotiating its national solvency with the so-called “troika” of institutions – the EU, the European Central Bank and the IMF. But, in reality, the nub of the negotiation came down to Greece pleading with Germany, the weakest debtor pleading with the strongest creditor. And submitting. Merkel laid down tough demands for Greece’s government to raise her taxes, cut her spending and repay her debts. If she agreed, she would receive enough new loans to allow her to
“If we can forgive the barbaric transgressions of their forefathers, Germany could and should be our closest ally.” This was the concept guiding the creation of the European Union – Germany took the initiative to extend the roof to pool its power with that of its neighbours in a revolutionary experiment in surrendering sovereignty. But Europe’s debt crisis has revealed a change. Germany remains under a shared roof, but it is a German roof that extends over Europe, not the other way around. This newfound German assertiveness has been called the “return of the German problem” and “the return of the ugly German”. Most dramatically, German newspaper Süddeutsche
carried a piece about Merkel, under the headline: “Europe’s new enemy”. There has been talk of a “fourth Reich” or fourth empire. As Heather Conley of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies puts it, the crisis over Greece is answering the post-World War Two question: “Will Europe develop in France’s image, financially underwritten by the Germans? Or will Europe follow German rules, financed and policed by Germany?” The answer now emerging is: “Europe will be shaped by Germany (with occasional French intervention).” Where’s Great Britain in all this? Amid the anger and the angst over Greece and the European “periphery”, three central developments have been largely overlooked. One is that Germany showed considerable patience with Greece and Europe’s other debtor states. This is not the first time Germany has rescued Greece from its own fecklessness. As one commentator summarised it in fewer than 140 characters: “Five years, four governments, three bail-outs ... and no basic reforms on Greece’s part.” A German leader today is a democrat, not a Nazi dictator, and has to operate within democratic constraints. The German public had reached its limit. The final German offer to Greece had the support of 57 per cent of Germans – another 22 per cent wanted Berlin to go harder still. Second is that the Eurozone, and the EU itself, would have splintered years ago if not for Merkel’s determination and Germany’s strength. Remember all the headlines and PORTFOLIO 105
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confident prognostications that the EU couldn’t stand, that it must shatter under the force of the crisis? This was the orthodoxy. There was no inevitability that the EU would endure. Merkel’s Germany has held it together. Third is that there is a world beyond Europe. And it’s not all benign. Vladimir Putin’s angry Russian bear is real, and it’s increasingly aggressive. Who will stand up to it? Among the major European powers, it has so far been Merkel’s Germany that has shown the firmest resolve to resist Russia. While the US under Obama dithers over what she is prepared to defend and what she will resist, Merkel’s Germany has been putting the spine into Europe. Economically and strategically, German power is revealing itself to be the solid core of the Western world. And that’s not all bad news. If we can forgive the barbaric transgressions of their forefathers, Germany could and should be our closest ally. That so-called ‘special relationship’ we have with America is so much tosh and nonsense. It’s all one-way, and to be frank, they couldn’t give a hoot for our thoughts. I have a vague, passing interest in cars and therein lies an excellent example. Germanbuilt automobiles stand absolutely head and shoulders above the motoring crowd and have done for the past 30 years. They do not produce the finest machinery the world has ever seen with slave labour or smoke and mirrors. They 106 PORTFOLIO
work bloody hard, have the finest technical expertise, derived from an exceptional education and iron discipline, and earn a damn good crust from it. If you can suspend your bemusement at the following example, l think it might
inextricably bound throughout history, devoid of aggression and masters of their universe. Angela Merkel leads a people of determination and hard graft, and as we adopted our own royal family from their fair shores, perhaps we should be realising that allowing Germany to partner with the economic minnow that is France is lunacy. They will only ever be a subservient infant, and perhaps we
emphasise the point. In 1939, this small country comprised 67 million citizens. They followed a deranged maniac, admittedly, but in their devotion and discipline they took to conflict and totally dominated the planet of 2.3 billion people. They easily conquered every country in Europe, with one hand tied behind their back, and went on to take over the world. Only the horrific Russian winter and America finally waking up stalled their progress.
should step forth and occupy our rightful place by their side. But perhaps this is only possible once we have another female leader in Britain. We are likely to be pipped to the post by the Americans yet again if Hilary Clinton achieves her dreams and occupies the White House. It is, perhaps, a measure of just how powerful she has become that Angela Merkel now appears to be influencing youth slang. The compilers of Germany’s most popular dictionary say that the verb “merkeln” is on track to become the most popular “youth word” of the year. Media strategists surrounding the Chancellor who may have fleetingly thought they could seize on the opportunity to encourage more young people to support the German Chancellor will, however, have been quickly disappointed. The word is none-too flattering, meaning being indecisive, or failing to have an opinion on something – behaviour that Germans often attribute to Merkel. And this is an issue that dogs most highly competent world leaders. The more they play on the international stage, the more support they lose at home. She has had tough decisions to make and they will never please everyone, but there is one inescapable truth: Frau Angela Dorothea Merkel has taken Germany from a country that was ashamed of its past, content to live in the shadows of the world stage to being one of the biggest players on the planet, the leading state in Europe, one of the wealthiest and most productive countries around and the psychological counsellor of Messrs. Putin and Obama. It might take a while, but Merkel will one day be recognised as one of the most influential women the world has ever seen.
“Angela Merkel compared the snooping practices of the US with those of the Stasi, the ubiquitous and allpowerful secret police of the communist dictatorship in East Germany, where she grew up.” This was a remarkable feat of efficiency. The difference here is about 70 years and a woman. Mrs Merkel is unlikely to go to war or invade Poland, no matter what Basil Fawlty thinks. Here might be the opportunity for the UK to partner with a country to which we have been
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