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contents 36

32 COVER STORIES

F E AT U R E S

14 MOTHER NATURE REFUSED CREDIT Global ecological debt peaks

18 RETURN OF THE GLASS CEILING? Women and the recession

76 GRAND MILLENNIUM HOTEL Win VIP tickets

23 A WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY Foreign investment in London

78 VA VA VOOM! Canary Wharf welcomes the Motorexpo

24 A NATURAL SELECTION Looking back at the achievements of Darwin

36 OMANI OPULENCE Kate Harrison discovers the best of the best in Muscat 42 GLAMOUR & SPARKLE Coutts London Jewellery Week 46 TURNING HEADS Claire Adler meets Louis Mariette

28 FOUNDATIONS LAID Crossrail construction begins at Canary Wharf

88 THE CUTTING EDGE Tom Saunders spends the day with The Blades

32 CORNISH PASTIMES Experiencing new links from City Airport

98 ARTSCENE British icons inspire pop art

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contents 93

107

REGULARS 10

EDITOR’S LETTER

BUSINESS & FINANCE NEWS

COMPANY PROFILE

GADGETS

COMPETITIONS

MOTORING

CULTURE

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FOOD & DRINK

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MOTLEY FOOL

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CITYLIFE RECOMMENDS

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WHAT’S ON

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LIFE COACHING

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PROPERTY

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Editor issue 47 Finally summer is here, and June is going to be full of sunshine and sparkle as Coutts London Fashion Week kicks off. We look at the range of glittering events held throughout London for Jewellery Week (p. 41), Claire Adler meets luxury milliner Louis Mariette (p. 46), and Lucie Dodds presents some of the most stylish swimwear available this season (p. 50). For those looking to get away this summer, we recommend travel in Cornwall (p. 32) and Oman (p. 36). On p. 14, in current affairs, we look at the UK and worldwide ecological debt; how much equity is left in our planet? Sarah Collinson looks at the effects of the recession on the female population on p. 18 and we find out more about the exciting Crossrail construction started recently in Canary Wharf (p. 28). Don’t forget Father’s Day on 21 June; we head to Canary Wharf shopping malls on p. 64 for the perfect gift. Why not spend some time this summer re-vamping your home; don’t miss out interiors pages this month (p. 70) as we reveal how recycled and second-hand materials can create truly unique surroundings. Later on, Deana Gershuny investigates the decline of the travelling circus (p. 101), whilst Sarah Collinson looks at the British nostalgia for old fashioned sweeties (p. 102). Enjoy! CANARY WHARF CITYLIFE

CANARY WHARF Image courtesy of www.motorexpo.com 8 - 14 June 2009 See page 78 for further details

JUNE 2009 ART • INTERIORS • FASHION • MOTORING • BEAUTY • SHOPPING • BUSINESS • TECHNOLOGY • FOOD & DRINK • UK & INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY

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I S S U E 47

CANARY WHARF CITYLIFE

JUNE 2009 • ISSUE 47

ECologiCal RECEssion

green debt peaks

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CITYLIFE MAGAZINES Editor: Lesley Ellwood Editorial Director: Kate Harrison Deputy Editor: Josephine O’Donoghue Arts Editor: Carol Cordrey Motoring Editor: Matthew Carter Beauty Editor: Kate Hughes Fashion Editor: Lucie Dodds Finance Executive: Kätlin Maasik Sales Director: Eren Ellwood P.A. to Sales Director: Ella Kilgarriff Graphic Designers: James Britton, Hiren Chandarana, Jenisa Patel, Victoria Wren PR & Marketing Manager: Rebecca Walton Managing Director: Giles Ellwood P.A. to Managing Director: Charlotte Evans

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CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE: Claire Adler is a London based freelance journalist, specialising in jewellery, watches and luxury. Her work has appeared in the Financial Times, the Daily Mail, the Sunday Times, The Guardian, The Times, Spectator Business, Wallpaper*, Intelligent Life and House & Garden. She also writes for fashion news service WGSN, hotel magazine IN London and magazines published by Bentley, Harrods and Watches of Switzerland, amongst others.

Jamie Carter is a freelance journalist based in Cardiff. 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. He writes on flatscreen TVs for What Video and What Plasma magazines and away from technology is also a regular contributor to BBC History and Real Travel magazines.

Martin Bamford is one of the youngest and most successful financial planners in the UK. He runs his own firm of financial advisers – Informed Choice – and regularly contributes to various financial publications. His personal finance book The Money Tree, published in 2006, is a best seller.

Kate Hughes has an established reputation as one of the UK's leading celebrity hair and make-up artists. A regular guest beauty presenter on television, she has worked with a wide selection of actors, presenters, musicians and models. Kate's hair and make-up consultancy, 'It's All About You', transforms women for weddings, special occasions and red carpet events.

Dr. David Kuo is one of the UK’s leading financial experts, and is head of Personal Finance at Fool.co.uk, the country’s top website for independent financial comparison. As well as providing daily comment and financial news for BBC London, he presents Money Talk – Fool’s weekly podcasts which cover all aspects of personal finance.

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MOTHER NATURE refused credit

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As governments around the world seek to rectify the economic crisis, a much bigger problem lurks all around us. Without the possibility of a bailout for nature, the world is slipping further into ecological debt, placing an intolerable strain on the environment. Investigating the effects of our unsustainable demands on the planet Josephine O’Donoghue asks: who ate all our ecosystems?

THE CONCEPT ECOLOGICAL DEBT: the consumption of natural resources that exceeds the ecosystem’s regenerative capacity, or where resources are non-renewable. The concept is based on comparing the biological and physical capacity of an eco-system with the size of the ecological footprint of society on that eco-system in order to determine the rate at which it is depleting natural resources. At the highest level this is calculated for the whole world as an eco-system and a credit or deficit position can be established. EARTH OVERSHOOT DAY: the concept of ecological debt is the basis for Ecological Debt Day (aka Earth Overshoot Day). This is the specific date in each year on which the sum of global renewable resources has been consumed for that year. The date is calculated using the size of the global ecological footprint of society for that year (the total area required to sustainably support society’s consumption), divided by the global biological and physical capacity of the globe for that year (the amount of area actually available to feed that consumption), and multiplied by the 365 days in a year.

HOW MUCH EQUITY DO WE HAVE IN OUR ECO-SYSTEM? Leaving aside the more obvious threat to humanity from global warming as a result of atmospheric pollutants and carbon emissions - if human life is to be preserved on this planet, then society must at some point begin to live a sustainable lifestyle. That is, to live within the means of the global eco-system so as to ensure the continuation of life in the long-term. This seems obvious, and certainly it is a relatively straightforward logic.Yet, by developing highly-demanding industries and unsustainable economies too quickly, the world has been consuming more natural resources than can be renewed. For the last twenty years, the planet has been living off an ecological ‘credit card’. Having become dependent on the shortterm benefits of an unsustainable lifestyle, the already developed nations of the West have continued to expand their economies to such a degree that it is now almost impossible to voluntarily introduce ‘green’ measures to restrict the over consumption of resources. For example, the worldwide consumption of electricity is forecast to jump from 10 543-billion kilowatts in 1990 to over 30 116-billion kiilwatt hours in 2030 – most still from non renewable sources.

In an attempt to demonstrate the seriousness of the situation, the world’s first Ecological Debt Day occurred in 1987 and, showing no signs of slowing down, has been moving earlier into the year with alarming regularity. The date fell on 9 October in 2006 and 23 September in 2008. According to the 2005 Footprint of Nations UN report, the global human population is now so big that “the amount of resources needed to sustain it exceeds what is available”. In addition to the unsustainable structure of the global economy, our over-reliance on natural fossil-fuels and the continued abuse of natural resources (such as deforestation and overfishing) seems to suggest we are already past the point of returning to a balanced use of resources year on year. Andrew Simms, Policy Director and Head of the Climate Change Programme at the New Economics Foundation (NEF) explains that “by living so far beyond our environmental means and running up ecological debts, we make two mistakes. First, we deny millions globally who already lack access to sufficient land, food and clean water the chance to meet their needs and secondly, we put the planet’s life support mechanisms in peril.” But, whilst the world seems undeniably bound for environmental bankruptcy with particularly unfair charges applied to newly developing

nations – what part has the UK played in the emergence of the ecological crisis? If you thought the global Ecological Debt Day was worrying, then the UK’s record is even more of a concern.You may not realise, but two months ago the UK used up its annual ecological allowance – that is to say, our ‘pot’ of natural resources for 2009 was used by 12 April. Obviously, the UK is still functioning as normal each day; we’re all still driving our cars to work, powering our homes and industries with gas and electricity, and buying vast amounts of food at the supermarket – so what are we living off for the remainder of the year? According to the ‘ecological debt’ theory we are living off resources which should be set aside for future generations. As one of the most long-standing developed nations, the UK has been dipping into future allowances of resources for a lot longer than the combined ‘world’ figures show – for over four decades now we have been using future generations resources. As a result, we are exhausting UK stocks of resources and now import the vast majority of our natural resources. According to government statistics, imports of natural resources rose for a fifth consecutive year to a record 296

THE UK IS CLAIMING TO SHOW INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP, BUT REPRESENTS A DEEPLY UNSUSTAINABLE MODEL FOR THE WORLD TO FOLLOW. million tonnes in 2007, up four million tonnes (1.4 per cent) on the previous year. “We are consuming more and more, and as our eco-systems become more stressed the day on which we effectively go beyond our environmental means, is moving ever earlier in the year” reveals Simms. “In 1961 it was 9 July, but this year it fell on Easter Sunday, 12 April – a date now synonymous with over-indulgence in more ways than one. At a time when the UK is claiming to show

international leadership, it represents a deeply unsustainable model for the world to follow.”

WHAT OTHER BAD HABITS COMPOUND OUR ECO-DEBTS?

According to the NEF, in the UK one of the chief causes is the nation’s rising dependence on imports (both food and energy). For the last few decades, in spite of increased agricultural productivity, national food self-sufficiency has been in longterm decline. The country is increasingly dependent on imports at “precisely the time when, for several reasons to do with climate change, competition for energy resources, economic instability and changing consumption patterns, the guarantee of the rest of the world’s ability to provide for us is weakening”. Strangely, the UK has managed to get itself tangled in what the NEF calls a “bizarrely wasteful” web of international trade. Each year close to identical amounts of identical goods are imported and exported; for example, in 2004 exactly the same amounts of gingerbread and fresh chicken were exported – and then similar goods from different sources were imported. In 2007, the UK exported 1.8 million tonnes of essential oils, perfumes and toiletries, while importing 1.5 million of the same goods. Not only is this a huge waste of transportation costs and fuel, but it also

encourages a reliance on other nations when the UK already has the capacity to rely on homeland production. Next to the unnecessary trade in manufactured goods or raw materials, fishing is another obvious cause for ecological debt in both the UK and the rest of the world. Overfishing is an abuse of nature that has left numerous species once common (such as cod in the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean, and blue-fin tuna in the Mediterranean) now seriously depleted in number and struggling to survive. It is clear overfishing can now only continue for a short time, while there is still a possibility of numbers increasing during a fishing ‘break’, the level at which we have been harvesting fish in recent years may have already crossed the line of sustainability. In some species, numbers have fallen by around 90 per cent in just 50 years; in these cases, eventually only small, juvenile fish remain, causing once rich stocks to become unviable. Though not the main problem in the UK, deforestation is one of the main contributors to global ecological debt; the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation states that roughly 13 million hectares of forest are destroyed every year which is extremely damaging to the future of the planet. Almost 20 per cent of the Amazon Rainforest, known as the world’s ‘lung’, has been felled and deforestation can cause the elimination of up to 100 biological species a day.

It goes without saying that consumption of natural resources is particularly high in the West, and because the global economy is still overwhelmingly fossil-fuel dependent, the associated increase of greenhouse gases (and the consequent impact on global warming) provides another startling indicator of ecological debt. In contrast, developing nations such as Kenya use a tiny fraction of the world’s natural resources. The documentation of ecological debt helps to illustrate the disparity between industrialized nations and developing nations, who despite making up larger sections of the global population, actually consume much less in terms of resources. With the growth of industry in India and China – nations who have previously underused their ecological allowances – the global ecological debt is increasing at a faster pace. This puts additional pressure on the UK and western nations to re-assess their use of natural resources – not only have they overused their allowances for decades, but there is no longer an ecological ‘overdraft’ leftover by developing nations.

ECONOMIC RECESSION VERSUS ECOLOGICAL DEBT CRISIS

Whilst governments around the world spring into action to approve and activate financial bailouts for the banking crisis, the

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far more serious problem of ecological debt and its attendant issues of climate change and energy scarcity is left to crumble further. Recent research by the NEF reveals how what were the urgent energy and climate change crises of a few years ago have been eclipsed by the official responses to the current banking crisis. “In responding to the financial crisis, the Government assessed the scale and nature of response needed to prevent the collapse of the banking system, now they need to assess the scale and nature of the climate crisis and respond accordingly to prevent catastrophic global warming,” says Simms. “So far, they have

IN 2007, THE UK EXPORTED 1.8 MILLION TONNES OF ESSENTIAL OILS, PERFUMES AND TOILETRIES, WHILE IMPORTING 1.5 MILLION OF THE SAME GOODS shouted fire but failed to get the water hoses or fire crew needed to put the global fire out.” The proportion of ‘green’ spending which improves sustainability varies enormously

across the globe; for example, research from HSBC shows ‘green’ spending in the USA at 12% of GDP, Germany at 13% and South Korea at a rather impressive 80%. The international average falls at around 15% but the UK plans to invest just 7% of its economic stimulus package (excluding the direct bank bailouts) in green measures that would improve our sustainability. Rupert Read, speaking on behalf of the Green Party, says of the recent G20 summit, “Reading their final communiqué, one would have no idea that the world faces an unprecedented environmental crisis which threatens to extinguish civilisation within a century or so, if it is not checked. They seem content to try to jump from the frying pan of financial and economic meltdown into the fire of the climate meltdown that carelessly-renewed economic growth would bring about.”

THE EFFECTS OF ECOLOGICAL DEBT

It has already been established that ecological debt can be measured and that prior to the actual exhaustion of the earth’s resources, the impact of associated phenomenon like climate change and energy scarcity will become more and more evident. Countless examples throughout the history of the earth demonstrate that nature reacts to the abuse and plundering of the global eco-system. Changes in UK weather seem to be reflected across the globe where the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) has noted a particularly large increase; in natural disasters from extreme weather – in October 2007 they recorded over 410 disasters, “56 per cent of which were weather-related, consistent with the trend of rising numbers of climate change-related disasters”. In 2006, the IFRC recorded 427 natural disasters, a rise of 70 per cent in the two years since 2004. According to the 2007 IFRC World Disasters Report, in the space of ten years the number of natural disasters increased by 40 per cent from the previous decade, while the number of deaths caused by disasters doubled to 1.2 million

people from 600,000. Recent natural disasters attributed to climate change include Hurricane Katrina in the USA (2005, killed +2,500), Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh (2007, killed 10,000) and Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar (2008, killed 146,000). We can also look forward to temperature rises bringing the possibility of tropical disease to the UK, and across the world, rising sea-levels, oxygen depletion, extreme weather occurrences, glacier retreat and irreparable damage to eco-system balance. With all this in mind, how can our current consumerdriven economies and global environmental balance ever be reconciled?

WHAT NEXT?

The reality is that every day we are running up huge ecological debts in almost everything we do; from powering our homes to driving our cars, importing unnecessary foods to draining our dwindling fuel supplies. The impact of our ‘regular’ lifestyle is felt across the globe, but have we gone too far to change? In the wake of the unexpected banking crisis, Simms asks “What else, that we currently take for granted, might be more vulnerable than we realise and prone to sudden collapse?” Perhaps the current banking crisis is the violent wake-up call that the world needs to put greener measures into action. Bankrupting the biosphere simply isn’t an option if human society is to continue living on Earth for any great length of time. “Uncontrolled growth of financial debt is currently laying waste to large parts of the global economy” says Simms, “An explosion of ecological debt looks set to do the same to a biosphere friendly to human civilisation. The difference is – nature doesn’t do bailouts”.

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RETURN OF THE GLASS CEILING? Sarah Collinson asks whether the economic recession means the professional gender gap in the UK is widening again

ll’s fair in love and war…but not, if we believe the hype, in a recession. We are all suffering at the moment – businesses are folding, inflation rates are at rock bottom, and people are losing their jobs with alarming frequency. But if you look beyond the general statements of doom, there is one group we are told is bearing the brunt of the crunch more than others – women. In January, Cabinet Ministers called for focused government spending on women, as it was expected that they would suffer far more than men in the coming months. This prediction

was supported by an excess of damning press reports and sensational statistics, leading to a general view that women are having a pretty bad time. The Trade Union Congress proclaimed that female redundancy was rising alarmingly faster than that of men, and The Sunday Times reported that senior women ministers were appalled by the level of female unemployment. A Pricewaterhouse-Cooper survey claimed the recession would stop women getting to the top, and The Guardian even published a comment by Community Secretary Hazel Blears which suggested that female suffering in a recession is

inevitable as, “women bear the brunt of economic hardship”. We believed that every employed woman should dread a call into the boss’s office and avoid sick days even if in the throes of swine flu. The working fairer sex appeared to be doomed. But if you dig beyond the hype you’ll discover the reality is not so bad for us working girls. New research has suggested that the original female redundancy figures were misleading and that women’s total employment has actually risen since Christmas. Forecasters are also predicting that the recession could help shatter the corporate glass

ceiling as employers shy away from the testosterone-fuelled business model that provoked the crisis (maybe believing things might have been different with a few more ‘Lehman Sisters’). Many women are actively thriving in the new climate and have eagerly risen to the challenges of a failing economy. Female entrepreneurs particularly are dealing with the difficulties of a recession far better than their male counterparts. Women are generally more cautious about bank borrowing and will follow more conservative business models than men, meaning that they are not over-stretched and have foundations strong enough to weather the storm. Other women are taking a different approach and have seen the credit crunch as the perfect opportunity to seek out a new career. Many have taken voluntary redundancy from the corporate world, turning instead to smaller companies or social enterprise in search of more fulfilling employment. So while men fear the unexpected and the potential of life taking a different route, women are adapting to the new climate and are taking the recession in their stride. Of course there are some women whose careers will have suffered over the last months but they will no doubt be getting on with life, enjoying time with friends and family, and looking for the next opportunity. n

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news NOKIA OFFER APP STORE ALTERNATIVE Nokia opened its online software and content store at the end of last month, hoping to follow the success of Apple Inc’s App Store. Nokia, the world’s largest handset maker, said its Ovi Store was opened globally to some 50 million phone users, putting it in front of any other rival store. Apple has sold only around 20 million iPhones in comparison. Nokia said clients in eight countries can pay for purchases through their phone bills, and AT&T was planning to make the store available in the United States later in 2009.The store is open globally online, and applications can be bought with credit cards.

UK PROPERTY MARKET RECORDS SHOW FOUR MONTHS IMPROVEMENT The average asking price of a property in England and Wales increased by 2.4%, or £5,000, during the four weeks to 9 May, to stand at £227,441, according to property website Rightmove.The Rightmove group stated that sellers may be pricing their homes at higher levels due to concerns about the extent to which their equity has been eroded, making it difficult for them to trade up the property ladder.The rise in asking prices, which followed a 1.8% increase in April, led to a further reduction in the annual rate at which prices are falling, with this easing to 6.2%, down from 7.3% during the previous month.The Council of Mortgage Lenders last week reported a 29% jump in mortgage lending to people buying a new home during March and The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors said inquiries from potential buyers rose at their fastest pace in almost a decade in April.

PAY POINT REPORTS INCREASED PROFITS Electronic payments firm PayPoint Plc a 19% increase in like-for-like pretax profit and said it was confident of opportunities for further growth in the coming year.The firm, whose services include bill payment terminals and ATM machines, stated that pre-tax profit for the year ending 29 March was £35 million ($56.1 million) on revenues 7% higher at £224 million.Trading since the end of the period has been in line with the company’s expectations, PayPoint said, with the bill and general payments business (accounting for 44% of revenue) remaining robust in the recession as consumer discretion in expenditure was limited.

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BArclAycArd to pilot A VisA corporAte cArd for deloitte Enabling cost effective remote network access for Deloitte employees, Barclaycard is launching a Visa corporate card. As well as being a standard Visa Corporate card, this innovative new card enables Deloitte employees to remotely access their company IT system via a virtual private network (VPN).The card has a keypad and LCD screen embedded into it, to allow users to enter their PIN and generate a one-time use passcode.This passcode is then authenticated, in this case, by Deloitte’s VPN. In addition the card ensures that cardholders have the convenience of only having to carry their Corporate Barclaycard, without the need to carry a separate security token or device.The technology that the card uses was developed in conjunction with EMUE Technologies.

fAceBook receiVes $200 million inVestment

sAntAnder to re-BrAnd in 2010 Santander has announced that it plans to re-brand all its businesses (including Abbey, Bradford & Bingley, and Alliance & Leicester) in 2010 to adopt the Santander global brand and name.The move will deliver a significant advantage for customers as they will be able to use 1,000 branches from early 2010, rising to 1,300 by the end of 2010.The change also reflects Santander Group’s policy to operate under a single brand. As a global brand, the flame logo and the Santander name is now seen in over 40 countries around the world. One of the key drivers in implementing the brand change has been the switch to Santander’s global IT platform, Partenon.

At the end of May Facebook announced that Digital Sky Technologies (DST), one of the leading internet investment groups globally with significant stakes in Eastern European and Russian internet businesses, has made a $200 million investment in Facebook in exchange for preferred stock, representing a 1.96% equity stake at a $10 billion valuation. In addition, DST has indicated that it is planning to offer to purchase at least $100 million of Facebook common stock from existing common stockholders that would facilitate liquidity for current and former employees’ vested shares in the company.The details of the plan are expected to be announced to eligible participants during the summer. Consistent with Facebook’s practice with other recent investors, DST will not be represented on the Facebook board or hold special observer rights.

A jump in profits for Virgin AtlAntic Virgin Atlantic has reported a jump in profits in the year to the end of February, improving the recent airline records. Annual pre-tax profits reached £68.4 million ($109 million), nearly double the £34.8 million seen in the year earlier.The company said the results had been helped by a rise in premium fare passengers.The results contrast to British Airways which reported an annual loss before tax of £401m last week.The airline is 51%-owned by Sir Richard Branson and Singapore Airlines owns the remainder.

