portfolio july 2015

JULY 2015

FREEThe region’s largest property publication

TownCountry&

HEATHER MILLS INTERVIEWON LIVING VEGAN AND LOVING BRIGHTON

A PLACE IN THE SUN

6 PAGE SPECIAL ON BUYING

OVERSEAS PROPERTYHealth MattersOur new regular column

Buying to LetYour essential guide

LIVING

VISIT OUR AWARD-WINNING HOVE SHOWROOM for a stunning range of kitchen displays, furniture, worktops and appliances.

The Kitchen Store offers a bespoke consultancy service to help you choose your dream kitchen.

For friendly advice and inspired kitchen ideas take a closer look or call us today.

Showroom: 130 Old Shoreham Road, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 7BD Tel: 01273 95 77 78Or visit our Lancing showroom | www.thekitchenstore.co.uk

INSIDENEW! Hill House & Home Truths

Property News

What’s Trending

Calendar : Out and about in July

Talk Money : Transferring NISAs

July Collection : Our pick of the best apartments and penthouses

Selling your home : Ready, Set, Stage

Social Media : Secure those leads

Up my Street: Pandora George M.D. of Bullet P R

Howlett Clarke : Planning ahead

Cover story : Our essential guide for new landlords

Gardening : Adding colour and texture to your garden Cover story : Buying overseas property – SPECIAL 6 page guide

Interiors : Inspirational bathrooms

The BIG interview : Heather MillsBusiness woman and celebrity

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Cover: Image courtesy of Hamptons-Int. Horsham. See page 12

Calendar, page 20

Heather Mills, page 67

Buying Overseasr, page 52... Continued over

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For all advertising, editorial and general enquiries contact Managing Director Lynne Edwards: 07931 537588lynne@portfoliopublications.co.ukwww.portfoliopublications.co.uk

Interiors, page 63

NEW! Health matters

Travel: Sizzling Spain

Golf Guy: The dreaded shank!

Local news from our city

National news

Business lunch: La Fourchette, Hove

Style: Get ready for a summer wedding

Motoring review : Mercedes SL65 AMG

The BIG feature : Greg Dyke profile 92

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For advertising and general enquiries contact

Lynne Edwards: 07931 537588

[email protected]

www.portfoliopublications.co.uk

Cover: Image courtesy of John Lewis www.johnlewis.com

Local News, page 76

Greg Dyke, page 92

Travel, page 72

Production Editor: Fiona [email protected]

Chief Sub-Editor and Feature writer: Danny [email protected]

Managing Director: Lynne Edwards07931 537588 • [email protected]

Designer: Sally [email protected]

Interiors Editor: Tara de la [email protected]

Business Editor: Maarten Hoffmann07966 244 [email protected]

The PORTFOLIO team

Published by:

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.

Want to know more about the City’s FAVOURITE monthly glossy magazine? • Visit the website www.portfoliopublications.co.uk • See our video

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Interiors Editor: Tara de la [email protected]

EXPERT column

...Microscopic ones, which feed on dead skin cells: dust mites. The

average dust mite is just 0.2mm long, and your house probably contains

around 10 million of the blighters. The mites’ guts contain an irritating

enzyme that passes through their digestive system: it’s not dust you’re

allergic too, it’s their poo. And the average mite will do about 200 poos

in its lifetime.

Did you know that there’s a

waiting list for scaffolding?

I ask because it seems that

every other house I pass these days is scaffolded to the hilt, each criss-

crossed with steel bars and boarding. Brighton is in the middle of (another)

development boom. Try to book a builder and you’ll find – if you’re lucky

– that they are busy through to next April. And as for the decorators… they

won’t even answer their phones until after the August rush.

I had some time to contemplate this last Saturday, which turned out to

be a Very Long Day. Woken shortly after my partner’s 5am start (work? On

a Saturday? Ah... he’s a joiner/furniture maker, you see. Busy through to

September) by torrential rain, I found water pouring through the roof of

our half-finished extension.

Naturally, I texted the builder immediately. And at 5am he answered

straight away (he’s a builder. He’s busy Saturdays too). Ten minutes later

both he and I – he looking rather dishevelled, I in my glasses, pyjamas

and wellies – stood damply contemplating the un-capped and un-covered

roof. A well-placed tarpaulin turned my kitchen wall back from water

feature to sullen-looking breeze blocks, we grunted thanks to each other

and got on with the day.

For me, this consisted of clearing dust and rubble, domestic duties,

thinking uncharitable thoughts about the planning department, and

sorting kids and dogs. It passed in a blur until, at 10pm, I tried to run a

bath - which turned out to be both cold and accompanied by a smell of

gas. Our CO alarm screamed into life, and once more I texted the builder,

AND the plumber. Then I called Transco.

When Transco finally arrived it took them moments to discover the

source of the problem: the morning’s tarpaulin had slipped and covered

the new boiler flue, blocking all exits and leaving carbon monoxide to

circulate back into the room. I rolled into bed at 1am, safe in the knowledge

that we’d all live to see another day – albeit one without hot water until the

plumber arrived to fire it all up again.

We are mid-way through a huge repair-and-extend project. It seemed

a great idea back when we could sit in our cosy then-kitchen, drinking

tea and planning. Now, with half a floor, half a roof, no cooker and one

picnic table, it’s less enchanting. I know it will be worth it in the end. The

kids are really very good about the rubble in their cereal, and the dogs

adore the builder – who in turn is very good about being called out at 5am.

But when I see new scaffolding going up, and shiny-eyed householders

clutching plans, I think - be careful what you wish for. And keep your

fingers crossed for a dry spell.

Your home may look clean, but microscopic dust

and mites are hidden in the cracks, corners,

carpets and in your bed.

Allergy UK estimate that at least 12 million

Britons suffer from dust mite allergy. But you

don’t have to suffer the consequences. Media

GP Dr Rob Hicks advises:

Your home is crawling with insects...

It takes just 0.000001g of allergen to trigger an allergic reaction

HOME TRUTHS

THE HILL HOUSE

KEEP IT CLEAN Bedding, soft furnishings and carpets are a mite’s favourite haunts,

as they provide (yuk) a steady food supply. You’ll never get rid of them

altogether, but you can reduce their numbers – and your exposure to

them – with:

4 Regular dusting – first with a damp cloth, then with a dry one

4 Vacuuming carpets, mattresses and soft furnishings - Dyson

produce a range of vacuums that are asthma-

and allergy-friendly, proven to remove mites

4 Fitting allergy-friendly barrier covers to

bedding

4 Airing your mattress and bedding

regularly (this helps keep it cool – mites

breed in warm conditions)

4 Washing bedding at 60 degrees –

this will kill the mites.

Pass me the duster…

Reducing the allergens in your home is the best way to keep your allergies under

control

“A well-placed tarpaulin turned my kitchen wall back from water feature to

sullen-looking breeze blocks”

Kate Hill

6 PORTFOLIO

BEAUTIFUL homes

PRIME LOCATION This magnificent and substantial, bay-fronted, detached period residence of considerable

character is one of a pair of homes situated in this tree-lined avenue; the property is

set back from the road, within its own gardens, and has a long private driveway.

The house retains a wealth of original features. The large, oak-panelled reception hallway

opens to the three reception rooms on the ground floor, which include a large sitting

room at the front and an impressive dining room overlooking the garden, both with ceiling

mouldings and period detail. A well-fitted office/library or family room complements the two

main rooms, offering added flexibility to the living space, and a large, well-fitted kitchen/

breakfast room also opens directly onto the garden. The staircase, with oak panelling and

original stained-glass window, leads to the four double bedrooms, including a superb master

bedroom with a spacious and well-fitted en-suite bathroom. There is potential to expand

into the roof space. The landscaped rear garden takes full advantage of the sunny westerly

aspect.

Fourth AvenueHove BN3 2PJ

Guide Price: £1,800,000Bedrooms: 4Bathrooms: 2Extras: Private driveway and garage; Sunny, west-facing garden; No chain Best Bits: Favoured prime location; Beautifully proportioned living space; Light and superbly presented

Mishon Welton 94 Church Road Hove BN3 3EBTel: 01273 778 877www.mishonwelton.com

Highdown House

IMMACULATE CONTEMPORARY FINISH INSIDE & OUT

T: 01403 214900www.green-plan.co.uk

BRIGHTON ROAD | HASSOCKS Computer generated images are for illustrative purposes only.

STUNNING NEW HOME WITH TRIPLE GARAGE & ANNEXE/OFFICE SPACE

For more information, please contact Mansell McTaggart:

01273 843377www.mansellmctaggart.co.uk

• Individual detached house with 3,689 sq ft of living space set in a secluded location unseenfrom the road

• Detached triple garage with additional 411sq fthome office or extra living space above

• Five bedrooms, three with en-suite bathroomsand a further generous family bathroom all fitted with Villeroy & Boch sanitaryware

• Master Bedroom suite with dressing room andthoughtfully designed en-suite

• Bespoke made-to-order German Kitchen fittedwith integrated Miele appliances

• Open plan Kitchen/Family Room with foldingdoors onto generous garden with secludedsunken Sun Terrace

• Built-in outdoor Kitchen by Fire Magic surrounded by a spacious patio area for easy outdoor entertaining

• 7 minute walk to Hassocks Town Centre andmainline station

• 41 minutes to London Victoria by rail• Close to both superb state and private

educational facilities including the prestigiousHurstpierpoint College and Burgess Hill Schoolfor Girls and a little further afield, Brighton College, all offering excellent bus links.Offers in the region of £1,475,000

GP_SH-HH_FP_Portfolio_March15_Layout 1 10/02/2015 12:10 Page 1

94 Church Road, Hove, East aSussex BN3 3EB

T: 01273 778 877

E: [email protected]

Mishon Welton & their clients give notice that:1. These sales and particulars do not constitute any part of an offer of contract, and are for the guidance of prospective purchasers only and should not be relied on as statements of fact.2. No representations are made in these particulars as to the condition of the property or as to whether any service or facilities are in good working order. 3. All Measurements are approximate.

www.mishonwelton.com

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Wilbury Villas, Hove BN3 6SE£499,995

5 2 2

Third Avenue,Hove BN3 2PDGuide Price£775,000

A quite magnificent Grade II, four bedroom mansion apartment of considerable character spanning the entire second floor of this prestigious detached Victorian building, situated in the sought after Avenues. The accommodation briefly comprises of a large entrance hall leading to a fabulous double aspect reception room which boasts wonderful sea views. The kitchen/breakfast room is immaculately presented and comes with a range of integrated appliances. The plush master bedroom with vistas to the sea oozes luxury and has a wonderful and spacious en-suite. Both the large family bathroom and en-suite are fitted with underfloor heating. The additional three bedrooms are bright, airy and generously proportioned. The property also benefits from a passenger lift and extended garage with additional off road parking for two cars.

94 Church Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 3EB


T: 01273 778 877









5 2 2





5 2 24 1 2





5 2 2

St. Catherines Terrace BN3 2RRGuide Price£475,000 - £495,000





5 2 2





5 2 22 1 1

A fabulous 2 bedroom, ground floor, flat forming part of this beautiful red brick period building, which benefits from its own private rear garden, situated in this prime central location adjacent to the seafront. As you enter the property you are immediately struck by the wonderful amount of light cascading in from the beautiful bay window. The spacious living room is a striking space with all the original period detailing with a Victorian fireplace and boasting direct sea views. The well crafted kitchen offers plenty of cupboard space with a breakfast bar and a spectacular vaulted ceiling which then leads through the double doors opening onto the private rear garden. The large master bedroom is a peaceful room and the flat also benefits from a second bedroom. All of this is complimented by a modern fitted bathroom plus a share in the buildings freehold.

Tel: 01273 778 877


T: 01273 778 877








5 2 2

Victoria RoadBrighton BN1 3FSGuide Price £750,000 - £800,000

A stunning three bedroom house with extraordinary 360 degree views from the secluded roof terrace. Perched on the summit of the Clifton Hill conservation area, within easy walking distance of the sea, Waitrose and the station. On entering the property, one is immediately struck by the wow factor this wonderful home offers. Spanning four floors, the ground floor boasts a lovely bright kitchen/diner ideal for entertaining or just enjoying a quiet meal. Tucked away on the lower level, the master suite affords a private, peaceful and luxurious retreat away from the main body of the house. The first floor features a sophisticated reception space with a two separately zoned area with expansive sea views. There are two good sized bedrooms at the top of the house with en-suite facilities and boasting the ubiquitous views. This is a truly superb period home in a highly sought after location, the quality of which will be difficult to match in similar properties!





5 2 2





5 2 23 2





5 2 2

South Street, Brighton BN41 2LEGuide Price’s between£250,000 - £375,000





5 2 2





5 2 22 1 1

A delightful mews style development, offering just 5 quality, flint faced homes, being part of a conversion of buildings that were originally the coach house and stabling to the principal manor house (Wychote) in the Old Village. All homes are beautifully presented and superbly appointed with modern, well fitted kitchens and bathrooms, together with brand new fitted carpets or hard floor coverings. Each home has a private allocated parking space, together with a decked terrace and overlooks the delightful private courtyard, creating a real sense of “community”. All windows are double glazed, in attractive Conservation style and have full gas fired central heating fired by 30kw combination boilers. Each property has a terrestrial aerial and is BT Infinity wired. This is an exciting and attractive, small, private development, in a very pleasant setting and the acquisition of such a home represents a rare and interesting opportunity.

94 Church Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 3EB


T: 01273 778 877




www.mishonwelton.com Tel: 01273 778 877

1

12 PORTFOLIO

PROPERTY news

PROPERTY NEWS

The next Property Professionals’ Lunch will be on Thursday, 16th July,

2015, at Pub du Vin, Brighton. Organised by Portfolio Magazine and

Searches UK, the event is a great way of networking with others in

the property industry in an informal environment while enjoying

a three-course lunch with wine. The whole event is in support of the

Rockinghorse children’s charity.

The Property Professionals Lunch provides the perfect opportunity

to mingle with your peers and like-minded professionals in a warm,

friendly and relaxed atmosphere to discuss new ideas and create fresh

business opportunities. July’s Guest Speaker is Chris Manseld, Managing

Director of Davenport Property Investment. After investing in property in

2007, Chris founded Davenport Property Investment with the objective

of bringing transparency and honesty to the non-regulated property

investment sector.

To book your place on the event on July 16th, please email Melanie@

searchesuk.co.uk as soon as possible.

Searches UK have

published the SUMMER

edition of Conveyancing

Focus. Launched at the

beginning of 2015, this

quarterly magazine for the

searches industry features

interviews, news, articles

and more about trends

in the market, new products and commentary from industry

experts, plus an interview with TV presenter and architect Kevin

McCloud.

Existing clients will be sent the magazine and copies may be

requested by emailing [email protected] or via Searches

UK’s website to download a digital version.

www.searchesuk.co.uk.

Our front cover image features a magnificent Grade II listed historic barn

conversion situated in the South Downs National Park with beautiful

landscaped gardens and stunning views of the South Downs. The property

boasts five bedrooms and four bathrooms, in all over 7,300 square feet set in

beautiful landscaped gardens with pond and water feature.

For more information Contact Hamptons International

Horsham Office on 01403 211766

PROPERTY PROFESSIONALS LUNCH

SEARCHES UK CONVEYANCING FOCUS SUMMER ISSUE

PERCHING BARN, FULKING, WEST SUSSEX

Hove £475,000

Hove £450,000

Brighton £665,000

Hove £745,00001273 772175 | winkworth.co.uk/brighton-hove

A better With a breath-taking choice, offi cescountrywide and an eye for what matters toyou, we make moving home more exciting.perspective

ON THE

COVER

ConveyancingFOCUSISSUE 3 | SUMMER 2015

www.searchesuk.co.uk

360 LEGAL GROUPFocus On The Outcome

By

BUILDING BRITAINInterview With Kevin McCloud

LANDMARK FLOOD REProtection For At-Risk Properties

VEYOIt’s Here!

QUALITY SOLICITORSTrends And Predictions

GROUNDSURELocation Intelligence: Understand Your Area

CILEXBuild Your Career

searches-uk-ISSUE3-V3.indd 1 12/06/2015 13:38

PORTFOLIO 13

PROPERTY news

The UK’s first TV channel dedicated to the world of property was launched last month on Sky Channel 238. The channel has been two years in

the making, with founder Michael Hammond and co-director Nicky Davis using a mix of industry and non-industry figures and shows.

The channel’s first phase of broadcasting will transmit content which falls clearly into the entertainment genre, including UK programmes

such as Sarah Beeny’s Restoration Nightmare, Dream Homes and Mad About The House, as well as some original programming.

Davis has been involved in the launch of several TV channels in Europe over two decades and says the Property TV “meets a recognised gap

in the market for a channel focussed on what is, for most, our most valuable asset - our homes.”

PROPERTY TV CHANNEL LAUNCHED

Hove £475,000

Hove £450,000

Brighton £665,000

Hove £745,00001273 772175 | winkworth.co.uk/brighton-hove

A better With a breath-taking choice, offi cescountrywide and an eye for what matters toyou, we make moving home more exciting.perspective

STAMP DUTY REVENUE SOARS DESPITE REFORMS

NEW ITV DATING SHOW WANTS ESTATE AGENTS!

Stamp duty revenue raised in

England and Wales increased

by an estimated £1.5 billion to

£7.7 billion in the year to March -

easily outstripping the £6.2 billion

in the year to March 2008 at the

peak of the last housing boom.

Research by Lloyds Bank

shows that a higher number

of residential transactions and

increased prices are estimated

to have led to a significant rise in

stamp duty revenues in the past year, with the average homeowner now

spending £9,600 on it as they move up the housing ladder.

