Platinum Business Magazine - issue 120

Buying from administration

London Gatwick’s eco-pledge

TECHFEST SUSSEX

The launch TRAVEL Plovdiv Bulgaria

BIG STORY

NATO at 75

THE EXPANSION OF THE WESTERN MILITARY ALLIANCE

For business

We make it our business to know your business, working with you to add value and to deliver tailored legal services with energy and creativity whether you’re an established market leader or an ambitious start-up.

For you

Your family’s security and wellbeing are your priority. And we have the legal skills and knowledge to support your plans and the challenges life brings.

BIG STORY

18 NATO at 75

The world’s largest ever military alliance marks its 75th anniversary this month, having recently welcomed Sweden and Finland into its fold

NEWS

8 International news

A round up of the important business stories from around the world

10 Local news

A look at the business news stories across Sussex

EVENTS

6 Platinum Club

Now in its 15th year, it remains the pre-eminent networking forum in Sussex

16 Central South Business Awards

The deadline for entries closes on May 1st. Have you entered yet?

50 Surrey Business Awards

Do you have a business with a Surrey address? Entries are open for this prestigious event

56 Gatwick Diamond Business Awards

All of the 2024 winners are announced

CONTENTS

FINANCE

36 Kreston Reeves

Maximising Business Property Relief

BUSINESS

12 Gatwick Airport

London Gatwick’s ground vehicles switch from diesel to hydrotreated vegetable oil

40 MDHUB

Millie Green talks to Jessica Allen-Back, Estate Director of the Aldenham Estate, Hertfordshire

44 Naturally Talented Me

NTM Co-Founder Nick Boothroyd on how to turn recruitment on its head

52 Creative Pod

The Crawley-based marketing agency comes of age as it turns 18 this month

54 Surrey Research Park

Powering up world-class video game development in Guildford 61 Cleankill

Check your netting before nesting season starts

INNOVATION

48 Sussex Innovation

Challenges, stereotypes and accomplishments: navigating being a woman in business

TECHFEST SUSSEX

An amended date, and a new name – but still destined to be the largest tech, digital and innovation event ever to take place in the south east. Get involved! 36

LEGAL

30 Loch Associates

Managing menopause in the workplace

34 DMH Stallard

Buying from administrators; maximising the opportunity to expand

38 Mayo Wynne Baxter

The implications for companies of the Online Safety Act 2023

47 DMH Stallard commentary Investment readiness; things to know to get your money to grow CHARITY

60 St Barnabas House

How your business can support your local hospice OPINION

62 Anger Management

Do you just love dangling for hours on the phone waiting to resolve a gas bill? Maarten Hoffmann on the death of customer service TRAVEL

64 Plovdiv

Tess de Klerk travels to the heart of Bulgaria to visit a city steeped in history, culture and charm

MOTORING

66 Polestar 2

Maarten feels Volvo has made a decent fist of the upgrade on its previous EV; the colloquially-named ‘2’

PLATINUM MEDIA GROUP

WELCOME

Welcome to the April issue of the South East’s favourite business and current affairs magazine.

Our cover story looks at the expanded NATO, now that Sweden and Finland have joined the party. So is NATO actually a force for good or the cause of many of the world’s current woes?

The Gatwick Diamond Business Awards took place on March 21st, and we have all the runners and riders inside. DMH Stallard looks at the rise of people buying companies out of administration, Loch Associates explain how to manage menopause in the workplace, and NFU Mutual explains how they are supporting the community.

The launch of TechFest Sussex has caused quite a stir, and a mountain of interest, as it will be the largest Tech/Digital/Innovation event ever to take place in the South East. It is to be held at the Brighton Dome on January 28th & 29th 2025 –with an array of fringe events the week before.

We also feature the launch of the Surrey & Sussex Institute of Technology that was held at NESCOT in February, and we look at the top 20 destinations to be a digital nomad.

Anger Management bemoans the loss of customer service in the UK, Motoring reviews the new Polestar 2, and Travel features a little known area of Bulgaria.

Dynamic Magazine, for women in business, is also included.

That is but a taste of what is inside – so grab a coffee and enjoy.

The PlatinumTeam

info@platinummediagroup.co.uk

CONTACTS

PUBLISHER/EDITOR: Maarten Hoffmann maarten@platinummediagroup.co.uk

COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR: Lesley Alcock lesley@platinummediagroup.co.uk

EVENTS DIRECTOR: Fiona Graves fiona@platinummediagroup.co.uk

EVENTS MANAGER: Žaneta Bealing zaneta@platinummediagroup.co.uk

TRAVEL EDITOR: Tess de Klerk tess@platinummediagroup.co.uk

PLATINUM MOTORING EDITOR: Maarten Hoffmann maarten@platinummediagroup.co.uk

DYNAMIC MOTORING EDITOR: Fiona Shafer fionas@platinummediagroup.co.uk

HEAD OF DESIGN: Michelle Shakesby design@platinummediagroup.co.uk

SUB EDITOR: Alan Wares alan@platinummediagroup.co.uk

❛❛ THE PLATINUM CLUB IS A REALLY WELL ORGANISED NETWORKING GROUP, WITH THE HOSTS HELPING TO FACILITATE TO ENSURE WE ALWAYS MAKE USEFUL, NEW CONTACTS AT EACH EVENT ❜❜ LLOYDS BANK

The Platinum Club is now in its 15th year and remains the pre-eminent networking forum in Sussex.

The Club launched based on no seated meals, no sponsors and no speeches – rather, an elegant but informal cocktail party with delicious hand-made canapés, and Platinum hosts making relevant introductions throughout the evening and all in the luxurious surroundings of the Grand Hotel, Brighton.

NO MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED

Apply here to attend the next event info@platinummediagroup.co.uk

CURRENT PLATINUM CLUB MEMBERS INCLUDE

❛❛ ALL BUSINESS IS BASED ON RELATIONSHIPS AND PLATINUM GIVES YOU THE PLATFORM TO CREATE THE MEANINGFUL HUMAN CONNECTIONS THAT MATTER ❜❜ BAILEY AND FRENCH

We meet once per month, excluding August. If you would like to attend an event, please get in touch info@platinummediagroup.co.uk

As annual membership is no longer required and we look forward to welcoming you to the most effective, enjoyable and lively networking group in the South

❛❛ WE SEE THE PLATINUM CLUB AS AN IMPORTANT AND INTEGRAL PART OF OUR BRAND AWARENESS STRATEGY, THROUGH INTERACTIONS WITH WELL CONNECTED BUSINESS PEOPLE AND OTHER INFLUENCERS. IT IS WELCOMING AND GREAT FUN TOO! ❜❜ MATTIOLI WOODS

Michael Pay, Director, EMC Corporate Finance, Jonathan Grant, Partner and Head of Corporate, DMH Stallard and Dr Adam Jones, University of Brighton

Kate Partridge, Director, illumine Legal

Maarten Hoffmann, Managing Director at Platinum Media Group, Kirsty Sadler, Regional Director at Lloyds Bank

Stephanie Betts from Burt Brill & Cardens with Graham Gaylor, Director, Ridgeview Wine Estate

Maarten making a point to Donna Holland, CEO of Rockinghorse Children’s Charity

Abi Owen, Partner and Senior Corporate Counsel at DMH Stallard laughing with Adrian Alexander, Partner, FRP Advisory

BOARDROOMS HAVE GREATER ETHNIC DIVERSITY – BUT NOT GREAT ENOUGH

Boardrooms are becoming more ethnically diverse but more still needs to be done, according to a review of the UK’s largest 350 businesses. The Parker Review said there were now 12 ethnic minority chief executives in the FTSE 100, up from seven in 2022. But overall only 13% of senior management at the top 100 firms were ethnically diverse. In the 2021 census, 18% of people identified as being from a non-white ethnic group. The data also showed an increase in the number of companies with more than one ethnic minority director from 49 in 2022 to 56 in 2023. Originally commissioned by the government in 2015, the first Parker Review found the proportion of ethnically diverse personnel in UK boardrooms to be “disproportionately low”.

NEWS BULLETIN

JOHN LEWIS HINTS AT MORE JOB CUTS

John Lewis has indicated it could cut jobs further, despite the retailer reporting a return to profit. The retail partnership posted pre-tax profits of £56m compared with a £234m loss the year before. However, it is not paying a staff bonus for the second year in a row - and only the third time since the scheme stared in 1953. The retailer said a “few hundred” roles (4,000, actually) were shed in 2023 as part of £88m in savings, and was looking at similar cost cuts this year. The results come after a turbulent year for the company. In October, Partnership Chair Dame Sharon White said she would step down from her position at the end of her five-year term in 2025. Her tenure as Chair is the shortest in its near 100-year long history.

HMRC TARGETS R&D TAX RELIEF RECIPIENTS

Some small businesses that received tax breaks for their innovation work are now being chased to pay the money back. HMRC is reassessing past research and development (R&D) tax relief claims, after underestimating the level of error and fraud over many years. It says it has to make sure that claimants are entitled to the reliefs. However, Tina McKenzie, policy chair for the Federation of Small Businesses stated, ”It’s very clear that HMRC is mishandling its approach to past and present R&D claims in a way that undermines the innovative small firms who are needed to grow our economy. The tax authority needs to recognise the importance of a predictable and supportive tax environment for those businesses at the cutting edge of technological change which, increasingly, are small firms.”

❛❛ Creativity is a wild mind and a disciplined eye ❜❜

Dorothy Parker

UK TAX AUTHORITY IN RAPID U-TURN

His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has reversed a decision “with extraordinary speed and indignity,” to close its self-assessment telephone helpline for half of the year. It has also reversed a decision to only open the VAT helpline for five business days every month ahead of the deadline for filing VAT returns, and refuse calls about refunds to the PAYE helpline. The tax authority announced that the lines would be closed between April and September, with taxpayers directed to online services instead. But less than a day later, it said the phone line would stay open during the summer. HMRC chief executive Jim Harra said: “We’ve listened to the feedback and we’re halting the helpline changes as we recognise more needs to be done to ensure all taxpayers’ needs are met, whilst also encouraging them to transition to online services.”

VINYL RECORDS ADDED TO INFLATION ITEMS

Vinyl music sales - led by the success of Taylor Swift - have been recognised by statisticians who calculate the rising cost of living. After more than 30 years, vinyl records have returned to the basket of goods used by the Office for National Statistics to track prices and work out the rate of inflation. Rightly so, according to record shop proprietor in Kent, who said: “Vinyl has a more engaging human sound, it comes beautifully packaged. People want to know more about music and they want to engage with it more.”

IN

Air fryers

Vinyl music

Rice cakes

Gluten-free bread

Spray oil

OUT

Hand sanitiser

Sofa beds

Rotisserie chicken

Bakeware

EDI INITIATIVES NEED BETTER

IMPLEMENTATION

Reviewing the latest evidence of how UK employers are making decisions about equality, diversity and inclusion policies and practices (EDI), a group of business leaders, and a leading Harvard academic, has published an independent ‘Inclusion at Work’ report. The report found many employers want to ‘do the right thing’ but are implementing EDI initiatives without proper evidence, and many don’t know the impact these initiatives are having. In a growing number of cases, EDI policies are proving to be counterproductive or even unlawful. The report advocates for employers to make better use of data when making EDI decisions to increase fairness and opportunity, while avoiding EDI initiatives which alienate certain groups and cause division.

❛❛ I’ll give you my opinion of the human race in a nutshell – their heart is in the right place, but their head is an thoroughly inefficient organ ❜❜

W Somerset Maugham,

Writer, 1938

JAPAN SEES FIRST RISE IN COST OF BORROWING FOR 17 YEARS

The Bank of the Japan (BOJ) increased its key interest rate from -0.1% to a range of 0%-0.1%. It comes as wages have jumped after consumer prices rose. In 2016, the bank cut the rate below zero in an attempt to stimulate the country’s stagnating economy. When negative rates are in force people have to pay to deposit money in a bank. They have been used by several countries as a way of encouraging people to spend their money rather than putting it in a bank. The rise means that there are no longer any countries left with negative interest rates. Meanwhile, the country has avoided falling into a technical recession after its economic growth figures were revised. The data shows GDP was 0.4% higher in the last three months of 2023 compared to a year earlier.

LOCAL COUNCILS SECURE NATIONAL TOURISM STATUS

An ambitious bid by East Sussex County Council, Brighton & Hove City Council and West Sussex County Council to form a Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) to boost the region’s visitor economy has been approved by VisitEngland. The new East Sussex, Brighton & Hove and West Sussex LVEP will see the partnership collaborating on ways to sustainably grow the visitor economy, attract more leisure and business visitors and access to funding. Pre-COVID, tourism generated over 62 million visitors a year, contributing £5 billion to the local economy. Andrew Stokes, VisitEngland Director, says: “The new LVEP will lead on the sustainable growth of the visitor economy and ensure the region is a compelling leisure and business visitor destination to the national and international markets.”

SUSSEX STARTUPS IMPRESS ROADSHOW JUDGES LOCAL NEWS

STRONG CONTINGENT PROMOTES CENTRAL SOUTH IN FRANCE

MIPIM - the world’s largest real estate market event – in Cannes welcomed 22,500 delegates and 6,500 investors over five days in March, with a consortium drawn together by Business South, flying the flag for the Central South region, in attendance. The business led consortium was the largest collection of companies getting together to promote the Central South UK at this influential property event. The 45-strong private sector-led group travelling to MIPIM included representatives from Atkins Realis, Blake Morgan, Boyle & Summers, Cavendish, Edgingtons, Go Southampton, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, Igloo, Knights Brown, Kier, Maritime UK Solent, Morgan Sindall Group, Ordnance Survey, Savills, Solent Freeport, Solent Partners, T H Planning and the University of Southampton.

The Startup Roadshow, run by South East Angels and NatWest, gives small independent businesses the chance to pitch to investors. The first event was held at Projects The Lanes, Brighton on February 22nd, and head across the south during the year. Business owners can pitch their ideas, while networking with investors. The event series features six events in five places from February to October, each including a start-up pitch competition and an investor judging panel. Kristina Pereckaite, Managing Director at South East Angels, said: “It’s amazing to see the magic that can happen when you bring together some of the key players in a region’s start-up ecosystem. We discovered some fantastic start-ups through the roadshow series last year and are excited about who we may discover in 2024.”

❛❛ To get back my youth l would do anything in the world, except take exercise, get up early or be respectable ❜❜

Oscar Wilde

Dramatist and Poet, 1891

❛❛ Procrastination is the thief of time, collar him ❜❜

Charles Dickens

HOVE COMPANY WINS AT PRESTIGIOUS INSURANCE AWARDS

Hove-based company, Quality Care Group, the largest independent Insurance Broker to the Care Sector, has won an award at the prestigious National Insurance Awards 2024. The gala event, held on March 7th at the London Marriott Hotel in Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, London, saw Quality Care Group win the coveted title of ‘Commercial Lines Specialist Broker of the Year.’

The National Insurance Awards recognise excellence and innovation within the insurance industry, celebrating outstanding achievements and contributions across various categories. Quality Care Group’s win in the ‘Commercial Lines Specialist Broker of the Year’ category, according to the judges, “underscores its unwavering commitment to delivering bespoke insurance solutions and unparalleled service to the Care Sector.”

Darren Pollard, Managing Director Quality Care Group

DYNAMIC AWARDS 2024

The third year of the highly anticipated Dynamic Awards, the only awards designed specifically for South East business women, will take place on April 30th 2024 at the Grand Brighton, and will see 16 women celebrated for their remarkable achievements.

In this month’s issue of Dynamic, featured at the end of this edition of Platinum, we announce the finalists in all 16 award categories. This followed the Judges’ meeting which took place on March 26th, when all 16 judges met for the entire day to discuss and debate the hundreds of entries, and to whittle them down to the final list – and ultimately agree on the lucky winners of the coveted trophies. The finalists are announced in Dynamic, but the winners will be top secret until the event.

The Dynamic Awards will be attended by 500 business leaders – dressed to the nines – to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of business women across our region. With 85% of the tickets having been sold, be quick to secure a ticket – book here.

❛❛ Someone asked me, if I were stranded on a desert island ‘what book would I bring?’ ‘How to Build a Boat’ ❜❜

Steven Wright

SUSSEX BREWER LAUNCHES NEW CRAFT ALES

One of the newest craft breweries in East Sussex is adding to its growing portfolio with the launch of a keg range alongside its established cask ale line-up. Three Acre Brewery, based near Heathfield, will supply the new beers as part of expansion which sees it increase creativity and brew a wider range of beer styles than previously possible. With its caskconditioned ales in increasing demand, and accounting for 90% of the brewery’s output, Three Acre brews can be found as far afield as Norfolk and Sheffield. “You could say that we are giving in to continued customer requests to put our best-sellers in kegs”, says Three Acre’s head brewer, Jamie Newton.“Some outlets can take only kegs while others have keg products alongside casks to increase the range they can offer.”

London’s second airport has achieved a 90% reduction in its vehicle emissions by switching to the fossil-free biofuel

London Gatwick switches from diesel to hydrotreated vegetable oil

London Gatwick has cut carbon emissions from its fleet by 90% by transitioning from diesel to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), saving 950 tonnes of carbon emissions a year.

All of Gatwick’s 300 diesel vehicles, 85% of the airport’s fleet, are now powered by HVO until they reach their operational end of life. They will then be replaced by electric vehicles as part of the airport’s sustainability policy, known as the Decade of Change.

HVO is a low-carbon biofuel made from plant waste, oils and fats making it a more sustainable and lower-carbon alternative to diesel. The vehicles that are now powered by HVO include all the

airport’s fire engines, airside operations vehicles and snow ploughs used to clear the runway. An extensive trial confirmed HVO had no impact on vehicle performance, ensuring airport fire engines, for example, can continue to respond to emergencies across the airfield within three minutes.

Steve Kelso, Head of Engineering, London Gatwick, said: “The implementation of hydrotreated vegetable oil to power our 300 diesel vehicles is an exciting milestone for London Gatwick’s sustainability journey and a big step in our fleet transition.

“From the buses that pick passengers up from the long-stay car parks, to

operations vehicles that patrol the airfield, HVO is now being used to fuel vehicles throughout the airport. As we continue to grow, we are making sustainability part of everything we do here at London Gatwick, and we are committed to finding solutions and working differently to meet our ambitious targets.”

Last year, London Gatwick accelerated its commitment to be net zero for its own Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 2030, 10 years ahead of its previous commitment. To support this goal, the airport will allocate over £250 million to replace all vehicles, gas boilers, and refrigerants with low carbon alternatives. Gatwick will also continue to reduce overall energy use, invest in

❛❛ HVO is a low-carbon biofuel made from plant waste, oils and fats making it a more sustainable and lower-carbon alternative to diesel ❜❜

on-site renewable energy, including solar power, and continue to source 100% renewable electricity.

The move to HVO is part of much wider plans to also address Scope 3 (indirect) emissions, which account for the largest impact at the airport. The UK Government, through its Jet Zero strategy, and the UK industry, through Sustainable Aviation, have a plan for aviation to reach net zero by 2050. London Gatwick is working with airlines and industry partners to tackle Scope 3 emissions. This will be achieved through a range of measures including airspace modernisation and innovations in Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), electric, hydrogen and hybrid aircraft.

London Gatwick has recently been recognised with Level 4+ ‘Transition’ of the Airport Carbon Accreditation scheme - the only institutionallyendorsed, global carbon management certification programme for airports.

ONE FANTASTIC YEAR AS CO-CHAIR OF THE AVIATION COUNCIL

In a recent LinkedIn blog, Stewart Wingate, CEO of London Gatwick, shared insights on a successful year as Co-Chair of the Aviation Council. Formed in 2023 by Baroness Charlotte Vere, and led by Minister Anthony Browne MP as its newly appointed Chair, the Aviation Council represents a collaborative effort among the Department for Transport (DfT), UK Ministers, officials, and industry professionals who seek to futureproof the UK aviation sector and maintain its status as one of the strongest in the world.

In his article, Stewart said “I passionately believe the UK is an aviation superpower, having spent the last 15 years as Gatwick’s CEO; seeing the best (record passenger numbers in 2019) and the worst (the Covid-19 pandemic) of the sector during that time.

We are nearly back to that trajectory of growth and the decade ahead contains the promise that the UK will be a world-leading aviation sector in all aspects of the term, including sustainability and managing our environmental impacts.”

View the full article here: Reflecting on a fantastic year of the Aviation Council via LinkedIn

A week of events and inspiration for school leavers during National Careers Week

London Gatwick celebrated National Careers Week with a host of events for local students, equipping them with guidance and skills needed for future employment.

National Careers Week is an opportunity to support and engage with students who will shortly be leaving education, at an important stage in the academic year. London Gatwick is a key employer in the local region with more than 25,000 people working together across the airport to deliver a great experience for passengers.

Throughout the week (March 4th-9th), events took place to showcase the breadth of opportunities on offer at Gatwick. A total of 385 students took part in STEM activities from schools across Crawley, Worthing, Burgess Hill and Chessington.

The week started with a technician, joined by an apprentice, who delivered a

❛❛ National Careers Week is an opportunity to support and engage with students who will shortly be leaving education ❜❜

Speakers for Schools virtual discovery workshop on working in engineering to 200 students at local schools.

