Gravitas spring issue 2018 by Scene Magazine

Your Free Copy Â£3.75 where sold

SPRING 18

Issue V

The George & Dragon Snug country pub with an industrial twist. The beautifully refurbished George and Dragon pub at Seaton is the ambitious new venture from Ralph Offer, formerly of the Stamford Wine Bar. This quintessentially English village pub has undergone a complete transformation, with three months of hard work creating an interior that is best described as a snug country pub with an industrial twist – think bare brick and luxurious tweed, enhanced with thoroughly modern metal accents such as the spiderweb light fitting which illuminates the main bar. The downstairs area has been extended to include a welcoming sitting room complete with cosy armchairs and a piano – the perfect place to while away an evening with a good bottle of wine. Ralph has put his wine knowledge to good use, creating a comprehensive drinks list including more than 30 wines, as well as a selection of local ales, lager and spirits that ensures there is something for every taste. Upstairs, luxury awaits in the form of three individually themed guest bedrooms; Pheasant, Stag and Hare. Each has its own unique, elegant look, which is co-ordinated down to the last mug and towel, and complemented by extra luxuries such as Moulton Brown toiletries. One thing that the rooms all have in common are stunning views over

the picturesque Rutland village of Seaton, with the village church and rolling hills beyond creating a perfect panorama to wake up to in the morning. However, the main attraction is the new fine dining menu, masterminded by chef Omar Palazzolo. After 17 years honing his skills in some of London’s best kitchens, including Nobu and Tom’s Kitchen, Omar has big plans for his own menu at the George and Dragon. He describes his take on food as ‘purist’, with a focus on simple flavours and quality, locally sourced ingredients that offer both great taste and nutrition for the body and soul. Expect a creative, ever-changing selection of dishes with influences from many of the cuisines that Omar loves, from modern Italian to Japanese. The George and Dragon is undoubtedly the perfect country destination for anyone looking for a great meal, a warm reception and a good drink. Ralph looks forward to welcoming you through the door. The George & Dragon 2 Main Street, Seaton, Uppingham, LE15 9HU 01572 747418 thegeorgeanddragonseaton.com Instagram @thegeorgeanddragonseaton Facebook @georgeanddragonseaton

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letter

WELCOME

Our fifth issue…what a journey!

Spring has sprung and with the lighter evenings our spirits are lifting and moods are swinging in an upbeat direction. In this Spring edition of Gravitas we want to celebrate the coming year with an overview of some of the exciting plans underway for the Greater Peterborough area and to showcase what is on our doorstep. We cannot forget that our most prominent city centre landmark, Peterborough Cathedral, celebrates its 900th anniversary with an array of activities planned that will open up this iconic building for everyone across the region to enjoy. The exciting development of Fletton Quays is progressing well, and a marketing suite is now open for the apartments and PIP has announced a renovation project to include a gin and whiskey distillery with a bar and restaurant. Cover

Model - Tiziana Terranova Photography – Adrian Dewey Hair – Laura Chadwick, PKai Hair

We want to showcase independent businesses within the area and always encourage the use of local retailers and services. With that in mind, in this edition you will read all about ambitious entrepreneurs, who have

turned their passion and positive outlooks into successful businesses, using various routes to market. They talk about their journeys and give an insight into running a business and how rewarding it can be, starting with an interview with Charles and Dean Asset Finance. Our fashion and style pages are focussed around two wonderful shops that are on our doorstep - Boheme Boutique in Wansford, specialising in pre-loved Vivienne Westwood clothing, and to complement the fashion, Henry Smith & Hamylton show off some of their designer eyewear. After you have worked hard and dressed the part, it is time to play! Take a look at the pages we have dedicated to what’s on and where to go as well as some of the best places to dine out. Some are hidden treasures offering gastronomic experiences as well established restaurants with superb reputations and delicious dishes to appease the highest standards and the healthiest of appetites.

Heidi & The Gravitas Team Heidi Semple - Publisher

Each issue of Gravitas is brought to you with pleasure and sincerity by a dedicated team of local professionals. Do follow us on our social media platforms for updates and details on local news and events.

@heidisemple @heidicaroline_semple heidi@scenepublishing.co.uk

01778 382762 07966 964520 gravitasmagazine.co.uk

Contents

The Gravitas Team

07-11 Entrées

Something to get you started.

12-22 Fashion

12-22

Adrian Dewey Creative Director/ Photography

Dee Kennedy Sales & Events Director

Jenny Garford Feature Writer

Jess Lamb Feature Writer

Freya Pell Feature Writer

Lydia Fahy Feature Writer

Unique style from Boheme Boutique by iconic designer Vivienne Westwood.

23-33 Health & beauty

Benefits of yoga, mental well-being and the latest products to promote healthy skin.

36-44 Escape

From the picturesque Philippines and stunning Seville to the north Norfolk coast.

45-49 Driven

22-33

Showcasing the Land Rover Velar.

50-61 Homestyle

36-44

Minimal Scandinavian interiors and take the inside-out.

Jo Saunders | Sub Editor mbcreativeuk.co.uk | Graphic Design

62-75 Taste explosion

We review George & the Dragon and show off some of the region’s best eateries. We introduce Kwoklyn Wan to the team.

45-49 50-61

76-99 Down to business

Business interviews and advice from our local experts.

100-106 Out & about What’s on, where and when.

Editorial contributors Emily Hayden (yoga) | Health Inspirational Travel | Travel Kwoklyn Wan | Food Nicki Mawby, Jo Bevilaqua, MOLD Agency, Inspire Ignite, Charles & Dean, Pilot Fish, Brookes Wealth and SaffreyChampness | Business

62-75 With special thanks to Features Stamford Stoves Sycamore BMW Haycock Hotel Smiths Motors John Lewis Zula Beauty

76-99 100-106

LET’S GET SOCIAL ... gravitasmagazine.co.uk

@gravitas_mag @gravitasmagazine @gravitasmagazine

Fashion Shoot Emily Hayden, Emma Wise and Leigh Joyce | Models Shaun Haste, Pkai Hair | Hair Brittany Morton | Make-up Boheme Boutique, Wansford and John Lewis, Queensgate | Clothes

Let’s get started The latest news and updates from the Greater Peterborough area.

Hampers for all occasions

Stunning

Stamford Stoves Stamford Stoves is celebrating the launch of its new showroom located in Barnack. Well-known names like Charnwood, Esse and Contura are beautifully and artfully displayed in the new space. You will be spoilt for choice with the abundance of wood burning stoves on offer. So to help you make up your mind, drop in for a hot drink in front of a blazing fire and decide which beautiful stove will take pride of place in your home. Station Road Business Park, Barnack, Nr Stamford PE9 3DW stamfordstoves.co.uk

Considered one of the 10 best hamper companies in the UK, Hay Hampers is a family-owned business based in Bourne and founded in 1984 with four guiding principles – authenticity, freshness, sharing and trust – which remain central to the brand’s success today. Its collection of luxury hampers is a celebration of artisan and independent speciality food and wine production from the UK and all over the world. Traditional and innovative tastes intermingle to offer great gifts for all occasions, budgets and recipients all year around. Both to private and corporate customers, Hay Hampers gives a personal, first-class customer service that only a family-run company can offer. Simply choose a gift, add a free personalised card and Hay Hampers will deliver your selection the next working day. The Taste House, Roman Bank, Bourne PE10 9LQ hampers.co.uk

Weekday at the Wine Bar The Wine Bar is a Stamford institution famous for delectable drinks and unrivalled hospitality. However, did you know that this tasteful, modern bar is so much more than just the go-to location for a glass of wine (or several) on a Saturday evening? Well, now you have the perfect reason to enjoy this bar at any time of day! Open from 10am daily, the Wine Bar is a fabulous weekday hideaway, with a selection of delicious food from the Stamford Deli on offer as well as cheese and meat boards made in-house. As if that wasn’t enough, the high speed WiFi and free coffee refills make the many cosy corners of the bar the perfect setting for business meetings or a welcome change of scene from the office. We know where we’d rather be working! St Pauls St, Stamford PE9 2BE stamfordwinebar.co.uk

Birthday girl Happy, successful first birthday Anna Couture Boutique! This adorable boutique sells everything a girl needs from luxury dresses including day, prom and evening gowns from brands including Forever Unique and Hybrid to all the necessary accessories that all ladies need in serious abundance.

Precious metal There’s a new bar on the scene in Stamford! The Copper Room at 16 St Mary’s Hill (formerly The Single Cask Whisky Bar) has been revamped by new owners and native Stamfordians Rob and Liam. Having both gained experience in Stamford institutions such as the William Cecil and venues around the country, they’ve now joined forces for the very first time to create The Copper Room. The duo’s ethos? A focus on superb quality craft beers served in a warm, welcoming environment – and they certainly deliver!

There’s a treat for the magpies among us who love glitz, glamour and sparkle: jewellery, shoes, bags, hair accessories and fascinators – perfect for special occasions. And, for those who like their hidden clothing to be as beautiful as the outer layers, the boutique offers bespoke lingerie handmade in sumptuous silks. As a bridal designer, Anna can make a unique wedding gown to your specific design ideas. She can also provide special one-off creations for mothers-of-the-bride and bridesmaids. Bridal accessories from veils, garters and stockings are also available. The talented Anna can also undertake all alteration and repair work from zips to hems to relining. Check out the Facebook and Instagram pages for Anna Couture Boutique 17C St Mary’s St, Stamford PE9 2DG 01780 76517

The cosy décor features comfy armchairs and sofas surrounding the centrepiece copper. They offer a variety of tasty snacks, from nachos to scones, and have big plans for the future including a renovation of the basement area. A snug and stylish addition to Stamford’s thriving nightlife! The Copper Room 16 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford PE9 2DP thecopperroom.co.uk

Style to suit you Do you find that you have a lot of clothes but not many outfits? Do you struggle to find the right style? John Lewis at Queensgate shopping centre has professional stylists on hand to help with any of your wardrobe issues. Whether you are looking for a seasonal update, going on holiday or you are looking for an outfit for a special occasion, the stylists can help you find the right look that works beautifully and effortlessly and most of all, is unique to you. This service is free of charge and is invaluable to guiding you to getting your look right.

Style Express - 1 hour Instantly refresh your look or find that special outfit.

Personal Styling Style Experience - 2 hours Give your look a seasonal update. With a little more time, the stylist will explore new styles and the latest trends to create a wardrobe that works together beautifully. To make an appointment contact John Lewis on 01733 344644 or visit johnlewis.com

HomeXpanda Urban Marque is a successful local company specialising in the design, supply and build of habitable timber lodges. Due to the construction they can often be erected without lengthy planning permission and there are many uses like home office, gym, annex, garden room or a library, and Urban Marque can offer several building routes to meet your budget. The company has introduced HomeXpanda, a high quality self-build extension flat pack, making it even more affordable to add that extra space to your home. The simple and easy to install design reflects a modern bespoke finish with lots of glazing, and units are available in multiples of 1200mm in width and length and are made in its UK factory. Each kit complies with UK building regulations and is fully engineered under Eurocodes. You can rest assured that your investment is of the highest quality available and will serve you for a lifetime.

HomeXpanda - The economical system to Xpand your home. urbanmarque.com

Get colour envy

Wella Professionals Colour Fresh Create colours are now available at all PKai Hair Salons. The range comprises of semi-permanent colour creams that fades true to tone over time and pastelises during each wash. This new and unique formula gradually fades into beautiful soft pastel hues and lasts up to 20 washes, allowing clients to enjoy full creativity and freedom to change! Its Precision Cream formula is ammonia-free, fragrance-free and peroxide-free, so kind to hair and the environment. Let PKai Hair make you feel as unique as your new hair colour with this latest technology that gives a semi-permanent expressive colour palette. Book in for a complementary colour consultation at any one of three PKai Hair Salons... Hampton - 01733 358835 Westgate - 01733 358825 Deeping - 01778 300558 pkai.co.uk

10 Hilton Garden Inn

Taking shape Fletton Quays – a spectacular, sustainable modern residential and commercial development on the banks of the River Nene.

January saw Weston Homes and the Peterborough Investment Partnership (PIP) release an update on the highly ambitious £120 million Fletton Quays project. This initiative aspires to breathe new life into the historically important site on the banks of the River Nene, just outside the city centre. The goal is to create a spectacular, sustainable modern residential and commercial development on a site that has been derelict for almost 50 years.

We already know that we can expect a number of exciting new retailers, but to add to the excitement, the PIP announced that a high-end whisky and gin distillery with a complementing restaurant will form a key attraction within the development.

Construction is well underway, with most elements due to complete in 2019. It’s going so well that the accommodation within the development is now on sale, with Weston Homes offering one and two-bedroom apartments to buyers from £172,000.

Guests will be able to enjoy delectable locally sourced artisan food in the adjoining restaurant - cookery master classes using the best of local produce will be offered and a private room will offer diners the chance to host exclusive events.

weston-homes.com/fletton-quays

Hilton Garden Inn will take pride of place within the development. The grand nine-storey hotel will provide 160 guestrooms, a riverside restaurant, meeting rooms, a fitness centre and a rooftop bar with stunning views across the river and Peterborough Cathedral.

What else can we expect from this vibrant new addition to our city?

Words – Jess Lamb

Nene Valley Distillery

The Nene Distillery will renovate the impressive Grade II-listed Goods Shed to create its new home. Tours and tastings will, of course, feature on the menu and the development will also include a museum, gift shop, and unique virtual reality experience where visitors will be immersed into the world of prohibition and play a part in distilling illicit moonshine in the American Deep South.

Let’s not forget that this new development also celebrates everything great about our local area. This is perhaps best reflected in the names selected for various buildings and roads throughout the complex, which commemorate Peterborough’s proud wildlife and rail heritage. Bittern Way, for example, celebrates the A4 class No. 4464 Bittern, a famous steam locomotive that ran on the East Coast Main Line through Peterborough in the mid-20th century (as well as the beautiful bittern birds which can be spotted in the area year-round). We will also see names such as Mayflower Close and Merlin Drive appear. There is no doubt that Fletton Quays will bring an incredible amount of energy and excitement to our already flourishing city we at Gravitas cannot wait to see the end result!

Peterborough is the place to be!