Homeowners stay in their homes for 7.8 years on average and take three

steps up the ladder in their lifetimes.The proportion of existing owners who

move who pay stamp duty has risen from 68 per cent in 1999 to 85 per

cent in 2015. In the southern regions of England more than nine out of ten

homemovers in this category now pay stamp duty on their purchases. The

highest overall stamp duty costs are faced by buyers in London and the

South East.

A new dating show to be broadcast on ITVBe is looking for single

estate and letting agents to take part. When Do You Get Off?,

a ten-episode series from production company Keshet UK, will

see one single Estate Agent date four potential suitors at their

workplace. The show is due to be broadcast later this year and

its producers are looking for agents to carry out dates at their

offices.

“The reason we’d like to feature an estate agent is because their

job reflects a lot of modern-day young professionals. Our target

audience is the 18-30 year bracket, and with a large percentage

of workers in sales jobs, particularly in property. We’d love to

feature this in the series,” says Davinia Richardson, one of the

show’s casting producers.

“We don’t want to disrupt the normal running of the business,

nor do we want to distract any of the staff or workers, so

we’re very flexible and can have detailed discussions with the

company directors to ensure our filming is managed to their

criteria,” she adds.

If you’re looking to take yourself ‘off the market’, you can

request an application form by contacting Keshet UK on:

[email protected] or 0203 771 0055.

Read more about this story and more at www.estateageenttoday.co.uk

14 PORTFOLIO

BEAUTIFUL homes

WINKWORTH’S ‘A’ LISTER

Unique location, exceptional design and the ultimate specification.

This contemporary house occupies an imposing location directly on

the front in Roedean Way, with breath-taking views of the sea and

Brighton Marina, offering almost 8,000 sq ft of ultra-modern styling in a

premier seafront position.

Striking expanses of floor-to-ceiling glazing encompass the exceptional

views from all floor levels. This five-bedroom property is arranged over

three floors , all served by a bespoke staircase, with only the highest-

quality materials being utilised, both internally and externally, to create the

ultimate in luxurious seafront living. The sunken ‘retro’-styled sitting room

with feature fire is complemented by a cinema/playroom. The kitchen/

breakfast room features state-of-the-art appliances and feature flooring.

An entire floor is dedicated to the master suite, with two guest suites, two

further bedrooms and a family bathroom. There is parking for numerous

cars at the front of the property and terracing stretches to both sides from

which to enjoy the outstanding sea views. The rear gardens are mainly laid

to lawn with various mature trees and shrubs.

Meadows, Roedean WayBrighton BN1 5RJ

Price: £2,700,000Bedrooms: 5Bathrooms: 4

32 Church Road, Hove 01273 772175www.winkworth.co.uk

Why you chose Winkworth;

“This home is all about the outside; the veranda pulls you outside to BBQ, eat and socialise; the

children spend time in the pod; you gravitate to the views and outside! We feel comfortable with

Winkworth; Sarah understands our needs and focus and she is always very straightforward. We

trust Winkworth to bring the right people round.” (Vendor)

Sarah Turck Winkworth

NEWS

Parallax Art Fair,

Europe’s largest

artists art fair

is being held at

Chelsea Town

Hall, King’s Road,

London 25-26th

July.

Over 200 makers

from around the

world will be

exhibiting work

including painting, drawing, and sculpture, all at

wholesale studio prices. Artist Golnar Malek says ‘I’m

thrilled to be part of this fabulous fair and drawing

inspiration from artists from all over the globe’.

For more information and to book tickets go to http://

www.parallaxaf.co

Picture credit: ‘A Time to Tear’

Studio Gol-e-Ros.com

by Golnar Malek MA MSt(cantab)

ART FAIR

LITTER BUGS

INDIAN SUMMER

PORTFOLIO 15

Brighton’s first specialist beer shop, Bison Beer

Crafthouse, have started a bespoke bottlebox delivery

service to businesses in Brighton and surrounding

areas for late meetings, Friday afternoons, staff

birthdays and those companies who just like to work

hard and play hard. The new service, will include a

selection from the over 365 different craft beers that are sourced from around the world

- including favourites from Beavertown, Yeastie Boys and Bison’s very own See Side. With

free delivery in Brighton & Hove, it’s the perfect way to bring on a summer weekend after

a long week in the office. Bison Beer Crafthouse was opened in March 2015 by Nick Vardy

and Jack Cregan to enable Brighton beer drinkers to sample the fruit of the recent craft

beer revolution. Bison Beer Crafthouse is the first shop to bring draught ‘growlers’ to

Brighton. Originating from the US, ‘growlers’ contain 64oz of beer (roughly three and a half

pints in the UK), and keep beer fresh for up to six weeks.

Prices start from £36 for a box of 12 craft beers. Order online www.bisonbeer.co.uk

or call 01273 809027. The Bison Beer Crafthouse, 7 East Street, Brighton.

Kirstie Allsop was in the news last month for naming and shaming litter bugs. Kirstie makes

no secret of her anti-litter stance and is an Ambassador for Keep Britain Tidy. The Guardian

took umbrage and accused Kirstie of ‘smug middle-class morality’ and (oddly) of promoting “a

set of highly specific middle-class values, that assume anyone who doesn’t agree is deviant

and needs to be penalised”. Well, sorry, but we are definitely with Kirstie on this one!

As she says: “How can anyone possibly think litter is a middle-class issue? It’s an appalling

form of inverted snobbery to say that being clean and tidy is a middle-class thing.” Kirstie

continues: “I have seen first-hand how litter affects people. For the past 15 years, my job has

involved travelling around the country looking for houses and flats for people. During this time,

I’ve learned so much about how people feel about their immediate environment. If it’s clean

and litter-free, it gives them an enormous sense of satisfaction and peace of mind.

“Conversely, if it’s full of litter, they feel disempowered and out of control. Litter begets litter and it impacts on everything. It creates more crime. It

affects house prices. A recent report by Keep Britain Tidy showed that a litter-strewn road can reduce a house price by as much as 12 per cent.”

Brighton’s award-winning Indian Summer restaurant has opened at larger adjacent premises at 70 East Street. Following an £95,000 reinvestment and

the creation of at least three new jobs for kitchen, bar and front of house staff, the new, larger venue seats around 90 diners, half as many again as its

previous site. Indian Summer is a prime mover in backing Brighton & Hove’s efforts to become the Curry Capital of the Year 2015, and was instrumental

in helping achieve the Runners Up spot in 2014 – up 13 places from 2013. Indian food lovers can nominate their city by emailing “Brighton” to vote@

fedrest.com. Details at www.currycapitalofbritain.org.uk

Indian Summer, 70 East Street, Brighton BN1 1HQ. 01273 711001. www.indian-summer.org.uk

WE LOVE:BISON BEER BOTTLEBOX DELIVERY

TRENDING

Courtesy of Bison Beer we have a box of 12 craft beer to be delivered to one lucky

office! Send an email to [email protected] for a chance to

win: just tell us: Where is Bison Beer Crafthouse based?

The office has to be within Brighton & Hove for free delivery.

Beyond your expectationswww.hamptons.co.uk

Hamptons International Estate Agents HoveSales. 01273 796 061 | Lettings. 01273 796 063

Albourne Road, West Sussex £1,250,000A stunning four bedroom family home with swimming pool. EPC F

Roedean Heights, Roedean OIEO £1,400,000Five bedroom detached family home in sought-after location. EPC E

Goldstone Crescent, Hove £1,395,000Detached four bedroom house overlooking Hove Park. EPC E

Old Fort Road, Shoreham-by-sea £1,750,000Impressive five bedroom beach front house with coastal views. EPC D

Shirley Drive, Hove £1,500,000Spacious six bedroom detached family home. EPC D

Dean Court Road, Rottingdean £1,195,000Five bedroom mock Tudor styled house with swimming pool. EPC D

PORTFOLIO 17

BEAUTIFUL homes

GRAND STYLEQuite simply, one of Brighton and Hove’s prettiest properties. This property has been

well maintained to an exceptionally high standard, both internally and externally, with

a number of rooms offering great versatility as a family home.

The carriage driveway is gated, offering privacy and seclusion. The ground floor rooms

host an abundance of oak, with polished floors, doors and wall panelling alongside period

decorative ceiling features. The lovely private garden to the rear is a very good size, with

trees providing seclusion, a lovely lawn and a secluded swimming pool complex, within

which is a kidney-shaped pool, changing room and bar, complete with an entertainment

centre having Bose outdoor speakers.

Dyke Road Avenue, Brighton, BN1 5LE

Price: £2,950,000Bedrooms: 7Bathrooms: 4Extras: Established front and rear gardens; Beautiful mock Tudor property; One of the City’s premier locationsBest Bits: Enclosed swimming pool complex; Beautifully presented; Versatile accommodation

Hamptons International82 Church Road Hove BN3 2EB 01273 230 230 www.hamptons.co.uk

18 PORTFOLIO

Port Hall Street, Brighton £650,000 FREEHOLD

A beautiful 3/4 bedroom 3 storey double fronted Victorian homeLocated in the sought after Port Hall district, close to

Brighton Station and Seven Dials. Energy Rating E53

Maslen Estate Agents174 Church Road Hove BN3 2DJ t:01273 321000 e:[email protected]

m a s l e n . c o . u k

L E W E S R O A D . W O O D I N G D E A N . H O V E . F I V E W A Y S

Maslen_Porthall Road_Layout 1 19/06/2015 18:20 Page 1

The Law Society Conveyancing Quality

Scheme (CQS) was established to

provide a recognised quality standard

and benchmark for solicitors’ firms who do

residential conveyancing. Achieving CQS

accreditation establishes a level of credibility for

its member solicitor firms with vital stakeholders

in the property world, such as mortgage lenders,

insurers, estate agents and, ultimately, for the

reassurance of best legal practice it give, to the

public generally and to our existing and much

valued customers. CQS is built around the

following principles:

• The integrity at all times of the firm through

its Senior Responsible Officer (SRO) and all other

key residential conveyancing team members;

• The firm’s adherence to good practice

management standards and conveyancing work

practices at all times;

• The firm’s commitment to the highest

standards of client care & service being given

to all customers and other parties to a property

matter.

David Crosby, Managing Partner & SRO says, “It is

the best recognition possible of both the hugely

talented and dedicated people in our property

team, and also of the excellence of their work and

the service given by them to every single client

that the firm has achieved reaccreditation of this

prestigious benchmark of quality granted by the

Law Society. Residential conveyancing, done very

well and done at a fair and proportionate cost

to every customer, requires a commitment of

excellence from absolutely everyone at the firm,

and this achievement both publiclyrecognises

and rewards all of the hard work by the team

to not just set the highest standards, but to also

maintain them every single day and for every

single client.

Crosby & Woods would be delighted to receive

enquiries in relation to any sale, purchase or

remortgage and in all cases we will provide a

no-obligation and fully itemised, fixed quotation

upon request for your consideration.

Crosby & Woods Solicitors

Sussex House, 75 Church Road, Hove.

01273 734 600

www.crosbywoods.co.uk

QUALITY ADVICECrosby & Woods are proud to announce membership of the Law Society Conveyancing Quality Scheme

LEGAL

Port Hall Street, Brighton £650,000 FREEHOLD

A beautiful 3/4 bedroom 3 storey double fronted Victorian homeLocated in the sought after Port Hall district, close to

Brighton Station and Seven Dials. Energy Rating E53

Maslen Estate Agents174 Church Road Hove BN3 2DJ t:01273 321000 e:[email protected]

m a s l e n . c o . u k

L E W E S R O A D . W O O D I N G D E A N . H O V E . F I V E W A Y S

Maslen_Porthall Road_Layout 1 19/06/2015 18:20 Page 1

20 PORTFOLIO

CALENDAR of events

JULYOur pick of July events features dance and theatre legends, outdoor events and festivals!

On Before is created and danced by Cuban-born Carlos Acosta and Royal Ballet Principal Dancer Zenaida Yanowsky. The show combines existing and new choreography by some of the world’s leading dance makers, Russell Maliphant, Kim Brandstrup, Will Tuckett, Edwaard Liang, Yuri

Yanowsky and Miguel Altunaga, in a framework created by Carlos which tells the story of a doomed relationship between a man and a woman.The show has a wide-ranging score from Handel to a commission from Cuban composer Omar Puente and culminates in a moving finale featuring the live choral work of Morte Lauridsen’s O Magnum Mysterium.Dome Concert Hall, Brighton, 7.30pm. www.brightondome.org

Direct from the flamenco heartland of Cádiz, Spain, Punta del Boquerón bring the fiery musical heart of Andalusia directly to our shores.Punta del Boquerón features the winner of Madrid’s world-famous Beca de Oro, dancer Patricia Hernández, along with six other of Spain’s prominent flamenco artists. Comprising authentic dance, song, guitar, cajon, palmas and violin, expect a thrilling and spectacular evening bringing the

fiery musical heart of Andalusia directly to our shores. With a famously upfront and gregarious populace, Cádiz is where the upbeat and heart-warming flamenco songs known as Alegrías and Tanguillos originate, along with the passionate Fandangos de Huelva and much more.The Old Market, 8pm. www.theoldmarket.com

The UK premiere of this show highlighting the legendary life and career of Judy Garland. This show is created in arrangement with the

Judy Garland Estate, and is the only officially recognised Judy Garland show.Judy’s dazzling songbook is brought to life on stage with the award-winning cast, including the cream of London’s West End plus Judy’s daughter Lorna Luft. The magical musical journey through the songs that made Judy a legend in show business history includes never-before-seen film highlights and interviews.Starring Lorna Luft and special guests Ray Quinn, Louise Dearman, and Judy’s dancers, The Boyfriends. Creative director is Arlene Phillips.Theatre Royal, Brighton. For times and prices visit: www.atgtickets.com/brighton

The world’s biggest free beach and watersports festival takes place on Hove Lawns and between the piers and features water, street & urban sports, live music, kids’ entertainment and ‘have a go’

opportunities. Paddle round the Pier also includes the gruelling Maritime Marathon Plus surfers, swimmers and all manner of vessels being paddled around and between the piers. Highlights are The Paddle, Paddle Something Unusual and the Pier2Pier Race. Plus a Mexican-themed Fiesta Party at Paddle Patron Norman Cook’s Big Beach Cafe. For the full timetable visit www.paddleroundthepier.com

Not long ago, and without saying a word, a group of pioneering film-makers changed the world. But, for writer, director, producer and owner of Keystone Motion Picture Studios Mack Sennett, forging a film is the easy part - compared to

working, and falling in love with a stunning one-off like Mabel.This dazzling musical comedy is both a poignant love story and a riveting tribute to the grit and glamour of the era of silent movies. Based on the true romance between Hollywood legends Mack Sennett and Mabel Normand, Mack & Mabel received eight Tony Award nominations when it opened on Broadway in 1974. Olivier Award-winner Michael Ball returns to Chichester to play Mack Sennett, following his celebrated performance in Sweeney Todd (2011). Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester. For times and prices visit cft.org.uk

9 - 11 JulyCarlos Acosta:

On Before

10 JulyPunta del Boquerón

7 - 11 July The Songbook

of Judy Garland

4 - 5 JulyPaddle Round The Pier

13 July - 5 SeptemberMack & Mabel

PORTFOLIO 21

CALENDAR of events

More than 100,000 people flock to this iconic 5 day Festival every July to enjoy the chic, relaxed and stylish atmosphere. Glorious Goodwood is international horseracing with champagne, strawberries, fashion and glamour in abundance. Includes

Ladies Day on 30 July, the most glamorous day of the meeting, and the place to see and be seen. A feast of top-quality racing attracts the best equine athletes in the world, accompanied by the biggest names in the sport. This year sees the start of a new association with Qatar, whose sponsorship of the meeting makes prize money for the week total £4.5 million. www.goodwood.co.uk

Carpenter was playing her songs in clubs before she was out of her teens. Word of Carpenter’s talents eventually reached Nashville, winning her a deal with Columbia Records, which released her 1987 debut album, Hometown Girl.After the massive commercial breakthrough of 1992’s Come On Come On, more success followed with such albums as the platinum Stones in the Road, A Place in the World, Time* Sex* Love* and Between Here and Gone. Carpenter has won five Grammy Awards, was named the Country Music Association’s Female Vocalist of the Year in 1992 and 1993, and in 2012 was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill-on-Sea, 7pm www.dlwp.com

Until Sun 12 July Festival of ChichesterA month-long extravaganza of arts, crafts, music, spoken word and community events that also includes Chichester Cycling Festival, a beer festival, walks, an Artworks Exhibition, dramatic readings and world premieres. For full programme visit: www.festivalofchichester.co.uk

3 - 5 July Love Supreme Jazz Festival Jazz FM presents The Love Supreme Festival at Glynde Place, featuring international acts and outstanding emerging talent from the worlds of jazz, soul, R&B, pop and beyond, with Chaka Khan and Neneh Cherry on the Saturday, Van Morrison and Hugh Masekela on the Sunday, plus many more acts, including Candi Staton, Submotion Orchestra, The Bad Plus Joshua Redman, GoGo Penguin and Ginger Baker. For full details and prices visit: www.lovesupremefestival.com.