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A WINDOW OF

OPPORTUNITY Canary Wharf-based foreign direct investment company, Think London, says now is the best time for overseas businesses to invest in London Think London is London’s official foreign direct investment agency; a notfor-profit private-public partnership; experts on business in the capital.

hanks to the effects of the economic downturn, London has seen office rents fall by around 38% and sterling depreciate by 27% against the dollar in the last seven months, opening a tempting window of investment opportunity in the City and Docklands. An ideal time for foreign companies to set-up shop and blossom in the UK, 2009 now looks forward to some exciting and positive changes for the financial landscape of London. In the past, London has been one of the most expensive cities in Europe – as Mark Davies (Marketing Director, Think London) puts it, “a premium offering with high perceived returns on investment, ranging at the upper end of the scale”. A fertile environment for future business success, London is one of the biggest city economies in the world – now an extremely attractive prospect for those who find that affordable property and staff could be within reach. “Currently, sterling’s depreciation against most major currencies in the last seven months (over 27% against the dollar and more than 15% against the euro) has made already lower property and support services available at a level representing outstanding value” says Davies. “The average price of London office real

estate declined to 8,020 euros per square metre last quarter, from more than 22,500 euros in mid-2007”. Such a shift has enabled businesses to get on the commercial property ladder where previously impossible, or buy bigger spaces to accommodate the employees of a much larger company. Mike Charlton (Chief Executive of Think London) explains further: “In the current economic environment, we are more than ever committed to helping companies from abroad identify the many business opportunities London offers. There has never been a better time to invest in London. The Mayor recently launched ‘London Now’, our economic action plan, to encourage more overseas companies to locate in the capital and it has become part of the Mayor’s recovery action plan.” Due to large numbers of redundancies in the last eighteen months (particularly in London), there is now a large resource pool of qualified professionals for new businesses to choose from. The hurdles involved in locating new foreign companies in the capital will be appealing to many currently unemployed professionals looking for a challenge. This is also an excellent chance for employers to get highly qualified, knowledgeable and capable

workers for less than they would have cost two years ago. “We are the first point of call for companies looking to set up here,” explains Charlton. “We also wanted to focus on bringing investment to east London, and London winning the bid for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. London has a unique economic opportunity in the 2012 Games, which will add billions to the economy.With 7,000 tier-one contracts and 75,000 supplychain contracts there are many

opportunities for both British and overseas businesses.” Think London particularly emphasized that London is still very much open for business; although the economy is experiencing a period of instability, the capital’s core values for business have not changed and if you look, there is a wealth of opportunity available. n For more information, visit www.thinklondon.com

A NATURAL SELECTION James Littlewood takes a look back at the scientific discoveries and achievements of Darwin in the 200 years since his birth

culture

hen describing the impact that Darwin’s work has had on the thinking of mankind, it is hard to resist the temptation of hyperbole, so I’m not going to try. No list compiling the most influential human beings of all time would be complete without the mentioning of a certain Charles Robert Darwin. He was only one of five British non-royals to have been honoured with a state funeral in the nineteenth century and rests in Westminster Abbey, not far from Isaac Newton. Now in 2009, 200 years have passed since his birth and we’re still talking about him; the BBC has produced a series of TV and radio programmes to celebrate the contribution of one of the greatest Britons of all time. Seminal is a word often bandied around when eulogising, however it seems unlikely there can be much disagreement that On the Origin of the Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life (to give Darwin’s most well-known book its full title), meets the criteria. In fact, it is conceivable that Darwin may have been responsible for the most (r) evolutionary non-religious or legal text the world has ever seen. The assertion that all forms of species had evolved over time from common ancestors was one that provoked outrage from various areas of nineteenth century society and most notably the Church whose creationist story was turned on its head by Darwin. A name somewhat less familiar to the world outside the scientific community might well be that of Alfred Russel Wallace,

Darwin’s voyage to the galapagos in the hMs Beagle is up there with 1066 anD henry viii a contemporary of Darwin who should be recognised as the co-discoverer of the theory of natural selection. Fifteen months prior to the publication of On the Origin of the Species in August 1958 Darwin and Wallace co-published a paper setting out their vision of the theory of natural selection. It is unclear why Wallace is rarely credited with the genesis of the theory especially when throughout the nineteenth century natural selection was officially referred to as the Darwin-Wallace theory

and some of the highest honours Britain offered were bestowed upon him. It could be that during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries the theory of natural selection began to become unpopular among biologists who favoured such long debunked ideas as neo-Lamarckism, orthogenesis or mutation theory. It took until the modern evolutionary synthesis of the 1930s and 1940s for the theory of natural selection to be re-accepted as the principle mechanism of evolutionary change, by which time a new generation of biologists had come along and in the days before recorded sound and pictures, received knowledge was more likely to go awry; it must have been merely presumed that the idea was first captured in On the Origin of the Species and Wallace was somewhat overlooked by posterity. Having an enticing back story has probably done no harm to the acceptance of Darwin as the father of the theory of natural selection. Darwin’s voyage to the Galapagos in the HMS Beagle is up there with 1066 and Henry VIII in terms of belonging to that select group of historical events about which people can genuinely tell you a thing or two. The time spent on HMS Beagle was undoubtedly crucial to the formulation of Darwin’s theories although he returned from its 5 year voyage some twenty years before On the Origin of the Species was published. He was in fact on board the voyage as much as a companion to the captain Robert Fitzroy than as a naturalist. Darwin published the journal that he had kept during the voyage on his return which became known as The Voyage of the Beagle and brought Darwin great renown as a writer. It is fitting that as 200 years of Darwin are being celebrated a plethora of titles on the man and his theories has been prompted as Darwin himself was in fact such a prolific author. Everything from earthworms to coral reefs, barnacles to emotion has been covered in the Darwin canon; he may be thought of as something of a Victorian David Attenborough in that respect. Among the more interesting titles produced this year are an attempt at finding links between his life and that of Abraham Lincoln who shares his birth date of 12 February 1809, an edition of his letters from his time on HMS Beagle and also a title on how Darwin’s theory of evolution was shaped by his hatred of slavery (Darwin’s Sacred Cause by Adrian Desmond and James Moore).

There are events running throughout 2009 to celebrate the bicentenary of Darwin as well as the BBC’s specially produced content, the highlight of which may be considered to be Darwin 2009 Festival taking place in Cambridge from 5-10 July featuring talks, debates, exhibitions and performances. That 200 years on, fresh material may still be found on which to develop new ideas and launch research is fitting tribute enough to this giant contributor to human thought. Whether exclusively his idea or not, Darwin’s contribution to the theory of natural selection may be considered significant enough to secure his place as one of Britain’s greatest sons. n For more information on the Darwin 2009 Festival, visit www.darwin200.org

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business&finance

COMPANY PROFILE We take a look at the history and growth of HSBC; from its beginnings in 1865 to the present day

SBC is “the world’s local bank”. With the group’s main headquarters in Canary Wharf, HSBC is one of the largest banking and financial services organisations in the world. HSBC’s international network is built around 9,500 offices in 86 countries across Europe, the AsiaPacific region, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa. 1865-1899 • The HSBC Group is named after its founding member, The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, which was established in 1865 to finance the growing trade between Europe, India and China. • In 1874 the bank handled China’s first public loan and thereafter issued most of China’s public loans. • In 1888, HSBC was the first bank to be established in Thailand, where it printed the country’s first banknotes. 1900-1945 • Post WWI prosperity returned in the East as new industries were developed; HSBC’s new head office in Hong Kong (1935) and the new buildings at major branches such as Bangkok (1921), Manila (1922) and Shanghai (1923) reflected this confidence. • During WWII, the majority of HSBC’s staff in the East became prisoners of war as the Japanese advanced through Asia.The chief manager, Sir Vandeleur Grayburn and his successor died while prisoners in Hong Kong.The bank survived under

the guidance of its London Advisory Committee. 1946-1979 • Most of the mainland offices in China were closed from 1949-1955 increasing the risk that the bank was overconcentrating its interests in Hong Kong. Consequently HSBC diversified through a series of acquisitions: the Mercantile Bank in 1959; a controlling interest in Hang Seng Bank Limited in 1965; and the formation of a merchant bank arm,Wardley Limited, in 1972. 1980-1999 • After taking a 51% interest in the Marine Midland Bank in 1980, HSBC gained full ownership in 1987. • In Europe HSBC took a 14.9% share in Midland Bank in the UK in 1987. • HSBC Holdings announced that it would make a recommended offer for full ownership of Midland lifting the Group’s total assets from £86 billion in 1991 to over £170 billion in 1992. • HSBC continued to grow: purchases in Argentina and Brazil in 1997 were balanced by the addition of the Republic NewYork Corporation to the HSBC Group in 1999. • In November 1998 the Group announced the adoption of a unified brand ‘HSBC’. 2000-2009 • In 2000, HSBC announced a US$11 billion recommended offer for Crédit Commercial de France (CCF)

•

strengthening HSBC’s presence in the euro zone and listing the group on the Paris Stock Exchange for the first time. From 2002, the HSBC identity carried the strap-line of ‘The world’s local bank’. The Group also began its five-year ‘Investing in Nature’ programme, a partnership in environmental projects with Earthwatch, WWF and Botanic Gardens International. Also in 2002, HSBC acquired and recapitalized Grupo Financiero Bital in Mexico bringing 5.5 million new customers and 1,400 branches. In 2003, the new Group head office in Canary Wharf in London opened to house some 8,000 staff. Also in 2003, HSBC

•

purchased Household International Inc. in the USA adding over 1,300 branches and 53 million customers to the network. In 2005, HSBC marked 140 years in China and became the first major bank to go carbon neutral. In June 2008 solar panels were fitted to the roof of HSBC’s head office in Canary Wharf as part of the bank’s US$90 million Global Environmental Efficiency Programme. In December 2008 HSBC announced a £750 million capital injection for its UK subsidiary from its own resources and also created a new $5 billion global fund for small and medium sized businesses to ensure that they have access to appropriate credit in the current economic climate. n

FOUNDATIONS LAID FOR CANARY WHARF EXPANSION Just last month, Mayor of London Boris Johnson and Prime Minister Gordon Brown were joined by UK business leaders as Europe’s largest construction project was officially declared started

rossrail is London’s first new major railway in a generation; running across the City, it will connect the rest of London with Canary Wharf, the most important business district in the UK. Last month, the Crossrail project reached a landmark moment as the Mayor of London Boris Johnson and the Prime Minister Gordon Brown marked the start of construction alongside UK business leaders. At an event to mark the launch of the first (of four hundred) 18.5 metre tall steel piles that will form the basis of the new station, The Mayor was joined by Transport Minister Andrew Adonis, London’s Transport Commissioner Peter Hendy, Crossrail Chairman Douglas Oakervee and Canary Wharf Group Chief Executive George Iacobescu. The formal start of construction signals the intensification of work on the project resulting from funding agreements with BAA,

Canary Wharf Group and the Corporation of London. Prime Minister, Gordon Brown said: “Many people said it would never be built, but today we are celebrating a defining moment for London as Crossrail’s construction gets underway. It will also bring a massive economic boost to the city, creating thousands of jobs and adding at least £20 billion to our economy. “Investment into important projects like Crossrail, the largest construction project in Europe, is vital to create and protect jobs as well as supporting businesses, so that we can grow our way out of recession and ensure a strong future for London and the country as a whole.” The first station on the line will be named Canary Wharf, and will be built in North Dock between Canary Wharf and North Quay. When the construction is finally complete, the station will be one of the largest on the Crossrail network and includes plans for 100,000

Crossrail is a new London trainline running 118km from Maidenhead and Heathrow in the west through 21.5km of new twin bore tunnels through central London, and on to Canary Wharf, Woolwich, Abbey Wood and Shenfield in the east. Crossrail will provide new transport links with the Tube, Thameslink, National Rail, DLR and London Overground.

sq ft of retail space and a rooftop park. Crossrail services will begin operating from 2017 cutting journey times across London allowing travel from Canary Wharf to Liverpool Street in 7 minutes, Paddington in 17 minutes and Heathrow in 44 minutes. “Today London starts work on one of the great civil engineering projects in its history,” stated Canary Wharf Group Chief Executive George Iacobescu. “Canary Wharf Group is proud to be playing its part, not just by helping to fund the project, but by taking on the responsibility of building the Canary Wharf Crossrail station as well. It’s true that times are hard right now but Canary Wharf still expects to see growth return long before Crossrail is completed. This project is not just about anticipating future transport demand; it is also about London catching up with the demand which is already there.” n For more information on Crossrail, visit www.crossrail.com

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27/5/09 17:31:46

lifestyle

HOME SWEET HOME

Tom Hubbard-Green looks at the growing numbers of ‘twentysomethings’ living at home with Mum and Dad

ast month the Office for National Statistics released a report which declared that nearly one in three men aged between 20 and 34 are living with their parents. While the figure is lower for women of the same age group (with 18 per cent of them living at home) these two groups combined add up to nearly three million young people that are still living at home with Mum and Dad. The twenty-something that lives with their parents has been a figure of ridicule for decades, but with the economic situation in the UK still looking bleak for graduates it seems that an increasing number of people will be forced to stay at home with their parents. In reality, the comic stereotype hardly seems apt for these people when we consider that many of this group have no real desire to stay at home, but are bound by the impossibility of gaining a foothold on the property ladder.

UNEMPLOYMENT RATES ARE HIGHER AMONG 16 24 YEAR OLDS THAN ANY OTHER OLDER AGE GROUPS; THESE STATISTICS HAVE RAISED CONCERN ABOUT A ‘LOST GENERATION’ OF YOUNG PEOPLE The Social Trends report states that nearly 40 per cent of young people cite the high cost of moving out as a major barrier to leaving their parental home and 44 per cent blame the lack of affordable housing for their predicament. These worries are confirmed by a 2007 Eurobarometer survey which

found that young adults living in the rest of Europe also felt that they could not afford to move out from under their parents’ wings. Although the increased cost of living and property scarcity are undoubtedly a problem there is another large contributing factor to this growing number of stay-at-home twenty-somethings; the increased number of people in further education. There are four times as many people in higher education today as there were in 1970 – 2.5 million compared to just 621,000 forty years ago and when we consider these figures it is perhaps not as surprising to read that more than half of men aged between 20 and 24 live with their parents – an arrangement that is a practical necessity for the financially hard-up undergraduate. However, the survey also found that although more people were entering further education and going to university, unemployment rates were higher among 16 – 24 year olds than any other older age groups. These statistics have raised concern about a ‘lost generation’ of young people comprised, for the first time, not only of those without jobs but also those in employment who are unable to find a way to move on to the property ladder. With the job market no longer offering so-called ‘jobs for life’ and the economy making the threat of redundancy a real possibility for thousands of workers, there is an understandable degree of trepidation to enter into binding contracts that are hard to justify for those who feel that their job is no longer secure. This, it seems, is the core of the issue and until faith is restored in the UK economy we can expect the ranks of the stay-at-home twenty-somethings to grow ever larger and decidedly less comical. 

CORNISH PASTIMES Tom Saunders hops on a plane from City Airport to Newquay for a last-minute boys’ weekend away

Fowey Hall - Exterior

fter a hard week at work, too many convenience meals and a string of late nights, the thought of another weekend in the City just didn’t appeal. By the Thursday evening that week I was certain; the weather would be warm, a couple of friends fancied a boys’ weekend away and we all needed to get out of London (and away from the office). The effort involved in planning a European break was far more than I could manage at such a late date; particularly as we were trying to avoid cities. Even getting to the French countryside would involve a large sacrifice of time from our precious 3-day allowance, and so a UK beach break was soon decided on. Fortunately, just 3 miles from our Canary Wharf offices, City Airport has recently established twice-daily links with Air Southwest – a small airline operating a fleet of Dash 8-300 regional aircraft and offering a range of frequent flights from Plymouth, Newquay and Bristol airports. Year round flights from City Airport to Newquay start from £29 including taxes and charges (www.airsouthwest.com) and armed with our last minute bookings we managed to make it onto a 9:55am flight on the Friday morning. Just over an hour later (after an extremely comfortable flight) we found ourselves in a beautifully sunny part of Cornwall with enough time to grab a quick coffee before some pre-lunch beach sports. The Extreme Academy at Watergate Bay (01637 86054, www.watergatebay.co.uk) is a brilliant place for some beach-based adventure sports. Visitors can hire all the gear necessary to learn to surf, kitesurf, kite-buggy, mountain board, fly traction kites, waveski, or paddlesurf. We decided to try traction kite-flying (the spring sea-temperatures not quite ready for us non-professional surfers) – and whilst this may not seem particularly taxing on paper, by the end of the session we all felt like we’d been through a full workout. These modern kite designs provide a level

travel

Fowey Hall - bedroom

Eden aerial by Ben Foster

of power not usually associated with regular kite-flying, and as you skid across the beach it takes all your skill and concentration to control the force of the Flexifoil traction kite; an instant buzz! Having built up an appetite, the boys and I headed to Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall restaurant (01637 861000, www. fifteencornwall.co.uk), also at Watergate Bay. The cuisine served at Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall is traditional Italian with a Cornish twist, using local ingredients and fresh Cornish seafood. The Italian style bread and Fontodi olive oil to start us off was simple but really delicious; an uncomplicated choice, but incredibly flavoursome. If you’re dining as a group, the Fifteen Cornwall signature antipasto plate is a brilliant option; the kitchen will put together an outstanding selection of beautifully dressed seasonal vegetables, the biggest olives, superb cured meats and cheeses on a platter (£7.85pp). For a main course, the locally caught fish is really exceptional; choose from roasted Cornish cod or crispy fillet of Cornish stone bass among others (main course start from around £18). It must have been something to do with all the fresh sea air (or the comfortable beds) because we all slept soundly at the Bedruthan Steps Hotel that night (01637 860555, www.bedruthan.com). The South West’s Hotel of the Year 2008/9, this hotel has stunning seaside views, stylish interiors and fine dining. We enjoyed an evening meal from a delicious menu at the restaurant Indigo Bay where around 70% ingredients are locally sourced. I can particularly recommend the 200g Cornish rump steak with peperonata and béarnaise sauce; tender and pink – just perfect. Fully rested, we spent Saturday morning on the Camel trail; a cycle route along a disused railway line from Padstow to Bodmin, ideal for all levels of cyclist. 17 miles long in all, we cycled 6 miles from Wadebridge to Padstow taking in the breathtaking country and waterside views.

By then we were all in the mood for a proper seaside lunch of fish and chips, and where better than renowned chef Rick Stein’s traditional Fish and Chip Restaurant in Padstow (www.rickstein.com). Choose from a selection of fish, and then whether you’d prefer it grilled or battered in beef dripping; I chose the Lemon Sole with a side of chips and mushy peas and it was quite simply, the best fish and chips could be. The Fowey Hall Hotel (01726 833866, www.foweyhallhotel.co.uk) was our next stopover of the weekend. The original inspiration for Toad Hall in Wind in the Willows the house sits in a spectacular location overlooking the port of Fowey on the South Cornish coast. The original walled gardens and commanding views of the river estuary and sea make it a relaxing post from which to appreciate the beauty of the natural surroundings. After a couple of hours lounging in the Spa’s pool and hot tub, we spent the evening enjoying more exquisite local produce at Hanson’s restaurant (within the hotel) with a selection of fine wines. With a flight back to City Airport at 4pm on our final day, we checked out of The Fowey Hall Hotel and spent the day exploring the fascinating biomes of The Eden Project (01726 811911, www.edenproject. com). The complex comprises a number of domes that house plant species from around the world, each dome emulating a natural biome (such as tropical or Mediterranean) - a bit like a greenhouse. The domes are surrounded by beautiful and diverse gardens, the ideal location for a spot of relaxing in the sun (and an ice-cream!). With flights running from City Airport to Newquay twice daily, the new air links offer a quicker and cheaper method of travel when compared to the long and arduous car/train journeys to Cornwall. Taking the same time as a trip to Brighton or Eastbourne, if you’re looking for a couple of days away, Cornwall is the hottest new contender. n

PLANS Bedroom, Grand Millennium Dubai

Exterior of Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur

Stuck for inspiration for your summer holiday? Travel east and experience the magic of Millennium & Copthorne Hotels, says Josephine O’Donoghue

on’t panic. Although summer has arrived, it isn’t too late to bag yourself a warm, relaxing and totally luxurious summer break. Finding a good hotel can often be a challenge, particularly when travelling to a city or country you haven’t visited before; how can you be absolutely sure of booking excellent service, beautiful surroundings, luxurious accommodation and gourmet cuisine at a new hotel? This is where an outstanding reputation is vital – and for those in search of the very best, why not indulge yourself by choosing to stay at the 5* Grand Millennium Hotels, from the Millennium and Copthorne Hotel group. Perfectly suited to those guests who are connoisseurs of the finer things in life, these hotels are absolutely exquisite, from the stylish interiors to the indulgent international cuisine.

DUBAI The most populated city in the UAE, Dubai embodies the very essence of extravagance and luxury.The Grand Millennium Dubai is one of four incredible Grand Millennium Hotels in the world and the first Grand Millennium property in the Middle East. Reflecting the trend for unique high-end developments in Dubai, the hotel boasts distinctive designs, innovative technology, multiple dining venues and exceptional luxury in all rooms and suites. Located between Mall of the Emirates and the Ibn Battuta shopping mall, and adjacent to Dubai media city and internet city, Emirates Golf Club and The Montgomery, this hotel is ideal for those who want to experience the very best that the city has to offer. For those in need of a little extra indulgence, the spa facilities at the Grand Millennium Dubai are second to none; including an outdoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, Hammam steam baths, sauna, a full menu of spa treatments and hydrotherapy, there is plenty to help you unwind. More energetic activities can be found in the fitness centre, and of course, guests can take part in golf, indoor skiing, scuba diving, horse riding, tennis and sailing, all in the local area. The ultimate luxury can be experienced in the hotel penthouses (think private jacuzzi, Egyptian cotton sheets, stunning interiors, fresh flowers, incredible views) and to further enhance your stay, the hotel also offers VIP guests a range of additional services including personalised spa treatments, desert safaris, wadi bashing, dinner in the desert under the stars, limousine transfers, secretarial and butler services – guests will want for absolutely nothing.

travel

Spa Lounge, Grand Millennium Beijing

BANGKOK Bangkok is a vibrant Asian city that never sleeps. A wonderland of temples, markets, palaces, restaurants and shopping centres, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Well worth a visit, but guests in Bangkok must ensure that their hotel acts as a welcome retreat – somewhere to escape the bustle of the city, the heat of the day and the stresses of travel. The Grand Millennium Sukhumvit Bangkok is the ideal choice; located in one of Bangkok’s prime central areas (only 30 minutes from the international Suvarnabhumi Airport) the hotel lies adjacent to the subway and skytrain stations: just one stop to the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre and the Emporium department store. Featuring a glass façade in the shape of a sail, the hotel houses 325 rooms and suites all decorated with a luxurious contemporary Thai twist. VIP guests should choose the Presidential Suite; 200 sqm in size, the elegant suite fits high profile guests who demand only the best, with guaranteed privacy and butler service. Leisure is a key part of your stay at the Grand Millennium Sukhumvit and the wide range of decadent spa treatments are bound to leave guests feeling calm and tranquil. The spa presents secrets and science of ancient and advanced body treatments from Dermalogica and PanPuri (a local premium product with the finest Eastern botanical ingredients). One of the most popular leisure pursuits at the hotel is the unique rooftop golf course; why not treat yourself to a game you’ll never forget? Make sure you put aside time on your visit as the entire roof of the hotel’s car park has been designed as a deluxe mini-golf course, with eighteen challenging holes! The only hotel to house a rooftop mini-golf course, this is an absolute must.

Lobby, Grand Millennium Sukhumvit Bangkok

BEIJING For an exotic trip to the Far East the most discerning guests will require the perfect balance of luxury accommodation, local cultural influences, relaxing surroundings and excellent facilities. Located in the very heart of China’s capital city, the Grand Millennium Beijing offers 521 grand and spacious guest rooms designed specifically for the ‘luxury traveller’. Situated close to the vibrant commercial centre of the city, this hotel is a clear choice for those looking for a relaxing, yet interesting break in China. Widely considered one of the best hotels in the city, the Grand Millennium Beijing offers three spectacular levels of spa and fitness facilities and several restaurants offering a wide ranging selection of international cuisines. We recommend spending some time at the Oxygen Club with their cutting edge facilities and exercise equipment, 25 metre indoor lap pool and sauna and steam rooms, before heading to the award-winning Spa by MTM – choose from five treatment suites – Happiness, Health, Wisdom, Beauty, and Energy where therapies are centred on massage, body scrubs and bathing to offer a blissful well-being journey to your body, mind and spirit.

KUALA LUMPUR The Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur’s longstanding reputation as one of Malaysia’s premier hotels makes it an obvious option for the discerning traveller. Situated in the heart of the downtown business, financial, entertainment and shopping district of Kuala Lumpur, the hotel is always a good choice, whether travelling for business or for pleasure. The Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur is the recipient of numerous international awards, including the Hospitality Asia Platinum Award for Service Excellence, the Hospitality Asia Platinum Award for Best Executive Club Lounge and Business Techonology Review Award for Best Business Hotel. Over 450 luxury rooms and suites benefit from the consistently high level of personalised service and hotel guests are spoilt for choice with three outstanding restaurants. For those in search of a lively social scene, the Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur houses Pulse, the most happening party venue in the city, with spectacular entertainment by top bands and celebrity DJs and a superb menu offering a selection of tapas as well as signature cocktails. n Millennium & Copthorne Hotels are a four and five star international hotel chain offering over 120 hotels across 18 countries. For more information visit: www.millenniumhotels.co.uk

Kate Harrison flies to Oman to experience the grandeur and luxury of The Chedi Hotel in Muscat

ver half a century after the explorer Wilfred Thesiger first entered Oman, the country still remains largely unknown to us in the West. However, in the last couple of years travellers have started to embrace more of the Omani culture, and this beautiful country is becoming an increasingly popular sunshine destination for western tourists. Located on the edge of the Arabian Peninsula, this diverse country encompasses sublime rugged mountains, spectacular deserts, mesmerising salt flats, medieval cities and over a thousand miles of perfect sandy beaches. However, it’s not just the stunning natural environment that attracts visitors; Oman also boasts over 5,000 years of historical and artistic culture. This is the country where the prophet Job endured a lifetime of torment (and apparently lived to the incredible age of 203); where the Queen of Sheba had her legendary palace; where Alexander the Great had his headquarters; and from where Sinbad the Sailor set sail in a dhow. The capital, Muscat, is everything we don’t usually expect from the Middle East. A very different package from fashionable fast-paced Dubai and business-driven Abu Dhabi, Muscat is an intriguing mix of old and new. The area comprises three small towns spread along 35 miles of coast; Muscat itself, where the old port and Sultan Qaboos’s palace (Al Alam) are located; Ruwi, which is home to a large number of hotels and the central business district; and Muttrah, which is crammed full of interesting souks and authentic bazaars.

