Surrey Business Magazine - issue 53 by Platinum Business

SURREY

BUSINESS THE OFFICIAL SURREY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE MAGAZINE

ISSUE 53 AUGUST 2022

Are dumb phones the smart choice?

COLLABORATE22 Surrey Research Park

The Power of Arts Engagement

Hartsﬁeld Manor wins Best Hotel In Surrey

Platinum Business Magazine celebrates the 100th issue

THE SURREY BUSINESS AWARDS Open for Entries

Sir Freddie Laker THE PIONEER OF LOW-COST FLYING

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@WWW.SURREY-CHAMBERS.CO.UK @WWW.SURREY-CHAMBERS.CO.UK

@SURREYCHAMBERS @SURREYCHAMBERS

01483 735540 01483 735540

@SURREYCHAMBERSOFCOMMERCE @SURREYCHAMBERSOFCOMMERCE

CONTENTS AUGUST 2022

BIG STORY 38 Sir Freddie Laker On the 100th anniversary of his birth, we chronicle the life and legacy of one of aviation’s more flamboyant entrepreneurs

FEATURE 22 Platinum 100th issue Maarten Hoffmann looks back at some of the highlights of the first 100 issues of Platinum Business Magazine

SURREY CHAMBERS 4 Welcome Surrey Chambers of Commerce CEO Louise Punter’s newsletter to its members 7 Surrey Chamber news A round-up of Surrey Chamber of Commerce members’ news 16 Start-up Academy Surrey Chambers announces third cohort of its Start-uo Academy

EVENTS 21 Woking Means Business SBM is official media partner to Woking Means Business Expo 56 Sussex Business Awards 2022 Not long to go to get your entries in 61 Better Business Show 2022 After an enforced wait, Worthing’s biggest business show returns 64 Surrey Business Awards 2022 Entry deadline is getting closer 70 Dynamic Awards 2022 All the winners and highlights from this groundbreaking event in Brighton in June

PLATINUM MEDIA GROUP

BUSINESS

LEGAL

17 Breathe HR Majority of SME employees show pattern of presenteeism when WFH 30 Brewin Dolphin Student Loan changes - how to support your child 32 University of Brighton Announcing the launch of the University’s Help To Grow: Management course

34 DMH Stallard Personal data: be clear on the risk to your business

36 Surrey Research Park Collaborate 22: a competition to help businesses innovate and grow 42 Mattioli Woods Making plans for those who grew up in the 60s who are now in their 60s 54 MDHUB Penny Bailey’s bespoke library system works in more than just libraries 58 Locate East Sussex There is support available for East Sussex businesses to help them expand and grow 76 NatWest Business NatWest’s PMI Business Activity Index: the indicator of regional economic health

FINANCE 52 Kreston Reeves Should landlords consider going into the short-term holiday market? 63 Haines Watts What is a Business Growth Strategy and why do you need one?

INNOVATION 66 Sussex Innovation Meet the ‘Sussex Pioneers’, a TV series to help businesses

CHARITY FOCUS 74 Chestnut Tree House What’s it like working at a children’s hospice? Nurse Mike, who has been working for two years at CTH, lets us know

44 Loch Associates Are dumbphones the smart choice? The pitfalls of social media at work 48 Mayo Wynne Baxter Don’t allow cyber criminals in: ensure your business is properly risk-assessed

TRAVEL 80 Tess de Klerk Platinum’s travel editor seeks out the best places to head for - if flying really isn’t your thing

MOTORING 82 Platinum’s 100 cars Former Platinum Editor Ian Trevett recalls his admiration, and terror, at Maarten Hoffmann’s love of fast cars 84 Motoring Review A full lowdown on the Abarth 124 GT 85 Regional supercars What is the market share for supercars across the UK?

PEST CONTROL 79 Cleankill Paul Bates reveals two rather nasty pests, recently arrived in the UK

ARTS & CULTURE 11 Brooklands Museum News of the Aston Martin Festival in Surrey, and an art history talk in Woking 14 Guildford Shakespeare Company Revealing the power of the Bard, 400 years after his death 50 Sussex Contemporary Major art exhibition announces prizes for Sussex artists

All rights reserved. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions relating to advertising or editorial. The publisher reserves the right to change or amend any competitions or prizes offered. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from the publisher. No responsibility is taken for unsolicited materials or the return of these materials whilst in transit. Platinum Business Magazine is owned and published by Platinum Media Group Limited.

SURREYBUSINESS

OUT WITH THE OLD NATIONAL FOCUS

It is always a challenge to create an update within anything more than 24 hours of publication. As we go to print the leadership of the Conservative party is well under way with Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss left in the race to become the next prime minister. As a network of Chambers, we have made clear to the potential leaders the priorities needed by our business communities. Last month British Chambers of Commerce published its latest Quarterly Economic Survey for Q2 – the UK’s largest independent survey of business sentiment and a leading indicator of UK economic performance. Surrey businesses contribute to this survey and in line with our local conversations It showed a reduction in the proportion of firms reporting increased domestic sales, lower investment intentions, and a drop in growth prospects in the long term. At the same time, measures for inflation are at the highest levels in the survey’s history with two in three firms expecting to raise prices. Based on this feedback, we are urging the next prime minister to have a laser focus on reversing these trends and fixing the fundamentals to support

❛❛ Daniel Morgan has already been

supporting the Chamber on the board and he will be a great President to carry on representing our members ❜❜

growth. We are calling for action in four areas that must be addressed to boost business confidence and drive the economy: n Economy – help firms manage cost pressures by reducing their tax burden n People – reform our training and immigration systems to help firms find the people they need in an increasingly tight labour market nT rade – ensure firms have the support they need to take advantage of global business opportunities nN et Zero – incentivise firms to build a green economy and support them through the transition

NEW CHAMBERS PRESIDENT

It could be described as bad planning or bad luck, but the Surrey Chambers AGM took place on the hottest day of the year. The good news was that it was held in the outgoing President’s premises, complete with state-of-theart air conditioning. Steve Coburn, Managing Director of projectfive and login business lounge, was thanked for his incredible support of the local business community, particularly over the last two years. His communications from local members to government ministers via the British Chambers of Commerce made a real difference. The baton has been handed over to Haines Watts’ Managing Partner, Daniel Morgan, who has already been supporting the Chamber on the board and he will be a great President to carry on representing our members.

WELCOME SOME NEW INITIATIVES

We were delighted to announce the launch of the Woking International Trade Forum this month. Set up by Surrey Chambers and supported by Woking Works, we will be providing peer support alongside expertise to anyone thinking of embarking on an international trade strategy; anyone looking to increase their international footprint, and anyone just interested in the subject! We will be connecting with Chambers across the world to bring interesting opportunities to the Forum. The UK prosperity Fund has been launched with all boroughs and districts being awarded £1 million each over the next three years. The funds are to support communities, and business support appears within the interventions the government is seeking. We will be working to inﬂuence as much support for local businesses as possible.

SURREY BUSINESS AWARDS

We are expecting a bumper number of entries this year as so many businesses have a story to tell, and an award can be game changing for any SME. Those who have attended before are aware that the awards ceremony is a fantastic evening, and we are looking forward to whatever Platinum Media Group have in store for us on November 3rd at the G Live Centre. Click on www.platinummediagroup. co.uk/events/surrey-business-awards/ to go straight to the details. Surrey Chambers of Commerce can be reached on 01483 735540, info@surrey-chambers.co.uk, @surreychambers www.surrey-chambers.co.uk

Louise Punter CEO Surrey Chamber of Commerce AND WHILE YOU’RE HERE... Platinum Media Group enjoys the largest circulation of any business magazines in the UK, reaching over 720,000 readers across the South East and this includes 468,000 online readers. If you can’t wait for the next issue then jump onto our social media platforms and join the conversation.

@platbusmag Platinum Publishing Group www.platinummediagroup.co.uk

#CHAMBERBUSINESS At the heart of our local business communities, we’ve got the understanding, data, insights, services and expertise to support you and your business

SURREY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

DON’T JUST JOIN – JOIN IN! Why being a member of Surrey Chambers of Commerce is good for business, locally, nationally, and globally We are Surrey’s largest not-for-profit business support and networking, organisation

We act as a catalyst by connecting you to opportunities, skills, knowledge and valuable contacts

All of our services and products are directed by the business community for the business community

As a member, there are many marketing opportunities available to you, designed to help you maximise your membership

Visit www.surrey-chambers.co.uk or call: 01483 735540 Please email our Head of Membership for further details sarah.butcher@surrey-chambers.co.uk

CHAMBERS NE WS WHY SME’S ARE LOOKING AT TV ADVERTISING TO FUEL THEIR GROWTH TV remains a powerful advertising platform to reach audiences. Its quality and engagement with viewers is unparalleled, and in recent times the medium has demonstrated the key role it plays in people’s lives.

outperforms other media in generating profit, and is typically over twice as effective as the next best performing medium. Additionally, it is a brand safe and trusted environment for your business.

But, most importantly, TV advertising works. TV continues to be the most effective and trusted advertising platform there is. As a nation we’re watching 4.3 hours a day on average, and TV delivers more profit per £ spent than any other form of advertising.

Addressable TV is the revolutionary approach to TV advertising. This levels the playing field, so businesses of all shapes and sizes can benefit from the power of TV.

Ask anyone to name their favourite ad and it’s most likely a TV ad. This popularity translates into effectiveness. An independent study by Ebiquity and Gain Theory found that TV consistently

HOW SME’S ARE USING TV

Addressable advertising offers advertisers a level of control and targeting they have never had before, allowing them to use the reach and brand-building capabilities of TV, and to deliver an effective frequency of

exposure whilst sprinkling some of the magic of personalisation on top. With addressable TV, different ads can be shown to different households watching the same programme. This means businesses can now advertise on some of the nation’s favourite channels but only to the precise audience they want. Households can be selected based on factors like age, location and aﬄuence meaning this targeting radically reduces the cost and wastage making TV advertising possible for any business. www.adsmartfromsky.com

SURREY TRANSLATION BUREAU FEATURED AT EUROPEAN SEMINAR A recent face-to-face seminar, jointly hosted by not-for-profit business support organisation WSX Enterprise and Hampshire County Council, looked at the initiatives introduced by Surrey Translation Bureau (STB), a Surrey Chamber of Commerce member, to counter the impact of Covid. EU partners from six countries came together as part of the Interreg Europefunded Everywhere International SMEs (EIS) project, which supports new policy and best practices in helping businesses go global. At the event, Julia Pearson, Programme Manager of EIS, presented a case study on how STB accessed the digital support available from various agencies to sustain and grow its business throughout the pandemic.

Julia commented, “It was clear that STB used the pandemic as an opportunity to review its business and enhance its own skills and service delivery. it positioned itself to support its customers and grow its own business as the world emerged from Covid.” From discounts for Covid-related projects for clients, to remote baking challenges for staff, STB had several initiatives in place to help maintain some sense of normality. For the business side of things, it fully utilised the government’s furlough scheme and recruited new team members under the Kickstart Scheme. It was also quick to realise the importance of digital tools. STB applied

for and won a small business grant from the Department of International Trade to boost its international digital marketing efforts. Through these strategic steps and more, STB has been able to maintain and meet annual sales targets and also support its employees, clients and translators during these tough times.

Importing? Exporting? We can help take the stress out of customs declarations for your goods ChamberCustoms is the customs training, advisory and brokerage service delivered through Surrey Chambers of Commerce and across the UK Chamber network. Our customs declaration service is for UK importers and exporters, of all sizes, in every region of the United Kingdom. With direct links to the HMRC Customs handling system and all inventory linked ports, we can guarantee that your goods, no matter where they enter or leave the UK, will be cleared for onward transportation smoothly.

We offer:

A high level of compliance and assurance for customers Confidence on tariff and data entry to remove fiscal risk; backed by the technical expertise of the market leader in this sector A wealth of international trade experience and expertise from across the trusted Chamber of Commerce network Contact the ChamberCustoms team at Surrey Chambers of Commerce now

customs@surrey-chambers.co.uk l 01483 735549 Helping traders to keep on trading

NEWS

HARTSFIELD MANOR AWARDED ‘BEST HOTEL IN SURREY’ He went on to say, “The hard work Hartsfield Manor in Betchworth has each and every one of our team puts been awarded the Best Hotel in Surrey Award in the recent Muddy Stilettos 2022 Awards.

in to ensuring our guests have the best experience possible has always been clear to us. But for our guests, people like yourselves, to take the time to vote for us, is simply amazing and we thank you so much for your support.”

Now in its ninth year, the Muddy Stilettos Awards champions the very best lifestyle businesses across 28 counties, chosen by its discerning readers. Giles Thomas, Operations Director for the Manor Collection hotel group said,“These awards are not voted for by editors, mystery shoppers or selected influencers. Instead, they are chosen by Muddy Stilettos’ readers and hotel guests. This year 75,000 businesses were nominated across the country and 765,000 votes cast across the 28 Muddy counties, making this year the biggest and best Muddy Awards to date. And we won one! Simply amazing.”

RAMSAC ANNOUNCES CYBER RESILIENCE CERTIFICATION With 25% of charities and 65% of medium-sized businesses in the UK experiencing cyber attacks in 2021, it is more important than ever to ensure staff can defend themselves against online threats and contribute to an organisation’s human firewall. To make organisations better prepared for cyber attacks, cybersecurity providers, ramsac, has launched a Cyber Resilience Certification to train, educate and equip organisations in defending cyberattacks. The assessment process is made up of an in-depth audit of an organisation’s IT estate, accompanied by a report with practical suggestions ranked as red, amber, and green

priorities. ramsac then provides a breakdown of the criteria which informs whether an organisation has met Bronze, Silver or Gold standards which can be used to demonstrate commitment to cybersecurity. Each criterion includes benefits such as cybersecurity training for new starters at Bronze level, ongoing cybersecurity training and phishing testing at Silver, and C-suite cyber training and planned testing exercises at Gold, as well as 17 other services. Rob May, MD and Founder of ramsac said, “This is an exciting opportunity for organisations to enhance their cybersecurity measures. Holding a ramsac Cyber Resilience Certificate brings peace of mind to both your

staff, and those you work with. You become an organisation with the tools, knowledge and support to protect valuable information that cybercriminals seek so often.” ramsac is a cybersecurity provider that has been managing IT risks for over 30 years. As a result, ramsac is perfectly equipped to help organisations achieve the highest level of cybersecurity protection. www.ramsac.com

Selling, buying or starting a business? Call us on 0800 84 94 101 Offices across Sussex

www.mayowynnebaxter.co.uk

ART & CULTURE

ASTON MARTIN HERITAGE FESTIVAL On August 14th, Brooklands Museum will be welcoming the Aston Martin Heritage Festival, organised by the Aston Martin Heritage Trust to celebrate the rich history and heritage of Aston Martin Lagonda. There is a lot to celebrate as Aston Martin has a long and diverse history with Brooklands: ■ The pre-war Aston Martin factory in Feltham was just 10 miles from Brooklands. ■ All pre-war Aston Martins were roadtested at Brooklands. ■ Aston Martin set ten world records at Brooklands in 1922, on one day! ■ The ﬁrst ever motor race Aston Martin took part in was at Brooklands in 1920, and many more cars raced there during the interwar years. There will be parking by era, special displays, a pop-up AMHT Museum and excellent trade stands, along with the opportunity to explore the museum. An A3, the oldest surviving Aston Martin in the world will be at the event, alongside Green Pea which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year - both of these cars raced at Brooklands! Pre-war Aston Martin car owners will have the opportunity to drive up Test Hill, which will be fantastic.

The Thames by James Tissot, 1876 Book your tickets from th website: w w w. b ro o k l a n d s m u s e u m .c o m / whats-on/aston-martin-heritage-festival

ART HISTORY TALKS: ‘THE THAMES IN ART’

On September 3rd, there’s an enlightening Art History Talk at the Lightbox, Woking regarding: The Thames in Art.