Volunteers from across London Gatwick attended Thomas Bennett Community College in Crawley to deliver a mentoring session, as part of the Love Local Jobs Foundation Dare to Dream mentoring scheme. The assembly reached 220 Year 9 students, with 15 students being individually mentored. The sessions focused on themes such as self-awareness, mindset, gratitude, resilience, teamwork, and employment. The

programme aims to support the development of essential life skills for young people, preparing them for their future careers.

One of London Gatwick’s senior project managers also made a presentation about sustainability and construction at an EVERFI ‘Ask a Pro’ virtual panel.

London Gatwick will continue to offer support to more students in the region, with the aim to reach a million student engagements by 2030 across various education programmes.

Melanie Wrightson, Stakeholder Engagement Manager, London Gatwick said: “At London Gatwick, we are passionate about nurturing talent and encouraging young people to consider a career in the aviation sector.

“A diverse and skilled pipeline of local talent is critical to a healthy labour market and London Gatwick’s future growth. It has been brilliant to welcome so many students to the airport this week and showcase the breadth of careers Gatwick can offer.

“Our vision is to be the airport for everyone, whatever your journey and it is key we invest in the workforce for the future as we continue to grow.”

Find out more via www.gatwickairport.com/futureplans

Five tips for first-time investors

Investing for the first time can be daunting, but for those who are in it for the long term, it could help you achieve your goals more quickly.

Although the stock market goes down as well as up, history shows that, over long periods, shares tend to perform more strongly than cash and grow ahead of inflation.

Here are some tips to help you get started.

1. Know your goals

Setting a goal will give you something concrete to work towards. You will need a relatively long-term aim to give your investments the time to ride out any market volatility. Perhaps you wish to save towards retirement, for example, or your children’s future.

During short-term market falls, focusing on your goals will also reduce the risk of you selling out and crystallising losses.

2. Set up regular investments

You don’t need a large sum to start investing. In fact, dripfeeding what you can afford each month – or gradually whittling away a lump sum – could be beneficial during times of stock market turmoil and economic uncertainty.

Your money buys more shares at a cheaper price when the market falls, and fewer shares at a higher price when the market rises. This averages out the price at which you buy investments and, over time, could help to smooth portfolio performance.

3. Use your tax allowances

Remember your Individual Savings Account (ISA) allowance, which renews on 6 April. This amounts to £20,000 for the 2023/24 tax year. Investments inside an ISA grow free of tax, which means more of your money goes towards your future.

The

4. Manage your emotions

Letting your emotions dictate your investment decisions isn’t the sensible route to returns. It’s understandable to experience some jitters if the stock market falls, particularly as a first-time investor.

Try to hold your nerve, and once you’ve dipped your toe into the market, stay there.

5. Diversify

It’s wise to choose a spread of investments – including equities, bonds, and cash – because different assets tend to behave in different ways in a range of market conditions. This could help to even out returns and reduce the impact of any particular asset falling in value.

I live and work local to you. I would be delighted to help you and your family achieve financial clarity and stability.

Paul Cannons Senior Investment Manager

E: paul.cannons@brewin.co.uk

T: 01293 661323

RBC Brewin Dolphin, First Point, Buckingham Gate, Gatwick Airport,

W: brewin.co.uk/gatwick

RH6 0NT

NATO at 75

Sweden’s recent accession into NATO may have set Vladimir Putin’s teeth on edge, but he knows as well as any leader that if the growing western military alliance really was a global aggressor, we would all be radioactive ash by now.

On April 4th this year, The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) marks its 75th anniversary. ALAN WARES takes a look at this huge organisation which, depending on your point of view, has either been a smokescreen for Western aggression, or the ultimate global peacekeeper.

NATO has its roots in the Second World War, or more specifically, The Atlantic Charter, a 1941 agreement between the United States and United Kingdom. The Charter laid out a framework for international cooperation without territorial expansion after World War II. Until this point, the US had previously had an isolationist, neutral stance – especially when it came to European matters.

The Treaty of Brussels was a mutual defence treaty against the Soviet threat at the start of the Cold War. It was signed on March 17th 1948 by Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, and the United Kingdom.

The Soviet threat became an immediate one with the Berlin Blockade in 1948 (the occupational Soviet forces in eastern Germany effectively isolated West Berlin from outside help).

Thousands of tons of food, medicine and supplies were air-dropped (hence the so-called ‘Berlin Bridge’) from a total of 250,000 flights over 15 months. When the Soviets realised their blockade wasn’t working, they stopped it, and allowed road and rail routes to re-open. It was, arguably, the first international crisis of the Cold War.

Also in 1948, Soviet armed forces, backing the local Communist Party, overthrew the democratically-elected Government of Czechoslovakia, without Western allies being able to do much about it.

It led British Foreign Minister Ernest Bevin to state that the best way to prevent ‘another Czechoslovakia’ was to evolve a joint Western military strategy. He got a receptive hearing in the United States, especially with the

NATO YEARS OF ACCESSION

1949 Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, UK, USA

1952 Greece, Turkey

1955 West Germany

1982 Spain

1999 Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland,

2004 Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia

2009 Albania, Croatia,

2017 Montenegro

2020 North Macedonia

2023 Finland

2024 Sweden

Three additional states – Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia and Ukraine –have formally informed NATO of their membership aspiration.

❛❛ NATO formed with 12 founding members, and has added new members ten times since. ❜❜

American anxiety over Italy and its resurgent Italian Communist Party – or rather, the Soviet Union’s interest in helping the party.

These talks resulted in the signature of the North Atlantic Treaty on April 4th 1949 by the member states of the Treaty of Brussels, plus the United States, Canada, Portugal, Italy, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland.

NATO formed with 12 founding members and has added new members ten times since, most recently when Sweden joined the alliance last month.

In addition, NATO currently recognises Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, and Ukraine as aspiring members.

Enlargement has led to tensions with non-member Russia, one of the 18 additional countries participating in NATO’s Partnership for Peace programme. Another 19 countries are involved in institutionalised dialogue programmes with NATO.

Today, NATO has its headquarters in Brussels, having originally been based in Belgravia, London and, from 1952 to 1967, in Paris.

THE CLOSEST WE GOT

Above: Cuban Prime Minister, Fidel Castro with Soviet Union First Secretary, Nikita Khrushchev, 1961. Right: US President, John F Kennedy

NATO ENGAGEMENTS

No military operations were conducted by NATO during the Cold War. Following the end of the Cold War, the first operations, Anchor Guard in 1990 and Ace Guard in 1991, were prompted by the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. Airborne early warning aircraft were sent to provide coverage of south eastern Turkey, and later a quick-reaction force was deployed to the area.

NATO troops were busy throughout the 1990s, mostly in the Balkans, as various cultures and nations in the former Yugoslavia – hitherto kept together, outside of Soviet influence, under Marshall Tito – splintered, and centuries-old conflicts re-ignited.

The Twin Towers attacks in New York on September 11th 2001 caused NATO to invoke Article 5 – a statement which commits each member state to consider an armed attack against one member state to be an armed attack against them all – of the NATO Charter for the fi rst time in the organisation’s history.

The invocation was confirmed on October 4th 2001 when NATO determined that the attacks were indeed eligible under the terms of the North Atlantic Treaty. The official actions taken by NATO in response to the

NATO military exercise, Czech Republic, 2019

attacks included Operation Eagle Assist and Operation Active Endeavour, a naval operation in the Mediterranean Sea designed to prevent the movement of terrorists or weapons of mass destruction, and to enhance the security of shipping in general.

Towards the end of the decade, a new phenomenon in modern day shipping presented itself. Beginning on August 17th 2009, NATO deployed warships in an operation alongside Russia, China and many others to protect maritime traffic in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean from Somali pirates, and help strengthen the navies and coast guards of regional states.

❛❛ No military operations were conducted by NATO during the Cold War. ❜❜

In 1961, the US government placed Jupiter nuclear missiles in Italy and Turkey. At the same time, the US government was also trying to oust Cuban Prime Minister Fidel Castro from power by a series of sabotage and military-led activities.

Meanwhile, Soviet First Secretary Nikita Khrushchev, alarmed that Cuba was cosying up to China – no friend of the USSR at the time – in July 1962, agreed with Castro to provide military assistance to deter any US invasion of the Caribbean island.

military assistance Khrushchev placed on Cuba, a mere 90 miles from the US mainland, included nuclear warheads. Tensions rose from August until early November 1962.

The public deal was too much for the Russian public to stomach; they saw the deal as ‘humiliating’. Two years later, Khrushchev was ousted for ‘humiliation and alarming brinksmanship’.

It didn’t help East-West relations that the

Ultimately, and thankfully, diplomacy broke out. It was Italy’s and Turkey’s membership of NATO that allowed them to be used as pieces on the chessboard. Publicly, the USSR would withdraw from Cuba if the US promised never to invade Cuba. Secretly, the deal was that USSR would withdraw from Cuba if NATO removed its nuclear weapons from Italy and Turkey. This was a concession NATO, and the US in particular, was willing to go with, as Italy was looking to have the weapons removed anyway.

broke out. It was Italy’s and Turkey’s them to be used as pieces on the ised never to invade Cuba. Secretly, the willing

It was only 25 years later that the world came to publicly know of this extended bout of diplomacy. It was even mostly unbeknownst to the US hierarchy (save for President John F Kennedy himself) that his brother, Robert Kennedy, had been regularly meeting with the Soviet Ambassador Anatoly Dobrynin in Washington, keeping the dialogue open.

As a result of this affair, a ‘hotline’ was set up directly between the White House and the Kremlin.

New York City fi refi ghters after the collapse of the Twin Towers on September 11th, 2001

FINLAND

Since the end of the Cold War, apart from Sweden and Finland, every new entrant into NATO has been a nation that was formerly under Soviet infl uence in the second half of the 20th Century.

Finland has only been an independent nation for 106 years, gaining its own sovereignty from the Russian Empire in 1917. The previous 200 years had seen control of the Finnish land mass swap between Sweden and Russia many times.

Following the October Revolution, where the Bolsheviks swept to power, they were happy for Finland to be granted its freedom. The White Russians were fine with this declaration as well as they were expected to win back the seat of power in St Petersburg from the newly-formed Russian Provisional Government, and would merely reverse this approval. When Russian Provisional Government maintained power, Finland made its own declaration of independence on December 6th 1917.

Two decades later, The Winter War was a war between the Soviet Union and Finland. It began with a Soviet invasion of Finland on November 30th 1939. Despite Finland’s vow of neutrality ahead of World War II, the Soviet Army invaded small parts of Finland, demanding territory, while offering other land elsewhere. Soviet Forces suffered bad losses during the fighting and, following initial setbacks, they reduced their strategic objectives and

put an end to the puppet Finnish communist government in late January 1940, informing the Finnish government that they were willing to negotiate peace.

Hostilities ended with the Moscow Peace Treaty on March 13th 1940. Despite superior military strength, especially in tanks and aircraft, the Soviet Union suffered severe losses and initially made little headway. The League of Nations deemed the attack illegal and expelled the Soviet Union.

It left Finland utterly mistrusting the Soviet Union. That Finland has now joined NATO upsets many Russians as, not only does the military organisation have another border directly with Russia, many Russians still cling on to the centuries-old notion that the Finnish nation should still belong to part of their larger nation.

Finland joined NATO in May 2023.

SWEDEN

That Sweden managed to maintain a de facto neutrality during World War II was a remarkable piece of international diplomacy. However, when Finland was invaded by the Soviet Union in the Winter War, Sweden changed its position to that of a ‘non-belligerent’ – a term not specifically defined by international treaties – thus freeing Sweden from the restrictions of neutrality.

In effect, instead of keeping out of the war, Sweden more opened itself up, and let the Allies and the Axis Powers through their lands unhindered. As the war progressed, Swedish Intelligence cracked the German ‘Geheimschreiber’ cipher and shared decrypted information with the Allies. Stalin was informed by Sweden well in advance of Hitler’s planned invasion of the Soviet Union, though he chose not to believe the information.

Towards the end of the war, Sweden was preparing to join the Allied invasion of Norway and Denmark if the occupying Wehrmacht forces rejected a general armistice.

Since joining the EU in 1995, Sweden’s relative insularity was further highlighted when, after the Maastricht Treaty was signed, is was required to join the Eurozone. However, the Swedish people turned down Euro adoption in a 2003 referendum, and since then, the country has intentionally avoided fulfi lling the adoption requirements by not joining ERM II, which is voluntary.

Sweden joined NATO in March 2024.

Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson

Finland’s President Sauli Niinisto (left) and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg

Meeting of Ministers, NATO Headquarters, Brussels, 2023

YOU’RE BEAUTIFUL

In 1999, soon-to-be singer James Blunt was Captain in a squadron deploying with NATO to Kosovo. On June 12th 1999, he led a 30,000-strong NATO peacekeeping force from the North Macedonia border towards Pristina International Airport. However, a Russian military contingent had moved in and taken control of the airport before his unit’s arrival.

THIRD PARTY RELATIONS

Although NATO itself has no Parliament, is not a democracy and has limited political powers, it does have several third party relationships around the world.

Jackson had not blocked it. In the end, Clark’s

American NATO commander Wesley Clark ordered that the unit forcibly take the airport from the Russians. General Mike Jackson, the British commander, refused the order, telling Clark that they were “not going to start World War Three for you”. Blunt has since said that he would have refused to obey such an order if General Jackson had not blocked it. In the end, Clark’s mad orders – orders which he even doubled down on – were not carried out, and instead the US persuaded new NATO members Bulgaria, Hungary, and Romania not to allow Russian support to use their airspace, effectively rendering the Russian troops at the airport isolated.

The Partnership for Peace (PfP) programme was established in 1994. Members include all current and former members of the Soviet Union.

The EU signed a comprehensive package of arrangements with NATO under the Berlin Plus agreement on December 16th 2002. The EU was given the possibility of using NATO assets if it wanted to act independently in an international crisis, on the condition that NATO had a so-called “right of first refusal”.

was removed from his role two months later.

As a post script to this story, Wesley Clark was removed from his role two months later.

❛❛ For Finland and Sweden to join one of the world’s largest military blocs is quite the eyebrow-raiser, on both the East and West side of the European historical divide ❜❜

ACCESSION TO NATO

So for both Finland and Sweden, both Scandinavian countries keen to promote their non-belligerent, neutral credentials to the best of their capabilities, opportunities to join one of the world’s largest military blocs is quite the eyebrow-raiser - on both the East and West side of the European historical divide.

However, following. Russia’s belligerent stance over Ukraine for the past 15 years (or 15 centuries, if you prefer), their respective neutralities are also covers for their isolation and vulnerability, which they have now sought to address.

POPULAR SUPPORT

Pew Research Centre – a non-partisan think-tank based in Washington DC –conducted a survey in 2016 among eight of NATO’s member states which showed that, while most countries viewed NATO positively, most NATO members preferred keeping their military spending the same.

The response to whether their country should militarily aid another NATO country if it were to get into a serious military confl ict with Russia was also mixed. Roughly half, or fewer than six of the eight countries surveyed say their country should use military force if Russia attacks a neighbouring country that is a NATO ally.

Meanwhile, around half of the NATO countries say that their government should NOT use military force in such circumstances. The strongest opposition to responding with armed force is in Germany (58% against), followed by France (53%) and Italy (51%).

Conversely, more than half of Americans (56%) and Canadians (53%) are willing to respond to Russian military aggression against a fellow NATO country. 49% of British people and 48% of Poles would also live up to their Article 5 commitment. The Spanish are divided on the issue: 48% support it, 47% oppose.

The Mediterranean Dialogue was established in 1994 to coordinate with Israel and countries in North Africa, while the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative was announced in 2004 as a dialogue forum for the Middle East along the same lines as the Mediterranean Dialogue.

announced in 2004 as a dialogue forum

Political dialogue with Japan began in 1990, and since then, the Alliance has gradually increased its contact with countries that do not form part of any of these cooperation initiatives.

Australia and New Zealand, have bilateral agreements between NATO members also aid cooperation. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated that NATO needs to “address the rise of China”,

INTO THE FUTURE

In December 2019, NATO leaders asked Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to lead a forward-looking reflection process to strengthen NATO.

In June 2020, he laid out his priorities for NATO 2030: making sure NATO remains strong militarily, becomes even stronger politically and takes a more global approach.

To support the Secretary General’s work, NATO 2030 brought together Allied parliamentarians, civil society, public and private sector experts, and youth to provide fresh thinking on how to make NATO an even stronger Alliance.

TECHFEST SUSSEX

3800 ATTENDEES

120 EXHIBITION STANDS

60 SKILLS FAIR STANDS

16 AWARD CATEGORIES

THE LARGEST TECH, DIGITAL AND INNOVATION EVENT EVER TO TAKE PLACE IN THE SOUTH EAST

PLATINUM MEDIA GROUP

PLEASE NOTE THE DATE CHANGE

A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

COMMUNITY PARTNER

The Sussex & Surrey Institute of Technology (IoT) at North East Surrey College of Technology (Nescot) welcomed over 60 guests at its opening event on February 28th

SUSSEX & SURREY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY OPENS AT NESCOT

Visitors had the opportunity to explore the state-of-the-art facilities, participate in hands-on activities and discover the wide range of resources and training opportunities available at the newly opened IoT.

The IoT at Nescot is the first new space to open as part of the Sussex & Surrey Institute of Technology, and specialises in digital technologies with courses and apprenticeships from software development, cyber security, Artificial Intelligence and networking to cloud computing, data handling, ‘internet of things’ and IT support.

Visitors included partners and employers from varied industry sectors who were able to find out the many ways in which they can support the future of skills development in the IT sector. Anchor employers including NatWest, Roche Diagnostics, Southern Water, Pearson and Gatwick Airport pledged their ongoing support to work with the Sussex & Surrey IoT in various ways, from recruiting apprentices and up-skilling existing staff, to working with curriculum experts to help shape study programmes and provide mentoring.

Computing staff and students on their computing courses were on hand to showcase the specialist technology facilities and share their excitement with visitors about the courses available.

Julie Kapsalis, Principal and CEO at Nescot said, “We were delighted to welcome our first guests to the IoT at Nescot, which was buzzing with activity the whole day. It’s been wonderful to showcase our specialist digital technology facilities, resources and training. We are looking forward to working with businesses and partners to address current skills gaps and prepare for future skills needs.”

Demonstrating some of the technology, Joseph, a student on the Level 3 Computing course said, “The focus on specialist digital technologies is a great opportunity to enhance my knowledge. Nescot is the perfect choice for the Institute of Technology with great access and networking opportunities.”

Another student, Jeremy added, “I’m really excited about the Institute of Technology which is a great addition to Nescot. The technology and devices being installed here are amazing!”

SUSSEX & SURREY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

The Sussex & Surrey IoT includes Nescot, Chichester College Group (CCG) and the Universities of Sussex and Brighton. The IoT will enhance higher level skills training, with a new state-of-the-art hub and specialist satellites for delivery at locations across the region. The investment will create new cutting-edge facilities for higher level technical training with a focus on digital, sustainable technologies, engineering and construction.

“We are delighted to be an industry partner of the Sussex & Surrey Institute of Technology, an exciting institution for the region, its learners and employers. As a major employer in the region, London Gatwick is committed to supporting local and regional workforce skills partnerships and initiatives. We recognise the value of investing in higher level technical skills to meet employer needs and to support future sustainable growth”

NICK BATCHELOR Director of Information Technology, London Gatwick

Peter Goodenough, Computing tutor at Nescot, said, “With the Institute of Technology, we can offer progress. Computers are in every walk of life and every industry. The IoT at Nescot is offering courses to enhance future skills and aid long term sustainability. You can choose from a wide range of courses on offer, from learning how to design, create, and program smart devices, industrial and home robotics to making you mindful of your digital footprint.”

Sussex & Surrey Institute of Technology sets out to meet the current and future needs of employers and people across our region and beyond.

Its focus is to address Higher level skills needs in:

n Engineering & Manufacturing Technologies

n Digital Technologies

n Construction, Planning & The Built Environment

n Sustainable Technologies & Practices

Working in partnership with Further Education Colleges, Universities, and industry partners, the IoT will equip learners with high-level technical qualifications and the skills required by employers.

Sussex & Surrey Institute of Technology partners with TechFest Sussex

For more information visit www.techfest.uk

“The Sussex & Surrey Institute of Technology, where NatWest is a founding partner, is a truly inspiring collaboration between higher education, further education and employer partners building digital skills for fi ntech, MedTech, environmental technologies, big data, cyber security and AI”

VICTORIA KERTON Head of Corporate & Commercial Restructuring, NatWest

For more information on the IoT at Nescot please visit the website www.nescot.ac.uk/IOT

DIGITAL NOMADS

A UK study by retailers Currys reveals best 20 cities for UK digital nomads and remote working

Since the end of the pandemic, there has been a shift in the mentality for many desk workers in the UK. A recent study found that 43% of Brits said they would not apply for an advertised job if the description didn’t explicitly state that it was flexible, while 37% of Brits asked said they would like a hybrid role so that they could work while they travel for a portion of the year.

The mentality that the office can be anywhere has grown in popularity. UK Google searches for “Digital Nomad Visa” have increased by 130% over the past 12 months.