15 July - 1 August Petworth FestivalA two-week mix of classical and chamber music, jazz, comedy, young musicians and outdoor theatre, plus family entertainment at venues, including St Mary’s Church, Bignor Park and Leaconfield Hall. For full programme visit: www.petworthfestival.org.uk

21 - 26 July Alfriston Summer FestivalAlfriston Summer Music Festival brings some of the finest international artists to perform and share a great repertoire of old and new classical music in the South Downs. For full programme visit: www.alfristonsummermusic.co.uk

Until 20th August Glyndebourne FestivalGlyndebourne Festival 2015 continues with Donizetti’s Poliuto (until 15th July), Bizet’s Carmen (until 11th July), and Mozart’s Die Entführung aus dem Serail (through until August). Britten’s The Rape of Lucretia opens on 5th July. For full details and prices visit: www.glyndebourne.com

28 July - 1 AugustGlorious Goodwood

23 JulyMary Chapin Carpenter

Summer holidays with the National Trust This summer the National Trust offers visitors of all ages perfect places to play, whether you’re looking for family fun or a relaxing day out, with natural play areas, picnic spots and quiz trails, and activities and events unique to National Trust locations.Try the phenomenally successful children’s challenge, 50 things to do before you’re 11¾ - simple pleasures such as climbing a tree, creating a den and making a daisy chain. Pick up a scrapbook at your local property or download a planner to help you decide where to go: - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/london-and-south-east. You can also sign up for 50 things tips and rewards at www.50things.org.uk.The beautiful gardens, parkland and countryside offer plenty of fun for grown-ups, too. Many National Trust gardens are at their colourful best in summer, with enticing lawns, deckchairs and ice cream kiosks - perfect for picnics and chilling out.

www.nationaltrust.org

Festivals continue with literature, jazz, opera and more

Photographer: Mike Caldwell

22 PORTFOLIO

52 Church Road Hove, BN3 2FN • Tel 01273 778844113 St. Georges Road, Brighton BN2 1EA • Tel 01273 685111 10 Station Road, Portslade BN41 1GA • Tel 01273 383830

Marine Parade, Brighton - £325,000

As part of an impressive Grade II listed detached property, this lower ground floor flat is particularly well balanced in terms of its room size and layout. A high quality finish of Farrow & Ball neutral décor with contrasting black walnut engineered flooring throughout creates a contemporary and relaxed ambience and overall cohesion of style. Towards the eastern end of Brighton’s seafront with the bustle of Kemp Town village just behind, this south-facing flat is perfectly placed for sunny coastal living. EPC Rating D

Dyke Road, Brighton - £700,000

A stunning five story Victorian bay fronted town house located in central Brighton. Situated between Seven Dials and the city centre, this is the ideal location to access all that Brighton has to offer. The spacious and bright accommodation offers plenty of flexibility and is arranged over five floors. No onward chain. Viewing highly recommended. EPC rating D

www.sawyerandco.co.uk

Hove Office 01273 778844

Brighton Office 01273 685111

Your Local Multi-Award Winning Estate Agent

sawyerandco.co.uk

Sawyer & CoSouth East Agency

of the Year

Bronze

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCEfor

BESTLETTING AGENT

in Brighton And Hove

2014

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCEfor

BESTESTATE AGENT

in Brighton And Hove

2014

Winner2015

GOLD WINNER SOUTH REGIONSAWYER & CO

St Aubyns Road, Portslade - £450,000

A spacious four bedroom Victorian home on a quiet road in south Portslade. With a warm cream brick and red brick detail front, this solid mid-terrace home sits over three floors with an advantageous south facing garden. On a grid of mainly Victorian homes just east of Vale Park, original features remaining include fireplaces and stripped pine doors. This is a spacious family home which will realise its full potential after some minor interior updating. In an upcoming and increasingly sought after neighbourhood of Portslade, this property will not be on the market for long. EPC rating D

www.sawyerandco.co.uk

Portslade Office 01273 383830

TALK money

In the current world of low interest rates,

people are very keen to ensure they utilise

all of their tax free allowances. With rates

being low, any extra return is normally very

welcome, however small. Many savers trawl

the high street and internet to find the best

deals. Some have transferred to the stocks

and shares version of the NISA trying to

achieve a better return.

This tax year you can invest up to £15,240 into

a NISA, this can be a cash NISA, or a stocks and

shares NISA or a combination of the two. Over

the years some have built up quite a substantial

sum, so what happens if that person dies?

A less well known fact about NISAs is that

if your spouse or civil partner dies, you can

actually inherit an allowance up to the value of

their NISAs at the time they died. For example,

if a husband died and had £30,000 in an NISA,

the wife could invest £30,000 in an inheritance

NISA. This is called the “Additional Permitted

Subscription” allowance. The person can also

continue to use their own allowance, which is

not affected.

The extra allowance passes to the spouse/

civil partner even if the funds were not left to

them. They can even use their own money to

open an inheritance NISA. It is the allowance

that is inherited, rather than necessarily the

funds.

The new rules ensure that if someone

has spent years building up their tax free

investments, the allowance can be passed

on, so their spouse can continue to invest and

receive tax free growth. When you consider

that if someone had invested their maximum

PEP/ NISA subscription each year since they

were introduced in 1987 this would total

£242,320, not inclusive of any growth; there

are a lot of people who have built up quite a

sum. These new rules will benefit a lot of

people, but only if they know about it!

Is there a time limit?

The rules came into effect on 6th April,

2015 and apply to anyone who died after

3rd December, 2014. You have three years to

take up the allowance, or 180 days from the

date the estate is settled, whichever is later.

If you need advice on the above or any other

financial matters, please call me, Claire Cook,

on 01273 224667. I offer independent advice

and a free initial consultation.

www.talkmoney.co.uk

Talk Money is a trading style of Aspect 8 Ltd, an

appointed representative of Best Practice IFA

Group Ltd, which is authorised and regulated

by the Financial Conduct Authority. The value of

investments can fall as well as rise, and you may

not get back the amount invested.

CAN I LEAVE MY NISA TO MY SPOUSE?Claire Cook from Independent Financial Advisors Talk Money on inheriting NISA funds and allowances

“These new rules will benefit a lot of people, but only if they know about it”

24 PORTFOLIO

Fine & Country 52 Church Road, Hove BN3 2FN Tel: +44 (0)1273 739911

St Aubyns Mansions, Hove

Langdale Road, Hove EPC: D

Tel: 01273 739911

Tel: 01273 739911

£985,000

£1,100,000

A uniquely positioned 3-bedroom mansion flat in this friendly building from where there are wonderful sea views and glorious sunsets. The rich yellow facade of this period building catches the eye while walking along Hove promenade. Built in 1899 the Mansions shaped gables, Venetian style windows and corner turret also attracted leading musicians and performers of the day as can be seen from its two proudly displayed blue plaques. As well as its enviable seafront location this ground floor apartment also has beautiful period features of high ceilings, plaster cornicing, large panelled doors and well-proportioned rooms. The light touch interior palette of soft greys and neutrals embodies a stunning classic elegance. This is seaside living with style in abundance.

A beautiful 5-bedroom family home in Hove embodying an understated simplicity of style. On a tree-lined road in West Hove, this 1920s detached home has been meticulously renovated to stunning effect. With a half red brick, half white render frontage the home encompasses an effortless fusion of period and modern. Spacious rooms over three levels feature original cast iron fireplaces, solid wood doors and beautifully restored period window frames. Set against a palette of soft greys and whites from Farrow & Ball, its combination of wood and natural Hessian flooring together impart a calming ambience. With the seafront in sight at the end of the road, this singular home is ideally placed for relaxed coastal living.

in association with Sawyer & Co

26 PORTFOLIO

THE collection

THE JULY COLLECTIONWe love a luxe apartment… From lofty duplexes to mansion flats, we have sought out apartments with a touch of glamour...

This is the pinnacle of seafront living, superbly positioned on the ground floor with stunning sea views from a south facing living area. The flat

itself is split over two generous floors and the accommodation is comprised of three bedrooms two with en-suites, with the master benefiting

from a walk in wardrobe. The living room is at the front of the building and is steeped in period charm including oak panelling and an open fire

place. The private terrace is accessed via the kitchen; this large tiled city garden is a rare find for its location and a lovely spot for alfresco dinning

or relaxing in the sun. Access to the private Eastern Terrace gardens is included.

Sea viewsEastern Terrace, Brighton

Price: OIEO £925,000Winkworth01273 772175www.winkworth.co.uk

PORTFOLIO 27

THE collection

This stunning first floor period mansion apartment is located in the ever-

popular Fourth Avenue, Hove. Occupying the entire first floor, this spacious and

well proportioned property features two double bedrooms, a separate kitchen,

and a bathroom plus an en-suite. The large and bright lounge has bay windows

and is west-facing, making the most of the evening sun… Period features

include coved ceilings, picture rails and high skirting boards. There is also a

south west facing balcony with an iron balustrade, which offers space to lounge

and dine on summer evenings.

This loft-style Duplex apartment has an on-site concierge and well maintained

communal gardens.The apartment itself is located at the very front of the main

building with its stunning redbrick façade, sweeping front steps and double doors,

and benefits from gorgeous west facing light. The tree tops can be seen from the

three large double height stunning windows which flood the main entertaining

room with natural sunlight.

The main room provides a perfect entertaining space, with an open plan

kitchen/dining and living room. The oak wooden floor extends throughout

the entire living room and hallway, providing a seamless link between

the kitchen/dining space and living room.

A uniquely positioned three bedroom mansion flat in this friendly building with

wonderful sea views and glorious sunsets. As well as its enviable seafront location

this ground floor apartment has beautiful period features of high ceilings, plaster

cornicing, large panelled doors and well-proportioned rooms. The interior palette of

soft greys and neutrals embodies a classic elegance. This is seaside living with style

in abundance. The two main reception rooms face south giving wonderful sea views.

A Wide Venetian style three part window comprising a large central arch

distinguishes the lounge and allows the sunshine to flood in. The monochrome

kitchen/diner overlooks the pretty central courtyard. There is an allocated parking

space for each property.

Avenue styleFourth Avenue, Hove

Duplex livingRichmond Terrace, Brighton

Mansion flatSt Aubyns Mansions, Hove

Price: £595,000 Fox & Sons

01273 820280 | www.fox-and-sons.co.uk

Price: £475,000Mishon Mackay01273 821800 | www.mishonmackay.com

Price: £985,000Fine & Country01273 739911 | www.fineandcountry.com

108 Old London Road, Brighton. Tel: 01273 56556610 South Street Portslade. Tel: 01273 421777

www.spencerandleigh.co.uk

Citywide sales & lettingswww.spencerandleigh.co.uk

A stunning newly modernised four bedroom detached bungalow with two bathrooms and an amazing views over downland to the front and the sea to the rear.

WESTDENE - £750,000

This hidden gem occupies a secluded position in the sought after Surrenden district having a versatile arrangement of rooms resulting in a flexible living area.

SURRENDEN – OIEO £775,000

PORTFOLIO 29

BEAUTIFUL homes

UNIQUE STYLE New to the market is this unique four-bedroom

detached house, the epitome of modern

contemporary living, designed by well-known

local architect John Turner. The property is constructed

of smooth rendered elevations beneath a zinc roof, with

powder coated aluminium rain water goods, feature zinc

bay and large lights to the front elevation. Particular

attention has been paid to lifestyle, light and space. On

the ground floor the accommodation features a large

lounge dining room with two pairs of bi-fold doors and

opens into a smart fitted kitchen with quality appliances

and further space for a table and chairs.

There is a ground floor cloakroom and plenty of useful

storage space. At the first floor there are four bedrooms,

a family bathroom and en-suite which can be accessed

from either bedroom one or bedroom two. The bedrooms

feature vaulted ceilings, giving that extra feel of space.

Internal viewing recommended.

Bankside, Westdene, Brighton, BN1 5GN

Guide Price: £650,000 – £675,000Bedrooms: 4Bathrooms: 2Extras: Block paved private driveway with off-road parking for several cars:Wrap-around lawn garden; Ready to simply move inBest Bits: New fitted kitchen with quality appliances; Ground floor cloakroom; Four first-floor bedrooms

Spencer & Leigh Citywide Sales & Lettings 108 Old London Road, Patcham, Brighton, BN1 8YA01273 565566www.spencerandleigh.co.uk

30 PORTFOLIO

BEAUTIFUL homes

For friendly advice contact01273 423600

99 Trafalgar Road, Portslade, BN41 1GUwww.woodenflooringcentre.com

FREE PARKING AT BACK OF SHOWROOM

Sussex’s original wooden flooring centre

SOLD 2015

We are delighted to repor t that in 2014/2015 we sold more superb, high value homes (£1m-£4m) in the Hove Park area than any other estate agent in the city.*

Our reputation of achieving excellent prices for our clients is demonstrated by our success over the last 28 years and in 2014 included the highest price to have been achieved on a house sale in Brighton & Hove to date. In the first instance if you would l ike some bespoke advice please contact:

Steve Neocleous, Branch Director, on: 01273 829 301

H IGH VA LUE SA LES

*18 homes sold in this price bracket across the period 09.04.14 - 09.04.15, according to Rightmove’s figures.

SOLD 2014 SOLD 2014 SOLD 2015

MISHONMACKAY.COM

PROPERTY feature

In America house viewings are taken very

seriously indeed and ‘staging’ homes is an

entire industry. We can all learn from the

idea of staging homes to sell (or let). Cleaning

and organising your home will probably come

naturally, but do make sure you really stage it

to fully show it off. Frontdoor.com recommends

listening to professionals’ advice and walking

through each room, criticising the home from

a buyer’s perspective. Staging tips include:

Cleaning, decluttering and de-personalising;

maximising kerb appeal; paying attention

to kitchens and bathrooms, including hanging

fresh towels and appealing to the senses with

welcoming scents.

Once the house is ready for viewings and

you are showing potential buyers round,

Houseweb.com offer six points to consider:

GET OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT

It is important to remember that the

prospective viewer may be the person who

will buy your house. You will end up spending

months in contact with that person, so it is best

to create a good working relationship from

the outset. Offer them a drink, but try not to

be over-friendly. The last thing you want the

visitor to think is you are desperate to sell the

house.

KNOW WHO IS COMING

Make sure you have the prospective buyer’s

details, and remember their names.

A LITTLE WORK MAKES A LOT OF DIFFERENCE

Cleanliness is the key (especially in the

bathroom and kitchen). A faint aroma of brewed

coffee or pot-pourri can get rid of most house

smells. Don’t go overboard, though, as the visitor

will think you are trying to hide something.

A splash of paint can make an immeasurable

difference. If you do not have much time or

money on your hands, concentrate on the front

of the house. If you have a garden, make the

most of it. Clear away clutter, especially from

the kitchen, bathroom and entrance. Leave out

only what you will need on a daily basis.

GIVE THE PROSPECTIVE BUYERS SPACE

Give the viewers the chance to look around

themselves. They may as well see the visible

defects now, as the surveyor’s report will

detail them anyway.

If there are obvious defects point them out.

People will appreciate your honesty, and will

feel at ease that you are not trying to hide

anything. However, make sure that you have

listed the major positives of the house to

counter any negatives…

EXPLAIN WHAT IS INCLUDED WITH THE

HOUSE

State from the outset what you are including

with the house. If you are leaving the

appliances in a fully-fitted kitchen, tell them.

Likewise, if you are going to take every carpet,

set of curtains and plant, let them know.

IDENTIFY YOUR SELLING TECHNIQUE

Everyone is experienced in selling, having

been on the receiving end of it for most of our

lives. There are three main approaches:

• Hard Sell: try slipping into the

conversation how many other people

have recently viewed the house. Feel

free to mention whether anyone is

thinking of putting in an offer. If the

house is in demand let them know -

remember, demand = desirability.

• Soft Sell: avoid putting any pressure

on the buyer. Leave them to their own

devices. If they are really interested, they

will be back. Use this approach if the

house sells itself.

• No Sell: reverse psychology is the key

here. By pointing out defects and giving

a generally honest approach, the buyer

may view the house’s potential and

consider what they could turn it into.

Finally, do try to make viewers of your home

feel comfortable. Offer them a coffee and ask

them if they need any further information

about the house, the area, or local amenities.

Houseweb.com also recommends that you

keep bills handy for any related questions

viewers may have. These could be council tax

bands or when the boiler was last serviced…

READY, SET, STAGE!Showing your home to prospective buyers can be nerve-wracking, but follow some simple rules and you’ll ace it

32 PORTFOLIO Thanks to www.houseweb.co.uk | www.frontdoor.com | www.which.co.uk

“For advice with the sale of YOUR property contact Graham Farthing”

123-125 Dyke Road, Hove, BN3 1TJ

01273 232 [email protected]

www.austingray.co.uk

Addison Road, Hove

£599,950

The last word on showing a

property goes to property

expert Phil Spencer. He says,

“You’ll probably be paying an

agent to do this; they know their job, so I always recommend

that property owners go out during viewings. If you must show

your property yourself, then decide beforehand what order you

will show the rooms, and guide viewers around the property

once, showing the best rooms first or last. Don’t overload them

with detail, such as the size of your boiler or the trouble with

the neighbour’s cat. Be business-like during the first viewing; if

someone is interested, you can always get to know them a little

more on the second viewing. Never point out problems or issues,

but do feel free to highlight the odd positive point, like a south-

facing garden, or very convenient parking. Finally, invite viewers

to take another tour round the property on their own…but be

somewhere nearby, on hand to answer queries.”

SELLING A HOUSE - EIGHT ESSENTIAL TIPS FROM WHICH?

1. GET YOUR HOME READY

Make sure your property is clean, tidy and clutter-free and looks good from the outside.

Consider getting a survey done on your property - so you can either fix any problems or

use it to attract buyers by demonstrating how good the condition of your house is. If you are

selling privately, create an information pack with property details, plus facts and leaflets

about local amenities - including leisure facilities, transport and schools. Also take high-

quality photos of your house that capture all its best features.

2. DECIDE ON YOUR HOUSE PRICE

Set a realistic asking price by researching similar properties for sale.