Among many other thing, the Thames has been the trading heart of London, a source of entertainment, the location for ice fairs, and the cause of the Great Stink. Our speaker, Laurence, will explore how, over many centuries, the Thames has been the inspiration for generations of artists.

The tickets are £15 for adults and £12 for Lightbox Members. Click here to book your tickets

SURRE Y CHAMBERS E VENT CALENDAR AUGUST ONWARDS….

HAVE YOUR CAKE & EAT IT

Thursday August 24th 14:30 – 16:30 The Elvetham Hotel, Hook Surrey & Hampshire Chambers of Commerce invite you to Have Your Cake and Eat It! An afternoon tea networking for businesses located on the Surrey and Hampshire border. Join us for two hours of facilitated networking over tea, coffee, and a slice of cake as you network. You can expect a guest speaker or a networking activity to break-up the afternoon.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST GUILDFORD

Tuesday September 6th 08:00 – 10:00 The County Club, Guildford Join us for our bi-monthly Business Breakfast and meet a range of local businesses over a delicious breakfast. Hear from a guest speaker or be involved in a networking activity over a two-hour breakfast networking to start your day off. Don’t forget your business cards!

MEMBERS’ NETWORKING EVENING REIGATE

Thursday August 25th 18:00 – 20:00 Reigate Manor, Reigate Join us at Reigate Manor for our Members’ Networking Evening for networking, welcome drinks, and canapés to catch-up on the happenings of the previous month’s business calendar. This event is the perfect occasion for an informal, relaxed gathering with members you already know and the opportunity to make new business connections.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND MESSAGING FOR SME’S

Wednesday September 14th 12:00 – 14:00 Space, Woking Have you taken a step back to look at what the core messaging of your businesses is? In this event, Nigel Blake, MD of Perfect Pitch will lead us through the dos, don’ts and core messaging for SME’s looking to further develop their businesses in order to find more clients, customers and build key relationships.

SURREY YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORKING

Thursday September 15th 18:00 – 20:00 The Guildford Harbour Hotel Surrey Chambers of Commerce presents its Surrey Young Professionals Networking Evening. Whether you are new to the world of networking or simply wish to brush up on your networking skills, our Surrey Young Professionals Networking series is here to connect you with like-minded people, all over some delicious canapés and cocktails.

GROW YOUR BUSINESS SHOW

Thursday September 22nd 08:00 – 16:00 Epsom Down’s Racecourse Surrey Chambers of Commerce is delighted to once again be exhibiting at the Grow Your Business Show on September 22nd. The show is free for visitors and dedicated to providing a professional, open and friendly platform for start-ups, SMEs and large businesses looking to network, build relationships, gain new knowledge and keep up to date with the latest products and services.

LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD

Tuesday September 20th 08:00 – 10:00 Reigate Manor During this talk you’ll learn the importance of feeling heard, how to listen more actively and consciously and a four-step process to aid effective communication especially for emotive conversations. Join us for some informal networking with pastries and coffee plus a short workshop by Louise Camby on the importance of feeling heard.

MEMBERS NETWORKING EVENING GUILDFORD

Thursday September 29th 18:00 – 20:00 Silent Pool Distillers Join us at Silent Pool Distillers for our Members’ Networking Evening for networking, welcome drinks, and canapés to catch-up on the happenings of the previous month’s business calendar. This event is the perfect occasion for an informal, relaxed gathering with members you already know and the opportunity to make new business connections.

EVENTS The Guildford Shakespeare Company - on the eve of its 50th production - reveals the power The Bard can have, even 400 years after his death

THE POWER OF ARTS ENGAGEMENT theme. Set on an enchanted island, we’re immersing audiences in the world of the play as multiple locations in Stoke Park play host to the characters shipwrecked on the island. It’s a terrific way to encourage people to interact with the story and a location they know very well in a whole new way. All our shows serve a double purpose: they are terrific pieces of inclusive entertainment, whilst also serving as a shop window for the ground-breaking and life-changing work of our Outreach and Education Departments. Through these programmes, the power of arts engagement is experienced directly by individuals and families. The success of our stage productions, and the profile they create, enables us to create opportunities for the 17,000 people we work with every year; 13,000 of which do so for free.

As I write, we are a week away from opening our 50th production since we began making theatre in 2006. Over that time, we’ve had the privilege of working with some exceptionally talented artists and entertained some 136,000 people. These shows have given thousands of people their first positive experience of Shakespeare and theatre, whilst through our site-responsive approach, audiences have been able to connect with their wider heritage and community spaces. Alongside this we have also come to experience first-hand the extraordinary power that arts engagement has. This power is a subtle power; it works on us subconsciously, thoughtfully affecting our perceptions, enriching our understanding of ourselves and others. Our recent five-star A Midsummer Night’s Dream in June brought families and theatregoers together from as far away as Cornwall. We received an email from a teacher who’d brought their class from Hounslow, and reported that one little boy exclaimed that this was the “best day of my life”. Featuring

It is with this sentiment we would like to recognise the vision and generosity of our business sponsors and supporters, many of whom are Chambers members. Their financial support is invaluable in helping us achieve the artistic ambitions we have. In return, we hope that an association with GSC enriches these companies’ connections with their clients, colleagues and the community. some of Shakespeare’s best loved lines alongside stilt-walking, tree-climbing and unicycling, it was inspiring to hear so many voices laughing, cheering and wandering home into the night, discussing their favourite moment. Our promenade production of The Tempest in July continues the magical

We’re already in pre-production for our Autumn show, an electrifying new adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic, Jekyll and Hyde, as well as putting the pieces together for 2023. If you would like to play your part in the next chapter of GSC’s story as a sponsor we would love to hear from you.

Contact our Corporate Fundraiser Eli Murton for more information at eli@guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk Details for Jekyll & Hyde can be found at www.guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk/jekyll-and-hyde

Finance focus webinar: Book your place! This webinar will update you on the recent and forthcoming financial, tax, and restructuring changes and how they impact your business.

Date and time: Tuesday 5 July 2022 | 9am - 11am

Our experts will advise you on how to plan now, prepare for tomorrow and make the most of opportunities available.

To book your place, contact Elise Mason: T: + 44 (0)330 124 1399 E: events@krestonreeves.com W: www.krestonreeves.com/events

Who is this webinar for? Chief Financial Officers, Finance Directors and owners of UK businesses keen to keep up to date with financial reporting, governance and tax changes on the horizon. For more than accountancy, business and financial advice. Call: +44 (0)330 124 1399 Email: enquiries@krestonreeves.com Visit: www.krestonreeves.com

SURREY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

PRESENTS THE THIRD COHORT OF ITS NEW START-UP ACADEMY ABOUT

Surrey Chambers of Commerce is delighted to be recruiting for the third cohort of its Start-Up Academy, an initiative in partnership with Login Business Lounge and Surrey Heath Borough Council. It is delighted to be able to support local start-ups using the resource of its members to put together a term of educational sessions offering businesses advice and support. By becoming a member of the Academy, the delegates can work alongside their peer group and grow their business. By utilising the expertise of the Chambers’ members, it can ensure that they will receive the best advice and resources needed to develop their business and increase their network.

PROGRAMME

n Business Planning, Strategy & Setting Objectives n Sales and Negotiation Skills n Building Brand & Digitising n How To Master Social Media n Priority Management n Budgeting and Sourcing Funds n HR & Compliance: What You Need To Know n How To Keep Your Business Safe Online n Your First Steps to Net Zero n Start-Up Academy Graduation of 2022/2023 cohort

“The Start-Up Academy has given me time out of the day to learn new skills across all departments of the business – learning from a range of both talented and really friendly experts.” Sebastian Elwell – Switchfoot Wealth Limited “The Start-Up Academy has helped me channel my energy and given me the focus I need to make my business successful. The wide range of speakers at the academy provided insight into all the important subjects a start-up needs to know.” Sanjay Limbachya – SJL Consultancy

For further information, please contact OUTTRO hannah.joslyn@surreychambers.co.uk or call 01483 735540

BUSINESS

Majority of SME employees show pattern of presenteeism when WFH In early 2022, Breathe, the HR software provider for SMEs, launched a wellbeing survey to employees of SMEs. The aim of the survey was to understand if the stresses and strains of the pandemic have left a permanent mark in the world of work, and whether hybrid working is helping or hindering matters. The survey was conducted across a nationally representative sample of 1,264 UK SME employees, asking them a range of questions covering sick leave, mental health and remote working. The data revealed an ongoing pattern of presenteeism, with 65% of respondents saying they were less likely to take sick leave when working remotely. Among those who felt unwell but didn’t take sick leave: n 3 2% could not financially afford to take time off work. n 25% were too busy to take time off n 21% didn’t want to let their colleagues down. n 20% felt pressured to work through it.

There were also a number of other interesting findings, including the increased pressure to be seen and heard: n 42% of respondents felt the need to prove productive and justify output when working at home. n 47% of SME workers said they were less likely to take a lunch break while working at home. n From our research, 54% of people who work from home were more likely to work longer hours. On the other hand, there were several working from home positives highlighted in the results: n 67% of SME employees felt this supports their work-life balance. n 59% of them felt less stressed. n 5 7% of these individuals felt more productive. Working from home isn’t a quick fix to wellbeing, and as we’ve seen from the data, people are still working from home while ill. The solutions aren’t easy but it’s important to test and trial new ideas to create a hybrid work solution that works for everyone.

❛❛ 65% saying they were less likely to take sick leave when working remotely ❜❜

Rachel King, UK General Manager, Breathe commented: The benefits for mental and physical wellbeing that come from a flexible approach to work patterns have been widely discussed but are still so important. Flexible working can positively impact physical, mental and financial wellbeing. That said, working from home has proven effective for many people, but crucially not for all. It’s often the case that people find themselves working longer hours and taking less sick leave, under pressure to be seen as super productive when working remotely. Employers should look for ways to tackle the ‘always-on’ ethos and habits that have crept into remote working culture. Focusing on creating a culture that supports flexible working as standard can benefit teams and improve productivity if handled intentionally

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Download the first edition The People First Culture series here www.breathehr.com 01403 288700

SURREY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

EXECUTIVE PARTNERS & PATRONS Surrey Chambers commerce Learn more about executiveof partner membership EXECUTIVE PARTNERS & PATRONS or L e apatronage r n m o r e a b o u t at e x e cwww.surrey-chambers.co.uk utive partner membership or patronage at www.surrey-chambers.co.uk

www.surrey-chambers.com

www.surrey-chambers.co.uk

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NEW MEMBERS

Surrey Chambers of Commerce welcomes its latest member companies When you join Surrey Chambers of Commerce, your company details automatically get listed on this page alongside fellow new members. What a fantastic way to let the Surrey Business community know you are out there and ready to get those all-important connections.

PEDAL https://www.pedalapp.com

ADSMART FROM SKY www.adsmartfromsky.co.uk

BLACKFORDS LLP www.blackfords.com

INCEPTEO LTD www.incepteo.com

EAST SURREY COLLEGE www.esc.ac.uk

BREATHEHR www.breathehr.com

BOB REHILL PARTNERSHIP THE PROSTATE NETWORK PROJECT CHARITY https://bobrehill.com https://prostate-project.org.uk

WHITELEAF VENTURES LIMITED www.whiteleaf.io

All new Chamber members are entitled to a one-off 50% discount for a company profile within this magazine. Contact lesley@platinummediagroup.co.uk for more details

If you are looking to join Surrey Chambers, then please do get in touch: sarah.butcher@surrey-chambers.co.uk or call 01483 735540. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Woking Leisure Centre Wednesday 12 October 2022

More contacts – more leads – more business Helping local businesses with heavily subsidised stand prices Email paul@websterconsultancy.co.uk or call 01276 423082 Media Partners Presented by

www.wokingmeansbusiness.com

EVENTS

Woking Means Business, Woking’s own business-tobusiness exhibition returns to Woking Leisure Centre on Wednesday, October 12th 2022 from 9.30am – 4.00pm

Surrey Business Magazine is media partner to Woking Means Business Expo Launched by Woking Chamber of Commerce back in 2004, the exhibition regularly attracts some 70 local business exhibitors and a total attendance of around 500 business owners, directors and managers. This year, the Chamber is running the event in partnership with Woking Borough Council, who are generously sponsoring the exhibition in order that stands can be offered at heavily subsidised prices. This is being done to help local companies move forward again after the challenges of the last couple of years. The eclectic mix of exhibitors includes services such as graphic designers, web companies, IT suppor t, HR consultants, photographers, wealth management, printers, accountants, recruitment companies, hotels, media, property consultants, business organisations, gyms, business consultants and architects. Special events taking place at the exhibition include the annual Woking Borough Council Breakfast Forum which attracts over 100 leading business professionals – and is always oversubscribed. In addition, there is a brilliant LinkedIn Masterclass led by Surrey’s two leading LinkedIn gurus, Allen Ruddock and Keith Grover. There will also be a lunchtime business health and welfare special featuring the charismatic Ben Kench on business health, and Shane Cook, who will talk about personal wellbeing, ending up with a fifteen minute session of

meditation. Later in the day there will be speed networking with the ubiquitous John Gower, followed by relaxed general networking with some entertainment thrown in with the superb Frank Cognoscenti who is SoSinatra.

It promises to be quite a day. It’s all free, parking is free for exhibitors, and free for the first three hours for visitors. Woking companies can exhibit at half price with generous reductions also offered for companies outside of Woking.

Anyone wishing to exhibit can check the website www.wokingmeansbusiness.com or contact the organiser, Paul Webster on paul@websterconsultancy.co.uk or call him on 01276 423082 Registration to visit is FREE.

100 ISSUES AND COUNTING

As with many of you who run your own business l am sure, we work 12 hours a day, six days a week and rarely come up for air. When l recently popped my head up, someone said it’s the Platinum 100th issue next month. l was in disbelief. I nearly fell over when someone else mentioned that we now had 720,000 readers across all the Platinum titles and digital platforms and are the largest circulation business magazines in the UK! How on earth did that happen? By Maarten Hoffmann, Managing Director, Platinum Media Group

100 ISSUES & COUNTING... Platinum was launched over 15 years ago when l returned to the UK from the tropics, and moved to Brighton and needed to network. I spent a couple of weeks going to every networking event l could find and was shocked that there were no high-level events in Brighton, and no event that fully hosted the guests. If you can’t find what you want, as they say, go start one. The Platinum Club idea came about after a few too many bottles of fine Chablis Grand Cru at the Grand Hotel with my dear old friend, Managing Director Andrew Mosley. Andrew hadn’t been in town very long either, so we considered ourselves the ‘new kids on the block’. OK, l know we are not exactly ‘kids’, but we can let that go; we just wanted to shake things up. A few months later, the Platinum Club was born. No seated meals, no speeches, no sponsors, no standing in the corner hoping someone will speak to you. In essence, guests were coming to my house to meet my friends. Alright, my ‘house’ has 202 bedrooms, and my friends are all CEOs, MDs, Directors and Managing Partners - and

it was by invitation only, but it grabbed the attention of most of the leading companies across Sussex and the Club was up and running. Now in its 15th year, it is still the only networking club in the region that offers fully hosted events. As Keith Jackman, Marketing Director of Mercedes-Benz said: “If you don’t know everyone when you arrive, you sure will by the time you leave. The Platinum team work hard to ensure you are introduced to everyone and make relevant introductions throughout the evening - whilst serving fine champagnes and wonderful handmade canapés. I never miss one” Ian & Maarten at their first exhibition

A few years later whilst at the bar with five CEOs from across Sussex, we started moaning as to why there were no decent business magazines for the South East, considering that it is the economic powerhouse of the UK. Everyone looked blank and then one looked at me and said, “Well, why don’t you do something about it?” I didn’t sleep that night; instead I was thinking, ’why don’t l do something about it?’ After three months of studying the publishing landscape, my partner at the time, Ian Trevett and l put together the proposal for a brand new professional magazine with an international look but

100 ISSUES AND COUNTING

with regional content. There were to be few ads, no fluff and packed with regional content and advice from some of the most senior business leaders in the region, who write for no other publication and are experts in their field.