Essentials

Lobby, The Chedi

WHERE TO STAY

For a five-star experience in Muscat, The Chedi Muscat should be your first (and last) thought. Situated in a serene spot alongside the crystal waters of the Gulf of Oman with a backdrop of the Haajjar Mountain range, it is the perfect traveller’s haven. Only short drive from the international airport, the luxury hotel offers 156 rooms ideally suited to both business and leisure travel. The ultimate luxury experience is to be found in the Chedi Club Suites, which comprise a spacious bedroom, stylish sitting room and lavish marble bathroom complete with a sunken terrazzo bathtub and rain shower. Guests in the Chedi Club Suites enjoy inclusive airport transfers, continental

Suite Bedroom

Markaz Al Bahja Shopping Mall & Cinema Complex

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breakfasts, pre-dinner cocktails in the Library, laundry services and mini-bar. With personal service of the highest standard, guests want for nothing. For authentic Arabian cuisine The Chedi is, naturally, highly recommended. Make sure to dine in The Arabian Court with traditional Arabian dishes and water pipes. Alternatively, The Restaurant serves Arabian, Mediterranean, Asian and Indian cuisine; the Beach Restaurant serves seafood; The Lobby Lounge is perfect for a cocktail or two, and the poolside cabanas serve lighter menus.

WHERE TO RELAX

The Spa at The Chedi Muscat is, in a word, divine. With seven individual treatment rooms (including four suites with sunken baths) it is a pampering sanctuary. Guests may choose from an extensive menu of treatments, but the Signature treatments especially popular at the Spa include The Ocean Ritual (3 hours including an Aromatherapy Foot Polish, Ocean Bath, Sea Mineral Body Scrub, Seaweed Body Wrap and Chedi Massage), and The Omani Bliss Ritual (2 hours including Aromatherapy Foot Polish, Balinese Massage, Traditional Body Scrub and Floral Bath). And when your massage or facial is over, why not pop into the cosy nail lounge for an indulgent manicure and pedicure?

entials

SHOPPING

VISAS In order to encourage tourism, Oman relaxed its visa regulations in 2001. Visas are still required (except for citizens of other Gulf countries) but it is now possible for most foreign nationals (including those from the EU, the Americas, Australia and New Zealand) to obtain a twoweek visa at Muscat’s Seeb Airport, or at border crossings. Tourist visas obtained through the sultanate’s embassies abroad are valid for three weeks. Visas are still obtainable through Oman’s bigger hotels and tour companies. You can apply in advance or get one at the airport on arrival. For any further enquiries, contact the Embassy of Sultanate of Oman, 167 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 (020 7225 0001, www.omanembassy.org.uk)

Muscat, like many cities in the Middle East, is a great place for a spot of retail therapy. Oman is particularly well known for its curved, silversheathed khanjar knives and silver jewellery. It’s also a good location for very well-priced gold and frankincense, so shopping for gifts shouldn’t be a problem.Visit Amouage for perfumes, the Bait Muzna Gallery for collectable art, and the Omani Heritage Gallery and Muttrah Souks for traditional crafts and gifts. n For more information on The Chedi Muscat, visit www.ghmhotels.com

Club Suite

LEISURE

Chedi Pool

If, after a few days of total relaxation, you’re in need of something a little more energetic, there are plenty of activities on offer ranging from local cultural tours to desert excursions. Why not spend a night in a Bedouin-style tent in the sandy desert or exploring wadis (valleys) in a 4x4. Numerous challenging mountain routes await those who enjoy

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outdoor sports and hiking, and ecotourism ventures are becoming increasingly popular as tourists discover Oman’s unique geology, varied bird life and shifting desert sandscapes. For those particularly interested in the culture and recent history of Oman, then Muscat’s breathtaking five-towered Grand Mosque is a must-see. Built in 1995 with private funds from Sultan Qaboos, it is one of the world’s most stunning new buildings. Constructed from gold, copper, polished marble and smooth Omani sandstone, the domed prayer area has a space for 5,000 devotees to gather beneath the world’s largest chandelier (made in Italy). Covering the floor is the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet, which took 600 Iranian weavers four years to finish.

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MIDDLE EASTERN PROMISE

Al Husn Hotel Infinity Pool at Night Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, Sultanate of Oman

Kate Harrison explores the tranquillity and beauty of the Shangri-La’s Al Jissah Resort and Spa in a relaxing break from life in London

or those in search of the ultimate luxury travel experience, with exceptional service, stunning surroundings and indulgent spa treatments, the Shangri-La group of hotels offers the very highest standards in countries all over the world. Travelling to Oman, I stayed at the Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa, a luxurious three-hotel resort village and signature spa in the Sultanate’s capital of Muscat. Located on the sparkling bay of Al Jissah the hotel is tucked away in a sublime desert setting of dramatic rugged mountains and glorious sandy beaches. Set amid 124 acres of ocean and desert scenery, the resort is just fifteen minutes away from the Sultanate’s capital of Muscat. The beautiful resort complex comprises three hotels: Al Waha (The Oasis), which is an ideal family getaway choice, Al Bandar (The Town), which is situated in the heart of the resort, and Al Husn (The Castle), which is the most luxurious choice – an exclusive six-star hideaway. For an opulent holiday, worthy of the majestic surroundings make sure to book one of the 41 beautiful suites and enjoy traditional Omani elegance, alongside modern additions including broadband Internet access, flatscreen televisions and DVD entertainment systems. Guests in Al Husn suites enjoy panoramic sea views which may also be

savoured while soaking in a bubble bath, and have the added advantage of a full personal butler service. The ultimate choice is The Royal Suite; inspired by the famous seventeenth century Omani castle at Jabreen, the elegant interior evokes the traditional luxury of Arabian royalty, and offers Muscat’s most exclusive and privileged guest accommodation, including a private elevator and butler service.With panoramic views of the Gulf of Oman, and a separate sitting room and dining area, the Royal Suite is also ideal for intimate gatherings, entertaining or early evening drinks. Dining is a thoroughly pleasurable experience, with a wealth of choice. Head to Al Waha to enjoy the Latin flavours of Samba, or pick up a child-friendly meal at the Surf Café. Al Bandar is home to Capri Court, serving delicious and contemporary Italian cuisine, alongside Mediterranean Tapas, and Sablah – an outdoor dining experience complete with live entertainment. Al Tanoor features an evocative Arabian atmosphere that creates an engaging dining experience at each of the many open culinary stations. Don’t miss Sultanah, a stylish restaurant with a luxury cruise theme, and Shahrazad, the only authentic Moroccan restaurant in Muscat, which serves traditional Moroccan dishes in a stunning and elegant evening setting.The resort is also home to Xyro, a premier nightclub which features signature cocktails and DJ entertainment.

Al Bandar Hotel Piano Lounge Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, Sultanate of Oman

Of course, it goes without saying that no holiday is really complete without a couple of calming spa treatments to help you unwind from the hectic pace of everyday life. CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La, claims to be “the most extensive and well-appointed private spa in Oman”, and with twelve treatment villas the spa goes to great lengths to create a sanctuary of personal rejuvenation and relaxation. We tried the traditional Rhassul treatment (45 mins) which has been a part of beauty and health therapy for centuries and uses the healing benefits of mineral-infused mud. The therapy was traditionally used to protect the skin from the sun, soften and remove dead or dry skin, refine pores or re-sculpt the body by removing excess body fluid. Relax and spend time in the Rhassul while your body takes advantage of this cleansing treatment. n For more information on the Shangri-La Al Jissah Resort and Spa, visit www.shangri-la.com

business

BUSINESS TRAVEL MARKET

ARRIVES IN CANARY WHARF

usiness Travel Market will take place at London’s ExCeL (17-18 June) offering two days of conference and exhibitions to gather new ideas, fresh knowledge and attend meaningful meetings. The event has been created in response to what buyers and suppliers of business travel need in the current market and will showcase the present and future of business travel in a fusion of conference and exhibition. Visitors will see the latest products, listen to market trend forecasts and talk to the people who shape business travel.

Business Travel Market is the only corporate ‘travel & meetings’ event in the UK to offer a fully hosted buyer programme. Up to 500 specially invited corporate travel buyers from across Europe are joining 3,000 travel arrangers and up to 100 exhibitors including the leading travel brands such as Qatar, British Airways, Accor and Eurostar. During the event four visionary addresses will be given by leading industry figures, whilst 30 seminars, workshops and panel sessions will look in detail at different aspects of how best to buy business travel in, and after, a recession. Every conference session is free to attend, whilst the conference programme itself is divided into five streams, with the content of each being specially structured to meet delegates’ individual knowledge requirements and expertise. One stream, entitled Building Blocks, is designed especially for those in smaller organizations and those requiring an insight into the more basic principles of corporate travel. This is an ideal opportunity for PA’s, those working for companies with smaller travel budgets, and those new to business travel to meet the people who shape business travel; to share best practice and to discuss solutions with those who can provide them. 

COMPETITION: Canary Wharf Magazine has teamed up with Business Travel Market to offer two lucky readers a special,VIP hosted buyer package at the event, each worth over £500! PLUS Entry into the “SMASH HITS” themed party and VIP after show party to meet to meet our special 80’s musical guests. The Prize includes: • Return air or first class rail travel to London • One night’s accommodation, including breakfast, at a fourstar hotel close to ExCeL or in Central London • Courtesy transport between arrival airport/station, hotel and event • Complimentary entry to all conference sessions • Online diary to arrange appointments with sponsors & exhibitors • Entry to all sponsor receptions and networking events • Access to the VIP Hosted Buyers Lounge, sponsored by Qatar Airways • Complimentary refreshments from the Garden Terrace, sponsored by Kingfisher Airlines • Access to the Business Lounge, sponsored by Eurostar • Entry into the “80’s” themed party of the year, and the after show party to meet to meet our special 80’s musical guests. *Full T&C’s available at www.businesstravelmagazine.co.uk/d_ hosted.asp. By accepting the VIP hosted package, buyers commit to attend a minimum of four pre-scheduled appointments during their visit using an online diary to which they are given passwordprotected access. To enter, please e-mail city@businesstravelmarket.co.uk with your name, position, company name and telephone number, or you can register as a visitor to Business Travel Market at www.businesstravelmarket.co.uk Closing date: 14th June 2009 The editor’s decision is final

fashion

Diamond Drop Deco Earrings

TIMELESS

DESIGN Renowned jeweller David Marshall presents his stunning collection of timeless treasures Diamond Feather Pendant

Roccoco Pearl Necklace

he name David Marshall London may be new to fine jewellery enthusiasts, yet the man behind this recently launched label has 25 years experience in designing and creating bespoke and ready-towear pieces. David Marshall’s fine jewellery (now available directly from www.davidmarshalllondon. com), is making waves on the fashion scene as it combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, and showcases the most magnificent diamonds, pearls, sapphires and other rare coloured gemstones. Inspired by a family friend who was also a jeweller, David started his career with a jewellery apprenticeship before opening his own workshop, working independently and undertaking trade commissions for other major jewellery houses. This allowed him to develop his design and manufacturing skills. David’s first eponymous collection quickly earned the respect of his peers, as it received the most recent Luxury Jewellery of the Year award given at the UK Jewellery Awards, for “celebrating the luxury of precious stones and metals”. In order to truly represent the

David Marshall at workbench

very best in British design and manufacturing, David insists that each and every piece that bears his name is finished to exacting standards under his own watchful eye in his London workshop. Taking his inspiration from the beautiful and unique stones in his collection, as well as seasonal colours and elements of nature, the results are breathtaking. These are unique pieces, designed to become the heirlooms of the future. To coincide with Coutts London Jewellery Week, David Marshall London is introducing two new collections. The Deco Collection’s diamond pendant, earrings and bracelet are inspired by the geometric stepped forms and sweeping curves characteristic of the Art Deco design period, while the exquisite Diamond Feather Collection takes its cue from the magnificent winged goddesses of ancient Greece and the graceful curves of the swan. Other spectacular creations include the ravishing Damask Diamond necklace, with its blossoming centre of 18.90 carat pear-shaped morganite, surrounded by 9.17 carats of diamond-set petals and leaves, graduating in colour from pink to white. But diamonds aren’t just a girl’s best friend – the elegant and clean lines of baguette cut

diamonds enhance the Homage man’s wedding band while elegant cufflinks in platinum or 18 carat gold are set simply with diamonds for a sartorial statement. Those with a taste for the whimsical may prefer wittily engraved hermit crabs or dragon cufflinks to inject personality into an otherwise ordinary dress shirt. There is no doubt that this newly-launched collection, backed by the expertise of a talented and experienced craftsman has resulted in jewellery that will stand the test of time and continue to delight its wearer each and every time it is worn. n To view and purchase from the collection, visit www.davidmarshalllondon.com or telephone +44 (0)20 7269 9944.

David Marshall A Rare Event Ring

T GLITTER

GLAMOUR Head to the prestigious COUTTS LONDON JEWELLERY WEEK to discover a whole new world of precious treasures and dazzling new designs

he award winning Coutts London Jewellery Week returns 14-18 June 2009 with a week of celebrations, featuring big name designers such as Stephen Webster and Shaun Leane, whose highly-coveted jewels are worn by A-Listers including Christina Aguilera, David Bowie and Liv Tyler. Alongside the traditional names, Coutts London Jewellery Week will also play host to some of the rising stars of the London jewellery scene, including designers Amanda Brighton and Assya. Take this opportunity to find out more about London’s unique history with the jewellery trade, learn more about The Goldsmiths’ Company at their ‘Day of Knowledge’ or perhaps try a jewellery-making class to create a unique piece of your own. Exhibitions include Treasure, with forty of the London’s hottest new designers, and Creation II, which highlights the work of twelve of the UK’s best contemporary jewellers.

UNCOVER SECRETS IN HATTON GARDEN Running from 11-13 June, the Hatton Garden Festival offers members of the public unprecedented access to the area, showcasing the diverse expertise within London’s historic ‘jewellery quarter’ with behind the scenes insights into individual workshops. Ranging from techniques handed down through the generations, to the latest technology, visitors can follow a trail between different ‘hubs’, each of which offers an insight into the variety of styles and crafts that make up London’s jewellery industry. Don’t miss Saturday 13 June, where the festival will take on a street-party feel, with jewellery-making demonstrations in the street, children’s workshops, costumed actors, musicians, a fine food market, and a host of jewellery themed walks, talks and workshops – ideal for family groups. One of the stand-out attractions during the three-day festival will be the installation of an outdoor manufacturing tent on 13 June; visitors will be able to walk through the creation of a piece of jewellery, with Hatton Garden

gemstone experts (from Holts Lapidary), polishers engravers (RH Wilkins) and setters (Embee) on site. Experts will be on hand to talk about each stage of the process and there will be a prize draw to win one of the pieces created on the day. TREASURE IN COVENT GARDEN Treasure is an exciting exhibition of over fifty of the country’s most exciting contemporary jewellery designers, returning to Coutts London Jewellery Week with a three-day showcase at The Flower Cellars in Covent Garden. Open to the public from 12-14 June, Treasure celebrates innovation in jewellery design, showcasing pieces made using cutting-edge technology and unusual materials. For many, jewellery is more than the creation of individual pieces readyto-wear, and Treasure is keen to evolve the debate around the boundaries between jewellery, sculpture, art and design. Treasure at the Flower Cellars offers a rare opportunity for trade buyers, collectors and the public to meet the designers involved in the exhibition and find out

more about the contemporary jewellery scene. Jewellery will also be on-sale, with prices starting from just £20. Visitors will also have a chance to get lucky during the exhibition with chances to scoop the Treasure Pot; the largest collection of designer jewellery ever to be assembled. Entrants can win one of twenty pieces of stunning jewellery ranging from fashion pieces to diamond-set fine jewellery. The draw will take place at The Flower Cellars on Sunday 14 June. Stumbling across buried treasure is everyone’s dream and visitors to London would be mad not to visit The Flower Cellars during Coutts London Jewellery Week. HOT HOTEL DEAL The Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill is a luxurious five star hotel which has partnered with jewellery designers Wright & Teague to create the ultimate package for jewellery lovers; and the first 25 packages booked will receive a piece of jewellery from the their collection! An overnight stay in a King Room, with full English Breakfast in The Montagu restaurant and a ‘Jewellery Cocktail’ costs just £295 per night. Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill 30 Portman Square, London, W1H 7BH www.hyatt.com

CATWALK COUTURE David Marshall is planning to showcase his exceptional collection on the catwalk during Coutts London Jewellery Week as part of High Carat Rocks with Couture Frocks. This very special show will feature key pieces from the spectacular David Marshall London Collection and will be held in the magnificent Livery Hall at Goldsmiths’ Hall, one of London’s finest hidden treasures on 10 June. CARNIVAL TIME! Following its hugely successful debut last year, the Elizabeth Street Carnival is returning on 10 June, with retailers creating special jewellery-themed windows and special displays for the Belgravia street party. A treasure hunt in the area is also planned, with one lucky winner taking home a goodie-bag packed with pieces from local retailers. SPARKLING JEWELS Exquisite jewellers Tach embody the world

jewellery Argent Coloured Drops in 18ct

of the exceptional, the extraordinary, the refined and the glamorous. From bejeweller ‘handbag hooks’ to glittering cocktail rings, Tach represent luxury at the highest level. Visit the Tach boutique on 10 June (11am-8pm) to explore a truly inspirational jewellery collection and enjoy a glass of champagne as you discover this season’s musthave pieces. Those visiting the store from 6-8pm will be able to meet Denni Dellessort, an independent expert and a renowned gemologist. All purchases on 10 June will receive an exclusive 10% discount. RSVP is essential due to limited places –call 0207 495 7123 to reserve your place.

RISING GEMS Ten of London’s most talented emerging jewellery designers, including SHO Jewellery, Leblas, Carla Shanks and Missoma, will create a one-off collection for Coutts London Jewellery Week in collaboration with Enlightened Swarovski Elements and the World Land Trust. An in-store cocktail event at Liberty, Regent Street will showcase the collection, which will be based around nature’s Hidden Gems. STEPHEN WEBSTER Stephen Webster will officially open his new Mount Street store during this year’s Coutts London Jewellery Week. A star-studded ribbon cutting ceremony is set to take place on 11 June. EXCLUSIVE AFTERNOON To celebrate the launch of Coutts London Jewellery Week, The Metropolitan has teamed up with luxury Italian jeweller Pomellato to create a truly sparkling Afternoon De-Light menu, inspired by signature pieces from Pomellato’s collections. Guests can expect low-fat cupcakes adorned by edible gems plus each

person will also be eligible to win their own beautiful Pomellato ring. The afternoon de-light menu will be served daily from 3-6pm from 4-14 June in the Met Bar

THEO FENNELL RECEPTION Theo Fennell will be hosting a party to celebrate their partnership with the Royal College of Art for the fifth consecutive year. Judges will pick winners for awards in Overall Excellence, Best Work in Silver and Best Work in Jewellery from students of the Goldsmithing, Silversmithing and Metal Work courses. The winners will form an exhibition in Theo Fennell’s flagship store on 10 June; the star attraction at a private champagne reception for friends of the brand, clients and press to admire. ARGENT OF LONDON Argent of London will be unveiling the winner of their competition to find the 2009 Young Jeweller of the Year, at a champagne reception on 10 June with the winner’s work showcased and sold at their showroom on Old York Road, Wandsworth and online for the next 12 months. THE GOLDSMITHS’ COMPANY Creation II: An Insight into the Modern Artist Jeweller is the Goldsmiths’ Company’s summer exhibition, with each featured jeweller accompanied by a series of short documentary films examining their careers. There will also be an opportunity to meet the speakers directly. In addition, The Goldsmiths’ Company will also be hosting their ‘Day of Knowledge’: a series on 12 June. STUDIONORTH StudioNorth, run by a group of Royal College of Arts graduates, strives to re-establish the relationship between maker and client. It looks to attract clients with an interest in the making of the jewellery that they buy or who appreciate the personal contact with the maker in a very individual environment. Throughout Jewellery Week there will be a new contemporary jewellery exhibition by artists such as Katja Bremkamp, Tina Lilienthal and Chrysanthe Staikopoulou on the theme of ‘Alice in Londonland’. n Visit www.londonjewelleryweek.co.uk for more information about the Hatton Garden Festival

Theo Fennell

fashion

ASCOTGLAMOUR Ascot Ladies’ Day wouldn’t be complete without a stylish statement hat or fabulous fascinator; we talk to couture milliner Ilda Di Vico about her mesmerising creations

f you met Ilda Di Vico you would take your hat off to her – literally, because without a second thought, you would opt for one of her fabulous designs in place of any hat you have ever worn before. Ilda discovered quite by chance that she had a natural flair for designing fantastic hats. Give her a length of Italian straw, some French Lace, maybe a silk rose, or even some strips of leather and she will twist and tweak, fold, fiddle and manipulate to produce a one-off design you will not see anywhere else. “For me Royal Ascot is all about the fashion and enjoying a time where you can get away with wearing the most amazing hats and fascinators; you want to

create the WOW factor”. Ilda believes that a beautifully designed hat can transform the wearer to an elevated sense of confidence, sophistication and flirtation. Always experimenting with different material, Ilda is able to create hats that are custom-made and designed to suit individual needs. She has an eye for fine detail and the ability to create strong visual statements. Her hats are wonderful, wacky, quirky, elegant and unique. She favours sweeping angles dramatically shading part of the face, straw waves with perfect silk flowers, dramatic curves with luxurious feathers, unusual shapes and trimmings, lace, frayed straw edges and even

Swarovski crystals. She has created many award-winning hats and to say she is in constant demand is an understatement. Her list of clientèle (which includes a number of celebrities) is fast growing, so book in advance to avoid disappointment. Whether you’re putting together the perfect outfit for a wedding, luncheon, garden party, special occasion or a day at the races, Ilda Di Vico stocks a wide range of award-winning hats straight from the shelf or custom made, just for you. n To contact Ilda call 07786 241887, email ilda@ildadivico.com or see examples of her work at www.ildadivico.com

brilliantly

fashion

bespoke

Engagement Rings of London

Liz Tyler

Stand out from the crowd with a unique ring from Engagement Rings of London. Our distinctive and stylish range includes original designs from the romantic Art Deco, Edwardian and Victorian eras, through to stunning modern designs.

Beautifully sculpted individual engagement and wedding ring sets by Liz Tyler. Created in gold and platinum set with certificated fine diamonds and fabulous coloured gemstones.

Engagement Rings of London at The London Diamond Bourse 100 Hatton Garden London EC1N 8NX 0207 193 4412 contact@engagement-rings-of-london.co.uk www.engagement-rings-of-london.co.uk

Contact Liz on 01258 820 222, or to view collections please visit www.liztyler.com

Luke Rose Jewellery

Rumour

Luke spent 10 years as head designer at prestigious jewellers Jess James in Soho before setting up his own workshop. Luke now works to commission on exquisite diamond pieces for his fast growing client list.

Rumour was founded to provide busy professional people with an excellent bespoke jewellery service, helping you create a unique piece of fine jewellery to your exact specification. The quality to match Bond Street Jewellers but without the price tag.