It’s a fantastic time for our area, as Peterborough continues to grow faster than almost any other city in the country. We are seeing projects such as the £120 million development at Fletton Quays bring new life and energy to the city. The latest exciting proposal for the Bridge Street area of the city centre comes from Progressive Property. The Hampton-based developers have submitted plans for 98 one- and two-bedroom flats across four floors of the building which currently houses B&M. With easier access and comfort for older residents in mind 20 units will be designated Lifetime Homes. This development will breathe new life into a partly vacant building, as well as enhancing its physical appearance – the artist’s impression certainly looks stunning! A public consultation on the planning application has run throughout March, and we can’t wait for the results. Visit peterborough.gov.uk for further updates.

Chow down in Cowgate Two new food businesses have opened on Cowgate, Peterborough, adding to the city’s exploding food scene. Mania Pizza has taken over the former Topo Gigio premises and will offer pizzas, surprisingly, cooked in a traditional pizza oven, with a menu of classics plus a couple of toppings reflecting owner, Zuzanna Mania’s Polish roots.

And, The Good Stuff has moved into number 16 offering healthy-eating meal boxes and burritos. The Good Stuff 20 Cowgate, Peterborough PE1 1WG FB thegoodstuffpb

Mania Pizza 36 Cowgate, Peterborough PE1 1NA FB maniapizzapeterborough 07545961353

Network at the races Huntingdon Racecourse has opened its doors to a new way of business networking. If you are looking for a different approach to networking and would like to meet a pool of like-minded businesses just outside of your usual catchment area, then this is the event for you. Enjoy mixing business with a day at the races at this unique venue on 10 May from 12pm. The price of £30 includes main enclosure admission, exclusive networking facility with panoramic views of the track, light finger buffet lunch, safari networking, a guest speaker, a tipster session, race-day programme, tote betting facility and a private bar. huntingdon.thejockeyclub.co.uk

Evening, Special Occasions, Bridal & Accessories Alterations

17c St Mary's Street, Cheyne Lane, Stamf d PE9 2DG, 01780 765174 W @annacoutureboutique

New vintage Vivienne Westwood statementpiece Union Jack Corset pure Silk dress, £2,500 – one of only six ever made

Photography – Adrian Dewey | Hair – p•kai | Make-up – Brittany Morton

I love selling these pieces as they are more affordable so more people can wear them.

New vintage Vivienne Westwood Lace/Sequin Corset Dress £495

Sex sells

From a boutique in London’s King’s Road called Sex, Vivienne Westwood is now a doyenne of the fashion world. The Spring edition dedicates its style pages to fashionista Dame Vivienne Westwood, British fashion designer and businesswoman. Largely responsible for bringing modern punk and new wave fashions into the mainstream. And if you admire her and her style, then there is no need for a trip down to London as you can get it right here. A short trip down the road will bring you to Dagmar Price of Boheme, a fashion boutique based in the picturesque village of Wansford. Not only has she bucket loads of passion for fashion, she also has an amazing collection of Vivienne Westwood couture. Dagmar explains: “I’ve always loved clothes, that goes with the territory of being a woman! My son Lee was the originator of my love affair of all things Vivienne Westwood. It’s the sumptuous fabrics and sometimes historical design with the modern twist that means it never dates, and is also a great investment. “I’ve been selling Vivienne Westwood for 18 years now, 15 of which were her new seasonal collections. Three years ago I decided to sell her Pre-loved/vintage, new clothing and accessories. “I love selling these pieces as they are more affordable so more people can wear them. I’m recycling something someone has worn and loved for someone else to wear and love.” Boheme Drayton House, 24 London Rd, Wansford, Peterborough PE8 6JD bohemeclothing.com info@bohemeclothing.com

Photography – Adrian Dewey | Hair – p•kai | Make-up – Brittany Morton

Pre-loved vintage Vivienne Westwood Tartan Corset Dress £600

New oversized Vivienne Westwood Heart T/Shirt £80

Photography – Adrian Dewey | Hair – p•kai | Make-up – Brittany Morton

This stunning Vivienne Westwood Sequin Gown is part of a private collection.

We just couldn’t resist including this fabulous image.

Get connected

The French Connection collection is available from John Lewis, Queensgate Shopping Centre. Words by Alison Smith, Personal stylist at John Lewis, Queensgate

Outfit by French Connection from John Lewis, Queensgate

Wear this midi-length dress on its own for a fresh spring look. To create more mileage from one piece, try it layered over a camisole and teamed with indigo jeans for a stylish outfit.

Spring/summer 2018 is all about effortless dressing. Add a pop of colour such as bright red or coral, like this stylish top from Mint Velvet.

Outfit by Also featured is the Renault Clio Signature Nav (see page 49), available at Smiths Renault Bretton Way, Bretton, Peterborough PE3 8YL 01733 307823 www.smithsrenault.co.uk Book your test drive today

Mint Velvet from John Lewis, Queensgate Eyelet Bow Sleeve top £79 Jeans £69 John Lewis necklace £20

Photography – Adrian Dewey | Hair – p•kai | Make-up – Brittany Morton

Kioa Shirt dress £120 Classic T-Shirt £27 Summer silk sweater £60 Jeans £69

smithandhamylton.co.uk

Gucci Â£239.90

The future’s so bright...

Cazel sunglasses - £339.90

... I gotta wear shades from independent opticians Henry Smith & Hamylton.

Stocking more than 14 different designer frames Henry Smith & Hamylton also offer the latest styles from Chanel, Gucci, Tom Ford, Ray Ban, Joules, Alexander McQueen as well as designs from independent label, Bauhaus.

Paul Smith glasses - £229.90

Designer Glasses and Sunglasses available from Henry Smith & Hamylton , Cumbergate, Peterborough PE1 1YR

Chanel sunglasses £439.90

Photography - Adrian Dewey

Chanel glasses £349.90

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Take your positions

Yogaâ&#x20AC;Żis an ancient form of exercise that focuses on strength, flexibility and breathing to boost physical and mental well-being Emily Hayden is a qualified yoga teacher specialising in Yoga for Sport and Vinyasa Flow. emilyyoga.org | Instagram @emilyhyoga | FB emilyhaydenyoga

Turn over to discover Emilyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Top 10 favourite positions you can do at home!

Photography - Adrian Dewey | Clothing - yoguh.co.uk | Mat - yogi-bare.co.uk

These are my favourite poses to detoxify your body, give your digestive system a boost and release anxiety. Using your breath to calm the nervous system and centre your being to make you present in these poses will help clear the mind of negativity and bring focus.

24 Parivrtta Trikonasana - revolved triangle pose

Malasana - garland pose

This pose opens the chest and increases lung capacity. It aids digestion, circulation and releases stress.

This pose allows a release of toxins and waste and helps relieve constipation. From standing, step your feet to shoulder width apart, with toes pointing out, bend your knees and start to sink into a squat. Ground down into the feet, press your palms together at your heart and press elbows against your knees. Hold for 10 deep breaths. Repeat on the other side.

From standing, feet hip width apart, step right leg back around one metre turn the toes to 90 degrees and align the heels. Firm your thighs and turn the right thigh outward to create knee to ankle alignment. On your exhalation turn your torso to the right and square your hips firmly grounding into left heel. Lean forward over front leg reaching left hand to the floor or on a block and hand up towards the ceiling, keep gaze forward or down to begin with, more advanced students can begin to look up towards the right hand.

Ardha Pavanamuktasana - half wind releasing pose Loosens up back tension and massages the colon to help release gas or bloating. Lie on your back. Extend legs flat along the floor. Bring your right knee towards your chest and interlace fingers behind your right thigh. Relax and lengthen through the heels. Take 10 long breaths and repeat on the other side.

Bound headstand This pose strengthens the body, increases circulation, stimulates the thyroid glands, increases metabolism and releases toxins. It is also good for focusing the mind. Kneel on the floor and interlace your fingers together. Bring elbows at shoulder width to the floor and press inner wrists firmly down. Set the crown of the head onto the floor and snuggle the back of the head into the interlaced hands. Inhale while lifting knees off the floor, carefully walking the feet in towards the elbows. Firm the shoulder blades and lift towards the tailbone. Try lifting one leg up at a time with a bent knee and if you can, bring the other leg up to meet it. Keep length through the spine and stay active. If you can, start to straighten the legs actively pressing heels towards the ceiling.

Ardha Pincha Mayurasana - dolphin pose This mild inversion pose helps drains toxins and excess mucus from the lungs and sinuses. Come onto all fours and then onto your forearms, tuck your toes, lift your knees and hips and start to straighten the legs. Keep length in the spine and neck looking towards your legs. Keep active through the body. Hold for 10 breaths.

Jathara Parivartanasana belly twist pose This pose stokes digestion and wrings out waste. Draw your knees into your chest and extend arms to a T-position. Lower legs down to the left and gaze towards the right. Take 10 breaths pausing at the end of each exhalation. Repeat on the other side.

Gomukhasana - cow face pose This gentle twist wrings out the digestive organs to help eliminate toxins. Sit down and root through the sitting bones, and stack right knee over left, bringing feet towards glutes. Bring right hand behind you and place your left arm against your right thigh. Gently twist to the right, using your breath to take you into the twist. Take 10 deep breaths into the belly and repeat on the other side.

Salabhasana - locust pose

NAMASTE

This pose strengthens the back body and aids digestion with the pressure on the tummy. Lie on your tummy with your arms at your sides, rest your forehead on the mat, while exhaling lift your head to gaze forward and lift the chest, upper torso and arms. Use your inner thighs and base of the glutes lift legs up towards the ceiling. Breathe five times and release. Repeat the sequence five times. Repeat on the other side.

Parivrtta Utkatasana - revolved chair pose This pose strengthens lower legs and tones thighs, glutes and abs, the twist aids digestion and eliminates toxins. From standing, root into the four corners of the feet and start to sit back towards the heels while bringing arms up beside ears, take hands into prayer at the heart centre. Inhale to lengthen the spine and exhale to twist to the right taking the left elbow to the outside of right knee. Twist round to the right from the ribcage upwards, but keep hips neutral. Repeat this five times on each side.

Balasana - childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pose Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s getting into a downward dog or the lotus position, yoga can make you feel relaxed and alleviate negative thoughts. An ancient form of exercise, yoga focuses on strength, flexibility and breathing to boost physical and mental well-being. This gentle forward bend helps stimulate the digestive system. Come to hands and knees, bring heels together and begin to press back to sitting on your heels and fold over your thighs, relax your body and fill your body with 10 breaths.

Mood enhancers Natural ways to boost your health and happiness.

Say yes to yoga

Kick start your day in stitches

Whether it’s getting into a downward dog or the lotus position, yoga can make you feel relaxed and alleviate negative thoughts. An ancient form of exercise, yoga focuses on strength, flexibility and breathing to boost physical and mental well-being.

Having a laugh is one of the best remedies for stress. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the natural feel-good chemicals that make us happier and relaxed. Many studies show that laughter boosts our energy, decreases stress hormones, improves immunity and diminishes pain.

Cheer yourself up with cacao Cacao contains a small amount of caffeine, as well as a compound called theobromine, which has a mild stimulating and energising effect. So, having a few pieces of raw chocolate can be a great afternoon pick-me-up without the over-stimulation and jittery feeling you can experience from coffee. Chocolate also contains phenylethylamine that can act as a brain neurotransmitter and affect your mood and pleasure. Choose chocolate with more than 70% cacao.

Words - Heidi Semple

You’ve got to move it Exercise stimulates endorphin release, making you feel good. It doesn’t need to be intensive or of long duration – even a 10-minute brisk walk will help.

Ditch your mood with vitamin D Vitamin D can help with the symptoms of mild depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Although you can get some vitamin D from foods like butter and oily fish, it’s not always enough. The best way to get vitamin D is from spending time in the sun, or to take a supplement.

B happy B6, B12 and folate are crucial nutrients for a natural daily chemical process called methylation. This process balances the neurotransmitters dopamine and adrenalin, which regulate our moods. These nutrients are found in oily fish such as salmon and mackerel, eggs, feta and cottage cheese.

50 shades of seduction More skin, less make-up!

Natural make-up from Jane Iredale to enhance your beauty. By Claire Wollerton, Zula Beauty Sanctuary

Why you should choose Jane Iredale mineral make-up.

Liquid minerals £40.95

• Unparalleled range of products, colours and finishes

Blending brush £28

• Free from fillers, synthetic oils, dyes and preservatives

Empty Compacts £12

• Made with the highest quality minerals • Pharmaceutical-grade vitamins and antioxidants • Natural SPF in most products • Weightless, long-lasting coverage • Can apply the make-up after facial and waxing treatments

Handi brush £28 Amazing base £39

• Soothing and easy to apply • Water resistant Cream blush £24

• Great for sensitive skin

This is where Jane Iredale mineral make-up is amazing as it doesn’t feel like make-up - even though it can cover, soothe and protect while making your skin glow and look completely flawless! Our favorites are all the bases. Why? Well, because they even out any discolouration leaving your skin feeling toned, smooth and dewy.

The products are free from synthetic oils, dyes and preservatives. The effectiveness of the products is commended by plastic surgeons, dermatologists and skincare professionals around the world. Offering a beautiful variety of colours across foundation, eye shadows, lip colours and make-up kits, the range will inspire looks from barely there nudes to glamorous evening drama. zulabeauty.co.uk

Photography - Adrian Dewey

Cosmetic company Jane Iredale is committed to enhancing your most beautiful self through natural products that actually nurture your skin. How many times do you feel your make-up is irritating your skin, giving you pimples and undermining your selfconfidence? So you end up applying even more cover.

Unit 5a Serpentine Green Hampton Peterborough PE7 8BE 01733 358835 The Arcade Westage Peterborough PE1 1PY 01733 358825 10-12 Market Place Market Deeping PE6 8EA 01778 300558 Book online: pkai.co.uk

Be Beautiful Words by Freya Pell

Are you ready to face spring? Or is your skin still to recover from our windy winter. Freshen up with a beauty regime followed by one of your favourite celebs. My top 3 luxury skincare care brands this season come personally recommend by me and they also have some celebrity fans too! If you’re looking for a regime that’s mid range up to high end, I have the products for you! All of these skincare brands contain essential ingredients for youthful, glowing skin to suit every skin type and tone. Invest some time and money into your skincare routine because you only get one face so look after it correctly....!

Used by Kate Middleton and Victoria Beckham. Available from Space NK Apothecary Stamford. spacenk.com

Rodial Bee Venom Cleansing Balm £65 Main ingredients: Bee venom, jojoba oil, almond oil, wheatgerm oil, amino acids and salicylic acid.

