Private Life Liverpool Issue Eight by Trevaskis Communications

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STOCKED AT SILVERBERG OPTICIANS VISIT OUR CITY CENTRE STORE IN LIVERPOOL (OPPOSITE THE METQUARTER) 40 WHITECHAPEL, LIVERPOOL, L1 6DZ or CALL 0151 709 2012

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Visit Our New Store 3 2 - 3 3 T H E M E T Q UA RT E R WHITECHAPEL

LIVERPOOL

6DA

V I E W T H E F I L M AT: W W W. G I E V E S A N D H A W K E S. C O M 4

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PRIVATE CONTENTS

CONTENTS

FEATURES

29 The magic of the coconut

13 Private Life explores the

BUSINESS

past of the Albert Dock

15 We sit down with Karl

the International Festival for Business

39 Boodles scores a win

46 Frank McKenna looks at

40 Line-up announced for the Liverpool Biennial

42 The Lion King prowls into

48 How to get your business in health

FOOD & DRINK

58 Elaine Cunningham

50 Bringing a new taste to

62 We take a look at the latest

51 How to roll your own

FASHION 17 We showcase all things pink 18 Private Life’s streamlined summer

25 We go dotty for men’s fashion

the power of three

the Empire Theatre

property trends

HEALTH & BEAUTY 29

45 Private Life takes a look at

Irwin to talk Liverpool

unlocks a client’s home

Liverpool’s wine market

52 A true Italian kitchen TRAVEL 54 Sarah Lancashire takes to the beaches of the Maldives

REGULARS 6 Editor’s Letter 9 Private Diary 31 Private Society

26 Private Life takes a look at keratoconus

28 David Lloyd Leisure steps in with Personal Training

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PRIVATE LETTER

FROM THE EDITOR... There is a lot happening over the next few months, making it a great year to be in Liverpool. We take a look at the International Festival for Business (p45.) – a two-month showcase of Liverpool’s business community - with business delegates and trade intermediaries visiting from around the world over the 50 days of events. Next up is the International Tennis Tournament at Aigburth Cricket Club and the Liverpool Biennial (p.40) – bringing in sporting personalities and art lovers from all four corners of the globe. With the Crabbie’s Grand National having just taken place, Liverpool powerhouse Boodles talks to us about creating the winner’s trophy once again (p.39). From one jeweller to the next, we sit down with Karl Irwin (p.15), showroom manager at David M Robinson, to find out what makes his watch tick in Liverpool.

Editor

Clinton Stuart-Lane

Sub-Editor

Jennie Musgrove

Graphic Design Paul Rowlands

Fashion Photographer Kirstie McNulty

Fashion Assistant

Ashleigh Cunningham

Product Photographer Robin Clewley

Artwork Editor Jamie Griffiths

Health Editor Kathy Sandison

Contributors

Ged Flanagan, Claire Wood, Alice Anastasiou, Maggie Birch, Kellie Wilson, Peter Roberts, Kris Tisdale

Food & Drink Editor Arabella Whittaker

Culture Editor

Harley Grosvenor

Sports Editor

Jason Matthews

Elsewhere, we’ve got features on rolling the perfect sushi to impress at your next dinner party (p.51), the latest wine imports to Liverpool (p.50), and how to find a true Italian kitchen in the heart of the city (p.52).

Travel Editor

Sarah Lancashire

Editorial Assistant Clare Ainsworth

After taking in the events and seeing the sights, we lend our ears to health columnist Tara Maguire (p.29) on the benefits of hydration, before visiting leading spa Urban Calm (p.30) to try out their latest range of relaxing aromatherapy treatments from leading cosmetologist brand Comfort Zone. Liverpool’s leading laser lady Sam Ward talks lasers on (p.32), and facial aesthetics expert Debbie McGovern guides us through the facts and myths of botox On the cover and fillers (p.24). Finally, if this isn’t enough and you’re stuck for something to do with the family, then take a trip to the Empire as the Broadway hit Lion King prowls into town (p.42).

Wan t to re c ei ve t he ne xt i ssu e of at hom e f or f r e e ? Annual subscription to Private Life is only £16 Call the office on 0151 601 3328 to receive your first copy, FREE!

PR & Marketing Manager Lauren Walker

Head of Finance Joan Alcoolique

Group Director Luke Trevaskis

Copyright © 2012 Trevaskis Communications Ltd, Number Six, Castle Street Liverpool, L2 0NB Tel: 0151 601 3328 www.private-life.co.uk Trevaskis Communications Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every effort is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Trevaskis Communications Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

Private Life is brought to you by Liverpool’s Private Circle: Mrs Margaret Gibson

PRIVATE LIFE

STOCKED AT SILVERBERG OPTICIANS VISIT OUR CITY CENTRE STORE IN LIVERPOOL (OPPOSITE THE METQUARTER) 40 WHITECHAPEL, LIVERPOOL, L1 6DZ or CALL 0151 709 2012

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PRIVATE DIARY

n O s ’ t a h W IN LIVERPOOL

Turner

JMW Turner is one of Britain’s greatest landscape painters. The paintings, watercolours and prints by Turner in the National Museums Liverpool collections are some of the best in the country. This exhibition will present a selection of some 30 works by Turner, drawn from the Walker Art Gallery, Lady Lever Art Gallery and Sudley House. It will take a chronological approach to explore the artist’s life and work. The exhibition is free and is on at Lady Lever Art Gallery, Port Sunlight Village, Wirral until 1st June 2014 – 10am-5pm.

On Friday 16th May you can look forward to over 50 free events at Liverpool’s Annual Light Night festival celebrating arts and culture in world-class galleries, museums and heritage sites throughout the city. The event showcases the creativity in the city. It includes spectacular light projections, live music, heritage tours, open studios, hands-on art workshops, exhibition launches, and dancing through the night. The event is in its 5th year and has proven to be extremely successful. It runs from 4pm til late and most events are free. To access the programme go to www.lightnightliverpool.co.uk

The Farm Feast returns, keeping quality local, seasonal and artisan food and drink at its heart. Children will have their own Little Feasters area with storytelling, bush craft workshops, cookery lessons and educational fun and games. For the grownups, the Good Life Marquee will give demonstrations and talks on how to make sausages, brew beer and keep bees. The Chef’s Demo Stage will focus on cooking fresh ingredients, and there will be a Vintage village with a variety of stalls from the region’s top food and drink producers. Music stages featuring the best local talent will be there to entertain. 25th-26th May 2014. Claremont Farm, Old Clatterbridge Road, Wirral. Family £36.85, Adult £17.60, Child £3.30 PRIVATE LIFE 11

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The Lion King comes to The Liverpool Empire. The multi-award winning stage musical is the biggest musical production ever to tour the UK. It will transport you to the Serengeti and enthral both adults and children with its powerful story of Simba. The stunning costumes, colours, and evocative music all add up to what is wonderful entertainment. Not to be missed! 15th May–5th July 2014. To book tickets visit The Empire Box Office, call 0844 871 3017 or go to www.atgtickets.com/liverpool

The International Festival for Business 2014 is the largest global concentration of business events during 2014; it runs for 50 days across 7 weeks in June and July and will attract business delegates and trade intermediaries from around the world. There is a choice of more than 150 business-focused events. The focus is on creating new international and domestic business-to-business relationships and commercial openings for small, medium and large UK companies. The cultural programme that has been developed to sit alongside IFB 2014 will further enhance the already busy programme in Liverpool. Find out more about the IFB at www.ifb2014.com

John Power returns to take on the role of the older-version Lennon, the prolific singer/songwriter, who acts as the show’s narrator. The charismatic front man is happy for the opportunity to be back in Liverpool and once again playing the part. The show is packed with great music celebrating the life of the former Beatle. The audience is taken on a two-hour rollercoaster through John Lennon’s life, from birth in wartime Liverpool to untimely death in New York City, and is sure to be a resounding success. 13th June–19th July 2014 at the Royal Court, Liverpool. To book tickets call 0870 787 1866

Africa Oyé 2014 Africa Oyé is set to be a stellar festival and it is the largest free African music event in the UK. It’s a celebration of African music and culture and takes place annually in Liverpool. 21st–22nd June 2014 at Sefton Park. Find out more at www.africaoye.com

The Liverpool Biennial exhibition is curated by Mai Abu ElDahab and Anthony Huberman and explores art in everyday life. It takes place at venues across the city including galleries and public spaces such as FACT, Tate Liverpool and the Bluecoat. This is a chance to see work by artists and curators in solo and group exhibitions and performances throughout the city, ranging from the Walker Art Gallery to the Royal Standard. This is international art that unfolds across Liverpool’s spaces, places and galleries. Part of the International Festival for Business 2014 Cultural Programme. 5th July –26th October. Free. Find out more at biennial.com/2014 12 PRIVATE LIFE

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Call us today on 0151 236 8280 Visit us online at www.liverpoolimplants.co.uk If you have frown lines, crows feet, deeps wrinkles or smile lines, we can give you back the confidence to hold your head up high and banish those signs of ageing.

