VICINITEE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2010 by Runwild Media Group

N O V E M B E R 2010

business • current affairs • fashion • health & beauty • finance • food & drink • motoring • uk & international property n

time in his

hands

Jerome de Witt talks tradition, inspiration and passion

Life sucks

An interview with inventor James Dyson

finance gadgets motoring interiors property NOVEMBER 2010 i s s u e 3 7

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contents feature 12 Time in his hands Talking to Jérôme de Witt, president of

luxury watch brand DeWitt, about his passion for design

16 Twitter Dragon Leading businessman Simon Dolan tells us about his cutting-edge investments and innovative use of Twitter for business

interview

Time

in his hands

Claire Saunders talks to Jérôme de Witt, president of luxury watch brand DeWitt, about tradition and inspiration, passion and design

eWitt is one of Switzerland’s youngest but most luxurious watch brands – and a name that has quickly become synonymous with, curiosity, creativity and innovation. A natural extension of the inspirational and passionate personality of company president, Jérôme de Witt, the brand has created some of the most exquisite and mechanically impressive timepieces of recent times. Focusing on a philosophy of ‘classical audacity’ – a futuristic vision of horological tradition and microengineering – Jérôme de Witt has been able to establish a prestigious reputation in record time: a world first presented in Basel in 2003 with the Pressy Grande Complication, followed in 2005 by the launch of an original technological concept, the Academia Tourbillon Différentiel, which won the Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix in the Innovation category. The company’s introduction of several new projects (including the first entirely in-house crafted Tourbillon) demonstrates its standing within the luxury watch market. Leading the way in the field of 21st century horology, I spoke to Jérôme de Witt about his achievements in the industry so far, and what we can expect from one of the most cuttingedge names in modern watchmaking... How would you describe DeWitt? DeWitt is an audacious brand, and audacity simply means being

bold, brave and innovative, yet never arrogant or aloof. The subtlety lies in the fact that DeWitt is not trying to be audacious, it is simply in its DNA; in the way the company breathes and works every day. Every DeWitt watch is built by a passionate and dedicated master horologist and incorporates a clever twist on the classical watchmaker’s art, and this is precisely what sets the brand apart. When did you become interested in horology and watchmaking? I was a collector, but mainly I was an investor in different businesses in various industries. I invested in a watch company and just when I started to look at the quality issues and ask questions, the founder left. He took all the orders and the designs and left me with the debt. That’s how I started – I recognised a great opportunity in a field that fascinated me. What inspires the creation of new watches? Each watch has its specific story and the inspiration behind each design is always different. However, there are some core elements that have always fascinated me and are often a source of inspiration when designing a new watch: nature, art (Art Déco in particular) and mechanical objects such as cars, steam engines or planes. Another field that I love exploring and which often brings me new inspiration is the field of new materials; all these elements interrelate and generate dreams and creativity.

Which innovative designs are DeWitt known for? Our brand is different, creative and easily identifiable. The Academia, the first case born of my imagination, bears the hallmark of contemporary design and the Imperial columns give an innovative and clear-cut character to our models. The aesthetic side is not the only important aspect for us, as we put a lot of energy into research and development; we have secured three patents over the last five years, the latest of which was unveiled at BaselWorld 2010 (Regulator with Automatic Sequential Winding, A.S.W. device).

Who is your target client? Who wears a DeWitt watch? We create and produce unique and exclusive watches. Our customers like to say, “If it’s new, I’ll try it”. They tend to be unconventional and live for the moment. They like prestige, luxury and the idea of being different. We think our customers are people who set trends, not follow them. How do you strike the right balance between traditional watchmaking and modern design? We are different, we like challenges and, for us, nothing is impossible.

Since the very beginning, only seven years ago, DeWitt immediately distinguished itself by adopting its own, unique approach to building watches and movements. Our signature phrase, ‘classical audacity’ is a combination of horological knowledge and challenges. With the utmost respect for quality and knowledge, DeWitt is pushing the boundaries of luxury watchmaking in order to create masterpieces with a twist. n For more information, visit www.dewitt.ch

OFFICIAL TIMEKEEPER FOR THE QUEEN’S CUP “DeWitt is honoured to be the Official Timing Partner of Guards Polo Club. My family has always had a great passion for horses, therefore we naturally developed a partnership. The Queen’s Cup celebrates its 50th anniversary exactly 170 years after my great-great uncle married Queen Victoria. And so, we could not miss this special occasion. The Dame de Pressy watch, initially designed for my daughter, was customised for the Queen. It displays over 460 brilliant-cut and “snow-set” diamonds, and the Guards Polo Club logo on the sapphire crystal back. The Dame de Pressy was presented to H.M. the Queen in an elegant white box with a discrete drawer displaying six additional pastel straps chosen to match her outfits.”

29 Time for Christmas Gorgeous gifts from around the globe

comment 36 Women on top Talking to luxury goods auditor for KPMG Sarah McCreath about her high flying career and women in business

Photography:

concierge 68 Fashion One Night: ladylike luxury

78 Interiors

Lucie Dodds

Black chiffon dress, £695, Willow. Black suede boots £1,520, Gucci, www.gucci.com. Black ‘Katherine’ bra £90, Agent Provocateur, www.agentprovocateur.com Bangle, Chanel, www.chanel.com

52 Catch it while you can Audi’s decidedly un-PC gas-guzzling V8

The razzmatazz of the National Football League heads to these shores

Fashion Editor:

Diana Pai

calibre

60 America on the Offensive

travel connoisseur

island

FEVER

Part one of the 2,500km off-roading Odyssey through Oman: Bel Trew drives north to discover diving, dolphins and smugglers in majestic Musandam

AIT here!” barked the Omani Immigration officer from his booth at UAE border. We feared the worst, having experienced some of the most gruelling border interrogations during previous travels. It was 45°C with no shade. This could take all day. “Tea?” he said and pulled two small Arabic glasses from under his counter, “Ahlan (Welcome) to Oman”. An impromptu tea party at the border is just one example of how extraordinarily welcoming Oman is. Nestled between Saudi, Yemen and the UAE, Oman is an undiscovered diamond of the Middle East with some of the most startling landscapes on the Arabian Peninsula. Tipped with rocky fjords and edged with remote white beaches, Oman’s belly comprises mountainous wadis with breathtaking hikes, canyons and oases. To the west are the endless triangular-prism sand dunes of the Empty Quarter. If you follow the frankincense trees down south to Salalah, the foot of Oman is a tropical landscape with flamingos and green forests. In short, it is a Land Rover’s adventure playground.

Unlike Dubai, which is overcrowded with rowdy hedonists, or its xenophobic neighbour of Saudi, Oman quietly preserves its rich history and culture, whilst not forgetting traditional Middle Eastern hospitality. Until the 1970s when the current Sultan, Qaboos, seized the throne from his rather inept father, Oman was a relatively isolated and underdeveloped country. Since then it has successfully pursued economic growth, as well as making its mark on regional and international politics. Without the vast oil reserves that its neighbours have enjoyed, this has been a long and difficult process. Although it does mean that Oman hasn’t, like other Gulf countries, sold its cultural soul. Anyone with even a sniff of adventure in them should head straight to a car rental company and hire themselves a shiny 4WD, as this is the only way to discover the country. Aside from mosquito repellent and gin (temperatures can hit 50°C, I challenge anyone to sleep in that minus a nightcap) Oman Off-Road was the best purchase we made. The book is a detailed encyclopedia of untrodden paths complete with maps, points of interest, driving recommendations and even a section on flora and fauna (which is very useful in the land of the scorpion and desert hornet). Lost in a world where road signs do not exist, the book, giving directions in mysterious GPS symbols with bizarre points of reference, became all-knowing as we stormed our way up the wadis. After spending most of the year being dictated to by the infantile primary-coloured lines of Transport for London, this was sheer bliss. One of the must-see areas of Oman is the majestic Musandam. The much-coveted northern tip of the Arabian Peninsula belongs to Oman, despite being separated from the rest of the country by the UAE. Until relatively recently, Musandam was only reachable by boat and so it has a special character of its own, including its own language; Kumzari is a muddle of Portuguese, Arabic, Farsi, Urdu and Baluchi. The road up to Khasab from the UAE is a must-do drive, and the only way in and out of Musandam for foreigners. Blasted out of the spectacular mountainside, the road crawls around the headland following the dramatic curvatures and swells of the terrain. Khasab can be summed in three words: diving, dolphins and dhows. Oh, and Iranian smugglers, whom you see whizzing across the Strait of Hormuz in frantic speedboat armadas carrying American cigarettes to Iran. The scuba diving in Khasab is spectacular. Virtually untouched reefs house bumbling green turtles, rare leopard sharks and large rays, among other happy

inhabitants. Extra Divers, a great diving venture run by a German couple, is the only centre operating in Musandam. Although their offices are based out of the inexplicably expensive and soulless Tulip Hotel, it is worth staying at the Extra Diver’s villa, which is cheaper, friendlier and, frankly, nicer. Exploring the water at the feet of the fjords, with turtles at your fins and the gunmetal cliffs rising out of the dark water around you is an incredible experience. For the non-Scuba diver, there are dolphin-spotting trips to the ancient remote villages and islands on old dhows (traditional Arabic boats). As soon as we left the harbour, our bottle-nosed friends came out to play. “They like Michael Jackson’s Greatest Hits’”, explained the local dhow driver of the aptly named Dolphin Khasab Tours. Certainly the dolphins don’t leave your side, sometimes joining you whilst you snorkel around Telegraph Island. Until the ‘70s there was only around 15km of tarmac road in the whole of Oman. This makes the magnificent shiny-new Highway No.1, that goes from the UAE Fujairah border to Sur (East Oman), all the more impressive. Snaking off this highly efficient highway are the spindly fingers of the wadis, which reach into the belly of the Hajar mountain range, a geological treat with unique waves of multi-coloured mixed stone.

So on this magical road, we headed non-stop, foot-down, hunched over the steering wheel for the five-hour slog into Oman, in search of camping and cooler climbs. Just 40km out of Muscat, As Sifah is vast empty stretch of white sandy beach and mini-dunes, nestled against the patchwork rock. With the prospect of a morning dip and the cool sea breeze, As Sifah beach is a perfect place to camp for the night – for now. Despite having the beach to ourselves, aside from a brief (and embarrassing) moment where some very kind locals helped dig our car out of a sand dune, at one end we spied the ghostly shape of halfbuilt holiday apartments rising out of the sand. This idyll may not last. Still gently rocking from the boating trips and the sea, and with enough salt in our hair to create a Simpsonsesque coif, we needed a break. It was time to head for some serious pampering in Oman’s majestic capital, Muscat. n For more information and detailed maps of the routes covered, see Oman, Off-Road, Publisher – Explorer, www.explorerpublishing.com, available from www.amazon.co.uk Dolphin Khasab Tours, www.dolphinkhasabtours.com Extra Divers Musandam, www.musandam-diving.com

111

Celebrating Christmas in style

connoisseur 90 Island Fever Part one of an off-roading Odyssey through Oman

101 Under the Bridge Parisian style sophistication at Pont de la Tour Bar &Grill

concierge

regulars 8 editor’s letter

77 interiors

38 personal finance

83 health & fitness

59 sport

89 travel

62 gadgets

99 food & drink

67 fashion

109 property

City Mag:Layout 10 28/10/2010 13:18 Page 1

CHRISTMAS 2010

Canary Wharf • Bishopsgate • Eastcheap

contributors...

RUNWILD M

Editor-in-Chief Lesley Ellwood

Editorial Director Kate Harrison

Editor

Louisa Castle

1. Claire Adler is a London-based freelance

journalist specialising in jewellery, watches and luxury brands. Her work has appeared in the Financial Times, The Sunday Times, The Guardian and Harrods magazine.

2. Jamie Carter is a freelance journalist specialising in gadgets and technology. Jamie has written for the likes of T3, Home Cinema Choice and The Guardian as well as a number of websites. 3. David Kuo is one of the UK’s leading

Deputy Editor Josephine O’Donoghue

Editorial Assistants Oliver Balcazar Penelope M Walsh

Fashion Editor Lucie Dodds

Senior Designer Hiren Chandarana

commentators on money matters. He is a director at The Motley Fool as well as providing daily insight and financial news for BBC London’s Breakfast Show.

Design Assistant

4. Sim Smith is a freelance journalist and stylist based in London. A frequent contributor to prestigious publications, Sim has worked with ELLE Decoration, The Telegraph and The Financial Times.

Production

5. Matthew Carter is a London-based freelance

journalist who’s been writing about cars for most of his working life. A former editor of Autocar magazine, he is a serial car owner.

6. Martin Bamford is one of the youngest and

Alex Heath Ashley Lewis Fiona Fenwick Daniel Harris

Group Publishing Director Eren Ellwood

Project Manager Ella Kilgarriff

Managing Director Giles Ellwood

most successful financial planners in the UK. He runs his own firm of financial advisers – Informed Choice – and regularly contributes to various financial publications.

7. Chelsey Baker is a business advisor and life coach, she has been featured extensively in the national media as a leading entrepreneurand runs her own consultancy firm Success Media. Chelsey is a freelance journalist and motivational speaker. 8. Clare Murray is founder and managing partner of specialist law firm, CM Murray LLP. Clare and her colleagues advise a wide range of companies, professional firms and senior individuals on employment, partnership and business immigration law issues.

16 Heron Quay, Canary Wharf London E14 4JB T: 020 7987 4320 F: 020 7005 0045 www.runwildmedia.com

Runwild Media Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Runwild Media Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

Jerome de Witt, president DeWitt See page 12 Runwild Media Group Publishers of: Canary Wharf magazine The City magazine, Vicinitee VENUE – The official magazine of The O2

Subscriptions: A free online subscription service is available to vicinitee magazine, e-mail subscribe@runwildmedia.com for further details.

Longitude. Latitude. Attitude.

Land ahoy! Portuguese Automatic. Ref. 5001: Where you go is entirely up to you. After

Mechanical IWC-manufactured movement | Pellaton

all, it’s your boat. So if you’re in the mood for sailing around the world, away

automatic winding system (figure) |

you go. The pocket watch movement of your Portuguese Automatic with

7-day power reserve with display |

its seven-day power reserve and Pellaton winding will be only too happy to

Date display | Antireflective

oblige. Because its precision will always navigate you reliably to your desti-

sapphire glass | Sapphire-glass

nation. Assuming you always take it with you. IWC. Engineered for men.

back cover | Water-resistant 3 bar | Stainless steel

IWC Schaffhausen, Switzerland. www.iwc.com The world’s finest timepieces are exclusively available from selected watch specialists. For an illustrated catalogue or list of nationwide concessionaires please contact IWC UK. Tel. 0845 337 1868. E-mail: uk-enquiries@iwc.com

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21.10.10 16:38

November

from the editor...

elcome to the new issue of Vicinitee Magazine. November’s edition is packed with top editorial features, expert opinions and entertainment features. If you’re looking for some early shopping inspiration this month then be sure to check out our Christmas gift guide and feature on Christmas entertaining. Features this month include an array of prestigious watches - always a firm favorite during the festive shopping period. Louisa Castle speaks to Kurt Klaus, IWC who invented the perpetual calendar for watches - he’s 82 and just been on a world tour. Claire Saunders talks to watch master extraordinaire Jerome de Witt, Switzerland’s youngest but most luxurious watch brand about his tradition, inspiration, passion and design.

be transformed into the City’s premier outdoor ice rink, providing occupiers and visitors with the perfect skating location. Enjoy some winter fun with friends or an ‘après skate’ after work with colleagues. Skate hire and private/group lessons are available. For more information please visit www.broadgateinfo.net If you wondered why there was a roller crushing hundreds of pairs of glasses in Broadgate recently, it was Balfour International making their point that you don’t need special glasses to view in 3D anymore. This November Balfour’s WOW Lounge is screening TV commercials they can be seen in 3D without glasses. Visitors will witness images floating out of the screens and the display can be seen daily in Broadgate’s Finsbury Avenue Square from 6.00am until 10.00pm.

Josh Sims spends some time with Britain’s bestknown inventor, James Dyson who discusses the business that saw operating profit rise by £100m last year to £190m.

Finally, don’t forget to check our November theme page on www.vicinitee.com which showcases many forthcoming events in and around Central London along with this month’s exciting competitions.

To kick start the winter season, the ice rink returns to Broadgate this month. The arena will

Keep reading and we’ll bring you closer to the space around you.

Richard Fischer Marketing Director Vicinitee.com

Giles Ellwood Managing Director Runwild Media

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life sucksâ&#x20AC;Ś and blows

interview

feature

Josh Sims spends some time with Britain’s best-known inventor, talking business and unloved products

ames Dyson is perhaps best known as inventor of a device that sucks – literally. But his latest blows. It is a bladeless fan and something of a wonder, since to the unscientific mind, the so-called Air Multiplier seems to move in mysterious ways, dragging in five per cent of the puff, it then ejects and produces the rest, well, seemingly out of thin air. Dyson might not approve of such minds – as one statistic has it in ‘Ingenious Britain’, a report he put out earlier this year, four per cent of teenage girls want to be engineers, 14 per cent want to be scientists, and 32 per cent want to be models. Perhaps this is why the UK’s best-known inventor – whose bag-less vacuum cleaner has, despite almost crippling legal wrangles, become a hit under stairs around the world, giving him a business that saw operating profit rise by £100m last year to £190m – is now struggling to fulfil his latest order: a major expansion programme that is seeing him recruit 350 new engineers to his research and development department by the end of this year alone. Indeed, he has long battled with what he regards as the modern British antipathy to engineering as a subject of serious study. He has experienced it himself from business advisers who once suggested he might not be qualified to run a company. “But an engineer has to understand not just how things are made, but what they cost and who might buy them and all the things ultimately important to people who might buy it,” he counters. “There’s a broad cultural misunderstanding of what engineering is about that has been promulgated by successive governments since the Second World War. During that time, we had a very good idea what engineering and science was all about and in five years we invented radar, the atomic bomb, the jet engine and the computer...” Desperate necessity, in other words, is the mother, father, aunt and uncle of all invention – such that, indeed, he sees the energy crisis as, much-touted apocalyptic talk aside, a welcome spur. “It’s especially inspirational for young people,” he says. “We need crises to move us forward. They may make life a bit uncomfortable, but they are stimulating.” Frustration at the ineffectiveness of his conventional vacuum cleaner may not have been a potentially cataclysmic event, but it was spur enough for Dyson to hand-build 5,000 prototypes of his cleaner after seeing an industrial cyclone used to remove dust from a saw mill. Indeed, his

determination to keep going – a doggedness he describes as an essential character of the inventor – almost led to a more personal cataclysm. “You learn that making do without money can be quite inspiring,” he says of those times, “and that making cuts should be seen as creative. But I would have kept going penniless and heavily in debt regardless. I was just as happy then with a big overdraft as I am now.” More surprisingly still perhaps, he kept going despite having already had a critical design success that had not enriched his coffers – by then he had also devised the Ballbarrow, a widebased wheelbarrow mounted on a ball instead of a wheel, giving it resistance against sinking into muddy ground. “The problem solving is a wonderful struggle,” as he puts it, coining a philosophy. Paper towels wasteful? Hand-dryer useless? Tired of wiping your hands on your trousers? Another small problem perhaps, but it has given rise to his effective and entertaining Airblade hand-dryer, a design quirk of which inspired the Air Multiplier. These are further profitable results of the £42m he spends every year on investigating new ideas. Tellingly, at Dyson engineers do not only work with whizz-bang software at pristine desks while allowing lesser grease monkeys to do the practical stuff. Providing a vision that is somehow distinctively British, in that amateur-enthusiast-in-the-garden-shed way, each of Dyson’s engineers build and test their own prototypes, just as he once did on his living room floor. It is an approach that has allowed the company to file some 1,300 patents, making it, for its age, by far the most patent-productive company in the UK. “Filing and maintaining patents is expensive too,” Dyson adds, pointing out a further hurdle for any little man with a big idea. “And, while you have to go after [any company infringing a patent], because if you allow one person to copy you then everyone will, suing someone is prohibitively expensive. It’s a shame the system is like that. It certainly hampers the small inventor.” Keep at it, he advises. The idea will out. So what next from the wizard of techno domesticity? Unsurprisingly, Dyson isn’t saying. But it will, he says, probably be another of those “unloved products”, as he puts it. “I tend to veer away from sexy products – computers and that kind of thing. I’m more at home with products of a practical application. It’s those that I get most angry with. And that is often the best prompt to creativity.” n

We need crises to move us forward. They may make life a bit uncomfortable, but they are stimulating

Time

in his hands

Claire Saunders talks to Jérôme de Witt, president of luxury watch brand DeWitt, about tradition and inspiration, passion and design

interview

feature

THE CITY OASIS Devonshire Terrace, or DT to the regulars, has established itself as a firm favourite with the City lunchtime and after work crowds, but it has a lot more to offer Based on the Bauhaus theory of utilisation of space, the yellow-stone Devonshire Terrace is all about flexible space and the simple, happy marriage of form and function. The restaurant and bar caters for business lunches just as well as it caters for after work revelry and relaxation with friends. With clean lines of dark wood, intimate booths and splashes of colour, the restaurant seats 200 people but definitely doesn’t feel it, it’s more New York brasserie in its design than sprawling restaurant. Along the length of one wall Bauhaus meets Japan with an effortless sliding wall, behind which lies the four versatile Grey Goose private dining rooms. Each of these can be joined, opened, closed and benefit from a variety of set ups

not to mention floor to ceiling windows to a private balcony.

all shouldn’t it all be about you on your special day?

But the newest additions to the offering are breakfast and weddings. Breakfast we will leave you to read our verdict on later but weddings we will fill you in about now.

Furthermore, DT is one of the only places in the City to have a 3am licence, meaning your day can go on and on until you’re ready to start a new day.

Only very recently has DT gained its marriage licence, something the establishment wanted to get its hands on due to the idyllic positioning in the City but not feeling like you are in the City. Closed to the public on bank holidays and weekends it is a grand place to hold a special occasion; surrounded by the history of the buildings but with the modern glass atrium ceiling (practical for British weather) the space is such that you feel it is yours and all yours. And, after

So many venues excel at one aspect of their offering, but with Devonshire Terrace whether it’s food, drink, entertaining, business, pleasure, formal or informal the offering is done right, it is done well and it is done with commitment to do the best. Devonshire Terrace General: 020 7256 3233 Events and weddings: 020 7256 3234 Devonshire Square, London, EC2M 4WY www.devonshireterrace.co.uk

CITYpromotion

A DT BREAKFAST: THE VERDICT

Breakfast is a new thing for Devonshire Terrace and as we enter it’s already a popular choice. The banquettes are set up with Bodum toasters, red, of course, to match the colour scheme and there’s a gentle hum about the place. At the bar area there’s people reading the morning papers over their coffees and teas, to the left of me, there’s what appears to be a table of ‘ladies who lunch’ breakfasting and gossiping and in the next few booths, there’s the start of City business for the day ahead. The menu covers everything you would expect with Eggs Florentine, Royale and Benedict, The Full English, Pastries but there’s a few nice surprises; namely Eggy Bread and the option of a DT bacon butty and Red Bull, which I am assured by our waitress is proving very popular. Not a fan of the stuff that gives you wings, I decide on the Eggs Royale. Not exactly original I know but it’s my bar against which I measure. My dining partner, clearly a little more health conscious, chose the Greek Yoghurt, Muesli & Honey. To drink we had lattes, stylishly presented in toaster-matching Bodum glasses, and fresh orange. There’s energising smoothies and a rather interesting sounding milkshake of banana and peanut butter for those with braver palettes in the morning. My Eggs Royale was definitely not on the stingy side; two large muffins covered with smoked salmon on top of which balanced a runny poached egg (no taste of vinegar at all) and lashings of Hollandaise. Needless to say it defeated me but all around me devoured. The muesli and yoghurt came in two separate bowls to avoid sogginess and arrived with separate jams and honey. My partner’s verdict was that it was tasty, fresh, crunchy and in exactly the right proportions. Pricing point is good with nothing more than £8.50 which was my Eggs Royale, of course, and with an eye straight into the kitchen you know everything is fresh. Our experience backs-up everything the place promotes itself on. We felt a million miles from Liverpool Street and the hectic world of City life.