Rodial Bee Venom Super Serum £180 Main ingredients:

Rodial Bee Venom Moisturiser £160 Main ingredients: Bee venom,

Bee venom, bio marine collagen 6, marimoist, P-cell, sodium hyaluronate.

vitamin C, sodium hyaluronate and cyclopeptide-5.

Tata Harper Purifying Cleanser £62 Main ingredients: Pomegranate,

Tata Harper Illuminating Moisturiser £76 Main ingredients:

papaya, broccoli extract, clove, fennel and ginger.

Tata Harper Replenishing Nutrient Complex £43

Main ingredients: Alfalfa, vitamins A B C D and E and rose seed oil.

Hyaluronic acid, mango seed butter, Spanish lavender and willow bark extract.

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser £14.50 Main

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic £15.50 Main ingredients:

Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser £21 Main ingredients:

Used by Jourdan Dunn. Available from Space NK Apothecary Stamford. spacenk.com

Used by Holly Willoughby. Available from Boots and John Lewis, Queensgate. boots.com johnlewis.com

ingredients: Eucalyptus essential oil, rosemary, chamomile and cocoa butter.

Aloe vera, calendula, chamomile, cucumber, geranium, lavender and Sweet orange pure essential oils..

Avocado, borage plant oils and vitamin E.

Facing facts

Say Goodbye to dull, uneven complexions and welcome to fresh, balanced skin tones and maximum radiance.

These Clarins SOS Primers offer colour correction adapted to your specific needs. £26.50 from John Lewis at Queensgate Shopping Centre.

Boosts radiance

Eliminates dark spots

Minimises redness

Energy for tired skin

Smoothes imperfections

Brightens dull skin

1 2 7

6 4

5 8

7 & 8. Clarins has launched a new new innov inno vativ tive lip base e lip base - a moisturising transpar tr ansparen ent primer t primer tha thatt instantly instantly smoothes lips and smoo thes lips and sets lipstick to sets lipstick to ensure ensur e long-lasting make-up make-up hold for a perfect perfect finish. £18 from from John Le Lewis at at Queens Queensga gatte Shopping Cen Centr tre. e.

Bee...cause youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re worth it Treat yourself to this Fab-bee-lous package and support the local bee population, helping you feel great inside and out.

minute facial Thermal Spa use 2 course lunch For more information...

0333 7007 667 www.yspa.co.uk

ÂŁ69.00 per person Follow us

The Waterfront Hotel, Golf & Spa, Great North Road, Wyboston, Bedfordshire, MK44 3AL

Mind, body and soul Fall in love with taking care of yourself. Put a spring back in your step! With spring on its way, we like to get outdoors more but what happens if we are suffering from aches and pains that are restricting us, even if it is just a niggle? I would like to tell you about MBST (MRT). A stress-free alternative with no side effects and, in a lot of cases, has prevented the need for surgery and long-term medication. It works using the already well-known technology in MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) - magnetic resonance. Energy is transferred to any damaged cells within the ligaments, tendons, cartilage, muscle or bone. This enables the cells to work at an optimum rate so the tissue being treated is regenerated which means, for example, cartilage is able to regenerate, bone can increase in density and the healing process can be can be initiated and sped up! So, for any athlete, MBST can get you back to your sport faster. And for anyone suffering from osteoarthritis or osteoporosis it can rid you of pain and make you more mobile. Now that will put a spring in your step! Come and see us at Cell Regeneration and Clare House Physiotherapy in Tinwell, Rutland.

Reconnect, recharge & empower your energy

Liz Clare - Managing Director - Cell Regeneration Zeeco House Annexe, Casterton Lane, Tinwell , Rutland PE9 3UQ 01780 238 084 | mbst-therapy.co.uk

Welcoming the transformation in your life and business.

Our thoughts, words, actions, behaviour and emotions are all energy we control, and we share in our world. So when we believe problems are happening outside of us, it’s time to reconnect to our energy and remember we all have the ability to manage (accept), resolve (heal) and move forward. Reiki is an ancient Japanese holistic natural healing system meaning universal energy. It is a great holistic healing modality which comes with a teaching structure, for you to learn, grow and continuously develop your energy. Reiki works within to heal and restore your natural balance and flow: •

Physically - reduce aches and pains, tension headaches, recovery from illness or injury, encourages deep relaxation and promotes quality sleep.

•

Mentally/ emotionally - reduce anxiety and stress, manage grief and loss, relationships, heal and release negative emotions.

•

Spiritually - reconnecting you with your sense of purpose, passions and sense of self-awareness, heightening your intuition.

The experience of Reiki introduces you to mindfulness, meditation and relaxation. It gives you once again, a sense of being, calm, energy, focus and direction. Are you ready to learn and reconnect your energy? Emma Lannigan - Author of belifehappy Reiki Teacher, Holistic Wellbeing Coach & Marketing Mentor 07508 246266 | hello@emmalannigan.com | emmalannigan.com

The art of conscious living

- Discover mindfulness at Ferry Meadows Many people know that mindfulness techniques can help us handle pressure and stress. What is less realised is how becoming more mindful can enhance our experience of daily life. Mindfulness has been called “the art of conscious living”, and it is an approach that helps us to appreciate and get the most from each moment. Practice can wake us up to a greater sense of well-being, energy and focus so that our experiences are richer, fuller and more vivid. As Jon Kabat-Zinn, the founder of modern mindfulness, said: “You see more and you see more clearly”. Where better to experience this than in the surroundings of Nene Park? This relaxed and informal introductory event will be run by Jennifer Cramb and Andrea Woods. Jennifer and Andrea run mindfulness courses in Peterborough and have trained to teach mindfulness-based stress reduction in accordance with the UK Network of Mindfulness Based Teachers. Date: 19 May | Time: 11am – 1pm | Cost: £12.50 Location: Lakeside, Ferry Meadows Country Park PE2 5UU Booking is essential For more information: jennifer.cramb@vivekacc.com

Discover a pain free future... Say goodbye to hip and knee replacements by

The technology speeds up and promotes the healing process.

investing in your health and well-being now.

What’s more, it can treat various aliments, including:

There is a revolutionary technology that’s taking the world by storm enabling you to invest in your future health without the need for surgery or medication – MBST.

• Disc and back problems • Onset of osteoarthritis • Sports injuries • Cartilage damage

MBST therapy is a safe, non-invasive treatment that

• Bone conditions and fractures

can clear up your injury or pain once and for all and is

• Ligaments, tendons and muscle damage

available via physiotherapists across the UK.

Want to see how this innovation therapy can help you? Contact your local physiotherapy centre, Cell Regeneration, in Tinwell, Stamford on 01780 238084 and speak to our qualified staff. See what our clients have to say: facebook.com/mbstUK/

Start your treatment today!

Call us on 01780 238084 | email us: info@mbst-therapy.co.uk | Find out more, visit: www.mbst-therapy.co.uk

Photography – Adrian Dewey | Hair – P-kai | Make-up – Brittany Morton

Pre-loved Vivienne Westwood vintage Check Suit £255

Iconic Vivienne Westwood vintage Bondage Suit ÂŁ900

The overall experience was amazing and one that I definitely will be repeating.

Barefoot Luxury High-end, luxury holiday homes for travellers looking for a little indulgence.

Words - Heidi Semple

When looking to go away on holiday or have a family or romantic break, we often ask friends for recommendations. I for one, feel more confident about booking somewhere that a pal has already visited. So, I wanted to share my experience in North Norfolk with you. Gravitas works closely with Barefoot Retreats, a luxury holiday cottage rental agency based in Norfolk, and I was impressed to learn that the company works with more than 85 distinguished and unique holiday homes in the North Norfolk area. It specialises in relaxing luxury holiday retreats, with all the properties boasting high-specification interiors, including stunning dĂŠcor and furnishings, quality linens and beautiful kitchens and bathrooms.

Owner of Barefoot Retreats Emma Mason has lived and worked in the area for more than 20 years and has amassed extensive knowledge of the Norfolk Coastline and rural towns and villages. From the moment I made my initial enquiry I was given the best customer service, advice and guidance as to which area and home would best suit my requirements. The staff in the office were simply a pleasure to deal with and every endeavour was made to make my holiday a highly anticipated experience. Arriving at the cottage on a cold, dark Monday evening my partner and I were delighted to find that the heating had already been switched on and the house was warm throughout. Along with this very thoughtful gesture was a welcome pack consisting of some delicious local produce - home-made brownies, granola, bread and jam. There was also rich ground coffee and in the fridge; fresh milk and a bottle of nicely chilled Prosecco!

37 Our stay was faultless and even though we did not take advantage of the concierge service available, Barefoot Retreats is happy to arrange activities such as organising a helicopter trip or balloon ride, getting a hot tub delivered, booking a visit by a beauty therapist, reserving a table at the best restaurants or even organising a private chef to come to your home. This unique service, designed to enhance your stay, is all offered as part of the customer experience. Some of the areas you can escape to in one of its romantic cottages or family homes is Hunstanton, Thornham, Brancaster, Burnham Market and Wells-next-the-Sea.

Barefoot Retreats has a superb, easy-to-use website where you can view its fabulous selection of hand-picked boutique, luxury self-catering cottages. It can cater for romantic escapes and family and friends get-togethers for up to 24 people as well as accommodating your pets (in selected homes). The overall experience was amazing and one that I definitely will be repeating. If you are looking for some escapism with a touch of luxury and finesse, please visit barefootretreats.co.uk where you can view its wonderful portfolio of properties.

RETREATS Seeking a fresh, new and innovative approach to l e t t i n g y o u r h o m e ? We ’d l o v e t o h e a r f r o m y o u !

NO JOINING FEE

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At Barefoot Retreats we combine luxury boutique hotel experience with the privacy and freedom of staying in a self catering cottage. With an impressive portfolio of over 75 luxury holiday cottages we are more than just a booking agent! We offer a fully managed service with a personal touch so rest assured we’ve got it all covered no matter what stage of your letting journey you are at, we are here to help and assist you every step of the way.

L U X U RY P RO P E RT I E S

AMAZING P L AC E S

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

Voted the classiest county in Britain this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty requires no introduction. Escape here with us and enjoy the many wonders that North Norfolk has to offer.We don’t need to sell it to you, you’ll fall in love with it on your own. High Street, Thornham, Norfolk, PE36 6LX17 • Ulph Place, Overy Road, Burnham Market, PE31 8HQ 01485 512245 • enquiries@barefootretreats.co.uk • www.barefootretreats.co.uk

Relax Check your emails Have a coffee Tweak the presentation

Eat a sandw WHAT???

- WE RE HERE?

: N O D N O L o t H G U PETERBORO

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Paradise islands An archipelago in South-East Asia of more than 7,000 islands the Philippines boasts picturesque beaches and breath-taking coastlines and so much more.

The Philippines is defined by its emerald rice fields, sprawling megacities, graffiti-splashed jeepneys (jeeps), smouldering volcanoes, bug-eyed tarsiers (a small primate), fuzzy water buffalo and smiling, happy-go-lucky people. Demand a deserted tropical beach all to yourself? Done. Want rainforests, mountains, ancient tribal villages and terraced rice paddies? No problem. Wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t leave the house for anything less than world-class diving? Sorted.

The Philippines is a South East Asian country, comprising of more than 7,000 islands but most of the population live on just 11 of them. It is lesser known than its neighbours Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia and has a definite laid-back vibe, with warm and friendly people. The capital, Manila, is a diverse city bursting with life, with plenty to see and do. It has a fascinating history with Spanish, American and Asian influences and English is widely spoken.

Pearl of the Orient The Philippines has a tropical climate; it is hot and humid but as the country is spread over such vast distances, the weather does vary. Generally, the temperatures average between 25°C and 29°C throughout the year and the best time to travel is between January to May when most of the country is warm and dry. The country is renowned for its smouldering volcanoes, lush rainforest, beautiful coastline and vast picturesque rice terraces. Its location makes it a perfect choice to combine with a visit to Singapore or Hong Kong.

However, no holiday to the Philippines is complete without a visit to at least a couple of the islands to experience the idyllic beaches. Boracay is possibly the most popular option and has been voted one of the most beautiful destinations in the world to visit. It is a small island in the central Philippines and is an hours’ flight from Manila. It is best known for its powdery white sandy beaches, clear blue

Book your trip! For more details contact Inspirational Travel on 01778 382764 or visit inspirational-travel.com

waters and trendy bars and nightlife.

Exclusive Islands In the heart of the Philippine archipelago, Cebu is the second largest of the islands and the most densely populated and is rich in culture and history. Cebu city is less chaotic than Manila and is renowned for its shopping (the local markets are a must) and local cuisine. With long stretches of beautiful sandy beaches and world-class resorts, there really is something for everyone. The exclusive islands of Palawan offer uncrowded beaches and beautiful scenery, with the best surfing and diving. El Nido Resort is a hidden gem with picture-perfect, sheer limestone cliffs and secluded coves, with fabulous beaches and aquamarine waters. Pure barefoot luxury!

With just a 15-hour direct flight between you and paradise, what are you waiting for?

The variety the Philippines has to offer is why it is becoming an increasingly popular destination within South East Asia. Direct flights are available from the UK to Manila and island hopping is easier than you would imagine, either by internal flight or boat transfer. There is a vast selection of accommodation to choose from, with prices to suit all tastes and budgets.

Book your trip! For more details contact Inspirational Travel on 01778 382764 or visit inspirational-travel.com

Splendid Seville Sunshine and citrus fruit – take a sensational break in Seville.

Seville, the largest city and the capital of southern Spain’s Andalusia region, was recently voted the best city to visit in 2018 by Lonely Planet.

As the birthplace of tapas (small bites), gastronomy plays a large part in Seville’s culture, attracting foodies from around the world. You can also enjoy the flamenco dancers that are regularly seen performing in many of the tourist bars and clubs.

Compact and bursting with culture and charm, it is an easy city to explore the stunning architecture and historic attractions, where there is so much more than flamenco dancing, bull fighting and oranges.

The people of Seville love to party and there is certainly no shortage of good restaurants, bars and nightclubs. You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation as the city offers a wide selection of good quality hotels to suit all budgets, ranging from 3-star to the more luxurious 5-star

Seville is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the stunning cathedral - the world’s largest Gothic cathedral, with its iconic Giralda bell tower. Seville has an average of 300 days of sunshine each year, with temperatures peaking at more than 40ᴼC in the height of summer, making it perfect to visit in spring, early summer and autumn. While Seville is easy to explore on foot, other options include taking an open-top bus ride or a romantic horse-drawn carriage tour.

boutique hotels. Shopping is a definite option, with an excellent selection of local markets and high-end fashion stores on offer. British Airways and Iberia, as well as the low-cost carriers Ryanair and Easyjet, fly to the destination, making Seville ideal for a short or long break at any time of year. This beautiful part of Southern Spain is a go-to destination for everyone, and is the perfect alternative to the popular Spanish cities of Barcelona and Madrid.