Business Awards. Our latest acquisition, the huge footprint of the Central South Business Awards, covering Hampshire, Dorset, Surrey and West Sussex has its inaugural event taking place on September 28th at the Hilton Ageas Bowl in Southampton, in association with Business South.

We then set up meetings with each of those five CEOs in the bar - all in one day, back to back - plonked the proposal down on the table and said, “There you go, l did do something about it. And we would like you to pay for it…” Ian hid under the table whilst l swallowed back the trepidation, tried to keep a straight face and waited whilst they read it. By the end of that very tense day, all five agreed - and are still clients of the magazines today. My heartfelt thanks go out to NatWest Bank, MercedesBenz, Kreston Reeves, DMH Stallard and Gatwick Airport. After several years of rapidly climbing readership, we were asked to launch a new magazine in Surrey, so withdrew Platinum from the county and, in association with the wonderful Louise Punter from Surrey Chambers of Commerce, we launched the Surrey Business Magazine. A few years later, l realised how badly served female business owners were as, although Platinum is for all, research showed us that our readers were 70% male. That might have been due to the ratio of male-to-female business owners at that time but still it felt wrong. A year later, we launched ‘Dynamic Magazine The Magazine for Women in Business’. Thank goodness, it was a great success and has a readership of 70% female and 30% male. A direct demographic flip. Working to the theory that if you stand still you just go backwards, and having being constantly asked to be the media partner for all manner of events, l decided to return to my roots and start an events division. I was at the BBC for 20 years, producing and directing Light Entertainment programmes, so the background was there. I had lunch with my old mate Caraline Brown, founder of Midnight Communications. When she said she was ready to divest herself of Midnight to finally

write her book, l agreed to purchase the Sussex Business Awards and the Brighton & Hove Business Awards from h e r - o n th e c o n di tio n that I also got the services of the incomparable Fiona Graves, the Director of the events for many years, to ensure continuity. That was the start of our events company, and we now own and produce the Sussex, Surrey, Brighton & Hove, Lewes, Runnymede and Dynamic

Ian hid under the ❛❛ table whilst l swallowed back the trepidation, tried to keep a straight face and waited whilst they read it ❜❜

So, what next? Well, it would seem churlish to dominate Surrey and Sussex, with Hampshire just over the border, so in Q4 of 2022, we will launch the Hampshire Business Magazine. We also have a series of new events planned, and some exciting ideas to shake things up again. Firstly, I thank all the loyal partners and clients of the company, the readers who have stuck with Platinum through thick and thin, and finally, the Platinum team past and present – without whom none of this would have been possible. Thank you – Ian Trevett, Lesley Alcock, Fiona Graves, Alan Wares, Michelle Shakesby, Kate Morton, Tess de Klerk, Lydia Bunyard, Lawrence Elphick, Helen Preece, India Hoffmann, Millie Hoffmann, Poppy Sharman, Julie Clarke, Amanda Harrington, Emma Pearce, Johnnie Gibson, Hannah Joslyn, Nicole Kemble, Faye Greenwood, David Bagnall and Roxy Costello-Ross. Here’s to the next 100…

THE BUSINESS MAGAZ INE FOR WOMEN

LOV E HOW TO FALL BACK IN LOVE WITH YOUR BUSINESS WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT SACHA DENCH

MAY | JUNE 2021 #10

UNCONSCIOUS BIAS IN A WORLD DESIGNED BY MEN

SISTERS ARE DOIN’ IT FOR THEMSELVES MOTORING JAGUAR I-PACE

100 ISSUES AND COUNTING

THE FIRST 100 ISSUES A few highglights from the archives of Platinum’s first 100 issues, and the stories making the headlines at that time...

2016

DECEMBER 2016 Fiona had a child during the first 100 issues and here is Miller deeply engrossed in Platinum. American film actor and producer Kirk Douglas celebrates his 100th birthday

▲

MARCH 2018 We launched a Sports Section edited by Laurence Elphick – the weird Santa. In the month’s least surprising news, Vladimiar Putin is elected Russian President for a fourth term, winning by a huge margin.

JULY 2018 For the first Brighton Awards under Platinum’s control, we produced a full blown circus France beats Croatia 4-2 to win its second World Cup, held for the first time in Russia

2018 24

100 ISSUES AND COUNTING 2014

MAY 2014 Millie Hoffmann devours the very first Platinum Magazine, entitled ‘Absolute Business’ for the first six issues. Millie is now at university.

NOVEMBER 2016 The next Prime Minster of the UK – with Boris Johnson. At least seven people have been killed and 51 hospitalised after a Tramlink light rail vehicle derailed and overturned in Croydon.

JULY 2014 Platinum Business Magazine takes its inaugural bow with founders Ian Trevett (left) and Maarten Hoffmann (right). The death toll from Typhoon Rammasun, which was sweeping across the South China Sea, reaches 225.

2015 APRIL 2015 Neil Laughton teaches Maarten how to find a parking spot in Brighton. US President Barack Obama meets with Cuban President Raul Castro at The Summit of the Americas in Panama. It marks the first meeting of the two countries’ leaders since the Cuban revolution of the 1950s. APRIL 2015 Platinum went motor racing with the team from Skerritts and DMH Stallard. Denis Mukwege and Media Murad are awarded the Nobel Peace Prize “for their efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and armed conflict.”

DECEMBER 2018 In a fit of madness, Maarten agreed to appear in a pantomime for charity – CEOs in Tights. UK Prime Minister, Theresa May, survives a vote of no confidence within her Conservative party 200-117.

continued over

100 ISSUES AND COUNTING 2019

MAY 2019 Traditionally, the editor makes a card for the boss no explanation required. The first child of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex is born. The boy is seventh in line to the throne.

NOVEMBER 2019 The first issue of Dynamic Magazine with Baroness Michelle Mone. Former South Yorkshire Police Chief David Duckenfield is cleared of manslaughter by gross negligence while in charge at the 1989 Hillsborough disaster. The verdict means no-one will ever be held to account for the disaster.

OCTOBER 2021 McLaren requested that Millie stop licking all the paint off their cars! Petrol prices in the United Kingdom reach their highest level since April 2012, topping out at at – gasp! – £1,42 per litre.

2021 ▲

OCTOBER 2021 After taking 16 turns of the wheel to get this car into the entrance of the Pavilion, Fiat purchased the image for their sales brochure. Malian woman Halima Cisse gives birth to nonuplets (nine babies) in Morocco, in only third known case worldwide

JULY 2021 Steve Darby suffering from adverse weather conditions during filming Sir Richard Branson travels into space aboard the VSS Unity. A spaceplane owned and operated by Virgin Galactic.

FEBRUARY 2022 The launch of the latest addition to the events programme – the Central South Business Awards. Russia finally decides to make itself an international pariah by invading Ukraine. Markets are hit, condemnation is near-universal, while the Ukrainian president finds himself an international status symbol.

2022 26

100 ISSUES AND COUNTING XXXXXX 2020 ▲

MAY 2021 Michael Pay from EMC presenting the Company of the Year Award at the BAHBAS. Iranian state media report - and then flatly deny - a deal has been struck between Iran and the UK, which includes a £400m overdue payment for the release of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe.

MARCH 2020 Weathering the pandemic was a horrible challenger for all of us but we all made it. The world goes into lockdown over a virus known as Covid-19, which has already infected millions and killed thousands

JULY 2021 The Team finally found a way to shut Maarten up. Catastrophic floods across western Europe lay waste to hundreds of square miles, killing 243 in their paths. Germany is worst affected, with 196 people losing their lives

▲

JUNE 2022 The launch of the Dynamic Awards on June 29th to rapturous applause Celebrations are held to mark the 70th Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She is the current longest-serving Monarch, and the second longest-serving in history.

JULY 2021 During Lockdown, we presented an awards show as a full television programme, hosted by Natasha Kaplinsky. London police officer Wayne Couzens pleads guilty to the murder of Sarah Everard.

AUGAUGUST 2022 The year Maarten agreed to stop drinking – yeah, right! Platinum Media Group publishes the 100th issue of Platinum Business Magazine, and Maarten, who has since forsaken abstinence, takes everyone for a drink to celebrate. (Ed - best check this one…)

2022 27

2015

Elliot Brown (Director, Lloyds Bank), Mike Pay (Director, EMC Corporate Finance), Barry Carden (Director, Carden Accountants), Alan Harber (Regional Director, Lloyds Bank)

The most effective and enjoyable networking club in the South East.

Alan Harber (Regional Director, Lloyds Bank) said something funny to Platinum CEO, Maarten Hoffmann

To apply for membership email info@platinummediagroup.co.uk Matthew Willetts (Director, Comicus), Bethanie Mardon (Marketing Director, RocketMill) Nader Beshara (Consultant, Bailey & French)

Ian Trevett (Director, Platinum Publishing), Andrew Stenning (Director, Clearline Recruitment), David Sheppard (Director, D-Risq)

The Platinum Business Club – a look back over time 2018

Jim May (Vice President, Sussex Cricket Club), Rob Andrew (CEO, Sussex Cricket Club and Rugby Legend), Maarten Hoffmann, (Managing Director, The Platinum Group), Daryl Gayter (Regional Director, Nat West)

The most effective and enjoyable networking club in the South East.

Kerry Turner & Jeremy Ornelias (Director, Blanch House), Emma Lane (Director, Allied Irish Bank), John Burroughes (Managing Director, Uniglobe Travie)

To apply for membership email info@platinummediagroup.co.uk David Sheppard (Chairman, Sussex Chamber of Commerce), Tracey & Derek Evans (Directors, Juno Wealth)

Alan Harber (Director, Lloyds Bank), Rosemary French OBE (Executive Director, Gatwick Diamond Initiative), David Rawlance (Director, Lloyds Bank)

2014

The most effective and enjoyable networking club in the South East.

David Sheppard and Harry Sherrard enjoying issue 60 of Platinum, hot off the press

To apply for membership email info@platinummediagroup.co.uk The Grand’s incomparable concierge team await the Platinum guests

The Platinum Club is the South East’s leading peer to peer networking event, now in its 15th year. Here are a few images from years gone by to celebrate all the members from over the years and the many that have been members for all of the 15 years. The Platinum Club is invitation only (although you can apply for an invitation) and runs every month at the Grand Hotel in Brighton. Members are business leaders, CEOs, MDs and Directors or Partners of companies across the South East who

The Platinum Team in 2018

have now become friends. Networking is not about selling, it is about building long-term relationships. We are proud of networking the way you should – no dull, self-indulgent speeches, no seated meals where you are stuck between two people, no sponsors - just the Platinum team making relevant introductions throughout the evening at a highly enjoyable cocktail party whilst members sip fine Champagne and enjoy hand-made canapés. Often imitated, never equalled.

Maarten even managed to park a McLaren at the i360

“I MAKE SURE I NEVER MISS AN EVENT AND THROUGHLY ENJOY IT” KEITH JACKMAN, MARKETING DIRECTOR, MERCEDES-BENZ

★★★★★

“THE NETWORKING HIGHLIGHT OF MY MONTH AND NEVER TO BE MISSED” GARY CHOWN, REGIONAL DIRECTOR, NATWEST BANK

★★★★★ To apply for membership email info@platinummediagroup.co.uk This photobombing is getting out of hand

Student loan changes: how to support your child Upcoming changes to student loan repayments could make it even more important to have a solid financial plan in place for funding your child or grandchild’s university education. The proposals, which are due to come into effect from September 2023, could add to the financial pressures that many of today’s young people already face. Here, we explain the impact of the changes, and how you can make a difference to your child’s future financial security. Student loan changes explained Currently, graduates in England begin paying back their student loans once they earn more than £27,295 a year. Any outstanding debt is written off 30 years after they start repayments. For those starting courses from September 2023, the salary threshold at which they start repaying loans will fall to £25,000 and the repayment term will be extended to 40 years1. The interest rate on loans will reduce by up to three percentage points.

The plans mean that the proportion of graduates who are expected to repay their loans in full will rise from around a quarter to 70%, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies2. Its analysis suggests graduates with “below average but not the lowest” earnings (third and fourth decile of earnings) stand to lose the most, at around £28,000. This is because in many cases they won’t pay off their student loans, but will make repayments for ten years longer and on a larger chunk of their earnings than under the current system. Meanwhile,

the highest earners would gain £25,000 on average because of the lower interest rate. The changes make it even more important to consider the best way of funding your child’s university education. For some families, student loans might still be the best course of action, whereas others may wish to pay for university out of savings. The approach that’s right for you will largely depend on your financial circumstances, but the first step is to understand how much university really costs.

True cost of university Tuition fees in England, Wales and Northern Ireland currently cost up to £9,2501 per year, or £27,750 for a three-year course. For those who live in Scotland and go to university in Scotland, fees are £1,820 a year, but these are usually covered by Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS)3. Additional expenses to consider include rent, bills, groceries, transport, going out, and course materials. In total, a typical UK student can expect to pay around £810 per month on living costs4. Assuming your child pays these costs for nine months of the year, this would add up to just under £22,000 for a three-year course or just over £29,000 for a four-year course (undergraduate degrees are typically three years, except in Scotland where they are usually four years). Depending on where your child goes to university, you could be looking at a total figure of around £50,000 – and that’s in today’s money. For families planning ahead, this figure could be closer to £67,000 in 15 years’ time, assuming an inflation rate of 2% per annum.

would have on your future savings, as well as your income in retirement. This will help you decide whether it is affordable, and how to avoid neglecting your other financial goals. If your child is very young, another option is to set up a regular savings plan and build up money over time. If, for example, you invested £300 a month over 15 years, our analysis shows you could build up a pot worth just over £68,000, assuming an annual return of 3% after inflation and charges. This could cover three years’ worth of tuition fees in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, plus living costs, in 15 years’ time. With interest rates currently very low, it’s extremely unlikely you could achieve this rate of return from a cash savings account. Investing a portion of your money in the stock market will give it the opportunity to grow over the long term. Although the stock market is volatile, history shows that over periods of ten or more years it tends to perform more strongly than cash, thereby boosting your chances of making a valuable contribution towards your child’s university education.

Next steps Understanding how to pay for your child or grandchild’s university education isn’t always straightforward, and this is where taking some smart advice can help. An adviser will assess your personal and financial circumstances, and create a financial plan that suits the needs of both you and your family. This will help you feel confident you’re building a secure financial future for your children or grandchildren while remaining on track to meet your own goals.

Building a solid plan If you wish to pay for your child or grandchild’s university education out of existing savings, make sure you understand how this could affect your own finances, both now and in the future. A financial adviser can give you a clear picture of the likely impact that paying for university

brewin.co.uk/gatwick Paul Cannons 01293 661323 | paul.cannons@brewin.co.uk

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/fairer-higher-education-system-for-students-and-taxpayers ifs.org.uk/publications/15953 3 www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/student-advice/finance/university-tuition-fees-and-financial-support-in-scotland 4 www.savethestudent.org/money/student-budgeting/what-do-students-spend-their-money-on.html

1 2

The value of investments, and any income from them, can fall and you may get back less than you invested. Neither simulated nor actual past performance are reliable indicators of future performance. Information is provided only as an example and is not a recommendation to pursue a particular strategy. Information contained in this document is believed to be reliable and accurate, but without further investigation cannot be warranted as to accuracy or completeness. Brewin Dolphin Limited is a member of the London Stock Exchange, and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services Register reference number: 124444). Registered office: 12 Smithfield Street, London, EC1A 9BD. Registered in England and Wales – company number: 2135876. VAT number: GB 690 8994 69

BUSINESS

Get 1:1 business mentoring with a 90% government-funded Help to Grow: Management course

HELP TO GROW Help To Grow: Management is a leadership and management course designed to help people grow their business. The 12-week course supports leaders and senior managers of small and medium-sized businesses in any sector. It can be completed alongside full-time work. The time commitment is 50 hours over 12 weeks. Learning alongside other business owners affords participants the opportunity to gain insight from their peers and network. Using a combination of online and face-to-face sessions alongside case study workshops, they have the opportunity to apply taught concepts to real-life situations faced by business leaders.