Women

Botox 1 area £125 2 areas £245 3 areas £300 Smile drop gummy smile £250 Anti sweating treatment £499 Crows feet £150 Smokers line £150 Lip enhancement from £199 Cheek enhancement from £250 Fillers start from £199

Men

Botox 1 area £150 2 areas £270 3 areas £370

Liverpool Dental Spa Winners of

Best Dental Practice 2008 Best Dental Team 2009

The Dentistry Awards Debbie McGovern, Facial Aesthetics Director Liverpool Dental Spa

Lips enhancement £199 Anti sweating £599 Skin peels £75 Derma roller from £150 Acne treatment from £150

Facial Peels, Botox &Fillers To arrange a FREE consultation to discuss your options with Debbie McGovern, call 0151 236 8280 now. Liverpool Dental Spa, 23-25 Brunswick Street, Liverpool City Centre, L2 0PJ. Call us on 0151 236 8280 Like us on Facebook at LiverpoolDental, Tweet us at @LpoolDentalSpa

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PRIVATE HISTORY

esigned by Jesse Hartley and Philip Hardwick, the Albert Dock opened in 1846 as the first structure in Britain to be built from cast iron, brick and stone. With no structural wood, it was considered the first noncombustible warehouse system in the world – a revolutionary docking system that meant ships were loaded and unloaded directly to and from the warehouses. Due to its open yet secure design, the Albert Dock became a popular store for valuable cargoes such as brandy, cotton, tea, silk, tobacco, ivory and sugar. However, despite

the Albert Dock’s advanced design, and its rise as one of the leading ports in the world, the rapid development of shipping technology meant that, within 50 years, larger, more open docks were required, although it remained a valuable store for cargo. During the Second World War, the Albert Dock was requisitioned by the Admiralty, serving as a base for boats of the British Atlantic Fleet. The complex was damaged during air raids on Liverpool, notably during the May Blitz of 1941. In the aftermath of the war, the financial problems of the owners and the general decline of docking in the city meant that the future of the Albert Dock was uncertain. Numerous plans were developed for the re-use of the buildings but none came to fruition and in 1972 the dock was finally closed. Having lain derelict for nearly ten years, the redevelopment of the dock began in 1981, when

the Merseyside Development Corporation was set up, with the Albert Dock being officially reopened in 1984. Today, the Albert Dock is a major tourist attraction in the city and the most visited multi-use attraction in the United Kingdom, outside of London. It is a vital component of Liverpool’s UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) designated World Heritage sites, and the docking complex and warehouses also comprise the largest single collection of Grade I listed buildings anywhere in the UK. PRIVATE LIFE 15

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World

Karl Irwin

Karl Irwin, General Manager of David M Robinson, discusses life in Liverpool and his love of watches aving grown up as the eldest of two children to parents who were part of the formation team behind the famous Billy Martin’s Dance School, Karl remembers dancing through his childhood to the beats of the ballroom and Latin America, albeit reluctantly. Now swapping his trophies for watches, Karl has worked at David M Robinson for 11 years, after leaving his role as Detective Constable of Merseyside Police, to bring a ‘fresh pair of eyes’ to the Liverpool-born jewellery brand. With three girls to keep him busy - daughters Sophie and Laura, alongside wife Kate - Karl loves his work-life balance. When he isn’t embarrassing his girls, he is training for the Sprint Triathlon, which takes place in June. Karl’s responsibilities include managing the six showrooms, liaising with the watch brands that

are stocked and taking care of his own portfolio of clients who require that more bespoke service. He observes of his employer: ‘David Robinson is a Scouser born and bred. He is a Garston “lad” who left school with no formal qualifications but, through a combination of luck and a natural flair for metalwork and art, he found his way into working in a goldsmith’s workshop. His hard work and endeavour was quickly spotted and when the chance to buy the workshop came up he threw himself wholeheartedly into making it a success.’ Loving the vibrancy and banter of Liverpool, Karl notes, ‘The city has changed enormously over the past 8 years and without doubt this has been for the better. Friends and colleagues all love coming to the city and spending time here because they get a warm reception and always have a really good laugh. It really is full of characters and some of the “one-liners” that you hear walking through the city are just priceless. ‘Liverpool has changed beyond recognition over the past 5-10 years. Liverpool One has been an incredible success for our brand and the city as a whole. It is attracting huge numbers of visitors and shoppers alike, which is great after the city has been in the shadows of the Trafford Centre for so long. ‘I see Liverpool being a hub for creativity again in the

next 5-10 years. This city has such a wealth of creative talent in the arts, music and design, that I can see Liverpool attracting creative talent both nationally and internationally. We see this through our sponsorship of the Sir John Moores Painting Prize, which has been described as “the Oscars of the painting world” by Sir Norman Rosenthal. We are also closely involved with the National Museums and The Philharmonic Hall as corporate sponsors. ‘David M Robinson are thrilled to be unveiling an entire new jewellery collection in spring 2014 as well as evolutions of some much-loved collections, such as Lunar and Hopscotch. The new collection launch will coincide with a new brochure and website, which we are really pleased with. A huge amount of work has gone into these projects and hopefully they will take us to an entirely new level.’

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Vidal Sassoon is a mark of P&G used under license by Regis Corporation.

The UlTimaTe CUT & ColoUr experienCe

1st FLOOR METQUARTER 34 WHITECHAPEL, LIVERPOOL L1 6DA To book an appointment call | 0151 227 1450

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GET TO KNOW US

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PRIVATE TRENDS PRIVATE LIFE

This season is all about chunky crystal embellishments to counterbalance the flirty silhouettes of baby pink and dusty rose. This almost-decadent touch may be subtle but brightens any wardrobe over summer. Opt for pink tones that match your shade of lipstick - works every time.

1. Rosa Floral-Jacquard Dress, Temperley London, £850, www.net-a-porter.com 2. Bow-Detailed Silk-Satin Headband, Jennifer Behr, £180, www.net-a-porter.com 3. Flower Clasp Leather Clutch, Red Valentino, £396, www.my-wardrobe.com 4.Metallic Leather and PVC Pumps, Gianvito Rossi, £470, www.net-a-porter.com 5. Savoy Tourmaline Earrings, £3,800, www.boodles.com 6. Embellished Cat Eye Acetate Sunglasses, Miu Miu, £240, www.net-a-porter.com 7. Wool-Felt Fedora, Karl Lagerfeld, £145, www.net-a-porter.com 8. Croc-Effect Glossed-Leather iPhone Sleeve, Miu Miu, £85, www.net-a-porter.com

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Photographer: Kirstie McNulty

PRIVATE FASHION

Opposite Page: Strapless Contrast Lace Waist Dress, £30, www.axparis.com Above: Gibson City Black Jacket, £125, www.simonandsimononline.com Classic Spread Fitted Shirt, £65, www.simonandsimononline.com College Stripe Silk Tie, £19.95, Classic Spread Fitted Shirt, £65, www.simonandsimononline.com Luxury Silk Hankie, £14.95, www.simonandsimononline.com PRIVATE LIFE 21

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Above: Split Wide Leg Jumpsuit, £35, www.axparis.com Opposite Page: Classic Spread Fitted Shirt, £65, www.simonandsimononline.com Sky College Stripe Silk Tie, £19.95, Classic Spread Fitted Shirt, £65, www.simonandsimononline.com Luxury Red Braces with Leather Strap Fastening, £19.95, www.simonandsimononline.com

The great thing about dots on dots is that there are a plethora of variations. Polka has long been seen on the fashion plate from large block colour circles to tiny pin-dot motifs. This trend doesn’t have one defining look and therefore allows that individual stamp to be firmly inked on the trend.

1. Polka Dot Jumper, Kris Van Assche, £282.52, www.farfetch.com 2. Embossed Polka Dot Card Wallet, Comme Des Garcons, £100, www.farfetch.com 3. White Polka Dot Print Penny Collar Slim Fit Shirt, Ben Sherman, £80, www.hof.co.uk 4.Spotted Knitted-Silk Tie, Drake, £115, www.mrporter.com 5. Polka-Dot Silk Tie, Drake, £115, www. mrporter.com 6. Sky Blue Spot Handkerchief, Gieves and Hawkes, £55, www.gievesandhawkes.com 7. Printed Cotton Shirt, Burberry Prorsum, £350, www.mrporter.com 8. Blue Polka Dot Print Penny Collar Slim Fit Shirt, Ben Sherman, £80, www.hof.co.uk

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PRIVATE PRIVATE LIFE HEALTH

Clare Williams speaks to Debbie McGovern, Facial Aesthetics Director of Liverpool Dental Spa, to find out why more and more people, both young and old, are after a little help HAT IS BOTOX? Botox® is the leading brand of botulinum toxin type A and is the name most commonly recognised with muscle relaxing injections, we also use Azzalure® which has been used in the UK since the early 1990’s. And this product is debbies first product choice. Botox® has been used since 1980 to treat a number of muscle disorders and can also be used to treat migraine and excessive sweating. It is a simple, non-surgical treatment that works by blocking nerve impulses to the injected muscles and this reduces muscle activity that causes lines and wrinkles to form, allowing the overlying skin to appear smooth and line free. RECOMMENDED FOR: Relaxing the glabellar or frown lines between the brows, smoothing out crows feet and laughter lines, lifting the jaw line, raising the tip of the nose, improving an upturned or dimpled chin, smoothing lines on the décolletage area, reducing excessive sweating. RESULTS: The appearance of frown lines and other treated areas will be dramatically improved within three to five days of treatment. The skin

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will appear smoother and unlined whilst untreated facial muscles work as usual to allow the normal facial expression to be unaffected by the treatment. RECOVERY TIME: Some minimal bruising may be experienced following treatment but side effects are rare. Occasionally temporary numbness or a mild headache may be experienced although muscle relaxing injections are used to successfully treat migraine in some patients. In less than 1% of patients a temporary droop of the brow or eyelid may occur HOW OFTEN: The effects can last three to four months and then repeat injections will be needed to maintain the effects. After several treatments, the effects will begin to last longer and repeat treatments may only be required every six months. At n Clinic we take a ‘less is more’ approach and to avoid a frozen forehead we always see patients two weeks following the initial treatment to check the results and top-up if required. A non-surgical alternative to going under the knife, here at The Liverpool dental spa we have perfected the technique using Azzalure®, a muscle balancing neuro toxin, to give the face a gentle and natural looking lift.’, Azzalure® is designed to enhance your natural features, not just wipe out lines and wrinkles. The procedure involves a series of tiny injections expertly placed by Debbie to balance, lift and smooth the features resulting in a fresher, younger look that’s so natural it will keep people wondering how you look so good! RESULTS: Very natural looking results; frown lines and crows feet are smoothed and the brow lifts slightly giving a less tired or angry appearance, the angle of the mouth tilts

upwards to stop you looking sad, the jaw line is tightened, the skin looks refreshed and healthy, large pores are diminished and oily, problem skin will be greatly improved. RECOVERY TIME: No downtime. Some minimal bruising may be experienced following treatment but these can be covered up with make-up and will fade quickly. Occasionally temporary numbness or a mild headache may be experienced although musclerelaxing injections are used to successfully treat migraine in some patients. In less than 1% of patients a temporary droop of the brow or eyelid may occur. For More Information on Botox, Please contact Liverpool Dental Spa, on 0151 236 8280 Debbie McGovern, Facial Aesthetics Director, Liverpool Dental Spa

PRIVATE HEALTH PRIVATE LIFE

Myth No.1: Do injections distort your facial expressions? “Facial expressions may be distorted, but only in the case of an overdose or misdirected injection of the drug. Patients who want to look ten years younger are strongly advised to have their injection administered by a qualified physician, as injections performed at salons may result in dire consequences and lead to distorted facial expressions.”