But where are the best cities in the world to work remotely as a Brit? A recent study by computing and tech retailer Currys, analysed 292 cities around the world, and ranked them on their monthly rent, basic utility price per month, broadband speed, their safety index, and the length of stay allowed for UK citizens – all out of 10 – to give a total score out of 50, the highest score being the best locations for digital nomads from the UK.

When looking at the highest scoring city by country, it was found that Lima, Peru was the place for those workingfrom-anywhere types to go, scoring 38.66 out of 50. With an allowed stay of 183 days in Peru, with no visa required, it is easy for Brits to visit and stay for a period. The rent was a little higher than some of the other South American cities that made the top ten at around £263 per month for a onebed apartment outside the city centre, but that is nothing on some UK and Canadian locations which average over £1,000 a month.

Aside from this, Lima is warm all year-round (average temperature is 24°C, and February is the hottest month), has beautiful beaches along the Pacific coast and is a vibrant and exciting city filled with history and culture.

Recife, Brazil is ranked highest in second place overall with 37.22 out of 50. Known as the ‘Venice of Brazil’ thanks to its network of canals and bridges, it has great beaches and is

“In the full index, seven cities in Brazil made the top ten, making it the best country to work in as a digital nomad”

both a cultural and naturally beautiful gem. It scores highly for affordability, and is a very safe place to spend your time. In third place was the only UK city to make the top 20 –Belfast, Northern Ireland. It scored 35.77 out of a possible 50. Although the rent was middle of the range at £652 per month on average for a one-bed apartment, the cheap monthly utilities, fast broadband and the ability to stay up to a year as a UK resident, as it is a UK city, makes it an attractive prospect for those looking to get away form the mainland. However, the safety index score of just 45.5 out of 100 from Numbeo, may mean it isn’t the place to pick if you are a solo traveller.

Top 20 cities in the world for UK digital nomads. This includes just one city from each country. In the full index, seven cities in Brazil made the top ten, making it the best country to work in as a digital nomad.

You can see the full study here: www.currys.co.uk/techtalk/ computing/accessories/working-around-the-world.html

“The mentality that the office can be anywhere has grown in popularity”

With millions on the receiving end of menopause symptoms, Pam Loch of Loch Associates believes now is the time to place the issue on every business’ wellbeing policies

Managing menopause in the workplace

Thinning hair, brain fog, night sweats, anxiety and migraines are only some of the many different symptoms of menopause. Lasting on average between four and seven years, menopause can have a significant impact on life, challenging an individual’s ability to enjoy daily life, maintain relationships and perform at work.

Many employers are waking up to this and realising they should be doing more to support their employees. However, sometimes the approach taken can do more harm than good. Avanti West Coast decided to give a ‘gift’ to its employees which included a paperclip “to help you keep it all together” and a jelly baby “in case you feel like biting someone’s head off” and more.

A post was made about it on the social media platform ‘X’ and has received over 340,000 views so far. So, what can employers do to help support their teams cope with menopause?

While menopause affects women, usually in midlife (generally between 45 and 55), it can also affect trans men and younger individuals due to early and premature menopause, possibly as a result of certain medications.

❛❛ Having a menopause policy in place sends a powerful message to your staff ❜❜

It doesn’t just impact those individuals going through it though, but also their wider network, including family, friends and colleagues.

Some of the symptoms have a direct knock-on impact to colleagues e.g. disturbed sleep, which could impact their performance at work. There’s also coping with the additional stress that mood swings can bring to relationships which can be distracting but also have a physical impact too. Employers who recognise and are empathetic towards their employees who are impacted by menopause, will benefit from employees who feel valued but also by reducing absences as a direct result of taking a more forward-thinking approach. What can employers do to be like that?

RAISING AWARENESS

Having a menopause policy in place sends a powerful message to your staff. Menopause cafés or workshops can help employees understand menopause better. Not only will this increase understanding amongst the workforce, but it can also help normalise the topic, removing stigma and taboo and fostering greater empathy amongst colleagues.

FLEXIBLE WORKING ARRANGEMENTS

Fatigue and sleep disturbances are common symptoms of menopause, so providing flexibility as to start and finish times, working hours and remote working can enable employees to manage their symptoms effectively without compromising productivity. That also applies to family members affected by menopause who may be getting less sleep than normal.

ADJUSTMENTS

Practical adjustments can help keep staff comfortable and happy at work. Consider options for individualised temperature-controls (think fans or personal space heaters), reviewing uniform and dress codes and providing access to technology to assist with memory difficulties and reduced concentration.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMMES

Employee assistance programmes are a valuable resource where menopause is concerned, providing access to confidential counselling and other useful support services. Wellness programmes focusing on nutrition, exercise and stress management can also be of benefit to the entire workforce.

❛❛ With an estimated 13 million people in the UK currently experiencing menopausal transition, it’s vital employers consider strategies they can introduce to make their workplaces more menopause-friendly ❜❜

TRAINING FOR MANAGERS

Having been a taboo subject for so long, many managers don’t understand what menopause is, or the severity of its symptoms, and may not connect issues at work with it. Training managers to understand menopause and to be sensitive to the needs of employees experiencing it or their family members can help join the dots. This should be combined with introducing a menopause policy.

IT’S TIME TO ACT NOW.

While the Government has rejected calls from the Women and Equalities Committee to make menopause a standalone protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010, that doesn’t mean employees who are mistreated by their employer in connection with menopause cannot bring Employment Tribunal claims.

Depending on the circumstances, claims can be made on the basis of age, sex and disability discrimination as well as unfair dismissal. We know that claims are increasing. In 2021, Employment Tribunal claims related to menopause increased by 44%,

compared to 2020. So, not only would implementing some of the strategies above be best practice, but it could also provide valuable legal protection, as you can then show you have taken steps to prevent the discrimination happening.

In addition, with an estimated 13 million people in the UK currently experiencing menopausal transition – according to the Office for National Statistics – from a purely numbers-oriented perspective, it’s vital employers consider strategies they can introduce to make their workplaces more menopause-friendly.

So, why not set aside some time to consider steps you can take to raise awareness, provide practical support, and tackle training? Not just to support those going through menopause, but also to create a more supportive and inclusive workplace that everyone can thrive in.

www.lochassociates.co.uk

WEALTH MANAGEMENT EXECUTED BEAUTIFULLY

The recent entrance into administration of The Body Shop has sparked a lot of conversations around the use of the process by companies. Everyone seems to have a view, often without understanding the process. By Frank Bouette, Partner, Restructuring & Insolvency at DMH Stallard

Buying from administrators: maximising the opportunity to expand

Someone recently shared their view with me that “administration is a tool for corporate theft from creditors”. I disagree. It’s a useful tool for saving what is left of a business that would otherwise collapse. For a competitor with cash, it’s a good way to grow your business – but you need to know what you’re doing.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS?

Administration is an insolvency process where the insolvent company is put under the control of licensed insolvency practitioners (administrators). Generally, before administrators are appointed, the company must be unable to pay its debts, and the administrators must be satisfied that one of three statutory purposes can be achieved:

❛❛ Once appointed, administrators will look for a buyer for the insolvent business and its assets ❜❜

1. To rescue the company as a going concern.

2. If that’s impossible, to achieve a better result for creditors than liquidation; or

3. If that’s impossible, to realise the company’s property to make a distribution to its secured or preferential creditors.

If none are possible, then alternatives must be pursued – such as liquidation (i.e., terminal closedown).

Generally, once appointed, administrators will look for a buyer for the insolvent business and its assets. While the initial plan may be to sell it back to the directors, the administrators are under a duty to achieve the best price. Save for exceptional circumstances, that includes marketing it to potential purchasers for at least a limited period.

TIPS WHEN BUYING FROM ADMINISTRATORS

Be in the game Register with marketing lists for agents/accountants who sell distressed businesses, and keep your ears to the ground in your market. If an opportunity to bid arises, act quickly –administrators don’t hang about.

Make your offer clear. A share sale is unlikely; most administration sales will be asset sales. This leaves the insolvent company’s liabilities with them. Be clear what assets you are bidding for and what you are not. Don’t forget any intellectual property and, where appropriate, ensure the bid includes an assignment of it.

Don’t expect warranties. Administrators know little about the assets they’re selling and won’t give warranties or guarantees. Assets are sold as seen, and your related risk is reflected in the price you offer. You’ll need to assess the information available and physically inspect the assets you’re buying.

❛❛ If an opportunity to bid arises, act quickly –administrators don’t hang about ❜❜

Don’t dilly-dally. Administration sales happen quickly, and there’s no room for procrastination. You need to move quickly. The window for due diligence, and information available, will be limited. You’ll need to get comfortable quickly with the level of risk involved and factor it into the price.

Indemnities. Administrators will expect indemnities from buyers against any liabilities that may arise in relation to the assets sold as a result of the sale. This will include things such as employee liabilities and third-party claims to the assets. Factor that into the price.

Employees. The appointment of administrators will not automatically terminate contracts of employment. You need to establish that key employees don’t intend to leave, and ensure they are motivated moving forward. As a general rule (there are some exceptions) the contracts of (and liabilities to) the employees relating to the assets you’re buying will transfer to you automatically on sale.

Who owns the assets? Administrators will only sell such title as the company has. Stock will transfer subject to retention of title if a supplier hasn’t been paid, and title to third party assets (HP, lease or those used under licence) won’t transfer. Suppliers won’t be obliged to supply on the same terms post sale. Be prepared to negotiate with suppliers and the third-party owners post-completion. Where intellectual property is used under licence, you’ll need to establish whether the licence is transferable, or if you need a new licence from the owner.

Property. If the company occupies leasehold premises that are key, you’ll usually be given a short-term licence to occupy post-completion – during that time you negotiate with the landlord to agree a lease assignment or new lease. You’ll need to address this quickly postcompletion and negotiate with the landlord promptly. If the property is vital to the business, enquiries should be made of the landlord pre-completion to ensure they will (in principle) at least agree to play ball.

If customer contracts and customer lists transfer as part of the sale, you will need to ensure that those contracts can be assigned and won’t terminate, and consider any GDPR issues you will need to address before using any data. The sale contract will likely require you to comply with GDPR obligations.

If you would like to discuss any of these themes further, please get in touch with Frank Bouette, Partner, Restructuring & Insolvency:

T: +44 (0)1293 558554

E: Frank.Bouette@dmhstallard.com

At the start of 2022, there were estimated to be 5.5 million private sector businesses in the UK, of which 5.47 million businesses were in the small category – the very backbone of the British economy.

Dipesh Galaiya, Tax Senior Manager and Simon Levine, Partner and Joint Head of Legal Services at Kreston Reeves ask are these business owners maximising tax allowances available to them to ensure smooth succession to the next generation?

MAXIMISING BUSINESS PROPERTY RELIEF

The nil rate band (the level below which the Inheritance Tax is charged at 0%) has been frozen at £325,000 per person since 2009, and asset valuations (e.g. property prices and values of other investments) have generally risen. This has resulted in a marked increase in the IHT collected by HMRC to peak at £6.3bn for the period April 2023 to January 2024.

Therefore, it’s important to consider any IHT reliefs available, one of them being Business Property Relief (BPR). It was introduced so after the death of the business owner, the family-owned business could survive as a trading entity without having to be sold or broken-up to pay an IHT liability.

BPR is given as a reduction in the value of property on which IHT is charged, and this is available on the transfer of business property either on the death or on a transfer during the donor’s lifetime. The reduction will be:

n at 50% for business assets held personally but used wholly or mainly for the purposes of the business carried on by one’s company or partnership; or

n at 100% for a business (e.g. sole trader or partnership) or for shares in unquoted trading companies (which includes trading companies quoted on the AIM market).

To qualify for this relief, the business asset must be held for at least two years continuously before the transfer, and the asset must be ‘relevant business property’ in that it should be wholly or mainly trading.

A word of caution – if the business or the company carries out activities which are wholly or mainly dealing in securities, stocks and shares, land and buildings or making / holding investments then BPR will not be available. ‘Wholly or mainly’ means more than 50% and to ascertain that, it is necessary to look at the business as a whole (and in the round) along with the activities it is actually engaged in.

BPR is a very powerful relief but this can be lost if the business asset is sold or is in the process of being sold by virtue of entering into a ‘binding contract for sale’.

We encourage business owners to actively consider succession planning strategies, such as getting the next generation involved in the business at the right stage with a view to passing the baton over. When they feel the time is right, they can consider gifting

❛❛ BPR is a very powerful relief but this can be lost if the business asset is sold or is in the process of being sold ❜❜

business assets to their heirs. This can help manage IHT in the longer term but also preserve cashflow by claiming holdover relief to defer the Capital Gains Tax on that transfer.

Some business owners may be concerned by the risks of making outright gifts such as loss of control over the business and the potential for the asset(s) being ‘squandered away’ or lost through marital failure of their heir(s). In such cases, they could turn to Trusts as an effective alternative to maintain control over the business asset whilst managing IHT for the longer term with the over-riding objective to safeguard this asset for the long term benefit of the family. Assuming the business asset qualifies for 100% BPR, it can enter the Trust at a £nil IHT charge on set-up.

Where a business is owned by a husband-and-wife team, they could leave their relevant share of the business asset to a Trust under their Will (rather than to the surviving spouse) – this enables them to ‘bank in the BPR relief’ whilst it is available without triggering an adverse IHT charge.

❛❛ With careful planning, you can help preserve the business asset within the family (or bank in the BPR) for the long-term benefit ❜❜

This is a complex area but with careful planning, you can help preserve the business asset within the family (or bank in the BPR) for the longterm benefit whilst maintaining control and managing the associated tax costs.

We have a team of qualified solicitors who have considerable experience in drafting Wills which deal with business assets as well as preparing lifetime trust documents which can provide for the transfer of business assets to a trust. At the same time as considering Wills and estate planning generally,

people should think about lasting powers of attorney (LPA).

An LPA is a legal document which allows you to choose who you want to make decisions on your behalf if you lack capacity to make them yourself. There are two types of LPA – one which allows your attorney to deal with your property and financial affairs, and the other which allows your attorney to make decisions on your behalf in connection with your health care including medical treatment decisions and decisions as to whether to consent to life sustaining treatment.

To learn more about maximising Business Property Relief, please contact Dipesh Galaiya or Simon Levine:

Email: enquiries@krestonreeves.com

Call: 0330 124 1399 Visit: www.krestonreeves.com

By Lee Hills, Partner, Mayo Wynne Baxter

NAVIGATING THE LEGAL LANDSCAPE The implications for companies of the Online Safety Act 2023

The advent of the digital age has brought unprecedented opportunities for connectivity, innovation, and economic growth. However, alongside these benefits, the online world has also become a breeding ground for harmful content, cyberbullying, and online abuse.

In response to growing concerns about online safety, governments around the world are enacting legislation to hold digital platforms accountable for the content they host and the safety of their users. One such piece of legislation is the Online Safety Act 2023, which introduces significant legal implications for UK companies operating in the digital space.

The Online Safety Act 2023 represents a landmark piece of legislation aimed at safeguarding users from online harm and promoting a safer digital environment. By imposing new obligations and responsibilities on digital platforms, the Act seeks to address a wide range of online safety issues, including cyberbullying, hate speech, terrorism content, and harmful material involving children.

One of the key provisions of the Online Safety Act 2023 is the establishment of a statutory duty of care for online platforms. Under this duty, companies are required to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety and well-being of their users whilst using their services.

This includes implementing measures to prevent the dissemination of harmful content, a duty to undertake suitable and sufficient illegal content risk assessments, providing users with tools to report abusive behaviour, and taking swift action to remove illegal or harmful material.

Failure to fulfil this duty can have serious consequences for companies, including hefty fines along with other enforcement measures, which themselves include the issuing of ‘service restriction orders’ and ‘access restriction orders’, effectively shutting down a non-compliant service. The Act empowers the regulator, Ofcom, to impose fi nes of up £18m or 10% of a company’s turnover for non-compliance with its provisions. Additionally, the regulator has authority to issue enforcement notices, impose civil sanctions, and require companies to implement specific measures to improve online safety.

❛❛ The Online Safety Act 2023 represents a landmark piece of legislation aimed at safeguarding users from online harm ❜❜

The Online Safety Act 2023 introduces new reporting requirements for companies, mandating them to publish transparency reports detailing their efforts to combat harmful content and protect users. These reports are intended to provide greater visibility into companies’ safety policies and practices, as well as their compliance with regulatory requirements. Failure to comply with reporting obligations can result in additional penalties and reputational damage for companies.

In addition to these requirements, the Act also grants users greater control over their online experiences. It requires companies to provide users with tools to manage their privacy settings, block or mute abusive users, and filter out harmful content. By empowering users to take control of their online safety, the Act aims to create a more positive and secure digital environment for all.

Whilst the Online Safety Act 2023 represents a signifi cant step forward in addressing online safety issues,

it also poses challenges for companies operating in the digital space. Compliance with the Act requires companies to invest in robust content moderation systems, user reporting mechanisms, and staff training programmes to effectively identify and respond to online safety risks. Moreover, the Act’s broad and evolving defi nition of harmful content presents companies with the ongoing challenge of staying abreast of emerging threats and regulatory requirements.

However, compliance with the Online Safety Act 2023 is not just a legal obligation, it is also a moral imperative. Companies have a responsibility to prioritise the safety and well-being

❛❛ One of the key provisions of the Online Safety Act 2023 is the establishment of a statutory duty of care for online platforms ❜❜

of their users and to contribute to a positive and inclusive online environment. By embracing the principles of the Act and investing in proactive measures to promote online safety, companies cannot only mitigate legal risks but also enhance trust and loyalty among their user base.

In conclusion, the Online Safety Act 2023 represents a significant milestone in the regulation of online platforms and the promotion of online safety. By imposing a statutory duty of care, introducing reporting requirements, and empowering users, the Act aims to hold companies accountable for the content they host and the safety of their users. Whilst compliance with the Act presents challenges for companies, it also provides an opportunity to demonstrate leadership in promoting online safety and fostering a culture of responsibility in the digital age.

If you need any legal advice on making sure your company is fulfilling its duty of care, do get in touch with me!

Lee Hills, Partner lhills@mayowynnebaxter.co.uk

MDHUB’s Millie Green chats with Jessica Allen-Back, the Estate Director at Aldenham Estate, Hertfordshire, with the responsibility of looking after over 700 acres of land in an environmentally sustainable manner.

With that, her life as a solicitor, mother and the running of Home Farm Glamping, here is Jessica’s story…

THINKING FORWARD Jessica Allen-Back on running a sustainable estate

Jessica Allen-Back is an ideas person. Originally training as a solicitor, she worked at a firm specialising in small business growth where the nature of her work had an effect on her – or rather, some of her clients’ work did.

She often felt she was far more aligned with her clients than with her own work, or that of her colleagues. She would leave meetings thinking how she would have rather been on their side of the table, being creative, rather than filing another timesheet. Ultimately, she made the decision to begin work on her father’s part of the Aldenham Estate, near Elstree, Hertfordshire.

This work on the estate alone wasn’t enough to pay Jessica a salary, so she kept her part-time position at the law firm, while juggling with the process of setting up the glamping business at Home Farm, the main farmhouse on the estate.

It was a time where an imbalance in her daily life became more pronounced, and, with so many responsibilities, she began to feel overwhelmed. She was introduced to MDHUB by a friend, and began working with Fiona Shafer, MDHUB’s Managing Director.

Speaking about this intense period, Jessica admits, “I sometimes look back at the beginning, and I don’t know how I managed. However, I’m much better now at accepting that I’m not going to get through my to-do list. I had to adjust my role in the business, to accept that I was still able to make the decisions.

❛❛ MDHUB has given Jessica a safe space to discuss important decisions, away from the people they affect ❜❜

“I am guilty of getting into busy periods. Fiona is good at asking ‘how can you find a way to make sure you’re still enjoying it?’” Jessica, after a careful pause, believes trying to be more like Fiona will help.

MDHUB has also helped Jessica in ways which are not so quantifiable. Many bosses talk of loneliness at the top of their business, and she admits as much.

“It’s very easy when you’re running a small business on your own to feel isolated. It doesn’t matter what your business is doing, most of the issues you’re dealing with are the same. Having a place in which to talk that through with the addition of the expertise that MDHUB brings is massively valuable.”

MDHUB has also given Jessica a better perspective of a work/life balance, one in which her family life gets more of a look-in. However, she is mindful not to take work home with her. To that end, MDHUB has given Jessica a safe space to discuss important decisions, away from the people they affect.

Jessica Allen-Back, Estate Director at the Aldenham Estate, with Steve Hayman, Director at Cheesmur Building Contractors

At the recent MDHUB annual awards, Jessica received ‘The Futureproof Award’ for her dedication to reducing the environmental impact of her business.

Being so close to London, Aldenham was approached to become the site of a huge solar farm – a plan, amazingly enough, on the receiving end of an enormous local backlash because, apparently, they’re seen as ‘ugly’. The backlash made Jessica more determined to make renewables and sustainability work on the estate.

Additionally, the parallel but lesserknown crisis of biodiversity is a huge priority. Hertfordshire has the worst nature loss in the UK of all the counties, and the UK is one of the worst countries in Europe for species loss. Having these crises on Aldenham’s doorstep makes the role of the estate feel all the more crucial to making a difference.