By the end of the course, participants have a tailored Growth Action Plan to help them successfully lead and grow their business.

FUNDING

90% of the course fee is funded by the government, meaning businesses are only required to pay 10% (£750). The one-off fee is paid once participants have been accepted onto the course and is collected by the University of Brighton’s School of Business and Law.

COURSE CONTENT FOR PARTICIPANTS:

nD evelop leadership and management skills, enhancing employee wellbeing and engagement n Identify what drives productivity and growth in their market nL earn how to advance responsible business practices, including more inclusive and greener practices nU nderstand how to innovate their business model, including adopting and investing in new and digital technologies n I dentify key domestic and export markets, and develop strategies for segmentation, positioning and targeting nG enerate strategies to improve operational efficiency, allowing them to save time and money.

ELIGIBILITY

This Help to Grow: Management scheme is 90% funded by the government. To be eligible for the scheme, the following criteria must be met. The business must: n B e a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) based in the United Kingdom n Employ between five and 249 people n Have been operational for at least one year n Not be a charity. You must n Be a chief executive, owner/founder or member of the senior management team n Have at least one direct report n Commit to completing all sessions. Other important information: n O nly one person per business can participate in the programme n The application form will take approximately 10 minutes to complete and will request information about the individual and their business.

BUSINESS

NEXT DATES:

The University of Brighton is recognised for ❛❛ producing research of “world-leading quality” that is making a difference to the economy and society ❜❜ Types of businesses taking part: nb usiness consultancy n j ewellery business n wine and spirits company n veterinary business n cafe n cleaning equipment company n I T business support service n education provider n tech and data company n conservation specialist n not-for-profit energy co-operative. From locations across Surrey, Sussex and Greater London. Delegates are suppor ted by an experienced business mentor. They’re taught by experienced academics and practitioners who help them build capabilities in: ns trategy and innovation n internationalisation n vision, mission and values n organisational design n efficient operations n implementing growth plans.

WHY CHOOSE THE UNIVERSITY OF BRIGHTON?

The course is only delivered by business schools who have been awarded the Small Business Charter (SBC) by the Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS) – the University gained this accreditation in December 2021. The University has a long history of working with small to mediumsized businesses, and a strong track record of delivering business growth programmes. The School of Business and Law is home to the Centre for Change, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management (CENTRIM). It works with partners in industry, academia and government producing groundbreaking concepts to explain, harness and improve innovation, entrepreneurship and change management. The 2021 Knowledge E xchange Framework results place the University of Brighton in the top 10% for universities for public and community engagement, and in the top 20% for skills, enterprise, and entrepreneurship. In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF

Brighton start date: September 12th 2022, with an onboarding session on September 5th. Eastbourne start date: October 11th 2022, with an onboarding session on October 4th. 2021), the University of Brighton was recognised for producing research of “world-leading quality” that is making a difference to the economy and society. The University also ranked in the REF 2021 as: n 98% of the University’s research is rated as world-leading, internationally excellent or internationally recognised. n 75% of the University’s research environment in Business and Management S tudies, is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. n 8 8% of the University of Brighton’s impact is assessed as outstanding or very considerable.

In Business and ❛❛ Management Studies,

75% of the University’s research environment is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent ❜❜

Help to Grow: Management programme www.brighton.ac.uk/ business-services/help-to-grow.aspx Programme Director – Adam Jones. E: helptogrow@brighton.ac.uk

LEGAL

A changing legal landscape was presented by Brexit, and data protection laws is one of the areas that has required businesses to check their compliance procedures and processes to make sure they are up to date. By Debbie Venn, Partner, DMH Stallard LLP

Personal data – be clear on the risk to your business IMPACT OF BREXIT

Brexit impacted many areas of legal compliance and business operations, including the transfer of personal data between the UK and EU. The UK retained a plethora of EU laws (as retained EU law), including the General Data Protection Regulations 2016, which sits alongside the UK Data Protection Act 2018, and has led to the creation of the UK GDPRs. If your business purely operates using personal data within the UK, then not much has changed, but if your business transfers personal data outside of the UK or EU, then there are updates to be aware of to comply with applicable laws.

Brexit impacted many ❛❛ areas of legal compliance and business operations, including the transfer of personal data between the UK and EU ❜❜ 34

TRANSFERRING DATA INTERNATIONALLY – WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE?

If there is personal data about EU citizens coming into the UK, then the personal data transfer can take place without much change, as the EU has issued a decision stating that the UK’s data protection laws provide an ‘adequate’ level of protection of personal data. However, where data subjects in the UK / EU have their personal data transferred outside of the UK or EU, additional measures are required to be taken to keep that personal data secure, depending on where the personal data is being transferred to. For example, if personal data about an individual is being transferred to the USA because a UK company has its IT systems hosted in the USA, then this would be classified as an international transfer of personal data. This would require certain measures to be put in place with the hosting provider to keep that personal data secure. Previously, the Privacy Shield had been used by US

businesses (through a certification process) to show that they had sufficient security measures in place to allow a personal data transfer to be made to them without any problem. However, a court case known as ‘Schrems II’ has meant that the Privacy Shield is no longer valid and therefore businesses need to take further measures to make sure that personal data is kept secure on transfers to countries outside the UK/EU. Businesses therefore need to review any measures they already had in place with suppliers and update these where necessary. If a business is transferring personal data to other countries outside the UK / EU, then it needs to check whether there is an ‘adequacy decision’ for that country. If there is none in place, they need to make sure that additional measures are in place to keep personal data secure, eg, using the UK International Data Transfer Agreement or EU Standard Contractual Clauses, as applicable.

LEGAL

OTHER TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

When websites or applications use cookies or other tracking devices to analyse and track how someone uses their website/application, this collects information about that user to report back to the entity placing that cookie on the user’s device. Cookies are regulated by the Privacy Electronic Communications Regulations (currently under review), which applies whether the data collected from the use of the cookie are personal data or not. If personal data is collected through the cookie, then UK GDPRs will also need to be complied with in relation to the collection and use of any personal data collected from that cookie. If you are using cookies, the Information Commissioner’s Office recommends having a separate cookies policy on your website, for transparency with users, explaining what cookies are used and how these can be turned off or otherwise disabled. The policy should also include details of any third-party cookies

If personal data ❛❛ is collected through the cookie, then UK GDPRs will also need to be complied with ❜❜ that may be relevant, depending on how your website/application is structured. Third party cookie providers (such as Google) are reviewing businesses cookies policies who use their cookies at the moment, and are sending notifications to those businesses where they do not think their cookies policies are clear enough about how they are used. Therefore it is a good time to review your use of cookies and your policies, to make sure these are up to date.

WHAT SHOULD YOU BE DOING NOW?

n R eview your current policies and procedures, including your external Privacy Policy and Cookies Policy, to make sure they are up to date following Brexit, and that they reflect your up-to-date data flows and tracking devices used. n Check with your web developers / IT team on the use of cookies and update your policies, particularly if using Google Analytics or other third party cookies, to make sure all references are up-to-date. n Update data flow maps (or create a new one). n M ake sure that you have suitable measures in place to deal with any international data transfers, including any required international data transfer agreements. Debbie Venn, Partner, DMH Stallard LLP E: enquiries@dmhstallard.com www.dmhstallard.com

BUSINESS

Surrey Research Park, together with the University of Surrey, recently launched a competition designed to help businesses innovate and grow. The Collaborate22 competition was open to all tenants and companies within SETsquared and Rocketdesk

Left to right: Michael Chambers, Solacote; Dr Amir Taba, Direk; Professor Nick Bacon, Fitzpatrick Referrals

COLLABORATE22 COMPETITION The competition, funded by the Higher Education Innovation Fund, was aimed at encouraging UK-based companies, in particular Surrey Research Park tenants, to gain first-hand experience of working with the University; enable companies to harness the University’s world-leading expertise and facilities; support the development of new relationships and accelerate existing relationships with the University; and explore real challenges or genuine barriers faced by the business. This is something which can only be addressed with the help of academic expertise. The projects were chosen where there was an ability to use the results of the Collaborate22 project to pump-prime larger projects in the future.

Collaborate22 was used to fund the cost of such projects and were expected to involve mainly exploratory consultancy and technical services from the University. The funding covered the cost of the services delivered by the University of Surrey and may have also included direct costs incurred by the company as part of the delivery of the project. The University was ideally looking to award four to five projects, valued at £20-25,000 each. Collaborate22 could only be used to benefit the applicant Business Partner and the University; a project could not involve any third parties.

Projects could, for example, focus on ‘Build Back Better’ or future-proofing your organisation post-Covid, or perhaps explore specific challenges, testing new products or introducing new processes within the business. They may also involve a feasibility study or proof-ofconcept — designed to help businesses innovate and grow.

aims to address global warming and climate change, by harnessing renewable energy from the sun ❜❜

❛❛ Project Sunergy’

Tim Riches, Chief Commercial Officer at Surrey Research Park said: “We are delighted to award funding to Surrey Research Park companies Direk, Fitzpatrick Referrals, and Solacote, for three innovative projects. The funding will enable the companies to access academic expertise and facilities in Chemical and Process Engineering, Veterinary Medicine, Biosciences and Medicine, Health Sciences, and Mechanical Engineering Sciences. In addition, the companies will benefit from the talent of our postgraduate and doctoral students. Tim Riches comments: “These projects are an example of one of the many ways in which the University of Surrey collaborates with companies on Surrey Research Park and beyond to explore real challenges and genuine barriers faced by business, exchange knowledge and create impact. We look forward to seeing the outcomes of the projects and developing further collaborations”.

BUSINESS

SURREY RESEARCH PARK SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS: FITZPATRICK REFERRALS

Surrey’s School of Veterinary Medicine and School of Biosciences and Medicine Professor Nick Bacon co-founded the Fitzpatrick Referrals Oncology and Soft Tissue Hospital at Surrey Research Park as Clinical Director, and joined the faculty at Surrey’s School of Veterinary Medicine in 2014 as Chair of Surgical O ncology ( par t-time) from the University of Florida. Nick and his team applied for Collaborate22 funding, to use methods that have successfully indicated the presence of cancers in humans, and leverage these for research in our pets. Working in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Surrey’s School of Veterinary Medicine and School of Biosciences and Medicine, they will search for biomarkers of cancer in animal blood samples and develop tests for early detection of companion animal cancers. It is hoped the outcome of this project might lead to future commercialisation of the tests themselves, as well as longevity of health and wellbeing for pets and their owners. Nick comments; “In many ways humans and companion animals are highly related. This includes the diseases we suffer from, as well as possible treatments and cures. Similar to humans, companion animals can suffer from chronic and age-related diseases including cancers. If we can detect cancer early, we can significantly improve the animal’s health and wellness.” www.fitzpatrickreferrals.co.uk

DIREK

SOLACOTE

Surrey University Department for Chemical and Process Engineering

Surrey University’s School of Mechanical Engineering Sciences

DIREK, a company that has spun out of the University of Surrey’s ecosystem, is led by Dr Amir Taba, Chief Technology Officer.

Michael Chambers, CEO of Solacote applied to Collaborate22 to help further the company’s research into novel nanomolecular PV solar paint.

It has researched, tested and created one of the most advanced technologies to help reduce business challenges around energy saving, space utilisation, health and safety, and indoor navigation. It has won several Innovate UK awards and has recently commercialised its occupancy monitoring system.

‘Project Sunergy’ aims to address global warming and climate change, by harnessing renewable energy from the sun, collecting this through a novel type of paint which generates electricity using graphene, and distributes this to next generation energy storage units.

Collaborate22 funding will help the team explore the further use of DIREK’s occupancy monitoring technology and building management systems, with the technology being deployed across Surrey Research Park and the 6G Innovation Centre at the University of Surrey, with the aim of evidencing reduced energy consumption in an indoor space. Working with the department for Chemical and Process Engineering, the project will be used as a showcase to prove the benefits of this technology in improving indoor sustainability and energy management, giving large companies the incentive to invest, and giving DIREK the chance to leverage further R&D funding. www.direk.io

The solar paint can be applied to the roof and walls of a building making it an attractive addition to a property and presenting a large efficient energy collecting surface. It has a significant number of advantages over solar panels including cost, lighter weight and a more effective energy conversion ratio. Working with academics in the University’s School of Mechanical Engineering Sciences and Centre for Engineering Materials, the project will demonstrate feasibility of this type of energy generation, through formulation of the solar paint, subsequent analysis, and development of a future roadmap to commercialisation. www.solacote.com

www.surrey-research-park.com

BIG STORY

Immediately post-pandemic, it Is low-cost carriers (LCCs) who have been slowly but surely emerging from their enforced hibernation to start taking people to their far-away destinations. Platinum looks back on a businessman, born 100 years ago this month, who ventured into the commercial aviation business with a view to making it available to all – Sir Freddie Laker. By Alan Wares

THE TAKE-OFF AND LANDING OF SIR FREDDIE LAKER Freddie was an entrepreneur, and businessman and a dreamer. His whole working life had been in the field of aviation. Born Frederick Alfred Laker in Canterbury, Kent on August 6th 1922, he was a member of the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) from 1941 to 1946. The ATA were effectively the hive workers who ferried aircraft parts from factory to assembly plant to delivery points to maintenance units to scrapyards to active service squadrons and airfields.

COMMERCIAL FLIGHTS

Immediately post-war, he borrowed enough money to start a company – Aviation Traders - based on the workings of the ATA. The Berlin airlift of 1948-49 meant his company flourished in all the extra airborne activity. In some instances, Laker flew the aircraft himself. Following his launch, operation and ultimate sale of ‘Channel Air Bridge’ from 1954 to 1960, Laker found himself as chair of British United Airlines. He remained in this position until 1965, when he quit to form the company – and become the disruptor he would be remembered as – that would ultimately make his name. In 1966, he formed Laker Airways, his third business venture. Initially, the company was a charter airline and tour operator. British airline regulations at

www.platinummediagroup.co.uk

the time required that charter-based low-price air travel be sold to the public only as a component of an air-hotel package. Almost all of the tips and tricks employed by low-cost airlines nowadays to save money for the company were almost certainly brought in by Laker. He introduced a lower weight limit for baggage, (40lb from 44lb); each aircraft flew carrying fewer passengers than it could hold. Additionally, he also encouraged flight crews to climb faster to their cruising heights using the same power by tuning into other aircraft to see what rate of climb they were using. All of these tweaks to each flight helped the company to reduce fuel consumption during one of the most fuel-intensive flight phases as well as reduce the engines’ wear and tear. Standard stuff now; innovative back then.

❛❛ Almost all of the

tips and tricks employed by low-cost airlines nowadays to save money for the company were almost certainly brought in by Laker ❜❜

In 1971, Laker started – or attempted to start – his now-famous ‘Skytrain’ service. This was the start of a decadelong business war between the airline, rival airlines and the aviation authorities in the UK and US to gain approval for a ‘low-cost, no frills’ transatlantic service between London and New York. Each single flight was intended to cost £32.50 one-way in winter and £37.50 in summer. That was ridiculously low, even for 1971 prices. In 1973, de-regulations on US aviation meant the Skytrain was able to operate across the Atlantic, albeit via ‘Advanced Booking Charters’ (ABC) only. This meant you couldn’t just wander up and pay for a seat there and then. However, the flight experience Laker was able to offer – as well as the price – meant that his airline became the market leader in trans-Atlantic ABC flights. By 1976, Laker finally had Skytrain, his daily, low-cost transatlantic shuttle, operating between London and New York. So successful was his operation, he was knighted in recognition of his services to the airline industry.