Call 0207 738 6682 or visit www.lukerosejewellery.com

Futuro Futuro Bespoke Jewellers, are dedicated to both design and diamonds, as well as offering Hatton Gardenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first design studio where your ideas can be brought to life in 3D, at no extra charge to you. Visit us today and soak up the knowledge of our friendly and experienced sales consultants.. 57 Hatton Garden, London, EC1N 8HP 0207 404 6801 0207 404 6796 sales57@futuro.co.uk www.futuro.co.uk

Westboune Studios, 242 Acklam Road, London W10 5JJ Tracy: 020 7183 6888 sales@rumouronline.com

TUR Louis Mariette Princess Neptune

G N I N

HEADS

Fashioner of fantastical headpieces and a judge on the current series of Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Next Top Model, Louis Mariette tells Claire Adler his creations lead such glamorous lives they could use their own passports

lifestyle

Louis Mariette

t is 10 o’clock on a Thursday morning when Louis Mariette welcomes me into his flat and studio, just off Sloane Square. His own ‘noughties’ version of a Mohican hairstyle looks about 20 centimetres high; he is wearing a very open neck tiger print shirt with black leather trousers; and he is barefoot. There are lit candles everywhere, lining the stairs which we descend, into his white studio – a space filled with Louis’s sparkling designs and an abundance of magazine cuttings. Whether it’s putting the final touches to a £2m headpiece bejewelled by Bond Street jewellers Boucheron at the Lanesborough Hotel (in the presence of two burly bodyguards), dreaming up a spectacular underwater photo shoot for a headpiece dedicated to the unrivalled beauty and ethereal aura of Princess Neptune, or simply serving me still water (in a martini glass on a round silver tray accompanied by grapes and a diamond crystal the size of a fist), Louis Mariette adores a touch of drama. When the Chapeau d’Amour headpiece was transported to New York for a Platinum Guild International event in 2005, it had its own first class seat; and running the London marathon this year in aid of The Children’s Trust, Louis donned micro-mini yellow shorts, yellow knee socks, a banana belt and carried maracas. It all feels slightly bonkers – and it is – but Louis is also a driven, funny, charming man and it will come as little surprise to anyone who has met him, that he was offered the job as a judge on Living TV’s Britain’s Next Top Model without so much as a screen test. The man judging alongside George Clooney’s ex-girlfriend Lisa Snowdon and fashion photographer Huggy Ragnarsson, loves to talk. “I had to be careful not to topple over in some of my outfits,” he laughs. “I wear some fantastic ethnic jewellery influenced by an indigenous Chinese tribe and I could just about hear the soundman asking me in my ear where I was planning to put my microphone. Many outfits I wear are crystallized artworks, embellished with hand appliquéd crystals by couture fabric makers Chrisanne who provide fabric for Jimmy Choo and Matthew Williamson.” Currently collaborating with the Royal Opera House, Louis Mariette’s hair jewellery and one-off headpieces have graced the windows of Harrods, an exhibition at the

New York public library, a charity event at 10 Downing Street, Boucheron and Jaguar launches, Formula One parties in Monaco and Elton John’s Oscars party. Gwen Stefani, Alex Wek, Kate Moss and Stephanie Seymour are among those who have worn his creations, while pop star Pink is a regular client. She sports bejewelled glasses, commissioned from Louis, in her recent video. “My creative vision – pardon the pun, as they are bejewelled glasses – came from Pink herself,” he says. “When I design for Pink, I always think of her explosive energy, her distinct, dynamic image and her bold I’ll-do-what-I-want attitude. She delivers her

As A child i often collected precious stones, seedpods, cActus flowers And beAds And trimmings from locAl tribes. i found the incredible pAlette of colours And textures in beetles, butterflies And drAgonflies A dAzzling AssAult on the senses look with perfection, with a killer voice and performance – how could I ask for more?” So how does a boy born in Malawi, who grew up in Botswana and Swaziland, surrounded by the endless species of flora and fauna which still fuel his creativity, land up as an international milliner and TV personality? “My god is Sir David Attenborough,” he says. “As a child I often collected precious stones, seedpods, cactus flowers and beads and trimmings from local tribes. I found the incredible palette of colours and textures in beetles, butterflies and dragonflies a dazzling assault on the senses.” But it was soon after the family acquired their first television when he was a young boy in Swaziland, that Louis had an inkling of his future career. “I remember watching Diana Ross singing the blues. I turned round to my mum and said: “Mummy I want to be a dress designer.” Then came Dynasty; I used to love seeing Joan Collins as Alexis in her ruthless and glamorous outfits,” he recalls.This year Louis finally fulfilled his childhood ambition and dressed Joan Collins with one of his own designs. Louis’s passion means his mind is often on the job. “I sometimes see women in the street and want nothing more than to give them a makeover,” he says. “One of my clients is a lady I originally kept

seeing around the streets of Chelsea and eventually approached because I noticed how marvellously stylish she was – always wearing white pancake make-up, a slash of red lipstick and amazing hats. I invited her to visit my studio for a glass of champagne. It turned out she was Princess Sabina von Stentel of Germany, and she remains a loyal client and muse to this day.” One of the highlights of this season’s Britain’s Next Top Model is when aspiring supermodels are tasked with what seems an impossible mission. They have to recreate the original underwater photograph of Louis’s giant bejewelled crown, entitled Princess Neptune, embellished with scallop shells, pearls, roses, corals and starfish, originally captured in an extraordinary feat by underwater photographer Zena Holloway at Pinewood Studios, the location for many James Bond films. “The models have a matter of seconds to swim down into a pool and into the headpiece which is floating in the water, flick their hair and dress into position like a mermaid, open their eyes, look at the camera and strike the pose. They have to nail the shot while holding their breath and not being able to see a thing. It’s extraordinary,” says Louis. n The fifth series of Britain’s Next Top Model is on Living TV on Monday evenings at 9pm.

A4 Advert

29/5/09

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PRESENTS

A four week festival of FREE events celebrating the Best of British summer culture 19th June – 19th July Friday 19th June – Sunday 28th June

Monday 6th July – Sunday 12th July

“ART”

“MUSIC”

Internationally acclaimed artist Edgar Mueller will create a specially commissioned 3D street art spectacle on the quayside. This gigantic installation will wow crowds over the Art week. An ART trail will start at the museum and weave it’s way to the other side of the quay featuring local and national artists.

Monday 29th – Sunday 5th July

“SPORT”

Taking it up a gear the emphasis will be on fitness, activity and sport. Featuring a mass of free workshops, demonstrations, fitness focus, and freestyle sports displays. For those who prefer to watch there will be plenty of activity along the quayside.

Music is the food of love and, with this in mind, we have lined up an eclectic mix of music and entertainment representing the many alfresco dining restaurants and bars that line the quayside, throughout the week.

Monday 13th July – Sunday 19th July

“STREET”

The climax of the Great British Festival finale week will be a street carnival with street performers including jugglers, stilt walkers, and some of the “Best of British” culture for all to enjoy!!!

See our website for full details: www.westindiaquaycentre.co.uk London’s best kept secret is under dock and quay!

West India Quay, Hertsmere Road, London E14 4AF Tel: 0207 515 4741 Management reserve the right to cancel or amend any event without prior notice.

fashion

handbag

must-haves swarovski enCrusted iPod nano These limited edition pieces have been designed exclusively for the Elton John AIDS Foundation. 16GB - £449.99 8GB - £399.99 www.goldgenie.com/elton-john-ipod-starburst

Large enid Handbag in CHaLk From garden parties to summer weddings this is the perfect summer handbag for all occasions. £895 www.smythson.com

MuLberry ContinentaL sPazzaLato waLLet An elegant long style wallet with a shiny oval silver oval plaque is perfect to ensure that your finances are as stylish as you. £171 www.net-a-porter.com

bLaCkberry storM Stay in touch with the in crowd; with a unique touch screen and cutting edge multimedia capabilities the Blackberry Storm makes a great impression as you travel across town or around the world. From free on contract, only available on Vodaphone, visit www.BlackBerry.com/Storm for more details

asPinaL of London Make-uP roLL Sophisticated, elegant and very chic this gorgeous Make Up Brush Roll comes with a complete full set of seven make up brushes. From £130 www.aspinaloflondon.com

MontbLanC MeisterstüCk ‘signature for good’ Sales of this pen will raise funds for UNICEF’s global literacy programmes, available from Montblanc boutiques from 1 June. RRP: £415 Montblanc, 020 7730 7681 www.montblanc.com

business Card Case A Smythson classic this everpopular card holder in new Peppermint leather is a must for every woman on the go. From £120.00 www.smythson.com

INDUSTRIAL SWIMWEAR Photography by: Zownir Fashion Editor: Lucie Dodds

Grey bandeau tank swimsuit £40 Princess Tam Tam at John Lewis 020 7629 7711 Tan suede Reese boots £565 Jimmy Choo www.jimmychoo.com

Cream ruffle Mimi bikini top £59 and bottoms £59 Myla www.myla.com

Black mesh cut-out Lora swimsuit £125 Agent Provocateur 0207 243 1292 www.agentprovocateur.com Black Samoa stilettos £450 Jimmy Choo as before

Black tie-front plunge tank swimsuit ÂŁ175 Wolford 020 7529 3000

Brown tank swimsuit £295 Eres at Fenwick 020 7629 9161 Tan Seattle strap stilettos £575 Jimmy Choo as before

Model: Palloma at Premier Model Management. Thanks to Jon. Hair: Choccy at www.onemakeup.com using Paul Mitchell Make-up: Ruth Warrior at www.onemakeup.com using Clinique Assistant Stylist: Carolyn Duffy Thanks to Rudi at The Truman Brewery www.trumanbrewery.com

Black bandeau £99 and high waist brief bikini £75 Wolford 020 7529 3000 Brown Serena stilettos £525 Jimmy Choo as before

More than just a t-shirt....

versatility born from simplicity

www.iwearoscar.com

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Lord lift me up! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no secret that women like to take care of their looks. Kasha Van Sant gets down to the must-do innovation in beauty

s technology advances, and more developments come on the market, deciphering the good from the bad is becoming increasingly difficult. So when Meditech Clinics Beautytek technique came along and promised to rejuvenate tired faces or lift relaxed features, then I was keen to know more.

Judith Coleman based in Harley Street is one woman who knows her stuff, as a former nursing professional she is a mine of useful and practical health and beauty information. I had been seeing her for the last fortnight and as my sessions drew to a close I was sad to leave despite being gleeful about my results. Not only have I got a lovely glowing

complexion and cheek bones like Kate Moss, I am leaving with a friend for life. Why? Because thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the kind of woman Judith is. She literally gets under your skin and re-educates it and you into a better way of thinking and living. I am enlightened! She is brutally honest as I walk through her door, telling me that I cannot be treated for cellulite or fat reduction because I have

beauty

Facial rejuvenation: before and after

none. But after the days and long nights that editors bemoan, I could do with a fresher complexion and kick starting my skin cells into renewing themselves. So I hop onto her couch and let myself be tested. The Beautytek kit is like the skin cell lie detector - it makes a thorough search of cell toxicity and tests energy levels. The day prior to my consultation I have dosed myself up on water, at least half a litre more than my usual 1 ½ litres. I haven’t touched a drop of alcohol or eaten any spicy food and have had a light snack. The kit does its thing as I hold a metal probe in my hand and Judith gently prods my belly and face with another sensor. This is to test the energetic states in these areas

to see how much work the current will have to do when we get started on the treatment proper. To my surprise the facial map on the computer screen come out red - optimal energy. I blame adrenalin! Judith emphasises how essential these tests are prior to each treatment and without the scarlet red face map the procedure would be rendered useless. My first session involves using a rejuvenating gel on my face and neck; a lifting gel can be used to lift and tone. It is these topical creams that are pushed deep into the skin via the specialised rollers and the current from the machine. Treatments can be tailor made to suit, and Judith recommends 6 – 12 depending on the trouble spots. By the end of the 1 ½ hour session my skin feels silky smooth, tight and fresh. So far so good. The at home treatments are recommended to keep up the good work in between sessions. I keep my lips sealed and see if anyone will notice. After my second session we switch to lifting gel on the face, subsequently the comments start to roll in. Friends I haven’t seen in a while state how fresh I look despite my average 5/6 hours a night sleep pattern! I smile to myself and wonder what session 6 will herald. By sessions 3, 4 and 5 I am noticing a marked difference in texture and tone – it is subtle but still evident. My skin is soft and silky smooth, fine lines look plumper and most importantly the dark circles are lighter. Hoorah! But it is worth noting that the contrasts are dramatic in more damaged and older skin. I am advised not to touch alcohol throughout the duration of the treatments and to keep my skin hydrated; after all, the cell test will tell all if I don’t! I had heard about celebrities coming to

see Judith in droves and upon enquiry she is as professional as can be and declines to divulge. Moving swiftly on, instead she elaborates on the bridal package and how effective the breast lifting procedure and facial lifting / rejuvenation combo, is. Brides, their mothers and mothers-inlaws to be are beating a path to her door; this is the one-stop-shop for those who want to get the dramatic freshen up and 'wow' effect for the big day. The breasts even get lifted as much as 4 inches or so in some cases, all at the fraction of the cost and down time of any invasive treatments. There is also a relaxation treatment thrown in prior to make sure those wedding nerves are kept at bay. Don’t forget that treatments are great for any special occasion or event, getting into shape after pregnancy, acquiring a beach body and preempting facial lines! As a natural sceptic, I had wondered whether Beautytek was all bluster and hype, but it seems not as I peer at the fresh 'make up-less' face and apple cheeks of session 6. Something tells me that despite this result, the beguiling young Judith Coleman is worth a visit for her sage advice alone! The Silver Bridal package comprises of 6 facial rejuvenation treatments (£599) and 6 breast enhancements (£599). Or breast enhancement/lift starting at £100/ treatment. Breast reduction and lift £125/ treatment. Facial rejuvenation starting at £125/treatment. For more information call Judith on the number below. n 020 7935 5681 harleystreet@meditechclinics.co.uk www.harleystreetmeditechclinics.co.uk 112 Harley Street,London W1G 7JQ

health&beauty

ESSENTIAL TRAVEL COMPANIONS Kate Hughes presents these summer travel saviours. Travel in style with sublime lotions and potions – everything you’ll need to soothe, smooth and protect sun-kissed skin for that radiant summer glow

BAGGAGE RECLAIMED The Qudra Beauty Case has thought of everything to ensure your beauty essentials stay intact. £85, www.beauty-boxes.com

WHAT A SOFTIE Elemental Herbology’s Beach Prep: Radiance body polish contains fruit enzymes and sea salt to effectively shed dead skin cells. It will leave your skin beautifully smooth and exfoliated. £25, www.spacenk.com

GET READY TO GLOW The purify face-care kit from Como Shambhala is their first skin care range. This handy kit contains a botanical cleanser, daily hydration and daily nourishment – all you need for healthy skin on holiday. £15, www.comoshambhala.bz

SATIN SMOOTH SKIN Don’t forget to pack travel essentials from Aromatherapy Associates; these four travel bath and shower oil blends create an aromatherapy experience to suit every need.

BRUSH UP This luxury leather brush roll from Aspinal London comes with seven brushes – a must-have for your make up bag. £130, www.aspinaloflondon.com

£23.60, www.aromatherapyassociates.com

BRONZE GODDESS Sun Indulgence lotion for all over, this new sunscreen from Estee Lauder incorporates the latest UVA technology and smells fantastic too! £20, www.esteelauder.co.uk

health&beauty

Be seduced at

STOKE PARK Kate Harrison discovers that Bridget Jones is not the only one to fall for the charms of Stoke Park

estled among 350 acres of historic parkland sits Stoke Park Club, an imposing eighteenth century mansion, complete with dome and impressive stairway that leads to a grand entrance guarded by stone lions. Steeped in history and used as the location of many iconic films (Goldfinger, Bridget Jones and Wimbledon to name but a few), Stoke Park is the ideal location for a truly relaxing weekend break. Offering panoramic views of the finest English countryside, it is easy to unwind on the terrace of the mansion house. Lakes stretch across the parkland and golf course as far as the eye can see, and if you’re lucky enough to be sitting at the right angle you may even catch Windsor Castle floating above the courtyard fountain in the distance. For golfers, the club is a place of pilgrimage, and played host to the most memorable game of golf in cinema history, when James Bond defeated Goldfinger back in 1964. Today, the 27 hole Championship course looks absolutely beautiful with its manicured fairways. It is considered one of the finest

parkland courses in the country with good reason. Although originally considered a prestigious golf club, Stoke Park now offers an array of sporting facilities and with 13 tennis courts (six of which are Wimbledon specification grass courts), Stoke Park is also home to tennis enthusiasts. For those who are looking for something a little more leisurely paced, an afternoon wandering the club grounds is an absolute must.The estate dates back to the Doomsday Book and the heritage trail maps out a walk around the most impressive landmarks throughout the grounds. Set back from the Mansion house, the contemporary Pavilion building houses awardwinning SPA SPC, which offers the abandoned partners of golf fanatics luxurious surroundings in which to be pampered. A host of treatments are on offer in comfortable surroundings, and the deep relaxation room is a true haven where hours can be lost in slumber. SPC has developed its own treatment and skincare ranges which are inspired by spa influences around the world and are used in treatments.

Stoke Park offers an array of dining options to suit your mood. The Orangery provides a more relaxed atmosphere, whilst the Dining Room is a more formal affair with a menu full of traditional British cuisine, all with a slight contemporary twist, served in intimate room enjoying views of the golf course and lake. A maze of ornately furnished drawing-rooms, cosy lounges and relaxed private bars, the Mansion is quintessentially English and those looking for a more traditional experience must book themselves into the Mansion bedrooms. Each room is individually decorated with antique furnishings and an elaborate floral décor, with the piste de résistance being a period-feature bath complete with copper legs. The recently completed Pavilion hotel has a different atmosphere altogether. Large, airy bedrooms

are tastefully furnished with an eclectic mix of new and old; antique Chinese alter tables sit comfortably alongside pop art Playboy cover posters. The result is a luxurious and relaxing setting in which to unwind. With its centuries-old history and proximity to London, Stoke Park offers a retreat for those who are looking for a sporting weekend or merely an opportunity to relax and take in some magnificent country views. n For more information visit www.stokeparkclub.com Stoke Park Club Park Road Stoke Poges Buckinghamshire SL2 4PG 01753 717171

famous for business

fabulous for fashion

SHOE AVAILABLE AT REISS

OVER 200 SHOPS, CAFéS, BARS AND RESTAURANTS, ONE ICONIC LOCATION

www.mycanarywharf.com

this month’s

Thomas Pink Ties From £55

Hackett Stripe Flip Flops £20

River Island Jumper £21.99

Tumi Helix Collection, from £39

FATHER’S DAY

GIFT GUIDE F ather’s Day is a day to honour fathers, celebrated on various days in many places around the world. In the UK this year, the date falls on 21 June and Canary Wharf is the perfect place to choose a gift and say thanks to Dad. If you’re feeling confident enough to buy your father clothes, then Gant and Hackett offer a great range. Combining traditional American style with a European flair, Gant is ideal for cool Dad’s looking for sharp suits

or stylish leisure wear. Hackett embodies traditional British men’s style – treat your Dad to one of their must-have polo shirts or the striped flip-flops. For the globe-trotter, why not invest in high-quality Tumi luggage; these gorgeous bags and cases will last your Dad years to come! If your on a budget, then why not try their range of wallets. More travel accessories, including wash bags, belts, pens, diaries and scarves can be found at Aspinal of London with something to suit every taste.

Duchamp Trailing Flowers Socks £15

If something more indulgent is needed, why not gift your Dad with some luxurious male cosmetic products from Neil’s Yard or L’Occitane. The Neil’s Yard selection of male products uses natural ingredients chosen particularly to nourish men’s skin, whilst the Cade skincare range at L’Occitane comes highly recommended, due to its antiseptic and strengthening properties, beneficial to men’s shaving.

GANT Renowned for its Americana inspired designs, lifestyle fashion brand GANT’s Canada Place store offers menswear and womenswear collections that reflect easy elegance, vibrance and self assured sophistication. In appreciation and celebration of their latest successful collection, GANT is hosting a spirited customer event in the Canada Place store on Friday 12th June, GANT invites customers to indulge in the finest champagne and chocolate whilst perusing the latest high summer collections available in store. The latest ranges see a beautiful assortment of prints, colours and silhouettes ideal for summer fun.

If you’re in need of injecting some sensational pieces into your summer wardrobe why not visit the store? The store will open until 9pm, lucky shoppers will receive a free gift with any purchase made in-store at the event over £150. A little indulgence and fabulous fashion; see you there! Gant Canada Place Canary Wharf 020 7715 7470

GANT Gent’s Shirt £69

Links of London Sterling Silver Cufflinks £130

Aspinal of London Hanging Wash Bag £119 HMV Complete Bond Set £128

Molton Brown Cutting Edge Razor £99

L’OcciTANe After Shave Balm £18

The Body Shop Maca Root Face Trio £10

Neal’s Yard Remedies Bergamot and Bay Laurel Cologne £17.30 Jo Malone Amber & Lavender Cologne £61

Waitrose Food & Home Seven Inch Digital Photo Frame £77

Bang & Olufsen A8 Earphones £95

BROWN’S OPENS IN CANADA PLACE BROWN’S London, are proud to announce the opening of their new store in Canada Place. Brown’s are renowned for their wide selection of beautifully crafted floral displays. Their kiosk on the DLR station kiosk is the first stop for many a Wharfer be it to purchase a bouquet on their way home from work or to arrange a delivery to desk. The new store in Canada Place is set to open in mid June and will provide a fresh contemporary edge to floristry in Canary Wharf. The team of experienced florists will offer a wide range of affordable, innovative styles including the popular Aqua-pack bouquet packaged in stylish cream and brown carry boxes. Yellow hand tied bouquet from £35.00

You will also find a range of gifts to compliment your floral purchases. For corporate enquiries please enquire in-store or contact Sean on 020 7512 9275. Opening Mid June Brown’s London Canada Place 020 7512 9275 www.brownslondon.co.uk

Patek Philippe Ladies’ Twenty~4 in yellow gold. Ref. 4907/1J £13,860

Patek Philippe Ladies’ Nautilus in white gold. Ref. 7010/1G – 001, with diamond bezel, £22,440

Ladies’ Nautilus Ring in white gold, featuring 60 diamonds. Ref. 275.9750/1 £5,280

Patek Philippe Grand Complication in platinum. Ref. 5970P, featuring Chronograph, Perpetual Calendar and Moon phases, £92,400.

DaviD M Robinson Presents the 2009 Patek PhiliPPe exhibition

avid M Robinson is delighted to be able to welcome the highly anticipated 2009 Patek Philippe Exhibition launched at Basle Switzerland earlier in the year, to their showroom in Jubilee Place, Canary Wharf from 2-5 July. This year Patek Philippe showcases a range of exquisite legendary timepieces in 18ct rose gold, alongside a new Officer style Calatrava and the long-awaited new Ladies’ Nautilus collection. The highlights of the show this year are a number of celebrated Patek Philippe watch models in new rose gold versions, which radiate the magical warmth of this precious metal. Particularly noteworthy is the new Officer style Calatrava (Ref. 5153) which marks the long-awaited comeback of this quintessential round timekeeping instrument – with a hinged cover that protects the sapphire-crystal case back – a timeless classic. And finally, one not to be missed any for ladies who in the past years have missed a distinctively feminine Nautilus; Patek Philippe introduces the new casually elegant Nautilus for ladies in white or rose gold, with diamond-set or satin-finished bezels. David M Robinson, Jubilee Place, Canary Wharf 020 7538 2332

Patek Philippe Calatrava officer’s watch. Ref. 5153 £17,160

Molly One-piece £159

POOLSIDE GLAMOUR AT MyLA

oolside glamour this summer is all about Myla.The luxury brand presents a selection of chic and stylish swimwear and beach cover-ups for 2009.This season the collection nods to the timeless elegance and sexy allure of the 1950s Riviera and looks to the flirtatious poolside glamour of the 1970s for inspiration. Popular retro styles are given a modern twist in a neutral colour palette of black, white and navy highlighted with vibrant shades of coral, purple, chartreuse and flashes of metallics.

Myla swimwear is a unique offering to the market, with seriously stylish swimsuits, bikinis and beach cover-ups perfect for a sexy but subtle poolside allure. Showing off the feminine shapes of the French Riviera, Myla swimwear is the ultimate poolside luxury.

Carla Bikini Top £59 Carla Bikini Bottom £59

Daisy One-piece £139 Mimi Bikini Bottom £59

Marianne One-piece £119

Receive 30% off all swimwear and beachwear from Monday 1 June – Wednesday 10 June in the Myla boutique in Cabot Place West. Also, visit the Canary Wharf boutique and complete a ‘Seduce Me’ form for your chance to win £200 to spend with Myla.

Mimi Bikini Top £59

Cabot Place West, Canary Wharf 020 7715 5374 www.myla.com

Amtico Brintons Crucial Trading Dalsouple Karndean Luxaflex Pergo Porcelanosa Vincent Sheppard

Japanese Panel

Amtico and Wood

Stripes

Blinds and flooring Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got it all covered

Est. 1881

470-480 Roman Road London E3 5LU 0800 716 783 www.abbottsflooring.co.uk

HOME COMFORTS Think ahead of time, and install a warming stoved before the winter months set in.The Conmoto Balance log burning stove is created by German design legend Peter Maly.The Balance is a 7kw stove, with modular log storage units, benches, drawers, and multi-media units.The modular units are available in steel, walnut or oak. Flue connection of the stove is either through the top of the stove or alternatively through the back of the stove. Balance stove and modular units are available wall mounted or free standing.

Encompass Furniture presents the hottest new trends for your home this summer

CUTTING EDGE LOUNGE ABOUT For long summer afternoons lounging outside, check out the Sunday modular sofa by Royal Botania. Luxurious exterior sofa produced in super-strong COAXXS fibre, available in cappuccino (featured), fondant and black. Cushions are available in a wide range of colour finishes. COAXXS fibre has a natural look and feel, yet is one of the most resistant synthetic fibres available today for outdoor furniture. Also shown is the Shady X-Centric cantilever parasol, also available from Royal Botania.