Coach House, Thornh am, 5 Bed

The Gables, Thornh am, 4 Bed

Lavend er Barn, Holme-next-the-Sea, 5 Bed

Hope Cottage , Holme-next-the-Sea, 1 Bed

The Old Smithy , Holme-next-the-sea, 1 Bed

The Beach Hut

Available for hire to Guests staying in any of the Ocean Breaks Norfolk properties.

LUXURY HOLIDAY LETTINGS Book direct with the property owner: oceanbreaks.com | 07515 063572 or 01733 200908    Search: Ocean Breaks

EXPLORE MORE CORNERS. THE NEW MINI 5-DOOR HATCH. The original style icon has been reimagined for exploring the city with your friends in tow. So, you get all the trademark attitude with more doors and more legroom. Full circle LED front lights and Union Jack inspired LED rear lights put real personality on the road. And the optional 7-Speed Steptronic transmission delivers very fast gear shifts for an even sportier feel. Our stylishly smart 6.5-inch full colour display connects to devices beautifully but, the optional Navigation Plus package with touchscreen display takes that connectivity to whole new levels with Real Time Traffic Information and MINI Concierge Service. Who’s in? To find out more and book your test drive† call 01733 707074. Sycamore (Peterborough) Ltd. Papyrus Road, Werrington, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE4 5HW

SEARCH: SYCAMORE MINI Official Fuel Economy Figures for the MINI 5-door Hatch range: Urban 36.7-70.6 mpg (7.7-4.0 l/100km). Extra Urban 58.9-88.3 mpg (4.8-3.2 l/100km). Combined 47.9-80.7 mpg (5.9-3.5 l/100km). CO2 Emissions 136-92 g/km. *Figures are obtained in a standardised test cycle. They are intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not be representative of what a user achieves under usual driving conditions.

MINI is a trading style of BMW (UK) Limited. Company registered number: 01378137. Registered office: Summit ONE, Summit Avenue, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 0FB. VAT number: GB584451913. BMW (UK) Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in relation to its credit broking activities. †Test drive is subject to applicant status and availability.

Rover’s return Motoring journalist Tim Barnes-Clay reviews the Range Rover Velar, which fits slap in the middle of the Range Rover Evoque and the Range Rover Sport. The Velar is refreshing in the sense that it’s different looking, with svelte LED head and rear lights that fold around its flanks. It also has a slanted grille and flat door handles. All this helps to modernise the look of the Range Rover family. It’s a style with restrained detailing, such as the crease line going from the front light to the rear, via the drawn-out side vents. It’s evidence of Land Rover’s ‘reductionism’ strategy - and that’s even more obvious in the cabin. The Velar houses a conventional flat dashboard, with a middle section flowing from the centre console and upward to the car’s infotainment system. This consists of dual 10-inch touchscreens that are simply awesome. When switched off, they’re black panels that complement the Velar’s uncluttered style. But when the Velar’s ignition is turned on, the panels spark into life, with bright displays. What’s more, the upper unit pivots forward to welcome you.

Incorporated into the nethermost of the bottom screen are two bigger dials with their own LED displays, and a volume button. The lower monitor governs the ventilation and heating as well as the Velar’s Terrain Response technology. Both dials function with each setting. The higher screen will sort out the navigation, audio and telephone systems, while both displays are simple to operate. It’s also a cinch to connect your smartphone. Oh, and there’s even built in WiFi, should you need it. The car on test here is the 3-litre V6 diesel in R-Dynamic HSE guise, with a price tag of £70,530. It’s gorgeous and well kitted out, but not inexpensive. It will cost a fair bit to run, too, managing around 44mpg. CO2 emissions are 167g/km. The Velar’s 3-litre diesel powered engine produces a refined drive. Yes, you can still hear the familiar diesel rattle if you press the accelerator hard, but it’s not a deal-breaker. You can also hear a bit of tyre roar, but that’s due to the Velar being so well insulated from any wind noise.

As you’d anticipate, the Velar will handle off-roading well, too probably more so than most people will even attempt. Acceleration is quick for a machine weighing in at two tonnes. It’s not so much about the 6.5-second 0-62mph time as the immense swell of muscle. It makes the diesel Velar more entertaining than the supercharged petrol version. Throttle reaction is excellent, too. The Range Rover Velar is seated on the same chassis as the Jaguar F-Pace, so you get the same firm ride. However, the Velar manages to soak up potholes and other road blemishes effortlessly. The car’s steering weights up well at speed, and the stiffish ride helps to regulate body roll on corners. As you’d anticipate, the Velar will handle offroading well, too - probably more so than most people will even attempt. The car is laden with a bunch of technology in its Terrain Response settings to get you through the muddiest, rockiest, snowiest and sandiest of situations. At 4,803mm, the Range Rover Velar is a bit lengthier than the F-Pace, but the 2,874mm wheelbase is the same. The Velar’s 632-litre boot is slightly down on the Jaguar’s 650 litres, but the Velar’s cabin quality is far better than the F-Pace’s.

The room in the back of the Velar is disappointing, though. If you’re 6ft tall, as I am, you’ll need the driver’s seat as far back as it will go. And this means legroom in the rear is not much better than the space some superminis offer. I anticipated more. But, as a package, the Velar is compelling. It radiates ladles of luxury as well as off-road prowess. Yes, it’s pricey, but it is a Range Rover – and a rather handsome and different one at that.

Pros ‘n’ Cons •

Attractive √

•

Comfortable √

•

Equipment √

•

Power √

•

Rear Space X

Fast facts

(Range Rover Velar 3.0 D300 R-Dynamic HSE - as tested) •

Max speed: 150mph

•

0-62mph: 6.5secs

•

Combined mpg: 44.1

•

Engine layout: 2993cc six-cylinder diesel turbo

•

Ma. power (PS): 300

•

CO2: 167g/km

•

Price: £70,530

Marshall Land Rover Mallory Rd, Boongate, Peterborough PE1 5AU 01733 566767 marshall.co.uk/landrover

Yes, it’s pricey, but it is a Range Rover – and a rather handsome and different one at that.

Renault CLIO Seduction never ends

Test drive the Renault Clio at Smiths today The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the CLIO range are: urban 39.2 (7.2)–85.6 (3.3); extra-urban 60.1 (4.7)– 91.1 (3.1); combined 50.4 (5.6)– 88.3 (3.2). The official CO2 emissions are 127–82g/km. Figures are obtained for comparative purposes in accordance with EU legislation and may not reflect real-life driving results.

SMITHS Bretton Way, Bretton, Peterborough PE3 8YL Tel 01733 307823 www.smithsrenault.co.uk

Book a test drive

Hygge hype

Embrace your inner-Scandinavian with a wood burning stove and a Nordic-inspired interior.

Stove from stamfordstoves.co.uk £2,465 (White Enamel)

By Jenny Garford

Light and bright, contemporary and timeless, Scandi-cool is an interior trend we won’t be seeing the back of anytime soon. Built around a monochromatic palette and clean lines, Scandi-style interiors are the antidote to busy modern living, offering a haven of highly-functional yet beautiful living spaces to unwind and get snuggly in. All-white rooms are softened with tones of grey, from the whisper of dove to the deepest, darkest off-black. Colour is introduced through smaller pieces of furniture, accessories and playful fabrics - often in geometrical designs like the gorgeous green rug pictured; cushions

and blankets in chunky knits are used to create a sense of coziness, something that’s important in Scandinavian culture. Log burners are key features in many homes, with living spaces and seating arranged around them, bringing families together in a cosy, relaxed environment to chat, drink coffee or read books. We highly recommend a visit to the Stamford Stoves showroomwhich features a fantastic range of wood burning stoves to help recreate that hygge feeling in your own home, including the super-stylish Contura stove pictured. When it comes to creating that cosy hyggevibe in your own home, we suggest stoking up the fire, drawing the curtains, lighting some aromatic candles and curling up with a good book and a cup of tea. stamfordstoves.co.uk

Amber & Smoke Paddywax Urban Candle £20 Hurn & Hurn

Brass Manola 12 Chandelier £345 Royal Design

Storm Grey Cotton Chain Knit Cushion £25 John Lewis

White Stelton Stella Bowl £39.95 Cloudberry Living

Scandinavian Grey Iceberg Sofa £388.50 Maisons du Monde Grey Woven Cushion £45.98 Maisons du Monde Green Blocalia Cotton Rug £80.39 Maisons du Monde

Olive Tweedmill Wool Fishbone Blanket £49.95 Hurn & Hurn Nordic Light Candleholder £112 Scandinavian Design Centre

Green Marble Side Table £149 Swoon Editions

Modern chintz

Bring the beautiful blooms of spring inside with this up-to-date take on chintz.

From forest and bottle, to emerald and moss, green is the colour for home interiors this year; statement pieces like this gorgeous velvet sofa are ideal for those who want to dabble in the trend, while those who are confident with colour can create daring and complex design schemes with layers of colour and texture.

Ivy copper mirror side table £149 Swoon Editions

Plush cushions in vivid chartreuse sit boldly against deeper hues, while daring floral prints add interest to walls and soft furnishings – seriously modern chintz. Try layering greens with botanical prints in varying sizes for maximum visual impact and complement the look with the scent of ‘Jane Austen’s Springtime’ a beautiful floral fragranced candle from talented local

Assorted velvet cushions £32 Idyll Home

candlemaker, The Wicked Wick.

Blanca green velvet sofa from £2,095 Att Pynta

Words - Jenny Garford

Prosperine Magenta throw £255 Designers Guild

The Rose Wallpaper (Mimosa) £65 per roll Designers Guild

Chartreuse misi velvet cushion £29 Also Home

Diversity Accent Chair £399 Furniture Village

Gold Polly Parrots Lamp £55 Dunelm

Unit 1a Station Road Business Park, Barnack, Stamford PE9 3DW Telephone: 01780 769274 www.stamfordstoves.co.uk • @stamfordstoves Open: Monday – Friday: 9am–5pm Saturday: 10am–4pm

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Beautiful kitchens, beautifully priced Come and see our stunning kitchen collection, choose from an edited palette of door styles and 20 painted matt and gloss finishes. Our expert designers combine clever design with beautiful, quality materials and colours to create a unique Hammonds kitchen that looks ÂŁ30k for less than half that price. *Ask staff for details.

Pop in and see our brand new kitchen and bedroom showroom at Peterborough One Retail Park, PE1 4YZ TO REQUEST A FREE 132 PAGE BROCHURE OR DESIGN VISIT CALL US ON 01733 221681

Celebrating our 15th anniversary

WOODCOCK HOLMES Come in and meet our experienced team at our new office and let us help you find your new home.

Residential Sales • Multi-award winning Estate Agents • Successfully selling since 2002 • Local and trusted • State of the art market intelligence system • Free photography and floorplans • Part of The Guild’s 800 office network • Property exhibitions in Park Lane, London • Professional property seminars

Property Management • Full Management service • Tenant Find Only service • Rental and legal protection products • Fully referenced tenants • Visual cloud based inventories • Regular inspections reports • 24hr maintenance cover • Buy To Let purchase scheme

Woodcock Holmes

First Floor Offices, 4 Office Village, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8GX T : 01733 303111 | E : info@woodcockholmes.co.uk

KNOWLEDGE.. INTEGRITY.. RESULTS..

The green room As the sun begins to peek through the grey clouds, it is time to turn our thoughts to the garden. Whether you have acres of land or a tiny postage stamp plot, your garden is your escape, your private Eden to while away the days. And, now is the perfect time to spruce up your space.

Words - Lydia Fahy

• Feel the cold? A fire pit could be the perfect garden investment. Not only will it keep you warm but it also creates an enthralling evening focus for any sized garden. Invite some friends over for hot drinks and toasted marshmallows around the fire. • A love seat adds a romantic feature to all gardens whether it is a focal point or a hidden retreat in a larger plot.

• Add a fashionable tree swing to your garden and everyone that visits will want a go, whatever their age. • Get on trend with mismatched tableware, recyclable serviettes and washable plastic cups and take away the hassle out of being precious about your quality dinner service. Pop some herbs in small milk jugs for fresh easy styling. • If you’re planning on upgrading your garden furniture, go modern and save space. Look for simple lines rather than large modular seating. It looks great, cleans effortlessly and is much easier to store. homeideology.com instagram.com/home.ideology

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Now is the perfect time to spruce up your space.

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Mowing to Robobic Perfection

Please contact us for a quotation and site visit to install mower Kates Bridge, Thurlby, Bourne PE10 0EN 01778 560466 | fentonsofbourne.co.uk

NEW SHOWROOM 7 BRIDGE ST SPALDING

Curtains

Blinds

T +44 (0) 1775 711654

Soft Furnishings

Upholstery

E lisa@classicinteriorsltd.co.uk

Wallcoverings

W classicinteriorsltd.co.uk

Classic Interiors, 7 Bridge Street, Spalding, Lincolnshire PE11 1XA

Why choose...

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custoom mer ser vice experience We don’t just want to satisfy our customers we want to amaze them.

But don’t just take our word for it... Just to say thanks a lot for the excellent service I received today from your engineer fitting our new boiler. No pushy salesman to start off with, Jason being friendly and concise in our options. Patrick did a great job today, clearly knew his stuff, easy to chat to and took me through any questions I had. Would have no hesitation in recommending your company to anyone.

Chris Dobson

Our Vision Our vision for ImpraGas is simple: we aim to become the UK’s leading boiler specialists, and we will do this by delivering an outstanding service that focuses on quality, reliability, honesty, value for money, and high quality workmanship. We only install boilers and central heating systems, and this has allowed us to become expert installers and masters of this sector.

0333 00 900 90 contactus@impragas.co.uk www.impragas.co.uk Unit 8, Enterprise Court, Yaxley, PE7 3GR

Care

Think Boiler Repair - Think ImpraCare

The George & Dragon Jenny Garford visits a traditional country pub that offers excitingly modern cuisine.

Words and pictures - Jenny Garford

Nestled in the Rutland countryside, in the sleepy village of Seaton, the newly refurbished George & Dragon is the epitome of the modern country pub; bright, fresh and comfortable with a self-assured simplicity offering wine, food and a warm welcome.