DEVONSHIRE TERRACE AT A GLANCE

Devonshire Terrace is open Monday to Friday from 8am to midnight. • Bar • Terrace • Restauarant – breakfast, lunch, dinner • Events • Private dining • Weddings

interview

TWITTER

feature

DRAGON

Owner of 17 companies, Simon Dolan is one of the UK’s leading business innovators. Josephine O’Donoghue talks to him about his impressive career to date, and his cutting-edge investments for entrepreneurs pitching ideas via the internet sensation, Twitter

“M

y entrepreneurial career began aged about 11 or 12 in the school playground”, recalls Simon Dolan, founder of SJD Accountancy, which now supports over 10,000 entrepreneurs in the UK. “I had bought a big box of trading cards from a boot fare for about a pound, and then set about selling them to my fellow pupils for 50 pence a pop. This was my first experience of buying and selling, and my first experience of making money. “When I was aged 14, with some encouragement from my parents, I went to work on my local market – on the cheese and egg stall. It taught me to think on my feet and to do mental arithmetic almost as a sixth sense; something that came in handy when I started doing accountancy.” An entrepreneur through and through, Dolan started SJD Accountancy at the tender age of 23 from his bedroom, offering to do end-of-year accounts for other entrepreneurial business owners and contractors in Manchester, and later in London. To date, he owns 17 companies including motorracing team Jota Sport, an airline, Jota Aviation, and a publishing company, Raw Business – a far cry from the cheese and egg stall on his local market. More recently, he has taken up an additional role of Angel Investor and is well known for inviting budding entrepreneurs to Tweet him their business ideas. “To me, an entrepreneur is anyone who has the vision to get out there and do it for themselves. One of the reasons I decided to become an angel investor was that I felt entrepreneurship was being stifled in this country”, explains Dolan. “There has not been enough access to funding, which means that the next generation of entrepreneurs have been denied their chance, and I want to make a small contribution to helping talented people make their mark in enterprise.” We met up with him to find out more about his role as ‘Twitter Dragon’ and the companies he has already invested in, from an initial 140-character twitter pitch, or ‘twitch’, to hundreds of thousands of pounds of funding...

How did you come up with the ‘Tweet a Pitch’ idea? I had put it out there that I was entering the angel investor arena – this was at the time when lack of bank support for small businesses was really coming to the fore. I was receiving a large number of proposals, but the simple fact of the matter was that I didn’t have time to read them all. Thinking about this problem, my mind went to the ‘Elevator pitch,’ and the concept that the best ideas can be communicated in 30 seconds or less. I was ‘Tweeting,’ at the time, and the two thoughts came together. I thought, “Why not use Twitter to receive business pitches?” Why does the more limited Twitch appeal to you more than a formal business pitch? When I started SJD Accountancy, it took me about four hours to put the ideas into place. I’m a firm believer in the theory that it takes a moment of inspiration to come up with an idea, but you can then spend the next week putting together a business pitch – time which could be spent getting the business up and running. It works both ways, though; I would never have had the time to run through all the pitches I have received, and this saves everyone time. Can you really get a good idea of a business pitch in just 140 characters? First impressions count, and a pitch of 140 characters can give you a decent overview of a product or business. What you can also gain from a Twitch is a measure of the passion that the individual has for their company. Can you share some of the most memorable Twitches with us? There have been many memorable Twitches – from the inspired to the bizarre, but some of the ones that stuck in my mind have included someone pitching me to invest in oil fields in Iraq. I’m sure that in a few years people who are investing in Iraq at the moment will be incredibly rich, but I wasn’t prepared for the risks I would be taking on at the moment. Another one was an inflatable flood defence that fits around the sides of houses, which had been invented by a PhD student. Another was for an adult film studio in Essex, but unfortunately, much as I’d love to wear a smoking jacket and slippers to work, I just couldn’t see myself as the British Hugh Hefner!

How many Twitches have you received to date? It is around 400 to date with new pitches still coming in every day. How much investment do people usually request and for what kind of businesses? It really varies wildly – from a few hundred pounds for a leaflet delivery company, to £10 million for the oilfield I mentioned. The types of businesses have again varied significantly, as demonstrated by the companies I have invested in so far. And what have you invested in so far? Three companies in different sectors, but similar in the sense that the entrepreneurs that pitched me are all passionate individuals with a hunger for success. The first was called Raw Business and was started by entrepreneur Bradley Chapman, who was disillusioned by the lack of support for small business owners in the UK. It is a support network for entrepreneurs with online resources, face-to-face business networking and education meetings across the UK, a monthly business publication and plans to open regional training centres for budding entrepreneurs and start-up companies.

To me, an entrepreneur is anyone who has the vision to get out there and do it for themselves. One of the reasons I decided to become an angel investor was that I felt entrepreneurship was being stifled in this country She Who Dares is a company due to be launched in August this year. Rachel Lowe MBE of Dragons’ Den fame is working with me on this. It is an inspirational lifestyle brand for women, that says: ‘I believe in you’. We are looking at the gift market – perfume, cosmetics items and business accessories like iPhone holders. The business I have invested in most recently is Global Moguls, which is a ground-breaking interactive online search for the best new musical talent. It is an entirely web-based talent search throughout UK universities (they have recently launched in South Africa) which is not just based on finding the next big thing on the music scene – it’s also looking for the whole creative team behind the band, from graphic designers and photographers to music video filmmakers and editors using the ‘crowd sourcing’ concept. Once you like a Twitch, what happens then? Can you talk us through the journey from Twitch to investment? I would arrange a phone call, followed by a meeting so that we can discuss the idea in more detail. I would then go away and have a more ‘in-depth’ look into the business and if everything looks good, I would then invest. The whole process can be completed in a couple of weeks. What tips would you give anyone trying to write the perfect Twitch/pitch? Try to put across your energy and passion for your product, and don’t give up!

What are your future plans for Twitter Dragon? I want to see the Twitter investments I have made so far develop into the hugely successful companies they deserve to be, and if the right opportunities present themselves, I’d like to make further investments. I am still receiving plenty of interesting pitches – for example, this week I got one from a singer who was quite famous a few years back. As long as that continues I will keep it going. It’s a simple and accessible way for people to gain funding for their venture, so I think it has a place. We have some other ideas in the pipeline that we hope to develop – Twitter really is a fascinating communication tool that is still in its infancy, so it will be intriguing to watch its development over the coming years. n For more information, visit www.twitter.com/simondolan

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16/6/10 17:32:25

current affairs

feature

The Modern Woman: FINANCIAL MASTERMIND OR DEBT-RIDDEN DISASTER? Recent studies have found that the economic downturn is hitting women three times harder than their male counterparts, whilst their pension plans are lagging miles behind the men’s. Josephine O’Donoghue finds out why there is such a significant divide FEMALE BANKRUPTCY SOARS For years women have been considered the more prudent and, dare I say it, sensible, of the sexes – and in general terms, the male-dominated, risk-driven City has been blamed for the recent economic downturn. However, despite British women’s traditional reputation for riskadverse common sense, it appears that they have recently overtaken men in the bankruptcy stakes. The Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS), a debt advice charity, confirmed earlier this year that women accounted for 51 per cent of the people it recommended bankruptcy to in 2009 – and recent figures from the Insolvency Service state that the number of British women going bankrupt has risen almost fivefold in the past ten years, with a 28 per cent increase in the past year. The rise has been a sharp one, escalating from 6,042 in 2000 to a staggering 29,680 in 2009. Typically, figures show that it is younger women who are finding it particularly difficult to manage their money, with almost two-thirds of female bankruptcies falling between ages 25–44. Experts are divided on causes, some blaming a ‘must-have’ attitude for the change in female financial patterns (irresponsible spending by women attempting to maintain a particular lifestyle), and some citing other factors including unemployment, pay inequality and childcare costs.

“These figures show that more and more young women have levels of debt incurred through trying to maintain lifestyles that are unsustainable,” argues Graham Horne, deputy chief executive of the Insolvency Service. “It is critical that all young people are aware of the impact that irresponsible spending can have. Filing for bankruptcy or obtaining a debt relief order should be viewed as a last resort.” So, are women just becoming more blasé about their spending in an effort to feel better during tough times, or is there more to this trend than a materialistic attitude? Research by the Equal Opportunities Commission in 2004 shows that, rather than being financially illiterate, women generally “earn less, own less and have lower earning potential” than men, putting them at a significant disadvantage from the outset. In trying to maintain the same level of lifestyle as their contemporaries, they are already placed at a financial disadvantage. “When it comes to rising unemployment, women who lose their jobs are less likely than men to have savings, so they become dependent on benefits more quickly.” The CCCS also notes that rising public sector cuts in the coming months will cause an even greater number of female insolvencies, as women are twice as likely as men to work in the public sector (four in ten work in public sector jobs). “Women often work in the public sector because it offers relatively secure work, flexible working patterns

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and a chance to build up a decent income in retirement,” says Brendan Barber, writing for The Guardian. “The gender pay gap is smaller and the public sector offers more opportunities to combine a proper career with caring responsibilities. Spending cuts would inevitably threaten this – and thus set back the cause of gender equality. Women’s pensions would be hit particularly hard. Those public sector pensions of tabloid fury go largely to women. Two thirds of current public sector pensions are being built up by women.” Additionally, experts have pointed to the effects of divorce on finance, after which women are left poorer than men. Research by the Institute for Social and Economic Research found that men were 25 per cent richer five years after divorce, whereas women’s incomes fell by around 20 per cent. Studies by the Equal Opportunities Commission also show that career breaks due to single motherhood, childcare or care of relatives accounted for 14 per cent of the pay gap and contributed significantly to the increase in women’s debt. A spokesman for CCCS reasoned that rather than irresponsible spending, most of the female debt problems they deal with “are caused by a significant life change, such as a relationship breakdown, the loss of a job or a serious illness” – issues that don’t seem to affect men in the same way.

“We have consistently seen groups such as women and the self-employed falling behind when it comes to pension savings. The impact of the economic downturn is likely to make these groups even more vulnerable when saving for retirement and there needs to be more done to better encourage everyone to save for the future. We believe those that are able to save should be saving 12 per cent of their main income, and many people are still falling far short of this figure.” n

PENSION CRISIS On top of the increase in female insolvency, the last two years have seen growing numbers of women abandon saving for retirement, blaming the recession. According to statistics from the Scottish Widows UK Pensions report, the gap between male and female savers has expanded significantly since 2008, with 59 per cent of men in line for a financially comfortable retirement, compared to just 47 per cent of women. Although the number of Britons saving towards a pension rose by 6 per cent from 2006 (to 54 per cent total), the over 50 age group are most likely to have cut their savings in the last year and the number of women aged 50+ who are not saving at all has risen from 14 per cent to 22 per cent. Similarly to the female debt crisis, the biggest causes of unequal pension provision for women tend to be unequal pay, taking career breaks to care for children, bereavement and divorce. Coupled with the effects of recession and the forthcoming child benefit cuts to many families, the pension gender gap is likely to widen further, as women save less and spend their money so their families don’t go short. In addition, plans to pull back public sector pensions will also impact women. “Women are still very much second-class citizens when it comes to pensions, and what is worse is that it’s barely even acknowledged,” says Dr Ros Altmann, Director-General of Saga. Ian Naismith, Head of Pensions Market Development at Scottish Widows, agrees saying: “There is still more that needs to be done from both the Government and the industry to better encourage pension savings for the long term, particularly in the current economic environment.

RESCUE YOUR PENSION Start early: to secure a pension income worth half your salary, you and your employer need to save 23 per cent of your earnings if you started at age 25 and retired at 65. Those starting at age 30 should be saving 27 per cent and at 35, saving 33 per cent.

Wealth checks: you should review your pension savings every year to stay on course, and to see the effect of varying your contributions. Ensure your forecasts factor in everything, such as state and/or private pensions, Isas, unit trusts, investments, shares, property and savings.

Top up contributions: make additional voluntary contributions (AVCs) whenever possible.

Pay in some of your salary: give up some of your salary, or bonus, and your employer pays that amount into your pension, allowing you to benefit from tax relief on the contributions.

Benefit from the state: roughly 70 per cent of women do not receive the full basic state pension. To qualify for a full basic state pension you need 30 years of National Insurance contributions and it’s possible to buy back 12 years. Shop around for an annuity: those who don’t shop around could be missing out on retirement income of up to 15 per cent a year, so make sure you hunt down the best deals.

SHOPPING Lady like Luxe Luxury British fashion brand Jaeger opens their new store at Canary Wharf Renowned for designing contemporary and stylish clothing and accessories, iconic luxury fashion brand Jaeger is set to showcase their latest collections at the new store in Cabot Place, Canary Wharf this November. This season, Jaeger London womenswear offers an ode to elegance with a return to ladylike luxe and sophisticated tailoring. Beautiful heritage fabrics (including cashmere, suede, leather and shearling) are key, displayed in a rich palette of camel, tan and ruby juxtaposed with cool grey and midnight blue. The latest campaign shot in The London Eye presents the beautiful collection against the stunning backdrop of the capital encapsulating the brands rich British heritage.

Cabot Place Canary Wharf

1 The Addison Boot £199 2 Warwick Tote £250 3 Catwalk Panel Bracelet £70 4 Pelt Print Cashmere Sweater £199 5 Military Wool Coat £450

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EASTERN PROMISE With a huge range of exciting events and art exhibitions, Canary Wharf is doing its bit to retain London’s reputation for the very best in culture. Claire Saunders delves a little deeper into this thriving social scene, from time on the ice to testing the brain cells…

The East Wintergarden in Canary Wharf

The East Wintergarden is the stunning events venue in the very heart of Canary Wharf and is home to the Arts & Events indoor programme of music concerts, a squash tournament, comedy clubs, quiz nights and much more. This spectacular venue boasts a 27-metre high arched glass covered atrium and is a unique event space creating a light and elegant atmosphere that is perfect for hosting exhibitions, cocktail parties, launches, receptions, fashion shows, dinners and press events. With over 680 square metres of uninterrupted pristine Italian marble floor, steamed beech wooden wall panelling and MICROSORBER® technology on all the windows - this venue exudes flair, expertise and imagination for any event. www.eastwintergarden.com Clockwise from top: Jack Whitehall, Andi Osho and Marlon Davis 9 November

Sold Out:

Kings & Queens of Comedy What do Jimmy Carr, Alan Carr, Andy Parsons and Omid Djalili have in common? Answer: these famous comedians are all past performers at the Canary Wharf Comedy Club. The Arts & Events team have had some of the country’s best comedy talent come to Canary Wharf for sell out shows for the last ten years. The 9 November show in the East Wintergarden which has already sold out, is no different, and features Marlon Davis, Seann Walsh, Andi Osho, Josh Widdicombe and Jack Whitehall. TV star Andi Osho bursts onto the stage like a breath of fresh air. An actor of Eastenders, Casualty and Paradox fame, she has made quite a splash on the comedy scene in just three years. Her cheeky, quick wit has gained her several guest appearances on Radio 1 and won her no less than five major talent competitions, including the Nivea Funny Women Award in 2007. Andi also celebrated her first solo Edinburgh Fringe début this year, which comically explores her African-British heritage. Andi is joined by bright young comedian and improviser Marlon Davis (described as having all the charm of Chris Rock), Josh Widdicombe and Jack Whitehall (both Mock The Week and 8 Out of 10 Cats contributors). Rising star Jack Whitehall is renowned for both his stand-up and TV work, presenting Big Brother’s Big Mouth and starring in his first solo show, Nearly Rebellious, in 2009.

Spectacular Waterfall of Words This year Canary Wharf is participating in DRIFT10, London’s biennial contemporary art exhibition on the Thames presented by Illuminate Productions. A series of spectacular artists’ works are located directly on the riverbank and adjacent waterways. At Canary Wharf bit.fall by Julius Popp is installed from 2 November to 8 January under the DLR viaduct over Middle Dock, near Chancellor Passage by the Canary Wharf DLR station. A second bit.fall is installed on Bankside riverside, outside Tate Modern. bit.fall creates a beautiful visual experience in the form of an illuminated waterfall where an ever-changing cascade of words, sourced from a live newsfeed from thetimes.co.uk, is seen falling through the wall of water into the Dock below. Although visible by day bit.fall comes into its own after dusk enlivening the dark winter afternoons and evenings – a truly remarkable sight. Daily 7-9am and 4-10pm For more information visit www.drift-london.co.uk

Canary Wharf Ice Rink One of the most popular winter attractions the Canary Wharf Ice Rink sponsored by Thomson Reuters returns on 13 November! The 30 x 24m rink offers some of the best outdoor skating facilities in the capital, including brand new sharpened, highquality skates for hire and the Nordic styled Alpine Café Bar, offering warming drinks and tasty snacks. Nestled beneath Canary Wharf’s famous towers, the rink will be a spectacular sight. Canada Square Park will once again be decked in festive lighting and is overlooked by some of London’s most exciting bars and restaurants, including Canteen, ROKA, the parlour, Wahaca and Plateau. In addition a newly built events facility, the Lodge, will cater for private parties and events, offering a unique, purpose-built Christmas party venue. www.canarywharficerink.com For ticket prices, available session and family ticket, please visit www.ticketmaster.co.uk 0844 847 1556 or Group tickets 0844 847 1546.

Window Gallery: Hidden Art For those in search of the perfect gift or indulgent treat, Hidden Art offers something for every taste, guaranteed to be unique. The Hidden Art E-Shop will display independent designers’ products in the Canada Place Window Gallery from 1 November–4 January 2011. By buying through Hidden Art (www.hiddenartshop. com), buyers are directly supporting designer–makers and helping them to grow their business.

www.tommophoto.com

DID YOU KNOW... Among the 60+ works of public art found around the Canary Wharf Estate: Ron Arad’s Windwand rises up from Canary Riverside and at 50m is one of the tallest sculptures to be found anywhere in the UK (as high as some of the buildings that surround it!) A feat of design and engineering, the red carbonfibre needle is designed to flex in the wind which at Canary Wharf can blow at over 50 mph. Nearby on Westferry Circus, Andrew Burton’s Chimney – diminutive by comparison but itself 5m high – was created from hundreds of specially made miniature clay bricks, formed from recycled fired brick. The artist, who has spent much time in India since his first visit in 1983, sees his chimney as a tribute to India’s tallest brick minaret of the Qutub Minar near Delhi, built in 1199 and still standing at 72m high!

For more information about all the public arts and events in Canary Wharf, visit www.mycanarywharf.com

The C60 Trident GMT Dual-Time Automatic...detail is everything C60-GMT-SKKO / ÂŁ450

www.christopherward.co.uk 0844 875 1515

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29/09/2010 13:02

Time for Christmas is only 24 hours, so you have to make the most of it, right? But if you think about it, children in Alaska are suffering a sleepless night, trying to catch a glimpse of Father Christmas, whilst we are still rushing around for last-minute presents. And fathers in Sydney are just firing up the barbecue for Christmas lunch, when we are still contending with cold turkey on Boxing Day. So really, for the internationally minded, there is no reason why the Christmas celebrations can’t just keep rolling on…

15:00 GMT, 24 December

21:00 GMT, 24 December

Japan

Russia

Displaying all the elegance and attention to detail that Japan is famous for, this intricately painted puzzle shows a beautiful geisha, with the jigsaw pieces whimsically cut in interesting shapes. Made from sustainably sourced wood, the puzzle is a limited edition, packaged in a black velvet bag and cherry wood box, with a brass plaque, which can be engraved to make your gift that little bit more personalised.

As Christmas kicks in, so too no doubt will the vodka, all across the vast icy, landscape of Russia. For a more refined and utterly indulgent version of the Slavs’ favourite thirst quencher, look no further than Black Moth. Infused with black Périgord truffles, Black Moth is unique not only for its chic bottle, but also for its delicate and distinct flavour, making it a great gift for gourmets and style mavens alike.

The Kogane Geisha Girl by Haruyo Morita, £99.95 www.wentworthpuzzles.co.uk.

Black Moth Vodka, £39.95 www.blackmothvodka.com

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23:00 GMT, 24 December

Zimbabwe

Italy

Inspired by the wondrous landscape and wildlife of his native Zimbabwe, designer Patrick Mavros creates interesting and unique sculptured pieces in silver. Great gift options include cute coffee and cocktail spoons, each tipped with a different curiosity and grandiose candelabras, sculptured in the shape of resplendent African trees.

Christmas wouldn’t be the same without sitting around the fire cracking open a gluttonous abundance of nuts. So squirrel away under the Christmas tree a present that will make that Christmas tradition a little more modern and design-led. Innovative Italian design brand Alessi has created this wonderfully whimsical nutcracker, where this sleek squirrel will do all the work for you.

Coffee Spoons, £50 each Candelabras, from £950 www.patrickmavros.com

Scoiattolo Nutcracker, £59 www.alessi.com

Time for 00:00 GMT, 25 December

Germany

London

Inspired by the fatal attraction of the wicked witch’s gingerbread cottage in the story of Hansel and Gretel, decadently adorned gingerbread houses are a Christmas tradition in Germany that children and sweet-toothed adults always look forward to. This updated version from Fortnum & Mason’s contains chocolate biscuit and a whole host of colourful sweets, for creative children to make their own fairytale treat.

At zero hour, Christmas hits the Greenwich meridian, the world’s temporal epicentre, and the meeting point of east and west. Encompassing this beautifully is Beefeater 24, a quintessentially English drink, distilled in the heart of London, but deliciously infused and enlivened with rare blends of oriental teas. Beefeater 24 takes its name from the number of hours for which it is steeped, so what better way to celebrate 24 hours of Christmas in London than with this sophisticated spirit?

Enchanted Cottage, £35 www.fortnumandmason.com

Beefeater 24, £24.99 www.drinkshop.com

Switzerland Rivalling even the chronological precision of the Swiss, exclusive watch brand BRM only makes 2,000 pieces each year, allowing them to concentrate the height of their expertise on each new launch. This year sees the launch of the Trirotor. The first watch of its kind worldwide, the Trirotor boasts an innovative new mechanism that is totally secured, finally putting the minds of automatic owners at rest. This month, the first and (so far) only available Trirotor in the world will be available to buy from the Watch Gallery. As gifts go, how much more exclusive can it get? The BRM Trirotor, £34,550 www.thewatchgallery.co.uk

Time for 02:00 GMT, 25 December

03:00 GMT, 25 December

Brazil

Antartica

Confectionary to rival Willy Wonka’s own personal haul is part and parcel of post-lunch indulgence. Charbonnel et Walker have a great selection of delightfully presented chocolates and sweets, that will make a great present for even the most fussy of foodies. For something more refined than candy canes and mince pies, try the delicious Brazil nuts coated in a sugary maple fondant.