Looking forward, Jessica hopes to have a more positive impact through education. “We’re looking at how we can align with the Natural History

GCSE, which is being introduced in 2025. There is a tendency at the moment to teach young children about nature but then forget about it when they go to secondary school.” She’s hoping that the new GCSE will be taken seriously as an academic, science-based subject, and thinks it could be a key part of reintroducing people to nature.

Aldenham Estate is also hoping to encourage businesses to re-engage with nature. A disconnect has been allowed to grow between either being a successful businessperson or someone who is interested in nature and the environment. With climate change looming, Jessica feels the way forward is about adaptability.

ALDENHAM HOUSE

The main Aldenham House on the estate was built in about 1672, and was acquired, renovated and extended in 1870 by Hucks Gibbs, 1st Baron Aldenham. The house and grounds became a country club until World War II, when it was requisitioned by the BBC for use as an overseas broadcasting station.

After the war, the house stood empty until occupied by the Haberdashers’ Boys’ School in 1961, who are still in situ today.

“We’ve got to find ways to bring nature into business and make people understand that everything in our lives is based on nature – we’ve separated it from ourselves mentally.

“The estate I am running has been in my family for 400 years, and our local community (which is also our customer base) has changed continuously throughout this period. Being future-proof requires us to help our customers meet their future challenges.”

For this generation of the Aldenham Estate, sustainability and environmental awareness are the immediate challenges its businesses need to adapt to. If not, their future looks uncertain.

Home Farm Glamping was the 2021 winner of Muddy Stilettos’ Best Boutique Stay Award. www.aldenhamestate.co.uk/glamping

If you are interested in finding out more about the MDHUB, please visit www.mdhub.co.uk

Email MDHUB Directors: Fiona Shafer: fiona@mdhub.co.uk or Phil Green: phil.green@mdhub.co.uk

Jessica and her brother Humphrey, fellow director at the Aldenham Estate

SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY

At NFU Mutual Ashford, Tenterden & Whitfield agency we support a range of businesses working within various sectors, from micro to SME, to large corporate enterprises.

From leading winemaker Chapel Down to Parisianstyle bakery, Artisserie Patisserie, Tenterden and the surrounding area is home to some exciting, thriving businesses.

At NFU Mutual Ashford, Tenterden & Whitfield we are proud to support many of these businesses from our three offices.

Chapel Down and Artisserie Patisserie are among clients within just five miles of our Tenterden office.

“For us, NFU Mutual Ashford, Tenterden & Whitfield are a very important insurance partner that supports our business,” says Andrew Carter, CEO at Chapel Down, the hugely successful wine producer.

As Darren Smith, Agent at our agency, explains, our team works extensively with businesses, regardless of their size, to help protect them, their employees, and their business assets. “We want to be recognised across the South East as the commercial insurer of choice” he says. ‘’We support a range of businesses, from caterers and manufacturers to property owners, retailers, tradesmen and viticulture.’’

Chris Underwood, Chef & Founder of the Artisserie Patisserie, which opened on Tenterden high street in 2022, says: “We know we need high quality cover, which is why we choose to insure with NFU Mutual Ashford, Tenterden & Whitfield. Given that the team regularly checks in, we know that should something unexpected take place that affects our business, we’re going to be fully supported.”

Chris launched the patisserie business with Graham Garret, a chef who also owns the West House in Biddenden, which we support with a caterer’s policy.

He says: “We’ve been insured with NFU Mutual Ashford, Tenterden & Whitfield for nearly ten years… Keeping our business, our customers and livelihood safe is our priority.”

We get to know our clients and to understand the specific risks they face. One example is Korker Sausages, a family-run wholesaler that has operated in the village of Rolvenden since 1959. India Hoad, Head of Sales & Marketing at the firm, says of our team: “Their knowledge to guide us through the appropriate cover to keep our businesses running is outstanding”.

For us, it’s all about developing strong, long-term relationships and really getting to know a business. That includes Grovewell Garden Centres, whose director Edward Boult says of us: “They understand our business and can deal with our enquiries quickly and efficiently.”

We can also offer additional products and services to commercial businesses and business owners, such as insurance for commercial vehicles, Directors’ and Officers’ Liability and cyber insurance; as well as risk management services and financial planning services including business protection for you and your employees.

A final word from another of our local clients, Webbs Ironmongery: “NFU Mutual Ashford, Tenterden & Whitfield have an outstanding reputation within the community. The team are reliable and make it their priority to ensure our business is properly protected,” says director Nigel Webb.

Your business, our safe hands

Call us on 01233 500 822 or email

Tenterden_Agency@nfumutual.co.uk

Scan the QR code to watch our ‘Supporting the Community’ video

Naturally Talented Me (NTM) is a community interest company partnering with Surrey County Council to deliver an innovative approach to not only hiring great, well-matched talent, but retaining them too. By

Nick Boothroyd, Co-Founder, NTM

TURNING RECRUITMENT ON ITS HEAD

Who remembers their careers advice from school? It was probably fairly wooden; a rather limited list of professional or vocational careers that might have suited your strengths according to your school report, but not necessarily your interests and motivations. And it certainly wouldn’t have reflected the range of careers and roles available in today’s society and work-places.

A recent study from Washington State University cited that 70% of Gen Z (those born between 1997 and 2012) want to work for a company that aligns with their values. So whilst work-life balance and reward packages are still relevant, people want an emotional connection to their work. They want to do something meaningful and something that matches their interests.

Since it costs, on average, £3,000 to recruit someone, you want to be sure you get it right. High employee turnover can be costly to a business – and it’s not just the recruitment costs, but also the time taken to train new staff, lost productivity and loss of knowledge as people leave.

So how do we change recruitment to find and attract the right people to fill your vacancies?

WHAT DOES NTM DO?

Naturally Talented Me uses a combination of personal selections and image associations linked to hobbies and interests to understand a candidate’s passions and core ‘natural’ talents – in other words, what makes them tick. Whilst academic achievements and qualifications are important for some roles, often the critical underlying need is for the softer skills and a willingness to learn, along with their innate passions and interests – more than can be shown on a certificate of education.

Our innovative and intuitive digital profiling platform creates a See Me profile for every candidate that focuses on their natural talents in order to harness potential, and play to their strengths. By bringing those attributes into the workplace, you have the recipe for success and longevity of employment.

In addition, we focus on finding employment opportunities for people who are often left behind – those with physical or mental health difficulties, SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), care-leavers, those not in education, employment or training, the over 50s, and ex-offenders. People are full of talent and experience, but for many, the typical recruitment processes often don’t work.

❛❛ A recent study cited that 70% of Gen Z want to work for a company that aligns with their values ❜❜

With UK unemployment at its lowest for years, changing your approach can help you find candidates you may previously have overlooked, or who may fail to get through your recruitment processes algorithms.

As an added bonus, we all know that having a more diverse and inclusive workforce can bring new thinking into a business, resulting in better ideas, enhanced productivity, a more rounded culture, and often, improved financial performance.

HOW CAN YOU ACCESS THIS UNTAPPED TALENT POOL?

If your business struggles to attract, screen and retain a growing workforce demand, and is a truly inclusive employer looking to do more proactive and impactful DE&I initiatives in your local community, then please get in touch so together we can build strong, lasting partnerships that both address YOUR hiring needs and support overlooked local communities.

We will support you with the creation and presentation of inclusive job adverts to attract new, diverse audiences, provide you with access to your candidate’s See Me profiles, provide insightful data on candidate demographics and provide an opportunity to promote your business to a new audience.

Contact us at nick@naturallytalentedme.com or nikki@naturallytalentedme.com to arrange a no-obligation chat.

MEET HARRY

Harry is amazing, but sadly you wouldn’t find him using the conventional ways of advertising and searching.

Behind every traditional one-dimensional CV is a breadth and depth of personality, behaviour and natural talent –evidenced by voluntary participation in activities that motivate and inspire, for example, hobbies and interests.

NTM captures this unique data to reveal and present, via a multi-media See Me, the potential hidden beneath the surface; the natural talents you seek.

Using supporting video, imagery and document content to evidence the range of talents, employers can now see their candidate pipeline for what it can really offer – talent like Harry’s; talent you don’t currently see.

Harry is currently sharing his profile across a range of networks and receiving amazing feedback and interest. He is now being seen for his true potential and will soon be starting a new career.

See Harry’s amazing musical talents here.

Corporate Commentary

Welcome to this monthly series for business owners, where myself and my team aim to demystify the corporate market and highlight trends in a non-technical manner

Jonathan

INVESTMENT READINESS

Securing the funding to allow your start-up to grow can be a challenge; investors will want to run a ruler over your business. To navigate that process, it pays to understand some key issues. That investor will want to know many things. Here, we will consider three areas.

CONTRACTS

Contracts are essential for your business.

Flashpoints include:

n Payment terms When will you be paid? And monies out, is there a cash-flow risk?

n Termination rights Profitable contracts should be maintained, and bad ones dropped. “Termination without cause” may help with the latter, but don’t with the former. Investors may be wary of a “termination on change of control” provision.

n Limitation of liability Have you capped your liability appropriately? Have you agreed any uncapped liabilities?

n Indemnification Are those indemnities you give “narrow” in scope? Can you take control of an indemnity claim made against you?

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (IP)

Most entrepreneurs are IP-savvy, though we do encounter businesses claiming to have none! All businesses will have IP. Examples include copyright in marketing materials, a trading name, or a customer database.

Registration demonstrates ownership but is only available for patents, trade marks, and designs. With copyrights, know-how, databases, and other unregistered rights, you will need to be able to evidence ownership. Be prepared to share your processes but only do so with safeguards in place.

If you use freelancers, you must have contracts with them which transfer IP ownership to you. It can prove embarrassing to address this after the event, but it can be done.

DATA PROTECTION

Clients often say, “We handle ‘business data’ so GDPR is not relevant.” Chances are that data is personal data caught by data protection laws.

Compliance is more than an ICO registration and a website privacy policy. Do not underestimate the time and cost (whether internal or external) to get things right. It is important as investors fear the significant fines and possible reputational damage for non-compliance.

Running a start-up is exciting, and we can help keep the flame burning.

If you want to know more about investment-readiness, do get in touch with:

Jonathan Grant

and Head of Corporate

Mobile: 07912 087173

E: Jonathan.Grant@dmhstallard.com

John Yates

❛❛ Securing the funding to allow your start-up to grow can be a challenge ❜❜

Mobile: 07711 082957

E: John.Yates@dmhstallard.com

By Aly Davie, Marketing and Partnerships Manager, Sussex Innovation

CHALLENGES, STEREOTYPES, AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Navigating being a woman in business

This International Women’s Day, I sat down and interviewed a few of the female members of our team to spotlight their achievements and uncover how we can overcome the challenges faced by female founders.

❛❛ At Sussex Innovation, we believe that female entrepreneurs should be supported all year long, not just on International Women’s Day ❜❜

Female founders and women in business face numerous challenges compared to their male counterparts. What’s one of the biggest hurdles, and how can we overcome it?

Eve Banks (Research and Insights Coordinator): Women still don’t feel heard. Take deep breaths, ground yourself and just be yourself; you are worthy and you are enough. Growing pains are a great way to learn from your mistakes – start owning your own space.

Alice Beeby (Facilities Apprentice): I would say the number one challenge for women within business is the lack of support out there. Whether that is from investors, a lack of mentors, or even from people who are close to them. I feel more people should take the time to listen and learn about women within the business industry and not only promote, but invest in female-owned businesses.

Maria Bedoya (Programmes Manager): One of the most prevalent challenges female founders and women in business face is breaking into industries and spaces predominantly dominated by men. The frustration and lack of confidence stemming from navigating these environments can be overwhelming, often leaving women feeling intimidated and undervalued. It’s a battle against entrenched structures that can easily undermine our confidence. However, as women, we possess extraordinary resilience and determination to overcome these obstacles. We pave the way for a more equitable and diverse landscape in business.

Not all achievements have to be linked with career progression, what has been your biggest achievement or something you’re most proud?

Maria: One of my proudest achievements to date, beyond my professional endeavours, is witnessing the tangible difference and impact that initiatives or projects I have worked on in the past have made, and how these initiatives change people’s lives is immensely fulfilling. I feel like I did it right.

Eve: For me, it has been moving country, encountering so many emotions; a sense of a loss of intimate friendships, loss of security, loss of identity, while then being able to build a life, create a home and somehow find that sense of belonging on my own.

Alice: My biggest achievement would be playing such a big role in my two sisters’ upbringing, and seeing what amazing people they have become over the years.

Many female entrepreneurs, and women in business, experience setbacks but the journey doesn’t have to be isolating. What advice would you have for them?

Eve: Challenges come in phases, despite not seeing the wood from the trees, before you know it, you’ll be able to see the entire forest without even trying. Hindsight is great, it gives you an opportunity to reflect and hopefully laugh about how ridiculous a situation once was.

Alice: My advice would be to believe in yourself always, no matter what opinions other people may have of you. Always approach everything you do with confidence, never second guess yourself. Surround yourself with a strong team that believe in you and your business, that will help build confidence even more.

Maria: My advice for female entrepreneurs is to cultivate resilience and persistence. Challenges are inevitable, but viewing them as opportunities for growth can propel you forward. Surround yourself with a supportive network, stay adaptable, and never underestimate the power of continuous learning. It sounds cheesy, but it’s the truth!

❛❛ One of the most prevalent challenges female founders and women in business face is breaking into industries and spaces predominantly dominated by men ❜❜

There are often stereotypes and myths formed about women in business, so let’s debunk them…

Maria: A persistent myth about women in business is the misconception that they inherently lack the decisiveness and analytical skills necessary for success in STEM careers. However, this stereotype overlooks the vast number of women who excel in these fields, making significant contributions to innovation and technological advancement.

Eve: We are not all emotional. We bring compassion, understanding and, let’s face it, we’re a bit softer and tend to go that extra mile due to our nurturing nature.

Alice: “Male-owned business are more successful than female-owned businesses.” Female-owned businesses tend to have a higher growth rate and are more efficient with funding. Success is also not only limited to revenue but can be determined by the impact organisations make in society and the environment.

At Sussex Innovation, we believe that female entrepreneurs should be supported all year long, not just on International Women’s Day. We understand that we can’t remove the systemic barriers faced by women in business entirely, but we can do our part to help make the entrepreneurial journey a little bit less daunting. If you’re a female founder looking for support to grow your business, we’d love to hear how we can help.

www.sussexinnovation.co.uk

April 1st 2024 isn’t just about pranks and gags. In fact, this year, for the multi-award-winning Sussex-based, full-service marketing agency Creative Pod is at the threshold of a momentous occasion - celebrating 18 years of unparalleled success in the marketing industry.

CREATIVE POD celebrating 18 years of creativity and excellence

This milestone marks the significant passage of time and underscores the Sussex-based agency’s unwavering commitment to creativity, excellence, and client satisfaction.

Founded in 2006 by a visionary entrepreneur Matt Turner, Creative Pod embarked on a journey fuelled by passion, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of creativity. From its humble beginnings in Matt’s flat in Crawley, the agency has evolved into a formidable force, earning accolades and acclaim along the way.

Reflecting on the journey, Matt says: “Looking back, it’s been a rollercoaster of trials and triumphs, and each one has helped shape Creative Pod into the well-known brand it is today. I’ve gone from my beginnings as a tea boy in Redhill to heading up Creative Pod.

“I’m pleased that my perseverance and determination for creative ideas and unwavering belief that ‘marketing doesn’t need to be boring’ and that you ‘don’t have to work with dickheads’ has paid off. At some points, it felt like I was the alien in the situation, but now more than ever, people appreciate the value of a creative idea and a friendly outlook.”

The evolution of Creative Pod has been marked by a series of strategic acquisitions and expansion initiatives, each contributing to the agency’s growing portfolio of services and expertise. From acquiring Gatwick Press and The Printshop in 2011 to the more recent additions of 427 Marketing and Huga Digital Marketing in 2020, and 2UpFront in 2023, the agency’s commitment to innovation and diversification remains unwavering.

❛❛ The agency’s commitment to innovation and diversification remains unwavering ❜❜

❛❛ Amidst the challenges posed by the global pandemic in 2020, Creative Pod demonstrated resilience and adaptability ❜❜

Amidst the challenges posed by the global pandemic in 2020, Creative Pod demonstrated resilience and adaptability, emerging stronger and more agile than ever before.

Matt Turner continues: “It was a time where we banded together, and we didn’t lay off any staff. in fact, we buckled down, recruited from further and wider and we won more clients because of it. Yes it was scary, yes we had our moments, but it was one of the best things that ever happened to us.”

Matt’s appointment as Export Champion for the Cabinet Office in 2023 and Creative Pod’s recognition as a Google Partner Agency reaffirmed its industry leadership and commitment to delivering exceptional client results.

Throughout the years, Creative Pod has been honoured with numerous awards and accolades, including being named Creative Agency of the Year in 2022 and securing the contract for the Rugby World Cup cruise. These achievements are a testament to the dedication and expertise of the talented team, led by Marketing Director Sarah Lyons, who was named Employee of the Year in 2023 at the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards.

As Creative Pod commemorates this significant milestone, the agency unveils a new anniversary logo, symbolising its fun ‘coming of age’ side. The year-long celebration kicks off with a grand event on Brighton Palace Pier on April 25th, where the agency will honour the journey that has brought it to this moment whilst looking ahead to the future and celebrating with the team and client base.

Sarah Lyons says: “As Creative Pod marks its 18th birthday, I’m immensely proud of our journey together. Each of my seven years with Creative Pod

has seen so much growth that it feels like I’ve worked at a different company. I’m proud and grateful for the opportunity to lead such an exceptional team. Like many small businesses, our journey has not always been smooth, but it has been full of innovation, collaboration, and relentless pursuit of creativity. Here’s to 18 years of pushing boundaries, helping our clients redefine creativity, and shaping the future of marketing.

As the agency reflects on the past 18 years, Creative Pod extends its heartfelt gratitude to their clients, partners, and team members for their unwavering support and dedication. Together, they have achieved remarkable success, and the agency is confident that the best is yet to come.

Here’s to 18 years of creativity, breaking barriers, and leaving our mark throughout the Southeast!

www.creativepod.uk.com

Creative Pod Founder, Matt Turner, presenting his own ambitions

The University of Surrey and Surrey County Council are joining forces to cement Guildford’s status as the vibrant epicentre of the UK’s gaming industry, promising innovative developments and exciting opportunities

Powering up video game development in Surrey

What do the names ‘Watch Dogs,’ ‘Forza Horizon,’ and ‘Burnout Paradise’ all have in common? They are all globally renowned titles of video game franchises developed by studios in Guildford, Surrey: Ubisoft, Playground Games, and Criterion Games (part of EA), respectively.

With so many AAA titles* developed in the area over the past 30 years, today the ancient Surrey market town is a cornerstone of global gaming development, and is responsible for a significant contribution to the UK’s lucrative video game market. Today the industry is estimated to be worth around £7bn –expected to rise to a staggering £8.5bn by the end of 2027 (Statista Market Forecast).

SECURING SURREY’S FUTURE AS THE UK’S ‘HOLLYWOOD OF VIDEO GAMES’

The University of Surrey and Surrey County Council have recently launched a new initiative called Games and Innovation Nexus (GAIN) to build on Guildford’s legacy as the UK’s heartland of gaming innovation.

START YOUR SUCCESS STORY WITH SURREY RESEARCH PARK TODAY

The Surrey Research Park is a vibrant community perfect for boutique innovative game developers, pioneering digital creatives and new technology start-ups.

Offering co-working spaces in the Surrey Technology Centre and Rocketdesk, alongside fl exible units up to 40,000 sq ft, the Park caters to businesses of all sizes. These versatile spaces are ideal for fostering innovation in a setting that blends natural beauty with technological advancement.

The Park offers fl exible tenancies and a vibrant and supportive ecosystem, which includes:

• Instant membership to sector clusters offering unequalled networking and access to funding opportunities. These include: Gaming, Cyber & Digital, Space, Sustainability, Human Health, Animal Health

• Unique opportunities to recruit and work with top talent from the University of Surrey

• Collaborations with the University of Surrey

Backed by a £1.5 million boost from Research England and funding from Surrey County Council, this initiative is poised to power-up the region’s position on the gaming world map by spearheading collaboration and knowledge exchanges between the University of Surrey, boutique game developers and locally based big brand game studios.

❛❛ This exciting initiative will help to drive our local gaming cluster which is really important to Guildford and the wider Surrey area ❜❜

• Growth support through SETsquared Surrey and the S100 Angel Investors Club

• Membership to The Surrey Women’s Enterprise Network (SWEN) for fostering connections

• Biodiverse and landscaped surroundings

• Social activities

• Discounted gym membership at the flagship Surrey Sports Centre

• Discounted child day care

• Parking

ADDRESSING CHALLENGES AND SEIZING OPPORTUNITIES

Drawing on industry experts and academic research, GAIN will seek to address challenges like a gamer’s loyalty to their favourite titles – which is making it harder for smaller developers to enter the marketplace – and explore the impact and opportunities created by disruptive technologies, such as blockchain, mixed reality, the metaverse and AI.