WATCH OUT The Big TV watch from LIP is a 1975 design by Roger Tallon, creator of the iconic TGV high speed train. LIP is France’s largest and oldest watch maker and first started producing watches for the French army during WWI. During the 1970’s, LIP took the then unprecedented decision to employ industrial designers who had never been involved in watch design. The result was a legendary collection of authentic 1970’s modern design watches and chronographs, which are as relevant today as they were 35 years ago. Encompass re-launched the LIP 70’s collection of watches at 100% Design in 2008.The watches can be viewed and purchased online at www.vavawatch.com

AL FRESCO LIFE One of the most influential companies that Encompass represents in the UK is the Belgian company Royal Botania, who over the last 15 years have established themselves as one of the leading suppliers of premium design exterior leisure furniture to private homes and prestige hotels worldwide.The Alusion extendable table and white carver chairs designed by Kris Van Puyvelde and Frank Boschman; perfect for summer. Royal Botania showcase an extensive collection of modern, contemporary and classical exterior furniture, all available though Encompass.

ROOMS

RECYCLED

Chair from The Strarta collection by Ryan Frank

Josephine O’Donoghue explores the endless possibilities of second-hand and recycled interior design

he act of recycling gets a ‘thumbs up’ for all sorts of good reasons; besides being green, which is obviously great, recycling and buying secondhand goods ensures an individuality that simply cannot be copied. Today, we live in a world of Ikea, Heals, Habitat and Laura Ashley – interior chain stores which create room after room in alarmingly similar styles across the UK. Where have our personalities, eccentricities and styles disappeared to when decorating our homes? In the wake of inspiring television programmes such as Kirstie’s Homemade Home and Grand Designs, I went in search of some recycled gems for a unique

interior style. From lighting to furniture, linens to glassware, the possibilities really are endless. LIGHTING Recycled lighting can be a work of art. Madeleine Boulesteix makes beautiful chandeliers from recycled glass, teacups, cutlery and all sorts of other bits and pieces. “I started making chandeliers after finding about forty facetted glass drops in a pile of rubbish” she says, “When I started to gather other things to make a structure with, I discovered that all the things I needed were already there just waiting for me to assemble them. I searched in charity shops, car boot sales and scrap metal yards. I prefer to work with things I’ve found and let their qualities dictate what happens. A piece begins with a really simple set of ideas, a shape, a colour combination and the objects

Lots Road Auction

Lots Road Auctions

I want to use. I liked the idea of making something opulent – a chandelier – but out of humble objects”. Madeleine offers a range of chandeliers from the small jelly-bowl lanterns to the much larger 8-cup Boulesteix chandelier. For more information or to commission a chandelier, visit www.madeleineboulesteix. co.uk FURNITURE Whatever the style or colour scheme of your home, auctions are a great place to find

interiors

Lots Road Auctions

hidden gems for the house. Remember not to be too rigid with a theme or colour, as this can create flat and boring rooms. A second-hand chair can be coupled with an antique writing table, and a Victorian side-table could look great with a modern vase placed on it – there’s no reason not to blend styles and colours if they look good together. Lots Road Auctions (020 7376 6800, www.lotsroad.com) is a great place to begin as they sell both antique and contemporary furniture, alongside art, carpets, textiles and decorative items. Auctions take place on a Sunday; Contemporary and Traditional Furnishings and Decorative Items starts at 1pm followed by the sale of Antique Furniture, Paintings, Carpets and Works of Art at 4pm. If you’d like to purchase furniture created from recycled wood, then up-and-coming designer Ryan Frank (www.ryanfrank.net) is good choice for contemporary homes. His ‘Strata’ collection is built from the waste wood salvaged from battered old office desks. Sustainability and reclamation are the driving forces behind the work of this talented designer; he has become popular choice in the last few years, known for functional, ecosensitive and unique design. Why not try making your own mosaic tiles, table, or artwork for the wall? This is a

Lots Road Auctions

great way to recycle chipped crockery and can result in a totally unique and rather personal piece of interior design. Emma Biggs (as featured on Kirstie’s Homemade Home on Channel 4) is running courses throughout the summer and more information can be found at www. mymosaicworkshop.com ACCESSORIES Known for “sustainable luxury” Fandango Interiors (020 7726 1777, fandangointeriors.co.uk) is a treasure trove of recycled and second-hand home accessories. The shop mixes well known designers with one off or anonymous pieces; you will often find creations from Arne Jacobsen and Charles Eames but there are no guarantees as to what will be on any given day. Fandango also restores and updates many of these hidden gems. Of Special Interest (020 8340 0909, www.ofsi.co.uk) is a vintage interiors shop established stocking old and antique wardrobes, chests of drawers, cupboards and dresser bases, alongside mirrors and chandeliers; well worth a visit, especially for feminine shabby chic styles. Glass bottles may seem like rubbish but over in London Fields they are being transformed into tiles and bricks. At the Green Bottle Unit (www.freeform. org.uk/GBU, 020 7249 3394) designers have developed a process for producing frosted glass from wine bottles, crystal decanters and television screens. Tiles come in a variety of colours and cost £5 to £10.50 per tile. n For more information on using recycled materials in building and construction, visit www.ecoconstruction.org

Lots Road Auctions

interiors

DUALIT LIMITED EDITION SELFRIDGES TOASTER IN PANTONE® 109 Iconic British brand Dualit have teamed up with superstore Selfridges to celebrate 100 years of service with this very special, limited edition toaster. Coated by hand in the infamous Pantone® 109 yellow, this piece is a real show-stopper. Since 1946, Dualit have been making their toasters by hand here in Britain. The classic Vario model has been a firm favourite among chefs and home-owners alike because if its industrial durability, ease of use and classic design.  The Dualit Vario Toaster in Selfridges yellow and be bought in store at Selfridges until 31 August and is priced at £145

Meridian F80. Listen closely. The Meridian F80, developed in collaboration with Ferrari, represents 30 years of audio research and manufacture condensed into a small and beautiful shell. It’s a complete system: a CD and DVD player with iPod connectivity and AM/FM/DAB digital radio. You’ll be amazed that something so compact allows you to hear more of your music, recovering buried information from the recording and producing a sound full of detail and depth. But then it shares the same technologies as Meridian’s flagship components and loudspeakers: sound systems so advanced that if a microphone can detect it, the system can reproduce it. Hearing really is believing.

www.meridian-audio.com

Produced under license of Ferrari SpA. FERRARI, the PRANCING HORSE device, all associated logos and distinctive designs are trademarks of Ferrari SpA. ‘iPod’ is a trademark of Apple Inc.

To arrange a demonstration of the F80 in the comfort, convenience and – most importantly – the actual acoustic environment of your own home, call 0800 242 5795 or email meridian@thomasfairchild.co.uk

www.thomasfairchild.co.uk • 0800 242 5795

G DGETS GADGETS JAMIE CARTER PRESENTS THIS MONTH’S TECHNOLOGICAL HIGHLIGHTS

LIVE MUSIC ON THE GO

If the iPod just doesn’t do it for you, there are plenty of other top-ranking MP3 players looking for a place on the daily commute. Cowon’s D2+ claims to bring a ‘live’ feel to tunes for as long as 52 hours from one charge. With a 2.5-inch touchscreen, SD card slot to expand storage by 32GB, and huge file compatibility, this is one for serious musos. Cowon D2+ Portable Media Player (16GB) £159.99 www.amp3.co.uk

HI-DEF HEADS ONLINE RECESSION-BUSTING BLU-RAY

The first brand to bring Blu-ray to the UK was Samsung, and it’s back with a new budget deck that’s packed with extra features. Invest in a Wifi Dongle (a £50 upgrade) and you can stream extra content from the new format’s interactive BD-Live platform (although that will depend on what discs you have). A great introduction to Blu-ray.

What do you do with music and movie clips downloaded from the internet, or from your camcorder? Get hold of LG’s latest plasma and all you need do is put it all on a USB memory stick and slot it in the side. Able to play almost any file format, this excellent Full HD screen’s meaty speakers also makes for a half-decent hi-fi. LG 50PS7000 50-inch plasma TV £1,000 www.lge.co.uk

Samsung BD-P1600 £170 www.samsung.co.uk

HI-FI LIKE YOU’VE NEVER HEARD

Part of the Fujitsu-Ten audio group, Eclipse has built these TD712zMK2 loudspeakers over five years using engineering resources from Toyota and Fujitsu, with the result being an unusual look designed for speed and accuracy. A favourite of John Williams and Michael Nyman, this high-end brand claims the TD712zMK2 – which come with integrated stands – will give you hi-fi like you’ve never heard. Eclipse TD712zMK2 loudspeakers £5,000 per pair www.eclipse-td.net

DESK TIDY

All-in-one computers have been available from Apple for yonks, but the PC world is now getting in on the act. Viewsonic’s new VPC100 has a 19-inch LCD screen and measures just 35mm in depth, but still manages to pack in an Intel Atom 1.6GHz processor, 1GB memory, a 160GB hard drive, wireless internet access, a webcam, speakers and even a 4-in-1 card reader. Running Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, this could be a real Mac-beater. Viewsonic VPC100 All-in-One PC £499 www.viewsoniceurope.com/uk

gadgets

MEDIA MUNCH

With music, photos and even video now usually stored on home computers, a new revolution is starting that could finish the silver disc – home networking. The new Popcorn Hour A-110 HD Networked Media Tank, with 1TB of storage, can take almost all digital files stored on a PC, digital camera, USB mass storage device or even directly from the internet. It can even cope with high definition video and work completely wirelessly with an optional £40 adaptor. Popcorn Hour A-110 Networked Media Tank (1TB) £304.99 www.amp3.co.uk

ACCESS ALL AREAS

The legendary Walkman has been making a comeback recently with a series of great looking updates from Sony, with the new X-Series leading the charge. Built around an exceptionally clear three inch slim touchscreen technology called OLED, the phone-sized X-Series can play all music formats and even stream video from YouTube, download podcasts and browse the internet using Wi-Fi connectivity. Sony NWZX1060B X-Series 32GB Walkman £249 www. sony. co.uk

POWER TO THE PEOPLE

Taking two bags to the airport? With Live Luggage’s new Hybrid PA soft-top bag, you can motor through to check-in with just the one. Using a clever three-bag zip system, an overnight bag and laptop bag can be removed from the main case and zipped to each other. Able to take around 95 litres combined, the luggage weighs around 23kg, but don’t worry too much about hauling it through the airport – the motorised wheels and anti-gravity handle on the Hybrid PA bag guarantee a stress-free journey. Live Luggage Hybrid PA Bag £295 www.liveluggage.com

HANGING ROUND THE HOUSE If you’re looking to extend the digital revolution to other rooms in your house besides the lounge, Toshiba’s latest tiny telly is a great option. While its built-in Freeview TV tuner covers the essentials, it’s the built-in DVD player that helps make this a one-box solution extraordinaire. Also available in white. Toshiba 19DV555DB 19-inch LCD/DVD combi £240 www.toshiba.co.uk

GENTLE GIANTS

With gentle curved edges and a ‘penciled’ black extruded aluminium finish, you won’t find Panasonic’s new CHT range of plasmas available on the high street. Available in 50-inch and 65-inch, these high-end monitors are strapped with 18bit chipsets for high definition perfection and aimed at the most discerning videophiles. And they’re just in time – home cinema doyen Pioneer has stopped making its famed Kuro plasmas. Long live the king? Panasonic TH65VX100 65-inch CHT plasma screen £7,999 www.panasonic.co.uk

THIS SUMMER’S CROWD PLEASER

MILLENNIUM HOTELS AND RESORTS

MILLENNIUM

COPTHORNE

WIN VIP tickets to Michael Jackson and a luxury stay in London! Millennium & Copthorne Hotels are offering you the chance to win a pair of VIP tickets to the hottest show in London this summer Michael Jackson’s - “This is it” tour. Plus a VIP stay in London.

Prize ■ Win a pair of tickets to see Michael Jackson in concert this summer at the 02 Arena*

■ Limo ride to and from the 02 Arena - with champagne and canapés

■ 2-night bed and breakfast stay at the Millennium Hotel London Knightsbridge

■ Dinner in the award-winning MU Restaurant at the Millennium Hotel London Knightsbridge

TO ENTER: Simply email your full name, address and day time telephone number to: competition@runwildgroup.com, stating “Michael Jackson competition” in the subject line

By entering you are agreeing for your details to be used by RunWild Media and the Millennium & Copthorne Hotel Group for marketing purposes. They will not be disclosed to third parties. The closing date for entries is the 1st July 2009. Full terms and conditions are available on request. * Winner will be drawn by 8th July and notified thereafter of the winning concert date.

To view our current offers visit: www.millenniumhotels.co.uk/specials

DES911 Canary Wharf full page

27/3/09

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Visit our drive-in website

w w w. d e s i g n 911. c o m See over 16,000 products like these online SUSPENSION

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UNIT 5

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B R A C K E N I N D U S T R I A L E S TAT E

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FOREST ROAD

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H A I N A U LT

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SHOW

STOPPER Visitors get to see – and try – the latest cars and bikes for free, while the carmakers meet real customers ready to splash the cash. Little wonder the Canary Wharf London Motorexpo is such a hit

ales are down, factories are lying idle and global car companies are on their knees. The economic crisis has led one big name manufacturer to abandon Formula 1, and others have threatened to do the same; while closer to home the British Motor Show is on ice. But out of all the doom and gloom comes a ray of sunshine. For the fourteenth year on the trot Canary Wharf will be turned into a motoring mecca. From 8-14 June more than 325,000 visitors will make a bee-line for the London Motorexpo where they’ll get the first chance to see cars and bikes so new they’re not even on sale yet. The first London Motorexpo took place in Canary Wharf in 1996 and has grown every year since. The 2009 edition is 35 per cent bigger than last year and is supported by major manufacturers like Jaguar, Aston Martin, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and GM. “Its success is comparatively easy to explain,” says Motorexpo boss Graeme Carver. “The manufacturers like it because it’s held in front of the right audience: it attracts car buyers. Even in these straightened times cars will be sold at show. “And the visitors love it for two reasons. Not only do they get to see some pretty exotic machines, but there’s no charge to come and have a look. Visitors can pop down in a lunch break or after work… and if they see something that takes their fancy they can come back as many times as they like.” John Edwards, MD of Land Rover UK, said: “The London Motorexpo is a unique

event which offers us an ideal opportunity for showcasing our new model line-up to the British public for the first time.” It’s all very different from the early days. Carver remembers the first show with fondness. “I’d been working with the Canary Wharf estate for a number of years and came up with the idea of a mini motorshow on the site to provide a little entertainment. That first year we had about 29 cars from five manufacturers supplied by local dealers. “It was small but I realised how huge it could become at about 11am on the first day. I was talking to a salesman from the local Porsche dealer when a visitor came up and handed over his credit card. Pointing to a 911, he told the salesman to take £5,000 as a deposit on a blue one, then left his business card and asked to be phoned when the car was ready.” The rest, as they say, is history. Little wonder that Carver has been able to take the concept to other major world cities. As soon as the London Motorexpo closes its doors, the Toronto Motorexpo opens for business, and there are other Motorexpos in Los

motoring LAND ROVER & RANGE ROVER Land Rover is a regular at Motorexpo and this year has chosen to showcase its new 2010 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models, plus the new Discovery 4 before they go on sale in the UK. Significant improvements to these vehicles include two new refined and powerful engines offering improved fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions, striking exterior design changes and completely redesigned interiors. Also on show will be the Freelander 2 TD4_e, Land Rover’s most fuel-efficient vehicle to date and the world's first SUV featuring intelligent stop/start technology. Best of all, Land Rover will be offering visitors test drives of the new Freelander 2 TD4_e on road and will also showcase the capabilities of its vehicles on ‘Terrapod’ – the man-made off-road demonstration unit. MERCEDES-BENZ Fancy checking out the brand new Mercedes-Benz E-class Coupé as tested on page 80 of this issue? The impressive Coupé – and its saloon equivalent – will be given its UK debut at Motorexpo where test drives can be arranged. Mercedes will also be showing the latest developments from its smart city car range. Both the new diesel and hybrid drive smarts will be there: the diesel has the world’s smallest direct injection diesel engine producing just 88g/

Other highlights •

BMW will be showing its brand new Z4 sports car, which is the first BMW roadster to feature a retractable hard top rather than a fabric roof. The flagship model is powered by a 3.0-litre twin turbo engine delivering a heady 306 bhp.

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If you’re looking for cheap motoring look no further than the Suzuki Alto, the Japanese ﬁrm’s latest city car. Powered by a highly efﬁcient 1.0-litre three cylinder engine, the Alto produces just 103 g/km of CO2 and attracts annual road tax of a mere £35. Best of all Suzuki is participating in the Government’s scrappage scheme, making it possible for you to drive away a brand new car for £4,795.

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Aston Martin will also be there, as will Saab who’ll be showing the brand new 9-3X crossover. With no London Motor Show planned for 2010 and, frankly, unlikely for the foreseeable future, make sure you don’t miss Motorexpo, the only show that comes to you!

km of CO2 and returning an exceptional 85.6mpg… enough to drive from Dover to Prague without refuelling. The petrolpowered smart micro hybrid drive (mhd) features stop/start technology to lower CO2 emissions to 103 g/kms: perfect for the City. VOLVO Volvo’s safety credentials are well known but that won’t stop the Swedish company demonstrating its latest technology. At Motorexpo this will include the chance for visitors to crash a new XC60… well, nearly. The XC60 has Volvo’s City Safety technology onboard which is designed

to bring the car automatically to a halt if an accident is imminent. Visitors can experience it first hand as they pilot the car towards another one – though for safety’s sake, the second car is an inflatable. TESLA One of the most intriguing cars on display will be the Tesla, the all-electric two-seater with performance to shame many a supercar. Tesla will use the event as the platform for an interactive display of the Roadster – giving potential UK customers one of the first public opportunities to test drive the most efficient high performance production sports car on the planet. The Tesla display will be located within the superb marble lobby of the Canary Wharf Estate’s primary building, One Canada Square. VISITOR FACTS What:

London Motorexpo

When:

Monday to Sunday 8-14 June

Times:

10 am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday 11am to 5pm, Sunday

Where: All over the estate, including Jubilee Gardens, Reuters Plaza, Cabot Square and One Canada Square Cost:

Free

THE

LoNG& WINdING

road

Eren Ellwood takes the Lotus Exige S out into the country to push the limits of the A-roads

o say I was looking forward to spending this month with our Lotus Exige S is an understatement. When it was agreed we would take the Exige out of the City and into the countryside I thought that all my prayers had been answered. If you read last month’s story on the car you may remember that we were under strict orders from Lotus to take it fairly easy by keeping the supercharged coupé under 4,500rpm. Frustratingly, that’s just half its

rev range. So if you’re thinking it’s no coincidence I waited until after its first service and for those restrictions to be lifted before taking it out on some of the UK’s best A-roads, you’d be correct. My first trip was a drive down to Kent to the swooping and historic Brands Hatch race circuit. Once home of the British Grand Prix, it’s a track that plays a key role in Lotus’s racing heritage. Indeed, the very first Grand Prix held at Brands, back in 1964, was won by the great Jim Clark in a Lotus-Climax.

motoring

I started out on a familiar route so I could get the most accurate picture of the Lotus’s performance. And what a picture it was. When I heard others describe the car’s handling as if it’s on rails, I thought they were exaggerating. Far from it – truth be told the Exige has got more cornering ability than a greyhound on steroids. And the acceleration is something else, too. It might only have 1.8-litres at its disposal, but Lotus has supercharged the engine to develop a heady 220bhp. Put that sort of power in a car that weighs next to nothing and the result is explosive. Now I know the car a little better, I push the Exige harder and harder and it responds by letting me know I’m in safe hands. Its cross-country pace is breathtaking while the performance, grip and steering feedback are unbelievable.

My only worry is whether the stupid grin I wear whenever I’m behind the wheel will become permanent.Would I be going too far in labelling the Exige as a precision instrument? Not far enough – it’s more like a laser guided missile. On another notable journey this month I found myself driving to Thorpe Park for a 30th birthday… and, yes, I know I’m still a kid at heart! Instead of taking the motorway, I took a detour through some Surrey back roads; by the time I got to my destination I’d had a thousand thrills and none of Thorpe’s extreme rides could compete. I couldn’t wait for the drive back. Let’s face it; the Exige is the modern man’s (and woman’s) roller coaster and the UK its playground. On another trip I took the opportunity to put Lotus’s claimed 33 mpg combined figure to the test. I filled the tank with £40 of BP’s finest and took a day trip to Bath. Four hours there and two and a half back, a round trip of 300 miles – and all on the same tank. Considering my right foot wasn’t trying to win any awards from the environmental department I was impressed. I’ve done the same trip in a Bentley which used virtually as much fuel in one overtaking manoeuvre as the Lotus did

for the entire journey. When it comes to running costs, the Lotus is the ultimate affordable performance car. While we’re on the subject of long drives, I've read a lot of criticism about the Exige’s lack of creature comforts. Sure, the seats aren’t as padded as your average hatchback and there’s no recline option, but this isn’t a car meant for cruising. Instead you spend every minute of the journey engaged by the drive so, by default, you never have enough time to consider if you’re comfortable or not.You simply don’t go from A to B! It’s been nearly ten years since I felt attached enough to a car to give it a name! I’m not proud to admit I once had a black Fiat Punto 1.1 with wheels and tints which I called the Black Knight. How embarrassing (and worse still that it’s now in print!) Anyway I now call upon the brains of London to save this Lotus from such ignominy and help me come up with a suitable name. E-mail over your ideas and the lucky winner whose name is used will be guaranteed a place on our forthcoming Lotus track-day and an opportunity to take an Exige around Silverstone race track. n E-mail us at lotus@runwildgroup.co.uk

THE NEED FOR

SS SS SSPEED SPEED Goodwood announces the 2009 Festival of Speed and promises epic feats of endurance Grand Prix (despite his broken wrist), to Mick Doohan’s brave return to motorcycle racing in 1992 (without full use of his right leg), there are numerous inspiring tales of outstanding performance. Running from 3-5 July, the Festival of Speed will honour the true motor-sport heroes who made that extra push in the pursuit of victory. Motor racing legends and modern day stars are expected to line up at the celebrated 1.16 mile hillclimb, in a tribute to great feats of endurance in competition. “It will be fabulous to have so many great cars and drivers here at Goodwood to celebrate our endurance theme for 2009” says Goodwood Festival of Speed founder, Lord March, “I look forward with much anticipation to seeing some of the great endurance drivers, riders and machines in action”.

Festival of Speed 2008 - Land Rover Central Display with Goodwood House

FESTIVAL TIME ‘True Grit – Epic Feats of Endurance’ has been confirmed as the theme of the 2009 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Highlighting the drive and determination of motor racing’s greatest heroes, the festival celebrates those who overcame physical, mental and mechanical barriers in their quest for motoring glory. Ranging from Jackie Stewart’s spectacular victory at the 1968 German

MACHINES & MODELS The selection of cars and motorcycles at the festival is expected to feature a magnificent collection of the world’s finest competition cars and motorcycles. In action, on two-wheels and four, the festival will host a range of exciting, adrenalin-filled machines from early Grand Prix and endurance machines, to off-road and contemporary racers.

ANNIVERSARIES Also in attendance will be the centenaries of Bugatti, Audi and Morgan, 50 years of both Mini and the Daytona Speedway, 40 years since Jackie Stewart and Matra’s dominance in motor sport, plus 60 continuous years of both the Motorcycle World Championship and the most famous endurance race of them all, the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The legendary chopperriding Hollywood icon of Western counterculture Peter Fonda is due to attend this year’s Festival of Speed to help celebrate the 40th anniversary of his influential film Easy Rider. He will be reunited with a chopper motorcycle as used in the classic movie, and will ride up the famous Goodwood 1.16-mile hillclimb at the festival. Peter Fonda’s bike will be one of a number of custom choppers due to appear at the 2009 Festival of Speed; a dedicated class of custom choppers, including Zeroesque and Speed Demon, will form part of the Cartier ‘Style et Luxe,’ an annual vehicle design concourse at Goodwood for the rarest and most beautiful and motorcycles from around the world. ATTRACTIONS A host of attractions make the Goodwood Festival of Speed help make this the most exciting

motoring

Festival of Speed 2008 - Red Arrows

Festival of Speed - Sir Stirling Moss in the Mercedes-Benz W196 Streamliner

festival with its 2007 car as part of the 40th anniversary of Sir Frank Williams involvement in Formula One.

Cartier Lawn overview

celebration of motoring this year; alongside getting close to the action-packed hillclimb and paddocks, festival-goers will be able to relish some of the most stylish vehicles ever designed at the Cartier ‘Style et Luxe’ concours d’elegance. Look into the future of personal transportation at the BP Ultimate FoS-TECH technology pavilion; see many of motor sport’s famous faces up close; swoon at the mouth-watering display of supercars in the world’s finest moving motor show; witness the exciting sideways action on the Forest Rally Stage; and become part of the action at the off-road activity fields and Junior Festival of Speed. FESTIVAL PROMISES The Festival of Speed’s ability to attract the top works Formula 1 teams makes it a unique event, and already several teams have indicated their intention to attend this year. Nowhere else in the world can you get so close to the latest and greatest current F1 cars and drivers.