If searching for gifts for those friends who notoriously (and, let’s face it, a little smugly) already have everything leaves you cold, why not buy them a ticket to even colder climes, with a Christmas expedition to Antarctica? Come on, you have to buy them a return ticket too… Using Argentina’s most southerly point, Ushuaia, as a base, the expedition is run by The World and starts on Christmas day. Guests will set off in a 12-deck ship, with all the comforts of home, to see the spectacular and mysterious landscape of Antarctica, including the chance to see icebergs, whales, seals and penguins.

Maple Brazils, £10 www.charbonnel.co.uk

The Great White Desert Christmas expedition to Antarctica, from £580 per person, per night all inclusive www.aboardtheworld.com

05:00 GMT, 25 December

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Cuba

Tahiti

A Cuban cigar enthusiast needs tools worthy of this most extravagant of luxuries. This impressive cigar cutter is made by Purdey & Sons, London’s finest gun makers (and one of the world’s oldest), and purveyors to the Royal Family since 1838. The cutter is made with coin finish steel, embellished with hand-cut traditional gun engraving, with screws blued using a traditional gun maker’s process.

Combining tropical glamour with European elegance, these iridescent Tahitian pearls are available from pearl specialist Milleperle in the Royal Exchange. These beautiful pearls are set in 18kt white gold with pavé diamonds, to make this seriously chic necklace. Matching earrings also available.

Cigar Cutter, £1,075 www.purdey.com

Tahitian pearl necklace, £20,650 www.milleperle.co.uk

www.brm-manufacture.com For stockist enquiries please telephone +33 (0)1 61 02 00 25 J U r a LT D 0 8 0 0 0 1 1 2 7 0 4 - T H E WaT C H G a L L E rY 0 2 0 7 5 8 1 3 2 3 9

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SWINE FLU VACCINE

Could there be an association between swine flu vaccine and Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a condition that attacks the nervous system and can cause paralysis?

he Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has published a report suggesting that further tests are to be carried out to examine a possible association: “Given the uncertainties in the available information and as with seasonal flu vaccines, a slightly elevated risk of GBS following H1N1 vaccines cannot be ruled out. Epidemiological studies are ongoing to further assess this possible association.” Guillain-Barre syndrome which attacks the nervous system and can cause paralysis and

death in linked to infections like flu but it has also been suggested that a previous vaccine used to combat a different form of swine flu in America in 1976 led to 25 deaths from the condition, compared with just one death from swine flu itself. Amid fears there could be a repeat, neurologists were asked to record cases of GBS in the UK swine flu outbreak. Millions will be exposed to the swine flu vaccine this year as it has been included within the seasonal flu jab, but government experts say there is no evidence of an increase in risk similar to 1976. n

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Women On Top KPMG luxury goods auditor Sarah McCreath is listed among Britain’s high flyers; Josephine O’Donoghue catches up with her to find out more about her career to date, and about successful women in business

arah McCreath, a director in KPMG’s audit practice, has risen through the ranks to become KPMG’s first auditor on Management Today’s ‘35 Women Under 35’ list, which showcases the achievements of young women in business. “I see this as a great milestone in my career. I’m delighted to be included in Management Today’s ‘35 Women Under 35’ list alongside so many talented young women from the UK,” says Sarah. “The recognition, support and nurturing of talented women within organisations can and often does make all the difference to how far women progress; the opportunities, encouragement and support afforded me by KPMG have been instrumental in my personal development, and ultimately helped me achieve this award.” Sarah joined the firm in 1999 as a graduate trainee after studying International History and Politics at LSE and an MPhil in European Studies at Cambridge. “I wasn’t an obvious candidate for the auditing profession. I chose to do accountancy and specifically auditing because I thought it would offer me a broad business training, the opportunity to meet clients on a daily basis, and allow me numerous career opportunities.” By 2007, Sarah was made department senior manager at KPMG, responsible for running the Consumer Products and Retail Audit Department in London. In the same year, she was selected for KPMG’s executive MBA programme and spent seven months on secondment at the London Development Agency. Sarah currently leads the audit relationships for two global divisions of FTSE 100 Audit clients alongside several wellknown retail brands. Why did you choose KPMG? I was impressed with the company’s commitment to developing people, the opportunities to work in different parts of KPMG all over the world, the prominence of its CSR agenda and because it was, and still is, a highly respected top-tier professional

services firm. More importantly, I chose KPMG because the company values were so visible during recruitment. What do you enjoy most about working for the company? The international nature of the major audits that I work on; I love travelling with my clients, meeting new people, learning about different cultures and understanding how companies do business in different parts of the world. What was involved in running the Consumer Products and Retail Audit Department? Alongside a team of managers and senior managers, I led a department of 70 people and my responsibilities ranged from recruitment to budgeting and forecasting performance, from performance management and quality control to ensuring that our graduate trainees got the right experience, challenges and support through their training contract. What did you accomplish in your time with KPMG’s executive MBA programme and seven-month secondment at the London Development Agency? The KPMG Executive MBA programme ran over two summers with an assignment to complete in the intervening period. The programme broadened my perspective, enabling me, for example, to see supply chain challenges through the eyes of a supply chain director, rather than the lens of finance professionals. My secondment to the London Development Agency involved making new contacts and developing existing ones with major companies and professional services organisations. This experience developed my ability to engage and build relationships with senior business executives, including those at board level, at some of London’s largest business organisations. Do you think it’s harder for women to succeed in the City? To date, I have never felt that being a woman has held me back. My experience has always been that the opportunities available

to me have been there, based on talent and merit. I don’t think that the fact that the City is dominated by men at the most senior levels is a reflection of a lack of opportunity; it is more to do with the fact that when you work in an organisation that serves clients – be it as a banker, lawyer, accountant or consultant – balancing family life with the demands of the job is extremely challenging. That applies equally to men as it does women. I am under no illusions that it is extremely difficult to get the balance of work and family life right, some if not all of the time, but that doesn’t stop me from trying. Whilst it would be great to see more women at senior levels within professional services organisations, I suspect that we will never see an equal balance of men and women. I don’t have a problem with that as long as it is due to personal choice and not due to lack of opportunity for women. What has been the highlight of your career so far? Winning the UK KPMG People Management Award in 2008, voted best for engaging people, has to be top of the list. Developing people is something that I feel very passionately about; whilst the finalists were selected by the leadership, the final awards were won based on the votes of the UK population of department managers, senior managers and partners. What advice would you give to other young women hoping to succeed in the City? From my perspective, my success is a result of three things, being myself, being brave and having balance in life. I have tried to hold true to those three principles as I have been promoted through the organisation, and it seems to have worked for me. Being yourself is about recognising that who you are is why you have been promoted; I haven’t tried to mould myself into an image of the perfect ‘corporate citizen’. Find a set of core principles that work for you both professionally and personally, and stay true to them as you navigate your way through your career. n

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STOCKS & SHARES Dr David Kuo, director at popular financial website The Motley Fool, shares seven reasons to buy shares I have been a stock market investor for just about as long as I can remember. Perhaps it’s because I grew up with parents who talked openly about investing, buying shares and the stock market, but as soon as I was old enough to manage my own money, I wasted no time in building my own share portfolio. Admittedly, not everyone is comfortable with risk. Some people would rather leave their money in the bank, knowing that it is safe. That is perfectly understandable, given that shares can go down as well as up. But most people quite like it when their investments go up in value. It is when the value of their investments goes down that they feel uneasy. I have never been put off by shares price volatility, and here are my seven reasons why. •

Shares beat inflation over the long term. Over the long run, UK shares have outperformed both cash and bonds. Cash has beaten inflation by 1 per cent; bonds have beaten inflation by 1.3 per cent, but shares have trounced inflation by 5.3 per cent. A return of around 5 per cent may not seem like much, but it is important to appreciate the power of compounding. This is where money grows on top of money that has grown. It is a snowballing effect that could produce a large sum, given enough time.

• Shares are easy to buy and sell. Compared with other investments such as art, fine wines, vintage cars and antiques, shares are relatively simple to manage. Unlike say, selling a property, you can dispose of just part of your share portfolio with comparative ease. It is quite difficult to sell a house brick by brick. • It is quick and easy to glean information about companies. There is more data than ever available about shares. Gone are the days when investors had to scratch around for information. Today, many brokers provide clients with swathes of information about companies. Furthermore, it is not only easy to get hold of historical performance, but also useful forecasts about how businesses may perform in the future too.

• Have you ever liked a product so much that you want to own shares in the business that produced it? That has happened to me on a number of occasions. For example, I was so impressed with the company that built my house that I had to buy shares in it. So instead of just forking out for a company’s goods or service, why not buy a share in the business and be a part owner of the outfit? • Dividends are another good reason to buy shares. Dividends are a portion of a company’s profits that is distributed to shareholders. It is real cash in the pockets of shareholders and a tangible reward for owning shares. Currently, the UK’s 100 largest companies are yielding over 3 per cent, which is considerably more than the interest paid on savings accounts. What’s more, re-investing your dividends is a good way to effortlessly grow your investment over time. • Dividends are great but capital growth is perhaps the main reason why most investors buy shares. In the short-term, share prices may fluctuate, which can give the impression that investing in the stock market is risky. However, profits at good companies tend to grow steadily over time, and it is the profit growth that tends to drive share prices higher. • My final reason for investing in shares is because it can be fun. If you are new to investing, then joining a local investment club can be one way to get started with shares. Since many clubs tend to hold their meetings in the local pub, it can be an enjoyable way to invest while socialising with like-minded friends. If you are new to buying and selling shares, why not start today with a low-cost index tracker, which is an easy way to get exposure to the stock market. After a while, you may want to try your hand at picking a few shares of your own. n

Dr David Kuo, Director at the popular financial website The Motley Fool www.Fool.co.uk

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comment personal finance

PLANNING FOR A MARRIAGE Martin Bamford, Chartered Financial Planner, Informed Choice, examines the benefits of pre-nuptial agreements and financial planning within marriage Getting married involves making a serious emotional and legal commitment to another person. It also involves making a financial commitment, although too often the impact of this is overlooked until too late in the relationship. The seriousness of this financial commitment is often not appreciated in real terms until the dissolution of a marriage. The recent Supreme Court ruling in the Radmacher case appears to have delivered a stronger legal precedent for the application of pre-nuptial agreements when a marriage ends. Whilst pre-nuptial agreements have not automatically become legally binding as a result, they can now be considered to be legally binding if certain conditions surrounding fairness have been met. As a result of this ruling, there is a good chance that pre-nuptial agreements will become more widespread in England and Wales, particularly in respect of second marriages, or where one party to the marriage has significantly greater wealth than the other. Whilst making arrangements for the possible future end of a marriage makes good financial sense, there are several sensible financial steps to consider when planning for a successful marriage in monetary terms. The financial commitment associated with starting a family, which often occurs shortly after marriage, requires careful planning in terms of financial protection. This means considering various rather unpleasant scenarios, such as the death or incapacity of an individual. It also means looking at what existing protection arrangements you might have in place, including benefits

from employment. Retirement planning is another important consideration on marriage, particularly in light of the announcement that the State Pension age is being increased to 66 for both men and women from 2020. In a marriage where there is an age difference between the spouses, retirement planning can be complicated by the need to choose a target retirement date, rather than a target retirement age, and make sure this is achievable for both parties. Historically, retirement planning for married couples has tended to focus on accumulating pension assets for the higher earner in the couple, to get the maximum possible benefit from income tax relief at the higher rates. This strategy is likely to continue, even with the introduction of a lower Annual Allowance for tax-privileged pensions savings at ÂŁ50,000 from 6 April 2011. The reduction in the overall limit for pension savings, known as the Lifetime Allowance, from ÂŁ1.8m to ÂŁ1.5m in 2012 could prompt some couples to consider a more equal distribution of pension assets, if this is possible, based on eligible earnings. As we enter more austere times, investing some time in this financial planning in the event of marriage has the potential to remove an element of stress from the relationship. When marriages break down, one of the contributory factors is often financial stress. Working with your spouse (and professional advisers where necessary) to agree on a financial plan for your married life is one very effective way to reduce this financial stress. At the most basic level, marriage financial planning requires some simple steps, such as fully disclosing what is going on to the other party, agreeing on how your money should be allocated, and talking to each other as situations change. Communicating like this can then remove the potential for conflict where one spouse makes executive decisions about the family finances, and the other feels out of the loop. n

Martin Bamford is a chartered financial planner at Informed Choice (www.icl-ifa.co.uk) and author of several best-selling personal finance books.

FOREX • STOCKS • CFDS • FUTURES • COMMODITY CFDS • FX OPTIONS • BONDS

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FINE DINING ON OFFER AT THE 2011 OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP For the first time in eight years, The Open Championship is coming to the Kent course of Royal St George’s, just a short distance from London. Easy to reach by train from London Charing Cross to Sandwich, or by car, it’s a great day out for any golf fan. To make this a truly unforgettable occasion, there is a variety of hospitality packages on offer to suit you and your guests needs. And if you want to arrive in style, The Open Championship Official Hospitality has partnered up with PremiAir, the UK’s leading executive helicopter charter company, to offer golf fans the ultimate in transportation with typical flight times only 40 minutes from central London.

From Thursday 14 July to Sunday 17 July 2011, the

being used to complete a menu that celebrates

world’s greatest golfers will battle for the coveted

traditional British food with a contemporary

Claret Jug in what will undoubtedly be one of

twist. Kent is famous for its orchards, farms and

the highlights of the sporting calendar. Current

coastal location; it offers a fantastic selection

champion Louis Oosthuizen, who was victorious

of fresh seafood and is a natural larder for juicy

at St Andrews in July, will have to fend off the likes

fruit and delicious vegetables, all of which will be

of Tiger Woods and Padraig Harrington if he is to

represented on the menus. Breakfast, lunch and

retain his Open title.

afternoon tea are all provided as part of these

The Hospitality Village is a short walk to the

packages – a chance to make a day of it.

18th green and the first tee, and offers the best hospitality available, with private gardens and a

Hospitality for the 2011 Open Championship

large reception area. A variety of packages will

at Royal St George’s (14-17 July) is now on sale

be on offer to suit you and your guests and will

and prices start from £375 + VAT per person.

provide the perfect opportunity to spend the day

For further information call +44 (0)844 371 0883,

with valued clients or friends. Guests can indulge

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Package at the Hospitality Village or, alternatively, try the The Open Guest Package.

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George’s for the 2011 Open is essential for golf

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lovers this year. Go on, treat yourselves in 2011.

human resources

comment

Rethinking

Your Free Time Chelsey Baker, business advisor and life coach, establishes the boundaries for separating work and free time

hichever way you look at it, modernday life is inextricably bound up with computers and most of us chalk up heavy-duty time on them, be it for business use or pleasure. The distractions are all too obvious and familiar, so where do you start to make sense of it all; what can you do to restore some balance and perspective? Once upon a time work was somewhere you went and once you left, that was the end of your work. However, the inexorable growth in IT innovation has completely blurred the line between work and leisure. Now, with a Smartphone, laptop, netbook, iPhone, iPad, Blackberry and Wi-Fi there’s no escape. And even if your job is your passion, you still need quality personal time to recharge your batteries and to maintain an identity beyond your occupation. With social networking sites booming, we’re spending our free time tweeting, Facebooking, blogging and using online games and instant messaging. Many people now feel obligated to keep this up, making it more like a second job than a form of entertainment. Free time is supposed to mean the time when you can do whatever you want to recover from work. In today’s society there are strong ideals on how, when and where we are to spend our free time and even a stigma attached to resting and doing nothing. It was once forbidden to do anything on a Sunday; nowadays succumbing to peer pressure of seeming lazy or boring, it’s almost compulsory to schedule in a day at a museum, cinema, gym or to even go shopping during this day of rest. Here are a few sound suggestions to create a comfortable and productive separation between your work and leisure time. Perhaps the easiest, most straightforward idea is to impose a little self-discipline in your life and set yourself rigidly enforced cut-off times. Learn to accept that, despite all self-induced indications to the contrary, no one is truly indispensable and the world is quite capable of going on without you. Unless your work dictates that you need to be on 24-hour call, you will at some time in your day physically have to stop looking at your email and switch off

Learn to accept that, despite all selfinduced indications to the contrary, no one is truly indispensable and the world is quite capable of going on without you.

your phone. All you need to do then is to decide in advance a more reasonable time when this should take place and stick firmly to it; it’s as simple as that! This is perhaps less easy for the self-employed or those who are sometimes required to work from home; not least because of the irritating sense of guilt that frequently accompanies such people. It’s hard because subconsciously you have deliberately had to blur the demarcation between the place where you work and the place in which you relax. One solution to this dilemma is in establishing a more formalised home office environment: if you work from a study or spare room, practise shutting down at the end of your day as if you were at work; turn everything off and shut the door; leaving your working energy in the office. If you have no distinctive working area to escape from, try creating psychological close-down procedures, even if it’s only by changing your clothes. If you use the same computer for work and leisure purposes; try creating multiple user accounts on your computer: one for work and one for general purposes, i.e. surfing, gaming and social networking and so on. It’s now very easy to do this and it will give you that vital mental separation. If you have access to more than one machine, you are already halfway there provided that you can maintain a modicum of self-discipline and respect the boundaries. Dual booting machines do much the same thing and, with either option, having to substantially interrupt your workflow just to check music downloads, Facebook or eBay bids are surefire indications that you’re beginning to blur the lines and wasting your preciously allocated time. It certainly provides a strong incentive to focus on what you should be doing at any given time. In a similar way, virtual desktops can offer a great middle-ground solution for directing your focus. You can set up one desktop for company business and one for games and social networks. Most virtual desktop applications allow you to customise your workspaces so you can even change the wallpaper of the virtual desktops to reflect the focus of your space. In the same way, if phone calls are interrupting your free time and causing you annoyance, then you have to introduce boundaries in order to construct your free time. To maintain boundaries one has to refuse to be constantly available; decide when and from whom you take your calls. There is no shame or guilt in freeing yourself from the communication highway; only then can you liberate your free time. n

comment human resources

Corporate Hospitality and The Bribery Act 2010 Claire Murray examines the implications for corporate hospitality in the UK Corporate boxes at the O2 stadium, annual client trips to Wimbledon, extended three-course lunches; fears abound that these may soon become a thing of the past under the new Bribery Act, which comes into force next April. For the first time, the offence of bribery will apply to the private sector, meaning that certain types of corporate hospitality and gifts may be regarded as illegal bribes. Sanctions include unlimited fines and imprisonment. The Act’s aim is to make the UK one of the least corrupt countries in the world. The Act creates four offences: two general offences of offering or receiving a financial or other advantage (“active” and “passive” bribery); a discrete offence of bribing a foreign public official; and a new, much talked about, “corporate offence”. The “corporate offence” is a new offence whereby a partnership or corporate will be found to commit bribery if a person associated with it bribes another person for that organisation’s benefit. This offence will apply to any organisation incorporated in the UK or undertaking all or part of its business in the UK, and there will be no need to show that there has been negligence or even involvement on the part of the organisation. The only defence available if charged with this offence will be to show that the organisation has “adequate procedures” in place to defend against bribery. Government consultation is taking place as to guidance on what “adequate procedures” means; the final version of the guidance is expected in early 2011. Individuals found to have committed an offence of bribery may be jailed for up to ten years and/ or receive a fine; and organisations found to have committed the “corporate offence” may be subject to unlimited fines. Moreover, if a “Senior Officer” (for example, a director or manager) is found to have consented or connived in the commission of bribery, he or she too will be liable for the offence.

Standard corporate hospitality may be caught within the “corporate offence” definition. Businesses will need to look carefully at their entertainment policies and budgets to ensure employees do not breach the new laws. Draft guidance offered by the government suggests that reasonable hospitality (such as a business lunch) would not be considered bribery, but lavish corporate events, such as a five-star holidays following a one-day business conference, may well fall foul of the Act. Such extravagant corporate hospitality may lead to an inference of influencing the granting of business or of a business advantage. What is uncertain as yet is the extent to which corporate events in the grey area in between will be caught. In preparation for the Act coming into force (and subject to the ongoing consultation), employers may wish to consider the following to ensure compliance by their employees (and consultants): • Establishing and publicising (internally) policies covering anti-bribery, corporate hospitality and gifts, and whistle blowing; • Providing training to relevant staff (particularly senior managers and directors); • Appointing a senior individual to be responsible for bribery issues; • Undertaking an assessment of the risk of bribery and corruption in the organisation’s business sector; • Setting out disciplinary sanctions and processes for investigation where bribery is at issue; • Including prohibitions on bribery or accepting bribes in employment and consultancy contracts. Adopting a sensible, measured and well-audited approach to corporate hospitality should ensure that businesses do not fall foul of the new rules. Only time will tell, though, whether the Act will in fact significantly change the way we all do business. n

Clare Murray is managing partner at employment law firm, CM Murray LLP; email: clare.murray@cm-murray.com The contents of this column are for general purposes only. Specialist legal advice should be taken regarding specific circumstances.

CITYpromotion

Open for Business IT is central to business success – Peter Dawes-Huish, CEO LinuxIT, considers how Open Source-based systems can contribute Today’s corporations depend on it for their success. Every day in the financial services industry, companies are mining more value from their information for customers and shareholders. And data volumes have exploded in the last five years. Electronic funds transfers increase in double digits year on year. In 2009, electronic retail debt transactions leapt by 20 per cent globally to over $2 trillion. Loads such as these, along with automated trading in new markets, demand a high-performance, flexible computing platform. Over the past 12 years, specialising in Open Source Software (OSS) and service, I have seen how the financial services industry and other areas of the private sector, such as retail and hi-tech, have led the way in adopting OSS. Today, more than 75 per cent of the private sector has adopted or is considering OSS, whilst governments across Europe are directing public sector organisations to reduce costs and assist system interoperability by adopting OSS. Switching from UNIX to Linux is an easy choice Many organisations have migrated their database, DNS, email, ERP and other core business applications from UNIX-based systems to enterprise Linux-based systems, such as the Red Hat stack. As a result, they’ve gained enhanced application performance and lower total cost of ownership at a capital and operational level. They’ve also gained the features and functionality they need to run their businesses, with similar or better performance, scalability, reliability, security, and support at lower costs – plus the flexibility, choice, and control to manage their environments on their own terms and timeframes.

Key Open Source Business Benefits Value creation: ensuring return reflects IT investment Economic incentives: real savings from day one Reliability: robust, proven and supported enterprise platforms Ease of deployment: plenty of support at an engineering and user level Compliance: systems that tick all the boxes

Linux delivers the optimum solution In assessing solutions, NYSE Euronext* paid particular attention to the cost of potentially leaving the technology in the future. This cost can be substantial, and the corporation didn’t want to get locked into any certain technologies. It also wanted to jump to a different hardware platform, if necessary. Today, much of NYSE Euronext’s* highspeed trading environments rely on Red Hat Enterprise Linux** to process billions of messages daily. And with trillions of dollars flowing through the exchange each month, NYSE Euronext* relies on the Security-Enhanced Linux (SELinux) functionality within Red Hat Linux to preserve the security of its platform. Speed, cost, reliability, and functionality are pushed to the limit, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux delivers. As a result, NYSE Euronext* continues to outperform the competition in each category. LinuxIT, the UK’s authority in Linux technology and service, continues to work with Red Hat to maintain this advantage, and maximise its return on Open Source investment. Free assessment for new customers LinuxIT offers an impartial, free assessment to help accelerate and enhance the adoption of Linux and Open Source software. During the free assessment, managers learn how to enable Open Source, or extend their current utilisation. They learn what to migrate across to enterprise Linux, how best to achieve this, and the critical success factors involved. To find out more, visit www.linuxit.com or call 01454 333002 for free, impartial advice on your migration plans.