BIG STORY

www.platinummediagroup.co.uk

BIG STORY

Airbus A300 with the famous ‘Skytrain’ livery

SMALL FRY

However, at every turn during the 1970s, Laker was thwarted by the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and their counterparts across the world, who sought to favour their own flag-carrier, amid fears of Laker’s pricing structure under-cutting all other airlines. For example, he made several representations to the Australian authorities, who persistently shut him out, mostly thanks to the lobbying of Qantas. Similarly, the CAA squeezed Laker out when it tried to get licences for routes between London and Hong Kong. It eventually took, at one stage, UK government intervention for Laker to be able to operate this route, overturning the CAA’s blackballing of his airline.

TROUBLE AND BANKRUPTCY

Many things went against Freddie Laker’s enterprise, including his own high risk business model, but the straw which finally broke the camel’s back was the recession of 1981 being felt in both the UK and the US. His business model – low-cost – meant that he was always going to be up against it. He was the sole financier of his company, and he had nowhere to turn to when problems arose. As the company’s financial problems grew, with dwindling passenger numbers, Laker declared himself bankrupt on February 6th 1982, with debts of £270m; the biggest corporate business failure at that time.

So successful was ❛❛ his operation, he was

knighted in recognition of his services to the airline industry ❜❜ Sir Freddie sued a number of IATA member airlines, including more than one national carrier, for conspiracy to put his airline out of business by predatory pricing. They ultimately settled out of court for US$50m (around £35.7m at the time). British Airways reached a separate out-of-court agreement with Sir Freddie personally for £8 million. In July 1985, BA agreed to contribute an additional $35 million (about £20.7 m) on top of its earlier out- of- cour t agreement with Sir Freddie. Sir Freddie with airline protege Sir Richard Branson

The final settlement by all parties enabled Sir Freddie to pay off his outstanding debts, and paved the way for BA to be able to proceed with its own privatisation. Sir Freddie endeavoured to get back into the trans-atlantic market with a couple more attempts through the 1980s and 1990s, but by 2005, all Laker operations had ceased, and the Laker company itself . He died in Florida in on February 9th 2006, at the age of 83.

LAKER’S LEGACY

According to Sir Richard Branson, Sir Freddie Laker was both an inspiration and a cautionary tale when Virgin Atlantic set about deciding its longterm strategy. Laker is remembered by Branson for his advice to him, and to Stelios Haji-Ionnou of easyJet. “Sue the bastards”, he said without fanfare; his response to the bullying tactics of companies like British Airways who were trying to ruin him. Virgin Atlantic named one of its aircraft. The Spirit of Sir Freddie. Malaysia’s own LCC, AirAsia X named its first Airbus 330 Semangat Sir Freddie in homage to the pioneer of ‘no-frills’ air travel. His portrait also graced the tail fin of one of Norwegian Airlines’ Boeing 737s when it was delivered in 2017. Laker is one of the company’s five ‘British tail fin heroes.’ Aviation magazine ‘Inside Flyer’ created the Freddie Awards to honour Freddie Laker’s accomplishments in

BIG STORY marketing travel. The awards recognise excellence in frequent traveller awards programmes. The ‘Freddies’ individual categories are Best Award, Best Bonus, Best Affinity Credit Card, Best Newsletter/ Member Communications, Best Website, Best Customer Service, Best Award Redemption, Best Elite Level and Programme of the Year. When the new London Southend Airport passenger terminal was opened in 2012, it came replete with Laker’s Bar, featuring a montage of Laker and his airline across the walls.

THE FUTURE OF LOW-COST FLYING

Unlike Laker, the vast majority of low-cost airlines limited themselves to short and mid-range flights, and ignored the long-haul market. Almost all attempts to enter the long-haul market with a low-cost model ended within a couple of years in either withdrawal or bankruptcy. Until now, anyway, and even that is a bit of toe-dip. In the wake of the pandemic, others are looking to have another go, with more optimism that it may well pay off this time.

charges, together with the back costs of the pandemic itself in the form of airport and air traffic control fees will all lead to airlines needing to raise their ticket prices; there is simply no way they can absorb all of those costs. In terms of the environmental consideration, airlines are being asked to clean up their act – literally. The next challenge, for the entire aviation sector, will be to make the aircraft far less polluting than they are now. There is also the circular argument of new destinations meaning more runways and hubs, which in turn means more pollution, and this sets another challenge to the industry. However, if the history of the aviation sector has taught us one thing, there is always creativity seeking to rectify future issues – provided everyone gets onboard. Watch this space. One can envisage now the ghost of Sir Freddie licking his lips at such challenges. Low cost carriers nowadays continue to learn the lessons of Laker’s audacious enterprises – the successes and the

Sir Freddie inspects the livery on one of his DC10s failures – and have tweaked their own business models to suit passenger demand, rather than Laker’s attempts to create it. But little of this spark and creativity within the industry would be present today without the inventive imagination, chutzpah and guile of Sir Freddie Laker, getting there first to set down the markers for others to follow.

The pandemic, the ultimate business disruptor, led to most aircraft not taking off, resulting in airlines cancelling orders from lessors. With surplus aircraft to lease, lessors started offering their planes on a pay-per-fly basis; or ‘power by the hour’ contracts. Basically, carriers only paying for an aircraft while they’re flying it. Airlines want their aircraft flying; making money. But with such business models, not flying a plane is less of an issue for carriers. In addition to the models becoming available to low-cost airlines, such airlines have also been able to lock in more favourable lease costs. This positivity does come with future caveats. Some markets are getting closer to a recovery at least in terms of capacity and demand, but price, on the other hand, is still a major consideration. There is a genuine risk of the concept of ‘low-cost’ needing to be re-evaluated as commercial pressures bear down on the industry. Rising fuel costs, inflationar y pressures, environmental

BUSINESS

CHILD OF THE 60S THUNDERBIRDS ARE GO! Nostalgia ain’t what it used to be. We can all say that about the time we were kids and, fortunate or not, I was brought up in the ‘Swinging Sixties’ – when the leash was off; sex, drugs, rock and roll had replaced austerity and rationing, The Beatles changed music and our outlook on life, as did a number of equally memorable world events. By Peter Collier, Business Development Director at Mattioli Woods The Cuban Missile crisis followed by Kennedy’s assassination (and yes I can still remember that day in November 1963); the late, great Bobby Moore lifting the World Cup in 1966, shortly to be followed by those immortal words as the decade closed, “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind”. It is a quirk of maths that children of the 60s are now in their 60s. Sir Alf Ramsey’s eulogised team has just three of the eleven still alive (at the time of writing). Some were taken from us all too early and many have succumbed to that terrible disease of dementia. The lesson here is that it is never too early to

start planning for the future, and nor is it ever too late. This grey-haired time of life is when a lot of financial commitments might come to an end, such as mortgage and life assurance and the unforgettable costs of bringing up children. Grandchildren could be making an appearance instead – but they go home at night. The state is at last repaying dues through the state pension even though the concept

Plan your income and ❛❛ expenditure needs now and into the future ❜❜

of retirement is not as binary as it used to be. The state pension is moving to a universal payment age of 67. More of us will continue working past this milestone, whether through need or desire. How to fund your lifestyle once you have stopped work is the challenge facing most people in their 60s. Managing income needs in a low interest rate environment requires careful planning, and for those with private money purchase pensions there will be very important decisions to make. If property downsizing is desirable or necessary, capital that is released may need careful investing to meet future needs or objectives. Issues about passing on your assets to the generations below are more in focus, as are thinking about the time when you may not be able to make decisions for yourself and/or you will need looking after. Why not bring some order to what might have been opportunistic and even unplanned savings, investments and protections plans in the past?

BUSINESS

At this age you may be moving to a period of spending rather than accumulating but it is still not too late to keep saving and make allowable pension contributions. A well-planned roadmap is at least a good start to ensure you are well placed to enjoy the years ahead. Here are, in true 60s ‘Thunderbirds are go’ style, five top tips to consider:

Make sure your Will reflects your current circumstances and wishes; align your pension scheme nominations and those of any life policies at the same time so all your bequests are joined-up. Your financial adviser should help you consider these as part of an annual review. Everyone in their 60s should have financial and welfare Lasting Powers of Attorney (or your equivalent if you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland) too. A solicitor should be your first port of call.

Plan your income and expenditure needs now and into the future. You will need help in making sure your income is as tax-efficient as possible. This might lead you to take worthwhile advice about how to get the best from your private pension plans and ensure any state benefits you may be entitled to are claimed. There might be old investments and pensions from previous employments that you have forgotten about. Some older pensions may not offer the more recent flexible benefit options and could even have higher charging structures, so it is wor thwhile spending some time making sure you have everything to hand.

Neil Armstrong on the moon

Bobby Moore with the World Cup

If you have not already done so, start to think about organising your affairs so that, on your death, any Inheritance Tax is minimised. Not everyone has this objective, but most do. Those left behind can sometimes be heard saying, “why didn’t they take advice?” At this stage in life, you will start to get a clear idea of what, if any, liability there might be. If you are planning on gif ting, then keeping a permanent and full record of gifts is one very important aspect but there are many other areas to consider such as trusts for any grandchildren.

Use any excess capital you have or may have to reduce your debts to a minimum – or better still to nothing. It is the time of life when there may also be the possibility of receiving an inheritance. As you move towards retirement, you will have more time on your hands. You will have different expenditure patterns, as well as the prospect of having to fund fees for care later in life. But above all, you will want to have fun and be in control at this stage of your life.

There is plenty to think about as you move through your 60s. Family, health, the future and finances will be high up on the list. It does not matter whether you are wealthy, comfortably off or just getting by, everyone will have different circumstances and it makes good sense to work out a realistic financial plan for your own family’s situation. This is a task easily put off for any number of reasons. There are experts available who can help you whether or not you find the subject overwhelming, at the bottom of your list, or just boring! At Mattioli Woods we say that the sooner you can be prepared, the better prepared you will be. Investing time now and ensuring that you have the chance of a standard of living that is of your choosing will give your money a chance of outlasting you. It is not pleasant the other way round! There are further age-related articles on our website for those readers in their 50s, 40s, 30s and 20s mattioliwoods.com/insights-list

Make your affairs as easy to manage as possible so you can enjoy the spare time age brings. Take advice on consolidating investments such as private pensions and Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs). If this is the right course of action for you, there will be less paperwork, fewer decisions, and more time for the activities you love. Look at the benefits of having an independent expert actively manage your investments and likely income needs. They should ensure you only invest in what you feel comfortable with, that you understand what you are investing in and the risks involved.

Peter Collier Business Development Director at Mattioli Woods E: Peter.collier@mattioliwoods.com T: 020 8936 3970 Mattioli Woods plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

LEGAL

Are dumbphones the smart choice? With no access to the internet, dumbphones are devices used simply to make and receive phone calls and to send SMS messages. You can’t access any social media platforms on them, and many are without cameras. So why are people opting for them? What could your business learn from this trend? By Pam Loch, Employment Law Solicitor and Managing Director of Loch Associates Group

There is no doubt that being connected to the online world is a fundamental requirement for contemporary businesses, creating opportunities to build brands, generate business, recruit new employees and more. Having a device which is used for work purposes has become a staple accessor y for employees in many different industries, from office-based professional services to those working in retail or construction for example. Social media is vital for businesses. Never before have companies been so in touch with their customers; directly interacting with them 24 hours a day. The Covid-19 pandemic resulted in physically distancing people, but social media made it easy to stay connected to colleagues and customers. Regardless of social media’s benefits, there is overwhelming evidence that it can harm individuals’ mental wellbeing

if not used correctly. When using social media for personal and professional reasons, boundaries between these two areas can become blurred, creating more stress and pressure. The 24/7, fast-paced nature of the platforms make it hard for users to switch off and have time away from their screens. On average, each user is active on 6.6 different platforms and spends approximately two hours, 27 minutes on social media daily. This rises to three hours, 17 minutes when looking at teenagers. 13 to 18 year-olds will soon be entering the labour market, and within 20 years will make up the largest percentage of workers.

The fact that this generation was raised alongside social media proves it is now integrated into our culture for the long haul, including our professional lives. Of course, not every person is a regular social media user, consequently adding a level of anxiety and concern about being out of the loop for those individuals who choose not to be digitally active outside of work. Is the tide turning? There is a current trend in people who are choosing to remove themselves from social networking platforms and all internet access on their phones, opting for dumbphones to help them achieve that. A recent report has revealed the number of Google searches for these dumbphones has risen by 89% between 2018 and 2021. So what can we learn from this? Clearly, there is a desire and a need to adopt healthy relationships with your smartphones and social media, and for employers to consider how they can encourage that. Here are some tips to help us achieve that too -

❛❛ There is overwhelming evidence that it can harm individuals’ mental wellbeing if not used correctly ❜❜

LEGAL

PROTECT EMPLOYEES FROM SOCIAL MEDIA BURNOUT

2 MAINTAINING A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE

2 3

se features on your existing U device to help you concentrate Take advantage of the ‘Focus’ mode, available on iPhone and Android, which will allow you to temporarily silence your phone and only allow specific notifications. Turn off notifications The constant interruption of notifications will ruin concentration. Limit or, even better, disable notifications. Take a digital detox If you find that your handheld device is taking over your life and you don’t want to go to the extreme of switching to a ‘dumbphone’ then schedule a digital detox. Turn the Wi-Fi off, put the phone in a drawer and take a break from your smartphone. Just remember to let your nearest and dearest know how to get in touch should there be any emergencies!

Have a clear social media policy The purpose of a social media policy is to set out the expectations surrounding social media use at work. The policy should include examples of what is not acceptable conduct in respect of social media use, brand guidelines (setting out what can and can’t be discussed online) and what the consequences are for not following the policy, i.e., disciplinary action. Social media training Not every employee will be active on social media in their personal lives. Therefore, it’s important to train staff on each app you may use for work to help them feel more confident and reduce the risk of mistakes being made and lower stress levels. The training should cover how to use the app, how to interact with followers and how to adopt the company’s tone of voice.

❛❛ The number of

Google searches for these dumbphones has risen by 89% between 2018 and 2021 ❜❜ Here at Loch Associates our team of experienced Solicitors, HR Consultants and Wellbeing specialists work with employers and employees to avoid these issues arising or to help minimise the impact if things go wrong. We help our clients by advising on issues that arise, with implementing policies and contracts, as well as providing mental h e al th tr ai ni n g a n d we ll b e i n g programmes for their teams. There is nothing more important than your employees’ mental health and wellbeing and when our clients need us, our experts are there for them.

Provide company tools To prevent the blurring of lines between personal and professional lives, it may be worth considering providing employees with separate company social profiles and company phones to access these. This allows employees to put their phones away outside of working hours to prevent social media burnout. Additionally, it protects businesses from accidental posts from their work accounts when the content was intended for a team member’s personal account.

Pam Loch, Employment Law Solicitor and Managing Director of Loch Associates Group www.lochassociates.co.uk

WEALTH MANAGEMENT EXECUTED BEAUTIFULLY

www.pmw.co.uk

We pride ourselves on our ability to provide independent, sophisticated and bespoke financial advice. Aissela, 46 High Street, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9QY 01372 471550

LEGAL

DON’T INVITE THE CYBER CRIMINALS IN The busier businesses become, and the more customers and suppliers involved, so the need for robust cyber security becomes ever more important With many business sectors showing positive recovery and growth post pandemic, it is very tempting to concentrate on what you and your business does best.

WHAT IS CYBER SECURITY AND WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT?

Cyber security is how businesses and individuals manage the risk and protect their systems, networks, devices, programs, and data from cyber attacks.

There are many types of cyber attack, some of which make national headlines such as phishing, malware, social engineering, man-in-the-middle attacks and many more, which are constantly evolving, so ensuring you have the right security in place is vital. But how do you know if you are doing enough to protect yourself, your staff, your customers and meeting your obligations? A cyber and data security assessment is a vital first step.

LEGAL

WHAT IS A CYBER AND DATA SECURITY ASSESSMENT?