Inside, the pubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dated interior has been stripped back to reveal centuries-old stonework and lintels, with a beautiful red brick wall providing a backdrop for a roaring log burner, where customers can relax in comfy leather chairs and old church pews. Beyond the bar is a dining room with a similarly understated countrychic feel. From our table we got a glimpse of head chef, Omar Palazzolo and his kitchen team at work. The front of house team headed by the owner Ralph Offer, are attentive and helpful. The George & Dragonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s menu reads simply, with just a handful of starters, mains and puddings to choose from; boasting classic flavour pairings, the presentation of plates was more contemporary than expected, and the layers of flavour, with surprising elements within each dish, had my dining companion and I oohing and ahhing.

The epitome of a modern country pub.

Pan fried scallops and cauliflower textures were elevated with the addition of toasted coconut shavings and a drizzle of curried oil; perfectly tender and crisp-skinned duck breast (the best I have ever eaten), served with a spiced butternut squash puree, was lifted by the addition of pickled raspberries, which cut through the richness of the duck and the dense, nutty fondant potato; and the apple and berry crumble, served with vanilla ice-cream jumped from humble and homely to utterly heavenly with the addition of lime juice and zest laced through the ice cream.

Omar’s style is restrained, yes, but not in the least bit unimaginative; he has a clear love for seasonal, local produce, with the dishes on the menu changing every day, depending on what has come into the kitchen, as well as taking influences from cuisines all around the world and his 17 years’ experience in some of the capital’s toughest kitchens, including stints at Tom’s Kitchen and Nobu. Ralph, former manager of The Wine Bar in Stamford, has used his expertise to create an extensive drinks list that includes more than 30 wines, and will happily talk you through the perfect pairings to accompany your meal. Upstairs, enjoying unrivalled views of the rolling Rutland countryside, are three tastefully decorated rooms that make up the bed and breakfast side of the business; with its idyllic setting, fantastic food and cosy corners, The George & Dragon is the perfect retreat for a fine wining and dining experience. The George & Dragon Inn 2 Main Street, Seaton, Oakham, LE15 9HU 01572 747 418 thegeorgeanddragonseaton.com

fine dining club

Grab a great offer at one of these fine dining venues.

Gravitas has collaborated with some of the finest dining venues in the region to showcase their food and to give our readers a unique dining invitation.

The Country Lounge Wansford celebrates the opening of a fabulous new café - Country Lounge Café Bar. This new café/wine bar offers delicious breakfasts, morning coffee and a selection of home-made cakes, lunches and evening meals. The Country Lounge is licensed to serve fine wines, beers, spirits and much more. Open seven days-a-week from 9am-4pm and Thursday to Saturday, it’s also open in the evenings whereby the atmosphere changes to a more intimate setting of a wine bar until 10pm. Sundays are made even more special by offering an amazing traditional Sunday Lunch with a choice of meats served with all of the trimmings.

Words and pictures - Jenny Garford

The Country Lounge also provides private functions. You are all welcome to come and say hello to see what we are about.

OFFER As part of the Gravitas Fine Dining Club you will receive 10% off your evening meals until the end of July. Wansford Country Lounge Cafe Bar 12 London Road, Wansford PE8 6JB 07712 266382

The Blue Bell

The Jackson Stops

The Blue Bell in Glinton, just north of Peterborough, is set in an 18th century English country pub and offers real ales, oak beams and cosy open fires.

The Jackson Stops Pub in Stretton is a second-generation run family restaurant.

The dining experience, recognised in the Michelin Guide, offers modern cuisine in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. And the new garden room allows diners extensive views of the grounds while enjoying their meals. This venue also offers the options of private dining and professional lunches and is childfriendly. Head chef, Will Frankgate and his team use only the freshest ingredients supplied by local producers, ensuring the perfect dish every time.

OFFER

Spring Early Doors Offer - Any Two Courses and a bottle of Prosecco to share for £24.95 per person. Available between 6pm-7pm Monday to Friday. T&C (minimum of 2 people, maximum 8 people) Valid throughout April, May and June. Booking is essential. Please quote Gravitas when making a booking to validate offer. The Blue Bell, 10 High Street, Glinton, Peterborough PE6 7LS 01733 252285 thebluebellglinton.co.uk

It has achieved Michelin-recommended status for the last five years and continues to work towards creating fabulous eclectic and diverse menus with a superb wine list to match. The passion for food shows through with every dish and the dedication to give each diner a culinary experience they will always remember is evident by the warm welcome and professionalism of the staff. If you are looking for a relaxed setting that oozes character, chefs that use local ingredients and suppliers for their food, and a varied selection of ales, then a visit to The Jackson Stops should be at the top of your list.

OFFER As part of the Gravitas Fine Dining Club you will receive 10% off your food bill when you dine Monday through to Friday. Quote: Gravitas. The Jacskon Stops Rookery Lane, Stretton, Rutland LE15 7RA 01780 410237 thejacksonstops.com

A PLACE FOR EVERY OCCASION

Sunday Lunch

Weddings

Afternoon Tea

Spa Treatments

Meetings

Golf Membership

Overnight Stays

Celebrations

Email reception@staplefordpark.com or call 01572 787000 Stapleford Park, Stapleford, Nr. Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE14 2EF. www.staplefordpark.com

Asian soul

Fish Tank Sushi in Oakham demystifies the intricacies of sushi.

Ramen

Slow-cooked belly of pork Ramen is the heart of Asian soul food. A revitalising, nourishing, hearty classic dish that is high in the running of the national dish of Japan. It takes considerable culinary skill and many hours to create with each element requiring time to prepare before combining in a bowl for a delicious harmonious flavour explosion. Fresh vegetables, bamboo shoots for a nutty favour, traditional enoki mushrooms which add a sweet mild, earthiness to the soup, a soft boiled egg, chunky noodles mixed with simmering pork that’s so tender it falls apart in your mouth – heaven!

Miso soup

Traditional Japanese soup created from a mixture of soybeans, sea salt and rice koji. Simple and savoury – a favourite cold-weather friend. Miso soup is a light, cleansing soup with nourishing silky tofu, flavoursome spring onions and dried kelp. It has been used for centuries in Asian cultures as a form of probiotics, to strengthen the immune system, and to provide beneficial B12. It also helps detox the system and banish away any lingering colds. Vegan and gluten-free.

Tempura soft shell crab

A generous, hearty portion of deliciously sweet, crunchy soft-shell crab – sweet and tender with a mild tangy flavour accompanied by chilli mayo. Some have argued that soft shell crab is undoubtedly the most delicious seafood – you decide.

Chilli tofu and shredded vegetable Maki

The warmth of the chilli mixes beautifully with the sweetness of the vegetables and tofu – a succulent, filling and spicy taste sensation. This is a guaranteed winner among vegans and non-vegans alike. It is a healthy, protein-rich and low-fat choice full of zest and flavour. Vegan and gluten-free.

Prawn and mixed pepper Maki:

Simple, sweet, delicious sushi – a great introduction for anyone skeptical of trying fish and/or sushi. The prawn has a delicious slightly sweet flavour that is enhanced by the sweetness of the peppers. Prawns are good for you too, high in protein, iron, zinc and vitamin E while being low calorie and contains heart-friendly omega-3 fatty acids.

Fish Tank Sushi, Bakers Yard, Oakham LE15 6AA | fishtanksushi.com | 01572 720077

Classic Village Pub with a twist of Fine Dining

BOOK ONLINE OR CALL 01733 252285 10 High Street, Glinton, Peterborough PE6 7LS

thebluebellglinton.co.uk

A family Affair Food embodies the Wan family and now you can get your wok on with Kwoklyn Wan at one of his cookery classes. Written by Kwoklyn Wan

My earliest memories are the ones surrounded by my family, sitting down to feast on banquets of home-style Chinese food. Growing up in the heart of Leicester with my brother and sister, we were constantly surrounded by food and it has played such an important part in all of our lives. Grandfather Wan opened the first Chinese restaurant, The Hung Lau, in Leicester in 1962 and then Poppa Wan opened the first Cantonese restaurant, The Bamboo House, again in Leicester in 1978. Now, nearly 40 years later, I became the third generation of Wan restauranteurs. The restaurants started out as our playgrounds; where we spent a lot of time playing with our elder cousins, hiding under the tables, running through the kitchen and bolting up and down the stairs as my cousins

would chase us with dead bees they had found. Growing up in the industry, I learnt my skills as a Chinese chef at an early age. Having been introduced to martial arts at the local centre aged 4, I continued my journey into adulthood with my usual desire to be the best at whatever I do and later, having chosen to specialise in Bruce Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jeet Kune Do, I made a name for myself worldwide training with many of the greats under Bruce and teaching for the Bruce Lee Foundation in America. However, even with an actively successful martial arts school in Leicester and after years of bringing huge shows to the NEC or hosting top instructor seminars, my passion has once again returned to food. Over the coming months, I want to share with you my passion for all things delicious, where to find that perfect ingredient and how to combine specific tastes to make something so simple, yet mouth-watering.

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Life is an adventure – Live it – Love it – Eat it!

If I had to choose a favourite dish? It has to be Peking Duck, but so few restaurants take the time to create this amazing dish purely down to the time involved to slice the skin away from the duck before serving it separately ready for rolling up in to those delicate little pancakes with the juicy meat, fresh cucumber slivers and a drizzle of hoi sin sauce – my mouth is literally watering just thinking about it! I hope to inspire you to try new flavours, invest in that wok you’ve had your eye on forever, visit that restaurant where you were always unsure of what to order. Visit my website for step-by-step recipes, ‘Wok’ Not to Buy and simple how to guides - did you know you could peel ginger with a teaspoon? Book a place at one of my upcoming demonstrations and cookery classes being hosted at beautiful venues across the UK - every event is fun and tasty with lots of chat and, of course, delicious food to sample. 2018 will see the launch of my brand new ‘K’Wok On’ online cookery course and lifestyle programme – click the link on my website to ‘Join The Journey’ and become one of the select few invited to have your say in what you want to learn and maybe even join me in the studio to take part in a live recording of the show and podcast. Life is an adventure - Live it - Love it - Eat it! www.kwoklynwan.com

Meet Kwoklyn Wan at the Aga Showroom in Oundle on 21 June for a relaxed Mid Summer’s Evening of Chinese Canapes; watch the demonstration of the superior Aga cookers and sample the nibbles or get hands on with some dumpling folding and ingredient chopping.

Rural respite

The White Horse

The Bertie Arms

The Black Horse

The Paper Mills

With its striking cornflowerblue exterior, The White Horse is hard to miss, not that you’d want to, as the popular village pub has been drawing in the crowds with its modern-rustic interior and inviting atmosphere since its refurbishment in 2013; it’s a truly smart and cosy place to sink a pint.

With its traditional thatch and chocolate box charm, The Bertie Arms has serious curb appeal. Built in 1681, the pub is said to be one of the oldest in the county, however it has been given a contemporary makeover by the new landlords, Katie and James, creating a light, bright eclectic vibe.

Set just off the A605, this handsome village pub offers great food in a comfy, stylish setting; the pub has several dining rooms around a central bar area.

Sat alongside the River Nene, boasting views of the old Wansford Bridge, The Paper Mills is a welcome stop for those exploring the surrounding countryside.

The food is equally as splendid with a seasonal menu that includes game shot on the landlord’s farm, as well as some imaginative dishes like beetroot jelly served with pickled shallots, walnuts and parsley meringue (£6.25); maple glazed pork rib, with charred pineapple, anna potatoes and creamed kale (£15.95), or the whipped coconut panna cotta with passion fruit granita and white rum jelly (£6.95).

The food is more traditional with plenty of pub favourites, but it’s the epic B.A. mixed grill (£23) and the Plate Full of Lincolnshire (£14.50) that got us excited - Lincolnshire rarebit and sausage, Nelson’s pork pie, haslet, chine, cheese, plum bread, brassica fritters and apple chutney - guaranteed to satisfy the hungriest of patrons. Or, pop in for coffee and enjoy a selection of homemade cakes and bakes.

Classic pub dishes like the house burger, with smoked cheddar, bacon, onion jam, pickles, ‘slaw and chips (£14) are served alongside dishes like braised ox cheek with potato dauphinoise (£18), or roast chicken with beetroot, celeriac, and brown butter potato rosti (£16). For pud try the vanilla cheesecake with Earl grey ice cream, jelly and poached plums (£7).

Classic pub dishes and a selection of seafood, charcuterie and anti pasti boards are available at lunch and dinnertime, with the addition of an a la carte menu in the evening.

The White Horse, 4 Church Street, Baston PE6 9PE 01778 560923 thewhitehorsebaston.co.uk

The Bertie Arms, Bertie Lane, Uffington PE9 4SZ 01780 766400 thebertiearms.co.uk

The Black Horse also has a pretty terrace and one of the most beautiful beer gardens in the area. 14 Overend Road, Elton, Peterborough PE8 6RU theblackhorseatelton.co.uk

Whet your appetite with a sublime cocktail of pankocrumbed king prawns, white crab meat, creme fraiche and silky lobster marie rose sauce (£10), followed by Atlantic cod with sorrel veloute and suckling pig chorizo (£18), and finishing with an indulgent chocolate orange truffle torte served with salted maple ice cream (£8). The Paper Mills, London Road, Wansford, Peterborough PE8 6JB 01780 782328 paper-mills.com

Words and pictures - Jenny Garford

Check out these traditional country pubs, which are no more than a stone’s throw away.

DELI-icious

Pasta, soup, artisan breads, cheese, meats – pickled, cured, cooked or au naturel - whatever you fancy there’s a deli that’s got it!