Myth No. 2: Are injections toxic to the body? “BOTOX® is a purified protein derived from the botulinum toxin, a serious form of food poisoning, but because the concentration of the toxin is very low, a BOTOX® injection is simply incapable of spreading its effects outside the given area. Aspirin and antibiotics are potentially more harmful than BOTOX®.”

Myth No. 3: Can patients develop an addiction to BOTOX® injections? “A person will undoubtedly look and feel younger and more attractive as the skin becomes smoother and wrinkles are gone. Naturally, a person will come to love their new and improved look and want to achieve it more frequently but the drug does not bring about any physiological addiction. Furthermore, the effects of a BOTOX® treatment are not permanent, usually lasting three to six months.”

Myth No. 4: Do BOTOX® injections induce a stressful experience for the muscles? “In reality, BOTOX® does the exact opposite. People laugh, cry, and make facial expressions and all the while their facial muscles keep working. When a BOTOX® injection is administered, it allows the muscles to relax for a period of time.”

Myth No. 5: Are BOTOX® injections painful, or have unpleasant sensations? “On the contrary, a BOTOX® injection is practically pain free. My BOTOX® patients typically compare their injections to a mosquito bite. A tiny bruise may form at the site of an injection sometimes, although as a rule, there is no bruising at the injection site.”

Myth No. 6: Should you wait until you are 30+ to get a BOTOX® injection? “BOTOX® injections can be administered to persons of 18 years of age and older provided that there is a real need for getting a ‘shot of beauty.’ It is an open secret in the cosmetic world that teenagers sometimes develop severe mimic lines. It is a lot easier and more effective to tackle this problem at its early stage. It is best to treat mimic lines while the skin is smooth because the older you are the more difficult it becomes for your skin to get used to the effects of a BOTOX® injection.”

Myth No. 7: Are BOTOX® injections are only effective for facial lines? “BOTOX® was originally used by physicians for the treatment of a number of neurological disorders prior to its use in eliminating or reducing the so-called furrows or frown lines. BOTOX® has been used to treat dystonias (movement disorders), including writer’s cramp, facial spasms, head and neck tremors and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). Recently, a study has been conducted to observe its use in treating chronic neck and back pain. BOTOX® is successfully used to treat blepharospasm (involuntary facial movements), strabismus (crossed eyes), TMJ (Temporo-Mandibular Joint) pain, and even depression.”

Myth No. 8 Will BOTOX® will poison my body? “As with any other drug, BOTOX® is safe when administered in the proper dosage. For cosmetic use, the typical patient receives an average of 20-70 units of BOTOX® per treatment. Over a period of time, the body naturally eliminates the administered BOTOX®. As with nearly every medication, excessive amounts can be dangerous to one’s health. A fatal dose of BOTOX® is 2800 units, 100 times the average dose given for the treatment of lines and wrinkles.”

Myth No. 9: Is BOTOX® a dangerous toxin? “BOTOX® has been used to treat facial lines since 1987. With over 2.9 million procedures performed annually, no long-term side effects are seen.”

Myth No. 10: What about creams that claim to be better than BOTOX®? “Many people hope that the next “works-like-BOTOX®” product will really fulfill that promise. Yet, the lack of well-founded studies and the pure complexity of skin aging make it impossible for any cosmetic product to eliminate, or prove it can eliminate, wrinkles. As nice as it would be to get the same results without a visit to a qualified physician and an injection, it just isn’t possible.” PRIVATE LIFE 27

PRIVATE HEALTH

Silverberg Optician’s resident Optometrist, David McDaid, looks more closely at Keratoconus Client: Paul Tsanos Age: 45 Occupation: Musician, Photographer & Magazine Owner he cornea is the transparent surface on the front of the eye. It is responsible for over 60% of the eye’s power. Normally the cornea is domeshaped; however, in rare occasions the cornea becomes weakened and begins to protrude forward in a cone shape – this is called keratoconus. This bulging interferes with a patient’s vision and causes distortion, making even the easiest of visual tasks such as reading or watching TV very difficult. Due to the irregularity of the cornea, spectacles or traditional

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contact lenses often do little to help the patient’s vision. To make things worse, traditional contact lenses can also cause discomfort and in some cases irreversible scarring to the cornea due to its shape. However, help is now at hand: at Silverberg Opticians we are one of the few opticians fitting people with specialist contact lenses. These allow the tear film on the front of the eye to fill all the gaps between the cornea and the lens, almost creating a new lens from the patient’s own tears. I have recently fitted Paul with these specialist lenses for the first time after he has struggled with traditional contact lenses for years. Paul says, ‘I have been back a few times now to achieve the perfect vision I want. My eyes are like a unique sculpture and it takes a while to find the right packaging. I have come to Silverberg Optician’s as it is one of the few eyecare brands in Liverpool that will treat Keratoconus. Their dedication and customer service is second to none; I feel reassured that I am in safe hands and a solution is being found. I was having difficulty reading and concentrating on my computer screen at work, so I am relieved to have such a great optician on my doorstep.’ We have been fitting these lenses for over 2 years, and recently we have found an increase in interest. People have often heard about them, but have never had the

chance to try them as the fitting process is so complicated; however, we know it is worth it. Once the patient is comfortable in the lenses, they can have fantastic vision, in Paul’s case for the first time in over a decade. If you or someone you know has Keratoconus and would like to find out more about these contact lenses, please call up the practice and book in for an initial eye examination with myself.

If you suffer from any of the symptons discussed or feel as though you would like a check-up please book by calling 0151 709 2012

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PRIVATE LIFE

Graham and Nick, two of David Lloyd Leisure Speke’s Personal Trainers take us through some of the products they use in their clients’ Personal Training Programmes Benefits: TRX (Total Body Resistance Exercise), originally designed by a Navy Seal, is a type of training that uses your own body weight and gravity to build strength, balance, coordination, flexibility, core and joint stability, all while preventing injuries. Trainer’s Top Tips: 1. Even Adjustment Lines. 2. Always make sure that the two yellow adjustment lines on your TRX are even with one another. These can be adjusted to change up workouts but making sure they’re aligned will keep you from slipping and possible injuries. 3. Increase Incline to Increase Intensity. Just by adjusting your foot placement, you can radically change an entire workout. This is important to note for beginners because keeping your feet close to your body is a good way to start out. If that’s too easy, gradually move your feet away from your body to increase your incline.

Benefits: It’s well-known that compound, whole-body movements typical of Kettle Bell exercises are superior to machines that isolate muscles for improving muscle tone, body composition, and strength. Kettle Bells strengthen the tendons and ligaments, making the joints tougher and less-susceptible to injury.

Benefits: ViPR (Vitality Performance Reconditioning) bridges the gap between movement and strength. It’s the ultimate functional, wholebody training tool, combining the programming of a traditional resistance workout together with the physical agility needed for an optimal fitness performance.

Trainer’s Top Tips: 1.Keep your heels on the floor throughout swings. 2. Don’t push your hips forward at the top of the swings. 3. Just stack them on top of your legs in a normal, neutral standing position.

Trainers Top Tips: 1. Lunge with lateral rotation. 2. Grip the ViPR in a front logcarrying position and raise above head. Step into a split stance and perform a static squat. Perform 4 sets of 12 reps, with 30 seconds rest between each.

If you are considering taking up a healthier lifestyle,The Engine Room from David Lloyd Leisure is here to help. Based around the three F’s – Fitness, Fuel and Focus – The Engine Room is an online health resource packed with easy tips and video help from the experts. Whatever your goals in 2014,The Engine Room from David Lloyd Leisure is here to help you get under way. To find out more go to dllengineroom.co.uk For more information on Personal Training or for membership details call David Lloyd Speke on 0151494 4001or email mship.speke@davidlloyd.co.uk Tweet Us on @DLLSpeke 30 PRIVATE LIFE

Health Columinst, Tara Maguire, investigates the benefits of hyrdration ince opening the hot yoga studio and wellness centre we get asked daily by yoga and personal training students ‘What’s the best way to rehydrate?’ Obviously, in a hot room you are going to sweat a lot more than in your usual yoga class and intensive personal training sessions can build up quite a sweat too. So, is water enough? Well, of course we should all drink water and you should be looking to get about two litres daily to keep your body happy – more when exercising. However, for those who participate in prolonged or extreme exercise you’ll probably need a little bit of something else. You see, when we sweat we don’t just sweat water, we also lose electrolytes and that can throw our body out of balance. So what exactly are electrolytes and where do I get them? Well, they are pretty much just a bunch of minerals… or salts! I KNOW! Stop press!! You need salt

for hydration, especially after excessive sweating, but you need the right balance from good/natural sources. This doesn’t mean adding salt to your food either; many foods contain naturally occurring salts that are good for your body, like bananas, which contain potassium. In general, keeping your electrolytes balanced can be done by maintaining a healthy diet and keeping well hydrated with water but when exercising you will need a quick electrolyte boost, but how? There is a real buzz at the moment about coconut water with its naturally occurring electrolytes, antioxidants and cytokinins (natural plant hormones). As well as being great for rehydration, it is also thought to have anti-ageing effects, promoting cell growth and repair (we are waiting for the science on that before we jump off the fence). There is no doubt though that after your hot yoga class drinking a carton of coconut water will alleviate the side effects of dehydration such as fatigue, headaches, low mood and anxiety. We also have a ‘top tip” juice recipe for staying hydrated from our Your Wellness personal trainer Darren Thomas. He says simply add 1/4 cup of lemon juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 1 teaspoon salt (we recommend Himalayan rock salt) and 1 whole squeezed orange juice (or fresh shop-bought orange) to a litre of water and you have yourself an isotonic sports drink for before and after your exercise. So it seems everything in life is about balance, even staying hydrated! www.youryogastudio.co.uk PRIVATE LIFE 31