Improving performance One example of a successful migration is NYSE Euronext*, which wanted to integrate its varied trading platforms to produce a high-speed, low-cost platform offering the reliability and flexibility for rapid performance results. Red Hat and Enterprise Linux are registered trademarks of Red Hat Inc.

* NYSE Euronext offer a global cross-market listing, trading and visibility platform for investors and business partners in the US and Europe.

the

RISE OF GLOBAL

MOBILITY

Limitations of the EHIC Card Many busy travellers may not have caught the story of Carrie-Anne Dudbridge. Ms Dudbridge is a British primary school teacher who, whilst on honeymoon in Corfu in August 2010, fell 30 feet from her hotel balcony. She suffered severe spinal injuries from the fall. Perhaps not unreasonably depending on your point of view, Ms Dudbridge and her husband had relied on being covered for all their health costs by the European Health Insurance Card. According to the NHS website, “The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) allows you to access state-provided healthcare in all European Economic Area (EEA) countries and Switzerland at a reduced cost or sometimes free of charge.” Essentially, this gives entitlement to state health care for British residents within the EU to the same level as a national of the country they are visiting would receive. Levels of state provision vary widely between different countries within the EU. Relying on the EHIC was to prove a major mistake for the Dudbridges. Despite Corfu being within the EU, they found that the cover it provided did not entitle Mrs Dudbridge to any specialist treatment or transport back to the UK. As a result, their family and friends had to raise £16,000 to hire a private air ambulance to repatriate her to the UK, something they managed to do with commendable speed. Whilst her injuries were severe, she was thankfully not expected to suffer long-term paralysis. The EHIC card is a good thing to have, but it is not a panacea for health coverage in all EU countries. It should not be regarded a substitute for travel insurance. It really could happen to you.

A NEW TYPE OF PHONE BANKING The London Olympics in 2012 will doubtless herald the launch of a thousand new products. One company that is already off the mark is Visa Europe, which is forecasting that payment via mobile phone will take off in Europe around that time. Curiously, some countries in Asia and even Africa have already had this facility for some time but Europe has, so far, not been impressed. That may now change. Visa Europe has been running a trial in the Spanish town of Sitges in collaboration with La Caixa (the Spanish bank) and mobile phone operator Movistar, owned by Telefonica. Some 1,500 people in the town agreed to try out the service, which uses NFC (near field communications). The next generation of phones will have this technology as standard. The user makes purchases in a similar way to a contactless credit card by holding the phone next to a payment terminal. The money transfer can take place direct from a bank account or on a pre-payment basis, not unlike pay-as-you-go phone credit. In the Sitges trial, only payments up to 20 Euros could be made without the use of a PIN number. So perhaps this is the beginning of the end for cash, and an interesting potential new revenue stream for mobile phone networks.

The Forum for Expatriate Management is holding a Global Mobility Summit in London, 15 November 2010 in association with The Telegraph. The Summit includes a full conference program with high quality speakers from leading corporations, an exhibition, plus a Gala Awards dinner to present the EMMAs (Expatriate Management and Mobility Awards).at the Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square. For more information, visit www.totallyexpat.com

global living

comment

For global living international executives keeping up to date with the latest news is important

The grass may not always

be greener

In the current financial climate, considering moving from the UK can seem eminently sensible. Brian Friedman discusses

oving from the UK can be especially sensible now the higher rate of income tax has hit 50 per cent, and it is likely to become even more tempting in the next few years. By the time this article is published, Chancellor George Osborne’s spending review will have been unveiled. We are likely to be promised no more than blood, sweat and tears for the foreseeable future. However, if given the choice, where would we be prepared to move to? For the past couple of years, Switzerland has been the name on many a city financier’s lips. Whilst it has its supporters, it also has its detractors. The City Spy column in the Evening Standard has been derisory about potential refugees to Geneva or Zurich. “A slight adjustment to regulations here, a minor tax rise there, and they’re off…” it railed in August 2010. “All future threats from bankers to quit London should be treated with the disdain they deserve.” Yet the Financial Times has reported that major financial services consultancy Kinetic Partners estimates that more than 1,000 hedge fund employees have left the UK in recent years, costing the HMRC, and thus the rest of us UK taxpayers, in excess of £500 million in lost revenue. Many of those have headed for Switzerland, as different Swiss

cantons are particularly targeting the hedge fund industry. In truth, whilst both corporate and income tax are issues, the question of EU regulation of the Alternative Investment Industry is also a major factor. Leaving aside business for a second, it is clear that the Swiss way of life is not for everyone. Some professional advisers in Switzerland point out that peaceful countryside and skiing opportunities may not compensate enough for leaving behind the buzz of metropolitan city life. On the whole, the quality of life is much higher in Switzerland than in the UK; the streets are cleaner, the trains run on time and the levels of crime are much lower. At the same time, it is a regulated country to live in, which does not suit all comers. Nor can it be underestimated how expensive a country it is. The remuneration consultants Mercer rank Geneva as the fifth most costly city in the world, with Zurich coming in just below at eighth. This is probably not surprising in a country where annual per capita income is around the US$ 58,000 mark. So whilst salaries will be higher than the equivalent for positions in London, they will need to be. Surveys indicate, for example, that fresh meat, fruit and vegetables are some 30 per cent dearer than other countries in Europe.

Finding housing of the right type can be a major challenge. According to recent Swiss government statistics, their problematic dwelling vacancy rate has eased slightly this year when compared with 2009. On 1 June 2010, 36,710 dwellings were reported unoccupied, around 0.94 per cent of the overall market. By international standards, this is exceptionally low, resulting in fierce competition for suitable properties. There is also intense pressure on places for children in international schools. Despite it all, there may still be something to be said for London.n

Brian Friedman is the contributing editor of Global Life and founder of The Forum for Expatriate Management. Founded in 2008, the Forum already has over 4,000 members who collectively manage over one million expatriate moves. Members come from the leading blue-chip employers of international assignees both in the UK and globally.

SPEAKING THE SAME

LANGUAGE After finding learning languages an arduous task, instead of giving up, Paul Noble devised his own top-secret method that involved minimal effort but guaranteed results. Penelope M. Walsh speaks to him about the impressive five languages he has learnt, his own language institute and his new audio courses

ow a veritable polyglot, with six languages under his belt (English, Spanish, French, Italian, German and Chinese), it is hard to believe that Paul Noble’s initial experience of learning languages fell significantly short of positive. After failing his German GCSE, Paul made several abortive attempts to teach himself languages. But despite having an IQ of 174 (higher than Einstein’s), Paul found the conventional way of teaching languages extremely difficult and began to take a closer look at the way they are traditionally taught, and set about devising his own failsafe method for doing so, now known as the Paul Noble Method. Paul suggests that most people find learning languages difficult because teaching usually focuses heavily on grammar. He says that this is effectively a method “from 50 years ago, when grammar was also taught in

English lessons”, pointing out that if a student is not taught the grammar of their own language, how can they be expected to apply the concept and terminology of grammar to a foreign language? In contrast, Paul’s method involves no learning by rote of conjugated verbs and declined nouns. Instead, it focuses on giving students an understanding of how the language works first, meaning that by the time grammar is introduced they already understand what it is explaining. Pauls’ philosophy is that languages should be learnt to be spoken first, just as children do. Children learning their own language “are exposed to language without real pressure to absorb it, and through repeated exposure, they just remember it”, Paul says. This same concept of gentle, no-pressure repetition is used in the courses, and means that students find themselves retaining vast amounts of malleable vocabulary without much conscious effort.

interview

Most schools use a thematic approach to language learning, with vocabulary and phrases split into sections such as family or hobbies. The result is often that “I have a brother” or “My hobbies are swimming and tennis” is all that is left of most students’ GCSE French – not much use for holding a conversation. Instead, Paul’s technique is based on the lexical approach. This involves breaking language down into its basic components and feeding students bite-sized pieces, which can then be added to and built upon. For example, the argument for the lexical approach is that if you teach a student “I like to play tennis on a Sunday with my brother”, you only teach them to express this sentiment. Whereas, if you break this phrase into its constituent parts, such as “I like to + activity”, “on a + day” “with my + person”, and teach each component separately, you enable the student not only to make the original sentence, but also to see how the language works and fits together, empowering them to build sentences under their own initiative and communicate more freely. The Paul Noble Method is in fact “top secret”, but it is based on the above, and “breaks the language down and then stitches it back up again”, as Paul puts it. The secret ingredient to Paul’s technique is how his course actually goes about doing this, and he comments that in his course, “nothing is random”, with each step carefully thought out as part of a whole. Paul explains that this works so well, even for those that have struggled with learning languages, because although the language taught becomes more and more complex, the process of teaching does not, with each step designed to be “as easy or as difficult as the last”. Above all, the benefit of Paul’s approach is the ability it gives students to piece the language together for themselves and actually speak it, which is after all what we learn languages for. When asked to sum up his method in three words, Paul says simply but resolutely “You’ll get it”, and in terms of results, that is surely all the guarantee you need. n For more information, visit www.collinslanguage.com/ paulnoble or www.paulnoblelanguages.com

comment

TRIED AND TESTED

Collins Spanish with Paul Noble Collins has teamed up with Paul Noble to published two box sets, Collins Spanish with Paul Noble and Collins French with Paul Noble. Having always wanted to learn Spanish, but never found the time, I was eager to try out this “minimal effort” course. The course includes 13 hours of audio tuition, which works on a ‘listen and repeat’ basis, but does not involve learning vast amounts of vocabulary or following a textbook. Instead, the book supplied is simply there to refresh and consolidate what has first been learnt aurally with the CDs. Innovatively, the course offered pronunciation guidance from two native speakers, one for both Latin American Spanish and Iberian Spanish, making it the first course to do so. This has the advantage of letting you choose which style of Spanish you want to replicate, as well as giving you a familiarity (and therefore good passive understanding) of both types of spoken Spanish. At first the course seemed a little slow, repetitive and longwinded, building up sentences slowly and I was eager to speed things up. However, relaxing and listening to the CDs, I found that I seemed to absorb the phrases taught, without even consciously trying, and quickly felt confident enough to play around with the different components and make my own sentences. Collins Spanish with Paul Noble and Collins French with Paul Noble are both available now from Collins, priced £49.99 www.collinslanguage.com/paulnoble

¿Hablas español? It is early days yet, but if the quick and easy progress I have already made is anything to go by, I will definitely be pursuing the course and chatting in Spanish in no time!

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A Golfer’’s PARADISE

A Sun, sea, exclusivity and your own two-hole golf course

s one of the most exclusive islands in the world, Mustique features a wide collection of designer villas, each with their own individual appeal. For golfing enthusiasts, Shogun, one of Mustique’s most famous signature villas, offers its very own two-hole, nine-tee golf course, so there’s no excuse to let your handicap go whilst on holiday. Situated 300 feet above Britannia Bay, it is surrounded by five acres of landscaped gardens and its very own mini-course, overlooking the clear blue waters below.

The nine tees situated throughout the beautifully landscaped course allow for 18 different approaches to the two holes – creating the illusion of a full course right on your doorstep! Incorporating sand bunkers, hills and clever landscaping, the course is designed to challenge even the most proficient golfer and with half the arduous walk of a normal course. The rates for a week's stay in Shogun's "Little Shogun" start at US$10,00. n For further information, visit www.mustique-island.com

CATCH IT WHILE YOU CAN

A gas-guzzling, emission-laying V8 engine is decidedly non-PC these days, says Matthew Carter. So let’s rejoice that Audi doesn’t seem to care…

ou’ve got to admire Audi for this. In a world where eco is the buzzword, where low emissions and a parsimonious thirst for fuel are vital, and where speed is verboten, the RS5 is an automotive V-sign to the green brigade. This is the spiritual son of the first Audi quattro, a fourwheel drive super coupé with more power than even Gene Hunt could handle. Where the original had 200bhp or so, the hand-built, 4.2-litre V8 shoehorned into the nose of the A5-based RS5 has more than twice that: 450bhp, thank you very much. The engine is essentially a cut-down version of the V10 that powers the mighty R8, and it’s little short of awesome. It hurls the RS5 to 60mph from rest in less than 4.6 seconds and onto a governed top speed of 155mph: take off the restrictor and it would be up to 175mph or so.

motoring

And the noise it makes is just mind-blowing. There’s a deep bass rumble at lower revs that turns into full heavy metal thunder as it nears the red line, which is at a remarkable 8500rpm. All this power is spread between the four wheels via Audi’s excellent S-tronic twin clutch transmission, in seven-speed guise, no less. It goes without saying, therefore, that in performance terms the latest Audi to wear the RS badge is right up there with the best of them. The acceleration is out of this world and the sound is worthy of capturing on disc and listening to on the stereo. It’s so addictive that you find yourself changing down just so the revs can rise and you can get a shot of aural stimulation. The chassis, too, is impressive. In truth, those original four-wheel quattros were blunt instruments in which grip was not always there when you needed it. Many a Quattro driver discovered that Audi hadn’t yet learned how to defy the laws of physics. They’ve come along way since. And while it is still possible to throw the car at the scenery if you’re not clever, chassis trickery now means the levels of grip are phenomenal. A new centre differential feeds the power to the wheel that needs it most: torque vectoring is the term, but all you need to know is that it works. Naturally, there’s a clever piece of technology that allows the driver to modify the chassis and gearbox settings depending on his mood – the Dynamic setting stiffens up the suspension and steering, and sharpens up the throttle response and gear-shift patterns. It’s a good-looking beast, too. The ordinary A5 is handsome enough, but with fatter wheel arches, gaping air intakes either side of the deeper front end and huge alloy wheels, it’s even better. The cabin is one of the best in the business. Sophisticated, modern and beautifully put together, it exudes class. Naturally, there are plenty of toys, too, though as ever with an Audi, you need to be careful what you ask for, as the list price of £58,685 can quickly become a memory. The RS5 is also surprisingly practical. The boot is vast and it’s relatively roomy in the back – a couple of adults

calibre

could endure a journey without too much discomfort. So it’s fast, great-looking, beautifully screwed together and goes round corners better than any slot car. And it makes a noise to die for. What’s not to like? Well, there’s the rub. The most obvious black mark is that, on English roads at least, the RS5 isn’t so much uncomfortably fast as just downright uncomfortable. Forget that Dynamic chassis setting, as the ride is unacceptable: you’ll soon be on first name terms with your dentist as he struggles to replace loosened fillings. And then there’s the economy. The combined figure quoted by Audi might sound impressive at 26.2mpg, but the reality will be horribly different. No matter how efficient it is, a large, naturally aspirated V8 is always going to like a drink – especially if you want to enjoy the soundtrack. But the real problem is more difficult to quantify. The RS5 is rather soulless, somehow; it’s a car that’s difficult to love, one that won’t get under your skin in the way a BMW M3 might. It’s a little too efficient, a little too clinical in the way it performs. That said, the fact that it exists at all is worthy of praise. There are no two ways about it: the RS5 is the last of a dying breed. Enjoy it while you can, and before its glorious V8 engine is consigned to the history books. n

IN BRIEF Car: Audi RS5 Price: £58,685 Engine: 4,163cc turbocharged V8 petrol Power: 450 hp Drive: Four-wheel drive

GETTING THE

drift…

… or not. It looks easy, but driving a car sideways for lap after lap needs skills Matthew Carter simply doesn’t possess

’m sitting in the middle of the road, facing the wrong way, having just completed an elegant 180-degree spin. And my passengers are laughing. You see, it’s not the first time I’ve done this today… though this time it was only a half-spin rather than the full 360 I did a couple of moments ago. I’m meant to be drifting this Merc, using the throttle and a good slug of opposite lock to balance forward momentum in an elegant sideways arc. But every time I get to the critical point where grip (or rather the lack of it), steering angle and power combine to produce a balletic drift, I get it wrong and the rear end rapidly overtakes the front. Cue red face. What makes it worse is that my colleague, the bloke I’ve been flinging around the rear seats of the AMG E-class, is a natural. He can hold a long sweeping drift for lap after lap after lap. Misspent youth, I reckon. It may sound like we’re playing (heaven forfend!), but there’s a serious side to this. We are at Mercedes-Benz World at Brooklands in Surrey, just a short drive from the M3 and M25 – and not that far from the City. Brooklands is the site

of the world’s first purpose-built racetrack, opened in 1907 and used right up until the start of the Second World War. It’s most famous for its unbelievably steep banking, much of which is still in place, and for being the birthplace of British aviation, where Vickers and Avro planes were built. It’s a hugely evocative place where, with a little imagination, you can still hear the greats of that era – people like Malcolm Campbell and Henry Segrave – pounding their vast aero-engined machines around a track built long before safety barriers or run-off area were considered. The place is now owned by Mercedes-Benz, which has put a great deal of cash into preserving what’s left of the site, but even more into building its own experience centre. Mercedes-Benz World is a futuristic building that, naturally, displays the full range of Mercedes and smart cars currently available. But this is far more than a mere showroom. It’s a museum, with a constantly changing display of old Mercs, from Gulllwings to Grand Prix cars. There’s a shop where you can buy ‘lifestyle’ goods… anything from a Lewis Hamilton t-shirt to a Mercedes-branded pen. Watches, luggage, clothing: you name it, it’s all here.

motoring

calibre

There’s a restaurant and a café for those feeling peckish, and there are driving simulators, a kids’ zone, a cinema, educational interactive areas and much more. You can also visit the Brooklands Museum to discover how it all began. And this bit is free. But to get the most out of Mercedes-Benz World, you’ll need to dip you hand in your pocket and buy an ‘Experience’ or two. You see, it’s really an adult theme park with a ten-acre off-road course, two handling circuits totalling 2.5kms in length, and that damn skidpan. The circular skidpan is covered with slippery paint and then liberally watered. It has all the grip of sheet ice… and this is where the serious side comes in. The idea is to show how modern safety systems work. Every Mercedes – and pretty soon every new car on sale – has a piece of electronic trickery called ESP on board. ESP is like a soft velvet hand that protects you against yourself. If it detects that a wheel is slipping, it reduces power to that wheel and gently applies the brakes. Out of the skidpan I increase speed until the wheels start to lose grip and then ESP takes over, keeping me on the straight and narrow (well, it’s a circular course, but you know what I mean). Then I switch ESP off and the difference is remarkable. My pace is reduced to a crawl but any sudden dab of throttle gets the car to swap ends. This is where the good guys get the car to drift, but I’m more like a newborn Bambi, my ‘legs’ all over the place. If every driver learnt about car control under safe conditions like this, a sudden dump of snow this winter would hold no fear. There are all sorts of driving packages available at the centre. If you’ve always wanted to drive off road but don’t have the real estate on which to practise, you can plug around a purpose-built course in an M-Class. If you fancy a bit of speed, try the AMG Experience and discover the limits on the handling course, or sample the SLS AMG from the passenger seat. Passenger rides are also available if you prefer the experts to do the work.

calibre motoring

There’s even a programme to make health and safety interesting. With 27 per cent of all accidents involving business mileage, more and more companies are putting company car drivers through a safer driving course at Mercedes-Benz World. Too young to drive? No, you’re not. If you can reach the pedals of an A-class (you’ll need to be at least 1.5m tall), you can learn to drive at the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy. Costs vary, of course. An hour mud plugging will cost you £110, while an hour in an AMG Merc is £170… to which you’re certain to want to add an extra-cost video record of the experience. And if you want to put your kid behind the wheel for 30 minutes, that’ll be £40… a costeffective birthday present, if ever there was one. As for me, well, my skidpan training session was free – one of the perks of the job – but it looks as if I should open my wallet and buy some more tuition… if you get my drift. n

IN BRIEF WHAT: Mercedes-Benz World WHERE: Brooklands, Weybridge, Surrey WHEN: Every day except Christmas and Boxing Days TIMES: 10am to 7pm COST: Free, though drives are extra WEB: www.mercedesbenzworld.com

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sport

calibre

Go For Gold

sports

news

Ready to Ruck Following a successful tour of Australia this summer, Martin Johnson’s England team squares up with the very best in world rugby for the 2010 Investec Internationals. Investec’s 11th year as title sponsor sees New Zealand, Australia, Samoa and South Africa all visit Twickenham in four compelling fixtures that will be a formidable test for England’s stamina and their last competitive matches before the Six Nations start next February. www.rfu.com

The countdown has begun to one of the most prestigious and thrilling jump races in horse racing, the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury Racecourse from 25–27 November. All eyes turn to the racetrack on Saturday, as excitement builds over the previous two days of the Winter Festival. Last year the atmosphere was electric, with huge crowds cheering Newbury favourite Denman and jockey Ruby Walsh home. www.newbury-racecourse.co.uk

Say what?

Beating guys like Roger, beating guys like Rafa (Nadal) gives you confidence that when you do play them in the big tournaments you will beat them.

Andy Murray inches closer to a Grand Slam title after his victory over Roger Federer in the Shanghai Masters final

Top Spin Last year the internationally acclaimed London début of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals set an all-time indoor tennis attendance record of 256,000 fans over eight days. New and improved for 2010, this epic clash of tennis titans features only the world’s best eight singles players and doubles teams in the theatrical spotlight of The O2. www.barclaysatpworldtourfinals.com

Deep Impact One of the most advanced divers watches in the world, Christopher Ward’s C600 Tri-Tech™ Diver Elite Automatic has a helium release valve, which automatically protects it from extreme changes in pressure as well as GTLS technology, enabling it to glow in the dark for 25 years without being charged. Water resistant to 500m (50 ATM) – considerably deeper than the world record for the deepest scuba dive – this is both a boy’s toy and essential wear for the big deep. www.christopherward.co.uk

sport

calibre

America on the offensive The razzmatazz of the National Football League has long enjoyed a big and loyal following within the United States but, as Lee Brooks discovers, it won’t be long before us Brits are just as captivated…

merican football, by definition, is not something you would immediately associate with the UK. After all, we have our own version of the game in the form of the Premier League. But, thanks to some entrepreneurial types at the National Football League in the United States, American football has crossed the pond and made quite an impact. The National Football League (NFL) was created in 1920 with 11 teams from across the United States competing in front of a handful of fans. Since then, an average of 67,000 fans attend each game during the season, with the sport’s showpiece event – the Super Bowl, which determines the league’s champion – attracting 91 million people across the USA. Once you understand the rules, American football is pretty easy to follow. Each game lasts 60 minutes, which is split into four 15-minute quarters. The Americans always want a winner, so should the teams be level at the final whistle, the game will go into overtime where the first team to score wins. Unlike football and rugby union, teams can make an unlimited number of substitutions during a game and the coach has access to a full squad of 52 players. Rather than defence, midfield and forwards, an NFL team is split into defence, offence and special teams with only one position on the field at a time. For example, if one team has possession, they will send out their offensive unit while their opponents will send out their defence. Then if there’s a kicking play, the special teams will be used. So with the coaches regularly turning over their squad, it’s no surprise games regularly take in excess of two and a half hours to complete, because the clock stops every time there’s a change. There are four ways to score points in American football. First, there’s a field goal, which is similar to a penalty kick in rugby and worth three points. Secondly, a touchdown, which is much like a try in rugby union, is worth six points. Thirdly, a conversion, which scores one point for a successful field goal-kick or two points should the team successfully run the ball into the end zone. And lastly, two points are awarded for a safety when an offensive player is tackled inside his own end zone.