3. PICK A GOOD BUYER

If several prospective buyers are interested in your home, pick the one who’s most likely to

see the process through, not necessarily the one who makes the highest offer. In order, the

safest buyers to choose are buyers who’ve already sold their house, first-time buyers, buyers

who have sold their home subject to contract and buyers who have not yet sold their home.

4. BE CLEAR WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

After you’ve attracted a buyer, make sure they understand exactly what’s included in the

price. This means things such as fixtures and fittings. Be clear about exactly what they are

getting for their purchase price.

5. AGREE A COMPLETION DATE

Establish a likely completion date that suits both parties. This will avoid arguments further

down the line. While this doesn’t need to be set in stone, it will give both parties something

to work towards.

6. GET IT IN WRITING

Although not legally binding, it’s a good idea to draw up an agreed note of the arrangement

with the buyer. This will record your intentions on matters such as finance and date of

completion.

7. CHOOSE A CONVEYANCER

Conveyancing is the legal paperwork to transfer the home to or from your name. Use a

recommended solicitor or licensed conveyancer. If you’re using a solicitor, make sure

they’re a specialist conveyancer and have a good reputation for moving quickly.

8. KEEP IN TOUCH

Keep communication going. Don’t disappear on holiday for two weeks without informing all

interested parties, such as your estate agent. Don’t ignore aspects of the purchase that you

don’t understand.

As I have discussed tirelessly in these

pages over the past four months,

while the UK housing market’s supply/

demand imbalance persists, finding new

vendors and landlords will remain one of the

biggest challenges facing estate agents and

letting agents.

From my perspective, there are three simple

but vital steps that every agency should be

undertaking in order to generate more leads

ripe for conversion…

Lead generation through instant valuation

A lot of agents’ sites are not designed to attract

vendors and landlords; instead, they are aimed

at the property-buying public, and this is where

many businesses may be missing out on new

instructions.

When it comes to capturing vendor and

landlord contact details, I’m afraid the days of

valuation request forms are long gone. These

days, the most common way to get your vendor

and landlord traffic to engage with your agency

is through an instant online valuation.

Prospective clients will be keen to know

how much their property is worth, and, if sign

posted correctly, they are likely to request an

instant valuation. Capturing their details gives

you the opportunity to do what you do best –

offer them a market appraisal and hopefully

take on the instruction.

No matter how many landlords and

vendors are visiting your site, if it has no call

to action, lots of this potential business could

unfortunately be lost to your competitors.

Why not try the tool for yourself at

www.valuemyproperty.co.uk?

Drive traffic from social media

In every aspect of your business, but

especially considering the above, increasing

and maintaining your website traffic is a must.

These days, almost all agencies have a social

media presence, but it is how they use this

presence which will affect traffic figures.

Posting interesting content on a daily

basis, as well as giving visitors a look into

the ‘human’ side of your business, is likely

to boost your social media figures. Managing

your social media channels properly gives you

the opportunity to consistently drive people

back to your website and capture those all-

important contact details.

The power of social media is twofold: firstly,

it gives you the platform to convey an overall

feeling of your business, and secondly, you

can use these channels to interact with new

potential clients, driving them to your data

capture facilities.

A variety of social media packages are

available for agents; for more information please

visit www.angelsmedia.co.uk/social-media

Improve your ranking and generate traffic

with a content strategy

As we all now know, Google holds the aces

when it comes to who is seeing our business

and where. However, as I discussed last

month, the days of SEO in its purest form are

most certainly behind us.

The key to upping your rankings – and

subsequently generating more traffic and

therefore leads – is now a clearly defined and

regularly executed content strategy.

You need to be writing, publishing and

sharing relevant content on a monthly basis.

Agreeing on a keyword strategy and running

this through all of your content, advertising

and so on is vital. Blogs that include one-way

inbound links to your website as well as a call

to action – to an instant online valuation, for

example – are likely to perform well.

As well as all these clear SEO and potential

lead-generation benefits, creating content like

this will also help to establish your agency

as an authority in its field, another weapon in

your armoury when it comes to taking on new

vendors and landlords.

That’s it for July. For further advice on how

to generate more leads for your agency and

enhance your digital marketing strategy,

please get in touch on: 0208 663 4963 or

[email protected].

SECURE THOSE LEADS

Craig Vile from Angels Media on the three steps required to secure your agency more vendor and landlord leads

• Four bedrooms• Three bathrooms/shower rooms• 3 - 4 interconnecting reception

rooms• Big kitchen/family room plus

separate utility room• Large lawn area plus two separate

sun terraces• Mature boundaries providing good

privacy• Large swimming pool with

adjoining summer house• Double and separate single garage

Occupying one of the largest plots in one of Hove’s most prestigious roads, enjoying a fabulous outlook and views to the rear, with a quite stunning rear garden including separate swimming pool/leisure area. This already sizeable house still offers enormous scope and potential, has both a double and separate single garage each with their own driveways together with an additional external garden room.

OFFERS IN THE REGION OF £1,400,000 FREEHOLDPlease respond to Elliotts in Hove 01273 773399

2 Church Road, Hove BN3 [email protected]

01273 773399

2 Queens Parade, Hangleton BN3 [email protected]

01273 322766

www.elliottsestateagents.co.uk

HILL BROW, HOVE

Brighton & Hove City OfficeResidential Sales & Lettings3-6 North Road, BrightonEast Sussex BN1 1YASales 01273 688881Lettings 01273 688884E [email protected]

Residential Estate & Letting Agents • Land & New HomesLewes Town & CountryResidential Sales & Lettings14a High StreetLewesEast Sussex BN7 2LNT 01273 487444E [email protected]

London Office40 St James’s PlaceLondonSW1A 1NS

T 020 78390888E [email protected]

oakleyproperty.com

Central Brighton £499,950

North Laine £650,000

Hove Park £429,950

Kemptownn £420,000

2 2

2 3

1 1

2 1

2 2

2 2 3

A third floor aparment with lift access presented in a modern contemporary style with a secure underground parking space.

A four storey property forming part of a gated cobbled mews with a rear patio and southerly roof terrace. Ideal home/income or home office opportunity.

A well proportioned first floor aparment offering direct views across Hove Park with parking for two vehicles.

A deceptively spacious three bedroom town house benefiting from a gated allocated parking space and the remainder of an 10 year NHBS warrenty.

PORTFOLIO 37

BEAUTIFUL homes

CROWN JEWEL A rare opportunity to purchase a stunning modern

central Brighton contemporary town house that

has been finished to exacting standards with

particular attention to detail & styling.

Positioned in the heart of the city and just a short stroll

from Brighton mainline railway station, the house

comprises a spacious lounge with doors opening onto

a private courtyard and a striking Linear Quattro Italian

kitchen/dining room with a high gloss white finish,

natural stone worktops & integrated appliances.

Arranged over three storeys, there are three bedrooms

with the master having an en-suite shower room and a

further contemporary white family bathroom suite both

from Bathstore. The house boasts a private courtyard

and a superb rooftop sun terrace/entertaining space

offering views across Brighton towards the Royal

Pavilion.

Crown Gardens Brighton BN1 3LD

Guide Price: £550,000Bedrooms: 3Bathrooms: 2Extras: Solar hot water system; Built in wardrobes & storage, Stone tiled floors & walls to bathroomsBest Bits: Superb rooftop sun terrace; Atrium style entrance hall; Walking distance to Brighton Station & seafront

Oakley ResidentialBrighton & Hove City Office3 North Place, Brighton BN1 1YA01273 688881 www.oakleyproperty.com

PORTFOLIO 38

WHERE DO YOU LIVE? I live in Hampstead Road, just off Dyke Road near Seven Dials in Brighton. I moved to the area primarily for access to good schools, but it’s got a real community feel, lots of families live here, and it’s still easy to get into town.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN BRIGHTON? I moved to Brighton ten years ago after living in London for many years and a short spell in Wales.

DESCRIBE YOUR HOUSE BRIEFLY I live in a terraced house with my husband, two children and miniature schnauzer.

WHERE DO YOU SHOP IN YOUR LOCALE?The Bullet PR office is in the North Laines, so during the week we are spoilt for choice for places to eat. I like Marwoods for coffee and Namul, who do delicious Korean Bimbap takeaway lunches.

ARE THERE ANY HISTORICAL OR CULTURAL POINTS OF INTEREST, OR GREAT OPEN SPACES IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD?The Booth Museum of Natural History is just down the road on Dyke Road. It was founded by Edward Booth, an eccentric Victorian naturalist and originally housed his private collection of British birds. It’s a really quirky little museum, very atmospheric. A good place to while away a rainy afternoon. Hove Park, Preston Park and Dyke Road parks are just minutes away from the house.

ARE YOU A SPORT FAN?My family are obsessed with sport and my son plays rugby for Hove under-15s and American football for Sussex Thunder. But, I am afraid to say, I have absolutely no interest in sport and avoid it all costs!

ARE YOU A MEMBER OF ANY LEISURE OR FITNESS CLUBS?I am a member of Withdean gym, which is just up the road. It had an overhaul a few years ago and it’s fantastic now - great facilities and never too busy.

DO YOU COMMUTE TO WORK OR REGULARLY TRAVEL FOR WORK AT ALL? I am lucky enough to be based in Brighton so don’t have a regular commute, though the majority of my clients are London-based, so I do travel quite a bit. I also have some clients in Ibiza, so try to get out there a couple of times a year.

DO YOU HAVE A GARDEN? Yes I have a small garden. I actually love gardening; I find it really relaxing. My garden is quite cottagey, though I also dream of a minimalist Moroccan-style garden with lots of seating and lovely lighting.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER AREAS OF THE CITY YOU WOULD LIKE TO LIVE IN?I would love to live in one of the big Hove squares, overlooking the sea.

DO YOU PREFER TO ENTERTAIN AT HOME, OR DO YOU LIKE EATING OUT LOCALLY? IF SO, WHERE DO YOU EAT/DRINK?I am an absolutely rubbish cook, so I find entertaining at home quite stressful. I much prefer eating out. Locally, I like the Japanese restaurant Murasaki at Seven Dials. I love seafood, so other favourites include Urchin in Hove, Riddle and Fins, and 64 Degrees is great. For drinks it’s The Cocktail Shack or The Plotting Parlour.

WHERE DO YOU ALWAYS TAKE VISITORS?It’s got to be a stroll along the seafront, then an afternoon exploring the North Laines and all the quirky shops Brighton has to offer. The city is a great place to visit in May for the festivals; my guests always love visiting the Artists’ Open Houses; they are a great way to tour the city.

DO YOU EVER HANKER TO LIVE SOMEWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD?I would love to live in Ibiza. It reminds me of Brighton. It has an ‘anything goes’ attitude, the sun (not that bit!) beaches, great restaurants… I’m just working on the plan!

www.bulletpr.co.uk

PANDORA GEORGE IS FOUNDER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF BULLET PR

UP MY STREET......THIS MONTH WE SPEAK TO PANDORA GEORGE ABOUT WHERE SHE LIVES AND WHY SHE LOVES IT

www.engleharts.co.uk

For more information please contact us at Engleharts Solicitors:

Vallance Hall, Hove Street, Hove, East Sussex BN3 2DE

[email protected] • 01273 204411

local & independent

solicitors

Incorporating Johnson McCabe

We are local, independent solicitors providing an expert legal service with a personal approach

Property• Buying and Selling

Property• Re-Mortgages• Freehold Enfranchisement• Lease Extensions• Buying and Selling

Investment Properties

Business• Landlord and Tenant and

Commercial Property• Buying and Selling

Businesses and Shares• Employment Law

• Licensing

Wills and Trusts• Wills• Probate and

Administration of Estates

• Inheritance Tax Planning and Trusts

• Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection

• Elderly Client Care

Life and Family• Family and Matrimonial• Co Habitation

Agreements/Disputes• Civil Partnerships• Pre-nuptial Agreements• Divorce

Civil Litigation• Employment• Debt Recovery • Property• Contentious Probate• Insurance Claims• Fraud Claims to include

Defending SOCA Claims• Consumer Law• Neighbour disputes• Dispute Resolution/

Mediation of Claims

Commercial Litigation• Commercial contract/

Consumer Disputes• Director/Shareholders/

Partnership Disputes• Insurance Claims• Construction and

Engineering• Commercial Property

Disputes• Professional Negligence

Claims• Intellectual Property

Disputes

Personal Injury• Road Traffic Accidents• Medical Negligence• Accident at Work and on

Construction Site• Fatal Accidents• Structured Settlements

GARDEN FLAT, 9 PALMEIRA SQUARE, HOVE

An impressive Grade II listed apartment with share of freehold and delightful garden in this beautiful Regency terrace. Two very large double bedrooms with

two en-suites, spacious hallways and lots of storage, high ceilings in the lounge with period fireplace and access through to patio garden, separate fitted kitchen

– MUST BE SEEN TO APPRECIATE THE SIZE

PRICE £600,000 EPC exempt

Jonathan Lloyd Western Road Office 01273 777000

DITCHLING ROAD, BRIGHTON

Lovely Tudor style five bedroom detached house with three reception rooms, original panelling, kitchen/breakfast room, bathroom, shower room, private

driveway to garage and a fabulous westerly rear garden. The house is now in need of some updating having been a family house for many years. Situated close to Hollingbury golf course, local schools and easy access to A27/A23.

Open House Saturday July 4th

PRICE £975,000 EPC TBC

Robert Harding Preston Park Office 01273 508761

ASHDOWN AVENUE, SALTDEAN

This stunning 1930’s art deco detached house is situated on Ashdown Avenue in Saltdean. The property is developed over 3 stories comprising four bedrooms with two en suites and a separate shower room. In addition, this house offers a private driveway in contrast to a generous rear garden with views over Saltdean and the sea. Internally, the property is in fantastic condition throughout with a beautiful bespoke fitted kitchen. This property is being sold chain free, Ashdown Avenue is not to be missed and viewings are highly recommended!

PRICE: OIEO £600,000 EPC TBCNick Pashby Rottingdean Office 01273 309968

MARINE GATE, KEMPTOWN SEAFRONT

SEAFRONT LIVING? VIEWS? PARKING? 3 DOUBLE BEDROOMS? HUGE LOUNGE? A beautiful flat in a well know Art Deco style building on Brighton Seafront. The large dual aspect lounge has both open and enclosed balconies making the most of the direct sea views. Being so close to Brighton Marina this apartment is in a great location. There is 24 hour security, well tended gardens and a secure underground parking comes with the apartment.

PRICE: £450,000 EPC CEdward Middle Kemptown Office 01273 688148

9 Offices Covering Brighton & Hove27 Offices in Sussex37 Offices in London

LANSDOWNE PLACE, HOVE

Stunning Grade II listed Regency townhouse of significant proportions in the Brunswick Town Conservation Area. This beautifully presented property represents a rare opportunity to acquire a potential home and income or large family residence; comprising a 6 bedroom house and garden with self-contained basement flat with private patio.This is an ideal base for holiday letting or those seeking a central position being located on the southern section of Lansdowne Place, just off the main shopping and transport along Western Road and within a few hundred yards of Hove Lawns and seafront.

PRICE: OIXO £1,350,000 EPC TBCJonathan Lloyd Western Road Office 01273 777000

www.rightmove.co.ukwww.primelocation.co.ukwww.fox-and-sons.co.uk

LEGAL matters

What is a Lasting Power of Attorney and

why should I have one?

People often use the phrase a ‘Power

of Attorney’ when discussing a much-loved

elderly relative and making sure their personal

and professional affairs are properly looked

after. But what is a ‘Lasting Power of Attorney’

and is it just something that applies to the

elderly?

A Lasting Power of Attorney or LPA ensures

that someone you choose can step into your

shoes and look after your financial, health

and welfare needs if you should no longer be

capable of making those decisions for yourself.

It is important to think about who you would

wish to help you if the situation arose. How

would you pay your bills? How would your

business continue? What if you needed to sell

your home?

This is not just about what happens if you

were to develop dementia in the future. What

if you became physically incapacitated and

were unable to communicate your wishes?

Creating a ‘Lasting Power of Attorney’ gives you

the opportunity to safeguard your decisions and

put them in the hands of someone you trust,

who can carry them out for you.

There are two different types of LPA. One

deals with health and welfare and includes

issues such as consent or refusal of life-saving

treatment, while the other deals with property

and financial affairs, such as allowing your

attorney to write cheques for you and pay bills

on your behalf. Once an LPA is created and

registered, your attorney can make all those

decisions for you.

You can give guidance to the people that you

choose to be your attorney before any capacity

issue arises. The people you appoint are also

under a legal duty to assist you in making your

own decision and also have to act in your best

interests. It can be reassuring to know that a

family member or close personal friend could

be making decisions for you and with guidance

that you have given to them previously.

The biggest drawback of not appointing an

attorney to look after your affairs when you are

no longer able to is that your friends or family

will need to apply to the Court to be appointed to

make decisions on your behalf. Applying to the

Court is a time-consuming and costly process

and can prevent or significantly delay important

decisions, such as selling a property or running

your business.

Preparing an LPA now is a bit of an insurance

policy. Hopefully, it won’t be needed in the future,

but if it is, it can save a lot of heartache for you

and the people who care about you, ensuring

that any practicalities can be dealt with as soon

as they arise.

Louise McKay is a Partner at QualitySolicitors Howlett Clarke8-9 Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AZ01273 327272www.qualitysolicitors.com/howlettclarke

See more from Howlett Clarke at


LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY A Lasting Power of Attorney isn’t only about caring for elderly relatives. Howlett Clarke on planning ahead

42 PORTFOLIO

NEW Landlords wanted

Awarded the best LETTING agent in Brighton & Hove 2 years running.We were also awarded the best letting branch in the south east.

to work with the best

LET US TAKE CARE OF YOUR INVESTMENT

LET IT BE…Thinking of becoming a landlord? Do your homework, and choose the right agent…

With an estimated 45% of landlords

owning only one property, the profile

of the typical landlord has changed

dramatically in the last decade, but make sure

you understand your costs and obligations

before you change your day job…

There are many different ways to become a

landlord. Perhaps you have inherited a property

that you want to keep but not to live in, or maybe

you have your eyes on a property you wish to

acquire with a view to renting out.