GAIN participants will have opportunities to tap into the expertise of the University of Surrey’s leading behavioural psychologists, who will advise on how to encourage more users to play their games and support development of pioneering new gaming

experiences. They will also benefit from the latest research and insights from the Surrey Institute for PeopleCentred AI, part of the University.

Much like the experience of Co-Operative gameplay, GAIN brings together the UK’s two largest gaming clusters outside of London – the Surrey (Guildford Games Cluster) and Warwickshire (Silicon Spa) – fostering unprecedented collaboration and creativity within the UK’s creative technology (CreaTech) sector.

STEP INTO THE INNOVATION ZONE

A key deliverable for GAIN is establishing an Innovation Zone at the University of Surrey’s Stag Hill campus. Inside, seven gaming-spec computers will offer students and others a chance to train for

*AAA TITLES

In the video game industry, AAA (Triple-A) is an informal classifi cation used to classify video games produced and distributed by a mid-sized or major publisher, which typically have higher development and marketing budgets than other tiers of games.

e-sports tournaments, support gameplay research or brush up their digital skills. The space will also host industry talks and panels.

Caroline Fleming, Director of the Surrey Innovation District, who is based at Surrey Research Park, says: “GAIN is about bringing the university and the industry sectors together to help build skills and innovations of the future to allow the gaming industry to thrive, at a regional and national level.”

Nick Royal, Innovation Project Lead, Surrey County Council, adds: “This exciting initiative will help to drive our local gaming cluster which is really important to Guildford and the wider Surrey area and is one of our key growth areas.”

Whether you are the founder of a start-up, an innovative venture or an established company looking to scale up, Surrey Research Park is here to support your growth.

Scan the QR Code, email sales@surrey.ac.uk or call 44 (0)1483 579693 or visit: surrey-research-park.com

THE WINNERS ARE ANNOUNCED! GATWICK DIAMOND BUSINESS AWARDS 2024

The 2024 winners of the prestigious Gatwick Diamond Business Awards were announced on March 21st to a packed audience at The Grand Brighton

Now in their 16th year, the awards are a well-established highlight of the business calendar, and are strongly supported by the Gatwick Diamond business community with headline sponsors Arora Group, Birketts LLP, Elekta Ltd and London Gatwick.

Celebrating the achievements of individual businesses and business people across a wide range of categories, they also showcase the success of the Gatwick Diamond area as major driver of the regional and national economies.

This year’s ceremony was hosted by the acclaimed character comedian, Simon Brodkin. Simon’s many television appearances include Live at the Apollo and Sunday Night at the Palladium.

The evening started with a pre-dinner reception, sponsored by Cleankill Pest Control, and was rounded off with the now highly anticipated after-show party.

The last award of the evening was presented by Dee Mathieson, Chair of the gdb Executive Council, and went to Jeff Alexander for his outstanding Contribution to the Gatwick Diamond. Julie Kapsalis, Principle of NESCOT and one gdb’s four Directors paid tribute by saying “He is an exceptional leader, a generous mentor and supporter, and is a core and instrumental figure in the success of the Gatwick Diamond”.

For more information, visit www.gatwickdiamondbusinessawards.com or connect with Gatwick Diamond Business Awards on LinkedIn.

APPRENTICE

OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Chichester College Group

BILLY MARSH

London Gatwick

THE AWARD FOR BEST FLEXIBLE WORKING PRACTICE

Sponsored by Flexibility Matters

ENVIRONMENTAL CULTURE AWARD

ROFFEY PARK INSTITUTE

THE AWARD FOR CUSTOMER DELIGHT

Sponsored by Birketts LLP

NUTFIELD PRIORY HOTEL AND SPA

Sponsored by Elekta Ltd OHM ENERGY

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by JetBlue PVL UK

EVENTS

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FIRM OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Wessex IT BIRKETTS LLP

MANUFACTURING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by University of Sussex School CHESS DYNAMICS

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council

KINGSWAY CARE

THE AWARD FOR COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION

Sponsored by Crawley Town Centre BID

SEARCH SEVEN

THE AWARD FOR INNOVATION

Sponsored by University of Sussex SEA CHANGE WINE

EMPLOYEE

OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Rosemary French OBE

TANYA ADDISON Elekta Ltd

BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Richard Place Dobson

HAYLEY PEACOCK

Atelier 21 Future Schools

NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Platinum Media Group AC SOUTH

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (OVER £1M)

Sponsored by EMW Law

RUNWAY TRAINING

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (UP TO £1M)

Sponsored by Crawley Borough Council KINGSWAY CARE

THE AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE GATWICK DIAMOND

Supported by Gatwick Diamond Business Executive Council JEFF ALEXANDER

How your business can support your local hospice

When leaders at Barratt Homes Southern Counties announced Worthing hospice St Barnabas House as their 2023 Charity of the Year, the company wanted to shine a light on palliative and end-of-life care. But at the time, they didn’t realise how many of the people the company worked with had been touched by the hospice and its work. They certainly couldn’t have predicted the sum they would end up donating – a record-breaking £138,982.

Speaking at a cheque presentation at St Barnabas House, Managing Director Julian Hodder said: “I’ve spoken to sub-contractors at events, and everybody has their own story about St Barnabas House. They have all been very positive in terms of their experience. It was a senior member of staff who made the nomination, and she had a personal connection to the hospice. But in addition to that, we have a site literally five minutes down the road, so we knew we would see the benefit.”

Julian makes no bones about instilling a healthy sense of competition among his teams when it comes to fundraising. “Each department was allocated a month to fundraise, and they came up with their own ideas,” he says. “We’ve had a mini-Olympics, a pub quiz,

marathons and a barbecue. Largerscale events include our golf day and charity auction.

“It’s become a bit of a tradition for me to offer myself as one of the auction lots at our fundraising ball,” Julian continues. “This year, three of our on-site contractors teamed up and paid £18,000 across three days for me, which in the past, has involved me doing landscaping maintenance, bricklaying, laying patios, even learning how to drive a digger and dig a trench. It’s good fun.

“Previous office fundraising activities have even involved staff paying £50 to pie me in the face, which I think everyone enjoyed!”

All staff members have two paid days each year to volunteer with any charity. Last year, the commercial and technical teams worked with a landscaping sub-contractor to clear ditches on the hospice’s land. “That was a great case of everyone pulling together,” says Julian. “Some of our sub-contractors came a long way and everyone chipped in.”

Other members of staff helped in shops, while still others volunteered with the gardening team.

“Of course, CSR is also about engagement,” says Julian. “It’s good for Barratt Homes to be seen as a force for good in the community, but it’s also brilliant for staff morale. For me, the highlight has been seeing the guys really throw themselves into it.”

To find out more about corporate sponsorship, email corporate@stbh.org.uk

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP – WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

n Partnering with a local charity such as St Barnabas House or its sister hospice, Chestnut Tree House, helps your staff feel that they are working together for a common good. It’s great for morale and staff engagement, as well as making employees feel proud of the place that they work for their commitment to supporting a local cause.

n Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) doesn’t just have to be about fundraising – you could meet different targets by giving your time, expertise or services. You can even ask staff to donate unwanted goods to our charity shops.

n There’s nothing stronger than word-of-mouth! You can support us by helping us to raise awareness of the work we do with our local communities and help people access hospice services should they need them.

n Of course, supporting a well-loved local charity will increase your profile in the local community. You can gain positive PR from sharing your fundraising initiatives with the local press which can also boost your brand and show your commitment to supporting the local community.

n There are plenty of marketing opportunities available with supporting a local charity, and sponsorship is a big part of that. You can support us by sponsoring one of our main projects, such as our remembrance event, Light Up a Life for St Barnabas House and our exciting art trail, The Big Hoot, which arrives in Chichester & Arundel in Summer 2024, in aid of Chestnut Tree House.

n You can also take advantage of networking opportunities with other like-minded businesses by getting involved with our events, such as Chestnut Tree House’s Snowman Ball.

Sarah Hunt and Julian Hodder of Barratt Homes Southern Counties present their fundraising cheque to Amanda Fadero and Hannah Seltzer of St Barnabas House

By Paul Bates, MD, Cleankill Pest Control

Check your netting before the nesting season starts

Pigeons have been around for thousands of years and have been incredibly useful and valuable to humans. They were domesticated by the Ancient Egyptians for meat, carried vital messages during both world wars and are still used for sport.

In France, during Medieval times, wealthy people used to keep them in ‘pigeonniers’ – square towers that can still be seen in abundance in south west France. They were kept firstly for meat and secondly for their excrement as it was the best-known fertiliser of the time. Having a pigeonnier was a sign of wealth.

Feral pigeons originated from wild rock doves and are related to pigeons that have escaped from pigeon houses. They vary in colour from almost pure white to black. Rock doves are only around on the sea cliffs on the west coast of Scotland, in Orkney, Shetland and on the west coast of Ireland. There are two other species of pigeon – woodpigeons and stock doves.

Unfortunately, prolific breeding has resulted in pigeons becoming pests, especially in towns and cities. They are determined creatures and their homing instincts mean they will always try to return to the previous year’s nesting site.

If a building has been netted to prevent birds nesting the following season, the birds will look for the tiniest gap and will be back in residence before you know. Legally, once they have started nesting, the birds cannot be disturbed without a licence and a good reason.

The only sure way to deter pest birds is with expertly fitted and maintained netting. Professionally fitted netting should be barely visible, and can be combined with tools like bird spikes which don’t harm the birds but prevent them from landing.

Paul Bates, Managing Director of Cleankill Pest Control, explains the importance of maintenance, “After all of the storms during March, and with February being a very warm, wet and windy month in many parts of the country, it is a good time to check that bird netting is intact before they start nesting. It is also important to keep monitor for rats at this time of year as they will be foraging above ground because their burrows will have become flooded.

“Birds can easily become tangled and trapped in damaged netting which not only causes them distress, but can lead to further damage to the netting.”

If birds are trapped, it’s important to retrieve them safely and minimise the stress caused to the animals. If the birds are dead, they require proper disposal by a registered company. Once any trapped pigeons have been removed,

it’s important that repairs are carried out quickly and safely by a professional pest control company.

“Ideally, when the netting was installed, your pest control company should have offered an inspection contract. This means that it is the pest control company’s responsibility to regularly check the netting and make any necessary repairs. Check your contractor has insurance, and health and safety procedures in place, are licensed waste carriers and are members of the British Pest Control Association,” adds Paul.

As registered waste carriers, Cleankill can carry out full scale removal of bird fouling, as well as contaminated goods and furniture, from infested properties.

Cleankill has been solving pest problems for commercial and domestic customers since 2005. For a free quote or cost comparison go to www.cleankill.co.uk

Properly fitted bird netting should be barely visible as shown on this premises in Crawley

THE DEATH OF CUSTOMER SERVICE

By Maarten Hoffmann

DISCLAIMER:

All views stated here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of this publication

What has happened to the renowned customer service us Brits were used toin past times, the envy of the world?

We seem to be in a constant spiral to the bottom with just about every company out there. I surveyed a good cross section of people, asking them about their experiences and which companies are winning and which are failing. The results were remarkably similar – but more of that later.

No matter how many complaints they receive, the impression is that they don’t give a damn.

Take Virgin Media – one of the most complained about broadband and phone suppliers out there in terms of customer service. A Virgin spokesman stated that this was due to the fact that Ofcom had launched an investigation and that spurred customers on to complain. This, of course, totally ignores the fact that the investigation was launched due to the number of complaints. Double speak at its worst! O2 was second in the shame list.

An insider told me that they don’t care due to ‘customer churn’. This means that for every 100 customers Virgin lose, they gain 100 customers that are hacked off at O2 and visa versa. They are very good at marketing speak though, as Virgin said: ‘Our number-one priority is to provide an excellent service to our

customers, and we accept that the rise in complaints in the third quarter falls far short of our expectations.’

If they were that bloody concerned, they would have fixed the problem that has been running for the best part of ten years. They just don’t care.

❛❛ It is estimated to cost five times more to attract new customers with marketing initiatives than to retain existing ones ❜❜

Take Ovo Energy, an awful company l have personal, miserable, experience of. When l moved into a new house, they sent me a bill despite not having any contract with them, and my account being with Octopus Energy. I sat on the phone for an hour waiting to tell them they have made a mistake and they couldn’t give a damn. They, in turn, insisted that l must pay the bill, despite the fact I have no contract with them. After three months of arguing and copious amount of proof, they sent a debt collector’s letter and marked the lack of payment onto my credit record. I lost it and threatened to sue them. I then sent a letter of complaint to every email address l could find. Zero response. Only when l declared that l publish the largest circulation business magazine in the UK, did they reverse the charge, and reverse the credit black mark. No apology, no explanation.

Imagine if this were a retired couple, a single old person or a neurodiverse person - they could be threatened into paying it, thinking they had forgotten they signed the contract. I bet they get away with this con more often than not and, in my opinion, this is criminal.

The awful Ovo Energy is not even the most complained-about energy company, as that title goes to British Gas. In a Which? survey, 47% of Ovo customers stated they were dissatisfied. That’s half of all their customers. l don’t

know about you but if half my clients were unhappy, l would be out of business and too embarrassed to show my face around town again.

These league tables are based on customers contacting Ofcom. l would venture that over 90% of such complaints don’t make it to the regulator, thereby making the hacked off customer rate massive, but uncounted. There’s the ‘customer churn’.

In my small survey, only one company was not mentioned, only one company appears to do what they say and take customer service really seriously –Amazon.

They deliver what they say they will, they refund rapidly if something goes wrong, and the guarantee is an actual, honoured guarantee. Whilst the other multi-billionaires try to escape Earth to set up shop

❛❛ No matter how many complaints they receive, the impression is that they don’t give a damn ❜❜

on another planet (Musk), or fail to rein in hate speech and porn that is seriously affecting our children (Zuckerberg), Jeff Bezos seems to take customer service seriously and constantly delivers (excuse the pun).

New research estimates that poor customer service is costing UK businesses £11.4 billion a month. According to the UK Institute of Customer Service (ICS), consumer trust has become a priceless commodity during economic instability, and it need not require crippling investment to earn it. “Outstanding service comes down to attention to detail, proper training and a friendly, personalised approach,” says ICS Chief Executive

Jo Causon. “This requires responsiveness, empathy and understanding, which isn’t just about process, but genuine engagement.”

It is estimated to cost five times more to attract new customers with marketing initiatives than to retain existing ones, and firms with higher-than-average customer service ratings earn 114% more revenue per employee, ICS figures show.

And customer service bots –DON’T get me started or this computer will go out the window in blind fury. WE DESERVE BETTER!

At the heart of Bulgaria, where the Thracian Valley meets the Rhodope Mountains, lies a city steeped in history, culture, and charm – Plovdiv. By Tess de Klerk

EXPLORING THE ANCIENT CHARMS OF PLOVDIV

Known as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, Plovdiv boasts a rich tapestry of heritage spanning over 8,000 years. I found the city with its cobbled streets, well-preserved Roman ruins and vibrant artsy neighbourhoods interesting, charming and fun, with lovely parks and less touristy than say, Sofia or the Black Sea coast.

In addition to its inherent charm, the city has much to explore. Here are a few suggestions:

Attend the Night of the Galleries

Every September 28th, Plovdiv transforms into a nocturnal art show as all its art galleries extend their hours into the early morning, marking the celebrated “Plovdiv Night.” Organised by the Open Arts Foundation, this event draws inspiration from Berlin’s similar festivities.

You’ll have access to collections from public and private museums, galleries, theatres, cultural centres, and even city clubs, all accessible free of charge. There’s more… there are chocolate tours, poetry readings and plenty of free events and a very festive vibe.

Visit the Roman Amphitheatre

Dating back to the 1st century CE, Plovdiv’s ancient Roman theatre, nestled in the city centre, bears witness to its historical grandeur as Philippopolis. Excavated in the 1970s following a landslide, this monumental structure, with its 28 rows of marble seats accommodating up to 6,000 spectators, ranks among the world’s bestpreserved Roman amphitheatres. Today, it serves as a venue for various performances from operas to heavy metal shows.

Explore the Archaeological Museum

Serving as a bastion of Plovdiv’s cultural heritage, this museum, established in the late 1800s, showcases the city’s illustrious past as Philippopolis. With over 100,000 artefacts spanning the Neolithic era to Roman times, including an extensive collection of Thracian gold works, the museum provides a journey through the annals of history.

Wander Knyaz Aleksandar I

Plovdiv’s bustling thoroughfare, with its pastel-hued Baroque buildings housing an array of cafés and shops. Stretching over 1.75 kilometres, it stands as one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets, offering a vibrant scene with unique street art and ample opportunities for people-watching.

Soak up the creativity

The Kapana neighbourhood is now the creative heart of the city, a pedestrianised area full of unique shops, restaurants and galleries. It used to be a derelict parking zone with damaged old houses. The transformation began in 2014, when 10 creative enterprises moved into the area, funded by the European Capital of Culture Foundation, and things have taken off from there.

Drink Thracian Wine

The plain on which Plovdiv stands has an ideal climate for cultivating grapes, particularly red varieties, such as the rich, dark mavrud which has been grown there since ancient times. Bulgarian Wine Tours organises wine-tasting trips (from €65 for a half-day). Local vineyards of note include Dragomir, Villa Yustine and the organic Zagreus. For those pressed for time, Bendida, a well-known

producer, has a bar and shop in the pedestrianised Kapana district. It’s run by the third generation of the Portev family, which has a vineyard a few miles outside the city in the foothills of the Rhodope mountains.

Take a day trip to Asenovgrad. A mere bus or train ride away from Plovdiv lies Asenovgrad, a historic town steeped in religious significance and agricultural heritage. Dubbed “The Little Jerusalem” for its profusion of monasteries and churches, Asenovgrad invites exploration of its rich historical tapestry, including the formidable Asenova Fortress, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

BULGARIA’S ANCIENT JEWEL

Once a Thracian settlement, Plovdiv flourished under Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman rule. Renowned for its ancient ruins, it was named European Capital of Culture in 2019, celebrating its rich heritage and contemporary vibrancy.

❛❛ In essence, Plovdiv has a timeless charm, steeped in history, with friendly people ❜❜

AND MORE… Hindliyan House

Step into yesteryear at the meticulously preserved Ottoman-era mansions in the Old Town of which Hindliyan House is the most splendid.

International Folklore Festival:

Experience the vibrant tapestry of Bulgarian folklore during this annual celebration, usually taking place during the last week of July.

Cultural Center Trakart

Delve into the region’s Roman legacy at this museum with its extensive floor mosaics.

Church of St Constantine and Helena

This tiny, gold-adorned chapel is spectacular and shouldn’t be missed.

Tsar Simeon Central Garden

Unwind amidst verdant tranquility in this urban oasis.

In essence, Plovdiv has a timeless charm, steeped in history, with friendly people and plenty to experience. It is easy to reach, with direct flights, and easy on the wallet too – well worth a visit.

GETTING THERE:

Direct return flights from Luton from £52 in April

BEST TIME TO VISIT: April through September

POLESTAR 2

The Polestar fully electric car has only one competitor in its sights - Tesla. By

Maarten Hoffmann, Motoring Editor

Developed by Volvo and its Chinese masters, Geely, it is built in China with Swedish know-how. The first model was a plug-in hybrid – the Polestar 1 –at £140,000, but that was really just to prove they could do it and grab some headlines. The ‘2’ is for general sale, and l must say they have made a very decent fist of it.

Range anxiety is the key to all EVs, and Polestar has increased the 2’s range from 341 to 406 miles, and even though you really can’t believe the figures of any of them, this is a very good start point.

The entry level Standard Range Single Motor (catchy!) has a 69kWh battery running on a 200kW single motor, capable of up to 339 miles, with 268bhp. The Long Range Single Motor upgrades

to a 82kWh battery on a 220kW single motor achieving up to 406 miles with 295bhp. The top of the range Long Range Dual Motor which also features an 82kWh battery, with 310kWh dual electric motors on both front and rear axles, is capable of 368 miles and 416 bhp. The Long Range Dual Motor offers fewer miles but can go faster. And please, please Polestar – come up with some shorter, snappier names for your models!!

It is a very good looking car with crisp lines and really good road presence. The interior has the typical Scandi feel with the standard Tesla-esque large screen front and centre that controls everything (but is better than most), a good size boot – huge when the back seats are down – and four good size adult seats.

❛❛ It is a very good looking car with crisp lines and really good road presence ❜❜

One issue is that it supports Android and not Apple, so there’s a real challenge but it does at least support CarPlay. In front of the driver, there’s a further display that can be configured with a widescreen map, as well as your speed and range data. Although be warned: the range readout drops in ten-mile increments which can be disconcerting. Only the steering wheel switchgear and the volume/play knob seem to have come from a contemporary Volvo, and they work just as well as they do in an S60. The quality is exemplary, and truly wouldn’t embarrass a car at twice the price. The standard kit list is fairly healthy too.

There is no starter button, just get in tap the brake and it’s ready to go. At journeys end, pop it into park and get out - that’s it. There’s a big reserve of grip in either the four- or rear-wheel drive versions, and though you sense there’s a lot of weight being asked to change direction, you don’t get seasick from body roll – because there’s barely any. The ‘2’ tracks flat and steady all the way through a corner.