Two things the Premier League and Aviva Premiership may want to introduce are the NFL’s timeout and coach’s challenge rules. Like many American sports, each team can call a timeout, which stops the clock. You get three timeouts per half and they are usually used to discuss tactics, break up the opposition’s rhythm or simply give your team a rest. The other rule is the coach’s challenge whereby, as the name suggests, a coach can challenge an official’s decision by throwing a red flag onto the pitch. Should the challenge be successful, the decision is overruled. The sport first hit the UK screens back in the early 1980s, when Channel 4 screened a weekly highlights package and it proved to be a huge hit with the San Francisco 49ers and Washington Redskins enjoying unprecedented support from this side of the Atlantic. As a result, in 2007, the NFL decided to bring a regular season game over to the UK and has since never looked back. Each game, including last month’s game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Denver Broncos, has taken place at Wembley Stadium and has always sold out, with demand rumoured to be three times the capacity. At Wembley fans got the chance to experience the excitement and game day experience as it would be in the USA, from the pep rallies and tailgate parties outside the stadium through to the cheerleaders and carnival atmosphere, which runs parallel to an intriguing game on the field. Should this success continue, the NFL hopes to launch an international academy for around 80 players, which would be based at the University of Bath. Players would get their accommodation and tuition paid for in a scheme similar to the US college scholarship system. For too long, the NFL has been focused on its profile within the US with little more than a token nod to American Football leagues across Europe; however, with five British players currently signed up to NFL teams in America, talk of more regular season games being hosted in the UK and maybe even the season ending Super Bowl crossing the pond, the game is finally putting down roots outside the US as it bids to topple football, rugby and Formula 1 as the world’s leading sports. n

gadgets

Jamie Carter presents the month’s hottest gadgets

Audio engine room If your music collection is now stored on a PC or a Mac – and the only CD drive you have left is in your computer – prepare for a serious upgrade. Straddling two hitherto separate markets, this all-in-one digital doit-all hi-fi from British manufacturer

Arcam is a relatively rare effort to please both serious audiophiles and those of us after a top-quality home audio system that can handle anything thrown its way – including an iPod/ iPhone and the contents of a computer. At its core, this is traditional hi-fi, albeit one with a built-in (rather than separate) amplifier. There’s a CD player and an FM radio, though nods to modernity comprise a DAB radio tuner and a Wi-Fi connection that sees the Neo Solo able to stream tunes from both a PC or a Mac, as well as internet radio stations and podcasts. There will be some who wonder what the fuss is about – surely modern iPod dock-cum-speakers do a similar job for around the £50 mark? The wondering stops when you switch on the Solo Neo; deep, involving bass is picked out by the Solo Neo and combined with the kind of treble detailing of a standard that many just won’t have come across before. To be party to the kind of lush sonics the Solo Neo is capable of, you will have to add your own speakers and, if you’re felling flush, a subwoofer isn’t a bad idea either (the rear houses pre-out ports to attach the unit to a sub). Monitor Audio’s fabulous BX Series

bookshelf speakers – reviewed opposite – ought to do the trick. For all its skills and qualities, the Solo Neo’s interface needs a refresh – or perhaps an iPhone app – to bring simplicity to this occasionally frustrating hi-fi, because beyond its reference-grade sonics there’s a feeling that features have been added, but not integrated, to the Solo experience. The remote control is the low point; it’s of reasonable build and layout, but the buttons are too small and sport labels that can be tricky to identify at quick glance. Worse, its commands are sluggishly picked up by the main unit, which can be frustrating. Those after a serious solution for an iPod should add Arcam’s irDock (£150), an inexpensive addition that can accept – and charge – any Apple device. Those with other MP3 devices need not worry – there’s a port for those, too – alongside a USB slot that can play virtually any music file from a memory stick, including lossless formats. It’s not cheap, but this is a serious hi-fi that delivers the kind of audio you won’t have heard for a while if an iPod dock or computer has been your sole sound system; Arcam’s minimalist, but comprehensive Solo Neo lets you grow up gracefully.

Arcam Solo Neo all-in-one hi-fi & streamer £1,349.00 www.arcam.co.uk

new gadgets

Philips 19PFL3405 19-inch LED TV, £208.40 www.multizoneav.com

Fujifilm FinePix W3 3D stills & video camera, £449 www.fujifilm.co.uk

gadgets

calibre

MIGHTY OAK Years ago Epson took the same LCD technology commonly found in boardroom projectors and put it inside a video projector, with mixed success. Its engineers have been working to perfect the transition for yonks, and they’ve finally done it; its new R4000 features reflective 3LCD mirrors that funnel the light around the optical engine so efficiently that the result is one of the most lifelike home cinema projectors yet. A motorised lens operated entirely by the remote control means you don’t need to get up to make adjustments, but the smooth and detailed pictures will nevertheless keep you on the edge of your seat.

The perfect partner to the Arcam Solo Neo (reviewed right), these bookshelf speakers from British audio expert Monitor Audio are ideal if you want a touch of quality in the living room. A tad too chunky to be used on a desktop, and with an attractive curved edge, these 256mm-deep loudspeakers from the company’s Bronze BX Series are available in four vinyl wood finishes: Natural Oak, Walnut, Rosemah and Black Oak. The Bronxe BX’s are at their best when used with a decent stereo system (such as the Solo Neo); an astonishingly balanced level of detail is achieved, with fine detail the lasting memory – although they perform right across the spectrum. Clear out a few paperbacks and make room for a pair on your bookshelf.

Epson R4000 home cinema projector, £4,999 www.epson.co.uk

Monitor Audio Bronze BX2 bookshelf speakers, £250 per pair www.monitoraudio.co.uk

HOME CINEMA HERO

ON THE ROAD

CAUGHT IN THE NET

FM transmitters have been around for a while, but there are scant few around that are designed explicitly for Apple touchscreen devices. Griffin’s RoadTrip takes a simple idea, adds a free app – downloadable from the App store – and puts the transmitter into a small steel neck docking station that attaches to any car’s 12-volt cigarette lighter using an ultra-strong, but bendable, cable arm. Featuring SmartScan and SmartSound to find the frequency and keep music stable – as well as keeping the iPhone/iPod charged – if your car stereo hasn’t got an aux input or built-in Apple connectivity just yet, the RoadTrip is the perfect cheap upgrade.

They may be predicted to fall by the wayside as tablets like the iPad take over, but if you want to get some serious work done on the go, there’s no substitute for a good netbook – and that’s exactly what Samsung has created with the 10-inch N150. Weighing in at just under a kilo, the N150 is boldly coloured and includes Windows 7 Starter Edition, while the latest Intel Atom chip takes care of speed. It’s perhaps not as well built as some, with a lightweight, rather plastic appearance, but three USB ports and an eight-hour battery life should suit most of us. Includes SRS TruSound XT audio and Wi-Fi, though not Bluetooth.

Samsung N150 10.1-inch netbook, £349 www.samsung.com/uk

Griffin RoadTrip & iTrip iPhone App, £59.99 www.tesco.com

Apple iPod Touch 64GB, £329 www.apple.com/uk

Pioneer KODO XW-NAW1 wall-mounted iPod dock, £199 www.pioneer.co.uk

TVonics DTR-HD500 Freeview+HD recorder 500GB £279.99 www.tvonics.com

At l a s

Br itain

The ﬁrst national atlas of Britain to be published since 1963

This special book includes: • 160 pages of Times reference mapping • 17 city centre maps • 450 photographs • 90 historical maps • At-a-glance statistics • Historical mapping of each county from the Bartholomew archive • Descriptions from John Bartholomew’s “Gazetteer of the British Isles” 1887 • Lists of well-known people born in each county • Quotes from famous people about each county

‘When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.’ Samuel Johnson, 1777, as reported by James Boswell

£90, hardback in a slipcase Available now from For more information go to www.atlasofbritain.com and all good bookshops

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WHEN THE KETTLE AND THE CAGED BIRD SING

Alessi are renowned for their inventive and intriguing shapes, imbuing everyday objects with character, humour and, above all, style

nfamous for bringing Philippe Starckâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s space age lemon squeezer to the world, the innovative Italian design brand Alessi has just launched its new collection, which includes this beautiful new piece of tea apparatus, a tea strainer in the shape of a caged bird. Steeped in a strong sense of Chinese culture, the concept is not as far-fetched or surreal as it may at first appear. Inspired by a tendency for the Chinese ĂŠlite of a bygone age to take pet birds, housed in beautifully ornate cages, to the tea houses,

the tea strainer makes an everyday experience more exquisite by combining it with an elegant tradition. Designed by Alan Chan, the well-known Hong Kong-based graphic designer, the tea strainer is part of the Tea Matter range of distinctly oriental, yet modern, stainless steel tea accessories. For some time now, Alan Chan has also been involved in producing his own high-quality teas, making him the perfect fit to breathe new design life into the ancient art of tea. n www.alessi.co.uk

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IN THE MARKET

fashion

news Long a City favourite for luxurious leather goods, Tanner Krolle will be opening a new flagship store in Mayfair this month. The original store in the City of London has stood at the same site since 1856, showcasing the height of quality craftsmanship and English expertise, with beautiful, hand-crafted leather bags and luggage for more than 150 years. The new store in Shepherd Market will house Tanner Krolle’s exclusive and stylish pieces over two floors, with the first floor occupied by a dedicated design workshop, where you can scan the extensive archives to create bespoke pieces.

STYLE2 Initially formulated a few years ago from the brief to create “a Hermès timepiece for a travelling dandy”, the refined and finished product is the brand new and super-chic Carré H. Characterised by the “squared” shape (a shape which is present in force in other Hermès crafts), the watch features clean, simple, but smooth lines created by the gently rounded edges and curved glass. Available as a numbered, limited edition, of only 173 pieces (one for each year since Hermès was founded in 1837), being square has never been so desirable.

www.tannerkrolle.com

Quote of the month:

Fashion is more usually a gentle progression of revisited ideas

For stockists call 020 7499 8856

Bruce Oldfield

www.hermes.com

Website:

TREND:

The Marilyn Sweater

Fashion Conscience is an online boutique bringing together a stylish collection of ethical fashion. The brainchild of a former fashion journalist, Fashion Conscience is the result of Lianne Ludlow’s green epiphany that ethical fashion could be moved away from its frumpy and worthy image and made “glossy and glam”. To achieve this, Ludlow’s mantra has been “style first, ethics second”, and the result is a great selection of organic cotton, vegan leather (read synthetic with better marketing), as well as sustainably sourced and even recycled pieces.

The Winter Maxi

Some like it hot; on a cold winter’s evening some would settle for warm. Chunky cable knits were a big hit on the autumn winter catwalks and soft, cosy, warm and reassuringly protective as they are, it is certainly a trend to be welcomed. This season, Gerard Darel has created this gorgeous off-white cable-knit sweater, as well as using this look, for the first time, to create a dress, scarf, socks and even a waistcoat. But this is not just any sweater; it is, in fact, a replica of the original sweater worn by Marilyn Monroe in the 1960 film Let’s Make Love, won by Gerard Darel at a Christie’s auction in 1999. www.gerarddarel.com

www.fashion-conscience.com

MUST-HAVE ITEM:

Winter is almost upon us and, as the temperatures drop, so too will hemlines, with November’s hottest (and warmest) dresses falling to the floor. An integral part of this season’s loungey, leisurely luxury, winter maxis exude easy elegance, and are easily dressed down or up, making them great for both day and night. This piece from Warehouse ties beautifully into this winter’s focus on all things ‘70s, with a soft, slighty floaty shape and a floral, feminine and distinctly autumnal print.

Warehouse Floral Maxi £85

www.warehouse.co.uk

Photography:

Diana Pai

Fashion Editor:

Lucie Dodds

Black chiffon dress, £695, Willow. Black suede boots £1,520, Gucci, www.gucci.com. Black ‘Katherine’ bra £90, Agent Provocateur, www.agentprovocateur.com Bangle, Chanel, www.chanel.com

Chiffon top, £545 and skirt, both Willow Necklace, Chanel, as before. Ring, £165 Pebble London. Gold shoes, £650 Terry de Havilland, www.terrydehavilland.com

Chiffon dress, £4,027, Roberto Cavalli, 181-182 Sloane Street SW1, 020 7823 1879. Bracelet, £45, Pebble London

Cut-Out dress, ÂŁ850, Willow

Chiffon dress, Willow. Boots, ÂŁ950

Alexander McQueen

Shot on location at The Colonnade Hotel, London

Silver treasures

All that glitters

Alias is Theo Fennell’s first fine jewellery collection in silver. The Alias collection has allowed Theo Fennell the freedom to explore new designs and techniques in silver whilst maintaining the Theo Fennell ethos of the utmost originality of design and quality of craftsmanship. The beautiful new Alias Silver Leif Key pendant demonstrates his success exploring new materials that would make a lifelong treasure.

This stunning pave diamond set pendant from Boodles spins and twinkles, just like the fairground carousel that inspired it. Go on, spoil that special someone this Christmas with the ultimate symbol of luxury.

Alias Silver Leif Key Pendant, £475

Boodles 2 & 3 The Courtyard Royal Exchange 020 7283 7284 www.boodles.co.uk

Carousel pendant, £4,650

Theo Fennell 4 The Courtyard Royal Exchange 020 7623 4380 www.theofennell.com

Christmas

let

shopping commence!

The perfect place to start, and maybe even finish your Christmas shopping, the Royal Exchange is crammed with luxurious treats for the festive season

Star struck

Time for style

As the party season draws in, look to the Lulu Guinness Cruise 2010 Collection. Top on our wish list is the ‘One in a Million’ evening clutch, embroidered and embellished with stars and crystals to make up a night sky. With three other dazzling designs including a tote, make-up bag and a re-style of the lip clutch, the Cruise 2010 Collection will stand firm as a favourite which will banish any of those seasonal ‘what to wear?’ fears.

Cartier’s Baignoire watch is an inspiring design with a timeless quality. The original oval shape was created in 1912 (named ‘Baignoire’ in 1973) and today, offers a flawlessly classic design ideal for the modern woman. The small watch is delicate but radiates its strength of design through its 18-ct yellow gold casing, with a matching bracelet.

One in a Million clutch, £195 Lulu Guinness 23 Royal Exchange 020 7626 5391 www.luluguinness.com

Cartier Baignoire watch (small model), £13,000

Cartier 1 The Courtyard Royal Exchange 020 7312 6923 www.cartier.com

Snappy style

Pearl glow

This hold-all bag made of toffee-coloured alligator skin with brown jacquard lining, stainless steel fittings, zip closure, adjustable shoulder strap and two comfortable leather handles is the ultimate luxury Christmas gift for anyone who wants to travel in serious style.

The three Kings may have brought gold, frankincense and myrrh, but the wise man gives pearls. Italian jewellers Milleperle have the most extensive range of contemporary pearl designs, to create the ideal gift this Christmas.

Montblanc Hold-All Genuine Alligator bag, £12,500 Montblanc 10-11 Royal Exchange 020 7929 4200 www.montblanc.com

18ct gold necklace with white south pearls, £13,000 Milleperle 8 Royal Exchange 020 7621 1118 www.milleperle.co.uk

A novel gift idea

Print me A penny

The 2010 Molton Brown festive gift collection draws its inspiration from an archive of literary classics, which capture the imagination and seize the senses. Each of their nine beautifully crafted pieces is designed to showcase a unique collection of much-loved Molton Brown products. Strike gold with Treasure Island bursting with exotic aromas inspired by the isle of Tahiti, or try The Alchemist resonating with spiced amber essence and aromas of Indian gaiac wood and Siberian pine essential oils.

Artisan Fine Art Galleries will shortly reveal a new exhibition of limited edition silkscreen prints, by artist Simon Claridge. To launch the exhibition a live demonstration will take place on 2 December, 5-8pm. The evening promises a unique opportunity to understand the process of hand printing. Anyone who purchases a piece from the collection will receive a complimentary original silkscreen print created by Simon, live during his demonstration, as a unique memento of the day.

The Library collection gift boxes start from £35

Penny Black, signed & framed limited edition, £699

Molton Brown 27 Royal Exchange 020 7621 0021 www.moltonbrown.co.uk

Artisan Fine Art 35 Royal Court Exchange Royal Exchange 020 7929 5656 www.artisangalleries.com

AGENT PROVOCATEUR || ARTISAN | BOODLES || BULGARI || CARTIER || CHURCH’S || CROCKETT & JONES || DE BEERS || GRAND CAFÉ AND BAR || GUCCI || HERMÈS || IMPERIAL CITY || JO MALONE || L’OCCITANE || LORO PIANA || LULU GUINNESS || MILLEPERLE || MOLTON BROWN || MONT BLANC || NAPKET || OMEGA || PAUL A. YOUNG FINE CHOCOLATES || PAUL SMITH || PAVAROTTI’S || PENHALIGON’S || PRETTY BALLERINAS || ROYAL EXCHANGE JEWELLERS || SAUTERELLE || SEARLE & CO || SMOKER’S PARADISE || SMYTHSON || TATEOSSIAN || THEO FENNELL || TIFFFANY & CO || Vilebrequin || WATCHES OF SWITZERLAND || WINT & KIDD

Royal Exchange, Bank, City of London, EC3V 3LR

www.theroyalexchange.co.uk

120 Wigmore Street, London, W1U 3LS 509 Uxbridge Road, Hatch End, Pinner, Middlesex HA5 4JS Telephone: 020 7486 3080 http://www.halcyon-interiors.co.uk email: info.@halcyon-interiors.co.uk

interiors

concierge

Jigsaw linen, from £10

interiors

news

Jigsaw Prepare for the second instalment of gorgeous interiors from Jigsaw home this season. Inspired by a quintessential British look, the company has drawn on vintage prints and union jacks to produce a truly indulgent collection of bed linen, throws and scatter cushions. So this month, why not indulge your inner eccentric, wrap yourself up in some cashmere and enjoy the best of British in style?

Medio Candela range, £35

JIGSAW, www.jigsaw-online.com

SOFT TOUCH

Molton Brown Why not treat yourself and your space to something a little bit different this month. Perfect for cosy winter nights, Molton Brown has launched a brand new range of mood-enhancing candels. Beautifully packaged, the collection draws on a luxuriant blend of essential oils specifically designed to evoke a variety of sensory states from calm to optimistic, sensual and enigmatic. Unusual combinations include soothing notes of lavender and tobacco and the mysterious scent of leather, tar and amber. 0808 178 1188, www.moltonbrown.co.uk

Fornasetti Expect to be enticed by the new ‘it’ product of the season, courtesy of renowned Italian design house Fornasetti. In a new collaboration with world-renowned master perfumer Olivier Polge, the company are set to wow the interiors market with their take on unique home fragrances. Choose from scented candles and boxed incense sticks to room sprays and ceramic globe diffusers, perfumed oil or scented rocks. Worth the initial investment, these ceramic vessels can be adopted for alternative use later on, ensuring you’ll have a little piece of Fornasetti in your collection well after your candle’s burnt out!

Kitchen experts Poggenpohl have launched the new range Creative Accents. It includes metallic gloss, matt lacquer and pearlised laminates that blend beautifully with both contemporary and organic features to create an elegant finish. Four new subtly shimmering shades of Cubanit, Curit, Flourit and Oxyd will give cabinets a delicate pearlescent finish, working well contrasted with wood grain and stone, to give a softer, more organic edge to the high concept kitchen. Complete, installed Poggenpohl kitchens from £25,000 08000 683 606 www.poggenpohl.com

AVAILABLE FROM SELFRIDGES www.fornasettiprofumi.com

Architettura, scented candle, £95

the trend Sim Smith’s guide to a truly traditional Christmas table

Wrought iron six-arm trumpet chandelier £739, Besselink & Jones 020 7584 0343, www.besselink.com

Crystal Splendid stemware with gold lining from £44.95, Moser, Harrods 020 7730 1234, www.harrods.com

Taddington wallpaper in Red on Metallic from the Damask Resource Volume 3 collection, £65.33 per double roll ex VAT, Thibaut 020 7351 6496, www.thibautdesign.com

Leather Brunches Lunches Suppers Dinners hardbound book in red, £165, Smythson 0845 873 2435, www.smythson.com

Steel Swan center table bordered in Venetian Gold from the Collector’s Edition collection, £1,904.98 Baker London, www.bakerfurniture.com Brass trim Chateau 165 oven in Bordeaux from £21,000, La Cornue 0870 7561 235, www.lacornue.co.uk

interiors

concierge

Paper Victorian character masks, £16, Cox & Cox 0844 858 0744, www.coxandcox.co.uk

Porcelain Ritz Imperial Blanc dinner plates in white and gold, from £83, Haviland 020 7292 044, www.haviland.fr

Polished brass Small Nureyev Trolley, £3,800, Soane Britain 020 7730 6400, www.soane.co.uk Empire Flame cutlery in gold, individual pieces from £92, Clive Christian for Arthur Price 01543 257775, www.arthurprice.com

Clove, cinnamon and orange Nazareth candle £55, Cire Trudon 020 7625 7952, www.united-perfumes.com

Luxury Christmas preserves, £18.95 each, Fortnum and Mason 0845 300 1707, www.fortnumandmason.com

concierge interiors

the address book

This month Sim Smith seeks out some of Elizabeth Street’s best little shops

Grosvenor Stationery Company Perfectly situated, there’s no missing the royal blue facade of this must-visit little stationery shop. Through the window, passersby can see a myriad of contemporary colours on show in the form of correspondence cards and invitations. Inside, the shop design is simple, a space dedicated to its product and service. Whether you’re looking for invitation inspiration for a special occasion, or something a bit more low key, the Grosvenor Stationery Company really is a great place to start. The products tend to fall into two areas: ‘Write & Go’ boxed stationery, which you can buy off the shelf or ‘Social Stationary’, custom-ordered pieces ranging from everyday cards to invitations. If the latter appeals to you, the company offers a consultation service with specialist staff, who are able to take you through the design process from start to finish. With a rare coupling of traditional engraving and die-stamping and the use of new contemporary colour schemes and luxuriously heavyweight board and papers, the Grosvenor Stationery Company is leading the way in making correspondence cool again. 47 Elizabeth Street, 020 7730 4515, www.grosvenorstationerycompany.com

Mungo & Maud Inside the pale grey exterior of this period property lives Mungo & Maud, dog and cat outfitters par excellence. An old, reclaimed wooden table takes centre stage with small zinc buckets and knitted toys thoughtfully positioned on its surface. To the left, thick wooden shelves stacked ceiling-high house porcelain water bowls and dog treats in linen bags made to Mungo & Maud’s own recipe. Along from these canine culinary delights, stylish merino wool jumpers and hand-stitched leather collars sit alongside a very elegant grooming range, boasting such delights as oatmeal shampoo and eau de toilette pour chien. With an emphasis on natural materials and tactile fabrics, these well-designed, chic accessories prove the perfect complement to any contemporary home, ensuring a stylish life all round. 79 Elizabeth Street, 020 7022 1208 www.mungoandmaud.com