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Private Life takes a trip to Urban Calm Spa to try out their latest in facial rejuvenation It isn’t often that you find a spa treatment that is both medically rejuvenating and thoroughly relaxing. Developed by internationally renowned pharmacist, Davide Bollati, Comfort Zone – Urban Calm’s latest treatment offering – has worked with a range of leading cosmetologists since 1983, researching and developing some of the most effective methods of facial maintenance. Using the latest discoveries from research into natural active ingredients, Comfort Zone have maximised the use of natural ingredients to develop a revolutionary approach to a skin peel

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that offers visibly amazing results in just half the time of a traditional facial. Everyone needs a little r’n’r every now and then, and this skin treatment is perfect to both slow down the ageing process and correct more mature skin that may require ongoing maintenance and wrinkle-prevention. The treatment is 45 minutes of bliss – with arm, neck and face movements developed to work alongside the medical element of the treatment to truly relax and calm the body – a state that is most effective for cell renewal and collagen rebuilding. The treatment helps to restore, tone and reposition the skin tissues for a youthful, healthier appearance, and the results are immediate. The efficacy of the superfoods and high-tech ingredients is maximised by the developed ‘Kabat’ technique – a soothing neuromuscular rehabilitation method which is part massage and part movement and creates an optimum environment for reinforcing skin tissues and engaging muscle elasticity.

The results are noticeable as soon as the treatment finishes, with an immediate replumping of the skin, and lifting and softening of expression lines and deeper wrinkles. Not only will you feel calm and in a peaceful state of mind but the nutritional replenishment for your depleted skin will also ensure that you leave the spa looking both fresh and vibrant as you go about your day. For more details, or to book a Comfort Zone treatment at Urban Calm Spa, please visit Urban Calm Spa, Upper Tier, Met Quarter or call 0151 236 0527.

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With Urban Calm now offering relaxing exfoliation treatments, Private Life couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t resist trying them out It is not a secret that a good exfoliation can help clear out the old and reveal the new. With Urban Calm introducing their new skin exfoliation treatment, it is well worth a trip there before you hit those sun loungers this summer. Regular exfoliation is vital to the overall look of your skin as, over time, as cells migrate to the surface of the skin they become more acidic. During their 30-day journey, they die and become saturated with keratin. Keratin is important because it protects the skin from outside elements. But through the ageing process, and after menopause for

women, the natural process of skin erosion becomes uneven, which gives skin a dry and rough character. Exfoliation removes the outer layer to reveal the newer skin beneath. This shedding of the outer layer unclogs pores, keeps skin clean, and helps reduce acne outbreaks. Exfoliation is especially important for men as it exposes the hair follicles, allowing a better shave. Mixing ancient traditions with contemporary rituals, Urban Calm have brought in Comfort Zone - introducing a relaxing new exfoliation treatment that combines science and nature to leave your body feeling loved. Offering memorable multi-sensorial journeys, Comfort Zone transforms every gesture into a well-being ritual with refined textures and unique fragrances for the ultimate in relaxing experiences. Taking inspiration from ancient cultures, this

treatment range has made taking care of the body an art. The new longevity body treatment is an innovative anti-aging body treatment that offers exceptional results that are visible after the very first treatment. Designed to restore skin tone and brush away those dead skin cells, this treatment is perfect for men and women, leaving skin appearing compact and incredibly toned. For more details, or to book a Comfort Zone treatment at Urban Calm Spa, please visit Urban Calm Spa, Upper Tier, Met Quarter or call 0151 236 0527.

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Private Life catches up with Samantha Ward, Liverpool’s laser expert With an impressive client list, Samantha Ward prides herself on her passion for the hair removal industry and her growing following is testimony to her professional and confidential service. Offering a range of treatments to treat various skin and body conditions, Samantha Ward Aesthetics provide a full-service transformation, leaving you with a rejuvenated smooth skin tone. Sam adds, ‘Having a vast and detailed knowledge of the aesthetics industry and its rapidly expanding treatments has helped me to forge a path in this ever-changing industry. Working for a number of years in some of the most prestigious spas in the world has been life changing, and I have travelled extensively to research the practices and techniques used by many cultures across the globe to maintain their beauty. ‘My expertise, dedication and enthusiasm enabled my lifelong ambition to come true last year when I opened the Samantha Ward Aesthetics Clinic on 34 PRIVATE LIFE

Rodney Street. ‘I have taken all the good, and left the bad, to create a tranquil environment to enable 360-degree rejuvenation to happen under one roof inside our delightful Georgian townhouse. It is important to me to make sure my clients feel reborn, and I am dedicated to making everybody look fabulous from head to toe, both inside and out.

‘Liverpool is the city with the largest beauty following, and huge investment has been made to make the most advanced technological laser machines available here for the first time. We deal with only the most highly renowned suppliers and employ trusted specialists in their own area of work. ‘We have onsite doctors, nurses, aestheticians, beauticians and nail

technicians, who work alongside each other to create an unrivalled aesthetics team. From machinery to products, everything has been thoroughly researched to ensure the absolute maximum results are achieved whilst being in the safest of hands. Each individual has a tailored service but all are cared for equally. Your treatments are bespoke to your needs and expectations. Whether you visit us at our Rodney Street Clinic in Liverpool or at our Carlisle branch, you will be relaxed and indulged in a warm and friendly atmosphere within the most pristine surroundings.’ To book, or for more details, please contact us on 0151 538 8499 or email us on info@ samanthawardaesthetics.co.uk or visit www.samanthawardaesthetics.co.uk

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MALBAR Launch The who’s who of the North West descended on Malmaison Liverpool to celebrate the launch of the hotel’s shiny new Malbar, and to help celebrate their 7th anniversary. Over 200 glamorous guests gathered to party the night away and guests were treated to a plethora of delicious food, and cocktails. Famed DJ YOUSEF provided the soundtrack for the evening that kept guests dancing well into the wee hours of the morning. Head Chef Adam Townsley and his team prepared a true feast - mountains of fresh seafood, crab, Canadian lobster and an oversized shrimp cocktail with Malchemy cocktails flowing fast and steady.

1. DJ YOUSEF 2. Rebecca Keegan, Adam Franklin, Emma Hill & Laura O’Connor. 3. Kathleen Kearney, Alisha Thomas-Jackson & Sharon Simons. 4. Jude Cisse. 5. Dan Hicklin, Jenny Morgan & Matt Belfield (Bill Elms Associates). 6. Rae Hamilton & Jennifer Lynn (MTV). 7. Chloe Batchelor, Joe Mangan & Emma Chiltern (ACC Liverpool). 8. Jude Cisse & Paul Knowles. 9. Amanda Turner & Lewis Harris

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Michael Causer Foundation Charity Lunch

Over 120 guests joined together for a delicious three-course lunch at Gusto, Albert Dock, to raise money for the Michael Causer Foundation. The Lord Mayor of Liverpool Cllr Gary Millar hosted a Q&A with Marie Causer, the mother of Michael - a Liverpool teenager who was violently murdered because of his sexuality in 2008. It is Marie’s dream to open a home of refuge for victims of the LGBT community to come for support and rehabilitation. Music was provided by Connie Lush and over £1,620 was raised to put towards raising awareness and achieving Marie’s goal of building a safe house.

Liverpool City Central Business Improvement District - Mystery Shop Awards Liverpool City Central Business Improvement District hosted its second annual Mystery Shop Awards which proved customer satisfaction levels in Liverpool city centre have reached an all-time high. A total of 140 stores – from independent cafes to national chains - scored an average 86.4% approval rating, up 4% when the survey last took place at the end of 2012. Of those secretly assessed for the 5th annual survey, commissioned by City Central BID, a record 30 businesses scored top marks compared to 22 in the last survey. Equally, a record total of 85 businesses scored above 80% and an all-time low of just 20 stores attained a mark below 70%. Those which got an 80% or better rating were honoured by Liverpool’s Lord Mayor at an awards ceremony in The Athenaeum, hosted by Liverpool actor, comedian and writer Neil Fitzmaurice. Bill Addy, Chief Executive of Liverpool BID Company, said: ‘’Providing excellent customer service is critical to the success of any business and it is extremely encouraging to see those in Liverpool city centre are providing an exceptionally high standard to their customers.’’

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1 The DLIB Women in Business Awards

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Downtown Liverpool in Business in association with the Women Organisation hosted the second annual Women in Business Awards at the Hilton Hotel, Liverpool on Friday 14th March 2014. The winners, chosen 50% by public vote and 50% by a panel of representatives from the local business community, are listed below: Tweets from the event can be found via the hashtag #WIBA14 Downtown in Business has also teamed up with the Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Organisation to focus on successful female entrepreneurs and business owners from across Greater Manchester and Lancashire at a special event later this year. The inaugural Women in Business awards will be hosted on Thursday 10th July at the five star Lowry Hotel. Congratulations to all the winners!