In most cases, the likelihood is that you’ll

probably need a buy-to-let mortgage. However,

if you have decided that you’re buying outright,

you won’t need a mortgage to finance the

purchase – unless you decide to use your

investment to buy several properties. Likewise,

if you decide to rent out your existing home and

move elsewhere, you may not need a buy-to-

let mortgage. But you must tell your mortgage

provider and request a ‘consent to let’.

In all cases, if you have a mortgage you’ll

need to contact your mortgage provider to

check what their policy is regarding renting,

whether to a tenant or a lodger.

CALCULATING THE RETURN ON YOUR

INVESTMENT

The property you buy and the tenants you aim to

attract will be driven by your underlying reason

for entering into buy-to-let. There are two ways

in which you can seek to make a return on your

investment: capital growth and rental income.

Most people are looking for a combination

of these, but it’s likely that your underlying

reasons for investing mean you will place more

focus on one or the other.

Your rental income depends on factors

like the size, condition and location of your

property. The quickest way to get an idea of

your property’s potential income is to contact a

local estate agent for an estimate, just as you

would if you were selling a house. As for capital

growth, the term is commonly used to describe

the change in property value over time.

Remember that whatever you earn in

income will have to cover maintenance, repairs,

management fees, any mortgage payments

on the property and empty periods in between

tenants.

Do make sure you speak to your financial

adviser about the tax implications of the rental

income.

PROPERTY TAX

You are obliged by law to advise the HMRC of any

properties that are let. Property tax is applied

individually, and what you owe depends on your

overall income and assets, not just earnings

from property. Deductions can be made from

the rental income to cover such things as the

interest element of any mortgage payment

on the property, agents’ fees, maintenance

costs, repairs, insurance, ground rents and so

on. Always seek the advice of a property tax

specialist - even if you are just letting your own

home.

PROPERTY TIPS FOR LANDLORDS

Property expert Phil Spencer and the

Telegraph’s Christopher Middleton offer some

top tips for investing in the buy-to-let market.

“The business of getting a buy-to-let

mortgage can take time and needs thorough

research. You also need to factor in the

safety checks that must be passed before

you can legally start taking in tenants. Once

the preparation is done, though, there is no

doubt that it will pay off,” says Channel 4’s,

Phil Spencer. “The key thing is to work out

who is your most likely customer, and present

your property accordingly,” advises Spencer,

a landlord in his own right. “Students need a

blank canvas, so that they can add their own

character. They need furniture, too, whereas

families are going to bring their own. They will,

however, expect it to be more than just basic.

It should be well presented, in good decorative

order and clean. “Young professionals might not

expect the garden. But they will want the basics

in terms of furniture, which should be, if not

trendy, at least not unfashionable.”

With thanks to: www.nationwide.co.uk, www.arla.co.uk, www.telegraph.co.uk44 PORTFOLIO

Before diving into the buy-to-let market, it’s

important to get into the rental mentality. Here

are some tips from Christopher Middleton from

The Telegraph Property Club to help you on

your way:

LEARN TO LISTEN

Meet lettings agents and other landlords and

hear what they have to say. Consider joining

the National Landlords Association.

TAKE AIM

Decide (with advice from lettings agents) what

size property to go for and what kind of tenants

you will be targeting (students, families, young

professionals, company lets).

SHOP AROUND

For a buy-to-let mortgage offering a reasonable

rate of interest, plus equally reasonable

arrangement fee. Also for reliable lettings

agents, to manage the property (do they belong

to a professional body, such as the Association

of Residential Letting Agents?)

DECORATE ACCORDINGLY

Not how you like, but how your tenants will

like. Don’t alienate men by making everything

pink, or put off women by opting for wall-to-

wall grey.

BE REASONABLE

Say you get £500 rent per month and your

lettings management firm takes 10 percent.

Isn’t it worth £50 for them to get “the-boilers-

broken” calls from your tenants at midnight?

RESIST GREED

If you’ve got reliable tenants. go easy on the

rent increases. Driving them away could cost

you a lot more money in the long run.

Join the Telegraph Property Club at:

www.telegraph.co.uk

ARLA’s TOP TIPS FOR BUY-TO-LET LANDLORDS

Buying a property to let isn’t always straightforward. But follow ARLA’s advice and it will be a

whole lot easier

1. Do some research - Buy-to-let can be a legal, practical and financial minefield, and you will

need to do your homework. Research the market with the help of your local NAEA or ARLA

estate and lettings agents, who will be able to advise on demand and any other issues in

the area you are considering.

2. Know the demand - Buying where there is no rental demand can be fatal to the buy-to-let

investor, yet it is a surprisingly common mistake. Make sure you are not investing in a

market which is already saturated with the sort of property you have to offer, and do not be

misled by stories of fast profits.

3. Understand your finances - Keep in mind whether you are in the market for capital gain

when you sell or simply monthly rental income. This will help you decide what to buy and

where, and what kind of mortgage you need.

4. Buy carefully - Make sure you buy a property which allows for sufficient profit margin. Do

not go for a ‘bargain’ property which may turn into a money pit very quickly. Major repairs

require much time and effort and paying more for a property which is in better condition

can be a wise move.

5. Decorate to demand - Don’t make the mistake of decorating and furnishing the property to

your own tastes; keep it simple, with clean lines, and do not fall into self-indulgence. You

are there to make money out of the property, so keep your market in mind, but do not treat

it like a doll’s house.

6. Be aware of new and updated regulations as and when they arise. Failure to comply with

the law can result in serious consequences. The best way to make sure you are kept up to

date is to use an NAEA agent who can make you aware of them while also ensuring you

comply.

7. Know your responsibilities - You, your letting agent and your tenant have different

responsibilities, and it is important to know where these lie. As the landlord you will be

expected to pay buildings insurance, ground rent and service charges and insure any items

you leave in the property. Your letting agent will be able to advise on others’ responsibilities

as part of your contract.

8. Prepare for voids - Your property may be empty and not generate any income for periods

of time, and you need to be ready for this. Advertising for new tenants, painting walls and

replacing carpets can take months off your lettings calendar and you should have a plan in

place for when this happens.

9. Move with the market - Know that if the market softens you will have to lower your rent

in order to stay competitive, no matter how desirable your property. If you are in it for the

long term this should not matter, as the important thing is that your property continues to

generate a fee for you.

Property Moves, 109 Church Road, Hove BN3 2AF. 01273 321333. www.propertymoves.co.uk

FEATURE PROPERTIES AVAILABLE AT PROPERTY MOVES:WARREN KNIGHT FROM PROPERTY MOVES

LETTINGS SAYS:

“Once you have bought your ideal

investment, it needs to present well, as first

impressions are always very important.

You will need to make sure it’s well

carpeted and decorated, with a modern

kitchen and bathroom, which will help you

attract the ideal tenant. We can always give

new landlords advice on this.” Harrington Road, Brighton - £1150

Recently refurbished, split level unfurnished

second floor two bedroom flat. Spacious

triple aspect lounge with wooden floors

and modern fitted open plan kitchen. Very

modern wet room style bathroom. Two

balconies. Short walk to Preston Park

station.

Tivoli Road, Brighton - £1500

Modern two double bedroom unfurnished

maisonette in popular location. Newly

decorated & carpeted. Newly fitted kitchen,

new en-suite & family bathroom. Spacious

lounge with high ceilings & double glazed

windows. Roof terrace with stunning views

across Brighton.

8/9 Old SteineBrightonBN1 1EJ

If you are buying or selling your property, Healys offers an unrivalled legal service. In order that your matter proceeds smoothly we offer the following as standard to our clients:

Direct dial to your SolicitorNo hidden chargesCompetitive fees

We would be delighted to provide you with a free personal quotation. Please contact one of our team on: 01273 669139 or email: [email protected] or visit www.healys.com and complete our online quotation form.

•••

Making Moving a Pleasure

H ME of the MONTH2 bedroom flat to rent Tisbury Road, Hove

www.onthemarket.com

Price: £1,400 pcm

Key features:

• Newly Refurbished• Modern Fitted Open Plan Kitchen• Two En Suite Shower Rooms• Two Double Bedrooms• Spacious Lounge• Wooden Floors• Patio• Short walk to seafront, shops & station

Property Moves 109 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2AF

Tel: 01273 321333 FREE VALUATION

CONTACT AGENT

...as selected by PORTFOLIO magazine

A new concept in bedroom and home storage

www.gapsolutions.co.uk | [email protected] 5B Enterprise Business Park, Crowhurst Road, Brighton BN1 8AF

Call now to book a free design and quotation 01273 550050

Sliding Wardrobes | Room Dividers | Walk in Wardrobes | Headboards | Built in docking stations

Our brand new collection of stylish sliding wardrobes and room dividers made to measure

48 PORTFOLIO

BEAUTIFUL homes

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MY

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CMY

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nTheMarket.com

PORTFOLIO 49

Now we have reached mid summer and

the garden is shimmering with jewel-

like colour. This is often one of the

hottest months of the year, so take advantage

of this hot period and sit outdoors, indulge in

alfresco dining or simply absorb the peace and

tranquility of your beautiful July garden.

One of the many joys of gardening is blending

together the colours you love most to create

atmosphere and impact. For me, cool whites,

gentle pinks, subtle blues, delicate mauves and

sophisticated greens make my ideal garden.

This year at the great Chelsea flower show

these colours played a huge part in many of

the garden designs. All the plants used were

ones that can be found in most gardens and

which are readily available in your local garden

centres. The trick is to weave these colours

together so they sit next to each other in perfect

harmony. With careful planning, we can all

achieve the Chelsea wow factor in our own

gardens, no matter how small.

The traditional borders with a mixture of

shrubs, trees, perennials and annuals in mixed

colours still remain very popular. However,

sometimes a change is called for. Gardens with

colours that are restricted to four or possibly

five can have a greater appeal with strong

intent. It is good to experiment with colour, even

if you restrict it to a small area of your garden.

Finally, for architectural and year-round

interest, invest in some topiary, either standard

bay trees or clipped box balls. Let the topiary

take centre stage throughout the garden and

place the other plants around the topiary.

Always remember to plant in multiples and odd

numbers and this will make a huge difference

to your garden.

Using architectural plants in the garden will

act as focal points and give structure through

the winter too. Using standard bays will

introduce height to break up the garden at eye

level.

A wonderful planting palette with limited

colours and sophisticated greens will provide

you with a refined, elegant garden to enjoy all

through the summer and beyond.

INTO THE GARDENSummer is fully here and your garden should be blooming… Portfolio Interiors Editor Tara de la Motte on adding colour and texture to your July garden

For a garden using whites, pinks, blues, mauves and greens, here is a great selection of plants that you will simply desire to have in your garden…

FOR BLUES, MAUVES AND PINKS

n Nepta ‘six hills giant’ — with delicate

purple flowers and aromatic silver and

green foliage

n Eryngium (sea holly) — has spiny leaves

and thistle-like pale blue flowers

n Agapanthus (African lily ) — strap-like

leaves and tall, stemmed blue flowers

n Lavandula (lavender) Hidcote - with

violet-blue flowers, highly fragrant, will

also attract bees

n Allium aflatuneuse — with majestic

purple-pink flowers, wonderful showy

plant

n Salvia sylvestris ‘may night’ — slightly

hairy leaves and has indigo blue

flowers

n Astransia involucrata — with green-

and-white-flushed pink flowers, can be

used as a dried flower

WHITES

n Phlox paniculata ‘white admiral’ —

a cool, scented phlox with a long

flowering period

n Nicotina alata (tobacco plant ) — widely

grown as an annual, with scented

flowers

n Crambe cordifolia — a beautiful

plant that has imposing foliage and

wonderfully scented flowers

INTERIORS

BRAND • VAUGHAN

in association with Sawyer & Co

Rand &C oLettings & Acquisitions

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Registered Offi ce: 3rd Floor Connaught House, 1-3 Mount Street, London W1K 3NB, England.

51242_TRAP_39L_Portfolio.indd 1 20/05/2015 09:01

A PLACE IN THE SUNA record number of Brits are buying properties abroad. Portfolio look into how to buy abroad successfully

Even before we arrive back from our

annual foreign holiday, many of us

are dreaming of owning our very own

property in the sun. Too much Sangria, sun,

and laying by a pool, perhaps, making us

believe that we can indeed live the dream. The

lure of having a gorgeous property abroad for

the family to escape to whenever you wish,

avoiding the endless searching for expensive

holidays, perhaps only to be disappointed by

the over-hyped descriptions of poor quality

accommodation, is surely tempting. With the

often low prices abroad, it may also prove to be

a good investment and an ideal place to retire to.

A record number of Brits are buying

properties abroad to escape the winter months

and enjoying a ready-made holiday home in

that familiar location that they can also lend

out to friends and family.

If you are seriously thinking of buying abroad,

then do a lot of research. To start you off, the

internet is a fabulous resource, but you can’t

beat on-the-spot talking to both the locals and

the region’s experts.

“Choosing suitable properties to view abroad

purely from web listings works for some

people,” said Elaine Ferguson, Head of the

Resource Centre at OverseasGuidesCompany.

com. “However, in reality, for most people this

type of research is a starting point and is a

good way of finding an estate agent.

“Typically, we see clients head off on a trip

to view properties that they think tick all the

boxes, only to be shown somewhere different

by an attentive agent who usually has a better

understanding of what suits their needs

than them. Today’s market conditions make

working with an astute estate agent even more

important in 2015.

Elaine adds, “As a foreigner, your agent

should not only help you find a property, but

also assist with getting set up as a homeowner,

which includes opening a bank account, getting

a tax identification number, finding a lawyer,

getting connected to utilities and dealing with

any other household issues.”

Many estate agents in the UK also have

offices abroad and can liaise to find you the

best properties to view, plus, there is no

awkward language barrier.

One such company is John D Wood & Co.

Nicholas Taylor, Operations Director, comments:

“We are able to help clients buy abroad, whether

selling in the UK to relocate or purchasing an

additional property. Many of our sellers tell

us they aim to live abroad for part of the year

and downsize from their main property in the

UK, keeping a base here to maintain a foothold

in the UK, usually close to family or for easy

flexi-commuting. Whatever lifestyle you are

seeking, we can now help you buy in Europe,

the Caribbean and America, as well as further

afield, and have a vast selection of properties.”

www.ritz-g5.com. 9772

PORTFOLIO 53

DECIDE WHY YOU’RE BUYING

If you are buying your property for investment, don’t imagine that you will have a full season

booked out. Take into consideration that there will inevitably be dry periods during the year which

you will need to build into your costings. Look in detail at its rental potential.

If you intend using the property regularly, work out how often you will visit and whether you are

able to maintain it effectively.

RESEARCH THE AREA

It sounds obvious, but find out what the property and the area are like in the winter, and whether

the facilities are even open in the off-season. Beaches, restaurants and bars may close, and public

transport may be affected. Ensure there are shopping and other amenities within a reasonable

distance.

INSTRUCT AN INDEPENDENT LAWYER

You would always use an independent lawyer when buying a property in the UK, so why do anything

different when buying abroad?

FIND OUT ABOUT COSTS AND FINANCE

The costs of buying and renovating abroad can be significantly higher than in the UK. It is therefore

vital that you do some calculations regarding the final cost of buying when looking at your budget

and build this into your total spend. Finding out about the total cost of buying ensures that you can

afford the property and makes sure that you stick to your budget.

UNDERSTAND HOW THE PROCESS WORKS

Whilst the process of buying in some countries may appear to be similar to that in the UK, it can

be very different in others.

SURVEYS

Just because you are buying a property abroad doesn’t mean that you need not worry about the

structure of the property. Hot climates can have equally as damaging an effect on properties and

surveys are therefore still highly advisable.

VALUATIONS AND DUE DILIGENCE

Carry out your own due diligence. When a property is for sale at a cheap price, it doesn’t mean it

is a bargain. It makes sense to get an independent valuation to ensure that you are not paying too

much.

CURRENCY

There can be large savings to be made by getting the right exchange rate on your purchase. Even

small fluctuations in the rate of exchange can have a major impact on the amount that you actually

pay for the property.

UNDERSTAND THE TAX IMPLICATIONS AND THE OBLIGATIONS OF OWNERSHIP

The tax systems abroad can be very different to those familiar to you. They may also have an

impact on your tax affairs back home. Buying the property is only the start of your ownership.

You need to understand how a whole range of different things work, such as taxes, insurance,

communal areas, inheritance rules and so on.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK.

If you’re planning to live permanently at the property, research your pension and healthcare

requirements as early as possible. If you are below retirement age, carefully consider your

healthcare insurance cover.

Some information provided by Peter Esders Judicare Group, which is a legal services company

specialising in property investment recovery. In this role, it works solely on behalf of buyers (not

developers or agents), helping them to seek compensation in the event of problems with the purchase of

a property overseas. For more information on buying abroad visit www.judicaregroup.com.

TIPS ON WHAT TO BE AWARE OF WHEN PURCHASING A PROPERTY OVERSEAS:

www.property-venture.com

www.fineandcountry.com

OVERSEAS

OVERSEAS

Simon Conn has over 30 years’ experience

in the overseas property market and has

worked for a number of major financial

services companies. He is especially well

known within the overseas mortgage industry

and is a regular media commentator on matters

relating to the purchase or refinancing of

overseas property.