The Stamford Deli The Stamford Deli is an Aladdin’s cave of delights - shelves of fresh bread, scotch eggs, quiches, hearty salads and savoury flapjack, plus homemade soups and freshly made sandwiches. There’s also a lot of sweet-toothed indulgence to be had with the mouth-watering array of loaf cakes, biscuits and a mound of rich chocolate brownies, topped with our favourite chocolate bars- including the famous creme egg brownie. High Street, Stamford FB thestamforddeli

Otters Fine Foods Say ‘cheese’, there are many reasons to smile at Otters Fine Foods in Oakham, not least because they sell a fantastic selection of cheese, importing some of the best artisan and traditional cheeses from Europe as well as holding a range of fabulous British cheeses, including those produced by Alex James. At Otters there’s the option of dining in, with a fantastic selection of cheese, fish and charcuterie platters, as well as sandwiches, salads and brunch dishes. Mill Street, Oakham ottersfinefoods.co.uk

Words - Jenny Garford

The Pasta Shop The Pasta Shop in Peterborough is must-visit for food lovers; the deli is large and packed to the rafters with beautiful produce from Italy; there are shelves of pickled and preserved vegetables; a towering display of panettone; Italian wines and liqueurs, and pasta in every conceivable shape and size. There’s a counter at the back of the deli full of Italian cured meats, cheeses and pastries, as well as freshly made pizza bases. Queens Walk, Peterborough FB thepastashopuk

For the truly authentic taste of Italy in Stamford “Proper Italian Food” “The best in Stamford” “Excellent food and service”

Now serving pizza from our NEW wood-fired oven! Our freshly prepared pizzas have a unique taste and aroma you will only find from a traditional wood-fired oven

3A Cheyne Cheyne Lane, Stam Stamffor ord, d, PE9 2AX • T

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olo ol oRistor istoran ante.c te.co.uk o.uk

Seasonal wine Step into summer with some wonderful wines from the Wine Bar ar.. The sommelierss of of Stam tamffor ord’ss Wine Bar B share their favourite summer wine selections from om their e extensiv ensive drinks menu. These delectable drinks are ar staff ffaavourit ourites, and are best enjoyed at any barbeque, summer party,, or simply savoured with friends at the Wine Bar.

Sachetto Fili Prosecco

Words - Jess Lamb

Top of the list is everyone’s favourite Prosecco! Our ever-popular house fizz is the multi award-winning Fili, hailing from the Veneto region of Italy. The creation process of the fabulously fine bubbles (or prise de mousse, if we’re getting technical) uses twice-fermented yeast in a traditional method known as the Charmat Method. Fili is best when chilled, allowing the drinker to appreciate the fruity flavours and slightly citrussy finish. It is a fantastic aperitif, or the perfect accompaniment to fish dishes and light bites - it’s particularly good when sampled in the sunshine along with a Wine Bar charcuterie board.

2017 Tuatara Bay Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand An old favourite, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is regularly praised as being the best in the world and it’s not hard to see why. The grapes are harvested from vineyards across the idyllic region on New Zealand’s South Island - with the Pacific Ocean to the east and mountains to the north and south; the terrain is just as beautiful as the wine. Tuatara Bay features ripe grapefruit aromas complemented by green leaf freshness. The teasingly soft palate is imbued with citrus, creating a zesty finish and a silky texture. A perfect wine for garden parties, it works fabulously with grilled vegetables or a garden salad.

2016 San Marzano Negroamaro Next up, from the heel of Italy, we have this easy drinking red wine. Some reds are best enjoyed next to a roaring fire in the depths of winter, but this versatile young wine is perfect with a barbequed steak or an ideal accompaniment to cheese (funnily enough, there happens to be a fabulous cheese board available at the Wine Bar). The producers were crowned European Producers of the Year 2017 and all of their experience and knowledge is evident in this versatile wine, with its deep ruby colour, plum aromas and smooth vanilla finish. The perfect alternative to a chilled white.

2016 Gerard Bertrand Gris Blanc

1753 Chateau de Campuget Viognier

After retiring from international French rugby, Gerard Bertrand returned to Perpignan in the South of France and the family wine business, and proceeded to revolutionise production methods with great success. His stunning, complex Gris Blanc is fermented at a low temperature in stainless steel vats and typifies summer in a glass. Just imagine the smoothness of strawberries and cream combined with a fresh zingy minerality; a wonderful flavour that is best paired with Mediterranean salads, seafood or even a Thai Green Curry.

After denim, the next best thing to come out of Nimes (in the gorgeous Languedoc region of France) is our wonderful Viognier. This range of Campuget wines are beautifully bottled with an innovative glass stopper and bear the ‘1753’ insignia that pays homage to the year the chateau was built. This sophisticated white is a winner on any hot summer’s day, with flavours of orange marmalade, apricot and ripe tropical fruits that are ideally matched with Asian cuisine or grilled meat. It’s crisp and balanced on the palate, with a long, elegant finish.

All these wonderful wines are, of course, best enjoyed in the warm hospitality and stunning setting of the Wine Bar Stamford. We also offer wine tastings for those keen to learn more about their favourite beverages. However, for those balmy evenings in the garden and special summer occasions, our customers are welcome to purchase and take away wine by the bottle or case. Call us on 01780 757844 to place your order.

2017 Gerard Millet Sancerre Sancerre, our final wine, originates from the Loire Valley - one of the oldest wine regions in France, situated on the left bank of the Loire River. Sancerre is typically viewed as a premium wine, but our Gerard Millet is wonderfully affordable and certainly worth every penny. This particularly elegant Sancerre derives sumptuous lemon and grapefruit notes from the Sauvignon grapes used in its production. The good weight and clean, crisp finish of this wine make it the perfect accompaniment to a range of dishes from seafood to goat’s cheese.

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Rachel Strange

Regional Sales Manager rachel.strange@paymentsense.com 0808 284 9582 (freephone)

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Charles & Dean

Gravitas finds out the story behind successful vehicle and asset finance business Charles & Dean.

How did Charles & Dean Asset Finance first come about? Tom: Simon and I were both in our early twenties; I was working as a physiotherapist while Simon had a property company. We were constantly on the lookout for new opportunities. My uncle was a mechanic for the Formula 1 racing driver Ayrton

Senna and had started brokering cars. I wanted to get involved, but found that although I had access to these vehicles, I had no network to sell them through. That is where Simon came in. Simon: We knew each other vaguely from school (Prince William School in Oundle) and Tom sent out a message asking if anyone would be interested. My ears pricked up - I had built a network of contacts through my own business and it seemed like a great fit.

How did things evolve from there? Tom: We met for a coffee and decided to go for it. However, as a small part of a complicated brokering supply chain we realised we needed a platform to bring everything together, so we created Charles & Dean. We were then asked to arrange finance on a Rolls-Royce Phantom and, of course, we said yes. Simon: We realised when that first deal went through that this was a much simpler way of doing business and that the finance market was what we wanted to pursue.

Interview - Jess Lamb | Photography - Adrian Dewey

Simon Grace and Tom Perkins, cofounders of vehicle and asset finance business Charles & Dean, are a force to be reckoned with. Since 2011, the duo have grown their company from sourcing high-end cars to offering finance services across a range of industries, from agriculture to commercial property. Gravitas caught up with Simon and Tom at their welcoming Stamford office to find out more about the secrets of their success.

Tom: The market was very difficult to break into with no industry experience - very much an old boys’ club. It was like pushing water up hill for the first two years. Eventually, with some dedication and perseverance, we were introduced to a great umbrella company which allowed us to work under them before we got our own finance licenses in 2013.

This sounds like a big departure from your previous projects. Was the world of finance an intimidating one?

Simon: I was managing the finance and legal side of my property business and so finance itself wasn’t a scary subject for us. I was financially articulate but didn’t understand a lot of industry terms and actually that was a catalyst for starting the business, as we saw a huge opportunity to make the industry more transparent and easy to digest.

How do you set yourselves apart from the competition? Tom: We were hugely customer focused from day one. Entering a new market with no experience meant that we had to sell ourselves in different ways, and the

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How straightforward was it to build the business?

customer journey is our main focus today. Great customer care isn’t standard in the industry and we realised that with a product that lots of others were selling, second-tonone customer service was how we would differentiate ourselves. Simon: Customer service is often a throwaway term, but we embed it into everything we do. We focus on the whole customer experience and give our customers the best before, during and after the sale. Tom: People really do respond! To this day, we have clients who last dealt with us four years ago call up and ask for us by name, which means a great deal.

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Entering a new market with no experience meant that we had to sell ourselves in different ways, and the customer journey is our main focus today.

Clearly this ethos has helped you grow, with eight employees now working for you. How important is internal culture for you? Simon: We’ve always taken care to employ passionate, like-minded people and we favour those who are self-motivated and will really embody the brand for us. Our fantastic employees are ‘Charles & Dean’ through and through, and very much part of our success. We have big plans for the future and the right people are an inherent part of that.

What does the future hold for Charles & Dean? Tom: We’re always looking for new industries to diversify into, and as well as continuing what we currently excel at, we’re investigating all kinds of new opportunities, from start-ups and breweries to green energy.

With all these exciting projects on the go, how do you relax? Simon: With a nine-month-old baby - not really! Your mind is always on the business in some shape or form, but family time is incredibly important to me and I try and maintain a healthy balance. One of our main loves is travel – Bali is my favourite place. Tom: Well, I’m not up at 5am comforting a crying baby! I find it therapeutic to do practical things, so I’ll often spend a Sunday playing the guitar. Simon: Do you? Tom: Yes. I like being able to switch off and focus on doing things with my hands. Although I love to travel, too. I’ve just come back from Bali, and one of our favourite UK destinations is Salcombe in Devon. charlesanddean.com 01780 763836 Willougby House, 2 Broad Street, Stamford PE9 1PB

We’re always looking for new industries to diversify into, and as well as continuing what we currently excel at, we’re investigating all kinds of new opportunities.

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Family freedom and business success Mum of two, Jo, says you can be a mother and a successful business owner. By Jo Davidson, Founder of The Unique Mumpreneur

I’m Jo, a besotted mother of two beautiful girls, a wife and founder of the Serenity Loves brand and now The Unique Mumpreneur. I have been asked so many times, whether you are born with or can acquire the entrepreneurial spirit. Personally, I believe I was born an entrepreneur. As a child I was known for designing and creating puzzle books and selling them to family members, neighbours and anyone in between - a story regularly regaled at family get-togethers. After years of working on shop floor retail with no desire of making it my long term career I made the decision to retrain and formed a career within childcare, allowing me to use the nurturing side of my nature. Fast-forward to the day I found out I was pregnant. Yep! It was a shock. Sure, it was meant to happen but way further down the line.

After reality took hold I was certain that someone else would not dictate day-to-day life when it involved my children. I was not going to allow anyone to tell me I could not watch my children in their Christmas plays or sports days, like I had witnessed happen many a time to the some of the parents whose children I looked after at the nursery.

Taking control I knew I had to have the freedom to control my diary and my life, so with this in mind I founded Hallmark Carpets & Flooring in 2009, with my husband, while I was on maternity leave with our oldest daughter. Then in 2012, just six months after having my second daughter I opened Serenity Loves, a one-stop hair and beauty salon with a supervised crèche.

Starting Serenity Loves was possibly the scariest thing I have ever done in my life. I had no guidance, no one I knew had started a business on the same scale I saw for my business, so I just put my head down and ploughed through. I am proud to say five years on and the business is thriving. We have a strong brand, doubled our workforce, have won multiple local and national awards and have a huge number of social media fans, including many celebs.

I believe business is a

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journey where you can create results and still have fun.

I do not say that to brag, I say it, so you can see that it is achievable. Whether or not you believe you were born to be an entrepreneur or you have only realised your aspirations later in life, you can be a mother and a successful business owner. I have proved that for all to see.

Let’s get real I believe business is a journey where you can create results and still have fun. I truly believe that if you have an idea you can have a business, and if you have a business you can achieve a profit. Now, let me be clear, I don’t believe in the airy fairy ‘ask the universe and it will deliver everything on a plate for you’ malarkey. I believe that successful businesses are made as a result of determination, hard work and a positive outlook. I achieved my success through nothing more than self-motivation and sheer determination. I pushed myself a little bit further into the unknown and outside of my comfort zone. Over the years I attended many local networking events with my knees shaking at the thought of completing an elevator pitch. Six years on I’ve just given a speech at the International Women’s day event held at Peterborough Cathedral in front of hundreds of women. This may not be exactly what you want to hear me say, but that’s exactly what you will find with me. Love me or hate me, I achieve results and by working with me and my amazingly talented team you can achieve the same success and freedom.

Any of this resonating with you? If you answer ‘yes’ then I have created various options for you to take the next step, including our monthly mastermind groups, which give you an opportunity to focus on your business instead of working in it. Alongside this, I also run monthly networking groups, which rotate during the day and evening, providing flexibility to suit your needs. And if that wasn’t enough I also have an online course, detailing the exact steps I took when starting my businesses. I hope I have inspired you and given you the faith that you really can be an amazing parent and a kick-ass business owner too! For more details about upcoming events and to read testimonials about current members visit uniquemumpreneur.com jo@theuniquemumpreneur.com

Play the property game Saffery Champness offer advice on the most appropriate property ownership structure and financing method from a tax perspective. By Fenella Martin-Redman, Saffery Champness Chartered accountants.

Property ownership and investment has very much come into the limelight with recent tax changes, and now is a good time to review whether or not existing ownership structures are still the most tax efficient. Any review should take into account the short-term, considering income tax, capital gains tax and Stamp Duty Land Tax among other things, and also the long-term, from an inheritance tax and wealth preservation perspective. For those who own investment property, or are considering investing, these are some of the key points to consider:

What rate of tax will I pay if I sell the property? •

As an individual, if you live in the residential property as your main residence you may not pay any tax on the sale of the property.

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Individuals and partners in a partnership are subject to capital gains tax on gains realised on the disposal of residential property at 18% for a basic rate tax payer and 28% for a higher rate taxpayer.

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Individuals and partners in a partnership pay capital gains tax on the sale of commercial property at 10% for a basic rate tax payer and 20% for a higher rate taxpayer.

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Trusts pay capital gains tax at 20% on the gains arising on the sale of commercial property and 28% on the sale of residential property, unless the gain could be exempt under Principal Private Residence relief as a beneficiary.

•

A UK company will be subject to corporation tax at 19%, reducing to 17% from 1 April 2020 on the gain arising on the sale of property (unless the company is subject to ATED (Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings), in which case the tax on the gain would be 28%).

What choices do I have over ownership structure? •

Properties can be owned by an individual, partnership, trust or company.

What rate of tax will I pay on any rental income? •

Individuals pay tax on their marginal income tax rate, therefore depending on other income, at either 20%, 40% or 45%.

•

Partners in a property owning partnership pay tax at the same rate as individuals and therefore that rate depends on other income received.

•

Trusts pay tax on income at 45%, however a beneficiary of the trust may occupy the property rent-free as their Principal Private Residence.

•

A UK company is subject to corporation tax at 19%, reducing to 17% from 1 April 2020.