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1.Rebecca Keegan, Tricia Campbell, Jennie Stewart & Lesley Dixon. 2. Colin Dorricott & Martine Silverberg 3. Jean Gatsby & Ellie Kerr 4. Frank McKenna &Hostess 5. April Bradbury, Lisa Ashby, Tricia Campbell, Julie Johnson, Rebecca Keegan, Lesley Dixon, Julie Ann Waring & Alison Lobb 6. Natwest. 7. Traci Williams & friend, Helen. 8. Jayne Moore, Miguel Doforo, Claire Jackson & Guest. 9. James

Topping, Ian Kilpatric & Jordan McDonald. 10.Debbie Williams, Maria Fraughan, Kelly Marie Stewart & Nicola Pink. 11. Yana Williams, Helen Milne & Guest. 12. Paula Hanlon & Michelle Helsby. 13. Ed Oliver & Jennie Stewart. 14. Jayne Moore, Maggie Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Carroll & Mike Hennessy. 15. Chris Walters & Guest

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Venetian Queen’s Masquerade Ball helping raise funds for the Prince’s Trust The Venetian Queen’s Masquerade Ball, which was held on March 13th at the spectacular Lutyen’s Crypt of the Metropolitan Cathedral, successfully raised over £8,000 for the Prince’s Trust Fairbridge Programme in Liverpool. The event took place as part of the Zero to Hero challenge, which tasks local companies to turn £500 into as much money as possible. Team members from the Bibby Line Group successfully put together a highly entertaining evening which included Venetian drama courtesy of Shiverpool, close-up magicians, an exquisite 3 course meal provided by Feathers, music from swing singer Asa Murphy, and all topped off by excellent hosting from the Venetian Queen herself, Leanne Campbell

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Private Life speaks to Boodles about designing the Crabbie’s Grand National Trophy s one of Britain’s leading fine jewellers, whose reputation has been built on quality and innovative design, it is no surprise that Boodles, founded in Liverpool in 1798, once again regained the honour of designing the winners’ trophy for this year’s Crabbie’s Grand National. Unveiling a modern-day representation of sculptural design and fine craftsmanship, this year’s Crabbie’s Grand National Trophy rekindles a tradition born in the years after the Second World War when Boodles crafted this tribute to victory and superior sportsmanship. Michael Wainwright, managing director of Boodles, commented, ‘Boodles created trophies for the Grand National for many years in my father’s day, for Mrs Topham, who owned the course, so we are delighted to have designed a stunningly different trophy for this year’s sponsor, Crabbie’s – who, like Boodles, also have their head office in Liverpool. This year’s trophy, incorporating diamonds, of course, demonstrates the contemporary design and fine craftsmanship that we are known for today. ‘

The Boodles Crabbie’s Grand National trophy incorporates a triumph of sterling silver, sculptured by Boodles’ finest artisans to depict a beautifully executed, minimalistic stallion, defining the luxury of Boodles whilst retaining the grace of the thoroughbreds that clip the turf around Aintree racecourse. The intriguing angular facets and clever use of negative space can now be found adorning the mantelpiece of Leighton Aspell, who rode Pineau De Re to victory on the day. With its glistening round, brilliant cut diamonds coupled with the finest handcrafted walnut veneer, interspersed with diamonds symbolic of the studs found on the horse’s shoe, this is one ovation to British-born talent that is a salute to the making of history.

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Private Life takes a look on board the Liverpool Biennial’s latest commission iverpool Biennial, the UK Biennial of contemporary art, and Tate Liverpool will jointly commission Carlos Cruz-Diez to work with the idea of ‘dazzle’ camouflage in partnership with National Museums Liverpool using an historic pilot ship conserved by Merseyside Maritime Museum. The “Edmund Gardner” is situated in a dry dock adjacent to Liverpool’s Albert Dock and this will be a new public monument for the city. The ship will be seen during the International Festival for Business and will be accompanied by a display exploring the history of Dazzle Ships and the role of artists in the First World War. Carlos Cruz-Diez is one of the great figures of contemporary art, especially kinetic-optic art. His works can be found in the permanent collections of Museum of Modern Art, New York; Tate Modern, London; Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris; Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; Wallraf-Richartz

Museum, Cologne. His art proposal, one of the most original of that movement, reveals him as one of the last colour. His research is based on three chromatic conditions: subtractive, additive and reflected, and has brought art a new way of understanding the phenomenon of colour, greatly expanding its perceptual universe. Cruz-Diez’s work revolves around colour conceived as an autonomous reality, progressing in space and real time without past or future - in a perpetual present. In his works, colour appears as a reality that can exist without the help of traditional form. In London the HMS President, which was formerly a Dazzle Ship during the First World War, will also be ‘dazzled’ by a contemporary artist in a co-commission by Chelsea College of Art and Design. Dazzle painting was a system for camouflaging ships that was introduced in early 1917, at a time when German submarines were threatening to cut off Britain’s trade and supplies. The idea was not to “hide” the ships, but to paint them in such a way that their appearance was optically distorted, so that it was difficult for a submarine to calculate the course the ship was travelling on, and so know from what angle to attack. The “dazzle” was achieved by painting the ship in contrasting stripes and curves that broke up its shape. Characterised by garish colours and a sharp patchwork design of interlocking shapes, the spectacular ‘dazzle’ style was heavily indebted to Cubism.

Dazzle painting was invented by a marine painter, Norman Wilkinson, a future President of the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours. Artist Edward Wadsworth, who supervised the application of ‘dazzle’ patterning to over 2,000 ships, later made a series of paintings on the subject. The close relationship of ‘dazzle’ technology to British art extended right through its manufacture. Each British pattern was unique, and many of the designs were invented by women from the Royal Academy of Arts in London. These were then tested on wooden models, viewed through a periscope in a studio to assess how they would work at sea. Though the practice has largely (but not entirely) fallen out of fashion in the military, ‘dazzle’ remains a source of inspiration to artists today. Details of the commissioned artists and ship locations will be announced in April 2014. For more information, please visit 1418NOW. org.uk or biennial.com

Below: Dazzle Ships - Co-commissioned by 14 – 18 NOW and Liverpool Biennial Liverpool Docks June 2014 Image credit: Image Courtesy Imperial War Museum

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Liverpool’s leading interior designer, Elaine Cunningham, follows in her fathers footsteps to support the 8th Liverpool Biennial

s part of the ongoing work of Liverpool Biennial, a series of limited edition prints by leading contemporary artists have been commissioned from artists who have shown works in previous Biennials. The most recent print (right) - the second in the series – is by artist Richard Woods and is entitled Big

L, with the ‘L’ standing for Liverpool. The work is a celebration of his previous commission for Liverpool Biennial in 2008 – a piece called Innovation-Investment-Progress, which saw Woods create a statement around positive thinking using the iconic DIY shop, Rapid Hardware, and featuring a repeated pattern of feel-good logos. Fittingly, the print is about to go on sale at Elaine Cunningham Interiors, an independent store on Chapel Street owned and run by the daughter of Hugh Doherty – the founder of Rapid Hardware. Founded in 1972, Rapid Hardware became a well-known and loved fixture on the city’s Renshaw Street for over 40 years. Elaine said: “We were thrilled when Richard Woods was artist in residence at Rapid in 2008, and this new piece means so much to me personally. It’s like the Rapid story is able to live on through his work, and people are able to own a small piece of that.”

The Limited Editions series provides a rare opportunity for art collectors to own unique works by celebrated contemporary artists. The first print in the collection was by Antony Gormley. Released in November last year, the piece, Another Place, sold out in less than a week. Liverpool Biennial 2014, the UK Biennial of Contemporary Art takes places 5th July to 26th October 2014. There are 50 prints of ‘Big L’ available, each signed by the artist and priced at £295. Purchase online at www.liverpoolbiennialshop.com or at Elaine Cunningham Interiors.

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Fifteen years after it first came to the stage, The Lion King returns with one of Liverpool’s biggest exports to musical theatre he Lion King has been a roaring success since its impressive costumes and talented cast prowled onto the stage for the very first time in 1997. Having grossed over £300m in London alone, being seen by more than ten million people, it is not surprising that the announcement of a Liverpool stint has led to a stampede of eager Disney fans wanting to get their paws on the hottest ticket in town. The Serengeti plains of Africa will arrive here in Liverpool on the stage of the Empire Theatre. With a very talented cast, amazing effects and heart-rending African arrangements, the production is sure to transport audiences of all ages to a magical place. From the first note of the opening number, Circle of Life,

expect exotic animals to appear through the stalls and onto the stage, showering the audience with an explosion of vibrant colour and excitement. The powerful story of Simba, the young prince who must reclaim the throne to become King of the Pridelands, is the biggest musical production to tour the UK. It is a multi-award winning musical and deservedly so. The extremely talented Liverpool actress Ava Brennan plays Nala, the courageous lioness and Simba’s childhood friend and confidante. Ava is no stranger to the musical as she has been a member of the cast for the past four years. She knew she wanted to play the part after first seeing The Lion King in Hamburg. Landing the role after her first audition was a dream come true, as is her dream of performing in her home city in front of her family and friends. Ava originated from Bootle, training as a dancer in the disciplines of modern and tap before specialising in ballet at the Loretta Legge Theatre School in Maghull. After she joined the National Youth Theatre Music Theatre at the age of 15, she appeared on stage in musical hits

such as Oklahoma!, and theatre audiences around the world have had the good fortune to witness her talent in many shows ever since, such as The Count of Monte Cristo, Aida and Hairspray. Ava adds, ‘It’s such a unique story, so visual and expansive, and it will appeal to everyone from adults to children; it’s a show the whole family can enjoy.’ So, together with your “cubs”, why don’t you migrate down to the booking office and secure tickets for what is truly an amazing theatrical experience. The Lion King is at the Liverpool Empire Theatre from May 15 to July 5. To book tickets visit The Empire Box Office, call 0844 871 3017 or go to www.atgtickets.com/liverpool PRIVATE LIFE 45

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Private Life looks at how your corporate eyecare can benefit your business ith the many regulations introduced to improve conditions for employees who work with visual display units (VDUs) such as computers and screens, have you all the eye care covered for your employees? The welfare of your employees’ eyesight is your responsibility and Silverberg Opticians Corporate Eyecare scheme can ensure that your legal requirements are met – a benefit that is highly valued by employees, whether you have a company benefits scheme or not. Silverberg Opticians can guide and advise you on all the minimum requirements that your company is obliged to provide for those employees who use VDUs at work, including a full eye examination from a qualified Optometrist with subsequent eye examinations at

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regular intervals, normally every 2 years. If spectacles are required specifically for VDU work, they are provided to your staff free of charge with no additional cost to you. The scheme is easy to use for all business (no matter how large or small), with nothing to pay upfront and access to great discounts such as 15% off designer sunglasses or spectacles and free contact lens trials. These are fantastic to offer your employees as part of your staff benefits package, meaning it becomes something more than just covering your legal obligations, whilst costing you no additional money. As Silverberg Opticians is one of the most trusted names on the Liverpool high street, you will have peace of mind in the knowledge that an excellent and friendly professional team will be working with you to provide the eyecare necessary to keep your employees focused on the job. Alison Leonard, Business Manager, adds, ‘We work with a range of businesses from solicitors to estate agents, all who have various requirements. Tailoring our services to each individual company ensures that all businesses receive a bespoke product that is most suited to their industry policies and employee structure.’