A cyber and data security audit or assessment is a thorough analysis, from top to bottom, of all of your information assets and business’ cyber controls. It’s an essential first stage to identifying any vulnerabilities and risks that could make the businesses open to an attack. Once an assessment has been completed, the outcome will be a full picture of what is working well, what requires improvement and, importantly, will provide a roadmap of what needs to be done to make you hard to hack, resilient and protect you from potential financial, reputational and legal damage. But a cyber and data security assessment is not just about identifying your ‘weak spots’. An assessment can identify products and processes that will improve your organisation’s overall resilience to cyber and data breaches. Are you aware of your regulatory and legal cyber and data obligations?

An assessment can identify products ❛❛ and processes that will improve your organisation’s overall resilience to cyber and data breaches

❜❜

An assessment can test your levels of compliancy and bench mark your businesses security policies and processes against industry standards. GDPR regulations continue to catch many businesses out, often unknowingly; are you in breach? It can demonstrate your commitment to developing your data and cyber security credentials, and often can act as a mitigating factor against enforcement if things do go wrong. Your business has a supply chain; how compliant are your suppliers? An

assessment can help find out. After all, a supplier with lax security can be a significant risk to you. And, if you spend the necessary time in making your business hard to hack, it will be a more attractive proposition to suppliers and customers. Cyber criminals are developing new tactics and new ways to harm businesses all of the time; after all, that is their ‘business’. A cyber and data security assessment is a fundamental first step to ensuring you are aware, you can prevent damage, you can protect your business and fight back. For more information contact Mayo Wynne Baxter’s Commercial Team or Mike Wills at CSS Assure, part of the Ampa Group. E: mike.wills@cssassure.com www.mayowynnebaxter.co.uk

ARTS & CULTURE

A new major art exhibition opening in October at British Airways i360 Viewing Tower has today announced three prizes for artists

Major art exhibition announces prizes for Sussex artists Sussex-based artists are invited to enter their artwork to a panel of independent judges lead by Gyr King, CEO of King & McGaw who are global leaders in fine art print and framing. The judges will not only select which artworks make it into the exhibition, but they will also have the difficult task of deciding who wins two of the three prizes on offer. The first is the Creative Pod Prize which is worth £1,000 and is sponsored by the multi-award-winning

WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA FOR ENTERING?

We are looking for artworks created in a variety of media, including but not limited to, painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, jewellery, photography, and illustration to stun and captivate the visitors. There is no size limit, and the work can be either framed or unframed but must be ready to be hung/ be presented to a gallery standard. There is also space for large weatherproof sculptures and installations. All work must be for available for hanging/installation by October 5th, and for sale until October 22nd 2022. No substitutions of work will be

marketing agency Creative Pod based in Crawley. “I’m delighted that creative Pod is sponsoring The Sussex Contemporary Prize. I love art and supporting artists is a real passion of mine. I hope many people come and see these wonderful Sussexbased artists’ work” said Matt Turner, CEO of The Creative Group. The Sussex Contemporary Open Call, or ‘The Sussex’ for short, will show up to

allowed. No sold works are allowed. The art must remain in the venue for the duration of the exhibition and not be available for sale elsewhere. Please note you can enter up to a maximum of three artworks, with one image per submission. Each submission costs £10. The selection panel may choose more than one from each artist as they will be selecting on the artwork alone and not the artist.

ENTRY FEE

£10 per submission Maximum of three submissions per artist. Entry fee is non-refundable.

200 artworks and will be the first major art exhibition to celebrate the rich contemporary creativity in the county. Nearly 700 artists have already registered their interest despite the deadline for submissions being August 31st. The organisers have also announced The Seawhite Prize worth £500 for the winning artist, and sponsored by national art supplies business, Seawhite of Brighton.

ARTS & CULTURE WHO CAN ENTER?

Have you created work inspired by Sussex food, drinks, producers, markets, or farmlands? Would you like to be selected by an esteemed panel of international art experts to show at the British Airways i360 and online exhibition? The Sussex Contemporary OPEN CALL 2022 is open to artists that were either: n born in Sussex, or n live/work in Sussex, n or that were educated in Sussex. The Sussex Contemporary is open to amateur and professional artists.

KEY DATES

Deadline for entries: Wednesday August 31st 2022 Artists notified of the selection panel hang: Sunday September 11th 2022 Artists deliver work to the venue: October 5th 2022 10am-4pm Artists collect their work from the venue: October 23rd 2022 12pm-4pm. •

EXHIBITION DATES

October 7th 2022 Private View October 8th-22nd 2022 Exhibition open to the public.

❛❛ The exhibition is

expected to draw visitors from London and across the South East ❜❜ There will also be a People’s Choice Prize which has been sponsored by creative agency, Whitespace. As the name suggests, this prize will be chosen by visitors to the exhibition who will have the opportunity to vote on their favourite piece of art. The winning artist will receive a prize worth £250. Joanna Myles, artist and co-founder of The Sussex, who appeared on Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year 2021, says, “There is still plenty of time for artists to enter our open call but to be eligible, artists must either have been born in Sussex, educated here or currently live in the county.”

Ian Hart, British Airways i360’s Chief Operating Officer says: “The Sussex exhibition will provide an opportunity for artists from both established and emerging backgrounds to showcase their work. It is such a wonderful opportunity for the artists within Sussex and we are excited to host such a worthwhile event.” Artists wishing to submit their work for consideration must have been born in Sussex, studied in Sussex, or currently working in Sussex. Submissions should be made online at www.thesussex.co. uk where all the details can be found about the open call and exhibition. The exhibition is expected to draw visitors from London and across the South East. The open call for artists closes on August 31st, 2022.

The exhibition of the selected work will run from October 8th-22nd 2022, and will be free to the public to visit. All the work will be available for sale. A percentage of each sale will be donated to Table Talk Foundation, a charity that supports food education and the hospitality sector in Sussex. Over the two weeks there will also be several additional fundraising events that combine art and culinary arts.

www.thesussexcontemporary.co.uk Facebook: @Sussexcontemporary Instagram: @sussexcontemporary Hashtag: #sussexcontemporary

Sponsored by

This award aims to recognise the CFO who has had the most positive impact on people, profit and environment. The individual has inspired and influenced the people around them to achieve growth and build a sustainable business of the future.

BUSINESS

Locate East Sussex discusses the support available for East Sussex businesses to help them expand and grow

FUNDING YOUR BUSINESS FUTURE Where do you see yourself in five years?’ It’s a common question at interviews, with responding answers of career progression or specific personal achievements. But when it comes to your business, do you have a plan? Is it an increase in turnover, a new product, bigger premises, better productivity? These plans often come at a big cost, which can often limit what smaller businesses can achieve, at least in the timescales they were hoping for. But there is financial help available to support growth - if you know where to look. The East Sussex Invest Fund (ESI) was established in 2013 by East Sussex County Council, supported by the Regional Growth Fund (RGF), and is

delivered by the County Council in partnership with Locate East Sussex. The fund offers grants and loans for capital investment to stimulate business growth and job creation in the county.

help with capital expenditure. The expenditure must be to help businesses grow by investment in premise upgrades or equipment purchases which result in the creation of jobs for the county.

The fund offers loans from £10,000 to £200,000, and grants from £10,000 to £25,000, with a requirement of matchfunding of 50% for loans and 60% for grants. This funding is available for a wide range of industries, specifically to

Now in its ninth year, the ESI fund has supported 247 businesses to access over £4.5 million in loans and £4.4 million in grants, and a cash injection of over £9 million, resulting in the creation of 1,065 jobs. Applications are assessed by an independent Grants & Loans panel who make a recommendation of funding to the Director or Communities, Environment and Transport. The recommendation is made on the basis of viability and job creation prospects. All applicants are supported through the process by the team at Locate East Sussex.

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The ESI funding that we received helped us enormously. We wouldn’t have been able to work to the timescales we were aiming for without it Gary Stevens, Managing Director, Focus SB

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BUSINESS

CASE STUDIES

The fund has had a huge impact on the business community, and Locate East Sussex has been delighted to be able to facilitate the growth of businesses such as; Focus SB, Hastings Focus SB was awarded a £42,000 loan, and a £15,000 grant to purchase tooling to design a new range specifically for China. This resulted in the company becoming the first European manufacturer in its industry to gain CQC factory accreditation to supply and sell wiring accessories directly from Europe to China - as well as creating new jobs. To The Rise Bakery, Eastbourne As a start-up growing quickly, To The Rise needed equipment and some alterations to their new premises in order to make it work for the company. Locate East Sussex helped it successfully apply for a £10,000 grant to upgrade its oven from one that could bake nine loaves at a time, to a professional-grade machine that could bake 60, improving their productivity by over 500%!

❛❛ The fund offers grants and loans for capital investment to stimulate business growth and job creation in the county ❜❜

Ordinary Climbers, Polegate Ordinary Climbers was awarded a £57,500 loan through the fund, to finance the acquisition of high quality climbing wall components for its new indoor leisure climbing wall business. Beak Brewery, Lewes Funding through the ESI programme helped Beak Brewery to hire three employees from the start, future-proof the business with a 22-hectolitre brew kit and fit out the premises to precise specifications, including a new mezzanine level, cold storage, a grain auger, and a spacious taproom.

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Adam from Locate East Sussex was really supportive in helping us with the process of funding, and I’m really pleased that the support we have received has meant we can keep production in East Sussex Jens Knoop, Owner, Knoops

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Knoops, Rye With Locate East Sussex’s support, owner Jens was able to secure a £25,000 ESI loan, of which £10,000 will convert to a grant when the jobs promised are created. This funding will support the expansion of the Hastings-based factory, purchasing machinery for creating and packaging the tubes of chocolate flakes for home consumption.

OTHER FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Stalled Sites Fund The Stalled Sites Fund is an East Sussex County Council one-off capital fund designed to help finance feasibility studies and business case development to support schemes that are not viable without public support. It is also there to unlock stalled employment and housing sites that have site-specific reasons for remaining undeveloped with loan or equity share finance. Funding of up to £25,000 for feasibility studies and business cases is available requiring a minimum of 50% match-funding.

The eighth iteration of the fund ‘East Sussex Invest 8’ will be announced soon with new criteria to support green growth. Locate East Sussex and East Sussex County Council are here to help you realise your business potential and achieve your growth goals. It all starts with a conversation, so drop us an email on enquiries@locateeastsussex.org.uk or give us a call 0300 343 5749 and see how we can help you.

Worthing Leisure Worthing Centre Leisure Centre Thurs 22nd SeptThurs • 10am 22nd - 4pm Sept • 10am - 4pm

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Build your Build your Connections Connections Speed Spee d Networking Networking

EVENT Join hundreds of like-minded local business owners at this year’s Worthing and Adur Better Business Show to meet, talk, laugh and prosper!

THE BETTER BUSINESS SHOW IS BACK! Bigger Better Stronger Together Here’s what you can look forward to on the day: BE REPRESENTED With over 100 exhibitors and 500 attendees, this is your opportunity to be visible at the biggest annual showcase of brilliant local businesses. There will be a huge selection of small, medium and large companies, from a wide range of industries. Take this amazing chance to represent yourself and your business, and grow your connections across the local business community! BE DEVELOPED Don’t miss the incredible and inspirational keynote speakers. BE CONNECTED Get a head-start on the day by joining exhibitors and other attendees to meet, network and mingle over a pre-show breakfast. BE SUPPORTED There are plenty of opportunities to access free business support from business experts in various fields and industries. Plus, why not take advantage of our new networking area whilst having some great conversations. BE INFORMED A great occasion to discover more about what’s on your doorstep, find out about hundreds of local businesses, and open up even more opportunities to shop local. Plus, your chance to meet the buyers from larger local companies, and Adur & Worthing Councils. BE PROMOTED Boost your profile and get to know your local business community. Don’t miss our speed-networking session in the middle of the day.

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BOOKINGS NOW OPEN FOR WORTHING AND ADUR’S BIGGEST BUSINESS SHOW

WHEN: Thursday, September 22nd 2022 10am – 4pm WHERE: Worthing Leisure Centre, Shaftesbury Avenue, Goring-by-Sea, Worthing BN12 4ET FREE TO ATTEND!

We still have a few stands available to exhibit at the show, click here to find out more. thingandadurchamber.co.uk/ event-4875540

It’s finally time to bring that idea to life. Join NatWest’s free online Business Builder course today to start turning your idea into a business tomorrow. Search NatWest Business Builder to sign up

FINANCE

By Dan Morgan, Managing Partner, Haines Watts Esher

WHAT IS A BUSINESS GROWTH STRATEGY AND WHY DO I NEED ONE? Many of these KPIs will be financial (cashflow, revenue and your profit margins) but you are also likely to need some non-financial KPIs as well in order to gain a holistic view of your business’s performance. These could include:

Once your business has reached a certain level of stability, you may begin to look towards future growth. If you want your business to expand and evolve over the long term, then defining your core growth strategy is key. But where do you begin?

n Customer relationships – are your customers happy and do you have repeat business? Do you understand your customer’s needs? This is all important in building sustainability into your business.

SETTING YOUR OBJECTIVES

Your strategy hinges on your objective(s) for the business, be that rapid growth and exit, a business that lasts across generations, or even to create opportunities and jobs in your local community. Taking time to define your objective and analyse where your business may face challenges in reaching that objective is a key place to start. Formalising this objective is also a great way to get your team on board and motivated to reach this shared aim. This key objective also allows you to explore what kind of growth you hope to achieve. This could range from driving profits to increasing employees to widen your reach.

DEFINING YOUR PLAN

Once your key objective is set, you can begin to build your strategy. This is where you’ll analyse the market and define the ‘how’. Take a look at what your key competitors are doing and consider how you currently stack up. This is great starting point to highlight areas of improvement in your own business.

Working with a business advisor who has a line of sight over many businesses and sectors can also be useful. A good advisor will challenge your thinking and act as a sounding board to thrash ideas around. All of this initial thinking can then be refined into your action plan.

MEASURING PERFORMANCE

Managing your growth effectively means having clear key performance indicators (KPIs) to understand where your business is excelling but also where you may be falling short. Your KPIs will depend largely on your primary objective, so defining these KPIs early means you have a clear view of business performance allowing you stay on track for your long-term growth plan.

n Quality of your products or services – Your business may be growing rapidly but is the quality of your output handling the increase in demand? If not, then your growth is unlikely to last. n Staff retention – Your people are vital to your long-term success. If they aren’t happy then you will face issues with retention. This will impact not only the bottom line but a high turnover in your team is also likely to have a knock on effect to your other KPIs. A good growth strategy should be flexible and allow you the space to adapt your business as the landscape changes. If you want to talk through your strategy for growth, get in touch.

www.hwca.com/accountants-esher T: 020 8549 5137 E: esher@hwca.com

OPEN FOR ENTRIES ENTRY DEADLINE AUGUST 31ST 2022 VIEW CATEGORIES ONLINE WWW.PLATINUMMEDIAGROUP.CO.UK SUBMIT UP TO THREE ENTRIES AWARDS CEREMONY NOVEMBER 3RD 2022 G LIVE GUILDFORD

SURREY BUSINESS AWARDS PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

Businessperson of the Year

Company of the Year

Most Sustainable Business

Chamber Member of the Year

Recognising an individual who stands out from the crowd, has an entrepreneurial spirit, demonstrates outstanding achievement and inspires others around them.

This award recognises a business that has taken its environmental, social and financial performance to new heights in an effort to achieve a sustainable future. This long-standing award is for the businesses that are scaling up commitments and actions across all areas of corporate sustainability to advance the green economy.

This award recognises a Surrey Chamber of Commerce member who has been actively engaged with the local business community. The business should demonstrate a dedicated commitment to their team and delivering outstanding service and a strong plan for sustainable performance.

International Business of the Year

Large Business of the Year

Medium Business of the Year

Employer of the Year

This Award is open to any business based in, or conducting the majority of its overseas business from, an operational base in Surrey. The company should demonstrate healthy import/ export activity and good trading relationship with any country outside of the UK.