Tomtom Founded in 1997, Tomtom Cigars has become one of London’s leading cigar merchants with a reputation for bringing the very best of Cuba to the slightly drearier streets of London. The entire shop exudes cool Cuban charm from the whirling ceiling fan above, to the laid-back staff and the distinct smell of sweet tobacco that wafts onto the street outside. The company has the highest classification from Habanos, the Cuban Cigar Authority, as a Specialist in Havanas, not to mention the seal of approval from their local council, City of Westminster, as a Havana Specialist – which allows them the very rare privilege of offering cigar tasting to their customers. Yes, you can actually smoke in here! Tomtom also stocks a wonderful range of accessories for the cigar aficionado from humidors to cigar cutters, and even boasts a super-cool range of Havana Club brand ashtrays in the brightest of colours. Further additions to the range include some beautiful vintage pieces including a collection of match strikers and a lovely range of Diptyque candles specially picked out to appeal to the cigar enthusiast’s nose. For one of the largest ranges of Havana cigars, as well as a great selection of lesser known branded smokes, be sure to consult the experts at Tomtom. 63 Elizabeth Street, 020 7730 1790, www.tomtom.co.uk

28 Oct 2010 LiveCheshire FPG Artesio_DPS and FPG Master 28/10/2010 18:31 Page 1

ARTESIO

www.poggenpohl.com

U K,IRELAND&GIBRALTAREXCLUSIVEPOGGENPOHLKITCHENDESIGNCENTRES: Aberdeen l Ascot – Berkshire l Barnet – London, Herts l Birmingham l Bournemouth l Carlisle l Colchester l Dublin 2 l EdinburghExmouth l Gibraltar l Glasgow l Guernsey Guildford l Kilmarnock l Kingston – Surrey l Leeds l London – Finchley Road NW3 l London – Harrods l London – Knightsbridge SW3 l London – Pimlico SW1 l London – Clapham SW11 l London – Waterloo SE1 l London – Wigmore St W1 l Manchester l Oxford l Salisbury l St. Albans l Wilmslow – Cheshire l Worthing – Sussex For a brochure or details of your nearest studio please call 08000 683 606 or visit our website www.poggenpohl.com

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health & fitness

concierge Stubble Trouble

health & fitness

The next generation in stubble control, i-stubble is designed to give you the look you want every day, thanks to its advanced technology and unique new features. Motorised length control automatically adjusts the comb guide, giving you a range of stubble lengths from just 0.4mm.

news Best of British

The original boot camp class, British Military Fitness runs sessions on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at a Territorial Army base between Moorgate and Old Street. BMF classes are perfect for anyone in need of motivation– they’ll bring out your competitive streak if nothing else, and instructors are serving or ex-armed forces physical training instructors who’ll help you burn on average 640 calories per session.

www.babyliss.co.uk

www.britmilfit.com

How to: STRENGTHEN YOUR CORE Every muscle relies on your abs, hips, and lower back, a.k.a. your core. It’s your base and your center of attraction. Here’s three exercises to sculpt a rock solid midsection. 1. Side Bridge

Fit in the City Achieve a balanced body and mind with Nordic Balance, the independent health and fitness gym and personal training company in leafy St James Square. Set within an impressive 320-year-old building that used to be home to the Earl of Kent, it is complete with fully equipped weights and cardio rooms, swimming pool with jet-stream, jacuzzi, sauna and the oldest squash court in London.

Lie on your side with your forearm on the floor under your shoulder to prop you up, and your feet stacked. Contract your core and press your forearm against the floor to raise your hips until your body is straight from ankles to shoulders. Hold for 15 to 45 seconds, then repeat on the other side.

2. Plank with Diagonal Arm Lift

www.nordicbalance.co.uk

Assume a modified pushup position with your feet shoulder width apart, forearms on the floor. Keeping your torso steady, raise your right arm forward and to the right, so that it points to two o’clock. Hold for two seconds, then lower and repeat with your left arm, raising it to ten o’clock. That’s one rep.

3. Single-Leg Lowering

Lie on your back with your legs extended straight up. Keeping your legs straight, lower your left leg until your foot is two to three inches off the floor. Return to the starting position, then repeat with your right leg; that’s one rep.

Brought to you in association with The Wellington Hospital, one of the world’s leading private hospitals. www.thewellingtonhospital.com

HELPING YOU MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE Our service is designed with you in mind We have an outstanding reputation of excellence in the field of cosmetic surgery. Our internationally renowned consultants and multi–disciplinary teams offer you treatment of the highest standard, with the peace of mind of knowing you are in safe hands.

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Take the first step to a new you The hospital has a dedicated GP Liaison service giving GPs and pa • the largest Critical Care facility in the private sector The hospital has a dedicated GP Liai easy, fast access to the hospital’s extensive services & facilities. F by calling our team today easy, fast access to the hospital’s ex

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Fax:

020 7483 5618 Fax: Tel: 020 7483 5148

020 7483 5618

Email: wellington.enquiryhelpline@h Fax: 020 7483 5618 Email: wellington.enquiryhelpline@hcahealthcare.co.uk

www.thewellingtonhosp Email: wellington.enquiryhelpline@hcahealthcare.co.uk

www.thewellingtonhospital.com

www.thewellingtonhospital.com Wellington Place, St Johns Wood

Wellington Place, St Johns Wood, London NW8 9LE

Wellington Place, St Johns Wood, London NW8 9L

THE gamble OF MEDICAL TOURISM Numerous patients are emerging from obesity surgeries abroad with unsatisfactory results, health complications or traumatic experiences – we find out why cheap medical packages aren’t worth comprising your health for In an interview with Vanessa Feltz broadcast earlier this year on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, a senior bariatric surgeon recalled how Feltz’s decision to have gastric band surgery overseas was greeted with dismay by British doctors. Mr David Kerrigan (who has also advised the Government on the NICE obesity guidelines), said “a collective groan” went up among the UK’s leading bariatric (weight loss) clinics when she revealed her gastric band was fitted in Belgium. And it seems Feltz isn’t the only one; in recent years, many patients from the UK have chosen to travel overseas for obesity surgery for reasons including a perceived lower cost, shorter waiting lists, attractive location, and opportunity to combine surgery with a short ‘holiday’. Of course, on the face of it, having surgery in a hot, sunny country for less money seems a much more attractive choice; but it’s important to remember that things can go wrong – and if they do, it’s much harder to manage when patients (or the surgeon they want to re-visit) are overseas. Would you have an unending supply of time and money to return overseas for aftercare, if something went wrong?

SURGERY GONE WRONG

Other high-profile patients who have travelled abroad for gastric band surgery include Anne Diamond, who like Vanessa Feltz, had a gastric band fitted in Belgium. She described the result as an “unedifying failure” due to lack of supervision and band adjustments. It later appeared that the band had been put in the wrong place, requiring a second bariatric operation at a private hospital in the UK.

“The only potential advantage of health tourism is that, on the face of it, surgery in Europe would appear to be a bit cheaper,” says Mr Kesava Mannur, General Surgeon specialising in Bariatric Surgery. “However, once the cost of proper aftercare is added in, the difference between Europe and the UK often amounts to just a few hundred pounds. What really worries me is that people who opt for cut price surgery overseas are often unaware of just how important medically supervised aftercare is. They rarely receive the postop support that is so critical for a safe and effective outcome. This is particularly vital with gastric bands, which are not a ‘magic cure’, but simply a tool to aid weight loss. Patients need to be shown how to use them properly – and that training needs constant support and reinforcement if they are to get a good, safe result. “Sometimes complications, such as band slippage or erosion, can set in months - or even years - after the operation is performed. If picked up and dealt with promptly, most of these problems can be safely treated by a bariatric surgeon without the risk of losing the band. Do you really want to be hundreds of miles and several hours away from your surgeon if anything goes wrong?

“It’s a question of being able to pick up the phone and talk to someone knowledgeable who can put your mind at rest when you’re not sure that things are going as they should, or get you sorted out quickly without you having to travel for hours to see them if something goes wrong.” Unfortunately, there have been many cases where foreign clinics do not provide any aftercare and although they may tell patients this is a ‘standard’ package, it is vital that aftercare is included, whichever country you are in. It is also not uncommon for British surgeons to treat post-surgery complications in those who would not have been accepted for this type of surgery in the UK. British guidelines have strict criteria for bariatric admissions as weight loss surgeries can be risky. When complications of this nature arise, it is often NHS surgeons or small private clinics who try to correct these ‘mistakes’, but these overstretched medical teams do not always possess the specialist knowledge and training to deal with such cases. The Wellington Hospital is one of the UK’s leading private medical centres, and the bariatric unit has a wealth of experience. Treatments available at The Wellington include the gastric band via keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery and the relatively non-invasive technique of the intra-gastric balloon (which remains inflated to occupy most of the stomach, limiting the space available for food). Dr. Shidrawi acknowledges that these types of surgery are very effective, but ultimately he is keen to emphasize that these are risky procedures, complications are not infrequent and it is always important to seek out the best medical professionals and the highest standard of aftercare to guarantee the desired results.

For more information about bariatric surgery at The Wellington Hospital, call the Enquiry Helpline on 020 7483 5148 or visit www.thewellingtonhospital.com

DID YOU KNOW? 10-15 per cent of gastric band patients will eventually have complications (such as band slippage or erosion) that will require further corrective treatment.

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GOING FOR GOLD

T The creative flair of Dolce & Gabbana combines with the master artisans at Martini to bring us Martini Gold

he release of Martini Gold continues the collaboration with Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, which began more than ten years ago and has been consolidated through various initiatives, from the opening of the Martini Bar inside Dolce & Gabbana boutiques to the Martini-inspired Dolce & Gabbana suit cut. “We share common values and pride in our Italian roots. This is the first time we have worked on a project like this and we are very pleased with the result; a new product that combines the soul of our world and world of

Martini,” said Dolce & Gabbana. The complex aroma of the new creation includes essences of sweet-scented bergamot, lemon, orange, saffron, myrrh, ginger and cubeb pepper, combining these seductive spices and Mediterranean aromas for a unique taste – on the rocks or as a cocktail. The packaging has been D&G designed too, and watch out for the advertising campaign directed by Madonna’s favourite, Jonas Åkerlund, and showcasing Italian actress Monica Bellucci. n www.martinigold.com

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travel

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travel

news

AVANT SKI

THAI STYLE

For those who love the idea of a ski holiday, but find the reality a little more daunting or exhausting, The Grove has come up with a novel idea to help you (once and for all) put those show-off friends to shame on the slopes. From this month, The Grove will be holding Avant Ski weekends to help you get in shape, and build your confidence. The weekends will involve special classes designed to strengthen the muscles used in skiing, a day on the slopes at The Snow Centre and an alpine feast to get you in the mood for a little après ski. Avant ski weekends will be taking place on the 5–7 November and on 7–9, 14–16 and 28–30 January.

On 1 November, W Hotels throws open the doors of the W Retreat Koh Samui, the first W Retreat in Southeast Asia. Famed for its gorgeous coastline and tranquil atmosphere, Koh Samui is one of the hottest destinations in the area, and the new W Retreat is set to be a great escape within an oasis of calm on the island. Set along the island’s beautiful northern coastline, W Retreat will feature 17 luxurious villas, each boasting a secluded beachfront position and fantastic views, in a clean, modern style with touches of local design colour. Neatly capturing the spirit of the island, daytime at W Retreat will allow guests to relax and take time for themselves, whilst the evening will let in a little of the island’s energy and famed love of festivities. www.whotels.com/kohsamui

www.thegrove.co.uk

Travel Fact The popular ski resort of Telluride in Colorado is also the site of the infamous robber Butch Cassidy’s first ever recorded crime. Butch Cassidy robbed the San Miguel Valley Bank in June 1889, making off with almost $25,000.

Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon has come up with a way to explore the city that is as quaint, charming and energised as Lisbon itself: a tour by motor-sidecar. Guests will be sped around Lisbon’s hotspots by a drivercum-English-speaking-guide, and taken to explore the historic Alfama quarter, the spectacular views from St Georges Castle, the riverside district of Belem and its UNESCO listed Tower. Foodies will also delight in trying Portuguese delicacy ‘pasties de nata’ and a visit to the kitchens of Antiga Confeitaria de Belém, where the recipe has been kept secret since 1837.

Website of the month: www.totalaccessworldwide.com

SIDE BY SIDE

Total Access is a recently launched personal travel concierge service, which offers members access to some of the most exclusive and luxurious events and establishments around the world. Members can enjoy access to glamorous events such as London Fashion Week and the Oscars, as well as invitations to élite sporting events and film premieres. Members benefit 24-hour personal Account Manager, to take care of your every whim, wherever in the world you find yourself.

www.fourseasons.com/lisbon

Brought to you in association with Small Luxury Hotels of the World, an unsurpassable collection of over 500 hotels spanning 70 countries, which offer an infinite variety of experiences.

island

FEVER

Part one of the 2,500km off-roading Odyssey through Oman: Bel Trew drives north to discover diving, dolphins and smugglers in majestic Musandam

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Destination...

Florence

Birth place of the Renaissance, and a city where all the finest things in life can be found in abundance, indulge in the delights of Florence Don’’t miss:

Music: The Food Of Love

Adapted from a fifteenth century monastery, with a façade reputedly designed by Michelangelo, the stunning Villa San Michele boasts spectacular views stretching over the Arno Valley, to the city of Florence. Located in Fiesole in Tuscany (but just 15 minutes from the centre of Florence with the free shuttle bus), the Villa is also famous for its cookery school. The school offers a series of great classes, from half day to longer two, three and even five day courses, with themes such as children’s cooking, cooking for one and healthy eating. Some even include wine tastings at local vineyards, or trips to discover the cuisine of local regions such as Chianti. Don’t miss A Symphony of Pasta, a three day course, with each day taken by a different chef from notable restaurants all over Italy, such as Cipriani in Venice. Another highlight, Italian Intermezzo works with the famous creator of this book of recipes matched to music, Sharon O’Connor, to explore the cultural and gastronomic beauty of Florence. www.villasanmichele.com

The CityJet route to Florence will commence in January 2011.

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For more information, schedules and to book your flight visit www.cityjet.com or www.londoncityairport.com

Where to play::

Shoppers’ Paradise

If shopping is your forte, whilst in Florence, it is worth veering away from the obvious choices. Sure, a stroll down Via Tornabouri opens up a plethora of high end options such as Gucci, Armani and Ferragamo. But come on people, we have those at home… Florence is also famous for the wealth of great quality artisan goods, many of which have been made using the same techniques, passed down from generation to generation for centuries. Head to Ponte Vecchio (Florence’s picturesque “old bridge”), lined by quaint, little jewellery shops, where gold and silversmiths have been make their fine creations since the sixteenth century. Via Maggio and the streets around the Oltrano district are also great for hunting out antiques and objet d’art, and for those keen to sniff out a bargain, the antiques flea market near Piazza Santa Croce is also not to be missed.

What to see::

Florence Syndrome

Florence is a city rich in art and culture, after all, it gave us the Renaissance and the dawn of the modern age. So much so, that there is actually a syndrome named after the dizzying heights of admiration and awe the art of this city is thought to induce. So explore, delve deep, but just don’t overdo it… Art lovers should make a pilgrimage to the Uffizi, a huge gallery housing a spectacular collection of Renaissance art by such veritable masters as da Vinci, Botticelli and Raphael. Book tickets to the Uffizi in advance to significantly cut short waiting times, which can be as much as five hours in the summer months. Perhaps that is what causes Florence Syndrome? www.uffizi.com

Where to eat:

Tuscany’s Finest

Only an hour outside of Florence, luxurious resort Castel Monastero’s gourmet restaurant Contrada boasts the direction of internationally acclaimed chef Gordon Ramsay. This sophisticated restaurant offers the flavours of traditional Tuscan cuisine, reworked and given a modern edge in a gorgeous setting amongst chestnut forests and cyprus trees. And if a satisfying lunch leaves you feeling slothful, head down to the Castel Monastero Spa, to try out one of their rejuvenating treatments. www.castelmonastero.com

Where to stay:

For All Seasons

To encapsulate all the romantic and history rich charms of Florence, a stay in the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is a must. Only a stroll away from the Uffizi gallery and the Duomo (Florence’s famous cathedral), the Four Seasons offers a charming sanctuary, in the heart of the city. Set in a Renaissance palazzo, enjoy the abundant art and beautiful frescoes, as well as spectacular views and relaxing under the trees of a centuries old park. www.fourseasons.com/florence

sustainable SCARLET Set on a spectacular clifftop site in a wild corner of Cornwall, The Scarlet artfully combines great design with sustainability, and Sarah Gilbert sets out on a journey of discovery

rranged over five levels, The Scarlet Hotel was built to blend seamlessly into its surroundings, with flat roofs covered in sea thrift and rocks. The entrance may be low key, but the interior is anything but. With no reception in the airy lobby, it’s like walking into a fabulous house, and the first thing to catch your eye are the floor-to-ceiling windows that frame a breathtaking view of Mawgan Porth Bay, its rolling surf and golden sands flanked by steep cliffs. Furniture is contemporary, sleek and tactile, from the roof terrace where you can sunbathe or stargaze, to a series of chic lounges where bright colours and bold patterns blend harmoniously. Art, from modern sculptures to original paintings, is everywhere. All 37 rooms – there are five categories: Just Right,

Generous, Unique, Spacious and Indulgent, which increase in size – have large windows and their own private outdoor space from a balcony to a large terrace, with views of the sea and Atlantic sunsets. Our spacious room was decorated with natural wood and stone, sharp lines and angles eschewed in favour of sensuous curves. The kingsize bed was clad in warm taupe and honey fabrics, and the stand-alone bath (in the middle of the room) and curtain-free shower were covered with opalescent mosaic tiles. Eco-chic in all the details, the high-thread count sheets and fluffy towels and robes are made of organic cotton. The delicious-smelling soaps are from the Cornish Soap Box Company and come with a little canvas bag so you can take them away with you. While The Scarlet doesn’t compromise on luxury, you

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can relax in the knowledge that your hedonism is being offset by its green ethos. The three sisters behind the hotel kept its environmental impact at the forefront from the start, from using water-based eco paint and a huge biomass boiler that burns locally harvested woodchips, to greywater recycling and solar panel-heated pools. A child-free zone, The Scarlet is perfect for a romantic getaway, designed to help couples reconnect. Aiding this process is the lack of wi-fi and mobile phone reception (if that thought scares you, there are ethernet cables available and you can get a signal further along the road) and, not least, two lipstick-red, log-fired hot tubs. Set on the cliff edge overlooking the dramatic sweep of the bay, a romantic soak in the mineral-rich seaweed baths is ideally paired with a glass of champagne. Inside, the hotel’s innovative spa is based on Ayurvedic principles. After a consultation to determine your dosha, or body type, you can choose from a single treatment, or a range of treatments, creating a spa journey that can last up to four hours. Get scrubbed down in the hammam, or slather each other in black rasul mud, which will leave your skin glowing. Then choose from the low-lit, post-treatment relaxation space filled with suspended tepee-like pods. Filled with cushions, the swaying motion will soon have you drifting off to sleep. Or take to a day bed or squishy beanbag in a more uplifting, sun-drenched room overlooking the reedbed natural pool and the sea beyond. The more active can swim in the large pool – where glass walls blend indoor and outdoor space – or brave the

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Atlantic for some wild swimming, coasteering, kayaking, even surfing. On dry land you can try yoga, horse riding and tree climbing. Unsurprisingly, some people never leave the hotel. Breakfast in The Scarlet’s stylish, light-filled restaurant is an informal, leisurely affair, prepared with seasonal locally sourced produce: generous portions of fruit salad, homemade bread and jams, and a very full English. Dinner is more glamorous and intimate, but the dishes on Michelin-starred chef Ben Tunnicliffe’s eclectic, daily changing menu are equally home-grown, and designed to let the flavours of the fresh ingredients shine through. With wine recommendations from a Euro-centric list (fewer air miles) – including Cornish Camel Valley wines – I opted for the seared hand-dived St Austell scallops, with onion purée and peppered satsumas, followed by charred rib of St Ives beef with caramelised shallots, salsa verde and griddled polenta, rounded off with a decadent hot chocolate soufflé with pistachio ice cream and, greedily, a selection of poetically named local cheeses. My experience at The Scarlet left me both relaxed and invigorated – and it didn’t cost the earth. n

Clockwise from left: Exterior Relaxation terrace Lobby Spa - light relaxtion room Restaurant

For further information, visit www.scarlethotel.co.uk

Double rooms start at £180 per night, for two sharing, including breakfast and VAT.

Getting there: the author flew to Newquay on Air Southwest (airsouthwest.com). The Scarlet is only six miles from the airport.

5 CWpromotion

of the best As the winter nights draw in, now is the perfect time to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and head to the country, or out of it, for a relaxing winter break LUXURY SKI

Chalet Amazon Creek is the company’s flagship property, located in the heart of the Chamonix Valley and sleeping up to ten guests. A champagne reception and warm welcome await you after your short private transfer from Geneva airport and knowledgeable hosts, private chauffeurs and personal chefs will make sure you get the very best from your winter holiday. After a hard day on the slopes, make the most of the chalet’s extensive facilities, which include; a private cinema room, massage and treatment room and large spa area. A stay in Chalet Amazon Creek can be combined with nearby sister properties offering similar facilities to accommodate an extended group of 24+ in comfort.

Winter

breaks

Amazon Creek, a boutique company, owns and exclusively operates luxury chalets, villas and yachts. Each of their properties has been designed and built with the discerning traveller in mind.