DON’T MISS: Scuderia Ferrari: The much-loved F1 team will be here from Italy to demonstrate one of its latest cars. McLaren-Mercedes: Last season’s car is in action all weekend, with current World Champion Lewis Hamilton at the controls. He will also be driving Ayrton Senna’s 1988 McLaren MP4/4. BMW-Sauber: One of the likely challengers for the F1 title will be present over the Festival weekend, showcasing its latest car.

BIG NAMES Make sure to look out in the paddock for familiar F1 faces, such as Sir Jackie Stewart, David Coulthard, Murray Walker, Sir Frank Williams, Ron Dennis, Patrick Head, Ross Brawn, David Richards, Christian Horner and Adrian Newey, all of whom have attended the Festival in recent years. With no World Rally Championship date clash this year, most of the few remaining top WRC teams are expected to be on hand to provide a thrilling demonstration of sideways driving; BP Ford, Stobart Ford and Citroen have confirmed their attendance.

INTERNATIONAL STARS There will also be a number of current Le Mans cars on the hill. Heading the list will be the new Audi R15, building on Audi’s impressive history by producing the first dieselpowered car to win the great race way back in 2006, and is still the car to beat. Joining Audi will be Aston Martin Racing – the works outfit that took the GT1 class victory in 2007 and 2008, recapturing the famous British marque’s Le Mans success of the 1950s – with their latest Gulf-liveried DBR9. 

To order advance tickets to the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2009, please contact the Ticket Hotline on 01243 755055 or visit www.goodwood.com

COMPETITION:

WIN

Red Bull: The beautiful 2009 car will smoke its tyres all weekend

Goodwood Festival of Speed Hospitality Package • One pair of admission tickets to the Festival of Speed on Saturday 4 July • Lunch and tea for two on Saturday 4 July in a lovely hospitality location • Two Festival of Speed Souvenir Programmes accompanied by an ear piece radio so that all the action from the day can be heard whilst moving around the event • One Festival of Speed Souvenir poster

Toyota: The latest car should be in action, demonstrating its pace and power

To be in with a chance of winning, email your name and telephone number to goodwood@runwildgroup.co.uk

Brawn: It is hoped that the newest F1 team in the pit lane will attend with a static display.

Williams-Toyota: The British team will be at the

Competition closing date is Friday 26 June and the Editor’s decision is final.

STAR TURN Bigger, better and cheaper than the model it replaces, the new Mercedes E-class Coupé is a class act, reports Matthew Carter

n the old CLK, Mercedes-Benz had a popular coupé that, it seems, could have sold in even greater numbers had it been called something else. Some potential customers thought it was related to the C-class and felt it should have a smaller price tag as a result. Now, after two generations of CLK, the latest Mercedes coupé addresses that problem by calling itself, more accurately, the E-class Coupé… though to confuse matters slightly, prices for the newcomer are around five per cent lower. And that makes the car something of a bargain. Based on the new E-class saloon, the Coupé is not conventionally pretty but is a handsome beast none the less. From the front, saloon and Coupé share the same angular lines and diamond shaped lights. But from the windscreen backwards, all is changed. The Coupé has a dramatically arching roofline, long doors and a rakish flare over the rear wheels that resembles a bulging muscle. The CLK was, frankly, a little effeminate, but the new Coupé has clearly spent time lifting weights at the gym.

It’s bigger than the CLK too, which means more room in the rear for two adults. Knee room is excellent though headroom is limited if you’re tall. Getting into the back is easy, thanks to the design’s lack of a B-pillar. And it looks just great when all the side windows are lowered. That extra space in the cockpit is also helped by the thin front seats which, despite their lack of bulk are supremely comfortable and supportive. They have stylish integrated headrests and are mounted lower than in the saloon, for a more sporting driving position. What’s perhaps the most remarkable feature of the newcomer is its aerodynamic efficiency; with a drag figure of just 0.24Cd, Mercedes claims it to be the most slippery production car in the world. Mix in a bunch of new and highly efficient engines, and the E-class Coupé can be seen as perfectly in tune with these environmentally conscious times. Especially when it comes to the E250 CDI. The first models to go on sale here are powered by six or eight cylinder engines. Petrol versions include the gruff V8-powered E500 – huge fun but thirsty – and the capable

if soul-less 3.5 V6 E350 CGI. Better is the E350 CDI diesel; part of M-B’s range of BlueEfficiency engines, the big diesel delivers plenty of poke but lacks a little character. No, the stand out engine has only four cylinders and displaces only 2.2-litres, and won’t be here until September. But, thanks to twin turbos, the E250 CDI diesel has plenty of power and torque yet promises excellent fuel consumption and commendably low emission figures. Like the other models, top speed is limited to 155 mph, and while it takes 7.4 seconds to sprint to 60 mph it pumps out just 135 g/km of CO2. The E350 CDI, in comparison, takes a barely quicker 6.7 seconds but spews out 179 g/km. The only fly in the four-cylinder ointment is the transmission. The vast majority of Mercs sold in the UK are automatics, which in the smaller models means an elderly five-speed box – bigger-engined models get a newer and much slicker seven-speed auto. Potential E250 owners should take some brave pills and go for the excellent manual, it’s really no hardship.

motoring

Yes it does sound like a four-cylinder when pushed hard, but unless you must have the creamy smoothness of a V6, it’s hard to ignore the smaller, cheaper, alternative. Whichever engine is chosen, the E-class Coupé is much more sophisticated and mature than the old CLK. Every version gets what M-B calls its Agility Control chassis. It’s essentially an active damping system which monitors the way the car is being driven and softens the dampers when cruising along a motorway, but stiffens things up as soon as the driver starts getting racy. The result is a superbly compliant ride, with excellent stability and composed cornering. Those who want more can go

for a £500 Dynamic Handling Package which tightens things up even more as well as quickening gearshifts and sharpening throttle response. Needless to say, the E-class Coupé is crammed with safety equipment such as M-B’s new Attention Assist which recognises signs of drowsiness. If it thinks the driver is about to nod off it sets off a gong and displays a steaming cup of coffee on the speedo suggesting that a refreshment break might be in order. Other safety systems include Pre-Safe which realises when an accident is imminent and sets up the car for impact by closing windows and tightening seat belts. Pre-Safe and Attention Assist are standard but others, such as Adaptive Highbeam Assist which automatically dips and adjusts the headlight beam depending on oncoming traffic, are optional. Go for the lot, and it’ll cost. There’ll be two grades in the UK, the SE and the racier Sport. The SE is more luxurious with full leather, heated front seats and climate control. But for an extra two grand – taking the E350 CDI to £35,280 for example – the Sport is a transformation. You get a full AMG bodykit, sports suspension, bigger wheels, intelligent lights with LED daytime running lights, sport seats in M-B’s Artico trim – a man-made leather that feels just like the real thing – and sports brakes. Go for an automatic V6 and you also get paddle shifts for the gloriously smooth seven-speed gearbox. Both versions are well equipped as standard – better equipped than the old CLK in fact – but that doesn’t mean M-B has abandoned the traditionally long options list. Among the desirable options is the £1,300 full-length glass panoramic sunroof – it even closes automatically if it starts raining – but as with the safety equipment, care is needed if you don’t want to break the bank. There are sportier rivals out there – the more nimble BMW 3 Series instantly comes to mind – but for a measured, mature and highly capable mile-muncher, there’s little to touch to new Merc. 

LONDON THROUGH A LENS The unique cultural, political and social history of our capital is brought to life this month in a fascinating photographic exhibition

his isn’t a showcase of tourist hotspots, a roll-call of famous Londoners or even a chronological survey of photography in the capital. Some well-known names crop up, both in front of and behind the camera: the Beatles, the Kray brothers, Thurston Hopkins, Terry Fincher and Terry O’Neill to name but a few.You might spot a couple of famous events, such as the Battle of Cable Street in 1936 or the Poll Tax Riots in 1990; not to mention some iconic structures including the Daily Express building, Trellick Tower, Eros and Petticoat Lane Market. But the great and the good, and the landmarks of history and architecture are matched by anonymous Londoners doing everyday things. Route-masters and riots, funfairs and football crowds, buskers and bombs, pop stars and policemen, traffic and towers, squatters and stilt walkers; they all take a bow. Some pictures depict a recognisably modern city; some seem to come from another lifetime. Some people are

posing for the photographer, but many are oblivious to the camera’s eye. The sources of the images are equally varied too – Fleet Street newspapers, commercial photography agencies, private collections, photojournalism magazines (notably the ground-breaking Picture Post) – all are a tribute to the richness and diversity of Getty Images’ holdings. The result is a portrait of London, but an idiosyncratic and inevitably incomplete one, where celebration and protest, the individual and the crowd, the momentous and the mundane all have their place. The exhibition is entertaining and surprising, and reveals how much the capital has changed. Most of all, it captures something of the endless variety and interest of life in London. “Think of it as an idiosyncratic photo album, amassed by a very long-lived relative with wideranging tastes and a somewhat odd sense of humour” says Cath Phillips of Time Out and Editor of the accompanying book. The exhibition has been produced by London’s largest

independent photographic gallery, Getty Images Gallery.Their new outlet in Canary Wharf will complement their flagship space near Oxford Circus and promises to provide visitors with a feast of stunning photography, all of which is for sale. Exhibitions will change regularly at the gallery and draw on the unique archives of Getty Images. Prints are available to purchase across all subjects from iconic film stars, pioneering reportage, awardwinning sports photography and cutting edge contemporary material. Each image is printed by traditional methods to museum and archival standards in the gallery’s own darkrooms and available in a variety of sizes. Retouched by hand and with a choice of frames if required, the images will enhance any space, whatever the style. n Getty Images Gallery Cabot Place East, Canary Wharf Opening times: Mon-Sat, 10am–6am, Sun and Bank Holidays, 12pm – 6pm www.gettyimagesgallery.com

xxxxxxx

All images © GETTY IMAGES

THE CUTTING

EDGE

Tom Saunders goes behind the scenes of the world’s most unique corporate events team – The Blades

en years ago, two Royal Air Force Wing Commanders were sharing a bottle of wine during a well earned break from military operations. With approximately 8,000 flying hours between them, two OBEs, a Distinguished Flying Cross and a command tour of the Red Arrows, they were looking for a new challenge. After a few glasses, they produced a seemingly impossible vision; why not take a team of the finest military pilots, create the world’s first formation aerobatic airline and use this unique asset as an unrivalled business communication tool promoting excellence, precision, leadership and teamwork to a global audience? At some point late in the evening the wine ran out, and Wing Commanders Chris Norton and Andy Offer still had work to do in Iraq and Afghanistan commanding their

Harrier Squadrons – Number 1 (Fighter) and IV (Army Cooperation) Squadron respectively. However, the seed was planted and five years later – nearing the end of their service careers – the pair pulled the cork of another bottle of Burgundy... When Chris and Andy presented the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) with a request for an Air Operators Certificate (AOC - the document which legally entitles commercial airliners to carry passengers) for a close formation aerobatic team, they were practically laughed out of the office.The requirements for an AOC are notoriously stringent (and expensive) with passenger safety being, understandably, the CAA’s foremost concern. The list of documents, guidelines and procedures which need to be adhered to runs into volumes and has caused many fledgling airlines to fall at the first hurdle.

lifestyle

Aviator

Blades Break - Jamie Hunter Cowes

Blades Pilots- Tyson Sadlo

Chris Douglas Barclays Summer Ball 19 June 2008

Fortunately for Chris and Andy, they are not men who are daunted by hurdles and in 2005, 2Excel Aviation Ltd was born.They purchased four Extra 300LP composite aircraft – world class high-performance machines capable of flying at 300 mph and manoeuvring at plus or minus 10 times the force of gravity. All that remained was to find the right pilots to fly them – and who could do better than the best? The Red Arrows of course. Since then, The Blades, under parent company 2Excel have flown over 300 displays and been viewed by 18 million people at international events such as the Cannes Advertising Festival and the Bahrain F1 Grand Prix and UK events including Cowes Week and T4 ‘On The Beach’. The Blades can provide an event enhancing ‘wow-factor’ almost anywhere in the world; with live commentary and real time footage live-linked from the cockpits to screens on the ground, audience involvement within the show is unparalleled. Utilising their AOC, the Blades have carried over 1,000 corporate flying event passengers and reached hundreds of millions of people through the media. The past year has not been easy for any businesses but 2Excel have ridden the storm almost completely unscathed. The diversity of services offered by the company that has kept 2Excel alive during the recession. The public thirst for spectacular air displays has maintained a steady stream of bookings whilst the global reach and unique allure of the heritage behind the team has ensured that businesses and corporate clients keep coming back to 2Excel for bespoke events. The Blades will even customise the livery of their Extra 300 aircraft to match a client’s corporate branding.

Until recently, the Blades have been sponsored by Barclays, acting as a flying billboard in front of live audiences. Chris Norton is currently diversifying even further and is in negotiations with a large defence company to provide a specialist airborne testing platform – his ambitions for the company are seemingly limitless. Based at a small, unassuming grass airfield in Northamptonshire, 2Excel have created an ethos of sheer professionalism; a miniature squadron combining the military ‘can-do’ attitude with first-class hosting and presentation. The team employ a small army of hostesses, all recruited from the airline industry with excellent service credentials. The hostesses will offer you welcome drinks and canapés before helping you into your parachute and strapping you into your aircraft for the flight of your life. There is nothing that the team will not do to impress and entertain their audience. At the corporate event I attended recently, guests were treated to private air displays from a helicopter display team and, of course, The Blades. They engaged in laser clay shooting, a rally driving simulator and were given teamwork and leadership tasks to complete under the guidance of a Special Forces Colonel. Each of the 40 corporate guests also flew with the Blades and had the opportunity to fly in a Tiger Moth and a Robinson helicopter over the Northamptonshire countryside; truly a day to remember. n For more information on 2Excel Aviation, events or corporate sponsorship, visit www. theblades.biz , email info@2excelaviation.com or telephone 01604 671 309

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culture

Screen TelsTar Back in the 1960s the music industry was an exciting sector pushing the boundaries; new technology was changing the way we made and listened to music; record companies and musicians pioneered music genres; and the creative minds behind the music were eccentric geniuses.Telstar is the story of one of these geniuses, the legendary Joe Meek. He had a string of hits - the most famous was Telstar. Meek named his chart-topping record after the first communications satellite; the instrumental record was released in 1962 and it became a number one hit on both sides of the Atlantic.The pioneering nature of the production and strangeness of the sound changed record producing forever, and many artists such as the White Stripes and Morrissey cite Meek as a major influence.

Cat Hughes preview the latest releases

Sadly his success was marred by bad luck, depression, heartbreak and paranoia. Meek’s story is stranger than fiction – a story with characters that no one could have made-up. His life was a rollercoaster of sex, drugs, homosexuality, spiritualism, blackmail, crime, madness, murder and suicide. But despite all of this (or maybe because of it) his life was all about the music – and that was his first love. Telstar sees the best of British talent come together – from the writers to the cast – and it’s this combination that makes it an explosive film and an emotional rollercoaster. Meek is played by Olivier award-winner Con O’Neill, who played Meek in the West End stage version of Telstar, and his performance was powerful. O’Neill spent many hours perfecting his accent and spent time with the surviving members of Meek’s family in order to understand this larger-than-life character. Double academy award and BAFTA winner Kevin Spacey plays Major Banks, Meek’s business partner, he is barely recognisable underneath the Colonel Mustard moustache

and stiff upper lip façade. James Cordon plays Clem Cattini, one of the UK’s most prolific drummers. Clem Cattini, who also did a cameo, gave Cordon a pair of his drum sticks from the 1960s for the film.We see Ralf Little as Chas Hodges, who later on was one half of cockney duo Chas & Dave.The cast list goes on and on and there are cameos by several famous faces such as Jimmy Carr, Nigel Harman, Chas Hodges and Patrick Pink. Also making an appearance is The Darkness front-man, Justin Hawkins as Screaming Lord Sutch, who later swapped music for politics and formed the Monster Raving Looney Party. Admittedly I knew little of Meek before I went into the screening but when I came out I felt like I had been on an emotional rollercoaster.The performance of each and every actor draws the audience into the story and the 108 minutes flew by.This is a powerful, eccentric and exciting film.This is how British films should be! 5/5 Out 19 June

Also on this month Terminator Salvation is the latest instalment of the Terminator franchise. It’s 2018 and John Connor (Bale) is part of the resistance waging war on skynet, who are building the T-800 terminators. But Connor’s future is clouded by the arrival of Marcus (Worthington) a stranger haunted by memories of death row (3 June).

The long awaited second Transformers film,Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is here! The synopsis has been kept under wraps, but I can say the gigantic robots are out for revenge and seem to be bent on destroying mankind (19 June).

Five men go to a remote village to help a friend get over a divorce – only to find that the local women have been infected by a virus that turns them in to rampaging cannibals in Doghouse (12 June).

My Sisters Keeper stars the Fanning sisters; see Dakota’s the younger sibling Elle sue for emancipation, when she learns she was conceived to be a genetic match to prolong her cancer-ridden sisters life (26 June).

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C ANARY WHA RF ne w s

Crossrail ConstruCtion beGins at Canary Wharf Crossrail, London’s first new major railway in a generation, recently reached a landmark moment as construction started at Canary Wharf. Prime Minister Gordon Brown was among the dignitaries who addressed business and political leaders at East Wintergarden on the morning of the launch. The Mayor of London Boris Johnson, Transport Minister Andrew Adonis and Canary Wharf Group Chief Executive George Iacobescu then helped launch the first of over three hundred 18.5 metre tall steel piles that will form the basis of the new station into North Dock at Canary Wharf. The Canary Wharf station will be the first Crossrail station to be constructed,

GoinG the extra mile for Charity Nine Canary Wharf Group employees managed to raise nearly £11,000 for charities by running the Flora London marathon. Benefiting charities included Richard House Hospice, the British Heart Foundation and Cancer Research UK. The employees relished the challenge of one of the world’s great marathon events, which runs through Canary Wharf and much of Docklands.

and includes plans for 100,000 square feet of retail space and a roof-top park. Crossrail services will begin operating from 2017, cutting journey times across London allowing travel from Canary Wharf to Liverpool Street in 7 minutes, Paddington in 17 minutes and Heathrow in 44 minutes.

Community Comes toGether for Pre-shavuot Celebration International Law firm Clifford Chance LLP recently teamed up with Canary Wharf Group plc to host an early celebration for the Jewish festival of Shavuot. Young and old enjoyed songs from the Menorah Primary School Boys’ Choir and a buffet lunch complete with cheesecake at Clifford Chance’s Upper Bank Street offices in Canary Wharf. Danny Seliger from Canary Wharf Group, who helped to organise the event, said: “The event allows us to bring people from diverse age groups and walks of life together.”

CAN A RY WHAR F art

Knitted Ferrari on display 8 - 14 June Jubilee place retail Mall Canary Wharf

Lauren Porter’s ’12 Miles of Yarn’ is exhibiting in June to coincide with Canary Wharf Motorexpo. The internationally acclaimed Ferrari, based on a Testarossa and a 355, is not just a knitted car. It questions the relationship between male symbols and feminine craft, playing on the hard edged object and soft textured material. The result is visually stunning.

Getty iMaGes opens Getty Images Gallery opens two exhibitions in Cabot Place East Retail Mall in June. Motoring, a collection of classic car and motorcycle photography, coincides with Canary Wharf Motorexpo. It captures the joy of a leisurely drive along a country road, the high speed thrills of the Isle of Man TT and the glamour of Formula 1. London Through a Lens features rare and unseen images of the unique cultural, social and political history of Britain’s capital. Cath Phillips, Editor of the exhibition, says “Think of it as an idiosyncratic photo album, amassed by a very longlived relative with wide-ranging tastes (and a somewhat odd sense of humour.”

British Bridal saris unveiled at Canary WharF shoW 18 – 26 June lobby, one Canada square Three new British bridal saris and a sparkling selection of traditional saris will be unveiled at Canary Wharf this June as part of The Story of London celebrations. The exhibition in the lobby of One Canada Square will be the latest stop for the British Sari Story, a celebration of British Asian heritage created by Bridging Arts. Other prize-winning patterns on show include a London Tube Map sari, a Notting Hill Carnival sari and a British landscape sari complete with Routemaster buses and a London skyline. All are printed on Habotai silk by the University of East London. Sally Williams, Public Arts Consultant at Canary Wharf Group said, “We have a wonderfully diverse community in and around Canary Wharf and this is often reflected in the art on display here. It is pleasing that a number of these beautiful saris originated in East London, which is becoming a world class centre for arts, events and culture.”

window galleRies Cabot Place Retail Mall

A showcase for up-and-coming artists, designers and craftspeople 1 June – 26 June London Jewellery School An exhibition of works from London Jewellery School. The school specialises in working with metal clay alongside beading, glass, polymer clay and more. www.londonjewelleryschool.co.uk

Richard Colson Richard Colson’s spectacular rooftop panoramas search for a balance between the painted surface of the canvas and the key pictorial elements of space, colour and distance. For the Canary Wharf exhibition Richard has created two paintings encouraging comparison between the day and nighttime views across the Pool of London to Tower Bridge. www.kwomodo.com

Lizzie Allen Lizzie’s hand-screen printed wallpapers use vibrant colour and whimsical illustrations. The ‘London Collection’ shown here depicts traditional and social scenes of London life and architecture. www.lizzieallen.co.uk

The CommUnITy GAllery

Canada Place Retail Mall A gallery devoted to exhibiting work produced by local arts projects

Until 30 June Art from Idea Store Exhibition of art works by children at Idea Store Canary Wharf in Churchill Place, part of Tower Hamlets Libraries and Lifelong Learning Provision. Idea Store runs regular free events and activities for children and adults. www.ideastore.co.uk

Jahyun by Rita Baek

ArtScene by CAROL CORDREY - carol@artalone.com

GUY PORTELLI British music icons inspire modern pop art in the Dragons’ Den

uy Portelli admits to always having been “a wild child”, but after thirty years as a sculptor and becoming a respected member of the Royal Society of British Artists and the Royal British Society of Sculptors, he made his wildest move of all by entering BBC television’s Dragons’ Den. He didn’t just survive, he received a roar of approval from the dragons for his innovative pop icon sculptures which will be in a selling exhibition at London’s Mall Galleries this month. Artists are not renowned for their business acumen, but with Guy Portelli the dragons were confronted by a very different animal. He prepared his business plan and pitch with extreme care, knowing that his work would be rated by the dragons in front of six million viewers, including fellow artists.

“I knew that if I went into the Den, I had to win,” he reflects. Failure to win their support would have ruined his artistic reputation as well as his long-held dream of sourcing funding for creating these distinctive, high quality sculptures. They represent a fascinating crossover between art and music which Guy first conceived about thirty years ago while studying at Kent’s Medway College of Design, “I made my first one when I was seventeen, combining sections of John Lee Hooker seated on a chair and playing his guitar. I made other musicians too and they were hugely popular but expensive to create,” recalled Guy. He stifled the dream until about a year ago when he awoke on Easter morning and decided to present his concept inside the

Dragons’ Den. Within a mere four weeks of applying, Guy found himself on the programme. Standing by his sample, lifesize, pop icon sculpture he asked for an investment that he had calculated would cover the cost of the project and that the dragons would be willing to part with. It proved to be such a winning formula that viewers saw the dragons competing for Guy! “He was very focused and knew his market. We’ve invested in Guy and just let his creative genius flow”, recounted Peter Jones with genuine delight. Duncan Bannatyne however, was stunned when Guy declined his higher offer of £90,000 in preference to £80,000 jointly provided by Theo Paphitis, James Caan and Peter Jones – an investment triumvirate that Guy considered ideal. Needless-to-say, Guy left the den a very happy man; but wanting the dragons to feel they had bought into the project emotionally as well as financially, he asked them to name their music icons. As a result, Led Zeppelin (for Peter Jones) and Elton John (for James Caan) will be among the show’s eighteen sculptures produced in various editions. All of them show the characteristics and symbols of the respective musicians, for example, Imagine incorporates John Lennon’s trademark, circular glasses, and the striking, mixed media Night & Day recalls both Sinatra’s song and his associations with the Mafia through playing cards, casino chips and a gun.