Small Business of the Year This Award aims to recognise a business that has demonstrated outstanding achievements in all aspects of their organisation. The business will illustrate strong growth, innovation and leadership as well as a clear vision. Open to all businesses with a turnover under £500,000.

Business Growth Award This award recognises a business which, through outstanding vision and leadership, has achieved significant and sustained growth. Entries are open to profitable businesses that can demonstrate an increase in employed staff over a two year period. The Judges will want to know how this was achieved, how it is being managed and the strategy which you will use to sustain your success.

Community Hero Award Recognises an individual or business whose contribution to society makes a substantial difference to the lives of others.

Recognising a business that has created a healthy and supportive work environment with a genuine commitment to the wellbeing of its employees.

Professional Services Award This Award aims to recognise excellence in regulated sector management under-pinned by a strong financial performance and adherence to a professional code of conduct. This category covers a wide range of professional services including legal, financial, recruitment and consultancies.

Best Customer Service

Start-up of the Year

Business Innovation of the Year

Young Professional of the Year

This Award aims to recognise a business that exceeds customer expectations in all areas of the business by providing the very highest level of customer service.

This Award aims to recognise a business that has made significant strides in their field, be it developing a new product or by introducing a new process or system to an existing business.

INNOVATION Sussex Innovation has been supporting some of the region’s most innovative companies for more than 25 years. Now the organisation has launched a new premium TV series, speaking to business owners and experts about how innovation happens and why it’s of critical importance to any small business. By Nigel Lambe, CEO, Sussex Innovation

MEET THE SUSSEX PIONEERS Sussex Pioneers is a series designed to demystify innovation for small businesses, offering a training toolkit that covers all the fundamentals, and is available to anyone, whenever they want to access it. These eight films are packed with inspiring stories of local innovators, insightful conversations with experts, and impactful ideas to bring into your business. The series is supported with a forum to connect and collaborate with other companies, bite-size innovation canvases to keep track of your plans and weekly live Q&A panels. One area that the series examines in depth is how to capture the value from innovation. Simply creating a new product, service or business model isn’t

enough – for most companies. It’s what you do next that will prove its success. Broadly speaking, there are two types of ‘complementary assets’ that businesses can use to protect their innovation and ensure that they benefit from its creation and development. These assets can be ‘static’; legal tools that prevent competitors from copying your innovation. Or they can be ‘dynamic’; unique factors in your business that can make it difficult for competitors to offer the same value. Patents, copyright and design rights prevent anyone else from capturing the value from your innovation unless they pay you for the privilege. However, they involve meeting a lot of requirements, such as demonstrating novelty and

One of the first things you have ❛❛ to do is set your business vision, which is a different thing from your goal. Your goal as a business is nearly always to create profit, but that’s ultimately going to be achieved by your vision for your product and your vision of your customer being aligned with each other Adam Faucheux, Product Lead, Definition Health

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clearly disclosing how the innovation works. Patents need to be enforced and kept up to date, possibly across many territories, which can be expensive. Given these challenges, dynamic assets are particularly important for SMEs and start-ups with limited funds or resources. They are the defendable territory of the business – secret or hard-to-copy processes, or more fluid concepts like brand, customer relationships or aftersales services. Look at what dynamic assets you have at your disposal that can make you more attractive than the competition. Measure KPIs – key performance indicators - like lead times, production costs and brand awareness. You might create strategies like high switching costs to lock in value, or scale the business through franchising or distribution licences. During the panel discussion around capturing value that features in the Sussex Pioneers series, guests discussed the process of iteration, testing, change and reflection. This is very closely mirrored by the build, measure and learn cycle advocated by Eric Reis in his seminal book, The Lean Startup. Adopting this approach helps a business to innovate at pace and scale and capture value through the process of innovation.

Another core principle that came out of the conversation was that one should design solutions with the customer, not for the customer. Having the needs of your customers baked into the process of capturing value means you have a far greater chance of success when it comes to launching the product or service. Their needs will be reflected in what’s created, including addressing their core problems. One should have a laser focus on who you aim to serve and what values they have. One way in which the panel achieved this was through directly observing current customer behaviour. If this isn’t appropriate or possible within your business, then surveying or depth interviews with a small cohort of your target audience can reveal rich insight that can be used to develop new innovations and create greater value based on their needs.

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Tech companies have analytics, so you can watch and see what your customers are doing. We’ve also established methods of watching how consumers play our games and getting them to give us feedback, but the principle is the same for any SME – once you’ve established your audience, you need to get to know them Jason Avent, MD and founder, Hardball Games

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Rather than setting a goal for the business, the panellists advocated for setting a ‘direction of travel’. This more flexible approach allows for iteration in the design process and stops one from following a path that isn’t in the interests of the customer, but feels right because it’s the path towards the goal.

If you’re a registered business with an address in East Sussex, you can register to watch all episodes of Sussex Pioneers completely free of charge at http://sinc.mylearnworlds.com This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund. www.sussexinnovation.co.uk

22 SEPT 2022 EPSOM DOWNS RACECOURSE WE’RE BACK FOR 2022! It’s never been a better time to stay connected, so after the huge success of our 2021 show, the fastest growing Surrey Business Expo is heading back to Epsom. We provide a professional, open and friendly platform for start-ups, SME’s and large businesses to network, build relationships, gain new knowledge and keep up to date with the latest products & services.

800+ Attendees

FREE ENTRY. REGISTER TODAY AT:

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70+

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Visualise your future with a 360° review delivering trusted, expert advice. Pensions Investments Estate Planning Financial Management Now in the South East, Mattioli Woods will work hard to deliver the best financial outcomes for you.

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The Dynamic Business Awards celebrate the remarkable achievements of businesswomen across Sussex and inspire the next generation of female entrepreneurs. The inaugural event was held on June 29th at the Grand Hotel Brighton and was attended by over 450 business leaders from across the South East, to celebrate the success of the winners. It was a remarkable event with a thought provoking opening video by Sex in the City actress, Cynthia Nixon, superb performances by Robyn T Green, inspiring keynote talks by Rosemary French OBE, former CEO of the Gatwick Diamond Initiative and Kirsty Sadler, Regional Director of Lloyds Banking Group.

Congratulations on organising a superb event last night! The atmosphere was electric with an utterly positive vibe from start to ﬁnish Aneela Rose, CEO, Rose Media Group

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Newsreader and the first ever Strictly Come Dancing winner, Natasha Kaplinsky hosted the event and at the finale, celebrity tailor Gresham Blake made one lucky winner’s evening by offering a hand-made, bespoke suit for the winner of the Rockinghorse Children’s Charity raffle, with a value over £2,000. What a fantastic evening and in 2023, there will be three heats in Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire and then a Grand Final to crown the South East winners. Congratulations to all the finalists and winners.

WWW.PLATINUMMEDIAGROUP.CO.UK PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

INNOVAI ION

&API I AL

Thank you for a splendid evening at The Grand last night. Please pass on my appreciation to the whole of your team for a superbly professional evening Peter Collier, Director, Mattioli Woods Wealth Management

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WOW, what a great evening celebrating some incredibly wonderful and talented women – hats off to you and the Platinum team for putting on such a fantastic event Donna Holland, CEO, Rockinghorse

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❛❛ Thank you again for organising an excellent

evening for the Dynamic Awards, our guests very much enjoyed themselves, the food was excellent and the celebratory vibe very high Fiona Shafer, MD, MDHUB

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@PLATBUSMAG #DYNAMICBUSINESSAWARDS

il d

it y

Proud to support

r e n ’s C h a

MAGA ZINE

THE 2022 WINNERS

I just wanted to say that I thought the awards were really great. Expertly organised as ever. You guys are really good a this. You should do it for a living! Nigel Lambe, CEO, Sussex Innovation Centre

CSR Excellence Award

Inspirational Award

Sponsored by MDHUB JULIE KAPSALIS Coast to Capital LEP

Sponsored by Kreston Reeves ANEELA ROSE Rose Media Group

Creative Industries Award

Employer of the Year

Innovator of the Year

Sponsored by Loch Associates Group JOANNA HASLAM Snap Finger Click

Sponsored by Bailey & French CARDENS ACCOUNTANTS AND BUSINESS ADVISORS

Sponsored by BRITE CAROLINA AVELLANEDA BubbleLife

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Lifetime Achievement Award Sponsored by Sussex Innovation ROSEMARY FRENCH OBE

Businesswoman of the Year Sponsored by DMH Stallard RACHEL WATKYN Tiny Box Company

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Community Hero Award

HR & Recruitment Award

Start-up of the Year

Sponsored by Legal & General RIFA THORPE-TRACEY Refigure

Sponsored by Crest Leadership Coaching VICKI TAGGART Haybury

Sponsored by BIPC Sussex Watch This Sp_ce

Lawyer of the Year

Young Professional of the Year

Company of the Year

Sponsored by Capital Innovation Team PAM LOCH Loch Associates Group

Sponsored by Rockinghorse EKATERINA BLAKE InspoHub

Sponsored by Wellesley ALEX BAILEY Bailey & French

The Dynamic Award Sponsored by Dynamic Business Magazine TAMARA ROBERTS Ridgeview Wine Estate

you so much ❛❛for Thank your hospitality at

the Dynamic Awards. It was genuinely an honour to attend such a fantastic, professional event and delighted we are sponsoring the next one Kirsty Sadler, Regional Director, Lloyds Banking Group

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CHARITY FOCUS

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work in a children’s hospice? We caught up with Mike who has been a nurse at Chestnut Tree House for five years

What’s it like working at a children’s hospice? What made you want to work in a children’s hospice? In my third year of study, I was lucky enough to get a placement in a children’s hospice in London and I loved it so much that when I graduated, I knew I wanted to continue caring for children with complex needs. I went on to get lots of experience working in places like Great Ormond Street and a rehabilitation centre for young people with disabilities but there was something special about children’s hospice care, and that was the path I chose to follow. What does a nurse at a children’s hospice do? The children and young people I care for at Chestnut Tree House all have life-limiting or life-threatening conditions, and are unlikely to reach adulthood. As a nurse I’m there to look after all their clinical needs such as medication and managing their pain, but also to help them have as much fun as possible. I work closely with the Activities Team, and I might accompany them on a trip to the beach with a teenager who needs support with their ventilator, help manage a toddler’s symptoms while they play in the multi-sensory room, or take a poorly baby for a walk in the gardens so tired parents can get some rest. We offer short breaks, overnight stays, activity days and end-of-life care. So every day is different, and I love how diverse my job is. What is the most rewarding part of your role? Getting to know families and helping them create lasting memories is so rewarding, and this is particularly important when a child is nearing the end of their life. Families will often have bucket lists, and I try and help them to

tick off as many things as possible in the time they have left together. This could be anything from helping a mum safely splash about with her baby in the pool for the first time, arranging a surprise visit from a Disney princess, or creating precious hand casts in clay for families to treasure. There must be some sad moments. How do you cope? Yes, some days can be emotional, especially at the end of life. But it’s also a privilege to be able to make that journey as comfortable as you can for that child and their family. The team here is really

close, so we support each other and often we’ll go for a wander in the woodland walk or I’ll take some time to sit and reflect in the beautiful gardens. What’s the biggest life lesson that you’ve learned working at Chestnut Tree House? Children’s hospice care is all about making the most of short and precious lives. It has definitely taught me the importance of living my own life to the full and never putting anything off. Since working at Chestnut Tree House I am more positive, and I moan less!

To find out more about children’s hospice care, please visit www.chestnut.org.uk/blog It costs over £4 million every year to provide all of Chestnut Tree House’s care services. Only a small proportion of this comes from central government, so it relies heavily on donations and fundraising. Your support makes children’s hospice care possible. To find out how you can support local children and young people who need hospice care, visit www.chestnut.org.uk

ECONOMY “Private sector companies in the South East recorded a quicker expansion in activity to end the second quarter of the year. At the same time, firms continued to raise their staffing levels at robust rates which allowed them to reduce their backlogs for the first time in well over a year.

› COM M E N T CATHERINE VAN WEENEN

NatWest London and the South East Regional Board:

“That said, issues continued to arise with price pressures more than elevated. In fact, near-record increases were registered for both input and output price inflation following persistent supply friction, fuel surcharges, and the war in Ukraine which exacerbated expenses in June. Firms had no choice but to increase their selling fees in the middle of a cost of living crisis resulting in the weakest increase in new orders for 16 months. A testing second half of the year is sure to follow.”

NATWEST'S MARKET ANALYSIS DEMAND AND OUTLOOK NEW ORDER GROWTH MODERATES TO 16-MONTH LOW

Adjusted for seasonal influences, the New Business Index slipped to its lowest reading since February 2021 in June. Growth was marginal and weaker than the long-run series average amid weak domestic demand and the war in Ukraine. New orders rose at a quicker pace in the South East compared to the UK as a whole, however

NEW BUSINESS INDE X

sa, >50=growth since previous month

52.2 June 2022

70 60 50 40 30 20 10 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Sources: Natwest, IHS Markit

E X P O R T C L I M AT E I N D E X

>50=growth since previous month

52.3 June 2022

70 60 50 40

The South East Export Climate Index is calculated by weighting together national PMI output data according to their importance to the manufacturing exports of the South East. This produces an indicator for the economic health of the region’s export markets. The Export Climate Index fell from 53.5 in May to 52.3 in June to indicate a modest - albeit weaker – improvement in export market conditions.

30 20 10 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Sources: Natwest, IHS Markit

EXPORTS EXPORT DEMAND GROWTH SOFTENS TO 17-MONTH LOW

Across the South East’s top five export markets, Ireland recorded the strongest expansion, and for the fifth month running. France and the US followed, though here the rates of growth eased and were the softest for 14 and 23 months, respectively. The Netherlands recorded the softest expansion for 19 months

ECONOMY

❛❛ Firms had no choice but

to increase their selling fees in the middle of a cost of living crisis resulting in the weakest increase in new orders for 16 months ❜❜

INPUT PRICES INDE X

sa, >50=inflation since previous month

86.4 June 2022

90 80 70 60

PRICES INPUT PRICE INFLATION AT NEAR-RECORD HIGH

Average cost burdens faced by private sector firms in the South East rose substantially in June. In fact, the rate of inflation was the second strongest in the survey’s history, surpassed only by that seen in May. Higher prices were reported for fuel, energy, raw 40 materials and labour. According to panellists, Brexit, the war in Ukraine, material scarcity and supply issues exerted upward pressure on prices. Input prices rose markedly at both manufacturers and service providers, although the former saw a much steeper rate of inflation.

SELLING PRICES RISE AT THE SECONDSTRONGEST RATE IN THE SERIES HISTORY

In line with rising cost burdens, selling prices levied by private sector firms in the South East rose markedly in June. Moreover, the rate of increase accelerated from May and was the second-quickest in the series history, surpassed only by that seen in April. Higher material, fuel, energy and transportation costs were passed on to clients, according to respondents. Selling prices also rose across the UK as a whole, although at a softer pace than that seen in the region.

40 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Sources: Natwest, IHS Markit

PRICE CHARGED INDE X

sa, >50= inflation since previous month

71.3 June 2022

75 70 65 60 55 50 45 40 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Sources: Natwest, IHS Markit

O U T S TA N D I N G B U S I N E S S I N D E X

sa, >50=growth since previous month 60

49.8

June 2022

55 50 45 40 35 30 25 20

RENEWED DECLINE IN OUTSTANDING BUSINESS

June data revealed a slight decline in backlogs at private sector firms in the South East, thereby ending 15 consecutive months of accumulation. The reduction mainly reflected weaker inflows of new orders. The rate of contraction was only slight, however. Firms that registered higher backlogs continued to cite staff shortages. A slight fall in outstanding business in the South East contrasted with a solid uptick across the UK as a whole.

07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Sources: Natwest, IHS Markit

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PEST CONTROL

For some service industries the work stays relatively the same, but for pest controllers things are constantly on the move – literally.