Call Fenella Martin-Redman 01733 306798 07825 079325 fenella.martin-redman@saffery.com

Get an expert finance review

Give your finances a full review and get the peace of mind only a finance expert can provide. For most of us, there will be times and events where we need to seek the help of a financial expert. It might be: help with investing for the first time, making the most of your pension to retire comfortably or to check any protection would be adequate if you were diagnosed with an illness or on death. With forever-changing circumstances and legislation it’s hard for individuals to keep up and manage their finances without the assistance of a qualified and experienced adviser.

•

Understanding the implications, risks and your capacity for loss (most important); Understand the need for a guaranteed income;

A perfect example is pension transfers, in particular, defined benefit pensions (DB) otherwise known as final salary pensions. Since the pension legislation changed in April 2015, which in a nutshell means money in a pension is no longer locked away and out of your control, they still remain a puzzle for many who just don’t know what to do. Pensions are now a flexible tax planning and intergenerational wealth management vehicle. Everyone is an individual and what suits one person doesn’t necessarily fit another. It makes perfectly good sense to shuffle pensions to suit your individual needs.

•

Understand the value of the transfer offer to you!

Motivations to transfer an existing pension may be: • • •

the offer doesn’t fit your health and family circumstances; the guaranteed income offered exceeds income needs; the standard death benefit might not suit your circumstances; ie a 50% widow’s pension compared to 100% inheritance or the option to select another beneficiary or beneficiaries if the spouse has already passed or you’re divorced;

• •

you may prefer flexibility to take what you want, how and when you want over a guaranteed income; ie taking more in early retirement and less later as your needs reduce; you have other income sources that would meet retirement needs; you may require a choice and flexibility to select additional income, lump sums or a combination.

Key considerations when considering a transfer: •

Is it time you took control? Do you have niggling questions that need answering by an expert? Would you like a free review of your pensions? If you answered yes, book an initial consultation now! At Brooks Wealth we offer a simple, straightforward robust advice route. The aim of the initial consultation is to get you back in control and to save you time, money and tax. It’s a no-fee, no-obligation meeting and only takes up to an hour of your time.

You have nothing to lose and everything to gain – contact Sharon to arrange a meeting. Note: advice charges are applied at the point of recommendations.

Sharon Kumari DipFA MLIBF Independent Financial Adviser T: 01733 314553 | M: 07862 250454 E: sharon@brookswealth.co.uk

Issued by Sharon Kumari of Wealthline Ltd, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FCA number 684319 (registered office: 8a Cowgate, Peterborough PE1 1NA). Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results and any forecast is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Information contained in this editorial should not be construed as offering investment or tax advice.

Everything to play forâ&#x20AC;Ś It is never too soon to seek a professional view of your finances.

Of ee, initial consultation, Sharon is able to advise on existing plans as well as make recommendations for the future.

Y d and invested well, now it is time to look ahead and really start living.

Whether you are looking to buy your first home, start a family or make plans for your retirement, you need to continually assess and review your goals.

Sharon has a wealth of experience guiding and advising clients on investments and planning for the future.

Savings & investments

Tax planning

Estate planning

Retirement planning

Protection planning

Call Sharon now for further information and to book your appointment Sharon Kumari DipFA MLIBF Independent Financial Adviser T 01733 314553 M 07862 250454 E sharon@brookswealth.co.uk W brookswealth.co.uk

Trust the professionals Whether your business is a new start up or well-established and expanding, expert advice can be invaluable to ascertain the correct ways to focus your time, energy and resources for a solid foundation or growth plan. Our wealth of industry experts explain how, with up-to-date information and insights.

For further guidance contact our professionals directly.

Leave it to the professionals

Making the Most of Your Commute

KSA Commercial is a business transfer agent –industry experts who will bring value to the value of your business.

The average person spends two hours every day commuting to and from work. That’s ten hours every week and forty hours every month.

• Plan your exit strategy the way you planned your business. A year invested in the sale of your business will be well rewarded. • Your business should be worth a pretty penny. Not however, if your evidence for valuation is not up to scratch. • Genuine accounts with profit and loss are key to valuing your business.

What are you doing with that time? Are you sleeping? Playing mindless video games on your phone? Spacing out? Or are you building your bank of knowledge and skills in order to get ahead? Whether you’re already a business owner, an entrepreneur…or you’re aspiring to climb virtually any type of ladder…you can be leveraging that time in a productive way. Here are some suggestions:

• Business value is based on profit and sustainability but your business must look immaculate too, like washing and polishing a car prior to advertising it for sale.

• Download and listen to podcasts that convey valuable information related to your field (or a field you’d like to move into). Find a few good ones and subscribe to them so you never miss one.

• As business transfer agents, we balance your expectations, with those of potential purchasers. We are well practiced and always have your best interests at heart. We know our markets and are best placed to advise you on getting the best return possible.

• Subscribe to and watch vlogs (i.e. channels on YouTube, for instance) with proven teachers and consultants whom you respect.

• We are genuinely pleasant humans too! Kevin Ayton 01780 435 072 ksa-commercial.co.uk

• Read books. There are probably hundreds of self-help books available in the area you’d like to improve. Biographies and autobiographies about people who have accomplished the things you’d like to do are great, too. Your commute should not be dumbing you down; instead, it should feel like a valuable opportunity to enhance your skills and grow your intellectual command over your business and your industry. josephvalente.com

Property portfolio Real estate investment means real returns in the buy-to-let market. The expectation for 2018 is that interest rates will not rise enough to dampen investor enthusiasm for real estate in our region. The UK enjoys the second highest amount of investment in real estate out of all European countries, totalling €64bn between Q4 2016 and Q3 2017, and with the government struggling to address the housing crisis, the rental pool will not shrink any time soon. Peterborough also has a higher percentage of young people aged 29 or under residing in the city (41%) compared to the national average of 38%. This demographic is particularly likely to rent, due to the flexibility it affords them. The abundance of young professionals seeking accommodation in the city makes the rental market in Peterborough particularly attractive to buyto-let investors. Between 1986 and 2016 property prices in Peterborough have risen 477%. As inner London becomes increasingly more unaffordable, young professionals are beginning to move to towns within commutable distance of the capital. House prices in cities such as Peterborough, have been outstripping the national average. Positioned as a viable alternative for tech workers priced out of Cambridge and London, Peterborough is easily accessible to both cities, which is becoming increasing attractive to the commuter. Adrian Woodcock 01733 303111 adrian.woodcock@woodcockholmes.co.uk

Need a business loan? The team at Pilot Fish can help you move your business on to the next level. By Richard Jones MD of Pilot Fish. Commercial Finance Expertise.

It is widely said throughout industry that “Banks just don’t lend to business” and once they say no, that’s the end of the story. It’s not. If for any reason the bank is unable to lend either the full amount or part of your requirement then there is a range of other options available to the business. These include Challenger Banks, Peer to Peer Lenders, asset finance, or invoice finance. The pros and cons of each option would need to be weighed up carefully, and professional advice should be sought before making an application. Whichever option you would like to try, the same principle applies to each. The lender needs to have confidence that their investment is safe, and the onus is on the borrower to prove this.

Be prepared The bank will need to know what you need the loan for, how much you need, and they must be confident that you can comfortably pay it off. An accurate and complete cash flow forecast is vital for this.

What is the loan for?

Paperwork Applying for a business loan can be arduous and time consuming but making sure you have the right paperwork ready can speed up the process. As a minimum, the lender would need to see: Some of the key considerations for growing businesses are: 1. Two years’ accounts (if the business has been trading for less than two years then there are other options available to you) 2. A personal asset and liability statement 3. An up-to-date business plan and 4. An accurate cash flow forecast Overall, finance can be an essential part of growing a business, and taking into account the points above can help you benefit from the best rates. If you would like any advice and guidance, the team at Pilot Fish are happy to talk things through with you. Call Richard Jones (MD) on 01778 309777 pilotfishpartnership.co.uk

It is preferable if the loan is for a revenue generating activity rather than to cover routine operating costs. If the loan is to purchase an asset, and you intend to use the asset as security against the loan, be aware that you are unlikely to be able to receive more than 70% of the purchase value of the asset.

Personal finances Borrowers are often unwilling to offer a Personal Guarantee but putting one in place would reassure the lender that you feel confident in your ability to repay the loan. After all, if you are not willing to risk one of your assets, then why should the bank risk their investment?

If you would like any advice and guidance, the team at Pilot Fish are happy to talk things through with you.

The art of delegation Nicki Mawby shares her business set-up experiences.

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Written by Nicki Mawby - business owner and lead HR Consultant, specialising in employee relations and employment law. Nicki is also a fantastic trainer and currently teaches HR (CIPD) at Peterborough Regional College and Anglia Ruskin University.

These professionals worked in such a way that they were a natural extension to my business.

We recently celebrated another birthday at HR Your Business Matters, and as part of the celebrations, I sat back and reflected on what has been a roller coaster of a journey so far.

While talking to other business owners I quickly realised I wasn’t alone and that every business owner had an aspiration to concentrate more time on their particular product or service, however they would frequently find themselves getting bogged down by other business related duties.

Coming from a corporate background, I was excited to launch a business centred around my passion and strengths in Human Resources, with the aim of providing an invaluable service, supporting business owners with everything to do with their people. The success of HR Your Business Matters has demonstrated a clear need for the services myself and the team provide.

One of the main duties, often related to matters involving their people, with business owners telling me they just didn’t feel experienced or confident enough to ‘manage’ their employees properly. They were busy driving their business …

I must admit though, when I launched the business I was under the illusion that 90% of my time would be working within the areas where my skill set applied, reflecting now I appreciate just how wrong I was. I found my days, (which I’m sure you will be nodding in agreement) were spent on admin, emails, spreadsheets, payroll, accounts and marketing, when all I wanted to be doing was meeting with clients, reviewing their needs and providing solid HR support such as recruitment, documentation, training and giving employee relations advice.

•

How could they find the time to regularly review contracts and policies for compliance with ever changing legislation and best practice?

•

How could they find the time to recruit efficiently and effectively when those vacancies caused additional pressure to the existing workforce?

•

How could they train and develop their teams when they had never had any specific training to know if their attempts would be a success?

}

Do you know the biggest lesson I learnt in my first year in business? The art of delegation! Our businesses are a part of us and we want to have our hands managing (or should I say controlling) every area. I learnt to outsource and delegate every area which wasn’t within my expertise, leaving me more time to concentrate ‘on’ my business and making a profit instead of ‘in’ my business trying to juggle every plate. I hired or outsourced areas like accounts, invoicing, payroll, social media and marketing and, wow, did it make a difference. I hired or outsourced people for their expertise and experience, giving me security in the knowledge that my business was in safe hands. These professionals worked in such a way that they were a natural extension to my business - they ‘got’ me, my goals and my ambitions. With the lesson learnt and the time saved, it has allowed me to grow HR Your Business

Matters, 10 fold in the last three years. Our HR services team has grown, and our dedicated recruitment department launched in November 2017, providing bespoke recruitment solutions for a flatrate fee (starting at just £495). We have also strategically partnered with a fantastic health and safety company as well as a learning and development centre. We really are becoming a one-stop shop for all your people needs. So, if your trying to find extra hours in your working day and you need some advice, guidance and support with your business’s HR matters, don’t delay and contact us today. We will have you back on track and in control in no time. hr-yourbusinessmatters.co.uk 01733 739660 0707496 857688 Nicki@hr-yourbusinessmatters.co.uk admin@recruitment-yourbusinessmatters.co.uk

Inspiring Passion Stop managing and start motivating!

If you think your most important job as a leader is to sit behind a desk ‘managing stuff’, you’re probably not focused on the most important aspects of your work. You need to inspire passion in your people and get them truly engaged. That’s when your team or business will really start to perform. Take some advice from Richard Branson - “If you look after your staff, they’ll look after your customers. It’s that simple.”

Words - Shaun Beck

Research suggests that only one third of UK employees say they are actively engaged at work. That means around 20 million workers are not delivering to their full potential. Businesses with the most engaged employees also see up to twice the net profit of others.

Great leadership plays a big part in encouragement.

Here are five tips to get started ... 1. Focus on the strengths of your team members Great leaders know the strengths of team members and, most importantly, give them chance to use them. We’re all motivated by what we are good at and the positive results it brings. All too often we focus on areas people should develop. Let people do what they are good at! Some strengths will be obvious, but ask your team members questions like, “What do you enjoy doing most as part of your work?” and “What would you like to do more of?”

2. Be an encourager Engagement won’t happen by just throwing out instructions. Encouraging team members to share thoughts and ideas immediately gets their commitment. Of course, it’s pointless encouraging ideas if you don’t listen to them and just do your own thing anyway. Give good feedback and recognition. Make sure you offer specifics – “Yesterday morning, when you were speaking to Mrs Smith, I noticed you didn’t share details of the recent product changes. That could have been a great chance to upsell and offer her a product that fits her needs” is far more likely to improve performance than “make sure you always upsell to customers”.

5. Create a safe environment Be different. Be real. Be you. We are all different animals - different backgrounds, experiences, styles, strengths and needs. You’ll get the best from people if you create an environment where people don’t need to wear a mask to hide who they really are. Get to know what makes your team members tick. Don’t judge, and openly recognise that to be truly successful, your team needs diversity. Be a little tolerant. People will genuinely perform better when they can be themselves. I know I do… Shaun leads INSPIRE-IGNITE, a Peterborough-based training and coaching business. Get in touch if you’d like to know about how he can help you, your team or your business. inspireignite.net shaun@inspireignite.net

3. Connect and encourage collaboration Encourage collaboration with others who might have different approaches. It’s amazing what people learn when they connect with others from both inside and outside the business. When I set my business up I had no idea about accounting and VAT returns – I needed an expert. I now work with an expert in those areas who tells me what I need to do. I’m learning. I’ll never be an expert myself, however I’ve connected and collaborated with someone who can help me to grow my business.

4. Let go a little It can be tough to give up control. Particularly if you’re doing something that you have a real passion for. You can’t do it all yourself. You need great, trustworthy people around you. See yourself as a coach and teacher, not the police. Invest in building the skills of others and encourage the right behaviours and approaches. Let go a little. Trust the people you’ve invested in. Let them make a few mistakes - that’s how they (and you) will learn.