Clockwise from left: Post Punk, Excess, Mod Rock, Night & Day All images by James Gilham

The troubled but talented singer, Amy Winehouse, is wittily portrayed in burlesque style in Excess whilst two of the other pieces in Guy’s new body of work look set to become his own iconic sculptures: Mod Rock is full of the energy and colour of The Who’s dramatic stage performances when legs leapt around the stage; and Post Punk is a stunning recreation of the Sex Pistols, whose controversial rendition of ‘God Save the Queen’ connects with the sculpture’s form of a defaced Royal Mail stamp. In stark contrast, Rocking Chair Blues is pared down to the essential features of the late John Lee Hooker’s rhythm tapping feet, heavy lips and downcast eyes of his doleful blues performances. James Caan’s admiration for Guy Portelli’s work is clear: “We’ve invested in something we’d all love to own ourselves,” he beamed enthusiastically. “And I’ll definitely do another of Guy’s shows.” Ensuring that the exhibition will be a defining and all-embracing celebration of the genre, Guy has invited others to exhibit their pop icon work alongside his.

The Mall Galleries’ walls will be hung with photographs, paintings and prints by luminaries such as Terry O’Neill, Albert Watson and Sir Peter Blake RA; and in an intriguing twist, prints by a pop icon who became an artist – the late John Lennon. It took thirty years and three dragons to breathe fire into Guy’s concept but Theo Paphitis feels the timing is unquestionably perfect: “Guy’s work provides optimism in a time of gloom, and quality art in a time of diminishing assets.” The story of this “wild child” looks as if it is going to have a well-deserved, fairytale ending. n

Heart Throb: the golden age of the pop icon 25 June – 3 July Mall Galleries 17 Carlton House Terrace The Mall London SW1Y 5BD www.mallgalleries.org.uk Tel: 020 7334 3922

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culture

ROLL UP ROLL UP,

101

THE BIG TOP IS IN TOWN! D

uo Fu

sio n

Looking back at fond childhood memories, Deana Gershuny asks, whatever happened to the circus?

The

W h ee

l of Death

Since when does a trip to the circus mean that we have to pay large sums of money, travel long distances, sit removed from the action, among thousands of other people, surrounded by walls which are not made of vibrantly coloured fabric, but of bricks? With an increase in licensing laws and a surge in animalrights lobbyists, recent years have brought harsh times for the travelling circus, meaning that many have been forced to pack up their unicycles and fold up their tents. The Licensing Act of 2003 which rendered it necessary for circuses to secure an entertainment license for every site they pitch at, can cost up to £500 per site and take as long as four weeks to process. It is a financial and administrational burden which has had a detrimental impact upon small travelling circuses that have low incomes and rely on the ability to change plans quickly.

Jay Miller, the director of a small travelling circus, whose big top seats 1,000 people, called these licensing laws “a catastrophe…the extra money we will have to find cannot come out of circus profits – there aren’t any”. Even the director of Zippo’s Circus, which has been voted ‘Britain’s Best’, is dubious about the future of his travelling circus; “The whole point of the circus is that it moves. If it doesn’t move, it stops being a circus. I think we will go under within months. I don’t see how we can possibly survive”. Many feel that the laws are an unnecessary precaution and that a single yearly license would suffice. Tightened Animal Welfare Acts no which have pi clamped down on the treatment of animals in the circus are by no means a negative thing; indeed quite the opposite. However, threats of banning undomesticated animals Clow nP e

OING TO JOIN THE DODO: THE TRAVELLING CIRCUS TO BECOME EXTINCT’, read one of the headlines in the New York Times on 22 January 1818. Although written almost two centuruies ago, the caption has proved itself to be justly prophetic and, in the UK, rings true now more than ever before. What has happened to those small travelling big tops which used to transform the local muddy park or disused field into an exciting, magical arena for a few days every year?

and protestors who stand outside the big top targeting people arriving for the performance means that what has for so long been one of the unique and alluring elements of the travelling circus is being lost. Circuses have to find alternative yet equally exciting human acts which are not so easy to come by. The small circuses of our childhood are selling out to huge money-spinning ventures such as the infamous Cirque du Soleil and the Russian and Chinese travelling circus which showcase some of the world’s best talent. Yes, Cirque du Soleil is the most spectacular performance I have ever seen – not one to be missed – but as I sat amongst the thousands of audience members, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia for the intimacy and chaotic charm of the small big tops. n For more information on travelling circus shows, visit www.zipposcircus.co.uk, www.giffordscircus.com or www.billy-smarts-circus.co.uk

NOSTALGIA Sarah Collinson explores the magical world of old fashioned sweets, from fruit pips and bootlaces, to sherbet dips and pear drops; and questions whether we’ll ever outgrow our childhood favourites

e’ve all done it. I did it today. In fact, I’ve done it for the past three days and I’ll probably do it tomorrow. You head down to the corner shop at that terrible time of 4.30pm when lunch is a distant memory and supper is too far away to be of any comfort. You head purposefully for the ‘healthy’ section with those virtuous cereal bars, bags of trail mix and boxes of apples. You take one step; you take two. Suddenly, something shiny catches your eye and innocently turning to look, you’re confronted with an avenue of treasures – bags of Haribo, tubes of wine gums, twirls of liquorice, pink Starburst, yellow Jelly Tots and red Skittles. You stop. You look back at the granola bars. There’s a moment of indecision. Then you grab the fruit pastels, throw the money at the counter, trying not to catch the shop-keepers eye because you really shouldn’t be buying anything this childish while wearing a suit, and run for the hills. Everyone knows that children like sweets; they look pretty, taste sugary and are so brightly packaged that kids flock to them like magpies. A recent study from the University of

Washington even established a link between children’s sweet preference and their growth, claiming a biological need for sugar for the first time. This is a pretty convenient excuse for kids wanting to explain the fizzy cola bottles in their school bag but, unfortunately for adults, the study continued to say that this ‘need’ should reduce after the age of 16. It’s pretty much expected that, either by design or choice, adults should lose their childhood sweet tooth. We have no ‘biological need’ for sugar and it’s expected that our palates should have become more sophisticated, craving savoury delicacies and fine wines over a handful of dolly mixtures. More importantly, we know exactly just how bad sweets are for your health. The main ingredient of refined sugar has zero nutritional value (you may as well be eating the wrapper) and will build up as glucose until it is stored as fat. It plays havoc with your energy levels, causing fast boosts and big slumps which can leave you feeling tired, irritable, unable to sleep, and can even lead to serious disorders like diabetes. But the British adults still buy sweets by the ton. The UK is consistently the leading confectionary market

in Europe with each person buying an average of 26.5kg of sweets and chocolate each year. Although a lot is probably bought by children (they must meet that ‘biological need’ somehow) you cannot discount the persistence of the adult consumer. Some of us buy them to feel nostalgic or retro, and some to cheer up a dreary day. Some want a bit of harmless rebellion against the consistent expectation that we should always be ‘grown up’ and sophisticated, and others just love the taste. Despite the childorientated marketing and the

food&drink

Hope & Greenwood

knowledge of the health risks we are still buying sweets…and it’s not something we should be ashamed about. Sweets have always been a part of British culture for adults as well as kids, and we should defend this rather than being embarrassed. Whilst we are rarely internationally applauded for our cuisine, British sweets enjoy a reputation as being among the best in the world. The corner sweet shop has been an icon since the days of glass jars of mint humbugs, and they are thankfully surviving even in the face of all the Tescos

and Sainsburys. For those experiencing a sugar craving in London, stop by at Hope & Greenwood – a nostalgic sweetie shop, the old fashioned store not only stocks a mid-

British authors have also recognised our national sweet tooth – gobstoppers were part of the daily diet of the characters in JustWilliam, cakes and sherbet formed the backbone of midnight feasts of Malory Towers, and there was definitely at least one ‘Land of Sweets’ up the Faraway Tree. Admitted these characters were all pretty young, but older figures were similarly sugar-fixated with Caractacus Potts from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang crashing a sweet factory to showcase his Toot Sweets and Mary Poppins offering spoonfuls of sugar to anyone with a cold. We all have memories of the sweet stuff – sucking pink rock at the seaside, Werther’s Originals with grandparents, overdoing orange and yellow sherbet dippers at school discos – and there’s no reason this has to stop when you’re old enough to drive. On the day that sweet rationing ended after WWII, adults joined the children’s rush to buy, with male city workers queuing in their lunch break to get their hands on boiled sweets and 2lb boxes of chocolate, despite prices having almost doubled. Of course, this doesn’t mean we should overload on sugar for the sake of British traditions. The health risks of overindulging are real and, as adults, we should appreciate them fully. Many doctors blame sweets for the increased obesity levels is the UK, and according to the British Dental Journal, tooth decay is

The UK is consisTenTly The leading confecTionary marKeT in eUrope wiTh each person bUying an average of 26.5Kg of sweeTs and chocolaTe each year boggling range of treats, but also retro pieces such as old Ladybird and Enid Blyton books. Kids’ amazement will double as their father buys bag after bag of his school day favourites!

putting 30,000 children a year in hospital. But all of this doom and gloom shouldn’t be blamed on sweets as unfortunately there are vast quantities of sugar in common processed foods like

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white bread, ready meals (even the ‘healthy’ ones) and fizzy drinks. At least sweets are honest about what they are – a sugary treat that is far from healthy but is fine to choose once in a while. So next time you get tempted into the sweet aisle for a little treat, don’t feel embarrassed about buying something you should have grown out of ten years ago. Go mad; buy a big box of jelly beans for the office and watch how quickly they vanish! If Willy Wonka could legitimately spend his adult life prancing around a chocolate waterfall, we certainly shouldn’t feel guilty about snatching that last fruit pastel. n

For old fashioned traditional British sweets, visit A Quarter Of, www.aquarterof.co.uk and Hope & Greenwood, www. hopeandgreenwood.co.uk Hope & Greenwood Covent Garden 1 Russell Street London, WC2B 5JD Hope & Greenwood @ Selfridges London 400 Oxford St London, W1A 2LR

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food&drink

BOUND TO PLEASE Rebecca Walton heads to Boundary for a taste of British gourmet cuisine

estled in the quirky back streets of East Shoreditch sits Boundary, an interesting new project which will, upon completion, consist of three restaurants and bars, seventeen guest rooms, a bakery and, to top it all off, a gourmet food store. Upon arrival we headed down to basement level to The Boundary Restaurant where my friend and I were greeted by a handsome space utilising a charming combination of bare brick walls and high-styled furnishings. The icing on the cake in terms of design is the kitchen; built alongside one entire wall it is completely visible to diners through a glass wall, giving you the ability to watch the comings and goings of the busy kitchen. Ian Wood of Almeida fame is the head chef and has carefully put together a classic Frenchinspired menu combing a wonderful selection of fruits de mer, grilled and roasted meats and terrines (Ian’s speciality).

The menu has a selection for every palate – from light fish dishes to succulent game – ensuring all types of diners are catered for. We started our evening with a wonderful glass of Philipponnat ‘Royal Reserve’ Champagne, the perfect accompaniment to perusing the menu. For starter I opted for the Asparagus Hollandaise (£8.50), which was cooked to perfection and accompanied by a rich and creamy hollandaise sauce. Our sommelier for the evening Luke, was wonderfully attentive and paired wines with our courses perfectly. A beautiful glass of the Portuguese Loureiro, Quinta do Ameal (2007) was chosen to compliment my asparagus, and my dining partner, who had ordered the perfectly spiced potted prawns (£6.50), was presented with a beautifully balanced Chablis 1er Cru ‘Vaillons’, Domaine Vincent Dampt (2007). Choosing a main was slightly more difficult due to the array of

tempting dishes on offer. I chose the traditionally French ‘Steak au Poivre’ (£23.50) while my dining partner went for a lighter option in the sea trout with samphire (£18.50), a selection of mixed seasonal vegetables and a beautifully creamy gratin dauphinoise complimented both dishes wonderfully. Due to the more robust flavours in the food my perfectly cooked steak was teamed with a full bodied Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah ‘Les Aureliens’, Domain de Triennes (2005) and my friend’s delicate

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trout was coupled with a beautiful Cote de Nuits-Villages, Didier Fornerol 2006. After two courses of truly delicious food we had to, of course, taste the desserts. As my favourite course in any meal, I was really stumped by the incredible selection, and eventually opted for the passion fruit soufflé (£8.50) which upon arrival was tart yet sweet and really worth the wait. My companion was silent during the few moments that it took for her to devour her tart du tartin (£8.00) which is always a good sign. To wet our palettes during this course we enjoyed a glass of Pacherenc du Vic Billh ‘Saint-Albert’ (2005) that complimented all the different flavours in our desserts. The Boundary really has something to offer everyone in both the food and wine department, and when teamed with such an attentive and courteous team this is a must for business and pleasure alike. n The Boundary 2-4 Boundary Street Shoreditch, E2 7DD 020 7729 1051

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business&finance

109

EQUIPPED WITH SOLUTIONS Claire Rutter finds out more on effective tax planning for smart contractors & how they can save more money to enjoy life

n this economic climate we all want to make the most of the money we earn and as a contractor setting up your own business can be a daunting experience. If you choose to go it alone, you can either operate as a sole-trader or set up and work through a limited company. It is worth noting that most UK recruitment agencies will only work with limited companies and not sole traders, but also remember that working through a limited company brings with it a number of legally required administrative and financial tasks.

pay a contractor through the PAYE scheme. This should be considered carefully as expenses are often used to increase returns, opening the contractor up to liability, as it is potentially an abuse of dispensation agreements. However, an innovative solution is presented by Equip Management Solutions. According to the alternative umbrella company their method is hassle free. Using a Limited Company and an employment benefit trust (EBT), their solution can provide benefits on gross billings, of up to 85%. However, no strict guarantee can be

We offer a packaged solution to the contractor that provides flexibility to absorb the rate reduction, yet still retains the same or more of the equivalent take home pay that contractors are used to The other options are to work through an agency through their payroll service or through a professional employment agency. These employment agencies are referred to as umbrella or alternative umbrella companies and working in this way reduces a large amount of administrative work for the individual. The responsibility is therefore removed, leaving you time to enjoy your days off work. Traditional umbrellas will generally issue invoices to the recruitment agency and will

assured as personal circumstances need to be considered. Equip Director, Darren Marley said: “With businesses facing difficult times, what’s usually first to suffer is the services provided by the contractor. Projects are either put on hold or they will be asked to take a reduction in rate. Equip offers a packaged solution to the contractor that provides flexibility to absorb the rate reduction, yet still retains the same or more of the equivalent take home pay that contractors are used to”.

Using a company such as Equip MS, there is no need for contractors to retain a UK limited company. Therefore the administrative burden that comes with running your own company is reduced. Each month, the employment company also has the option to contribute funds to the company’s employee benefit trust (EBT). As an employee you are able to receive discretionary funds from the independent trustees of the EBT. When using a solution such as this, all earnings are subject to tax; This scheme is registered with the HMRC so full disclosure is made on all income received. Many umbrella or management companies have an IR35 risk, but Equip MS is not caught under this legislation. Included in the solution is insurance for each contractor, covering professional indemnity, employers and public liability. Equip MS offer a personal business manager who provides personalised support. If you want to minimise your tax, and maximise your earnings with as little hassle as possible, speak with Equip MS. n READER OFFER

for a limited time only, equip ms are extending a special offer to the readers of canary Wharf magazine and the city magazine. the first 100 contractors who sign-up to take advantage of this service will receive a £250 cash bonus!

For more information visit: www.equip-ms.com

FLEXIBLE WORKING HOURS xxxxxxxxxx

DEaR CLaRE I care for my disabled son. I have asked my employer if I can work 4 days a week and my request has been refused. Can they do this?

Regards, Maria

Dear Maria,

You should firstly check your employee handbook to find out the procedure for making a request to work flexibly. If you have only asked informally previously, you should activate the formal procedure. Even if your employer does not have a flexible working policy in their handbook, as a parent of a disabled child below the age of 18, you have a statutory right to make a request as long as you meet the eligibility criteria. This includes having been an employee for more than 26 weeks continuously and not having made another flexible working request in the past year. A child is considered disabled if he/she is in receipt of a disability living allowance

Martin’$ Money Matter$

GETTING FINANCIAL ADVICE YOU CAN TRUST Martin Bamford, Chartered Financial Planner, Informed Choice

an is typical of one type of client to whom we provide advice; at 80 years old, she was widowed two years ago and is controlling the family finances for the first time. It transpired that Jan had made two fairly substantial investments two years ago. Money totalling nearly £200,000 went into an Investment Bond provided by a life assurance company and was invested in a range of funds. One remained invested for the prospect of capital growth and Jan started taking regular withdrawals of five per cent of the original investment from the other.

It is only when you start looking into a person’s overall financial position that you can comment on the suitability of a particular investment arrangement. In the two years since the investments were made, Jan has ‘lost’ over £38,162 as a result of falling investment values (after factoring in the £10,000 of capital withdrawals she has made). Our analysis of Jan’s attitude towards investment risk places her at the very cautious end of the risk spectrum, yet her previous adviser saw fit to place nearly 60 per cent of her money in stock-market funds and another 15 per cent

The procedure should include putting your request in writing, a meeting with your employer to discuss your application and their providing a written response within a set period. You also have a right of appeal against the decision and the right to be accompanied at any meeting. If your employer refuses your request, they will need to provide sound business reasons for doing so, such as staffing resources, cost etc. If your employer decides to grant your request this time, any changes to your hours or schedule will be permanent and your contract will be altered. You will not be able to make another formal request until a year has elapsed. If your employer refuses your request without good business reasons to justify their decision, this may be indirectly discriminatory on the grounds of your sex if you can show that women (and you) are put at a particular disadvantage by the requirement to work full-time. For example, that you are the primary carer for your son and need flexible hours to accommodate your caring responsibilities. Further following the decision in Coleman v Attridge Law and another it was determined that carers for disabled people were protected from being discriminated against by association – i.e. because of their caring responsibilities. If you feel that you have been harassed or treated differently from other staff members because of your son’s disability, you may also have a disability discrimination claim.

Best wishes Clare

Clare Murray is managing partner at employment law firm, CM Murray LLP, based in CanaryWharf. To submit a query, 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

in commercial property. The remaining quarter of her money went into fixed interest securities. Every financial adviser has a different approach when it comes to making investment recommendations; some are ‘fund pickers’ for example, and others might outsource the majority of their investment decisions to a third-party (such as a discretionary fund manager or manager of manager). Personally I take the approach that starts with understanding investment objectives and then linking the individual’s risk profile to a strategic asset allocation model, and academic research shows this is where the greatest amount of variance in investment performance comes. So now Jan urgently needs a ‘recovery strategy’ to recover some of the value of her investments whilst taking a level of investment risk appropriate to her attitudes and objectives. We

are recommending a two-step approach; firstly she needs to make some fund switches within the Investment Bonds (this can be done at no cost and without creating any tax liabilities or reporting issues) and secondly, she needs to stop taking withdrawals from one of the investments. Sadly Jan’s experience of receiving questionable financial and investment advice is not untypical of the clients who approach us for a secondopinion. Getting trusted financial advice is possible; one way to do this is to pay a fee for advice to ensure impartiality, rather than work with an ‘adviser’ who sells products to earn commissions. Another is to only ever work with a financial adviser who holds the highest professional qualifications such as a Chartered Financial Planner or Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certificant. n

business&finance

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ImmunIse your portfolIo agaInst recessIon by DR. DAVID KUO at the financial website the Motley fool – fool.co.uk

f there’s one lesson we can take away from the recession it is that economic downturns affect everyone. What’s more, a stock market crash should be viewed as an opportunity to buy shares that you once thought were too expensive. It’s also a good time to review your portfolio and look for fresh investments to improve your wealth. Since 1 September 2007 the FTSE 100, which is the index of the UK’s 100 biggest companies, has fallen by around 30 per cent. In other words, the top 100 businesses in Britain have lost a third of their total value. This is due to a combination of factors, but the most important is because investors reckon companies will make lower profits. But if you’re not an investor, it’s natural to ask how a stock market crash could affect you if you have never bought shares. Truth is, even if you’re not directly invested in the stock market, the fall in the value of shares could still impact your pension, your wage packet and your job security. The reason is quite simple. The stock market is generally a good barometer of the state of the economy. It is also the first to recover in times of recession because it is seen as a forward indicator. Put another way, investors look ahead at what they expect to happen and not at what has happened in the past. Of course there will always be disagreements when shares rise after a protracted period of falls as to whether the improvement is a genuine recovery or merely an artefact. Arguments over

whether it is a bear market rally or the start of a bull market will never be settled until it is settled. Interestingly, while looking at the FTSE will give a broad overview about the health of the economy, it doesn’t always tell the whole story. For instance, not all shares have fallen 30 per cent over the last 20 months. Additionally, those companies that have fallen by less, or not at all, are generally regarded as being recession-proof.

Food and drink don’t go out of fashion in a recession too. After all, we need to replenish ourselves. This could explain why supermarket giant Morrison’s, food processor Unilever and fast-food chain Domino’s Pizza have fared well. Elsewhere, soft drinks makers Britvic and A.G Barr have held their own in the last 18 months. Tobacco shares are also worth considering, as every smoker knows giving up the habit is not easy regardless the state of the economy.

the stock market is a good barometer of the state of economy...and it is the first to improve, as investors look ahead at what they expect to happen, not at what has happened in the past Consider shares in gold producer Randgold Resources; they have almost doubled. This is hardly surprising given that gold is seen as a safe bet in troubled times. So with the market in turmoil and worries over global currencies and company profits, many investors have flocked to gold to seek solace. This move to gold has pushed its price up from $650 an ounce to $900 – a rise of over 30 per cent over two years. Ironically, the rise in the price of gold is the roughly the same as the fall in the value of shares, which is why some observers claim gold and shares are negatively correlated. When one goes up the other goes down and vice versa. The pharmaceuticals industry is also considered to be immune from macroeconomic events. Consequently this sector has been robust in the economic downturn. In fact shares in AstraZeneca, the UK’s second largest drugs maker, have improved as the economy deteriorated.

I appreciate not everyone will be keen on investing in cigarette makers, but shares in British American Tobacco, which I own, are holding firm in this recession. As you can see from this selection, not all companies are similarly affected in a recession. Some even relish an economic downturn, which is why recessions can be lucrative for those prepared to hunt around for bargains in readiness for the recovery. It is important not to look upon economic downturns – the boom and bust cycle or bear markets – as something that will damage our wealth. Instead see them as opportunities, because, just as night follows day, a bull market follows a bear market. And not being exposed to shares could damage your wealth. n

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Picnic Hampers Thanks to delivery service Easy Picnic, you can now enjoy picnics delivered anywhere in London; including the parks! The hampers contain yummy food and wine for two, such as a selection of antipasti and cheese, fresh French baguettes, smoked salmon, strawberries, chilled white wine or champagne, as well as plastic cutlery and glasses, paper table cloth and napkins. Hampers, bronze (£25), silver (£40), and gold (£60) www.easy-picnic.com

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8-14 June Motorexpo Throughout Canary Wharf FREE The UK’s largest free motor show returns to Canary Wharf in June with the latest vehicles from many of the world’s leading motor manufacturers. UK debuts at the 2009 Motorexpo include the Aston Martin V12 Vantage and DBS Volante, Jaguar XFR and XKR, full Land Rover 2010 model line-up and the long awaited Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Make sure to collect The Directory 2009, your free guide to the show, on arrival. 19 & 20 June DocklanDs Discovery Friday 19 12-2pm, 6-8pm Saturday 20 11am-5pm Throughout Canary Wharf FREE Enjoy two days of music, dance, theatre and art at Docklands Discovery. Celebrating the past, present and future of this unique corner of London, Docklands Discovery is part of Story of London run in partnership with the Mayor’s Office and Visit London. Performers include choirs from Canary Wharf-based companies, Docklands Sinfonia, Trinity College of Music, Theatre of Inspirations, Bangla Dhaki Drummers and more. Visit mycanarywharf.com for details. 25 & 26 June Fous De Bassin 10pm Millwall Outer Dock, Isle of Dogs FREE Canary Wharf Group is proud to sponsor this spectacular and miraculous piece of free outdoor theatre staged in London’s Docklands. A troupe of artists defy the laws of nature in a world where cars drive on water, trees grow from the canal, heads burst into flames and a 12-foot-tall Queen glides by on a penny-farthing bicycle. Ilotopie stage their water-borne theatrical extravaganza as part of the Greenwich and Docklands International Festival.