BEWARE THE NEW PESTS ON THE BLOCK Climate change is one of the factors leading to new types of pests arriving on our shores - and surviving. Below are just a few insects that are keeping us on our toes. The Asian hornet or vespa velutina is a reportable pest which kills honey bees and can devastate a hive. Sometimes known as the Yellow-legged Hornet, it is native to Asia and usually nests high in trees and man-made structures. It hunts honeybees, other insects and also feeds on fruit and flowers. Smaller than the native European hornet, it was introduced to France in 2004 where it has spread rapidly. A number of sightings have been recorded in the UK since 2016. The possibility that this pest could fly across the Channel has not been ruled out and it is already established in the Channel Islands – particularly Guernsey It is important to report any suspected sightings of this species as soon as possible to www.nonnativespecies.org/ alerts/asianhornet Meanwhile, there are several new species of ant becoming established often coming in originally in the rootballs and soil on plants from abroad and spreading from garden centres. But it’s the Asian tiger mosquito that is Cleankill’s biggest concern out of any invasive pest; we really don’t want this one getting established. There are worries that they can come through the Channel Tunnel if local authorities don’t monitor and record sightings properly.

❛❛ It’s the Asian

tiger mosquito that is Cleankill’s biggest concern… ❜❜

Asian tiger mosquito

The tiger mosquito is a very efficient vector of a variety of mosquito-borne pathogens that cause debilitating diseases in humans and domestic animals, especially horses and dogs. It is aggressive biter that feeds primarily during the day and is a potential vector of encephalitis, dengue, yellow fever and dog heartworm.

Lastly, the amber wood cockroach (ectobius vittiventris), is a small non-pest outdoor species of cockroach that appears to be increasing in numbers and occasionally accidentally wanders into homes.

Stink bugs are a problem when they move indoors and overwinter around window frames, rather like some species of ladybirds. The problem is that when you sweep them away, they produce an extremely stinky smelling oil that can stain furniture and carpets.

They look like many other harmless (and sometimes beneficial) plant bugs so you need to get an ID confirmed before action can be taken.

It usually feeds outdoors on decomposing plant material and doesn’t infest commodities indoors in the ways that conventional cockroach pests will do. If it does find its way indoors, it doesn’t tend to go on cockroach traps and will usually just die anyway if it can’t find a way out.

Asian hornet

Now employing 50 staff, awardwinning Cleankill Pest Control offers eradication and preventative services for all public health pests, including: mice; rats; cockroaches; wasps; ﬂeas; squirrels and pest birds. To arrange a free survey go to www.cleankill.co.uk

TRAVEL

Not feeling up to the unknowns of flying these days? Free yourself from flying and discover so much more than expected. By Tess de Klerk

FLIGHT-FREE HOLIDAYS PROVENCE BY EUROSTAR

Provence, sun-drenched and quintessentially French, is on many people’s bucket lists. Eurostar’s direct service to Avignon is an excellent way to visit the south of France without having to fl y. Explore the region by bike, walk the French Riviera, or fly to Provence from Lyon, France’s culinary capital. https://worldexpeditions.com/France

NETHERLANDS NORTHERN COAST AND ISLANDS – CYCLING TOUR This eight-day cycling itinerary takes you along the windswept islands and endless beaches of the Dutch north coast. Starting in north Holland’s tulip fields, you’ll cross the Wadden Sea to reach a breathtaking archipelago of protected islands. Cycle between the islands of Texel, Vlieland, and Terschelling through a tranquil landscape of sand dunes and salt marshes. Return to the mainland to cycle through the green fields of Friesland, ending in the lively provincial capital of Leeuwarden. www.kimkim.com/c/netherlandscycling-tour-wadden-sea-islandhopping-8-days

GASTRONOMIC DELIGHTS OF NORTHERN SPAIN BY FERRY

Enjoy spectacular dining and delectable wines against a backdrop of stunning coastlines, picturesque countryside, and fantastic contemporary art. The iconic Pintxo (tapas) bars provide a true taste of the region, while fine dining enthusiasts can enjoy the celebrated collection of Michelin-star restaurants. Your vacation begins the moment you leave British soil and set sail for Bilbao. From £809 for nine nights www.trailfinders.com/tours/europe/ spain/tour-gastronomic-delights-ofnorthern-spain-by-ferry

TRAVEL LONDON TO CROATIA BY TRAIN

GRAND TOUR OF SWITZERLAND FROM LONDON BY RAIL

Board the train in London and be whisked away to the stunning scenery of Switzerland. Explore mighty mountains, tranquil lakes, and quaint towns on this comprehensive Swiss rail vacation, taking the iconic Glacier, Bernina, and Gotthard Panorama Expresses. From £2,885 for 17 days https://www.trailfinders.com/ tours/europe/switzerland/ tour-grand-tour-of-switzerlandfrom-london

Take the overland route by train across western Europe to the sun-kissed Adriatic coast and the attractive city of Split. Depart from London St Pancras by Eurostar, travel to Paris, and onto Munich while mar velling at the picturesque scenery of the Champagne region. An overnight stay in Munich allows for exploration of the Bavarian capital. From here, take the EuroCity train across the stunning mountainous scenery of Austria, into Slovenia and along the River Sava to the Croatian capital, Zagreb. Spend two nights in Zagreb, a city built for walking. Continue to the Adriatic coast by comfortable daytime train, which takes you past splendid mountains, lakes, and rivers. Finally, arrive in Split for a three-night stay. End your adventure with a private walking tour of Split. From £1,045 for seven days www.responsibletravel.com/ holiday/18665/london-tocroatia-by-train-holiday

BELGIUM BEER CYCLE

Belgium is easily accessible by train from all over the UK and Europe, and the popular Belgium Beer Cycle is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore Belgian towns and countryside. The emphasis is on local breweries and traditional beer practices, which includes a visit to Europe’s largest beer brewery museum and tasting ‘Trappist beer’ made by abbey-dwelling monks. From £890 for eight days www.utracks.com/Belgium/SelfGuided-Cycling/Belgium-Beer-Cycle

ROUND TRIP ON THE VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS

Board the luxurious Venice SimplonOrient- E xpress for a journey to remember. Why fly when you can sip champagne in a cosy armchair and retire to a private cabin aboard the world’s most famous train? This itinerary sees you arriving in Venice, the floating city, with time to explore the many winding alleys and its intricate canal network with the help of an expert guide. After spending two nights in Venice, there’s no need to stand in long airport lines; catch your private water taxi back to the station and board the Orient Express to see you back to the UK in splendour. From £5,995 for 5 days www.wexas.com/itinerary-offers/ venice-simplon-orient-expressreturn-to-venice-170030

GRAND TOUR OF ITALY BY RAIL FROM LONDON

Discover the ‘Eternal City’ of Rome, the graceful renaissance Florence, and the labyrinthine port of Venice as you travel through Italy. Rail travel is a quick and convenient way to see this beautiful country while also adding local flavour to your journey. Trailfinders offers various fantastic rail journeys to and through Italy. From £2,895 for 12 days www.trailfinders.com/tours/ europe/italy/tour-grand-tourof-italy-by-rail-from-london

MOTORING Anyone who has met Maarten, the Platinum Motoring Editor, will know about his deep-seated obsession with fast cars – the more powerful and the more expensive, the better. By Ian Trevett

PLATINUM’S 100 CARS I’m not quite sure how he wangled it but, ever since I have known him, a shiny, brand-new motor has turned up at his house – every single week. Car manufacturers simply drop off their latest model (with a full tank and/or a fully charged battery) in return for a review. It’s like he has a birthday every week. Maarten used to explain to me in great detail about why the latest Ferrari or Lamborghini was particularly special, until he realised that I had absolutely no idea what he was talking about. He couldn’t fathom my blank expression when he waxed lyrical about these joyous creations, which he considered to be works of art. Talking to me about cars was a total waste of time. I never got cars. If they get me from A to B and the radio works, then I’m quite content. Maarten remained constantly mystified about this sacrilegious viewpoint and my complete lack of awe. I don’t really mind if I drive or if I am the passenger (as long as I get there and the radio works!). This laid-back attitude towards being in the driving seat was absolutely vital to the success of our long-term business partnership. Maarten doesn’t do ‘passenger’.

There was one exception. He is terrified of dentists and won’t even enter a surgery without a full knock-out anaesthetic. Even Maarten conceded that driving home after a cocktail of sedative drugs was probably unwise. It was one of the funniest journeys I’ve ever experienced but that’s another story! I soon discovered why he enjoyed driving so much. Much of his fun came

❛❛ He couldn’t

fathom my blank expression when he waxed lyrical about these joyous creations, which he considered to be works of art ❜❜

from terrifying his passengers. A few months into our partnership, he took delivery of a Ferrari and we headed off to a meeting in Eastbourne. He announced halfway through the journey that it would be a better drive if we diverted to the country roads near Beachy Head. Judging from the sudden sadistic grin that spread across his face, I suspected he wasn’t thinking of sight-seeing. As we hared towards the first tight bend, he obviously mixed up his pedals as the speed increased dramatically. Sensing my impending doom, I clutched the handle above the passenger seat window. A fatal error. I had always assumed these handles were there to allow the lifting of a buttock to sneakily release a touch of flatulence. I was wrong. I discovered that they are there so that maniac drivers can spot signs of fear. And when a maniacal driver senses fear, that only means one thing – accelerate! After that lapse I learned to sit, expressionless, whenever Maarten acted out his frustrated ambitions of being an F1 driver. It generally worked. Although I could have done without Gemma King being in the back seat on the way back from an awards evening in Hastings.

MOTORING “Is this as fast as it can go?” she complained. Yeah, cheers Gemma! It wasn’t as we then found out!! Most of the hugely expensive sports cars merged into one. If you’ve been in one fast car, you’ve been in them all (is something Maarten has never said, but we disagree on this point). The only vehicles that I do recall distinctly were both Caterhams. I remember them because half of the cars seemed to be missing. They were effectively go-karts in which someone had installed the wrong size engine. And for some reason they were only about six inches off the ground. Great fun if you enjoy spending the drive looking up at Ford Focus exhaust pipes. In a masterpiece of planning, Maarten booked a Caterham, which has zero luggage space, when we were travelling to Surrey for a business expo, carrying multiple boxes of magazines and pop-up stands. It wasn’t the most comfortable ride of my life. As he had his pick from all the leading marques, he would sometimes opt for an upmarket SUV or similar, but his first preference was always a super-fast super-car. When he came to pick me up, I could hear him arrive long before he pulled up outside my house, with the roar of overpowered engine reverberating off the neighbours’ homes. He always had this smug look on his face which said: “Look what car I have this week!” For this reason, my all-time favourite car of the 100 he has driven in the Platinum years, is the one where he got it completely wrong. As he will happily acknowledge, he does

enjoy the odd glass of chilled Chablis. When he chose a Vauxhall Adam, he must have consumed half the vineyard. I didn’t hear him arrive in this underpowered carriage, but there was no mistaking a very grumpy Mr Hoffmann

❛❛ I soon discovered

why he enjoyed driving so much. Much of his fun came from terrifying his passengers ❜❜

in the driver’s seat. The Adam is the sort of car where you expect to see an A4 sheet in the back window saying “Black Box installed”, in order to keep the 17-year-old driver’s premiums down. As I got in the car, suppressing my giggles, he raged: “Look at this,” as he flicked a switch to turn on some pretty, flickering fairy lights on the interior car ceiling. I forget how many times I asked if he could turn the lights on that week, but he never really seemed that keen! I never admitted it at the time but it was great fun whizzing around in an amazing collection of ridiculously expensive cars. Somehow, I lived to tell the tale.

MOTORING

The Abarth marquee has been with us since 1949 when it was launced by Carlo Abarth as a factory racing team. His astrological sign was Scorpio and that is why even today, we still see the Scorpion badge adorning every car that carries his name. In 1971, the company was sold to Fiat and is now recognised as Fiat’s tuning house, similar to AMG for Mercedes and M Series for BMW. By Maarten Hoffmann

TAKE ABARTH The Abarth 124 Spider, based on the Mazda MX-5 platform, is nothing like the Mazda – as the Fiat is full of Italian flair and style. It is a hoot to drive and having reviewed the standard 124, this is a cut above in terms of get up and go. With a 1.4-litre turbo charged engine affording 168bhp, it will hit 62 in 6.8 seconds with a top speed of 144mph. It is hilarious to actually do this as it is real hair-in-the-wind stuff, and just makes you smile all the time. The exhaust note is raspy and loud when under full chat. But a roadster is a simple car so let’s not overthink this – the Abarth is a front-engined, rear-drive, manual-gearboxed, manual-roofed two-seater that wants to show you a good time. Prices start at just £32,500 for an entrylevel ‘Scorpione’ version, without the retro colour schemes, or around £36k if you want the black bonnet and a bit more spec. Add another 10% and you

can have the Abarth 124 GT special, complete with removable carbon fibre hard-top. I have the Special in my hands and it is great fun but as for that retro removable hard top, it’s just plain daft. Take an hour, a friend and a bunch of tools and you have in your hands a heavy roof that then needs to find a home whilst you go out to play. It was a hoot in the old days but just seems a faff in the 21st century. Better take the soft top that you can just pop down.

TECH STUFF MODEL TESTED: Abarth 124GT POWER: 168bhp SPEED: 0-62mph 6.8 seconds TOP SPEED: 144mph ECONOMY: 44.1mpg combined PRICE: £36,155 The steering is crisp, the handling tight and the tail will hang out on demand, and empty B-roads are an utter joy. The manual gearbox is lovely to use and whipping through the gears is a real blast from the past. There is an optional automatic but why-oh-why would you? The interior does the job but will not blow you away and the only really annoying thing is the lack of cubby holes. I ended up driving with my keys and phone between my legs. There really is nowhere to put anything. Overlook that and it is an old-fashioned spor ts car that is charming in its simplicity and a real handbrake that just begs to be yanked on tight corners. It loses on price against the Mazda as at £32,500 for the base model against £23,400 for the MX-5, that is quite some differential but l would pay the extra and take the Fiat every time. The Mazda is Japanese and therefore dull as ditch water – the Abarth 124GT just makes you smile – and that is tough to put a price on.

MOTORING

The perennial question is “who on earth can afford to buy the various supercars that abound in the marketplace?” That is a tough question but one that is not so tough to answer is where do these buyers live? By Motoring Editor, Maarten Hoffmann

REGIONAL SUPERCARS Supercar financier JBR Capital has compiled a list of which cars are most popular in which region. This either tells us where the money resides or where the most car crazy petrol heads reside. You decide. The study reveals the favourite supercars across Britain shows a stark difference across regions, with Aston Martin and McLaren particularly popular among supercars buyers the further north you go. Though the southern regions of the country favour supercars from Stuttgart and Maranello with Porsche and Ferrari firm favourites among buyers in London and the South East respectively, the mood shifts closer to home once past Yorkshire and the Humber. In the north, buyers are favouring British brands; those in the North West are most likely to purchase a McLaren, with almost one

in three of JBR Capital’s clients in the region opting for the legendary British manufacturer, while over a quarter in the North East are choosing an Aston Martin. The same applies in Scotland, where buyers favoured McLaren over any other Region East Midlands East of England London North East North West Scotland South East South West Wales West Midlands Yorkshire and the Humber

brand – including Porsche, Ferrari and Maserati. In Wales, Ferrari had to make way for its arch rival and Italian stablemate, Lamborghini, with cars from Sant’Agata topping JBR Capital’s vehicle finance charts.

Most popular supercar brand Porsche Porsche Porsche Aston Martin McLaren McLaren Ferrari Porsche Lamborghini Ferrari Porsche

Share of most popular brand in the region 28.26% 31.03% 21.09% 28.57% 28.00% 33.33% 17.44% 34.62% 28.57% 22.64% 40.00%

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Mercedes-Benz of Guildford Mercedes-Benz Guildford Moorfield Road,of Guildford, GU1 1RU

Moorfield Road, Guildford, GU1 1RU

01483 916291 01483 916291

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