0207 824 9290, enquiries@amazoncreek.co.uk, www.amazoncreek.co.uk

Chalet de la Cloche In the heart of the world’s finest ski region of Val d’Isere and Tignes, Cloche offers a superb alpine experience, providing all the amenities and services of the most exclusive boutique hotels within a modern chalet. The luxurious and contemporary interior is the ultimate in comfort and style. The large bedrooms have plasma TVs, stylish en-suite bathrooms and balconies (offering awe-inspiring views across the snowcapped region), and there is a private spa with pool, steam room and hot tub. Four professionally trained staff (including butler and chauffeur), can meet every requirement, whether it’s collecting ski-passes, booking helicopter rides or just going for a shopping trip in one of our luxury vehicles. Your private chef will create sumptuous menus to your own requirements, meeting the highest restaurant standards. An extensive wine cellar and open bar caters for all your liquid ‘après ski’ entertainment, and the huge HD screen with Bose AV sound system, Sky, DVD or CD will complete the perfect fun filled atmosphere. 020 8853 0636, info@ski-base.com www.ski-base.com

CITYpromotion

FLAKED OUT Set in the heart of 120 acres of breathtaking gardens, woodland and parkland, Alexander House Hotel & Spa is ideal for those in search of a gorgeous Sussex retreat, superb dining or relaxing spa break. Conveniently located near East Grinstead and only a half hour train journey from the centre of London, this wonderful country manor house is an idyllic boutique destination. The hotel is glamorously refurbished with individually designed bedrooms, sumptuous bathrooms and an award winning spa and kitchen which are serviced with impeccable traditional manners. Executive Chef Paul Nixon has previously worked at The Savoy, The Grand and under the Roux Brothers in Amsterdam, so you know that you are in for something extra special. The subterranean Utopia Spa sets a magnificent calming scene ready to balance mind, body and soul. A stay at Alexander House Hotel, including breakfast, dinner and use of the spa (with £50 worth of treatments per person included) costs £159 per person until March 2011. Alexander House Hotel, Turners Hill, West Sussex, 01342 859 701

ROMANTIC AND RELAXING A relaxing or romantic holiday with children may seem a tough call, but at West Charlton Grange in glorious, unspoilt Devon, attention to the tiniest details means it is a magical destination, even with children and even in winter. The six stunning self-catering cottages each have five stars and a gold rating from Visit Britain. Nestled in an unspoilt valley, West Charlton Grange is just a stone’s throw away from stunning beaches, rugged moorland and the popular towns of Kingsbridge, Salcombe and Dartmouth. For parents, the gorgeous setting means it can be as romantic as it is calming and family orientated. For children, there are secret gardens and a vast enclosed playing field with dens, play houses and climbing frames to explore, wood to collect from the log store for the wood burners in the cottages and toys to fuel their imaginations. Take a dip in the large, luxurious, heated indoor pool or brave the winter winds with a stroll along the beach, a hot chocolate at a beach side cafe, or a long lazy fireside lunch in one of the many local pubs. 01548 531779 www.westcharletongrange.com

ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY When you think of a picturesque Winter break you think roaring log fires, winter hikes and rosy cheeks and Brecon Beacons Holiday Cottages offer the perfect venue for that idyllic getaway amid some of Britain’s most breathtaking scenery, only three hours from London With 300 gorgeous, well-appointed properties in and around the Brecon Beacons, Black Mountains National Park and the Wye Valley, they offer everything from remote stone cottages to five-star manor houses, catering for parties of any size and need. Our favourites include; Cae Marchog, a remote large stone house and barn conversion at the foot of the famous Hay Bluff - a perfect, and luxurious, basecamp from which to explore the magical Black Mountains; The Tower, near Abergavenny, a fairytale (one-bedroom) Elizabethan tower set in its own walled garden; and, for larger groups, the spectacular, luxurious Felin Newydd House near Brecon, a renovated 17th Century manor house, offering hunting, outdoor activities and catering. All properties offer stunning views, and are perfectly situated for outdoor pursuits. 01874 676 446 www.breconcottages.com

COME & CELEBRATE

CHRISTMAS AT PLANET HOLLYWOOD LONDON Quality festive menus from £24.95 • Centrally-located for getting in and out of London • Tailor made packages available upon request •FREE SMALL GLASS OF WINE PP when quoting CITY MAGAZINE*

PLEASE CALL: 020 7287 1000 OR EMAIL: salesuk@planethollywoodintl.com

57-60 HAYMARKET SW1Y 4QX *For bookings of 10 or more, Sunday through Thursday between Noon & 15:00pm Terms and Conditions: Christmas Menu’s are available from the 25.11.10 – 24.12.10. Please note that our a la carte menu is also available during this time. All menus are subject to change and availability.

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY

NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR OUR EXCLUSIVE TICKET ONLY PARTY

Join us for our Tickled Pink evening, a carefully created 4 course dinner with a glass of welcome fizz, live music, dancing and much more!

TICKETS FROM £50pp

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PURE AS SNOW

news

THE GIFT OF GIVING We all know the recession has put a dent in conspicuous spending, but with Christmas fast approaching, where does that place the etiquette of giving gifts? Gifts from the Kitchen offers a stylish and unique solution to this delicate issue of credit crunch decorum, with suggestions for creative food gifts divided by season and occasion, from homemade teabags and macaroons to Chinese fortune cookies and Easter cupcakes. Written by food writer and stylist Annie Rigg, who has cooked for the likes of Paul McCartney and Pink Floyd, the book features creations that are cute and colourful, or rustic and homely, but above all stylish, and elegantly presented in page upon page of absolutely beautiful photography. Set yourself apart in the style stakes with a gift that is as personal as it is charming, and take a leaf out of Annie Rigg’s book. Gifts from the Kitchen by Annie Rigg (Kyle Cathie, £16.99) with photography by Catherine Gratwicke

NEWS:

Food lingo:

Quote:

Opened earlier this year, Bar Pepito has just won Time Out’s award for best new bar of 2010. Located directly across from sister venture Camino’s in King Cross, Bar Pepito is an intimate and bustling Adalusian style “bodega” serving an extensive and exciting range of every type of sherry imaginable, along with delicious tapas.

Spoom

When a man’s stomach is full it makes no difference whether he is rich or poor.

www.camino.uk.com/pepito

Spoom is a frothy, sorbet-like dessert made by combining sugar syrup with uncooked meringue, which gives it its light, frothy texture. The name comes from the Italian ‘spuma’ meaning foam or froth, and if the name alone isn’t enough to get you intrigued, strawberry spoom is supposedly Sidney Poitier’s favourite dessert.

Available exclusively from Harvey Nichols, priced £44.95 www.snowqueenvodka.com

PLAY BALL Pizza East in Shoreditch has launched ‘Meatball Tuesdays’, a new night focusing on this classic of rustic Italian cooking. Alongside the usual menu, Tuesdays will now also offer an excellent value, three-course menu at £15. The menu, which will be varied a little each week, uses interesting and delicious flavours, and where possible seasonal and local ingredients. Start with bruschetta, sourced from the restaurant’s own deli, before moving on to the main event, a choice of classic meatballs in a traditional tomato sauce, served in charming little antique bowls with a generous array of sides, such as spaghetti, salad and polenta www.pizzaeast.com

Euripides, Greek tragic poet

Website:

www.pageonelondon.com

food & drink

Snow Queen Vodka and celebrated milliner Stephen Jones have teamed up to create an exclusive bottle topped off with a stunning silver and Swarovski crystal hat. Launched this month, the bottle will be limited to only 300 numbered editions. With Kate Moss and Elle Macpherson already fans of Snow Queen, this super collectible jewel in their crown is sure to be on the discerning fashionista’s Christmas list.

Page One comes to the rescue of those fazed, thrown or simply bored by trying to wade their way through the numerous restaurant reviews and recommendations online. Making an answer to the question “where shall we eat tonight?” that much easier, Page One offers reviews of only the 100 most current or noteworthy restaurants in London at any one time, written by a select group of food experts, including prominent critic Fay Maschler.

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The Wild White Pieter Rosenthal of Love That Wine celebrates the ever-popular greenskinned grape variety, Sauvignon Blanc

auvignon Blanc is one of the most recognised and popular white grape varieties on the planet and can be found in the most far-flung corners of the world. I’ve tasted Sauvignon Blanc from places as far apart as Germany, Italy, Chile and New Zealand. It has to be said that the German examples were somewhat forgettable, but I find the Chilean generally very dependable, as are the very popular wines coming from Marlborough in New Zealand. Sauvignon Blanc is also an important constituent with Semillon in white Bordeaux, but traditionally its heartland is the Loire Valley, where it is the grape variety that makes Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé. In my opinion Sauvignon Blanc that is grown in cooler, but not cold climates tends to be more expressive and complex. The grapes ripen more slowly and the grape gets the time to become fully ripe, showing its true colours without piling on the alcohol. As far as recognition goes it is both the Sancerre style – bone dry, fresh and mineral with a distinct herbaceous and slightly smoky character – and the much riper Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, showing gooseberry, citrus and passion fruit flavours with the typical green pepper and asparagus notes that stand out. The tasting term ‘mineral’ is slightly woolly, but you get what I mean when you taste a good Sauvignon Blanc. It is the aroma you get from soil, freshly rained on stones, or even salt. Together with the fairly brisk acidity, it gives a distinctive and dry feel to the palate, which is refreshing and lively at the same time as showing great purity of flavour. I am probably not the world’s biggest Sauvignon Blanc fan as I often find it lacks the complexity to get me really excited, but there are exceptions. And this month I have chosen some of the best examples I have tasted in the past year. n Iona Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Elgin, South Africa £9.49, Waitrose Iona is a winery owned by Andrew Gunn, who has traced his family roots to Scotland. He was looking for a change from his career as a medical engineer in the mid-90s and found an old apple farm in Elgin, which he subsequently converted into a high-quality vineyard.

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So here we go with our mineral, flinty nose that has a floral character and slight herbaceousness along the Sancerre style. And then the ripe fruit takes over. Not tropical but more zesty citrus fruit, gooseberry and stone fruit characters. The wine is generously mouth-filling with a lively, dry and pure finish. This superbly balanced wine was a joy to taste on its own, but when it was paired with a Ballotine of Scottish Salmon with cucumber, horseradish crème and a beetroot reduction it really came to life. I’m sure a pairing with a goat’s cheese tartlet would be equally good, but make it something creamy, as it will find a perfect balance with the dry and zesty character of the wine. Domaine de Léry, Cheverny AC 2009, France £9.99, Oddbins Cheverny is a little known region in the Loire Valley in France. It is very close to the Sancerre but this wine takes on a different character despite the fact that the soils here have the same chalky nature. The aromas are fairly typical Sauvignon Blanc with grapefruit, some green peas and a nice herbal note. On the palate the wine starts dry with refreshing lemon and grapefruit characters. The addition of 20 per cent Chardonnay in this blend gives a richer feel to the wine and adds something a bit more tropical as well a rounded character. Nothing is over the top though, and it would make a perfect partner to grilled white fish or even mussels. Urlar Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Gladstone, New Zealand £9.99, Enotria Another winery that can trace its roots to Scotland, Urlar is Gaelic for the earth. This one is run along biodynamic principles (an extreme form of organic grape production), and they even have their own herd of highland cows providing the natural fertiliser. Although from New Zealand, this wine is not from the well known Marlborough area but a region called Gladstone, which you’ll find on the North Island, facing Marlborough. The climate is similar but soils are different, yet there is a certain family resemblance. This wine is all gooseberry and lime with a streak of minerality and just a tiny hint of passion fruit. The finish is bone dry, refreshing and pretty lengthy. A small proportion of the wine has been fermented in oak, giving a bit more texture and complexity to the wine. Superb stuff.

Not just another day at the office WELCOME TO TOWN HALL HOTEL & APARTMENTS

T O W N H A L L H O T E L & A PA R T M E N T S

Patriot Square, London, e2 9nf

+44 0460 +44 (0)20 (0)20 7871 7621 8783

www.townhallhotel.com

T O W N H A L L H O T E L & A PA R T M E N T S ABTA0210_TOWNHALL.indd 1

Patriot Square, London, e2 9nf

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restaurants American

Dollar Grills and Martinis

2 Exmouth Market, Farringdon, EC1R 020 7278 0077

bars Italian Lena

66 Great Eastern Street, EC2A 020 7739 5714 Refettorio

Hawksmoor

19 New Bridge Street, EC4V 020 7438 8052

British

9 Norwich Street, EC4A 020 7831 1622 or 020 7831 1677

157 Commercial Street, E1 020 7247 7392 Canteen

2 Crispin Place, E1 08456 861 122

Volupté

Oriental

Royal China Club

Beach Blanket Babylon

19-23 Bethnal Green Road, E1 020 7749 3540 GREENS

14 Cornhill, EC3V 020 7220 6300

French Coq D’Argent

No.1 Poultry, EC2R 020 7395 5000 Les Trois Garcons

59 West Smithfield, EC1A 020 7796 0600

4 West Smithfield, EC1A 020 7489 7033

Mexican

The Peasant

240 St. John Street, EC1V 020 7336 7726

Greek Mezedopolio

14 Hoxton Market, N1 020 7739 8212

Cellar Gascon

Cicada

Green & Red

132-136 St John Street, EC1V 020 7608 1550

Middle Eastern

Andaz Hotel, Liverpool Street, EC2M 020 7618 7215

51 Bethnal Green Road, E1 020 7749 9670 Kenza

Modern European

30 St Peter’s Street, N1 020 7359 3066

Bonds

Saki

Sauterelle

Duke of Cambridge

The Big Chill Bar

Dray Walk, E1 020 7392 9180

5 Threadneedle Street, EC2R 020 7657 8088

10 Devonshire Square, EC2M 020 7929 5533

Gastropub

Bar Pepito

Varnishers Yard Regents Quarter, N1 9FD 020 7841 7331

40-42 Baker Street, W1U 020 7486 3898

1 Club Row, E1 020 7613 1924 Royal Exchange, EC3V 020 7618 2483

Balls Brothers

5-6 Carey Lane, EC2V 020 7600 2720

One Lombard Street

1 Lombard Street, EC3V 020 7929 6611 Rhodes Twenty Four

CATCH & Champagne Bar

The Gherkin Bar & Restaurant

Levels 39 & 40, 30 St Mary Axe, EC3A 020 7071 5009 Grand Café & Bar

The Courtyard, Royal Exchange, EC3V 020 7618 2480 Harry’s Bar

Tower 42 Old Broad Street, EC2N 020 7877 7703

5 Abchurch Yard, EC4N 020 7623 2355

Smiths of Smithfield

233 Shoreditch High Street, E1 020 7247 8989

67-77 Charterhouse Street, EC1M 020 7251 7950

Spanish Camino

3 Varnishers Yard, N1 9FD 020 7841 7331 Moro

34-36 Exmouth Street, EC1R 020 7833 8336

Light Bar

Match EC1

45-47 Clerkenwell Road, EC1M 020 7250 4002 Ortega

27 Leadenhall Market, EC3V 020 7623 1818 Vertigo 42

Tower 42, 25 Old Broad St, EC2N 020 7877 7842 The Worship

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Triton Court, 14 Finsbury Square, EC2A 020 7330 0920

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connoisseur

UNDER the bridge Penelope M Walsh heads to Pont de la Tour Bar & Grill, an accessible Parisian-style brasserie under the watchful eye of London’s famous Tower Bridge

lthough Pont de la Tour is accessible from at least three stations, when we visited the Bar & Grill, I managed to pick one of the few evenings when London’s transport had given up the ghost of getting anyone, anywhere, anytime soon. I consequently managed to meet my companion uncharacteristically late. This was, of course, in all honesty, completely premeditated and all in the name of professionalism: a test, if you will, to see just how the Bar & Grill fares when faced with a diner twiddling their thumbs. I needn’t have worried, or even really have rushed… Bearing in mind the pricing at Pont de la Tour Bar & Grill is barely more than on the high street, I would even say that, pound for pound, there are few nicer places to be held up, or even stood up in London. Giving the Bar & Grill a distinct and exclusive air of Parisian sophistication, diners are treated to soft and relaxing music played on a grand piano. The Bar & Grill also enjoys fantastic views of one of London’s foremost landmarks, Tower Bridge, with a terrace, which will make for great alfresco dining once the weather warms up, situated as it is virtually under the bridge. The salad of madru ham with pistachio croutons, mozzarella, fig and mixed leaves was light, full of different but complimentary flavours that worked well. The ham itself was delicious, with a slight sweetness that worked well with the honey dressing. Although the crouton had no discernible pistachio (but rather

a distinct cheese) flavour, it in fact surpassed expectation. Instead of a scattering of crunchy cubes, the crouton was one, long, elegantly looped ribbon of crispy, cobwebby, tuile-like lace. The smoked salmon blinis came served as an enticing flash of pink salmon, curled and entwined with layers of colour and flavour created with dollops of crème fraîche and caviar on top. However, the dish was not served on blinis, but rather on one giant cake, which although soft, warm and fresh, was in taste and texture much more like some sort of English muffin or crumpet. This rather undid the otherwise refined nature of the dish although, as my companion charitably pointed out, it was a generous portion of smoked salmon. The rabbit came as a sort of stew. The sauce was a little too sweet and imposing but the rich, gamey flavours of the rabbit and pancetta were well balanced with the simplicity of the tagliatelle and the light grain mustard and crème fraîche dressing. The chargrilled salmon escalope was really beautiful, with crispy, sweet edges and juicy, succulent flesh. The sweetness of the salmon was offset with a slightly tart, chunky tomato chutney, and the dish was light and fresh, accompanied with lots of vegetables. Also worthy of note was the mixed side salad which, rather than being a ‘barely there’ gust of a few different leaves, contained lots tomatoes, olives and different ingredients, making it quite a hearty and interesting salad and great value at £3.25.

The Valrhona chocolate tart, despite being a slightly parsimonious portion, was delicious, with a rich, earthy, cocoa flavour, but a superlight and almost moussey texture. Although served with pouring cream, the dish was interesting enough to work without any accompaniment at all, and actually worked better on its own, to get the full might of the delicious Valrhona chocolate. The café Liégeois with langue de chat, a sort of sundae of coffee ice cream and chocolate, with long, thin tuiles like cat’s tongues (hence the name) was delicious, and the ice cream itself had a really distinct and strong coffee flavour, which was great. Service was really great throughout the evening, and each member of the waiting staff we came across was friendly, helpful and ready to answer any questions, which really added to the whole experience. I’ll just try not to be late next time… n www.lepontdelatour.co.uk

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0844 856 0202

www.theo2polo.com

A World Class Polo Spectacle - England v Argentina and Scotland v South Africa Luxurious Gaucho Hospitality, Celebrity Pro-Am Match, Players After-Party A night to remember - Get your tickets now!

out about The Ice Factor

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City Spectacular The Lord Mayor‘s Show on 13 November brings together Zulu warriors, sultry samba dancers and the best of the City’s pageantry in a spectacular family day out. This annual event has been celebrated in London for nearly 800 years, culminating in an amazing fireworks extravaganza between Waterloo and Blackfriars Bridges on the River Thames from 5pm. 13 November The Lord Mayor’s Show, London Guildhall at 11am www.lordmayorsshow.org

Next to Liverpool Street Station, the Broadgate Ice Rink is London’s one and only ‘turn up and skate’ outdoor ice rink. There’s no need to pre-book as admission to this stunning rink is on a first-come, first-served basis and new for 2010/2011 is the ‘saddlespan’ canopy, allowing you to spin on the ice, whatever the weather. Surrounded by a variety of bars and restaurants, there’s instant comfort and refreshment, so get your skates on for heaps of winter fun at London’s coolest ice rink. 25 October–23 January 2011 Broadgate Ice Rink, Broadgate Circle www.broadgateinfo.net

the Silver Screen Featuring more than 250 vintage posters that once hung in theatre lobbies, on railway platforms, and on large billboards around the world, the Christie’s Vintage Film Posters auction offers a great opportunity to buy your loved one a truly special and thoughtful Christmas gift. The posters date from the birth of cinema in the 1920s, right up to examples from the 1990s, and cover all genres from action, horror and thriller titles, through to romance, world cinema and even animation. 1 December at 1pm Christie’s Vintage Film Posters Auction, Christie’s, South Kensington www.christies.com

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connoisseur out & about

Festive Feasting Taste of Christmas is the festive counterpart to summer’s Taste of London and has everything the discerning foodie could desire: a boutique food market, the hottest new products, the biggest name chefs and over a dozen of London’s starriest restaurants, including Canary Wharf’s very own Plateau. New head chef Allan Pickett will be on-hand to talk you through his sublime dishes and give you his own tips for the perfect Christmas dinner. There’s no better place to shop, eat, drink and indulge - which is what Christmas is all about! 3-5 December Taste of Christmas, ExCel London www.tasteofchristmas.com

All That Jazz Check out the London Jazz Festival, now in its 18th year, brimming with a superb set of live music at venues across the capital. Whether you’re a jazz enthusiast, or new to the scene, don’t miss one of London’s landmark music events. Highlights include the dazzling jazz hero Herbie Hancock at the Royal Festival Hall on 13 and 14 November.

Shopaholic’s Heaven On 27 November, the streets of the West End will be handed over to the public, creating a shoppers’ paradise for the Shop West End VIP Day (Very Important Pedestrian), London’s biggest Christmas shopping day. With free rein over Oxford Street and Regent Street, this is an early Christmas present from London’s West End, with shoppers revelling in traffic-free streets.

12–21 November London Jazz Festival, various venues www.londonjazzfestival.org.uk

Time to Talk The only event of its kind in the UK, SalonQP presents an opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to experience first-hand the very best of contemporary watch making. With timepieces from the world’s top brands, visitors will be able to see watch making demonstrations and take part in Q&A sessions. Artworks by Banksy, Damien Hurst and Nick Walker will also be on display. Tickets are priced £20–£35, but City readers can receive a 20 per cent discount for Friday and Saturday by quoting ref. RJ1716. 11–13 November SalonQP, One Marylebone Road, NW1 4AQ www.salonqp.com

Painting The Town Red This month a little taste of the warmth and vitality of Marrakech comes to Broadgate courtesy of the Moroccan National Tourist Office and RedM Gates By Marrakech. From 6-9 November, Broadgate will be visited by a spectacular Moroccan style red gate to promote the hottest new city break destination, Marrakech. This gateway to a more exotic world, waiting to be explored, will be joined by Moroccan dancers and tea! 6-9 November RedM Gates By Marrakech, The Fulcrum, Broadgate www.visitmorocco.com

106

27 November Shop West End VIP Day, Oxford Street and Regent Street, from 10am www.westendvip.com

Belles of the Ball Set in the elegant surroundings of the Hilton Canary Wharf, this charity ball is in aid of the Hilton Foundation and Hospices of Hope. Guest speaker on the night is businessman, philanthropist and motivational speaker Paul Szkiler, Chairman of Truestone Asset Management, and the Guest of Honour is Princess Marina Sturdza, Patron of Hospices of Hope. Expect high glamour and all for a worthy cause. 18 November Charity Ball, Hilton Canary Wharf. To book your table contact Ruth Taylor on 020 7605 7629 or info@hilton-foundation.org.uk

a short ski break to Courchevel 1850 with Flexiski Flexiski specialises in tailor-made ski breaks for families, individuals and corporate groups to fifteen of the most prestigious resorts in Europe. Whether you’re looking for a chalet or hotel for a long weekend, a mid-week break or more traditional sevennight stay, their bespoke booking service ensures you’ll have the perfect ski break. The Flexiski portfolio includes an exclusive range of catered chalets and their flagship hotel, Hotel Saint Louis in Courchevel 1850. In addition to their own properties, they also offer an extensive range of hand-picked hotels throughout Europe and Flexiski’s bespoke booking service caters for all of your individual travel requirements with an exceptional level of expertise and attention to detail. The Hotel Saint Louis benefits from a wonderful location opposite the exclusive Bellecôte piste in Courchevel 1850 for convenient doorstep skiing to the world’s finest ski area, Les Trois Vallées. A first for the area, the Hotel Saint Louis can be booked on a flexible basis throughout the entire season, making it perfect for short ski breaks, corporate trips, or long weekends.

Courchevel

The hotel is spaced across four floors of a traditional French chalet-style building, boasting a revamped south-facing terrace restaurant, a contemporary new bar “1226”, intimate Cognac Corner, traditional lounge with open fireplace and comfortably furnished en-suite bedrooms. Food is on a half-board dining basis which includes breakfast, afternoon tea, predinner drinks and canapés, and four-course evening meals with cheese board. The hotel also houses a lavish self-contained apartment on the top floor, Le Chapiteau, which is perfect for corporate functions or those looking for a more exclusive stay. The apartment benefits from a personal chef, private dining-room and a dedicated Ski Event Manager.