Bp suMMer Big screens Various Times Canada Square Park FREE Canary Wharf and the Royal Opera House – in association with BP, present two live relays from the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden to an outdoor screen in Canada Square Park. Bring your family and friends and settle back with a picnic in the beautiful open air surrounds. 30 June la traviata 7pm (Running time 2hrs 45mins) Canada Square Park FREE Verdi’s La Traviata directed by Richard Eyre, conducted by Antonio Pappano and starring the great American soprano Renée Fleming in the role of courtesan, Violetta, with stylish Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja as her young lover, Alfredo, and Thomas Hampson as his unyielding father. 15 July Barber of seville 7.30pm (Running time 3hrs) Canada Square Park FREE Rossini’s Barber of Seville, features love, laughter and a resourceful heroine, aided and abetted by Figaro, town barber extraordinaire. This revival of 2005’s popular production offers a sensational cast, with great UK baritone Simon Keenlyside as ‘Mr

Fix It’ Figaro, Joyce DiDonato as Rosina and leading Rossinian tenor Juan Diego Flórez as the amorous Almaviva in a production by Patrice Caurier and Moshe Leiser, conducted by The Royal Opera’s Music Director.

danCing City Laws of Motion from Ballet Boyz II Thursday 25 & Friday 26 June 1pm & 6pm Cubitt Steps FREE

Dancing City Saturday 27 June 1-5pm Throughout Canary Wharf FREE

Canary Wharf Arts & Events joins forces with Greenwich + Docklands International Festival for one of the biggest and best dance days in the UK. Known for their innovative choreography and breakneck-pace, Laws Of Motion from Ballet Boyz II preview the show on 25 and 26 June. On 27 June world class performances come from Dance theatre of ireland, stopgap, punchdrunk, gianni Joseph and pied en sol. Visit mycanarywharf.com for full details.

City of London festivaL @ Canary Wharf Monday 6 – Saturday 11 July Mon-Fri 12.30 - 2.30pm Thurs & Fri 5.30 - 7.00pm Sat 12.30 - 7.30pm Throughout Canary Wharf FREE

Folk, jazz, classical, experimental and gypsy music come together for the second annual City of London Festival @ Canary Wharf. Canada Square Park sees lunchtime and evening concerts, Montgomery Square hosts dance and West Wintergarden features children’s music workshops. Visit mycanarywharf.com for the full schedule.

what'son Our guide to this month’s top events

W E IGH T L O S S

H E A LT H Y E AT I NG

T R A I N I NG SU PP ORT

3 June – 4 October ART & EXHIBITIONS

The Ultimate Convenience, The Pure Package does the hard work for you, each morning you wake to your day’s food freshly prepared. We do all the cooking and preparation delivering three tailored guilt-free meals and two appetising snacks to you daily.

SUPER CONTEMPORARY COMMISSIONS The Design Museum has joined forces with Beefeater 24 to showcase 15 new commissions from London’s most dynamic creatives, and as a group they demonstrate the diverse approaches to design in London.

Whether you wish to lose weight, increase your energy levels, run a marathon or take the pressure off after having a baby, The Pure Package can help you achieve your goals through a perfectly balanced diet.

The Design Museum Shad Thames, London, SE1 2YD 020 7403 6933 www.designmuseum.org

The team of nutritionists, dietary therapists and chefs have designed a range of dietary programmes to meet your needs. Keeping healthy has never been so easy and delicious!

4 - 6 June DANCE WAYNE MCGREGOR RANDOM DANCE Entity is Wayne McGregor Random Dance’s sell out production and it is back at Sadler’s Wells. Performed against a pounding soundscape by Coldplay and Massive attack collaborator Jon Hopkins and composer Joby Talbot; Entity is staggering blend of bodies, lights technology and film.

“Impressive… a godsend... saves you time and stress… mouth-watering.” Tatler

“So tasty… I lost one stone in 4 weeks… boy was it worth it!” Eve Magazine

“Perfect… created by a nutritionist to suit your needs, then you sit back and wait.” The Times

Sadler’s Wells Theatre Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN 0844 412 4300 www.sadlerswells.com

6 June EVENT

“The bliss of waking up and finding an entire day’s supply of healthy food on your doorstep is hard to describe – It’s all delicious… this is the Rolls-Royce of diets” Telegraph

CHARLOTTE STREET FESTIVAL Head to the Charlotte Street Festival for fine, fresh food and family entertainment. Several restaurants including Chez Gerard, Bam Bau, Andreas Greek and Bertorelli will be taking part in festival. www.charlottestreetfestival.org

PRE & POST BABY SKIN & AGEING ENERGY DETOX & CLEANSE Until 5 June

The diet delivered to your door

EVENT

FIN, FUR & FEATHER Featuring Helen Musselwhite, Catherine Rayner, Sonia Rollo, Rose Sanderson and Helen Thorpe. This show aims to bring together artists whose work is inspired in very different ways by the animal kingdom.

Te l : 0 8 4 5 6 1 2 3 8 8 8 i n f o @ p u r e p a c k a g e . c o m w w w. p u r e p a c k a g e . c o m

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180 Lower Richmond Road, SW15 1LY 020 8246 4840 www.wills-art.com

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www.artisticflare.com Visits to home and studio by appointment only

Until 14 June ART & EXHIBITIONS IRENE SCHEINMANN AT THE PORTLAND GALLERY Scheinmann’s collection of paintings are inspired by landscapes, rocks and the human body. She convoys her personal vision by infusing the real with the imagined. The cracks in the rocks and the patterns in nature present new images which are then translated into paintings, prints and other mediums. Portland Gallery 8 Bennet Street, SW1 1RP 020 8332 1200 www.portlandgallery.com

Until 14 June ART & EXHIBITIONS BRITISH COUNCIL COLLECTION The British Council Collection is to go on show for the first time. The exhibition features works from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Each item will have the price paid for the art and a ‘passport’ will show where the works have been shown since their date of purchase. 77-82 Whitechapel High Street, E1 7QX 020 7522 7888 www.whitechapel.org

WHAT'SON

Our guide to this month’s top events

8 – 14 June

9-19 June

EVENT

DANCE

COUTTS LONDON JEWELLERY WEEK

JEWELS This is the Royal Ballet’s new production of Balanchine’s Jewels. The three act ballet is set to the music of Faurè, Stravinsky and Tchaikovsky and it is inspired by the romance of glistening emeralds, dazzling rubies and sparkling diamonds.

Discover the beautiful and glamorous world of jewellery. Coutts London Jewellery Week has a whole host of events going on across London to celebrate jewellery, jewellers and designers. Highlights includes: the Hatton Garden Festival (13 June) and Treasure, an event that will showcase the best of visionary design, cutting edge technology and new talent.

Royal Opera House Covent Garden, London, WC2E 9DD 020 7304 4000 www.roh.org.uk

www.londonjewelleryweek.co.uk

14 June

15 June - 12 July

EVENT

THEATRE

VAUXHALL ART CAR BOOT FAIR

MINCEMEAT

This is one of the chicest car boot sales your ever likely to come across. With the recession in full swing, this is your chance to bag some art bargains. Big names such as Gavin Turk and Sir Peter Blake will be selling their works at low prices.

Mincemeat is the latest production by Cardboard Citizens, the UK’s only homeless professional theatre company. This play is the story about a no-body who become a somebody and in doing so changed the course of the Second World War. This is the true story behind The Man Who Never Was. © Dee Conway

Brick Lane www.artcarbootfair.com

Cordy House Shoreditch, EC2A 3BS www.cardboardcitizens.org.uk

Commercial Cars & Couriers Tel: 0207 790 1144 or 0207 790 3939

• 24 Hour Mini Cabs, Chauffeur Service and Nationwide Parcel Delivery • Reliable Service with experienced drivers • Established over 30 Years • New Accounts Welcome with online booking

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Fax: 0207 423 9488 | admin@commercialcars.co.uk | www.commercialcars.co.uk

events

19-20 June

June 20

THEATRE

EVENT

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER (BRINGING SEXY BACK)

BUMS ON SEATS

An exciting musical drama about love, loyalty and insecurity. Playing multiple roles, Sandra tells the story of two childhood friends which is put to the test as one realises the other is living the life she should have had. Rich Mix 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA 020 7613 7498 www.richmix.org.uk

119

Benefit evening of stand up comedy with Stewart Lee, Richard Herring, Simon Anstell, Brendon Burns and Josie Long. Hackney Empire 291 Mare St, E8 1EJ 020 85104500 www.hackneyempire.co.uk

21-25 June

25-28 June

THEATRE

EVENT

TYPHOON

GREENWICH & DOCKLANDS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL 2009

Typhoon is a new creative partnership between Greenwich Theatre and Yellow Earth, the British East Asian theatre company, as they bring their annual International Playreading festival - featuring some exciting theatre from China, Singapore, Vietnam, America and the UK. Greenwich Theatre Crooms Hill, SE10 8ES 020 8858 7755 www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk

One of London’s biggest free festivals Greenwich and Docklands international festival celebrates the imagination of outdoor art. Highlights include; water music at the National Maritime Museum, Fous de Bassin, a number of floating structures in Millwall Dock and Laws of Mation, featuruing Ballet Boyz II in Canary Wharf. www.festival.org

30 June - 4 July DANCE

SISI LARBI CHERKAOUI/ ANTONY GORMLEY/ MONKS FROM THE SHAOLIN TEMPLE The monks return to give UK audiences a second chance to see this stunning collaboration. Performed by 17 monks from the original Shaolin Temple in China, along with Larbi himself, Sutra is a fascinating exploration of the philosophy and faith behind the Shaolin tradition, its relationship with Kung-Fu.

Where Fine Food, Wine and Service Meets Italian Ambience IL BIANCO Ristorante & Pizzeria

Sadler’s Wells Theatre Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN 0844 412 4300 www.sadlerswells.

Until October ART & EXHIBITIONS INDIAN SUMMER The British Museum and HSBC are collaborating to being a season dedicated to Indian culture. A unique programme of exhibitions, installations, lectures, film and performances, highlights include Garden and Cosmos, The Royal Paintings of Jodpur, an Indian landscape and a specially commissioned space showing India’s biodiversity. British Museum Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG 020 7323 8181 www.britishmuseum.

www.ilbianco.co.uk 2 Biscayne Avenue, Off Blackwall Way, New Providence Wharf, London E14 9QT Tel 020 7987 2998 Email: info@ilbianco.co.uk

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lifestyle

THE SELF-ESTEEM TRAP

Why we should pursue autonomy, connectedness and competence over ‘raised self-esteem’ by Raj Persaud, Consultant Psychiatrist

he reasons why we do what we do shape not just how successful we are, but also whether we continue to be successful into the future. So it’s simply not enough to be motivated – it’s why you are motivated that matters. We are fundamentally driven to see ourselves as worthy and valuable people and we want to prove this not only to ourselves, but to others around us. If we become confident that we are worthwhile then this raises our self-esteem and this seems to be an activity that many believe is essential in order to make our way successfully through life. It’s easy to see why the pursuit of high self-esteem might appear to be a positive thing. For example if you set yourself a fitness goal (e.g. to go jogging every morning before work) then progress seems closely linked to levels of self-esteem. In the instance of a setback (e.g. you haven’t lost the weight you had hoped for) those with high self-esteem will assume that they will be successful in the future; they view themselves as masterful in general, and so will persist in the face of this temporary difficulty. Those with low self-esteem, on the other hand, will feel terrible about themselves because they will assume this is more feedback on their general life skills. In the future, they may seek to protect themselves from this experience by retreating from their original goals. The problem with self-esteem is that it seems to set a trap for those who don’t have it. Those with high self-esteem persist in the face of difficulty, tend to overcome difficulties as a result and gain more selfesteem in the long term. In contrast, those

suffering low self-esteem constantly assume that set backs are a signal that they are hopeless, so they give up early or do not invest the necessary effort; they are much less likely to experience success as a result. However, those who relentlessly pursue self-esteem may fall short on other worthwhile goals. For example, those with high self-esteem tend to personalise success when talking about it, assuming they succeed because of basic natural skill and talent. This leads to a lack of proper understanding of the reasons for success and failure. The second major problem with those who put the pursuit of selfesteem at the heart of their life is that it makes them self-centred. Even those with high self-esteem (if they are making an effort to maintain it) tend to be invested in proving their superiority over others to

The problem wiTh selfesTeem is ThaT iT seems To seT a Trap for Those who don’T have iT. make them feel better about themselves. Naturally this turns everyone else into a competitor or an enemy; if an individual gains a sense of self-worth from proving their superiority over others, then others end up feeling bad in their presence. This corrodes relationships. The key actions (psychologically healthier than the pursuit of self-esteem) are instead to increase personal autonomy, connectedness and competence. Autonomy means a sense of independence; for

wiTh The righT adjusTmenT To aTTiTude we can end up feeling beTTer and more confidenT for The fuTure, for healThier reasons raTher Than jusT To boosT our self esTeem. example, if your own choice to exercise contributes to a positive feeling, then you are likely to be successful in long term fitness goals. If instead you are exercising under medical advice, then you are not completing the task because you want to. Connectedness means you believe that you will be fitter and feel better about yourself and as a result, be a better partner, parent and friend. This motivation leads to greater connection with others. Finally, we all like to feel we are good at something; if we are pursuing fitness in order to improve how good we are at certain sports, rather than just show off our skills to others then we can increase competence. With the right adjustment to attitude, we can end up feeling better and more confident for the future for healthier reasons, rather than just because we are boosting self-esteem. n

Dr Raj Persaud is a Harley St Consultant Psychiatrist who also works in the NHS www.drrajpersaud.com

www.ramadadocklands.co.uk tel

0870 111 8779

located in a waterfront setting of Docklands and offering excellent guest care and facilities, a stylish Italian restaurant and Bar, well equipped conference rooms and 71 long stay suite for corporate lets. For enquiries call: 0207 540 4820, e-mail: sales@ramadadocklands.co.uk

call 0845 603 7979 or visit www.johnlewis.com/sfb

property

123

JUNE Hot ProPerties

A. Canary South, E14

B. Base 5, Brentwood, Essex

C. Royal Arsenal Riverside, SE18

1 bedroom furnished penthouse apartment on the 6th floor benefiting from a wrap around terrace with panoramic views towards the river Thames and Canary Wharf.

A selection of stylish 1 & 2 bedroom apartments ideally located close to shops, bars and restaurants and within walking distance to Brentwood station for trains to London Liverpool Street.

A truly gorgeous flat set on the top two floors of this building. 3 double beds, 2 baths and a huge lounge looking out over the river through floor to ceiling windows and over the roof terrace.

£395 per week – Savills 020 7531 2500

Prices from £185,000 – Crest Nicholson 0870 757 8384

£392 per week – London Stone Properties 020 8855 2155

D. Caspian Wharf, Yeo Street E3

E. 16 Kavanagh Court, Essex

F. Emerald Heights, Mauritius

A fully furnished studio apartment set on the 5th Floor and offering a balcony with dock views, conveniently located near Bow Street.

Set in a Grade II Listed property, this spectacular and spacious three bedroom apartment overlooks beautiful landscaped gardens, is full of original features and finished to a very high specification.

A stunning selection of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments and 2, 3 and 4 bedroom villas offering unspoilt views of the Indian Ocean on the vibrant and exotic Island of Mauritius.

£525,000 - City and Country Group 01277 202122 www.the-galleries.net

Apartments available from 275,000 Villas available from 895,000 Erna Low Property - 020 7590 1624 www.emeraldheightsmauritius.com

£565,000 – Life Residential 020 7476 0125

savills.co.uk

Port East Apartments, E14

£450 per week

Canary South, E14

2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment within Canary Wharf the Canary Wharf precinct. The shops and canarywharf@savills.com facilities of West India Quay are within close 020 7531 2500 proximity as well as local transport links. Furnished.

1 bedroom penthouse apartment on the 6th floor benefiting from a wrap around terrace with panoramic views towards the river Thames and Canary Wharf. Furnished.

Canary Riverside, E14

Dundee Court, E1W

£950 per week

£395 per week Canary Wharf

canarywharf@savills.com

020 7531 2500

£475 per week

Stunning 2 bedroom luxury riverside apartment Canary Wharf comprising of 2 bathrooms and a fully fitted canarywharf@savills.com kitchen, recently refurbished to a high standard. 020 7531 2500 Further benefits include allocated parking and 24 hour security. Furnished.

Contemporary 2 bedroom 2 bathroom Docklands warehouse conversion conveniently located in docklands@savills.com central Wapping with many original features 020 7456 6800 retained, benefitting from porter and private parking. Furnished.

Caraway Apartments, SE1

Cinnabar Wharf, E1W

£350 per week

1 bedroom apartment in a secure Docklands development with on-site leisure facilities. docklands@savills.com The apartment has wood flooring, porterage 020 7456 6800 and benefits from a central location in Shad Thames. Furnished.

£420 per week

Well presented 1 bedroom apartment in Docklands this prestigious development close to St. docklands@savills.com Katherine’s Dock and Tower Hill. The apartment 020 7456 6800 benefits from a river facing balcony, private parking and 24 hour security. Furnished.

savills.co.uk

New Providence Wharf, E14

£2,800,000

An impressive and immaculately presented penthouse apartment. Located in the popular New Providence Wharf development this spacious penthouse occupies the premier position on the 18th floor. n 3 bedrooms n 3 en-suite bathrooms n Balcony with river views n Parking n Concierge n Large study

Berkeley Tower, E14

£1,450,000

Port East, E14

£460,000

An immaculate 15th floor 3 bedroom, Canary Wharf 3 en-suite bathroom south west facing canarywharf@savills.com apartment. Situated in the sought after 020 7531 2500 development ofCanary Riverside, with panoramic views from Canary Wharf to the Thames and City.

A superbly located 2 bedroom 2 bathroom Canary Wharf 2nd floor apartment in one of the few canarywharf@savills.com blocks of genuine character. 020 7531 2500 Includes share of freehold.

n 3 bedrooms n 1 reception room n 3 bathrooms n Parking n Porter

n 2 bedrooms n 1 reception room n 2 bathrooms n Car parking n Porter

London's Finest Properties

Caspian Wharf, Yeo Street E3 • Studio Apartment • Fully Furnished • 5th Floor • Balcony • Dock Views • Nr. Bow St

£200 PW

Indiana Building, Deals Gateway SE13

Westgate Apartments, Excel E16

Hastings Street, Royal Arsenal SE18

£230 PW

£275 PW

£300 PW

• One B edroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 4th Floor • On-site Swimming Pool & Gymnasium • Allocated parking • Nr. Deptford Bridge DLR

• One Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 10th Floor • On-site Gymnasium • Concierge Service • Nr. Royal Victoria DLR

• Three Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 1st Floor • Private Garden • Double Parking • Nr. Woolwich Arsenal St

LANDLORDS

Three Colt Street, Docklands E14 • Two Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 3rd Floor • Parking • Ideal for Sharers • Nr. Westferry DLR

We urgently require 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments for awaiting, company and professional tenants. For all management properties we will take our fees on a monthly basis.

£325 PW

Ontario Tower, E14

• Stunning 23rd floor Suite • Unparalleled views to the river and Canary Wharf • Exceptional specification • Ultra contemporary riverside landmark building • 24 hr concierge/Spa centre/leisure facilities and room service available

£260,000

New Providence Wharf, Canary Wharf E14 • One Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 17th Floor • Balcony • 24hr Concierge • Nr. Blackwall DLR

£335 PW

The Watergardens, Canada Water, SE16

• 2 double bedroom/2 bathroom apartment • Beautiful ‘continental’ style development • Set within secluded courtyard around tranquil water gardens. • Located right next to Canada Water tube and shopping mall • Due south aspect with panoramic views

£380,000

One West India Quay, Canary Wharf , E14

New Providence Wharf, E14

£565,000

£490,000

• Spectacular 1 bedroom/2 bathroom • Arguably Canary Wharf’s most prestigious development • Superior specification and highly contemporary fittings • Unparalleled views of Canary Wharf • Located next to DLR and shopping malls

• 2 bedroom/2 bathroom • 6th floor riverside apartment • All rooms river facing • 900 sq ft of living space • Two separate entrances to apartment • Very high specification • On-site facilities include swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and gym

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

Central London 020 7582 7989

West London 020 8896 9990

Docklands 020 7476 0125

Deptford & Greenwich 020 8692 2244

April 09 Final ad OL.indd 1

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e cy y en nit gim sid tu re Re por tax op cial fi ne Be

élégance, plaisir, harmonie des propriétés aux charmes exceptionnels

Be one of the privileged few to invest in the Emerald Heights masterplan of exquisite lifestyle villas and apartments. A benchmark of quality in one of the last remaining sanctuaries of the world and a rare jewel in the Indian Ocean. • Five-star properties with pools • Emerald Lagoon Beach Club and Gems Ayurvedic Spa • Privileged golf membership • Concierge service • Rental marketing and investment management • Direct flights from 38 major cities Freehold purchase from €275,000 inclusive of taxes and furniture package International sales

+44 (0) 20 7590 1624 info@emeraldheightsmauritius.com

www.emeraldheightsmauritius.com

London Stone

Properties

23 mins to Canary Wharf by DLR 20 mins by River Boat

Stunning 1450 sqBright ft 3 Bed Penthouse Smart, Modern, 1 Bed

1,000 sq ftFlat 2 Bed Conversion Top Floor withWarehouse Floor to Ceiling Windows

Truly flat set the top1two of this building. 3 Goodgorgeous sized, clean andon modern bed,floors overlooking a double beds,with 2 baths a hugethroughout lounge looking over river courtyard largeand rooms and out heaps of the storage. through floor to ceiling windows and over the roof terrace. Furnished Furnished/Unfurnished SE18 £196pw

Smashing duplex flat with 2 large bedrooms, Great 2 bed flat with a large balcony runningtwo the smart length of bathrooms and a modern kitchen. Lotslagoon of exposed the property overlooking the internal and fountains. brickwork, Furnished cast iron beams and big windows. Unfurnished SE18 £242pw

1,300 sq ft 2Furnished Bed 2 BathLoft Warehouse Conversion Beautiful Style Apartment

Cute and Loft Lovely 1 Bed to Rent Fabulous with Amazing Roof Skylights

IfFantastic huge rooms, livinga room, 2 beds, 2 baths plenty 2 bedhuge flat with huge living room withand double of exposed brickwork and and charm suit you then kitchen. this may be height ceilings throughout a great modern the one to go for! Furnished Furnished SE18 £273pw

Smart, put2together, modern with A truly well unique bed flat inwell the furnished Royal Arsenal, with aflat huge good storage modern kitchen andofbathroom. Get living area thatand has very a vaulted ceiling and loads roof skylights. your slippers out! Furnished Furnished SE18 £335pw

1Fantastic Bed Loft with Ceilings and ParkFloors Views 3 bedHigh Penthouse on two

Luxury 2 Bed with RoofConversion Top Views Gorgeous Warehouse

Really attractive loft apartment with a southdouble facing living A really great penthouse offering 3 genuine room, 1 bathroom, cloakroom the loveliest bedrooms, 2 smart 2nd bathrooms and and an ultra modern beams kitchen. and brickwork to add charm. Furnished Furnished SE18 £358pw

Very modern, smarttwo 2 double bed fl2atdouble with 2 plush A beautiful flatvery set over levels with bathrooms, a modern great furniture and views bedrooms, two smart kitchen, bathrooms and a large study area.to the West over the river and the roof tops. Furnished/Unfurnished Furnished SE18 £345pw

SE18 £392pw

SE18 £277pw

Royal Arsenal Riverside, Woolwich SE18 A beautiful, gated development nestling along the River Thames the Royal Arsenal is composed of gorgeous old warehouses and ultra chic modern buildings, many with splendid river views. • Onsite gym and 24 hr concierge • Onsite delicatessen and café • Tranquil r iverside setting • Gated Buildings • Onsite dry cleaners • Neighbours that become friends

SE18 £323pw

SE18 £208pw

SE18 £177pw

SE18 £242pw

www.LondonStoneProperties.com enquiries@LondonStoneProperties.com Thames Clipper

020 8855 2155 - 07747 865 383 9 Gunnery Terrace, Cornwallis Road, The Royal Arsenal, London, SE18 6SW

Next issue... July

n July, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss our feature article on the real Africa, looking at the Westâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s relationship with this beautiful and diverse continent. We will also be talking to a group of young entrepreneurs about their cutting edge ideas; looking at the new business opportunities available thanks to the 2012 Olympics; and finding out more about classical music and opera in the modern age. In addition to business and finance, international travel, interiors and fashion, we will also be taking part in a cake-decorating class with Mich Turner, checking out the latest film releases, and burning rubber with our Lotus column. For this and much more be sure to pick up a copy!

10:37:02 pm 15/2/05

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CANARY WHARF CITYLIFE JUNE 2009 ART • INTERIORS • FASHION • MOTORING • BEAUTY • SHOPPING • BUSINESS • TECHNOLOGY • FOOD & DRINK • UK & INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY

I S S U E 47

CANARY WHARF CITYLIFE

JUNE 2009 • ISSUE 47

ECologiCal RECEssion green debt peaks

Va Va VooM!

What’s on at the Motorexpo

gRand MillEnniuM HotEls Win Vip tiCkets

Hot PRoPERtY

Uk & international