Outside, it is clean without all the dummy air vents and bulging bits that adorn so many in an attempt to make them look sporty; fake air vents really are daft on an EV as air is not required to cool anything, of course. It has been designed to work faultlessly, and not to be flashy – and that’s a relief. If you look at all the EVs on the market, most are designed to look funky and space age, but just end up looking like the cars you drew when you were eight years old.

The ride is a tad too fi rm for me, and can get annoying around town as it bumps and jars over the potholes. This is made worse if you order the 20” wheels, so stick with the standard 19” wheels, and keep your teeth in place. There’s no discernible motor whine

TECH STUFF

MODEL TESTED: Standard Range 200kW

POWER: 268 bhp

SPEED: 0-62 - 6.2 seconds

TOP: 127 mph

RANGE: 339 miles

PRICE FROM: £44,950

at speed, only a little wind flutter around the door mirrors.

Actually, they’re worth a mention – the mirror is ‘frameless’, because the whole mirror housing moves to adjust the view, instead of just the pane.

It’s another simple slice of clever thinking, and one we prefer in comparison to look-at-me door cameras. It’s a good thing the mirrors are useful, given rear visibility is hemmed in by the thick pillars and cramped back window. Inheriting surround-view cameras from Volvo helps when it’s time to park.

Its direct rivals are the Tesla 3, the Hyundai Ionic 6 and the BMW i4, and they all have a fight on their hands with the Polestar.

❛❛ Range anxiety is the key to all EV’s, and Polestar has increased the Long Range model from 341 to 406 miles ❜❜

PLATINUM

HELP TO GROW PROGRAMME Returns to Crawley Reframing the WFH debate IMPOSTOR SYNDROME

The rise of self-doubt

GIRL TORQUE Audi e-tron GT

Ethical travel

DYNAMIC AWARDS 2024 Finalists revealed

BIG STORY

Natasha Kaplinsky

REGULARS

News

8 Upfront: The top international news stories involving women in business 24 In The Right Direction: Good news stories from around the world

Spotlight

26 Highlighting two professional businesswomen whose work deserves greater attention than it currently receives

Health & Wellbeing

30 Tess de Klerk asks whether women should be taking supplements with their everyday diet

Further Reading

32 Reviews of books by Anna Eliatamby and Grazia Lomonte –and others – on mental wellbeing within business leadership

Art Scene

34 Kellie Miller discusses the ‘beautiful imperfections’ of Margaret Curtis’ work

Travel

36 Ethical travel – how best to preserve the cities, landscapes and environments of the places you visit

Fine Dining

38 In the latest in this new series, Maarten Hoffmann samples the delights of The Ginger Fox, near Hassocks

What’s On

42 A brief snapshot of art and culture cross Sussex and Surrey

EVENTS

2 The Dynamic Awards 2024 Dynamic announces the 2024 finalists. The prestigious business awards evening for women is at the end of the month. Have you bought your tickets?

❛ ❛ If you do things well, do them better. Be daring, be first, be different, be just...

Dame Anita Roddick

FEATURES

22 Working from home Venture capitalist Nicola Foulston seeks to reframe the WFH debate

40 Girl Torque

MDHUB Managing Director, Fiona Shafer, roadtests the Audi e-tron GT quattro –the latest EV from the German giant

CONTACTS

PUBLISHER: Maarten Hoffmann maarten@platinummediagroup.co.uk

EDITOR: Tess de Klerk tess@platinummediagroup.co.uk

MOTORING EDITOR: Fiona Shafer fionas@platinummediagroup.co.uk

COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR: Lesley Alcock lesley@platinummediagroup.co.uk

EVENTS DIRECTOR: Fiona Graves fiona@platinummediagroup.co.uk

EVENTS MANAGER: Žaneta Bealing zaneta@platinummediagroup.co.uk

HEAD OF DESIGN: Michelle Shakesby design@platinummediagroup.co.uk

SUB EDITOR: Alan Wares alan@platinummediagroup.co.uk

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Visit: www.krestonreeves.com

EDITOR’S NOTE

A warm welcome to April’s Dynamic Magazine.

In this month’s Big Story we bring you Natasha Kaplinsky, a consummate professional who has not only had a stellar career thus far but who also makes a huge impact for the causes that she so passionately supports.

Speaking of stellar careers, we turn our Spotlight to Dee Mathieson who has achieved much, and improved the lives and outcomes for cancer patients along the way. We also talk to Victoria Regan, who has recently joined Loch Associates, about her impressive career.

After much feedback when we touched on impostor syndrome in the past, we delve deeper this month, in the knowledge that some readers may recognise this insidious condition, and hopefully feel empowered to tackle it head-on.

In another feature, Nicola Foulston, with many years of business experience, writes of the need to reframe the debate around working from home, making the point that flexibility is key, but shouldn’t be synonymous with a blanket working-from-home policy.

You will, of course, find even more in our regular sections such as Wellbeing, asking if there is a need for nutritional supplements throughout various life stages, through to Fiona Shafer reviewing the Audi e-tron GT for us.

We hope that you enjoy this month’s Dynamic.

Editor, Dynamic Magazine tess@platinummediagroup.co.uk

UN IMPLORES GOVERNMENTS TO ALLOW WOMEN BODILY FREEDOM

“Women cannot realise their potential in business, in politics, in life, if they do not have control over their own bodies.”

Archie Young, UK Ambassador to the United Nations General Assembly, made these comments at the 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women. He continued, “It is appalling that every day 800 women die from preventable causes relating to pregnancy and childbirth; 7,000 newborn babies die; and another 5,000 are stillborn. “An estimated 218 million women in low- and middle-income countries want to avoid or delay pregnancy but are not able to access modern contraception. Women cannot realise their potential in business, in politics, in life, if they do not have control over their own bodies.” He finished by appealing to the UN to allow women and girls to unleash their latent potential.

UPFRONT

THE LATEST BULLETINS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

CALLS FOR MORE MICHELIN-STARRED FEMALES IN FRANCE

The prestigious Michelin Guide added 52 new starred restaurants in France at a ceremony in Tours on March 19th. While many chefs were awarded, women were notably absent. Only six women were among the newly starred chefs each receiving one star, and only one woman was awarded on her own – Eugénie Béziat, head chef at the Ritz Paris’ flagship restaurant, L’Espadon. Three women earned their stars as part of male/female duos, while the female-chef duo of Manon Fleury and Laurène Barjhoux earned a star for their restaurant Datil in Paris. The overwhelmingly masculine cohort was not lost on the Michelin Guide’s International Director Gwendal Poullennec, who said ahead of the ceremony: “Where are the women? Too few women are leading kitchens, despite the fact that more and more of them are working in kitchens. It’s a reality we deplore.”

DWP NOT INTERESTED IN COMPENSATION FOR WOMEN’S PENSIONS FARCE

If the world were ruled by women then there would be no war… just a couple of nations not talking with each other Anon

Women born in the 1950s hit by the state pension age change are owed compensation, a report says. It suggests women should receive a payout of between £1,000 and £2,950, although campaigning groups had asked for £10,000 in compensation.

The Parliamentary & Health Service Ombudsman has been looking at potential injustices resulting from the decision – and the way it was carried out – to raise women’s retirement age to bring it into line with men’s. The government said it would consider the report and respond. The ombudsman has recommended compensation, but the Department for Work and Pensions does not agree. “What the DWP has told us during this investigation leads us to strongly doubt it will provide a remedy,” the report says, adding, “it has clearly indicated it will refuse to comply” on its payout proposal, which the Department said was unacceptable.

WOMEN’S GROWING PRESENCE IN THE BOARDROOM

Two-fifths of all businesses in the South East of England now have a female director, new research reveals. Creditsafe’s Women in Business report shows that 40% of the 677,000 firms in the region have female representation at the directorial level, an increase of 7% in the UK since 2019. Despite these figures, the data suggests a wide gap is still present in terms of gender equality in business leadership, as highlighted many times in Dynamic.

Drew Fahiya, Creditsafe’s Data Director, said: “This shows that women are making steady progress in the boardroom. Though it’s not possible to prove that women are better at running businesses, there’s evidence that companies with female board members experience advantages such as heightened profitability and reduced failure rates”.

Seize the moment. Remember all those women on the ‘Titanic’ who waved off the dessert cart

Erma Bombeck

A peacock that rests on his tail feathers is just another turkey

Dolly Parton

GENDER GAP STILL VERY WIDE

The global gender gap for women in the workplace is far wider than previously thought, a new World Bank Group report shows. When legal differences involving violence and childcare are taken into account, women enjoy 64% protection from the law compared to the 77% protection for the rights of men. No country provides equal opportunity for women — not even the wealthiest economies.

The latest ‘Women, Business, and the Law’ report offers a comprehensive picture of the obstacles that women face in entering the workforce and contributing to greater prosperity. The gender gap is wider in practice. For example, 98 economies (out of 190) have enacted legislation mandating equal pay for women for work of equal value. Yet only 35 economies have adopted paytransparency measures or enforcement mechanisms to address the pay gap.

Read the full report here.

‘WOMEN IN TECH’ WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Everywoman has announced the winners of its 2024 Everywoman in Technology Awards, sponsored by Bupa. Beginning in 2011, each year Everywoman has announced a number of women deemed role models in their job and sector to attract other women into the technology roles.

This year, 16 winners were chosen from a list of almost 90 finalists, each at different levels from students and apprentices, to women in executive-level roles. With a focus this year on the mental and physical health of women in tech, Everywoman and its Tech Awards partner Bupa found almost 40% of women in the technology sector claimed impostor syndrome, with a lack of female role models being some of their biggest barriers in pushing onwards and upwards with their careers. Read about the winners here.

Everywoman’s Woman of the Year, Asia Sharif

HELP TO GROW RETURNS TO CRAWLEY

After a successful cohort last year, Help to Grow from the University of Brighton is coming back to Crawley in November.

Women business leaders or senior managers can take one of the limited Dynamic Magazine-sponsored places for women on this Crawley cohort, or the September cohort in Brighton. This mini MBA-style programme from the University of Brighton is taught over 12 weeks, face to face and online, and includes your own business mentor.

Crawley has a broad range of businesses and Help to Grow attendees came from businesses as diverse as solicitors to a golf club and a community cafe to a marketing agency.

This time last year, I was a primary school teacher and so I’m relatively new to the world of business. Having done the Help to Grow course, I am now so much more confident in the transferable skills that I have and the ways in which I can use and develop these, alongside others, for the benefit of the business

Laura Holman, Contractus Ltd

Over the last 13 weeks, I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with some inspiring, insightful, and just simply wonderful people.

The Help to Grow management course has taken me through all the key elements needed to run a successful business Stacey Pretty, Locate East Sussex

Help

to Grow has been excellent. I gained a solid overview of what it takes to make and lead a business. It’s staggering how much I have learnt and how we can use this to improve the business

Kerry Shoesmith, Anderida Care

HELP TO GROW

l Mini MBA style content

l In person and online sessions over 12 weeks

l Open to businesses with 5+ employees

l Your own one-to-one business mentor

l Time away from work to invest in your business

l 90% Government funded

l Networking with other local businesses

l Taught by experts at the University of Brighton

l You must be a leader or senior manager of an SME which employs between 5 and 249 people to join Help to Grow.

l The next 12-week programme starts in September in Brighton and November in Crawley so sign up to secure your sponsored, no cost place now.

l Make sure you quote DYNAMIC24 under ‘Other’ when the form asks where you heard about Help to Grow.

For more information visit www.brighton.ac.uk/helptogrow or email helptogrow@brighton.ac.uk to arrange a chat with a course leader to find out if the course is right for you.

CLAIM YOUR PLACE

For more information visit www.brighton.ac.uk/helptogrow or scan here

93% of SME leaders surveyed say they were likely to recommend HELP TO GROW to another business leader

Ipsos survey of 873 attendees July-Sep 2023

It’s always satisfying when you see ‘one of your own’ make it to the top of their chosen profession. Since her first appearance as a newsreader on our screens almost a quarter of a century ago, Brighton-born Natasha Kaplinsky has been the personification of professionalism, trust and tenacity in all of her endeavours.

This is especially brought into focus when we are going through a period when trust in our print and broadcast news media is seriously on the wane, and splinter news outlets have been allowed to have free rein to set their own agenda.

Dynamic takes a look at the career of a journalist with her own fascinating story to tell…

Natasha Kaplinsky OBE

STRICTLY PROFESSIONAL

Natasha Margaret Kaplinsky OBE was born September 9th 1972 in Brighton. She is the elder of two children born to Raphael and Catherine Kaplinsky; her brother Ben being born in 1975.

In 1968, her father, Raphael became, for nearly 25 years, a political refugee, fleeing from South Africa to the UK for openly opposing apartheid, and more specifically, protesting a the University of Cape Town’s refusal to allow Archie Mafeje a senior lecturer position due to his ethnicity.

He had his South African passport returned to him after the release of Nelson Mandela, and took part in the country’s first post-apartheid General Election. He had previously refused to vote, given the limited options the main political parties offered during this period.

The family moved to Kenya for a short time, but returned to Sussex while Natasha was still young, and from here she lived and grew up in Barcombe, near Lewes. She attended Ringmer Community College, and later Varndean Sixth Form College in Brighton.

She graduated from Hertford College, Oxford with a degree in English in 1995. While she was at University, she worked in the press offices of Labour leaders Neil Kinnock and John Smith.

While she was at University, she worked in the press offices of Labour leaders

Neil Kinnock and John Smith

TELEVISION

Natasha’s first foray into television presenting was alongside fellow debutant Sasha Baron-Cohen on Granada Talk TV’s youth chat show, F2F. The show ran from October 1996 to August 1997. A few clips still exist on YouTube today, highlighting the reason it was a short-lived programme.

She then moved to presenting early morning news bulletins at Meridian. Within six months, she was copresenting their evening news programme Meridian Tonight. In 1999, Kaplinsky moved to ITV’s London News Network where she hosted London Today and London Tonight as well as a political programme called Seven Days.

In November 2000, Natasha joined Sky News, where she initially co-presented breakfast news programme Sunrise; she later moved to early evening bulletin Live at Five, which she presented alongside Jeremy Thompson.

All of this was good grounding for her major leap in television news. In November 2002, Natasha joined the BBC to present BBC Breakfast from Monday to Thursday with Dermot Murnaghan, before moving on the host the BBC News at Six.

In 2006, she became only the third (and youngest) woman to present the BBC’s Ten O’Clock News, leaving there in 2008 for a two-year stint presenting Five News.

In 2004, Natasha participated in the first series of Strictly Come Dancing and went on to win the competition with partner Brendan Cole. She subsequently co-presented the first half of the second series with Sir Bruce Forsyth, filling in for Tess Daly, who went on maternity leave. Natasha returned in 2012, taking part in the Christmas Special, and again in 2018 as part of the BAFTA tribute to Sir Bruce Forsyth.

PERSONAL LIFE

In August 2005, Natasha married Justin Bower. Three years later, she gave birth to their first child, Arlo and, in 2010, daughter Kika came along. Speaking live on ITV’s This Morning in October 2020, Natasha revealed she had suffered multiple miscarriages, and had chosen to participate in Channel 5’s discussion, Miscarriage: Our Story broadcast the same month.

In 2004, Natasha participated in the first series of Strictly Come Dancing and went on to win the competition with partner Brendan Cole

PHOTO: BBC

PHOTO: BBC

AWAY FROM THE SCREEN

Natasha’s philanthropic and charitable CV is as impressive as it is long and varied. She has been an ambassador for the UK charity Save the Children for nearly two decades. and is an active ambassador and fundraiser, travelling extensively for them around the world.

She is a patron of the Sussex-based Bevern Trust, a charity that helps people with profound disabilities live active and fulfilling lives, in an environment where they can feel safe, are loved and are offered compassionate care.

She is also an ambassador for Wellbeing of Women; a Patron for the National Maternity Support Foundation and The Willow Foundation, the latter founded by former Arsenal goalkeeper and TV presenter, Bob Wilson.

In October 2018, Natasha joined Michael Sheen in becoming vice presidents (an ambassadorial role) of the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH).

In July 2019, Natasha took on the role of President of Barnardo’s – a role she still holds, commenting, “There are so many challenges for children these days. It must be frightening growing up now. They have so many concerns, environmental changes, the internet, difficulties breaking into jobs, and believing they’ll never be affording a house. It’s even harder for the most vulnerable children Barnardo’s supports – like children growing up in the care system.”

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL

Natasha was appointed to the Prime Minister’s Holocaust Commission in 2014. Her grandparents had migrated from Slonim, then in Poland, now Belarus in 1929, though she discovered the fate of her own extended family under the Nazis, during filming for the TV series ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’ in 2007.

“The horrors of the Holocaust only become real when you hear an individual story, as it did for me when filming in what is now Belarus. The suffering that resulted from such hatred and prejudice must never be forgotten,” she adds. “The National Holocaust Centre and Museum keeps the memory of these events alive every day.”

Natasha volunteered to record 112 testimonies of Holocaust survivors who had never spoken before, while today she continues to serve as a board member for the Holocaust Memorial Foundation.

She was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2017 Birthday Honours for services to the Holocaust Commission.

PHOTO: SAVE THE CHILDREN

Natasha in Sierra Leone on a ‘Save The Children’ visit

BIG STORY

Natasha Kaplinsky is reliable, funny, charming and a consummate professional

TODAY

In 2022, she became the President of the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), after the former president, Patrick Swaffer, stepped down after a 10-year contract.

As President of the BBFC, Natasha is a member of the Board of Directors and chairs the Board of Classification, which meets monthly. The Board of Classification is responsible for overseeing all matters relating to classification, including the most complex and controversial of cases.

The President also chairs the BBFC’s Advisory Council on Children’s Viewing (APCV), which was established in 1999. The APCV advises the BBFC on issues concerning children and young people.

However, for all of her ongoing, astonishing career and life credentials – whether they be her journalistic career, her professionalism in presenting on broadcast media, her off-screen philanthropy and altruism – Platinum believes her true crowning glory is being asked to present at the south east’s premier business awards.

Making her Platinum debut during lockdown, Natasha has presented at the Brighton & Hove Business Awards, the Sussex Business Awards and the Dynamic Business Awards to great acclaim. Natasha is reliable, funny, charming and a consummate professional.

Natasha with Platinum MD, Maarten Hoffmann during the filming of the Brighton & Hove Business Awards lockdown television special

According to YouGov, one in six people will experience impostor syndrome - the persistent feeling that you’re not good enough. It can occur in many situations such as school, social interactions and personal relationships but for this article we will be focussing on the workplace.

IMPOSTOR SYNDROME

The rising tide of self-doubt

Those who struggle with impostor syndrome may doubt their skills, talents, or accomplishments. They may have a persistent internalised fear of being exposed as frauds. Despite external evidence of their competence, people experiencing impostor syndrome do not believe they deserve their success.

They may think that they are deceiving others because they feel as if they are not as intelligent or capable as they outwardly portray themselves to be. Impostor syndrome can stem from and result in strained personal relationships and can hinder people from achieving their full potential in their fields of interest.

These internal feelings of inadequacy may cause situations to be approached with negativity, therefore creating a selffulfi lling prophecy.

In the past, the phenomenon was thought to occur mostly in women. However, more recent research has mostly found that impostor syndrome is spread equally among men and women. Research has shown that women commonly face these feelings in regard to performance. The perception of ability and power is evidenced in out-performing others. For men, it is often driven by the fear of being unsuccessful, or not good enough.

Impostor syndrome is not a diagnosable mental illness but rather an insidious psychological experience

+ COMMON CHARACTERISTICS

• An inability to realistically assess your competence and skills

• Attributing your success to external factors

• Berating your performance

• Fear that you won’t live up to expectations

• Overachieving

• Sabotaging your own success

• Self-doubt

• Setting very challenging goals and feeling disappointed when you fall short

• Perfectionism

Impostor syndrome is not a diagnosable mental illness but rather an insidious psychological experience that can ultimately lead to depression. Some people may be able to use these feelings as motivation to achieve but that will usually go hand-in-hand with constant anxiety. Someone may work harder than necessary, over-prepare or achieve to prevent others from ‘finding out’ that they’re a fraud, ultimately leading to burnout.

Impostor syndrome can hinder people from achieving their full potential in their fields of interest

SOME OF THE COMMON CAUSES

• Overemphasis on criticism: Focusing excessively on criticism while downplaying positive feedback can reinforce feelings of inadequacy. The tendency to remember and magnify negative comments can contribute to the belief that one is not truly competent

• Comparisons to others: Constantly measuring one’s achievements against others can create a feeling of inadequacy, as individuals may perceive their accomplishments as inferior when compared to their peers.

• Lack of recognition: When individuals don’t receive sufficient acknowledgment for their efforts and accomplishments, they may doubt their abilities and feel like they are not truly deserving of their successes.

• Social media pressure: The polished versions of success showcased on social media can create a sense of inadequacy, as individuals compare their real lives to the carefully curated images and achievements presented by others, fostering feelings of impostor syndrome.

+ THE FIVE TYPES OF

IMPOSTOR

SYNDROME

According to researcher Dr Valerie Young, there are five impostor types:

1 The Perfectionist This type of impostor syndrome involves believing that, unless you were absolutely perfect, you could have done better. You feel like an impostor because your perfectionistic traits make you believe that you’re not as good as others might think you are.