LONGER TERM FIXED RATES ARE MORE

POPULAR IN COUNTRIES OUTSIDE OF THE UK.

The tradition in the UK has been to move more

frequently, so there hasn’t been the demand

for longer-term products as people have been

concerned about early redemption penalties.

There are more long-term rates available now

because people haven’t moved as much in

the economic crisis, tending to re-mortgage

instead.

In some countries, such as South Africa,

there are no fixed rates currently available.

An example of both variable and fixed rate

products are listed below.

Please note that all lending terms depend on

a client’s personal financial status, valuation of

the property, location and type of property, plus

loan required.

USA

Interest continues to be high in the most popular

states/areas, such as Florida, California and

New York, with interest growing Colorado,

Texas and South Carolina, but with the cheaper

properties you have to be careful what you are

purchasing and the future saleability. Interest

rates are also quite low and maximum loan

to value rates vary between 70% and 75%

depending on the state and type of property

being purchased.

The majority of lenders we deal with for

foreign nationals offer 3, 5 or 7 year fixed rates

starting from approximately 4.875%. Normally

these fixed rate schemes have no early

redemption penalties. Adjustable rates start

from approximately 3.50%.

ITALY

Italy is still flourishing, with Umbria and Tuscany

becoming more popular again. Interest rates are low

and loan to values are still between 60% and 70%.

There is a variable fixed-rate market from

approximately 2.49%. Fixed rates are available

occasionally, but these are only offered on

approval, due to the volatility of the market and

can be expensive, starting from 6.00% over 1

year.

TURKEY

Still offers value for money, with lower-priced

properties when compared to other parts of

Southern Europe. Interest rates continue to be

high compared to others and mortgages are

available between 50% and 75%, depending on

an applicant’s location and financial status.

The cheapest fixed rate is from 6.40% over

1 year with a 2% redemption penalty. Variable

rates start from approximately 6.15%.

FRANCE

More properties have been built recently and

interest rates have dropped even further due

to European Central Bank rates being reduced.

Mortgages are still available up to 80% to 85%

loan to value.

The longest term for fixed-rate products in

France is 20 years, with rates starting from

2.40%. The penalty is six months’ interest or

a maximum of 3% of the mortgage. The best

variable rate is from approximately 1.85% and

with no early repayment charges.

SPAIN

Spain remains popular and there are signs of

possible new developments being built and

unsold projects being resurrected/renovated,

but in the latter case you should ensure all the

relevant planning permissions and building and

habitation licences are in place.

The fixed interest rate for 5, 10, 15 or 20 years

starts from 3.50%. The early redemption fee is

0.50% at any time.

PORTUGAL

Portugal continues to show an increase in

sales, not just in the Algarve, but also Lisbon

and the Silver Coast areas. Mortgages are now

available up to 80% on a case-by-case basis,

and it also benefits from the current low Euro

interest rates, although these are high when

compared to France and Spain.

Fixed rates over 5 years are available from

approximately 3.85%. Variable rates start from

approximately 2.00%.

For advice on financing your overseas

property, contact Simon on 07739 033 266

or [email protected]

or visit www.simonconn.com

Twitter: @simonlconn

OVERSEAS MORTGAGESSimon Conn, overseas property and finance specialist, on buying or re-financing overseas property

54 PORTFOLIO

‘The World’ www.fineandcountry-marbella.com

PORTFOLIO 55

OVERSEAS

MANAGING THE EXCHANGE RATE

When buying a property overseas you will

have a set budget in mind. The difficulty when

it comes to buying a property abroad, in a

different currency, is that the movements in

the foreign exchange market can affect your

set budget.

Exchange rates move rapidly and frequently,

while it can take many months to buy a

property. Exchange rates are sensitive to a

range of economic factors such as productivity,

unemployment levels and the housing market.

Political developments, wars and natural

disasters will also cause rates to move up or

down.

These movements in the FX market could

make the difference between you going ahead

with your property purchase or having to

abandon your dream.

For example, at the end of January a pound

would buy €1.346, but just a week later

sterling had fallen to €1.321. That may not

sound much, but it means a €300,000 property

would cost you £4,000 more in a matter of a

few days. So, depending on when you actually

pay for your property, it could cost you much

more – or less – than you originally planned.

That’s why having access to a currency

specialist such as moneycorp is invaluable.

When you open an account with moneycorp,

you will be given a personal account manager

to discuss your needs and give you guidance on

the currency market. Your UK-based manager

is an expert in the field and can explain the

tools available to help protect you and your

budget from negative rate movements.

Having this peace of mind means you can

focus on the other details of your property

purchase, safe in the knowledge that your

dream will not be knocked off course by the

currency markets.

Since the foreign exchange market could

make or break your property purchase, it

makes sense to speak to the experts.

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR OVERSEAS PROPERTY

PURCHASE

Whether you are realising a dream to own a

place in the sun or you are selling up abroad

to move back to the UK, you will need to

move large sums of money between different

countries and currencies.

While you may grab a bargain and get a

good sale price, you may not have given much

thought to what kind of deal you’ll get when

you actually transfer money to pay for the

property.

It is essential to get a great exchange rate

when you send your money overseas. Most

people go to their high street bank but banks

seldom offer competitive exchange rates or a

personal service.

Fortunately, there is an alternative that

could save you money. Currency specialists

moneycorp offer exchange rates that are

typically 3/4pc better than those offered by

the high street banks. If you are moving a

large amount of money, this could make an

enormous difference. The saving might be

enough to pay for renovations or cover your

legal fees.

The bespoke service and typical bank-

beating exchange rates offered by moneycorp

do not mean clients pay high transfer fees.

While a bank may charge £20-40 every time

you make a transfer, moneycorp’s fees start at

£5 for an online deal, rising to a maximum of

£15 over the phone.

If you want to sleep easy knowing your

money is in safe hands and are looking for a

great deal, put yourself in the expert hands of

moneycorp.

To find out more call 0203 7402888 today or

email [email protected]

When buying abroad, always use a currency specialist to make sure you protect yourself from the

risks posed by the currency market, say moneycorp

MONEY MATTERS

“Exchange rates move rapidly and frequently,

while it can take many months to buy a

property”

OVERSEAS MORTGAGES

HOT PROPERTY According to research by Rightmove

Overseas, the most popular

destinations for Britons purchasing

abroad are Spain, France, Italy, the United

States and Portugal, with those interviewed

citing their motivations as wanting to enjoy a

better quality of life, to live in a warmer climate

with easy access to a beach and to experience

a new culture, as well as to live amongst

beautiful scenery. Alpine homes have also

been a big focus for overseas property hunters

this winter, especially those in resorts, which

are as popular in the summer with cyclists and

walkers as they are for winter sports.

It’s unsurprising, perhaps, that our love affair

with French properties continues and is the

most popular destination due to ease of access

to all parts of the country. Italy, too, has seen a

huge uplift in demand, with Savills reporting a

doubling of enquires from 2014/2015.

Having exited a six-year downturn, Spain is

going through a particularly purple patch and is

on course to become the largest economy in the

Eurozone – overtaking the UK and the United

States in growth. The nation has posted seven

consecutive quarters of growth and its property

market is mirroring this optimistic outlook.

The latest quarterly bulletin issued by

the Spanish Council of Registrars showed a

massive uptick for Q1 with just over 9% more

residential properties changing hands over the

same period in 2014. 12.22% of these homes

were bought by foreigners – again, up 9% on

Q1 2014. UK nationals top the non-Spanish

buyer chart, unsurprising given their long-

term affection for Spain. Spanish property

portal Idealista concurs, citing the Balearics

amongst the top three Spanish regions for

sharp price rises in April.

“More sales at higher prices, this is exactly

the news we want to hear in the Spanish

property market,” says Alejandra Vanoli,

Managing Director of Mallorca Sotheby’s

International Realty. “The Balearic Islands

reported some of the lowest house price falls

in Spain during the six-year crisis and are

now posting the fastest and highest rises. We

expected this as the Islands are supported

by huge numbers of tourists, a multi-national

house-buying population – Calvia alone has

19,000 non-Spanish residents from 100

different countries - and a strong appeal to the

high-end with luxury hotels, restaurants, beach

clubs, golf courses and marinas supporting a

growing super-yacht industry. This year we

are selling more houses than ever, and for us

in Mallorca the future is very bright.”

However, it is not just Europe that is

attracting UK buyers. The USA is also looking

very attractive lately, and the Caribbean, too,

for those with the cash to splash. Thanks to

regular flights with BA and Virgin and its warm

climate, Barbados has established itself as

a long-time favourite for British buyers and

holiday makers alike. Royal Westmoreland is

reporting the best sales period in more than

ten years, with $60million of its villa sales

coming largely from Brits.

The sales upturn shows that the appetite for

overseas property is returning. That’s backed

up by the latest findings of Moneycorp. In a

recent interview Moneycorp Chief Executive

Mark Horgan said: “Britons are starting to buy

foreign homes again, thanks to the strength of

the pound and low prices. The Brits are back.”

Royal Westmoreland’s Director of Sales Kim

Goddard says: “Most of the sales are to British

buyers, who are feeling more confident about

the economy back home and in the product

that is Barbados. They want a sure bet when

it comes to making their lifestyle choice for a

second home. This means built amenities, an

established, vibrant community and lower risk

on protecting resale values.”

St Leon Sur Vezere,

The Dordorgne, France

For sale through John D Wood & Co;

Guide price £572,000;

www.Johndwood.co.uk; 020 7908 1108

Quinta do Lago, Algarve, Portugal

For sale through John D Wood & Co;

Guide price €2,895,000;

www.johndwood.co.uk; 020 7908 1108

Terre Gialle Residence & Resort,

Tuscany, Italy:

For more information about Terre Gialle

Residence & Resort,

visit www.terregialle.com

Royal Westmoreland Barbados

For more information

phone+44 (0)1524 889341,

[email protected]

www.royalwestmoreland.com

Photo Credits:

Aylesford International

www.aylesford.com; 0207 7349 9772

www.property-venture.com

[email protected]; 01932 849536

TIP: to help with all your travel arrangements to visit your search destination visit travel counsellor Mark Gibson. www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/mark.gibson

Bathrooms play such an important part in the look of our homes. Update yours with these stylish and practical bathroom accessories

60 PORTFOLIO

SHOPPING

BATH TIME

SOFT BLUESMatching towels give a luxe feel to any bathroom. John Lewis Egyptian cotton towels come in a multitude of shades. From £5.00.www.johnlewis.com

ON A ROLLHeals specialise in stylish bathroom storage and essentials like this Wireworks Dark Oak Mezza Toilet Roll Holder Box. £30.00.www.heals.co.uk

MIRROR MIRRORThe timeless design, simple shapes and clean lines of these Robert Welch Burford bathroom accessories will complement any bathroom. From £20.00.www.johnlewis.com

BRIGHT TIMEMake weighing yourself a bright spot in your day with Terraillon Pop Digital Bathroom Scale. £30.00.www.johnlewis.com

HOUSE ROOMTurn your bathroom into your very own village with this La Ville ceramic bathroom set from The Gift Oasis. £19.99.www.thegiftoasis.com

Bathroom ideas and accessories from Marks & Spencer.

www.marksandspencer.com

YELLOW SUBMARINEYou may never live in one

but you can listen to it. Yellow submarine bath

and shower FM radio. £19.99.

www.thegiftoasis.com

FISH DISHInfluenced by Brighton’s own Royal Pavilion? We think so. Quirky fish-shaped bathroom set from Zara Home. Soap dish, tumbler and soap dispenser. From £9.99 to £17.99www.zarahome.com

LAUNDRY TIMEWith an oversized icon manual printed on its reverse, laundry was never simpler. One Load at a Time Laundry Bag from The Contemporary Home, £15.00. www.tch.net

HEAVEN SCENTEveryday luxuries are the essence of a perfect bathroom. Jo Malone’s signature Lime Basil & Mandarin bath oils and soaps are a modern classic. Bath oil from £17.00 for 30ml. Soaps £14.00 for 100g.www.jomalone.co.uk

SWEET SMELLThe ultimate bathroom accessory: scented candles are a must for a luxurious bathing experience. Oliver Bonas Scented Candles £16.50-£22.50.

SILVER LININGSilver in a bathroom is on trend and this silver-plated basket with rope handles is great for storing laundry or towels. From Zara Home. £29.99www.zarahome.com

BOLD AND BRIGHTOrla Kiely Stem Jacquard Towel Collection. In vibrant clementine and white this collection of towels adds a vibrant pop of colour. From £4.00.www.houseology.com

PORTFOLIO 61

62 PORTFOLIO

Web site: www.redjoinery.comTwitter: @redjoineryTel: 01273 463799Mob: 07970274626

We design, create and install bespoke furniture to commercial, domestic and retail sectors.

Most of the planning applications for

individual new homes by Sussex

residents are still being turned down,

whilst councils across Sussex are granting

permission for tens of thousands of ‘standard

house type’ new homes to be built on greenfield

sites. Most of these are by volume house-

builders from outside Sussex.

Julia Arnold, MD of Sussex Home Hub and

founder of the ‘Campaign to Get Sussex Building’

comments: “The volume house-builders are

generally from other counties. Therefore the

work is being given to architects, planning

consultants, builders and other workers from

outside Sussex, in priority over Sussex workers,

and the profits from the new homes are being

taken out of Sussex.”

There are two reasons for this bias against

Sussex self-builders. The first is the huge

increase in individual (and often unprofessional)

planning applications from self-builders, which

may have created too much administration for

councils.

It is much easier for councils to meet their

housing number targets by allowing fewer large

sites by wealthy volume builders, who can also

make social contributions, such as building a

school or doctor’s surgery.

The second reason local self-builders are

often turned down for planning permission

is because they have failed to make adequate

planning applications which comply with the

complicated regulations that surround the

planning system.

Julia continues: “Those who get it right

are making a lot of money building their own

new homes or converting their barns; it’s just

that most people don’t know how to do it the

right way. If you have the right experts around

you and you have land which is eligible for

development, the opportunity to make money

and create your own new home is very real and

often relatively easy.”

Well-designed self-build homes are good for

Sussex. They help the councils meet their local

housing quotas while at the same time reducing

the necessary number of volume-builder new-

home developments on greenfield land.

For free advice and more information visit:

www.sussexhomehub.org, call 01403 711 639

or email: [email protected]

GET SUSSEX BUILDINGProfits from new homes in Sussex are going out of Sussex, says Sussex Home Hub MD Julia Arnold

NEW homes

The bathroom is increasingly one of the most

important rooms in a home and it is one of

the most used rooms in the house too. Today

this room is more than a place to bath and wash.

If you wish to create a polished, elegant bathroom

with maximum functional space, then planning

ahead is the key to achieving the desired look.

For inspiration visit your local bathroom

showroom. Magazines, brochures and websites

will provide lots of inspiration towards helping

you create the perfect bathroom, but nothing beats

seeing and touching. Finally, create a mood board

with all the information you have gathered and

this will help you visualise the bathroom you will

create.

These days, many homeowners are looking to

create bathrooms that are sleek and chic. In such

bathrooms clutter-free design is hugely important,

but it is vital that this space does not become too

clinical. To avoid this, mixing old and new styles

within a bathroom is a good design trick. By

cleverly mixing the two styles it is possible to have

a bathroom that is sophisticated and timeless.

Many of todays ‘boutique’ hotels have been using

this method and this look has been filtering into

residential properties too.

INTERIORS

Your bathroom can be a private sanctuary, a home spa and a luxurious escape from the world, says Portfolio Interiors Editor Tara de la Motte

BATHROOM COUTURE

PORTFOLIO 63

BATHS

The way to achieve this look is to combine

traditional bath and sanitary-ware with

contemporary taps and showers. Many

bathroom manufacturers specialise in such

accessories. A traditional roll top or bateau

bath can look very elegant matched with

simple, almost minimal tap styles.

The bath plays an important role in our busy

lives, it has become reserved for indulgent

relaxation. So choosing a bath that is more

than a feature is important; comfort is the key,

so the size and shape have to be just right.

Most baths are built to last, so invest in the

best you can afford. Free-standing baths are

popular for instant impact but can be costly,

and the free-standing taps will push the price

even higher. Inset baths are easier and more

cost-effective to install and can be made

to feel luxurious if clad in stone, mirror or

contemporary panels of teak. Where space is

tight and there is no space for a full-size tub,

then there are some very stylish compact tubs

available on the market.

Baths come in various materials; acrylic

is popular as it is lightweight and affordable,

while enamelled steel, although cold to the

touch, has a hard surface that is impossible

to stain. Traditional free-standing baths are

generally made from cast iron, which is highly

durable, and the interior will be enamelled

while the exterior can be painted or buffed

to order. Free-standing baths made from

stone can be extremely elegant, but they are

heavy and floors may need to be reinforced to

take the weight of this type of bath. However,

powdered stone mixed with resin is less heavy

and offers a good alternative.

PORTFOLIO 65

SHOWER ENCLOSURES AND WET ROOMS

Showers come in all shapes and sizes and can

also be made bespoke. The current trend is for

minimalist glass panels that can give the look

of a wet room. The latest developments in glass

bending bring curves to the shower enclosure.

There is smoked glass for privacy and anti-

plaque finishes for easy cleaning. Modern

shower trays tend to be very low-profile, sitting

almost flush to the floor. These imitate the

seamless lines of a walk-in-wet room.

With the latest advantages in digital

technology, the shower can be switched on

without getting wet. These showers have flow

rate controls and systems which can report

how much water has been used and thus help

to regulate the overall usage of water in the

home. Today’s shower can be personalised

to individual needs with temperature control

facilities, provide music, LED lighting and

wonderful scents. Multi-functional shower

heads will have a choice of sprays, from a fine

mist to a strong jet. Some will even offer an

eco-friendly setting that adds air to provide a

more powerful flow but using less water.