To discuss the scheme and how Silverberg Opticians can work with your business. Call Alison on 0151 709 2012 or email alison@silverbergopticians. co.uk

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As the International Festival for Business comes to Liverpool, Private Life takes a look at what it means for businesses in the city The International Festival for Business (IFB) 2014 is the largest global concentration of business events during 2014. The 50-day festival runs across seven weeks in June and July and will attract business delegates and trade intermediaries from around the world. IFB 2014 is a key part of the government’s target of rebalancing the economy and achieving its export and investment objectives. IFB 2014 isn’t a talking shop – it’s a chance for you to develop your business. By placing an explicit focus on creating new international and domestic business-to-business relationships and commercial openings for small, medium and large UK companies, the festival promises to be a once-in-a-generation business festival experience. The day-to-day challenges of running your own business mean it’s easy to miss out on your next big business

opportunity. IFB 2014 is the best chance you’ll have to stay ahead of the competition and get access to an unprecedented range of business opportunities. More than 150 business-focused events will be available in Liverpool during June and July 2014, ranging from major international conventions, exhibitions and conferences, to product/process launches and demonstrations, master-classes, seminars from political minds such as Joe Anderson, talks from industry leaders such as Karren Brady, alongside awards ceremonies, dinners, business breakfasts and a host of ‘meet the buyer’ events. One of IFB 2014’s prime objectives is to foster new business relationships and opportunities that may in time lead to direct commercial trade and investment outcomes for UK companies of all sizes, across all sectors. They have

therefore created a number of mechanisms to facilitate matching up potential customers, suppliers and investors both before and during IFB 2014. Being part of the International Festival of Business (IFB) 2014 presents your business with unrivalled opportunities to build international connections and commercial value. IFB 2014 will be truly global, with international reach and significance. The festival will connect UK businesses with international markets, bringing together the smartest entrepreneurial minds and the best business opportunities. Participating in the UK’s biggest business festival gives you the chance to connect, trade and grow your business, whatever your business sector, size or markets. Who knows who you will find yourself sitting next to at one of the hundreds of events, conferences and seminars taking place as part of IFB 2014? Or who you’ll connect within in and around the IFB Hub once you’ve registered to join the IFB Business Club? Whether you’re a buyer, seller, supplier or distributor, a small business owner, CEO of a large multinational, an entrepreneur with a great idea or an investor looking for one, the possibilities are endless. For more information and to register for any of the IFB’s events, please visit www.ifb2014.com PRIVATE LIFE 47

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Three is the magic number as Frank McKenna reports on all things ‘super city’

report headed by esteemed economist Jim O’Neill caused a stir last month with the suggestion that the great cities of Manchester and Liverpool should merge. The City Growth Commission, an independent inquiry aimed at trying to boost urban growth in our major cities, suggests that ‘Manpool’ would enable the two Northwest giants to economically compete on the global stage more effectively by coming together, and help to begin to address the growing North –South divide, which was superbly illustrated in the recent

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BBC television programme ‘Mind the Gap’ presented by Evan Davis. The argument goes that by creating a Northern super city we will see a genuine competitor to London, a capital city whose population and economic activity positively dwarfs all other UK core cities. As much as aggregating the might of Manchester and Liverpool would undoubtedly establish an economic juggernaut for the region, the practicalities of bringing the two traditional rivals together in a formal administrative sense would be challenging if not impossible. You only have to look at the deranged lobbying that took place over the name of the proposed Liverpool city region Combined Authority to see how difficult parochial local politicians find it to give up ‘power’ for the greater good. Only with the intervention of Downtown Liverpool, the Liverpool Echo and others, has common sense prevailed and the bizarre title ‘the Halton, Sefton, St Helens, Knowsley, Liverpool and Wirral Combined Authority’ been dropped. Nonetheless, there is every prospect, indeed already existing evidence, that on issues of strategic economic importance significant co-operation already exists. The two major transport infrastructure projects HS2 and the ‘Northern Hub’ are the most obvious, though not exclusive, examples. Even on the international stage there is sharing of platforms and resources. The chief executive of Manchester city council and the mayor of Liverpool

shared a stage at the property festival MIPIM in March. Manchester is a key partner in the forthcoming International Festival of Business to be hosted in Liverpool. So, although a formal coming together of the two cities is as likely as Luis Suarez signing for Manchester United, the agenda for even greater collaboration should be explored and progressed. However, why stop at Manchester and Liverpool? In both transport infrastructure projects mentioned, Leeds is a key partner too. And the attractiveness of a great northern economic hub, with three major conurbations working together rather than two, is a powerful and surely more compelling option. By coming together to form a triumvirate of the north, Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds could accelerate the work that they do together already, and extend it. Motorway connectivity is a major issue that can only be genuinely addressed by all three cities working in partnership and finding and

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funding a solution. What of aviation? Is the wider region capable of sustaining three airports without greater dialogue between Leeds Bradford, John Lennon and Manchester Airport Group? Beyond transport, there are many

cultural and social projects where greater collaboration and a pooling of resource could bring benefit to the entire region. A further area where the three cities are already at one is in their call for devolved powers, budgets and responsibilities to city regions. Transferring the sort of powers currently enjoyed by London Mayor Boris Johnson to city region mayors in Liverpool, Manchester

and Leeds is the radical approach that I believe needs to be adopted. Ultimately this is the key that will truly unlock the potential of our great cities and begin to close the unhealthy gap that exists between London and the rest of us.

300 feet above sea level on the 34th floor of the West Tower Panoramic 34 is one of the UK’s highest restaurants offering commanding views of the City of Liverpool and the River Mersey out towards the Welsh hills. All of this through floor to ceiling windows with a 360 degree view. Set

Opening hours: Bar: Tues-Sat 11am – 11.30pm Sunday 11am – 11pm Restaurant: Tues – Fri: Lunch 12pm – 3pm Dinner 6pm – 9.30pm Saturday: Lunch 12pm – 2.30pm Dinner 6pm – 9.30pm Sunday All day dining 12pm – 8pm

WEST TOWER, 34th FLOOR, BROOK ST, LIVERPOOL, MERSEYSIDE L3 9PJ WWW.PANORAMIC34.COM / 0151 236 5534

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degrees. Take out and leave to rest for 7 minutes Roll puff pastry - Lay slices of smoked ham on top, Add the slice of cheese, Place rested fillet on top, Wrap fillet in puff pastry , Then brush with egg yolk and put in oven for about 10 minutes until golden on top. Sauce - For the sauce chop shallot very fine, Put peppercorns in pan Crush peppercorns with meat cleaver before adding the shallot and frying on a medium heat for 2 mins Add brandy, and light with match to remove alcohol, Add mustard and cream, Leave to simmer Steak - Heat pan high heat, Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, Golden each part of steak for 2 minutes before placing in oven for 10 minutes at 180

Potatoes - Peel and cut potatoes before rubbing with rosemary and garlic. Place in oven for 180 degrees for 20 minutes

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Greek Cypriot wine guru, Alice Anastasiou, brings a homegrown wine to Liverpool or as long as I can remember, Retsina was the archetype of inferior wine made from bad grapes, disguised by an overdose of resin and exacerbated by being stored in questionable conditions in the backyards of Greek tavernas across the UK. To say the wine has a bad reputation is an understatement. Regardless of its reputation, however, Retsina is a true Greek original, the traditional wine of Greece since antiquity. It dates back to the Ancient Greeks, who would coat the interiors of their amphorae with resin for insulation and to prevent the wine from coming into contact with the air. Consumers grew to like the taste, and local winemakers consequently began to add large amounts of pine resin from the pine tree “Pinus Halepensis” to the grape-must during fermentation.

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Due to its unique style, European wine legislation has recognised Retsina as a wine with “Traditional Appellation” that can only be produced in Greece. The good news is that in recent years Retsina has made a comeback. New generations of well-educated enologists, modern methods in technology and production, and a good export policy have provided most of Greece’s wine producing-companies with an arena for improvement. And so, in January 2014, I ventured out to Nemea in the Peloponnese, home of the Spartans, a large peninsula located in the southern region of Greece forming the southern part of the country’s Gulf of Corinth, on a quest to taste the new and improved Retsina. My first visit was to GAIA winery, where I met the inspirational Yiannis Paraskevopoulos (Agriculturalist and PhD in Enology from the University of Bordeaux II), founder and director of GAIA Wines. From the start, GAIA aimed to present the potential of the indigenous Greek grape varieties to wine enthusiasts worldwide, hence they decided to create a “new wave” style Retsina, the RITINITIS NOBILIS, in order to redefine and reposition the quality context of the traditional wine of Greece. Along with his team of enologists, Yianni produced RITINITIS NOBILIS

by using modern winemaking technology and by adding a very carefully calculated quantity of resin from pine trees into the fermenting must from selected grapes of the “Roditis” variety that grow on the hills surrounding Corinth. The result, and the moment of truth… an elegant and refreshing wine with perfect balance that sways between pine and grapes; herbs and citrus fruits co-exist as equals, without having any overpowering tendencies. A wine that can harmoniously accompany a Greek seafood “meze” and an array of Asian dishes, in which everything from pickled fish to Thai Green curry takes centre stage. I conclude that GAIA has pioneered refining pine-resin wine and the adverse reputation that long overshadowed Retsina will prove to be another of those non-realistic clichés.