2 The Expert The expert feels like an impostor because they don’t know everything there is to know about a particular subject or topic, or they haven’t mastered every step in a process. Because there is more for them to learn, they don’t feel as if they’ve reached the rank of “expert.”

3 The Natural Genius In this impostor syndrome type, you may feel like a fraud simply because you don’t believe that you are naturally intelligent or competent. If you don’t get something right the first time around or it takes you longer to master a skill, you feel like an imposter.

4 The Soloist It’s also possible to feel like an impostor if you had to ask for help to reach a certain level or status. Since you couldn’t get there on your own, you question your competence or abilities.

5 The Superperson This type of impostor syndrome involves believing that you must be the hardest worker or reach the highest levels of achievement possible and, if you don’t, you are a fraud.

ADVICE IF YOU’RE STRUGGLING WITH IMPOSTOR SYNDROME

• Accept praise and know your worth: Not shying away from knowing your worth means allowing your work to speak for itself and letting others see it too.

• Stop thinking like an impostor: Learn to recognise selfdefeating thought patterns, and replace them with more positive affi rmations. The only way to stop feeling like an impostor is to stop thinking of yourself as one.

• Don’t seek perfection: Stop believing that if you don’t excel at every facet of your job that you’re a failure at all of it. Facing challenges and losses is a key part of growth, recognise that you don’t have to be good at everything.

• Stop comparing: Constantly comparing yourself to others is futile since we all have strengths and weaknesses. Impostor syndrome may cause you to compare your weaknesses to others’ strengths only.

• Share your feelings: Talk to other people about how you are feeling. Irrational beliefs tend to fester when they are hidden and not talked about.

• Refuse to let it hold you back: No matter how much you feel like you are a fraud or that you don’t belong, don’t let that stop you from pursuing your goals.

• Consider help: If none of the above helps, consider seeing a mental health professional who can help you overcome these feelings.

+ IMPOSTOR SYNDROME VS. DISCRIMINATION

Feeling like an outsider isn’t necessarily a result of impostor syndrome. In some cases, it can occur due to actual discrimination or exclusion based around systemic bias. With impostor syndrome, the feeling of being an outsider is caused by internal beliefs. With discrimination, the feeling is caused by the actions of others.

Because impostor syndrome eats at you from the inside out, often with no outward signs of struggle, this makes it all the more important to recognise what’s going on and take steps to address these feelings. Otherwise, your feeling of incompetence may prevent you from, say, pursuing a professional goal that might actually be right for you, which could lead to more regret and negative self-talk

Hannah Owens, Therapist

•

By Nicola Foulston, Chair of Velocity Venture Capital

The need to reframe the ‘Work From Home’ debate

In the current discourse surrounding the future of work, there’s a persistent narrative fixated on a return to office-based working. Amidst all this clamour, what often gets lost is the more important conversation about fostering a culture of productive collaboration that truly serves the needs of businesses and their employees.

Flexible working arrangements have been a staple in workplaces for decades. It’s perplexing, then, that in the fervour over remote work, this longstanding flexibility seems to have been overlooked.

On returning to work in 2016, and as a working Mum to two teenagers, I was offered such flexibility within my contracts, working from home alternate weeks throughout the last eight years. I have offered countless such flexible contracts myself to ensure good people could be retained in the businesses I led over the last 30 years. This is particularly true for women balancing the needs of childcare with a career.

cost savings, it’s crucial not to discount how invaluable collaborative working is for personal growth and development. I speak from personal experience as, during the last eight years, I would not have learnt and grown as much without the office-based experiences I had.

Indeed, the office serves as more than just a physical space for work; it’s a hub for innovation, idea-exchange, and team synergy. The spontaneous conversations at the water cooler or the brainstorming sessions in the conference room are not mere relics of a bygone era but essential components of a thriving workplace culture. I learned much more about my teams through F2F interaction that led me to suggest successful lateral career moves that simply would not have arisen had that interaction not occurred.

Flexible working arrangements, when implemented thoughtfully, have the potential to facilitate greater inclusivity

To be clear, the call for flexibility shouldn’t be synonymous with advocating for a blanket working-fromhome policy. It’s about recognising the diverse needs of businesses and individuals alike. While remote work undoubtedly offers perceived benefits of flexibility and

It is hard enough to start a new job, and harder still to start one remotely. Without the ability to directly observe colleagues’ actions or receive immediate assistance, new employees, especially those straight out of university, simply do not get to see how work operates. I truly do feel sorry for the wave of graduates who have been relegated to learning the ways of the working world from their bedrooms, oblivious, through no fault of their own, to many of the protocols that influence professional culture.

Moreover, let’s not underestimate the significance of social interaction outside of work. These casual encounters foster camaraderie, build rapport among colleagues, and ultimately contribute to a more cohesive and motivated workforce. For me, they were essential for my team to know me and who I really was, rather than simply a corporate suit. Being friends with your colleagues not only improves job satisfaction but also workplace efficiency, stripping away any barriers of embarrassment felt by asking the stupid questions that very often need asking.

Let’s not lose sight of the broader societal implications. Flexible working arrangements, when implemented thoughtfully, have the potential to facilitate greater inclusivity, particularly for working mothers and caregivers. It’s time to shift the focus from a binary debate over remote versus office-based work and instead prioritise what truly matters: cultivating a culture of productive collaboration that serves the best interests of businesses and employees alike.

To be clear, the call for flexibility shouldn’t be synonymous with advocating for a blanket working-from-home policy

❛ ❛

What’s the greatest lesson a woman should learn? That since day one, she’s already had everything she needs within herself. It’s the world that convinced her she did not

Rupi Kaur

DEATHS FROM CANCER FALL BY A THIRD

The UK has seen a significant decline in cancer mortality rates despite a rise in cancer cases. A recent study by Cancer Research UK reveals that since 1993, cancer-related deaths among middle-aged adults have decreased by a third. The study highlights a 37% drop in mortality rates for men and a 33% decrease for women in the UK. Notably, cervical cancer recorded the most substantial decline, with death rates falling by 54.3% due to enhanced screening efforts. The introduction of the HPV vaccination is expected to contribute further to reducing cases. Despite the positive trajectory, the study underscores concerns regarding the failure to meet cancer waiting times targets across all UK nations, coupled with mounting pressure on healthcare professionals. Lead author Jon Shelton urges the UK government to take decisive actions to sustain progress and advance healthcare initiatives swiftly.

IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

WOODEN SATELLITES PREPARE FOR LIFT OFF

Could wooden satellites make space exploration more environmentally friendly? Researchers at Kyoto University, Japan, believe so, and are preparing to launch a satellite made of magnolia wood.

The timber, which astronaut Koichi Wakata tested in space, was shown to withstand extreme temperature fluctuations. The team at the university believes that it could therefore offer an alternative to the metal that most satellites are made from, but which burns up when it re-enters the atmosphere, leaving behind toxic particles. A launch is planned for later this year.

WIKIPEDIA WORKING TOWARDS PARITY

Lucy Moore, a Wikipedia editor based in the UK, has successfully completed a groundbreaking project aimed at publishing Wikipedia biographies for at least one woman from every country. This ambitious endeavour was started to address the glaring gender disparity in the encyclopaedia’s representation. Moore expressed concern over the fact that under 20% of biographies on English Wikipedia feature women, a statistic she believes fails to accurately reflect women’s significant contributions to the world. Through her project, Moore sought to spotlight the remarkable achievements of women from diverse backgrounds globally. Among the 532 women profiled by Moore are notable figures such as Afghan women’s rights activist Laleh Osmany, Chadian poet and artist Salma Khalil Alio, and Belgian painter Emma De Vigne.

We women talk too much, but even then we don’t tell half what we know

Nancy Astor

WE PRODUCED FEWER CO2 EMISSIONS IN 2023

In 2023, advanced economies experienced an unprecedented decrease in their CO2 emissions, despite concurrent GDP growth, as revealed in a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA). This decline was credited to a combination of factors, including robust deployment of renewables, transition from coal to gas, enhancements in energy efficiency, and a slowdown in industrial production.

The IEA noted that emissions in advanced economies reached a 50-year low, accompanied by a decrease in coal demand to levels not witnessed since the early 1900s. Additionally, 2023 marked the first time that low-emissions sources accounted for at least half of electricity generation in advanced economies. However, global emissions continued to rise by 1.1% in 2023, according to the IEA, although Executive Director Fatih Birol highlighted positive trends amid challenging global events. Despite progress, Birol emphasised the imperative of greater efforts to facilitate clean energy investment in emerging and developing economies.

❛ ❛ Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including yourself

Anne Lamott

AI MAKING BREAKTHROUGHS IN PROSTATE CANCER

AI has revealed that prostate cancer is not a single disease, potentially heralding a groundbreaking shift in how this condition is diagnosed and managed. A study, funded by Cancer Research UK, has unveiled that prostate cancer, affecting one in eight men, comprises two distinct subtypes. This breakthrough emerged from collaborative efforts led by the University of Oxford and the University of Manchester, using AI techniques on genetic data. The research team anticipates that their discoveries may revolutionise the diagnostic and treatment paradigms for prostate cancer, potentially saving lives. Dr. Naomi Elster, Director of Research at Prostate Cancer Research, expressed optimism, suggesting that this development could initiate a model akin to the successful ‘divide and conquer’ approach witnessed in other diseases such as breast cancer.

DEBT RELIEF GIVES SOMALIA A CHANCE

The Paris Club, a collection of some of the world’s wealthiest creditor nations, has announced the cancellation of 99% of Somalia’s debt, in a major boost as the country continues its fragile economic recovery from an ongoing three-decade conflict. In a statement released by the Paris Club, which is run by senior officials from the French Treasury, Somalia’s creditors, including the US, UK, Russia, Norway, and Japan, announced the cancellation of $2bn owed to club members as of January 2023.

The Paris Club said part of the debt would be waived on a “voluntary and bilateral basis” between individual countries that Somalia had borrowed from and the rest under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative (HIPC), an IMF and World Bank scheme to support poorer countries with unsustainable debt levels. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Somalia’s finance minister, Bihi Eged, said: “Achieving full debt relief will transform Somalia’s future and allow our government to create fiscal space for basic public services.” Somalia’s information minister, Daud Aweis, said on X that the agreement marked a “big milestone in the country’s journey to financial recovery”.

In our exclusive Spotlight feature, we highlight women who are doing good things in their community. They’re not always seen but we think they should be

SP OTLIGH T

Dee Mathieson

Dee is the Senior VP at the groundbreaking Elekta Ltd, a Crawley-based company at the vanguard of cancer treatment technology

I have had a long career in cancer care, starting in the clinic and moving into industry. I have been proud to play a key part in the investment into technological innovations which have changed the standard of care for millions of cancer patients across the world.

I qualified as a Therapy Radiographer in 1981. Therapeutic radiographers are responsible for the planning and delivery of accurate radiotherapy treatments using a wide range of technical equipment. Radiotherapy is used in the treatment of cancer, and it is a really rewarding field to be part of.

I realised during my training and subsequent clinical experience that the technology could be significantly improved to increase the accuracy of radiation targeting. More importantly, we could improve patient comfort. I moved into the Medical Physics team and, together with a colleague, implemented some new ideas.

One example was a vacuum moulding system so we could replace the sticky tape and foam used to position and stabilise patient heads for treatment with a simple plastic mask. Another was a device to improve the accuracy of breast patient setups. Having shown such interest and aptitude, I was encouraged to study for a degree in Physics at London South Bank University.

Within a month of getting my Physics degree I was headhunted by Philips; evidently the mix of domain knowledge and experience I had gained was rather rare. I joined Philips in October 1987 as a Technical Training Specialist, teaching engineers about clinical aspects of radiotherapy and the physics and technology behind the treatment systems –the linear accelerators.

As part of my development, I supported the installation of a linear accelerator at the Bristol Royal Infirmary, where I learned a great deal more about the underlying digital technology Philips had introduced as a world first. It is this technology which we continue to build on today to support the latest treatment techniques and imaging technologies needed for state-of-the-art radiotherapy.

My career in Philips (now Elekta) has been varied, and I have held several different global roles in oncology and neuroscience over the years, including service engineering, product management, marketing, commercial operations, and service operations.

Four weeks’ delay equates to a 10% reduction in the chance of cure. The delays we see in the UK are often longer than this

During this time, I have been privileged to have been directly involved in setting product strategy for many groundbreaking innovations which further improved the accuracy of radiation treatment, and patient and user experience. Several of these innovations have changed the standard of care and improved outcomes for cancer patients across the world, and have positioned Elekta as a leader in cancer treatment technology.

I am so proud to have reached the pinnacle of my career journey as a Senior Vice President, and the first female Managing Director of Elekta Ltd in the UK. Recently, I was bestowed the title of Honorary Fellow of Nescot College; a particularly proud moment for me as an alumnus of the college which was awarded in recognition of my achievements throughout my career.

As for the future, I plan to continue inspiring more people to consider a career in radiation therapy and supporting the political lobbyists to secure more investment in the UK. One in two people will get cancer, and half of those will have radiotherapy as part of their treatment plan – and yet radiotherapy gets a mere 5% of the cancer budget.

I have been privileged to have been directly involved in setting product strategy for many groundbreaking innovations which further improved the accuracy of radiation treatment

As the most cost-effective treatment available, and one that is curative in so many cases where diagnosis and referral have been prompt, it is vital that we ensure everyone in the UK has access to it irrespective of their post code. Currently, the UK sits very low in the league tables for cancer survival rates. This is not acceptable, and we need to make sure there is investment to address the gap to make sure our hospitals have the latest technology, trained care givers and that the current waiting lists for treatment are reduced significantly.

Four weeks’ delay equates to a 10% reduction in the chance of cure. The delays we see in the UK are often longer than this.

I feel very fortunate to have always loved what I do and am so proud to look back over my career and know that I have played my part in giving hope to cancer patients across the world by improving their treatment.

www.elekta.com

Victoria Regan

Victoria is an experienced employment law solicitor, and a Partner at Loch Law, heading up the firm’s Eastbourne office. Here is her fascinating journey so far…

With a passion for people and a love of the law, I knew from a very young age that my future career would be in the legal profession. I’m not sure if this was a result of the 90s legal inspiration that was Ally McBeal, but as soon as I was able, I found myself work placements during the summer and Christmas breaks at a local Eastbourne law firm. It gave me invaluable experience of legal practice, and further cemented my desire to work in this field.

Immediately after finishing Law School, I was given the incredible opportunity to go on a ‘legal mission’ and work with the Justice and Peace Commission in Nairobi to promote female rights whilst campaigning against female genital mutilation. The lack of rights that girls and women have in third world countries was a huge awakening and created my passion for fighting for female rights within employment law.

In 2002, I was offered a training contract with Mayo & Perkins, and have since spent 20 years specialising in employment law and working with some fantastic firms in London and the South East.

Loch Associates leads by example, and focuses on creating a business that enables us, as employees, to have the skills and expertise to deliver for our clients

In 2014, I led on the case of Hazel & Huggins v Manchester College, successfully representing the claimants at the Supreme Court. This case remains the leading reference in cases involving harmonisation of contract dismissals following Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006, and demonstrates how rewarding employment law can be.

In this industry, you can often feel like you’re treading through a minefield, but working with a client to unpick their employment problem, thinking ‘outside of the box’ to find a resolution and then navigating the legal framework to create a valuable solution is a fascinating and exciting process.

Client relationship is something I have always been passionate about; fostering a relationship that not only helps shape and develop their business but also ensures that they are mitigating risk with an approach that is manageable and appropriate for them. I am lucky to have been recognised for the work I have done in this field by being ranked by Chambers & Partners as a ‘Recognised Practitioner’ last year and am ranked as a ‘Leading Individual’ in the Legal500.

Recently, the spotlight has been placed on women’s health and wellbeing in the workplace, with a strong focus on menopause, fertility and menstrual health. This has created some incredibly important conversations from legal and HR perspectives, considering how fit a company is to enable its female workforce to perform, and deliver without barriers or discrimination – and how the entire workforce can assist with this more comfortably by having the requisite information and training.

Client relationship is something I have always been passionate about

I regularly talk at seminars and at webinars around these topics and see it as an area of employment law that can make a powerful impact on the lives of working women and future generations.

Since joining Loch Associates Group at the beginning of the year, I have been incredibly impressed by its commitment to clients, creating multi-disciplinary solutions for businesses and individuals, and fostering long-term partnerships that really deliver value.

The company leads by example, and focuses on creating a business that enables us, as employees, to have the skills and expertise to deliver for our clients whilst navigating our own path through employment.

The future feels very bright at Loch Associates Group. I am excited by the opportunities to help businesses across the South East, not only perform, but excel with our specialist expertise and advice.

www.lochassociates.co.uk

BY TESS DE KLERK

Should I be supplementing?

Supplements – there are so many out there! Unravelling what we may need can become confusing, not to mention time-consuming. We always seem to hear that a balanced diet will protect us from deficiencies, which it will, of course. But if you’re not managing your five-plus-a-day, lots of oily fish, cruciferous veg, healthy protein etc then supplements most definitely have their place.

A study by the Health and Food Supplements Information Service (HSIS) concluded that a third of British women are nutrient deficient, with over half not taking note of their daily intake of essential nutrients. Th is is where dietary supplements can play a pivotal role in bridging the gaps.

Our nutrient needs are not set in stone though, influenced by many factors such as activity levels, health status, sex etc but as a general rule of thumb we can look at life stages. Dr. Carrie Ruxton, co-author of the study and a dietitian at HSIS, emphasises the significance of tailored nutrient intake across different stages of a woman’s life.

From childhood to older age, distinct nutritional requirements dictate optimal health, including support for pregnancy, lactation and menopause. Adopting a personalised approach to nutrient intake, rather than a generic one, is crucial for women’s wellbeing and the health of future generations.

CHILDHOOD: VITAMINS A, C & D PLUS OMEGA-3s

Children need a variety of nutrients which can help aid healthy development, with the most important being vitamins A, C, and D.

“In the early years of schooling, her brain needs support from omega-3s and good hydration with tap water,” Ruxton explains. “Food fussiness and refusal are common in the early years which can impact on a girl’s ability to get all the nutrients she needs. Combining a food-fi rst approach with a paediatric multivitamin is a good way forward but add in a fish oil supplement if she won’t eat oily fish.”

THE TEEN YEARS: B VITAMINS, CALCIUM & IRON

During adolescence, the focus shifts to nutrients like B vitamins, calcium, and iron, crucial for skeletal growth and menstrual health. Watch out for those fad diets, sugar and empty calories which will be particularly tempting during this phase but can easily cause nutrient deficiencies as well as a lack of fibre. Supplementation during the teenage years makes sense and can safeguard against imbalances.

+ CONSIDERING PREGNANCY

FOLATE, CHOLINE, IODINE, VITAMIN D AND OMEGA-3S

For women contemplating pregnancy, supplementing with folate, choline, iodine, and other key nutrients is crucial for healthy conception and foetal development. Dr. Ruxton underscores the prevalence of folate deficiency among women and emphasises the importance of adequate vitamin D intake during pregnancy. Additionally, omega-3 supplementation is recommended for optimal foetal brain and eye development.

Adopting a personalised approach to nutrient intake, rather than a generic one, is crucial for women’s wellbeing

THE 20s: CALCIUM, MAGNESIUM & VITAMIN D

In the 20s, as educational and professional pursuits take precedence, nutritional priorities may take a backseat.

“Life is all about having fun – possibly drinking too much alcohol or relying on takeaways. Young women may feel under pressure to diet, but peak bone mass is achieved during their 20s. So scrimping on bone health nutrients, like vitamin D, calcium and magnesium could lead to later osteoporosis,” Ruxton says. “Given the growing trend for plant-based diets, many women are unaware that avoiding animal-based foods can lead to nutrient shortfalls for vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, iodine, zinc, and selenium.”

THE 30s AND 40s: OMEGA-3s, VITAMIN B5, POTASSIUM AND POLYPHENOLS

In the 30s and 40s, juggling various responsibilities may lead to stress, fatigue, and unhealthy dietary habits but this period is an essential time to lay more groundwork for healthy ageing. Unfortunately, it’s also a period during which many women may become less active, gain weight and perhaps have those extra few glasses of wine. It is, after all, a time when time and energy is often focused on work, kids, family etc.

Essential nutrients at this stage include polyphenols, which protect the body against oxidative stress, vitamin B5, potassium which is necessary for the normal functioning of all cells, and omega-3s with benefits ranging from brain to heart to skin health.

Whichever life stage you’re looking at, it is best to consult a health care professional before starting with any supplement

B VITAMINS, VITAMIN D, CALCIUM, MAGNESIUM

As women enter their 50s, hormonal changes associated with menopause necessitate specific nutritional considerations. Gut health is particularly important during this period therefore consider probiotics. B vitamins can help with mood swings while a focus on bone density is important as the ovaries stop producing protective oestrogen – supplement with vitamin D, magnesium and calcium.

THE

60s AND BEYOND: PRE &

PROBIOTICS, OMEGA-3s, VITAMINS A, C & D

In the 60s and beyond, sustaining optimal health becomes imperative as energy requirements decrease and micronutrient needs remain high. Dr. Ruxton recommends multivitamin supplementation to address potential nutrient deficiencies and mitigate cognitive decline. Supporting immune health with vitamins A, C, and D, alongside promoting gut health through probiotics and prebiotics, becomes essential for overall wellbeing in later life stages.