Walk-in showers and wet rooms are set

to become an even more popular trend this

year. These are both stylish, modern and very

practical. A wet room has seamless floors

and walls and can make even the smallest

bathroom feel elegant and sophisticated. A

wet room can be fitted anywhere in the home,

and, provided that it is fitted by an expert using

sound material, this will be a place that will

invigorate in the morning and soothe come

night time.

EN-SUITES

En-suites are convenient and stylish additions

to master and guest bedrooms. An en-

suite will provide you with a relaxed private

bathing area, and if space allows, it is good to

include all the fixtures of a normal bathroom,

especially an indulging bath.

If you have enough bedrooms then

converting one adjoining room will ensure a

good space for an en-suite. Mirror the colour

and other features within the bedroom in your

en-suite for a seamless transition between

bathroom and boudoir. By doing this you will

create a space that is restful and harmonious.

Alternatively, get the chic ‘boutique hotel’

look by having an open-plan layout with a free-

standing bath in the bedroom. Before locating

a bath in a bedroom, ensure the floor joists will

hold the weight of the filled tub.

For those short on space it is worthwhile

opting for a compact en-suite wet room. By

erecting a glass screen and keeping sanitary

ware far away from the shower area to reduce

spraying, space can be efficiently utilised.

Under-floor heating will be beneficial for this

type of wet room as it will save wall space and

also dry the room rapidly after use.

Finally, for all your bathing needs choose

quality fittings and plenty of luxury touches to

transform your bathroom into a haven.

See more interiors ideas at


“Mirror the colour and features from

the bedroom in your en-suite for a

seamless transition between bathroom

and boudoir”

Your Chartered Accountantswww.lucrafts.co.uk

PORTFOLIO 67

BEAUTIFUL homes

HEATHER’S VEGAN VISIONHeather Mills, Paralympic skier, environmentalist, vegan entrepreneur and one-time Mrs McCartney, entered the fast-growing vegan market in Brighton & Hove five years ago with her VBites flagship restaurant

Brighton is a city renowned for its vibrant and eclectic mix of restaurants, cafes

and eateries. With noted eateries such as The Chilli Pickle, 64 Degrees and

The Coal Shed for gorgeous steaks, as well as hundreds of pubs serving local

ales, Heather Mills added her own culinary flair to the cultural cooking pot in 2009,

launching VBites, a vegan restaurant café/restaurant which boasts a range of vegan

meat-free substitutes, in Hove Lagoon. Heather has since relocated VBites from

Hove Lagoon to East Street, Brighton, and finds the vibrant city the perfect setting

for her vegan venture. It was, she explains, a project nurtured through a long chain

of events.

PORTFOLIO 69

CELEBRITY interview

After losing her leg in an accident involving a

police motorbike in 1993, Mills first revitalised

her dietary habits for her own health. “My leg

just wouldn’t heal after five months in hospital

and they kept chopping more and more of it off

and I thought, you know what? I’ll try anything.

My friend had cured herself of breast cancer

through going vegan and she introduced

me to this health clinic in America. They put

wheatgrass and all sorts of disgusting-tasting

things in my mouth but it healed me and it

opened my mind to it.

“Lots of people were following my progress

at the time and asking, how did you heal

that? So I wrote a little book about it, which

raised funds for our convoy to then warn-torn

Yugoslavia to do prosthetics and land mine

removals. I ended up researching, studying

more, eventually doing a degree in nutrition,

and in the end researching alternative meats

and fishes and cheeses because I really

missed the taste of it but didn’t want the bad

side it was doing to my body.” A determined

Mills found a small factory through which

to tailor her meat-free foods, working on

consistency, texture and, of course, taste. “I’d

always planned to franchise VBites around

the world, but I’d wanted to perfect every

single recipe,” Mills says. “It’s very easy to do

vegetarian meats, but [they can] have a load

of rubbish in them still. The vegan ones are

much cleaner and much harder to make and

they taste like the real thing, so now they’re all

tested and perfected.”

Mills is confident that eating a vegan diet

benefits not only the animals but the consumer.

Since opening a charity-run VBites Café in

2009 in Hunts Point, The Bronx, an area with

alarming child obesity levels, Mills says the

area has seen dietary improvements. “I’ve got

4,000 kids in the Bronx who now eat the vegan

food, we’ve taught them how to grow veg,

obesity has gone down, type 2 diabetes has

been reversed after three months, type one

insulin injections have been reduced… acne

gone from giving up dairy, asthma reduced.”

With her ethos for converting carnivores over

to the vegan side by replacing like for like,

Mills would love to establish vegan McDonald

equivalents around the world “so that people

can get access to really good, yummy-tasting

good food for the transitional carnivore. You

can’t just take a kid from burger to broccoli

overnight, it’s just not possible. We did tests

and realised that if we replicated burger for

burger, nugget for nugget, milkshake for

non-cow’s milk milkshake, it worked; their

taste buds changed and they got to eat more

vegetables… that’s how the VBites concept

evolved, and now we’re in 24 countries and we

have 74 products.”

Happily, Mills’ Brighton branch feeds the

Bronx movement in America. “I opened a café

in Brighton five years ago as a test café to see

what people liked, didn’t like, what worked,

what didn’t work. I’ve also been with Holland

and Barrett products for over a decade and

am their biggest fridge seller. They said they’d

like one of my cafes in store and that’s how the

new Chester café came about.”

After starting off with a beachside Hove

location, Mills relocated V Bites to central

Brighton, still only a minute’s walk to the

pebbly coast. “We started it on the beach and

that was just absolutely mobbed in summer,

but of course the whole beach closes down

in winter. We had so many people say, ‘Please

open in the centre because we can’t go down

[to the lagoon] in the winter… so we were

under pressure from big vegan fans, so we

said OK, we moved to East Street and it’s really

been fantastic. We’ve been there for a year

and a half now, and five years in total since we

opened in Brighton.”

Resident Brighton celebrity Fat Boy Slim took

over the Hove premises, opening the popular

Big Beach Café in its place. She also sold the

DJ and his wife Zoe Ball her beachfront home

in 2012. Former Hove-ite Mills has now moved

out of the city: “I had to make sure my daughter

was based nearer her father”. But she returns

often for both business and leisure. “I’m here

all the time because of my café. When I’m

not in the ski resort training, or running the

factory in Corby, Northamptonshire, or doing

my charity work, I’m a bit of a nomad, always

on the move.”

When Mills is in the neighbourhood, she

finds plenty to fill her time: “My friend owns the

Japanese restaurant Moshimo, formerly Moshi

Moshi. Carl’s a really good friend of mine and

he uses a lot of our vegan cheeses and vegan

duck amongst his eclectic mix of more ethical

fishing, and so we go in there and have a lot

of vegan maki and tofu rolls.” Dining aside, for

a girl who grew up in the city, Mills is never

short of things to do. “I love walking around

The Laines, going for juices, I love going down

the beach and taking my sister’s chocolate

brown Labrador for a walk. My grandma was

from Kemptown, so we were brought up there

doing the penny slot machines as kids, rolling

a penny trying not to let it touch the black

lines.” Mills, who VegNews named 2009’s Most

Successful Vegan Businesswoman, has a deep

affection for the city: “I’ve got a big part of my

heart in Brighton and Hove.”

Heather Mills is launching her VBites range

of vegan food across the UK with Holland &

Barrett. Try the range in over 500 high street

stores today.

www.vbites.com

“I’ve got 4,000 kids in the Bronx who

now eat the vegan food, we’ve taught them how to grow

veg, obesity has gone down, type 2 diabetes

has been reversed after three months”

“You can’t just take a kid from burger to broccoli overnight, it’s just not possible”

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PORTFOLIO 71

HEALTH

We all want the best quality care, for

ourselves and the people we care

about. Whether it is for health, dental

care, support for mental health or even care

for older relatives when they need it, why

would we want anything less?

Yet finding out what’s best for us is no small

or simple task. Recent data from the Office for

National Statistics shows that of the 73% of the

UK population who use the internet daily, 43%

of adults (including 59% of 25-34 year olds)

use it to access health information. That’s an

awful lot of people online. Ask Dr Google a

simple question about cholesterol or eye care

and you’ll get millions of answers.

In this new monthly column, we’re going to

be looking at some of the key health issues in

Sussex, finding out what quality care looks like,

and giving our local providers and services the

chance to show just how excellent they are.

GREAT HEALTHCARE IS ALL ABOUT CHOICE

In the UK we’re fortunate to have the NHS

which, despite financial pressures and cuts,

remains one of the best and most respected

healthcare systems in the world. But we don’t

have to use it if it’s not right for us; before we

walk into the GP surgery, we have a choice

about whether we choose the NHS or a private

service. And once we’ve opened the door, there

are yet more choices, even in the NHS, where

choice and engagement are now central to

patient care. In order to make those choices

about treatment, location or service, we need

to ask the right questions.

WHAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Modern health and care services are all

about the evidence, basing what they offer on

information about ‘what works’ from research

and from national bodies like NICE (National

Institute For Health And Care Excellence) and

the Care Quality Commission. Of course, this

information is important to us all as service

users, but there are other things that are vital

to help to inform our choices, too. All of us have

preferences, worries, and responsibilities

that mean the research evidence alone won’t

always hold the answer.

If you’re thinking about a health or care service,

treatment or provider, you need to know about:

• Evidence - What does the evidence from

research say about what works for your

problem or condition?

• Context - What does it say about what

works best for people like you?

• Services - What is available locally?

• Benefits - What are the pros and cons of

each?

• Experience - How experienced are these

services at working with people like you?

• Practice – what does your doctor or

carer think is best, based on their expert

knowledge and their knowledge of you?

Use these questions to guide your

conversations with your doctor and any

background research you do.

EXCELLENCE ON YOUR DOORSTEP

Choosing the right treatment or service is a

win-win situation: it means you will get the

support you need for your health or care. This,

in turn, means you will have less need of other

services, which are freed up for others to

use. We are all consumers of health and care

services, and as consumers we can vote with

our feet; don’t be afraid to ask for the best!

Senior partner at Evidence into Practice

Associates, a research and delivery

organisation specialising in health, care and

community.

Catherine Swann on how to make sure you expect – and get – the best when it comes to health

HEALTH MATTERS

Dr Catherine Swann

www.eipa.co.uk

Marbella, the elegant city and resort on

Spain’s Costa del Sol, where the Sierra

Blanca mountains are the backdrop to

27 km of sandy Mediterranean beaches, villas,

hotels and golf courses. West of Marbella town

the ‘Golden Mile’ of prestigious nightclubs and

coastal estates leads to Puerto Banús marina,

filled with luxury yachts and characterised by

upmarket boutiques and bars.

Large areas of the city were renovated and

improved during the 1990s, including many

of the streets and beaches. With a stunning

coastline stretching for more than 25 km, the

sandy beaches are without doubt the resort’s

main tourist attraction, with many being lined

by the Paseo Maritimo, a scenic boardwalk.

Further tourist attractions include Basilica

Vega del Mar, the ancient ruins of a 4th century

church and Murallas del Castillo, the Castle Walls,

a vivid reminder of the area’s past, in the city’s Old

Quarter; Las Bóveda, the Marbella Vaults, historic

remains of Roman baths with guided tours and

well-preserved features, and Villa Romana de

Rio Verde, significant remains situated on the

outskirts, with many archaeological treasures.

Plus, the Plaza de Toros, Marbella’s bullfighting

ring…

Marbella is also home to a number of

gardens and parks, such as the Parque Arroyo

de la Represa, the Parque de la Alameda and

the Auditorio de la Constitución, which is

situated alongside the seafront.

The pretty historic centre of Marbella is a

hub of activity. Start your evening at the Parque

de la Alameda with its pleasant seating areas,

fountains, Salvador Dali sculptures, mature

trees and typical Mediterranean plants…

The Old Town, with its narrow cobbled streets

and flower-filled plazas, is packed with shops

and art galleries. The orange, tree-filled Plaza

de los Naranjos (Orange Square) is located

just off the main street and is home to the

16th-century Town Hall and the Tourist Office.

Partially surrounded by the ruins of an old Arab

wall with narrow white-washed streets, old

churches and squares, this area attracts lots of

visitors.

Located just west of Marbella, Puerto Banús

(officially, Puerto Jose Banús, named after the

architect who designed the town) is known as

the Costa del Sol’s playground for the rich and

wealthy and is famous for its beaches, beach

clubs and nightlife. The shops and restaurants

reflect this lifestyle, with designer names and

luxury brands. The ultimate venue for people-

watching, Puerto Banús is the ideal place to

enjoy a backdrop of luxury yachts and cars

while enjoying the open-air restaurants and

bars.

CITY OF CHARMSince the 1960s Marbella has enjoyed a reputation as the smartest resort on the Costa del Sol. Situated on the Mediterranean Sea between Málaga and the Gibraltar Strait in the foothills of the Sierra Blanca, cosmopolitan Marbella is the perfect destination for a summer break

“With a stunning coastline stretching

for more than 25 km, the sandy beaches

are without doubt the resort’s main tourist

attraction”

Marbella’s gastronomic scene is varied

and lively, with everything from beachfront

chiringuitos (bars), to Michelin-starred

restaurants, including that of Spanish

cooking star Dani Garcia.

Of course, most visitors come to

Marbella to enjoy the sun, sea and sand,

which has been drawing visitors since the

1950s when jet-set founder Prince Alfonso

de Hohenlohe fell in love with the place

and built a beachfront house (The Marbella

Club Hotel, still a destination beach resort),

drawing Hollywood stars and celebrities to

the city.

As with the rest of Spain, summer is

Fiesta time! Festivals include the lively and

popular Fiesta of San Bernabe Festival in

June, Feast of the Virgen del Carmen in July

and the grand Feria de Malaga in August.

PORTFOLIO 73

TRAVEL

WE STAYED:

At The Alanda Hotel, Marbella. Overlooking

the Mediterranean Sea and the Sierra Blanca

Mountain, in Marbella’s Golden Mile, just three

kilometres from the vibrant Puerto Banús

Marina and from Marbella´s Old Town Centre.

A spacious hotel in lovely gardens, with a

perfect outdoor pool for lounging.

www.alandahotelmarbella.com

WE ATE:

Indian-Mediterranean fusion seafood, with

the best view of the Med at the stylish Sea

Grill, located in the beautiful grounds of

Puente Romano Beach Resort. The impressive

interior of this exclusive bar and restaurant

was designed by Andrew Martin.

www.puenteromano.com

Simply cooked seafood and regional

specialities in the pretty courtyard at

Restaurante Buenaventura opposite Iglesia de

Santa Maria de la Encarnacion in Marbella Old

Town. www.restaurantebuenaventura.es

A table with a view. Stunning Mediterranean

food on the balcony overlooking Orange

Square at Paco Jiminez. Situated in a quieter

corner above an art gallery, this restaurant

is perfect for people-watching while the sun

sets… www.pacojiminezmarbella.com

WE TRAVELLED:

We flew to Malaga with Easyjet, who offer up

to six flights a day from Gatwick.

www.easyjet.com

We booked a car ahead with Firefly – part of

Hertz – which we picked up at Malaga airport.

uk.fireflycarrental.com

WHEN TO GO:

Summer is hot and busy, but that’s what

the beach is for. Just book everything to

avoid queues. In Spring and late Autumn

the weather is still warm, but the city is less

crowded. Also an ideal winter destination: it

is generally still warm enough to eat outside

even in December.

With thanks to:

www.andalucia.com

www.marbellaexclusive.com

www.whatmarbella.com

THE DETAILS:

I am one of a dozen intrepid souls who play

golf regularly together around Sussex. We

also organise a yearly expedition to a lovely

golf course in Northern France, play a proper

72-hole tournament and award daily cash

prizes for longest drive and nearest the pin on

designated par 5s and par 3s. The overall best

performers in these categories win individual

trophies or the shield for most Stableford

points. It’s all good fun.

One member of our group, let’s call him

Boom Boom, is a very steady 12-handicapper

on home soil, and is by a country mile the

longest hitter in our group. However, when

we go to France each year, a remarkable

transformation takes place in our Boom Boom.

It begins already on the ferry as we

expectantly cross the Channel towards our

tournament destination. Boom Boom’s face

looks wan and drawn from lack of sleep. He

chatters nervously and endlessly about his

game and worries that he will once again

acquire the dreaded sh**ks.

Once on the course, Boom Boom takes a

flurry of practice strokes, growing tenser with

each one, and if he is hitting a short or mid iron,

he very likely shanks it miserably. The shorter

the club, the more likely he is to shank it. The

more shanks he hits, the more likely he is to hit

another. We call it the French Effect. He calls

it something else...unprintable. After the first

couple of rounds Boom Boom is inconsolable

and his demeanour implores his mates to

lend a helping hand. Alas, if we knew what to

tell him, we wouldn’t be amateur golfers. We

would be professionals. Is there any cure for

the shanks, or should we just hope that next

year we will have a prize for Shanker Of The

Year?

GolfGuy

SHANKER OF THE YEAR

Continuing our page of golf tips…This month: Get a grip on those shanks

GolfGuy writes:

GOLFGUY...

PORTFOLIO 75

GOLF

What is it about the shank that makes golfers panic? Three

things: Firstly, it looks such an awful shot! Second, they don’t

know what causes it; lastly, where there’s one shank, there

tends to be another.