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LIV

Instructions

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Prepare sushi rice Make at least one cup of cooked sushi rice. It must have the proper flavour and texture to be suitable for making sushi rolls.

Position sushi mat

Bamboo rolling mats are the best, as the bamboo will absorb any excess moisture thatBoomight be released when the k No w sushi is tightened into a roll. Your sushi rolling mat should be placed so that the lines of bamboo run across horizontally. If you place them so they run vertically, you will not be able to roll it. You can lay a piece of plastic wrap on the surface of the mat if you want to protect it. Enjoy

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Sushi Chef Somchai from Sapporo Teppanyaki demonstrates how to make one of their famous California Rolls

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Lay nori across sushi mat

Take a rectangular sheet of nori – dried seaweed – and lay it across your sushi rolling mat with the rough side facing up. The nori should not be too big.

Moisten your fingers

Using the tezu – the mixture of water, vinegar and salt you made for your sushi rice, wet your fingers. This will prevent them from sticking to the rice. However, keep a towel nearby and make sure that your hands are dry whenever you touch the nori, or it will stick.

Transfer rice to mat

Take about a cup of rice into your hands and gently form it into a firm ball. The rice ball should fit nicely when cupped in your palm– it should be about the size of a tennis ball. Place the ball on the middle of the nori sheet.

Spread rice evenly

Use your fingers to spread the rice gently and evenly over the nori. The more even it is, the rounder and more perfect the shape of your final sushi roll. Leave about ½ to 1 inch of space at the top of the nori. You will use this extra nori for sealing the sushi roll. Once it is spread out, the rice should be about ¼ inch thick. If you have too much rice, remove some.

Spread filling in a line

Turn the nori over and layer the pickled radish, japanese omelette, cucumber, avocado and crabstick horizontally in a line across the sushi rice.Roll the mat. Take your mat, and roll upward toward the top of the mat. Push gently forward until a cylinder is formed. Use your fingertips to tuck the nori under to create the roll, but do not roll the sushi mat under as you press. Instead, lift the mat to allow it to move forward as you roll. Once the cylinder is complete, roll it back and forth inside the mat to tighten it and seal it.

Cut the roll

Take the sushi roll out of the mat and place it on a cutting board. Using your leftover tezu, wet your santoku knife and use it to cut the roll into four even pieces. Make sure the knife has been sharpened recently. If it is too blunt, it will smash the roll as you try to cut into it.

Add the roe

Finally roll the sushi in the tobiko before serving.

PRIVATE LIFE

Private Life hunts for Liverpool’s most authentic Italian t is no surprise that Italian dishes are one of the most preferred orders amongst diners in Liverpool, with more restaurants serving Italian recipes than any other cuisine. With Italian food so rich in culture and tradition, it is surprising how many restaurants do not take the time to source experienced Italian chefs, authentic ingredients and the traditional knowledge necessary to prepare the hearty Italian recipes that have often been passed down from generation to generation in regions such as Sicily, Calabria and Sardinia. That is, in part, what has led to the successful formula that is Duke Street’s Italian powerhouse - Il Forno. With strong Italian accents heard shouting across the kitchen, pot-washers humming as they work and cuts of cured meat flying from the arms of one chef to the next, you know you have found a true Italian kitchen. Home to Head Chef Paolo Cillo, Il Forno’s quality is firmly rooted in its authentic Italian approach to cooking, and our city has grown to love this taste of Italy in Liverpool. Born in Basilicata, Paolo grew up learning age-old Italian recipes from his mother and knows the importance of keeping those traditions alive in the chefs inside his kitchen. Amongst the crisp music of knives hitting chopping boards and the Italian radio station playing in the background, Paolo imparts his knowledge to the younger chefs – touring farms, sourcing new produce and allowing them to experiment with existing dishes to create new tastes and flavours. Paolo adds, ‘When I came to Liverpool, I wanted to bring some of the freshest Italian ingredients to the people of my new city – food is all about the taste and nothing can beat the authenticity of produce grown in the Mediterranean climate of Italy. ‘Eugenio, one of Il Forno’s sous chefs, has just been confirmed as a finalist in this year’s Young Chef’s Competition 2014. He has worked very hard and I am confident he is going to do well. This is just one example of how dedicated we are to producing chefs of the future who will keep our cuisine alive.’ Eugenio adds, ‘Learning from Paolo has been a fantastic opportunity for me. His passion to maintain Il Forno’s Italian kitchen reminds me of what our Italian culture is all about. There is nothing better than a hearty meal to bring people together and this is what we strive to do dish after dish, night after night at Il Forno.’

Il Forno, 132 Duke Street, East Village, Liverpool, L1 5AG, Tel: 0151 709 4002 or email us info@ilforno.co.uk, Twitter @ Ilfornouk, visit www.ilforno.co.uk for more information, MonThurs 12 -2.30pm & 5.30pm -11pm, Fri-Sun 12-11pm

21 Booker Avenue, Liverpool, L18 4QY, 0151 724 2265

www.crowntravel.co.uk

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PRIVATE TRAVEL

The Maldives are rightly appreciated for their perfect white sands and crystal-clear seas. But their rich cultural heritage is also well worth investigating. Sarah Lancaster reports 56 PRIVATE LIFE

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f you have never visited the Maldives before, you can guarantee it’s not like anything you have ever experienced. From your first step out of the twin-engine seaplane onto the small pontoon, you’re surrounded by beautifully calm turquoise water. The glistening white sands and lush vegetation of the small islands are fringed with reefs and dotted with other remote resorts with similar palm-leaf roofs, water villas and ancient Indian banyan trees planted amongst the coconut palms for shade. I’d chosen a water villa over a beach bungalow as I loved the idea of staying in a bedroom on stilts and stepping down straight into the sea to swim, with the added privacy of a sunbathing terrace not overlooked by other guests passing by. Settling into this unique ‘oneisland, one-resort’ concept (there’s no island-hopping in the Maldives), we feel like we’ve joined an elite club where everyone’s friendly, the staff greet you with a genuine smile, and

you can simply relax or enjoy some of the best diving and snorkelling sites in the south at the Ari Atoll. Activities can include a Sunset Cruise to see dolphins, or snorkelling excursions where you can come face-toface with such sea creatures as turtles, whale sharks and manta rays. Some people can happily sit on a beach all day, but for those of us who need a little stimulation, the tours are a rare opportunity to get a tiny glimpse of the other side of this earthly paradise. It’s one of those places that just take your breath away, even on a computer screen. The Maldives conjure up images of bone-white beaches, luminous blue waters and otherworldly luxury. I had never visited the islands before, but that was what I was expecting, and my preconceptions were not challenged by the flight from the capital, Malé, to Gan airport in Addu Atoll, the southernmost atoll in the Maldives. The plane flew over the shining blue Indian Ocean and tiny green islands that lay in the water like a shattered emerald necklace. To provide some historical background about the Maldives: the first settlers are believed to have been Dravidians from Kerala, who arrived more than 2,000 years ago, though there is also documentary evidence of earlier visitors from the Indian subcontinent. Given their strategic position as a staging post on trade routes between the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, the islands became known for their exports of cotton goods and coir. From 1887 until 1965 the islands were a British

protectorate. During the Second World War the British had an RAF base here; the Maldives were strategically important, as both Japan and Germany used the surrounding shipping lanes. The Maldives finally became an independent republic in 1968. It wasn’t until 1972 that the first dedicated tourist resorts were built. ver the years, Hinduism, Buddhism and now Islam have all held sway. It is easy when sitting in the bar of a tourist hotel not to notice the impact of Islam on the Maldives but, following a campaign to boost “Islamic values”, public dancing, singing and spas have been banned in the capital and there has even been talk that alcohol and mixedsex beaches could be banned in the future from holiday resorts. So, if you have always wanted to visit this island paradise, sooner rather than later might be the best advice. For more information please contact Crown Travel on 0151 724 2265 or visit www.crowntravel.co.uk

PRIVATE PROPERTY

Private Life looks at how families can protect assets by passing property wealth onto the next generation earlier in life hether we like it or not, there is a huge property shortage in Britain that will continue to drive up house prices for years. Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne indicated earlier on this year that demand would outstrip supply for a decade, regardless of the hopedfor plans for reforms and other initiatives to ramp up home building in the private sector. One of the most disturbing consequences is the potentially

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divisive split between the wealth of generations. Long gone are the days of large families inheriting estates of wealth and power as more and more regulations are introduced to see each generation fend for themselves. Homeowners currently in their fifties are, on average, controlling huge property riches which are inaccessible to their children’s generation as they remain more or less locked out. With taxes and fees at an all-time high, life doesn’t seem fair for younger families trying to get onto the property market, especially as the older generation’s route into property ownership was, at least on the face of the statistics, comparatively easy. On average, a homeowner in their mid-50s today would have bought their first property

in the early 1980s when they were aged just 27-28. It would have likely cost approximately £17,000 – just over twice their income at the time – and they would have put down no more than a 12% deposit. Nowadays, their children – or at least those who manage to buy today – have to find a deposit of at least 20% and pay an average of £147,000 for their home – a sum that is more than five times their income. Whilst these numbers may be averages, from research published