INSPIRE-IGNITE have just launched their new Peterborough open workshop schedule. To find out more visit inspireignite.net or visit @ inspireignitetalent on Facebook

‘inspirin ‘in ingg passion igniting action’ ur local local personal personal dev develo elopmen pmentt coach, coach, helping you to inspir inspire e passion and ignit gnite e acti action on for you, you, your your team team and your your business. One-to-one One-t o-one personal personal & car career eer dev developmen elopmentt Building managemen managementt & leadership leadership skills

Devveloping teams De teams for for success

BE AWESOME TODAY If you’ ou’d d lik likee to ﬁnd out mor more, e, email shaun@inspir shaun@inspireignit eignite.ne e.nett or visit inspir inspireignit eignite.ne e.nett

INTRODUCING

User focussed Digital Agency. How many agencies have you worked with who they like to pretend they’re something they’re not? Where they blind you with science and acronyms and jargon? where they charge a fortune for every single tiny piece of work they do for you? Mold do things a bit differently. We work WITH you as equals, guiding you through unchartered territory, helping you tell your unique story and find the customers you’ve been searching for.

D I G I TA L D E V E LO P M E N T & E CO M M E R C E .

USER CENTERED DESIGN.

M A R K E T I N G & S T R AT E G Y.

I D E N T I T Y I N N OVAT I O N .

Don’t be shy, drop us a line. www.mold.agency .mold.agency getstarted@mold.agency getstart ed@mold.agency 01733 017 33 234 186

At Mold, they love helping small, local businesses find their rightful place in the digital marketplace.

Mold a new business David v Goliath: the digital rise of the small business.

All over the internet new, individual and quirky little companies are popping up and literally becoming overnight successes. It has never been easier, or more exciting, to start a business and make things happen. Small, independent brands are now able to compete with big corporations and the creator of this level playing field is digital. The internet is creating a seismic shift in consumer behaviour and expectation. Suddenly, having the marketing budget to produce a multi-million-pound TV advert isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t necessarily going to help you shift your product or service. Consumers are looking for more than a fancy magazine spread, they want to experience a personal connection with the brands theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re spending money with and the digital world is making this happen.

95 At Mold, they love helping small, local businesses find their rightful place in the digital marketplace; assisting them with finding their unique voice and share their story. Here are some of their top tips: • Find your story and share it – people want to know what makes your business unique. What are your passions? What do you believe in? Who are the people behind the brand? • Experiment and take risks – instead of focussing on what you haven’t got (a big budget) focus on what you have got; and that’s the freedom to be as creative and innovative as you want. Don’t follow the crowd, have the courage to carve a new path.

Alternatively, if you’re a bigger business and want some no-nonsense, effective help or advice with any aspect of your print or digital offering; including web design, logo creation, brand strategy or marketing assets, please get in contact with Mold. They’ve already helped a host of businesses build their brand and engage with audiences that really convert. mold.agency hello@mold.agency 01733 234186

• Create a community – use social media to build a loyal following. Regularly connect with your followers and interact with people you admire. • Be authentic – don’t ever try to be something you’re not. • Focus on service – leverage your personal brand, relationships and human touch to make your customers feel special. This could be as simple as a handwritten note card with every order or a follow-up email • Develop an influencer marketing strategy – tapping into the power of someone else’s community is key for any small business looking for quick wins. Look for influencers who are relevant to your brand.

97 Stove Jotul F305 Enamel ÂŁ1999

Stamford Stoves New Showroom

The Wood Stock

Firing up some energy Igniting inspiration with local businesses at Stamford Stoves. Stamford Stoves have expanded and opened a beautiful new showroom that offers customers a warm welcome in both senses of the word. Zara and her team offer a personal and professional service and the stunning selection of wood burning and

cooking stoves are displayed in an inviting home-like environment. Gravitas held its latest business social evening at the new showroom and were given a cooking demonstration by Surinder from Crepe Cabin and a motivational talk by Shaun Beck of Inspire Ignite. stamfordstoves.co.uk

Crepe Cabin

Right: Parveen the Spice Queen

Crepe Cabin

Clients Networking

Photography - Adrian Dewey

Left: Stuart Waldron Right: Shaun Beck

We know how to party! Gravitas Launches its Winter Issue.

Darren and Beccy from Freelance PR

Johnathon and James from Exquisite Properties

Wine Bar Stamford

The Gravitas team launched the arrival of its Winter 17 edition with a Christmas party in alliance with Sycamore BMW. The showroom in Werrington, Peterborough was open for our Gravitas partners to come along and network, enjoy some festive activities as well as show off their products. An amazing spread of food was prepared and served by Parveen the Spice Queen and musical entertainment was thanks to acoustic guitarist Greg Fidler. We also laid on a caricaturist, dancers, a Gin Bar and Fizz plus a raffle in aid of Annaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hope charity which raised more than ÂŁ400.

Acoustic Singer Greg Fidler

Left Fiona McCarthy Right Marianna Jekimova

Jenny Garford

Annaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hope Charity Fairies

MOLD Team, Digital/Design Agency

Thank you to all the staff at Sycamore, especially Justyna Martin for all their help, and for everyone that came out on that cold December evening to help us celebrate.

Stuart Waldron, Caroline Clifton, Emma Lannigan

Juliet Mochabo, Blogger

Clients Networking

Photography - Adrian Dewey

Congratulations to Stuart Waldron who was the envy of everyone in the room as he won a BMW i8 for the weekend.

100

Peterborough Cathedral Celebrates 900 Years of History.

Peterborough Celebrates Campaign Take part as Peterborough celebrates all that is fantastic about our city.

101 As the cathedral celebrates its impressive 900-year anniversary, the Peterborough Celebrates campaign is using this as a fantastic opportunity to showcase the very best that Peterborough has to offer, attracting more visitors to the city, and having a great time in the process. Making History Peterborough Cathedral is one of the best and most well preserved examples of a Norman cathedral in the UK. Its been visited by every significant English monarch since 1066 and is the grand final resting place of both Catherine of Aragon and Mary, Queen of Scots. It has acted as a refuge from the plague, a prison for King Charles I and, to this day, remains a place of regular worship for thousands of people.

Marking time Today, Peterborough Celebrates is marking the immense heritage of this beautiful building with a whole series of exciting events and activities taking place around the city throughout the year. There is, of course, a clear theme to much of what is taking place - from Orton Hall Hotel planting 900 bulbs in its grounds, to the Peterborough libraries collecting and displaying 900 book recommendations from its avid readers.

F mor more e inf informa ormation tion on way that y that et inv inv fabulous campaign, visit petterbor pe erboroughc oughcelebr elebra ates.or es.org.uk. g.uk. Or g go o to: to: peterbor pet erborough-ca ough-cathedr thedral.or al.org.uk g.uk to learn a little bit more more about our wonderful local landmark.

On May 18 and 19, you can get your adrenaline pumping by participating in a 150 foot abseil down the front of the cathedral itself! Certainly not an activity for the faint hearted.

Taking part There are various opportunities for all local people to be involved by volunteering or collaborating on many of the planned events, organising your own celebrations or simply donating to the cathedral preservation trust (it costs a whopping ÂŁ3,700 per day to keep this beautiful building running smoothly!)

Annaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hope

Heritage Festival

Annaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hope For children and young people with brain tumours

Inside Peterborough Cathedral

103

What’s on

Showing now…

Oundle Cinema offers some diverse films, which are guaranteed to delight.

3 May 7.30pm| Breathe Showing

26th May | Tom Allen – Absolutely tour Following a total sellout at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe, Tom addresses the ‘difficult times’ we live in and asks were things better ‘back in the day’, when he was kid and you could fit 15 kids in one car? Tom Allen’s unique style of sharp, acerbic wit and camp, riotous storytelling has seen him perform all over the world. The last year Tom has starred in BBC2’s Mock The Week, Live At The Apollo and Channel 4’s 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown. Where: The Stamford Corn Exchange Ticket Prices: from £14 How to book: stamfordcornexchange.co.uk

A beautifully made film about Robin Cavendish, who contracted polio at the age of 28, and his refusal to ‘lie down and die’. With his close family and friends he fought the disease for the benefit of other sufferers as well as himself. Full of highs and lows, the film depicts their British response to the tragic situation and will leave the audience elated and a little emotional. Where: Stahl Theatre, Oundle

16 May 7.30pm| Our last Tango Showing

This is a story of hypnotic, exotic Argentinian Tango through the eyes of two of the dance’s greatest protagonists - a good one for Strictly fans! Forthcoming films in the Stahl Theatre include Paddington 2 and Murder On The Orient Express. Where: Fletton House, Oundle How to book: oundlecinema.org.uk Oundle Box Office, 4 New Street | 01832 274734 Ticket Prices: £6 adults/£3 u 18 facebook.com/oundlecinema and @Oundlecinema

2 June| Summer of Steps

104 9th June | Flyby

Celebrate the centenary of the Royal Air Force with the Central Band of the RAF, performing live on stage at Peterborough’s Cresset Theatre in support of the RAF Benevolent Fund on 9 June at 7.30pm. This spectacular evening of music will showcase iconic military themes including Spitfire Prelude and Fugue (William Walton), Royal Air Force March Past (Walford Davies), Battle of Britain

March (Ron Goodwin), 633 Squadron Theme (Ron Goodwin) and Pomp and Circumstance March No.4 (Edward Elgar), performed by the Central Band of the RAF and featuring the awardwinning Peterborough Male Voice Choir, Peterborough Voices and Peterborough Youth Choir, directed by William Prideaux.

2-3rd June| Race for Life

Ticket Prices: from £16 How to book: peterboroughsings.org.uk 01733 265705

23rd June 7.30pm | Ultimate Eagles The band is comprised of seasoned International professionals who have spent their time performing alongside Queen, Paul Young, Roger Daltrey, Lulu, Van Morrison, The Commitments, Cliff Richard, John Legend and Thunder. The Ultimate Eagles have performed to more than 500,000 people worldwide, and have had more than 10,000,000 online media views, securing their place as the world’s premier Eagles show. Where: The Broadway Theatre Ticket Prices: from £22.50 How to book: ticketsource.co.uk/broadway 01733 265705

Join thousands of women at Burghley House on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 June for Stamford Race for Life to support Cancer Research UK’s life-saving research. Just by signing up you’ll make a difference whether you raise £10 or £200, every penny matters. Race for Life 5k is great for all ages. Run, jog or walk; the only thing that matters is that you’re part of it. Want to push yourself further? Enter the 10k. Or take on Pretty Muddy on Saturday 2 June; the obstacle course that sees women of all abilities crawl through tunnels, bounce on space hoppers and slip down mudslides. And new for 2018, Pretty Muddy Kids will see little ones joining in the muddy fun! Whichever event you choose and whether you do it in a tutu or just an old pink t-shirt, THIS IS BEATING CANCER. Sign up right now at raceforlife.org! Price from £9.99

105 23-24th June | The Cambridgeshire Food & Drink Festival

The festival weekend on 23 and 24 June will offer a huge range of amazing food and drink exhibitors from artisan producers to award-winning brands and products. There will be lots of free samples on offer, workshops and demonstrations. James Martin and the Hairy Bikers will also be about over the two days. Get your taste buds tingling in the Tipple Tasting marquee, where experts will guide you through their products. Mix N Twist will be showing off its amazing cocktail making skills with tricks galore in the Spirits & Cocktails Theatre. This unique festival just wouldn’t be complete without live music! Pop along to the Entertainment Tent and dance the day away. These fantastic acts are supported throughout the weekend by a range of local bands, so sit back and enjoy! Or, how about making a weekend of it? The camping and caravanning fields are located right next to the festival field, and to make things really easy, you can park near your pitch too. Free buses will be running from Peterborough Railway Station all weekend and there is also onsite parking.

And, don’t forget your dog! Four-legged friends are welcome too! cambridegshirefoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk

9th June | Tell me you love me Global superstar Demi Lovato will bring her Tell Me You Love Me world tour to the Summer Saturday Live stage at Newmarket Racecourses on Saturday 9 June for her first-ever UK racecourse show. The Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum singer and songwriter released her sixth studio album Tell Me You Love Me last year, with lead single Sorry Not Sorry quickly being certified double-platinum. Demi has secured her place as being one of the most revered and respected vocalists of recent times. Where: Newmarket Racecourses Ticket prices: from £29 How to book: thejockeyclublive.co.uk

106 29th June 7.30pm| Fastlove Get ready for an unforgettable evening with a global superstar, as he puts the Boom Boom into your heart in the all-new production, Fastlove - A tribute to George Michael appearing at The Broadway on 29 June. The show is packed with crowd-pleasing anthems. From the Wham classics of the new pop revival to the chart-topping success of the eighties album Faith, plus the awesome tunes of the nineties and noughties.

This is a spellbinding experience you don’t want to miss. You’ll be getting up (to get down) to all your favourite songs: Careless Whisper, Freedom, Faith, Father Figure, Outside and Jesus To A Child. Relive the passion, the flare, and the unique sensitivity of George Michael in this incredible concert sensation. Ticket Prices: from £15 How to book: ticketsource.co.uk/thebroadway 01733 306071

2-3 July | Hobson’s Choice In this fresh new production, the action of the play moves forward in time from late 19th century Salford to the year 1958. Rock ‘n’ roll may have arrived and the youth revolution may be just around the corner but in Hobson’s shoe shop Queen Victoria might as well still be on the throne.

7 July| Cool for cats

John D Collins, best known for his starring role in TV’s smash hit Allo! Allo!, plays Horatio Hobson and new songs by upcoming musicians Ben Goble with the Lockerbillies (Glastonbury 2017) echo the sounds of the time, from skiffle to Presley and from Doris Day to Jerry Lee Lewis. Where: The Key Theatre Ticket Prices: from £16.50 How to book: 01733 207239

6 July| Wrong Jovi

Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra return to Lincoln Castle on Saturday 7 July. Jools is a composer, pianist, bandleader and broadcaster. From playing pubs in the East End docks as a teenage greaser to leading his rhythm and blues orchestra and selling millions of records, it is his passion for music that has made him a doyen of the music scene. Special guest for the evening will be Chris Difford formerly of Squeeze livepromotionsconcerts.co.uk

12-14 July| Bizet’s Carmen Professional touring opera company, Heritage Opera Experience perform Carmen, the passionate story of the fateful love triangle between Carmen, the wild gypsy girl, Don José, the brooding soldier and Escamillo, the strutting Toreador. The world’s most popular opera is presented by a fully professional cast of 16, supported by an 11-piece chamber orchestra. Where: The Broadway Theatre Ticket Prices: From £16 How to book: ticketsource.co.uk/broadway

The international Bon Jovi tribute band, Wrong Jovi, will be performing at The Met Lounge in Peterborough on Friday 6 July. One wild night of greatest hits, live favourites and rarities – this is one not to be missed! Where: The Met Lounge Ticket Prices: from £8.50 How to book: skiddle.com

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