Whichever life stage you’re looking at, it is best to consult a health care professional before starting with any supplement. Blood tests can be helpful too as we are all unique with differing needs.

For more information visit hsis.org

common things destroying leaders’ well-being

Anna Eliatamby is Director of Healthy Leadership, CIC and co-author, with Grazia Lomonte, of Healing-Self Care for Leaders and their Teams

Leadership, wellbeing, and self-care should go hand in hand. But it is easy to forget to look after ourselves. This then leads to destroying our wellbeing; sometimes, too easily. Here’s how the damage can happen to women leaders’ wellbeing.

Ignoring your own sense of self and identity is a key factor. Denying your own essence of womanhood, diversities, and then creating a persona to succeed can be very detrimental to your personal wellbeing. Especially if this contradicts your core values.

Linked to this is the tendency to ignore the role of emotions in life, and pretend that they don’t matter to you to avoid being stereotyped. Emotions are a part of us and, if suppressed for too long, can be destructive.

WORK

BETTER TOGETHER: HOW TO CULTIVATE STRONG RELATIONSHIPS TO MAXIMISE WELLBEING AND BOOST BOTTOM LINES

By Jen Fisher and Ahn Phillips McGraw Hill (2021)

Jen Fisher, Deloitte’s Chief Wellbeing Officer, and Ahn Phillips, a researcher and collaborator with the Deloitte Centre for Integrated Research, co-author this insightful book. Fisher’s expertise in corporate wellbeing and Phillips’ background in research provide a unique blend of practical experience and academic insight. Their combined perspectives offer a comprehensive view of how relationships impact organisational health and productivity. The book is a guide for developing healthy workplace relationships that can withstand the challenges of the modern work environment.

Adopting a negative leadership style that is counter to your sense of self and identity can be very wearing. Having to pretend to be dominant and super-confident as a leader is tiring and not sustainable. All of this is further compounded if you choose to surround yourself with people who reinforce the negative and damaging parts of yourself.

Disregarding self-care will guarantee harm to wellbeing. Using negative coping habits (inactivity, eating too much or too little, for example) is dangerous, especially if low self-esteem and self-respect accompany them. If the leader resorts to destructive coping habits such as addictive behaviours and ignoring psychological issues such as past traumas, she will destroy her wellbeing.

MANAGING EMPLOYEE BURNOUT

By Shauna Moran Kogan Page (2022)

Managing Employee Burnout covers everything from what burnout is, what causes it and what different forms it can take. It also explores the role of the organisation in employee burnout and includes specific guidance on how to manage burnout in remote and hybrid working environments, and why dispersed teams may be more susceptible to burnout. Full of actionable advice and real world examples, this book demonstrates what strategies to put in place to safeguard staff retention and productivity from burnout as well as how to promote awareness and emotional intelligence in the business.

Destructive work habits can occur, especially if you feel you must prove your worth. Working for too many hours or taking on more responsibility just to show that you are capable can lead to a massive psychological impact.

Choosing to use toxic behaviours has a detrimental impact on all concerned. Perhaps because the culture demands it, or you are insecure in your leadership skills. The amount of energy spent in being negative is massive, especially if using these actions is counter to your true self. Only a very few relish the effect of these actions.

All these are unnecessary. Acknowledging your own authenticity and values will safeguard your wellbeing.

MINDSET MATTERS

By Gemma Leigh Roberts

Kogan

Page (2022)

In Mindset Matters, chartered psychologist and star LinkedIn Learning instructor, Gemma Leigh Roberts, teaches you why mental agility is the key ingredient to developing resilience – and how to achieve it. From changing perspectives, emotional flexibility and achieving a growth mindset, to cementing your mindset shift in others and your team, you will learn research-backed strategies that will allow you to grow your resilience and use change to your advantage. With energy and speed, you can embrace moments of pivots and ensure you and your business bounce back from whatever the world throws at you next.

Having to pretend to be dominant and super-confident as a leader is tiring and not sustainable

THE 4 STAGES OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY DEFINING THE PATH TO INCLUSION AND INNOVATION

By Timothy R. Clark

Berrett-Koehler

Publishers (2020)

This book is a practical, handson guide that shows how leaders can build psychological safety in their organisations, creating an environment where employees feel included, fully engaged, and encouraged to contribute their best efforts and ideas. Perhaps the leader’s most challenging task is to increase intellectual friction while decreasing social friction. When this doesn’t happen and it becomes emotionally expensive to say what you truly think and feel, that lack of psychological safety triggers the self-censoring instinct, shuts down learning, and blocks collaboration and creativity.

By KELLIE MILLER

BEAUTIFUL IMPERFECTIONS THE WORKS OF MARGARET CURTIS

Margaret Curtis is a gentle, unassuming creator who channels her energy into producing Japanese-inspired ceramic vessels. She uses ancient Celadon and Snow-white Shino glazes and preserves fi ring techniques in oil and gas kilns.

Her approach to traditional Japanese techniques speaks of Wabi-Sabi, an elegant Japanese concept. The dual words promote humble beauty and a detachment from materialism, while Sabi denotes time and hidden beauty. The idea is about acceptance, embracing imperfections, appreciation, and living life simply and with heart.

of effortless achieving resulting in Optimal Functioning. Further research became widespread in the 1980s and 90s, and the theory was applied to schools, the business world, and sports arenas.

Wabi-Sabi adopts an inside-outside approach. The idea is to bring the beauty of nature into the home and workplace

Wabi-Sabi adopts an inside-outside approach. The idea is to bring the beauty of nature into the home and workplace. Margaret embraces this philosophy in her pieces and says: “My work is the antithesis of the massproduced and immaculately mastered and, as such, seeks to avoid perfection.

“Th is is where my interest lies: with the beauty of imperfection, a beauty that can come from ageing, natural decay, surfaces that have become patinated with wear, weathered, or uniquely deformed.”

Her best works are made when she is in a particular state of mind – relaxed and calm, thoughtful but not too forcefully engaged. She attributes this to the Flow Theory.

Artists often used the metaphor of water flow while describing their processes, as in interviews with Mihaly Csikszentmihályi, a Hungarian-American psychologist, in the 1970s.

“It was like floating—I was carried by the flow.”

The origins came from artistic endeavours, where skills, creativity, and levels of enjoyment merge, creating a sense of timelessness and a feeling of out-of-body experiences; a sense

Yunomi Celadon

When she achieves this state, the work happens almost automatically. She feels less in control and more of an observer of what results from her efforts.

Margaret established her studio in 1979 in Scotland. Her sensitive approach to her art form and several decades of creating has made her work highly acclaimed and collected worldwide. Her works can be viewed at Kellie Miller Arts, Brighton.

Kellie Miller is an artist, curator, critic and gallery owner. www.kelliemillerarts.com

Her best works are made when she is in a particular state of mind – relaxed and calm, thoughtful but not too forcefully engaged

Katakuchi Celadon

Cylinder Celadon

Cylinder Shino

In an era where global awareness of environmental and social issues is at an all-time high, the way we travel has come under intense scrutiny. BY

TESS DE KLERK

ETHICAL TRAVEL THE ONLY WAY FORWARD

As travellers, we have a responsibility to minimise our impact on the places we visit and to ensure that our adventures contribute positively to local communities and the environment. Ethical travel goes beyond just ticking off destinations on a bucket list; it’s about making mindful choices that respect the planet and its people. Here’s a guide to embracing ethical travel practices, and some destinations where you can experience them fi rsthand.

PROTECTING AND ACCESSING NATURE

ANDALUCÍA’S DOÑANA NATIONAL PARK

With the Spanish government announcing its commitment to protect Andalucía’s Doñana National Park wetlands from intensive farming, there’s never been a better time to visit. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a haven for biodiversity, offering visitors the chance to experience five ecosystems in one day. Doñana’s habitats provide refuge to over 200 threatened bird species, and are also home to almost 100 lynx, making it a vital sanctuary for endangered wildlife.

Travellers looking to explore Doñana in an eco-conscious manner can opt for responsible tour operators like Travel Counsellors. They organise bespoke trips to the region, including train travel and guided tours with local biologists. By choosing sustainable transportation options and supporting local guides, visitors can minimise their environmental footprint while gaining insights into the park’s unique ecosystems.

www.donanareservas.com/en

REWILDING AND CONSERVATION WITH TREES FOR LIFE

For travellers seeking to actively participate in conservation efforts, organisations like Trees for Life offer rewarding opportunities to give back to the environment. Its rewilding weeks, which focus on restoring native forests and habitats, are in high demand and sell out quickly. However, new dates for autumn are now available, allowing more travellers to get involved in hands-on conservation work.

In addition to its traditional rewilding weeks, Trees for Life has introduced a new initiative this year: a week-long programme at RSPB Corrimony in Inverness-shire. This collaboration aims to restore the landscape after devastating wildfires last summer, highlighting the importance of communityled conservation efforts in protecting and preserving natural habitats.

https://treesforlife.org.uk

RESPONSIBLE ACCOMMODATION CHOICES

When it comes to ethical travel, where you stay matters just as much as where you go. Opting for eco-friendly accommodation that prioritise sustainability can make a significant difference. Look for hotels and resorts that have implemented initiatives like energy conservation, waste reduction, and water conservation measures. Eco-lodges, homestays, and guesthouses owned and operated by locals are also excellent options as they directly benefit the community.

COSTA RICA

Costa Rica is often a shining example of sustainable tourism done right. With a plethora of eco-lodges nestled within its lush rainforests and alongside pristine beaches, visitors can experience the country’s rich biodiversity without harming the environment.

When it comes to ethical travel, where you stay matters just as much as where you go

Support local crafts people

SUPPORTING LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND BUSINESSES

One of the most impactful ways to practice ethical travel is by supporting local communities and businesses. Choose to dine at locally-owned restaurants, shop at markets selling handmade goods, and book tours and experiences with local guides and operators. Your spending directly benefits the people who call your destination home, helping to preserve their way of life and empower local economies.

MOROCCO

Morocco’s vibrant markets, known as souks, are a treasure trove of handmade crafts, spices, and textiles. By shopping at these markets and supporting local artisans, travellers can contribute to the preservation of traditional craftsmanship and support sustainable livelihoods. Additionally, staying in a riad, a traditional Moroccan guesthouse, allows visitors to directly support local businesses and experience the renowned hospitality of Moroccan culture.

RESPONSIBLE WILDLIFE TOURISM

When it comes to interacting with wildlife, it’s essential to prioritise their wellbeing above all else. Avoid activities that involve captive or exploited animals, such as elephant rides or visiting attractions with performing animals in any capacity. Never accept holding an animal for a photo opportunity, especially in exchange for money. Instead, seek out responsible wildlife experiences that prioritise conservation and ethical treatment of animals, such as visiting sanctuaries or observing animals in their natural habitat from a respectful distance.

GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS

The Galápagos Islands are havens for wildlife enthusiasts, offering unparalleled opportunities to observe unique species in their natural habitat. From swimming with sea lions to witnessing the famous giant tortoises, visitors can experience the wonders of the natural world responsibly. Strict regulations ensure that tourism in the Galápagos is sustainable, protecting the delicate ecosystems and minimising human impact on the islands’ biodiversity.

Ethical travel is not just a trend but a responsibility we all share as global citizens. By making mindful choices that prioritise sustainability, cultural respect, and community empowerment, we can ensure that our travels have a positive impact on the planet and its people.

Posing with birds may seem harmless but these animals are being exploited

BEST PUB GRUB THE GINGER FOX HASSOCKS

By Maarten Hoffmann

The humble British pub has undergone somewhat of a transformation over the past decade, moving from a smelly, sticky, dingy hovel serving warm beer to bright and airy establishments with, sometimes, great food.

The Ginger Fox in Hassocks, West Sussex is one such pub – cheerful service, no sticky tables and a decent menu. Oh, and they have a great outside area in the summer full of tables, kids’ areas and shady trees. It’s also equal distance between Brighton and Crawley, West Sussex.

The menu is compact which is always a good sign of a chef who is not overstretching himself and trying to show off but one that knows that six starters and eight mains is enough, therefore giving him/herself the opportunity to focus and excel.

I used to hate pubs.

Old smelly geezers standing around with the sole aim of getting hammered before they have to go home…

I love the starter of salt beef, cornichon and cheddar croquettes, with American mustard and pickled red cabbage. Tasty, and just enough for a lunchtime starter and, importantly, always the same every time I have it, which is very important. I order it because I like it, not because I want to see what madness the chef can do with it today. Consistency is the key to any good restaurant.

I have to say that the Jerusalem artichoke and truffle mousse with chargrilled cauliflower, hazelnuts, gruyere crumb and vegetable jus is also superb.

For mains, I am often stymied as I don’t eat fish, and there seems to be an obsession with draining the oceans of critically endangered wildlife and serving dead fish everywhere I turn. But a decent steak can compensate for me, and the 35-day aged rump steak here is good, served with horseradish pomme puree, baby silver skin onions and

chestnut mushrooms. It is succulent and full of fl avour and, although my favourite cut would always be fi llet, I fi nd the rump here has more fl avour than the £45 fi llet, oddly.

An alternative would be the Guinea fowl breast with crushed swede, garlic puree, cavolo nero and wild mushroom jus.

I would like to see more meat on the menu - a cracking pork chop, rack of lamb, a beef stew etc would be most welcome for us non-fish eaters.

For me, pudding has to be the brioche French toast with banana caramel, candied pecans and vanilla - all day, every day and by the hundredweight if possible, please.

Sunday brings the inevitable roast of course with beef, belly of pork and lamb and the red wine gravy is wonderful.

I hate pubs - well, that should be I used to hate pubs. Old smelly geezers standing around with the sole aim of getting hammered before they have to go home, suffering miserable landlords, sticky floors, bad lighting and warm beer. Bars helped kill half of them off and now the so called gastropubs did for the rest – and good riddance in my opinion.

The new style pubs offer cleanliness, warmth, happy smiling staff and decent food. Take some good company and they are fab places to be, and the Ginger Fox is right there amongst them.

https://thegingerfox.com

The humble British pub has undergone somewhat of a transformation over the past decade… to bright and airy establishments with, sometimes, great food

AUDI e-tron GT QUATTRO

If you want to frunk your life up – look no further.

By FIONA SHAFER, MD of MDHUB

My goodness, how the Audi e-tron GT has grown up! I reviewed an earlier model of this car in autumn 2021, in the middle of a petrol crisis, which saw record numbers of EVs flying off forecourts up and down the land over a 48-hour period.

The model I reviewed back then was head-turning and stunningly gorgeous but lacked a lot of substance. It also had a lot of irritating ‘prototype’ issues especially around technology and design, and caused a lot of distracting range anxiety as it gobbled up power while I sped about. I sadly gave it a disappointing 6.5 out of 10, but was persuaded by my passenger at the time that I was being a tad mean, and that we should settle on seven out of 10.

With the potential to reach a top speed of 152 mph, it is unassuming for everyone until you put your foot down, and then you are in a different universe.

After a very dreary start to 2024, it made me feel positively rejuvenated

Fast forward two and a half years, and Audi has produced a car that defi nitely has substance over style. It’s more of a stealth mobile, I would suggest; not quite so head turning but… by God, it is bloody fast – and that is part of the excitement when you drive it.

It has a 0-100mph acceleration boost of 4.1 seconds, and if you have the RS version, it gets there in a blistering three seconds. After a very dreary start to 2024, it made me feel positively rejuvenated, give or take a pothole or 20 on low profi le tyres, which has made the driving feel like a version of Grand Theft Auto, but in real time. But it comes with its curiosities. Do you know your ‘frunk’ from your ‘foot garage’? I didn’t until now – the ‘frunk’ is a derivative of ‘front and trunk’ and the ‘foot garage’ is the sculpted space for rear passengers to comfortably nestle their feet behind the front seats.

No doubt these terms will be soon tripping off dinner party guests’ tongues alongside RWR (real world range) or just how far an EV will go compared to the manufacturer’s specifications. For the record, collective reviews suggest

POSITIVES

• Handy hint – if you have nerves of steel when it comes to range anxiety (and no imminent divorce proceedings in sight), wait until the charge is really low and it will charge from 5% - 80% in 23 minutes on a standard 270kW fast charge

• Beautifully quiet unless you put it in sport mode, and then you might just hear it coming

• Audi has simplified and upgraded its dashboard technology making life so much simpler

• Fabulous handling and incredible braking capacity

NEGATIVES

• The Audi rear door seals leaked badly after a heavy downpour and into the footwells

• I still put my elbows in the cup holders as there is no arm rest.

• Boot space is only 366 litres compared to the Tesla model 3, which wins at 744 litres

• The button to open the boot is in the most illogical place ever at the very bottom of the inside to the driver’s door panel –you would never ever spot it

• Visibility from the rear window is very poor and there is an annoying side panel on the driver side which you have to really crane your neck to look to your right

• The price as it’s £86,585

If you want an understated and very powerful electric car that is full of delicious surprises then go buy this. but I still think it is a lot of cash for some easy-to-rectify design faults

What is really rather fabulous about this car it is quite effortless to drive

to look for a range of 238-249 miles, compared to the 296 miles claimed by Audi as standard from this beauty.

I always find it really interesting as to how the car colour can actually enhance or reduce the impact of its design Think of the iconic black SAAB convertible back in the day. It just did not have the same iconic look in red. Or how about the Tesla Model 3 which looks so much better in white than blue? I have to say that the Ascari blue of this e-tron (rather than the black version) was really quite dull, and did not show off the fabulous design of this car.

What is really rather fabulous about this car is it is quite effortless to drive, blissfully comfortable and likely the best electric car that I have reviewed to date.

But – and this is a very big but – it also still comes with lots of the frustrating quirks of the earlier Audi e-tron (and Audis in general, I would say). I had really hoped those super clever Audi engineers and designers would have ironed these out by now. It’s an irritant – unless you only care about the power of the motor and money is no object.

8.5/10

BRIGHTON YOGA IN THE SKY

An opportunity to experience a Yoga class in the sky in the Brighton i360 Pod. Find your mindfulness in the clouds and switch up your usual savasana for an hour-long yoga class, 450ft high in the sky above Brighton. Unwind your body and rest your mind, as you glide up peacefully, surrounded by views of the South Downs and beautiful Sussex coastline.

Brighton i360 Pod, Brighton April 20th

www.brightoni360.co.uk/tickets/yoga-in-the-sky

WHAT’S ON...

A brief snapshot of art and culture in Sussex and Surrey

ARDINGLY CAMPERVAN CAMPOUT

Join us for the day or stay for the weekend at our brand new campervan festival in Ardingly. A phenomenal line-up of live music from 11am everyday awaits including a DJ set from Trunk of Funk legend Craig Charles. Meanwhile the Artisan food & drink hall, Street Food Area and Gin Festival will celebrate the best in local, national and international produce.

South of England Showground, Ardingly May 3rd-5th

www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/shows/ information/campervan-campout-2024a-family-friendly-campervan-festival

HORSHAM SPRING WELLNESS RETREAT

A two-day retreat based around a full and varied program of events including yoga flows, yoga Nidra and sound-bath, breath therapy, hypnotherapy, face yoga, individual treatments (massage, facials), reflexology. Fully catered. Two nights luxury accommodation. Hot tub, ice bath, fire pit. Great walks to discover.

Walnut Studio, Horsham

April 26th

https://sussexluxuryaccommodation.co.uk

LINGFIELD GARDEN OPEN DAYS

Explore The Garth Pleasure Grounds designed by renowned Arts & Crafts architect Walter H Godfrey, which surround the magnificent Garth workhouse, built in 1729. Children will love exploring the grounds, story trails, TORTUGA Tavern. Discover the magical carpets of bluebells in spring, the bloom of roses, azelias in summer and orange carpets of crocosmia in early autumn.

The Garth Pleasure Grounds, Lingfield May 5th-19th www.thegarth.info

ONE TO WATCH

Carnesky’s Showwomxn

Sideshow Spectacular

May 25th-26th

Elder Place Corridor Brighton

BRIGHTON BRIGHTON FESTIVAL 2024

Established in 1967, Brighton Festival is the largest and most established annual curated multi-arts festival in England. Taking place over three weeks in May, the Festival is a celebration of music, theatre, dance, art, film, literature, debate, outdoor and community events in venues and locations across Brighton, Hove and East Sussex. Since 2009, Brighton Festival has attracted inspiring and internationally significant Guest Directors who bring cohesion to the artistic programme.

The inaugural Guest Director was Anish Kapoor (2009) and has subsequently included prominent cultural figures such as Brian Eno (2010), Laurie Anderson (2016), Kae Tempest (2017), David Shrigley (2018), Rokia Traoré (2019) Lemn Sissay OBE (2020/21)  and Marwa Al-Sabouni & Tristan Sharps (2022). With critically acclaimed screenwriter Frank CottrellBoyce as Guest Director for 2024, the Festival promises a three week celebration of “Hope, Wonder, Magic and Fun.”

Across the city

May 4th-26th

https://brightonfestival.org

Frank Cottrell-Boyce