PRIVATE HOME

by HSBC earlier this year, they bring to light a huge problem. The state of the property market has not arisen overnight and the Council of Mortgage Lenders reckons almost two in three first-time buyers now have parental help – a solution that is far from sustainable in the long run. Andreas Anastasiou of Tano Properties adds, ‘Very wealthy families might have adequate cash to help their offspring on the ladder but most middle-class households – with the approaching pressure of retirement and care costs – may not. For them, the solution is to extract some of the equity out of their homes in order to hand it to the next generation. As future price inflation cranks up, this will become an even

more obvious solution. ‘Unfortunately this is not easily achieved and the available ways to do this are limited so it is advisable to find a solution that is both safe and of good value. ‘Traditional mortgages command monthly repayments, and homeowners in their 50s are often income-stretched as it is. Bank lending to those in their 50s and 60s has started to dry up, mostly because lenders fear the wrath of the ombudsman which has decided that virtually no-one should grant mortgages extending into retirement. The solution to this is opting for an interestonly mortgage. ‘Equity release, which describes specialist loans aimed at over-55s, is also an option. With these the borrowers don’t make monthly payments but lock into lifelong mortgages where interest – at a fixed rate – rolls up and is paid, along with the capital, on the eventual sale of the property. ‘Whilst all these deals may be less than perfect, there is relatively little competition among lenders and it

is becoming easier and easier for older generations to extract value from their estates to help from one generation to the next.’ For more information please contact Tano Properties - 2nd Floor Muskers Building, No.1 Stanley Street, Liverpool, L1 6AA Tel: 0151 224 0766 Email: info@tanoproperties.com

PRIVATE PROPERTY

Private Life looks through the keyhole of one of Elaine Cunningham’s latest redesigns Client Profile: Brian Profession: Semi-retired Service: Complete design of a Two bedroom apartment in Crosby rian purchased his new that could easily adapt to additional colours and 2-bedroom apartment accessories – making it easier for future purchases to look in 2013 after a change of just as ‘at home’ in the new-look apartment. circumstances saw him sell his last Brian required a complete redesign and Elaine property and turn a new chapter. At Cunningham Interiors supplied extensive mood boards the time that he bought the space, including colour schemes, wallpaper choices, curtain there were many vacant units in fabrics, furniture and accessories resulting in a vision of the development and Brian had warmth and tranquillity. carte blanche on which apartment Trying to ensure a classic look whilst maintaining a he wanted. On moving in, the homely and relaxing space, the designers went for warm cappuccinos, golds and shades of beige with comfortable apartment was a blank canvas and, olde-English striped fabric sofas, contemporary although he knew he wanted classic high-gloss Italian furniture and textured wallpapers neutral tones, Brian also asked the that added both depth and perspective, creating a designers to create an environment

After admiring previous work of Elaine Cunningham in various magazines around Liverpool, I was surprised to find out exactly how affordable the interior design service was. I knew I needed some help with the creative process and

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when I discovered that the service was so accessible, there was nothing to stop me from taking a trip to the store. From the initial consultation through to design, installation and after-care service, my experience of the team at Elaine Cunningham Interiors was first class. The designers helped me develop my vision, and their attention to detail and professionalism helped to

timeless longevity. Glass and crystal chandeliers were added to create a glamorous finish, alongside a mirrored mannequin that Brian fell in love with when visiting the store – since calling it Lucy. Elaine Cunningham Interiors offer a wide range of services and products to suit every environment, and it is always great to see such successful transformations that have changed not only the appearance of a home but also the lives of the people that live in it. A new look can give a fresh perspective on life, and it is great to see Brian now enjoying his new space as he enters the next chapter of his life.

produce a result that I could not be happier with. The entire team is exceptional and I would not hesitate to recommend Elaine Cunningham Interiors in the future. Vacant: Lounge & Spare Room before

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Glamorous: Lounge, Master Bedroom, Spare Room & Hallway after

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LIFE PRIVATE PROPERTY

Private Life takes a look at how devaluations from lending surveyors is on the increase ore and more buyers are facing large mortgage shortfalls as rapidly rising house prices steam ahead of property valuations. Whilst once only common in the capital, the problem appears to be spreading across the country and Liverpool is now experiencing this “overheating” effect. Some house prices in the area have grown by more than 5% over recent months, according to some estate agents, which has led to a rise in “down-valuations” – a situation where a lender’s surveyor values a property below the agreed price. These valuations are used by lenders to decide how much to lend and at what rate, potentially leaving borrowers with a big shortfall, or facing the loss of the property they wish to buy. Cash buyers, or those with large deposits, can afford the hike in prices necessary to clinch the deal. But this leaves those who were relying on borrowing a big proportion of the value stuck and unable to continue the sale. If a buyer agrees a £400,000 purchase price for a property, for example, with a 20% deposit of £80,000, they will source a mortgage for 80% loan-to-value (LTV) at a set rate of interest. If, however, the lender’s surveyor decides the property is worth only £375,000, the bank will advance only 80% of the lower amount, or £300,000. This leaves the buyer

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with a £20,000 shortfall. If they borrow more, their LTV will rise along with their interest rate, making the loan more expensive. Competition for good homes in Liverpool is fierce and estate agents are finding the market moving increasingly quickly on a number of properties across a range of locations. As demand for properties increases, there is very little time left for viewing and putting in an offer to secure a property – now buyers are also put in a situation where they have to go back to the seller and renegotiate if the property is devalued by the lender. If the seller doesn’t agree to a lower price, buyers lose the sale as well as having incurred fees and legal costs during the process. Estate agents say this is an increasingly common situation. James Howarth, of Sutton Kersh, said one property in Allerton, south Liverpool, recently attracted several interested buyers and reached a sale price of £……… after going to sealed bids. But the buyer’s mortgage company valued it at just £…….., stopping the sale. He adds, ‘The problem was symptomatic of a rising market. Surveyors base their decisions largely on socalled “comparable evidence”, such as recent sale prices in the same area for similar properties. If property prices rise quickly, comparable evidence never catches up.” James feels the problem was aggravated because

PRIVATE PROPERTY

surveyors were nervous about overestimating the value of homes. He says, ‘When property prices drop, as they did during the financial crash, lenders’ first tendency is to sue surveyors for overvaluing. As a result of this, surveyors have to be very careful they can provide full evidence to support the value they have recommended. This shouldn’t put all buyers off; if you really have your heart set on a property and you feel it is worth the money then a low valuation shouldn’t stop you from purchasing it if you can afford it.” What to do if your property is “down-valued” and you don’t have the money to cover the shortfall: Renegotiate Ask the seller to drop their price. A low valuation can sometimes help the buyer secure a better deal. This is particularly true if a property has been on the market for some time or it has not attracted much interest. If the seller is trying to achieve an unrealistically high price, they will keep coming up against this problem unless they can find a cash buyer or professional landlord with the funds to cover a shortfall. If they have already found another property, they may be more open to renegotiating to avoid delays. Challenge it Lenders are becoming more resistant to valuation appeals and few are successful, but it can be worth trying particularly if you have evidence of similar sale prices for comparable properties in the area. Do your homework – the Land Registry’s house price index allows you to search by address and lists sale prices and dates. Ask your lender how comprehensive the valuation was. If the surveyor did not view the inside of the property and you feel it adds significant value, or you think they missed something, ask for a more comprehensive valuation. Apply again Valuation is not an exact science – there is a degree

of subjectivity in any surveyor’s assessment. Their final figure can also depend on what the lender has asked for. Some want an estimate of the current market value of a property and others want to know the absolute minimum they would recover in a forced sale. If your mortgage rate goes up following a valuation, you can apply for a more competitive loan from a different lender. You will have to pay for another valuation, but the new lender’s surveyor may come up with a higher price.

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2 PRIVATE Trends

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We’ve hunted across the globe to bring you this ultimate guide to the latest trends currently taking the design world by storm

6 1.3D Cube Wall Candle Holder, $120, (www.fizzm.com) 2.Wall Light, £1,121, (www.nest.co.uk) 3. Casa Tissue Box, $5, (www.fancy.com) 4.24K Gold Crocodile Coasters, £115, (www.amara.com) 5. Jonathan Adler Solange Lamp, $995, (www.horchow.com) 6. 7. Slate Place Cards, $18, (www. fancy.com) 7.Sophia Mirrored Chest, $1,199, (www.horchow.com)

PRIVATE LIFE

Private Life investigates the rise of rents in Liverpool ith average rents rising by close to 0.5% in the first quarter according to the property index, the overall rental market has increased by an average of approximately 1.5%, taking the average advertised rent to £987 per month across the UK – an amount that is likely to surpass the £1,000 mark later on this year. Asking rents within the city centre remain the most expensive in the city and are almost double those in the suburbs of Liverpool for the same aspect of property. Areas in South Liverpool have seen the largest rise, with Allerton, Woolton and Mossley Hill becoming ever popular. Greater London has seen a rise in advertised rents by 0.61% to £2,225 per month, which has strongly contributed to the overall national increase. However, it is Scotland that has seen the largest increase with rents rising by up to 3.57%, taking the average monthly sum to £676. With regions such as Scotland and East Anglia having the strongest performance for lettings, much

hope is given for other areas outside of the capital, such as Merseyside and Lancashire. Scottish landlords may have had the strongest start to the year, but benefiting from good rental yields due to short employment contracts should see Liverpool follow suit before not too long. Whilst London continues to operate in its own bubble – with asking rents on the rise again – it is likely that their current asking prices will help to keep markets in cities such as Liverpool buoyant, with a higher level of population seeking to relocate to the north and foreign internationals such as students opting for more costeffective options. Although increasing rental prices in regions such as Merseyside is great news for landlords, it’s not such good news for prospective tenants. Anyone who is currently looking to rent will be able to secure the best rental price by acting sooner rather than later as rental prices look set to keep on increasing throughout 2014. PRIVATE LIFE 65

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N E W S TO R E N O W O P E N

V I E W T H E F I L M AT: W W W. G I E V E S A N D H A W K E S. C O M 68 PRIVATE LIFE