THE PRIZE A three-night ski break to Courchevel 1850 for two people, staying in a twin room at The Hotel Saint Louis, including return flights from a UK airport and airport transfers. The holiday is on a half-board basis, including predinner drinks and canapés. Flexiski’s Hotel Saint Louis

how to win For more information, call 020 8939 0880 or visit www.flexiski.com

To be in with a chance of winning a three-night ski break to Courchevel 1850, simply email your name and telephone number to competitions@runwildgroup.co.uk with FLEXISKI in the subject bar. The closing date for entries is 30 November, 2010 Terms & conditions: Editor’s decision is final. The prize is valid during the 2010/11 winter ski season only; our last departure date is Sunday 17 April 2011. The prize must be booked at least 3 weeks before departure. 3 nights can be taken at any point in the week. Prize is subject to availability. Prize excludes peak dates. The prize is non-exchangeable and non-refundable; there is no cash alternative. The prize does not include travel insurance, spending money, equipment hire, lift passes or tuition. By entering this competition you agree to your details being used by Runwild Media Group and Alp Leisure Ltd for marketing purpose. Please see www.runwildmediagroup.com/subscriptions for full terms and conditions.

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LONDON Homes&

PROPERTY Showcasing the finest homes in your area

C o v e r i n g CANARY WHARF, D OC K L AN D S , WA P P ING & T h e C i t y

Courtesy of Camerich, www.camerich.co.uk

KnightFrank Dunbar Wharf Expansive river views from two private balconies Beautifully presented two bedroom riverside apartment situated on the fifth floor of a well maintained portered development. The predominately south facing apartment benefits from two private balconies overlooking the river. Share of Freehold, ÂŁ725,000

KnightFrank.co.uk 020 7512 9966 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Port East Apartments Wonderful warehouse conversion with views of Canary Wharf Large and spacious two bedroom warehouse conversion situated on the second floor of this iconic portered development. The apartment benefits from a private balcony with views overlooking West India Quay and towards Canary Wharf. ÂŁ795,000

KnightFrank.co.uk 020 7512 9966 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Brightlingsea Place Three bedroom terraced townhouse with direct access to communal gardens Arranged over four floors with an entrance off the street and via the gated communal gardens, the house offers flexible accommodation in excellent order. Reception room, kitchen, dining room/playroom, en suite shower, bathroom, parking. Freehold, ÂŁ1,150,000

KnightFrank.co.uk 020 7512 9966 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Vanguard Building Extensive views of London from a wealth of outside space Wonderful riverside duplex penthouse located on the top two floors of a portered development close to Canary Wharf. The apartment profits from two large private terraces offering panoramic views over the River Thames and London. Leasehold, ÂŁ1,600,000

KnightFrank.co.uk 020 7512 9966 cwharf@knightfrank.com

KnightFrank

Vanguard Building, London E14

New Providence Wharf, London E14

A three double bedroom penthouse apartment offering river views. Excellent living/entertaining space, three en-suite bathrooms, mezzanine study. Walking distance to Canary Wharf. Available in early December and benefits from two secure car parking spaces, 24-hour concierge and gym facilities.

A two bedroom penthouse available immediately. Roof terrace panoramic views over the Thames, 02 and The City. Private rooftop swimming pool and sauna. Spacious open plan reception area with floor to ceiling windows, fully fitted kitchen. two bathrooms, one with built in TV. Furnished to the highest of standards. 24 Porterage and valet parking. An absolute must see.

£1600 per week

£1500 per per week Canary Wharf Lettings knightfrank.co.uk/lettings 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Canary Wharf Lettings knightfrank.co.uk/lettings 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

No. 1 West India Quay, London E14

Pan Peninsula, London E14

An amazing 17th floor apartment, interior designed with excellent furnishings. Fantastic views, wooden flooring, two bedrooms, shower room, en-suite bathroom with separate shower, large reception with open plan kitchen, 24 hour porter and parking.

Brand new 2 bedroom apartment on the 18th floor of London’s tallest residential building. Fully furnished, with reception/dining area, two bedrooms and two bathroom. Fully staffed on-site fitness suite with 16M swimming pool, residents’ cinema and panoramic 48th floor cocktail bar. 24hr concierge. Available from 20th November.

£695 per week

£600 per week

Canary Wharf Lettings knightfrank.co.uk/lettings 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Dunbar Wharf, London E14

Ocean Wharf, London E14

Two double bedroom, two bathroom apartment. 2-3 minutes walk from Westferry DLR with quick access into Bank. The apartment is available in November. Viewings are highly recommended to avoid any form of disappointment. Also to be found within this development is a gym, 24 hour porter and car parking facilities.

Two double bedroom apartment in Ocean Wharf. Comprising of large reception/ dining room with balcony and direct river views. Open plan fully fitted modern kitchen, master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, second double bedroom and large guest bathroom. Development includes porter and parking. 10 minute walk to Canary wharf and Jubilee line.

£450 per per week

£425 per per week

Canary Wharf Lettings knightfrank.co.uk/lettings 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Undine Road, London E14

Dunbar Wharf, London E14

Two double bedroom apartment with two bathrooms, fitted kitchen, large reception/dining room with wood floors, balcony with dock and garden views and off street parking.

Two bedroom apartment on the top floor. Spacious reception room with duel aspect river views. Fully fitted open plan kitchen. Two spacious bedrooms, one with ensuite shower room. Off street parking space, porterage and leisure facilities. Minutes from Canary Wharf via a short stroll along the Thames Path. Close to West ferry DLR and Canary Wharf Jubilee station.

£365 per week

£575 per week

Canary Wharf Lettings knightfrank.co.uk/lettings 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

KnightFrank

Telfords Yard, Wapping E1W

Basin Approach, Limehouse E14

Enormous flat within a converted Victorian wool warehouse. A striking conversion flat on the south west corner of an imposing warehouse conversion on the edge of the City. A superb space for entertaining, 3 bedrooms, new kitchen, utility room, 2 bathrooms, parking and 24 concierge. 202 sq m (2183 sq ft)

Unrivalled views of Limehouse basin from this modern apartment. A well proportioned 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment on the 4th floor of this popular portered development. Reception room, kitchen, 2 balconies, private parking. 103 sq m (1116 sq ft)

Share of Freehold

Leasehold 187 years

£1,100,000

£650,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/Wapping 020 7480 6848 sales@knightfrank.com

Park Street, Borough SE1

Prusoms Island, Wapping E1W

Stunning duplex penthouse with superb views. On the top floors of an award winning modern building just by Borough Market, a meticulously finished light and bright penthouse. Reception room, kitchen, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 terraces, lift. 102 sq m (1105 sq ft)

Spacious flat within a popular listed warehouse conversion. On the second floor of a period building set around a planted atrium, a charming flat with flexible accommodation. Reception room, kitchen, 3 bedrooms, en suite shower room, bathroom, lift, weekday Porter, garage parking space. 113 sq m (1225 sq ft)

Leasehold 87 years

Leasehold 102 years

£1,100,000

£685,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/Wapping 020 7480 6848 sales@knightfrank.com

The Strata, Elephant & Castle, SE1 Selection of brand new apartments on the highest floors Strata is the new 408-apartment residential development for central London, just moments from the South Bank in the Elephant & Castle regeneration area. This stunning 43 storey tower is setting a new standard for quality residential developments in this area and will stand proudly at the heart of the new look Elephant & Castle. Prices from ÂŁ750 per week

Wapping Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings wapping@knightfrank.com 020 7480 6848

KnightFrank

Gun Place, Wapping, E1W

St Pancras Chambers, Kings Cross NW1

Great 3rd floor one bedroom apartment, roughly 900 sq ft. Large reception room with newly fitted kitchen, appliances and granite work surfaces, hard wooden floors throughout, private terrace, large bedroom with excellent storage, ensuite bathroom and new separate guest WC. Also offering a parking space, day time porter and modern furnishings.

This spacious top floor lateral 1164 sq ft apartment offers high ceilings, lovely windows, a fully fitted open plan kitchen - all appliances are Siemens or Miele noise reducing, fully furnished, modern bathroom with shower, period features throughout – floorboards are the original 1890’s reclaimed oak floorboards and great south facing views from Canary Wharf to Westminster

£375 per week

£695 per week Wapping Lettings knightfrank.co.uk/lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

Wapping Lettings knightfrank.co.uk/lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

Shearwater Court, St Katharine Dock’s, E1W

Scotia Building, Wapping, E1W

Unfurnished two double bedroom two bathroom 1st floor apartment located in this outstanding 24 hour portered development in St Katharine Dock’s. This bright south west facing apartment has a reception with double doors leading on to the private terrace, separate fully fitted kitchen, bathrooms with showers, wooden floors throughout, secure underground parking and great views of the dock.

Bright and spacious 3rd floor two double bedroom apartment in this riverside development on the edge of Wapping moments from Limehouse DLR and a short walk to Wapping station. This modern apartment has a good size reception room with access on to a private balcony, separate fully fitted kitchen, great bathroom with shower, wooden floors, underground parking and south facing views of the river.

£725 per week

£375 per week

Wapping Lettings knightfrank.co.uk/lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

Gulliver’s Wharf, Wapping, E1W

Ivory House, St Katharine Dock’s, E1W

With a huge reception room and marvellous open plan kitchen, this is the perfect flat for large scale entertaining. Originally two flats which have been combined offer nearly 3000 sq ft, the space has been designed and refurbished with flair and style and the finish is to exacting standards including solid wood floors, Lutron lighting, Euromobil kitchen with Siemens appliances. Unfurnished

Stunning and spacious one bedroom apartment located in this portered warehouse conversion in St Katharine’s Dock. This beautiful flat has been finished to a very high standard boasting a stylish fully fitted kitchen, stone flooring, modern bathroom suite, two roof terraces with great views of the dock and secure underground parking.

£1000 per week

£575 per week

Wapping Lettings knightfrank.co.uk/lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

Pemberton House, EC4A

Capital Wharf, Wapping, E1W

Smart one bedroom apartment in a lovely building in the heart of the City very near Fleet Street. Light bright reception room with Victorian style fire place and French doors leading to patio area, fitted separate kitchen, bathroom with shower and wooden floors.

Modern two double bedroom two bathroom 2nd floor apartment set in this well kept 24 hour portered development on the The River Thames. This great apartment has a lovely reception room with patio doors leading on to a large private terrace, fully fitted separate kitchen, both double bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms and the apartment also boast a guest WC and stunning south face views of the river.

£430 per week

£625 per week

Wapping Lettings knightfrank.co.uk/lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

Clifford’s Inn, EC4 £215,000 Leasehold This delightful studio apartment is situated on the 4th floor of Clifford’s Inn, an extremely popular lift-serviced building with concierge near the Temple law courts.

Breton House, EC2 £319,000 Leasehold A well presented and larger than average studio apartment on the first floor of a popular Barbican block, with sliding doors leading on to a balcony.

Commercial Street, E1 £399,950 Leasehold

Prescot Street, E1 £425,000 Leasehold Set on the second floor of a highly sought-after building with lift and concierge, this This spacious 2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment is situated on the 3rd floor of a popular unusually large one bedroom apartment comes with a secure underground parking space. art deco building with concierge to the east of the City, and comes with secure parking.

From their first steps to the first visit of the grandchildren, Hamptons International know what makes a family home. The comfort it will provide. The memories it will hold. We see beyond the bricks and mortar to help you find somewhere that’s, well, home.

Middlesex Street, E1 £465,000 Leasehold

City Office

Sales. 020 7236 8398 city@hamptons-int.com Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Stepney Green, E1 £1,925,000 Freehold Set on the first floor of a lovely period building by Liverpool Street station, this wonderful This Grade II listed former medical school has been painstakingly restored to create a 2 bedroom apartment is larger than average with generous rooms and high ceilings. stunning 5 bedroom period house offering superb entertaining space and parking.

Butlers Wharf, London, SE1 £345,000 Leasehold A beautifully presented, 5th floor studio apartment in this landmark building at Tower Bridge, with 24 hour porterage, underground parking and available with no onward chain.

The Flag Store, Queen Elizabeth St, London, SE1 £1,200,000 Leasehold

New Concordia Wharf, London, SE1 £1,100,000 Share of Freehold A superbly presented two bedroom warehouse apartment with exposed brickwork and beams on the second floor with balcony and dock views. Private parking.

Horseshoe Wharf Apartments, London, SE1 £2,500,000 Share of Freehold

A superbly presented 1302 sq ft warehouse loft retaining fantastic original character, thoughtfully modernised, providing two en-suite bedrooms, a roof terrace and parking.

A spacious three bedroom sub penthouse apartment in the heart of Borough Market, with views of the Thames, St Pauls and across the City of London.

It’s important to make time for the things you love. At Hamptons International we take all the strain out of managing your move. Leaving you free to enjoy the finer things in life, safe in the knowledge that everything’s being taken care of.

Telfords Yard, London, E1W £1,500,000 Share of Freehold A 2745 sq ft, well proportioned third floor, 4 bedroom warehouse conversion retaining character and benefiting from views of the City, private parking and 24 hour concierge.

Tower Bridge Office

Sales. 020 7407 3173 towerbridge@hamptons-int.com Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Bankside Lofts, London, SE1 £625,000 Leasehold A well presented c.800 sq ft one bedroom apartment with high ceilings, within this popular Manhattan Loft development, in the heart of Bankside, having concierge and no chain.

Cinnamon Wharf, SE1 £450 per week A beautiful recently refurbished one bedroom apartment boasting a stylish kitchen and bathroom, balcony with dock views.

Raven Wharf, SE1 £595 per week A fantastic two bedroom apartment boasting a large reception room, with wood floors and balcony.

Wheat Wharf, SE1 £650 per week A two bedroom warehouse conversion situated in the heart of Shad Thames, moments from the many riverside bars and restaurants.

Tea Trade Wharf, SE1 £750 per week A spacious two double bedroom two bathroom apartment with balcony arranged within a prestigious warehouse development. 24 hour concierge.

Renting a property is no reason to accept anything less than the perfect home. It’s still your personal oasis. Albeit for a shorter timeframe. That said nearly all our tenants renew their contracts. Proof that we know how to make people feel right at home.

Aston Webb House, SE1 £995 per week A stunning three bedroom triplex apartment situated moments from London Bridge station and Borough Market offered in immaculate order throughout.

City Office

Lettings. 020 7236 8399 citylettings@hamptons-int.com Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Turnstone House, E1W £760 per week An exceptional two bedroom apartment located within the prestigious portered City Quay development boasting bright reception room with balcony overlooking St Katharine Docks.

Thomas More Street, E1 £485 per week A spacious 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment in this portered development situated moments from St Katherine Docks. With balcony and a secure parking space. Available furnished.

St Katherine Docks, E1 £850 per week A well presented 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment in this popular development. Terrace with dock views, 24 hour concierge and parking by separate negotiation. Available unfurnished.

Fetter Lane, EC4 £400 per week

Monument Street, EC3 £410 per week A large one bedroom apartment in this popular portered development; just one minute from Monument station and the Thames. Wood flooring throughout. Available furnished.

A contemporary 4th floor apartment in a superb location for both the City and the West End just off High Holborn, moments from Chancery Lane tube station. Available furnished.

The Hamptons International team always go further to meet your personal property needs, whatever they may be. Over 97% of our clients say they would use us again or recommend us to others. Let us show you why.

Bishops Square, E1 £450 per week Stunning apartment on the top floor of this small development in the heart of Spitalfields. Hard wood flooring, floor to ceiling windows and contemporary decor. Available furnished.

Tower Bridge Office

Lettings. 020 7407 3173 towerbridgelettings@hamptons-int.com Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Hooper Square, E1 £460 per week An opportunity to rent a fantastic mews house in this quiet development benefitting from a private garden, garage, off street parking and concierge service. Available furnished.

St Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wood Office: 020 7586 5929

Abbey Lodge, St Johns Wood, NW8

Price: POA

An architecturally designed penthouse on the fifth floor of this highly sought after block. Comprising four/five bedrooms, four bathrooms and totalling 2304 sq ft of living space. The apartment has stunning views of Regents Park and has been refurbished to an extremely high standard.

BRIAN LACK AND COMPANY - opening soon at Hyatt Regency, Belgrade, SERBIA. Come and visit us.

Knightsbridge Office: 020 7225 0878

Park Lane, Mayfair, W2

Price: £3,995,000

A brand newly refurbished first floor flat in this renowned portered building opposite Hyde Park in Mayfair. Comprising three double bedrooms, two bathrooms and finished to the highest of standards throughout. Benefiting from excellent natural light, large windows and a quiet setting. The building offers comprehensive services including maids and parking.

BRIAN LACK AND COMPANY - opening soon at Hyatt Regency, Belgrade, SERBIA. Come and visit us.

www.brianlack.co.uk

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*Terms and conditions apply. Offer available on selected plots only. Prices correct at time of going to press. Specification on site may vary.

merchant square paddington

A collection of beautifully designed apartments to let To register interest please call Knight Frank on 020 7861 5522 or email erin.vantuil@knightfrank.com www.knightfrank.com

Knight Frank are delighted to offer a selection of brand new, high specification apartments to let at the newly developed Merchant Square. Located in an outstanding and striking waterside location in the heart of Central London with the West End’s world-class shopping, theatres and restaurants are on its doorstep.

1, 2, 3 & 4 bedroom apartments Furnished or unfurnished High specification finish Excellent transport links via Paddington Mainline & underground • 20 minutes to Heathrow via Heathrow Express • • • •

London's Finest Properties

LETTINGS

SALES

Baquba Building, Lewisham, SE13

Alaska Building, Deals Gateway, SE13

New Providence Wharf, Fairmont Avenue, E14

Ontario Tower, Fairmont Avenue, E14

£210 per week

£375,000

£475,000

Westgate Apartments, Excel, E16

Caspian Wharf, Bow, E3

The Watergardens, Canada Water, SE16

Gainsborough House, Canary Central, E14

£275 Per week

£385 per week

£390,000

£275,000

Ontario Tower, Canary Wharf, E14

The Landmark, West Tower, E14

Strata Tower, SE1

Westgate Apartments, Excel E16

£495 per week

£550 per week

• One bedroom apartment • Available furnished • Ground floor • Patio garden • Close to Lewisham Amenities • Nr.. Elverson Road DLR

• One bedroom apartment • Fully furnished • Balcony • On- site facilities • 24Hr concierge • Nr. Deptford Bridge DLR

• One bedroom apartment • Fully furnished • Balcony • 10Th floor • Resident gymnasium • Concierge service

• Two bedroom apartment • Available furnished • A large private terrace • 4Th floor • Allocated secure parking • Nr. Landon Park DLR

• One bedroom apartment • Fully furnished • Exclusive use of the Hotel Radisson amenties • 10Th floor • Resident gymnasium • Concierge service

• Two bedroom apartment • Fully furnished • Balcony • 27th floor • 24hr concierge service • Short walk to Canary Wharf

• 10th floor apartment • One bedroom • Balcony with amazing river views • On-site leisure facilities and 24hr concierge

• Excellent condition • 9th floor apartment • Two bedroom • Underground parking

• Two bed/16th floor £420,000 • Two bed/18th floor £430,000 • Studio/24th floor £279,000 • One bed/26th floor £340,000 • Two bed/33rd floor £487,000 • One bed/38th floor £375,000

• Stunning 4th floor apartment • Two bedroom • River views • Moments from Canary Wharf/tube DLR

• Large ground floor apartment • One bedroom/one bathroom • High ceilings and floor-ceiling glass windows • Great condition • Leisure facilities and 24hr porterage

• One bed/5th floor £265,000 • One bed/11th floor £275,000 • One bed/11th floor £265,000 • Two bed/9th floor £359,000 • Two bed/11th floor £330,000

Sales | Lettings | Corporate Services | Property Management www.liferesidential.co.uk

Central London 020 7582 7989

West London 020 8896 9990

Finchley 020 8446 9524

Docklands 020 7476 0125

Deptford & Greenwich 020 8692 2244

UNIQUE HOMES, UNIQUE SERVICE, UNIQUE PEOPLE P e r s o n a l P r o p e r t y C o n s u l t a n c y f o r B u ye r s a n d S e l l e r s o f D i s t i n c t i ve H o m e s

OAKFIELd - KNOCKHOLT, SEVENOAKS KENT Superbly appointed “New England” style five bedroom home with heated outdoor Pool and fully equipped Pool house/ entertainment complex.

Guide Price £2,500,000 F/H

THE KINGSBURy FARNBOROUGH PARK, LOCKSBOTTOM KENT New six bedroom home providing c.9000 sq ft of luxurious accommodation. Stunning indoor Pool and Spa complex and family Cinema room.

£4,295,000 F/H

London Office 116-118 Bermondsey Street, London Bridge, London SE1 3TX Tel 020 7089 6500 Email enquiries@uniquepropertiesuk.com

Kent Office

Incorporating

First Floor, 13 High Street, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 5AB Tel 020 8378 1222 Email enquiries@uniquepropertiesuk.com

www.uniqueproper tiesuk.com

Take the long view reserve now, move in 2012 Caspian Wharf is a new waterside development located on the Limehouse Cut Canal in Bow. With superb views and connections to the City and Canary Wharf, this development is the ideal location for commuting and enjoying London life to the full. The latest phase ‘Pacific Court’ includes 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments and penthouses. Just a few minutes away lies Stratford’s Olympic Park for the London 2012 Olympic Games along with the new Westfield Stratford City shopping centre due to open 2011. 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments and penthouses Prices from £207,500

Caspian Wharf 1 Yeo Street, Bow E3 3AE

Sales & Marketing Suite and Showhome open seven days a week from 10am – 6pm

For information call

0844 800 1152

www.caspianwharf.co.uk

Prices and details correct at time of going to press. Photography depicts previous Berkeley development.

DISCOVER KENT’S BEST KEPT SECRET!

STYLISH 2 OR 3 BEDROOM PENTHOUSES NOW AVAILABLE Indulge yourself with a luxury new penthouse at The Pier, situated at the edge of the 72 acres of landscaped grounds at Ingress Park, the historic, hidden gem in North Kent. Wake up to a stunning panorama across the Thames, then entertain or simply relax on your private terrace. Enjoy being minutes from Bluewater, as well as the beautiful Kent countryside surroundings. With a contemporary specification throughout, including a full range of kitchen appliances and elegant Amtico flooring, an exciting new luxury lifestyle awaits you with a new penthouse at The Pier. Call us today to find out more about the range of incentives we have available to get you moving!

2 & 3 bedroom penthouses from £335,000 Also available, 2 bedroom apartments from £212,000

The Pier at Ingress Park London Road | near Bluewater | Kent | DA9 9EQ Marketing Suite & Show Homes open daily from 10am to 5pm Email: ingresspark@crestnicholson.com

www.crestnicholson.com/thepier Prices correct at time of going to press. Photography taken at The Pier penthouses.

INGRESS PARK

0870 752 4370

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the city magazine N O V E M b e r 2010

business • current affairs • fashion • health & beauty • finance • food & drink • motoring • uk & international property n

the city m a g a z i n e

time in his

hands

Jerome de Witt talks tradition, inspiration and passion

Life sucks

An interview with inventor James Dyson

finance gadgets motoring interiors property NOVEMber 2010 i s s u e 3 7