This is why: Because the ball darts right, most golfers think an

open clubface causes the shank. But shanks usually come from

an excessively closed face. The player swings out-to-in with the

face closing hard – both actions push the hosel closer to the

ball (top). If the hosel catches the ball, it’s shank, shank, shank.

Solution: Put a tee peg just outside and behind the ball (Approx

2x2 inches) to learn to swing down from the inside.

What do most golfers do to prevent the shank? They try to close

the face with the right hand through impact and swing on an

even more left path. This only makes the path more out-to-in

and the face more closed - increasing the chances of another

shank.

Try this drill: Place a tee peg just outside the ball, and practice

hitting wedges. If you’re making a shank swing (out-to-in, face

closed), you’ll hit the tee peg. To miss it, you’ll swing from the

inside with the face more square to the target line. That’s the

main way to beat the shanks.

It is worth noting that shanks can also happen from an

excessive inside angle of attack with the face open or by being

ahead of the ball with your body before impact.

Therefore, my main suggestion would be to see a PGA

professional and ask to have your swing go on camera, and then

you can see for yourself the area you need to work on.

If you have any questions please feel free to email me at:

[email protected]

The Golf Pro replies:

With thanks to our golfing expert,Lee Andrews, PGA Golf Professional, Mid Sussex Golf Clubwww.midsussexgolfclub.co.uk

Position of a shank

Poor path causing possible shank Correct path (missing tee peg)

Tee peg practice drill.jpg

Bring this article with you to Mid Sussex

Golf Club, and when you pay for a round,

another player can go free.

76 PORTFOLIO

CITY news

CITY NEWSWINNING WINES

Recently we had the announcement of the International Wine and Spirit Competition’s (IWSC) first

Northern Hemisphere results of the year at the London Wine Fair, Olympia. English wine entries

have increased by 70% year on year and medals for home-grown wines are up an impressive 63%

from 2014, smashing records in the competition’s 46 year history. This success is a tribute to the

wines, which have all undergone the IWSC’s rigorous judging process, which includes a double blind

tasting.

In total, a record-breaking 80 medals were awarded to English wines. This year, three English

wineries achieved coveted Gold medals, including the very first IWSC medal for an English still wine.

Sussex success came from Nutbourne Vineyards in Pulborough, who achieved the Gold award with

their Nutbourne Sussex Reserve 2013 - White Still.

Julia Trustram Eve, Marketing Director for English Wine Producers, comments on the announcement:

“It’s great to see that English wines are continuing to prove their international status through these

fantastic competition successes. It’s the consistency that is really showing just what world-class

wines are produced in England.”

NATWEST ACCELERATOR HUB

SUPERFAST BROADBAND

NatWest is surging forward with their Accelerator Hub in

Brighton, following hot on the heels of huge success in other

cities. The ‘hatchery,’ based at their Preston Road building,

is a part of Entrepreneurial Spark and is the world’s largest

free business accelerator for start-ups. The first tranche of

lucky applicants will begin their new lives in August with full

business and mentoring support and free offices for up to 18

months, with a further tranche being accepted for February

2016.

Bank CEO Ross McEwan will launch the hatchery on

September 9th, with a boot camp taking place on July

30/31st before the opening on August 10th. Any company/

entrepreneur looking to take advantage of this unique

hub should apply to www.entrepreneurial-spark.com or

SM @ESparkUK or @NatWestBusiness

Businesses in Brighton are taking advantage of a Government voucher scheme

that enables them to install superfast broadband. Brighton is one of 50 cities

around the UK to be eligible for the vouchers aimed at helping companies to

grow and develop.

In addition to SMEs, registered charities, social enterprises and sole traders

can all qualify for the Connection Vouchers scheme which offers up to £3000

per customer to install dedicated superfast circuits to their business.

Fraser Watson, Managing Director of Pescado, one of the scheme’s approved

suppliers, said: “The Connection Vouchers scheme is a fantastic opportunity

for businesses to upgrade their broadband and gain real business benefits.

“A better broadband connection enables businesses to improve their services,

enhance their customer experience and reduce software and hardware costs.

“We have already helped a number of businesses across the UK take advantage

of the vouchers, which can be worth up to £3000 to businesses.The impact of

upgrading to superfast broadband can be transformational for a business.”

In December Chancellor George Osborne announced that the Government was

making £40million available from April 2015 to March 2016 to help more cities

roll out the Connection Vouchers scheme.

PORTFOLIO 77

CITY news

CHESTNUT TREE LAUNCH NEW SHOP

With a new manager at the helm, Chestnut

Tree House children’s hospice re-launched its

Brighton charity shop in June.

The newly appointed shop Manager, Lynn

Hancox, said: “The shop is a treasure trove

of unusual items, and to help with the shop’s

success, some fabulous flamboyant costumes

have been donated from the opening and

closing ceremonies of the London 2012

Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Lynn is appealing for donations to help stock

the shop: “All donations can be brought into

the store or collection can be arranged. We’re

especially interested in good quality funky

fashion and quirky items. All the money we

raise from the sale of items in our shops

ensures that we can continue to deliver care

and support to life - limited children and their

families across Sussex.”

Lynn is also keen to recruit volunteers to help

in the shop. Working hours are flexible and full

training is given. Pop into the shop or phone

Lynn on 01273 686040.

The annual Best of British event welcomed

over 500 guests from businesses across

Sussex to The Grand Hotel for a Rugby

World Cup 2015 special. Guests were

entertained by after-dinner speaker, 1990

Rugby World Player of the Year, Brian

Moore.

The event, in aid of Rockinghorse

Children’s Charity, raised £30,000 through

a charity auction and raffle. As the official

fundraising arm of the Royal Alexandra

Children’s Hospital (the Alex), the charity

raises money for life-saving and cutting-

edge medical equipment, while ensuring

that children are treated in an environment

better suited to their needs.

Speaking at the lunch, the charity’s

Chief Executive and Best of British event

organiser, Ryan Heal, said: “At last year’s

Best of British, you raised enough money

to fund life-saving ventilators for the High

Dependency Unit at the Alex. As you all prove year after year at this event, your contribution

makes a direct and life-changing impact on the sick children of Sussex, and for that we are

incredibly grateful.”

To find out more about Rockinghorse and the work they do to support sick children and their

families in Sussex, visit rockinghorse.org.uk.

Next year’s Best of British charity sporting lunch will take place at The Grand Hotel in

Brighton on Friday, 3rd June, 2016 and will welcome 1966 World Cup winning goalkeeper,

Gordon Banks OBE.

BEST OF BRITISH CHARITY LUNCH RAISES THOUSANDS

78 PORTFOLIO

CITY news

BRIGHTON SEAFRONT STUDY WINS NATIONAL PRAISEAn official report into the state of Brighton’s crumbling seafront infrastructure

has been recognised at a national awards ceremony. The Centre for Public

Scrutiny highly commended the report of a Brighton and Hove City Council

scrutiny panel last year.

The report detailed the need for investment of an estimated £100 million

to revive one of the defining elements of Brighton as a tourist resort and

conference trade destination. Some of the money will also need to be spent

ensuring the Victorian arches that support the A259 seafront road are restored

or rebuilt to prevent further highway collapses.

The cross-party scrutiny panel held public meetings, drop-ins and on-site

visits. It also brought together businesses, community groups and other

interested parties with council officers and politicians. Councillor Gill Mitchell,

who chaired the Seafront Scrutiny Panel, said: “It is absolutely vital to maintain

and improve our seafront, which plays a central role in the success of Brighton

and Hove. Many of our seafront structures are in urgent need of repair or

replacement.”

The seafront is the most popular attraction in Brighton and Hove, with visitors

and residents alike. It contributes significantly to the local tourism economy,

which is valued at £800 million a year.

Local charity Age UK Brighton & Hove recently

celebrated 50 years of supporting older people

in the city with the launch of its History Display at

the Mayor’s Parlour.

The History Display charts the evolution of the

charity and will be touring local community

centres and public places throughout the year.

The charity is also organising a 50th anniversary

raffle to raise funds for its future. It is keen to

hear from any local businesses that may be able

to help.

Age UK Brighton & Hove, 29 – 31 Prestonville Road, Brighton BN1 3TJ.

Tel: 01273 720603. www.ageuk-bh.org.uk

AGE UK BRIGHTON & HOVE CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARYRECORD-BREAKING YEAR FOR

BRIGHTON FRINGERecord-breaking audience numbers, ticket sales and number

of shows have led to Brighton Fringe 2015 being the charity’s

strongest yet. Attendances were up by 25% from 2014, with

audience figures for Brighton Fringe’s opening weekend up

by 50%. This included a record number of people at Fringe

City and the Brighton Fringe Family Picnics, estimated to be

75,000. Of the nearly 780 events this year, 175 were free and

552 were under £10. There were 233 world premieres. There

were also 57 shows from 22 countries. Overall, more than

400,000 people attended Brighton Fringe events this year.

www.brightonfringe.org

INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE TO EXPANDAn international college looking to open a new £20 million

boarding house is aiming to expand to have 1,100 pupils

in the next five years. Plans for a nine-storey student

accommodation block and offices in Brighton, as reported

in The Argus, are part of wider expansion plans revealed by

Bellerbys College.

Principal Simon Mower has said the college is looking

to create closer links with Brighton & Hove as part of a

change in direction after it started accepting local pupils last

September. Mr Mower described the college as a “hidden

gem”. It is the fourth-biggest private employer in the city, he

says, but is tucked away from view behind Brighton Railway

Station in Billington Way.

The college, which currently has 900 students from 60

countries, took a major step last September by taking on a

handful of Sussex-based students. Bellerbys has developed

new links for the next academic year to use university sports

facilities in addition to existing link-ups with local schools.

Mr Mower said: “Now that we have local pupils coming to the

college, I’m very keen to strengthen our links with the city.”

PORTFOLIO 79

CITY news

THE I360: GOING UP!Barges arrived at Brighton Beach from Holland

from first light on June 11, delivering the giant

steel cans which will form the slim and elegant

tower of the world’s first vertical cable car.

Said David Marks, Chairman of Brighton i360

Ltd, “This marks a major milestone in the

construction project, with the completion of the

foundations and the start of an exciting new

phase, when the i360 starts to come out of the

ground and reaches for the sky.” Said Eleanor

Harris, CEO of Brighton i360 Ltd, “We have been

preparing the ground for this arrival since last

July and now the project will be going up, up,

up!”

A 100-metre-high crane unloaded the 17

specially fitted out steel cans, each measuring

between six and 12 metres, directly onto the

beach and, using a giant jacking tower, are

joining them together to build the shaft of the

futuristic viewing pod.

Seven thousand tonnes of gravel, shingle and

chalk have been moved to create a platform

for the delivery, and a 4,000-tonne concrete

foundation has been built under the ground to

balance out the towering feat of engineering.

The tower will be completed this summer and

will open in summer 2016.

www.brightoni360.co.uk

Pictured: Cllr Lynda Hyde and Eleanor Harris

Acclaimed bass-baritone, Henry Waddington,

leads a cast of some of the top singers in British

Opera in an evening of Grand Opera with the

Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra conducted

by Stuart Stratford on Saturday, 19th December,

2015. Expect some of opera’s most loved arias,

duets, and set pieces, including a few festive

surprises along the way. Every ticket sold for this

special event will help Mencap continue their work

supporting people with a learning disability, their

families and carers.

Tickets are now on sale, priced from £35.

Further details of the evening will be announced

in the coming months and stay up to date

via #MencapOpera.The event is directed and

programmed by acclaimed bass-baritone Henry

Waddington. The event has been organised by an

events committee that includes opera lover Neil

Pollington, who has a learning disability and is

supported by Mencap.

www.brightoncentre.co.uk

TOP SINGERS IN BRITISH OPERA UNITE FOR GRAND OPERA TO RAISE FUNDS FORMENCAP IN BRIGHTON

The property management

contract for the iconic,

modernist Embassy Court

on Brighton Seafront was

awarded to Harper Stone in

a defining win for the young

Brighton-based company,

founded by Chris Brotherton

in 2013.

Chris Brotherton, who started

his career with a small local

managing agent and has

subsequently worked in London for big names including Cluttons LLP and Farrar

Property Management, refers to Harper Stone as delivering a London quality product

with a Brighton fronted approach.

Embassy Court has undergone a major journey in the past ten years, from a dilapidated

neglected property to a beautifully restored example of modernist architecture, thanks

to the perseverance of the Bluestorm freehold company and the vision of Conran &

Partners. www,harper-stone.co.uk

HARPER STONE WINS MANAGEMENT OF ICONIC EMBASSY COURT IN BRIGHTON

80 PORTFOLIO

NATIONAL news

NATIONAL NEWS

Twitter Chief Executive Dick Costolo has announced he is stepping down - with the

site’s co-founder and previous Chief Executive, Jack Dorsey, replacing him. The

social media network has struggled to boost its numbers of users and develop

new advertising methods, despite a high-profile public offering on the stock

exchange two years ago. “Shareholders have been really concerned about the lack

of growth. User growth has slowed, especially when you compare it to a behemoth

like Facebook,” Tom Cheshire, Sky technology correspondent said. “There has also

been shareholder concern that the departing CEO didn’t have ‘the vision’ needed to

take the tech giant forward. Shares in Twitter rose by more than 7% in after-hours

trading on the New York Stock Exchange following the announcement. Mr Costolo,

who has been with the company for six years, said: “I am tremendously proud of the

Twitter team and all that the team has accomplished. There is no one better than

Jack Dorsey to lead Twitter during this transition. He has a profound understanding

of the product and Twitter’s mission in the world.”

The 84-year old CEO of Twenty- First Century Fox and News

International will hand the title to his son James. Murdoch is

tipped to continue in his role as the Executive Chairman of

the company, while his son Lachlan will become Executive

Co-Chairman. The Fox restructuring is rumoured to involve

the stepping down of its Chief Operating Officer, Chase Carey,

who has been in his role since 2009. CNBC notes that this

will leave the company without a senior manager outside

the family. Murdoch founded News Corporation in 1979 as a

holding company and used the name to buy up 20th Century

Fox and launch the Fox television channel in the eighties.

Murdoch has been described as ‘the last media mogul’ by the

Economist. He counts the Wall Street Journal, the New York

Post and Sky Television among his brands. Murdoch is not

expected to sit back from the running of Fox, despite today’s

announcement. No one doubts that the elder Murdoch will

still have the final say on whatever goes on at Fox.

MURDOCH STEPPING DOWN

TWEET-TWO

CHANCELLOR TO SELL RBS… AT A LOSS!The Government is to sell its majority stake in RBS, which was rescued during

the financial meltdown with £45.5bn of public money. Chancellor George

Osborne said sales of the taxpayers’ 79% stake in the bank will begin in the

coming months, and may take “some years” because of the size of the holding.

“It’s the right thing to do for British businesses and taxpayers,” he said at his

annual Mansion House speech to business leaders in London. “Yes, we may

get a lower price than Labour paid for it. But the longer we wait, the higher

the price the whole economy will pay. And when you take the banks in total,

we’re making sure taxpayers get back billions more than they were forced to

put in.” Selling the Government’s stake in RBS would result in a total loss of

between £13bn and £26bn, according to research by independent think-tank

New Economics Foundation. Mr Osborne faces fierce criticism if the shares

are sold at a discount.

PORTFOLIO 81

NATIONAL news

CREST NICHOLSON TO BUILD MORE HOMES British housebuilder Crest Nicholson have reported that they will increase the number of homes they

have planned to build over the coming years after posting a 52 percent rise in pre-tax profit in the

first half of their reporting year.

The company, which built over 2,530 homes in its 2014 financial year in London, south Wales and

southern and eastern England, said housing completions rose 3 percent in the six months to the end

of April.

The builder said it would now build more homes than it previously expected, due to the improving

economic climate in Britain and an unexpectedly clear result in May’s national election, which saw

Prime Minister David Cameron’s Conservatives secure an overall majority.

The firm said it would now aim to build up to 4,000 homes by 2019, up from its previously stated

target of 3,500.

www.crestnicholson.com

Direct from London to the Mediterranean: Eurostar launches six-hour

train service to Marseille.

Eurostar has announced plans to launch direct services from London

to the southern French port city of Marseille from May 1st next year.

The year-round service will make stops at Lyon in eastern France and

Avignon before heading on to the oldest city in France.

The journey will take four and a half hours to Lyon, six hours to Avignon

and about six hours and 15 minutes to Marseille. Ahead of its year as

Capital of Culture, the Old Port was spruced up and several museums

were added to the Mediterranean city’s offering.

En-route stop-off Lyon is widely regarded as France’s gastronomic

capital while Avignon hosts the country’s best known theatre festival

in July.The return journey to London will take an hour longer due

to immigration and customs formalities that will take place in the

northern city of Lille.

Tickets for the new service to Marseille will go on sale from December.

www.eurostar.com

One of the biggest - and

smelliest - flowers in

the world may be about

to bloom in Scotland.

The Titan Arum - also

called the “Corpse

Flower” because of its

odour - has produced

a huge bud which is

growing by several

centimetres a day. If it

is a flower, it will be the

first one ever in Scotland.

Sadie Barber, senior

horticulturist at the

garden, said: “Every time

it grows a new bud from

its underground tuber it will form either a new flower or a leaf”. But she

said it is still too early to tell which it will be this time.

And she insisted that either will be spectacular. “The leaves are

amazing. They can grow up to five meters tall. “But we’ve never had (it)

flowering in Scotland before. So if we were the first to get it flowering,

we’d be extremely happy.” If it is a flower, visiting the glasshouse that

is its home could be challenging as it produces a pungent smell, like

a decaying corpse. “It smells that way to attract carrion beetles and

other insects that are attracted to rotting flesh”, Ms Barber explained.

The Botanic Garden said it may be several days before they know if the

latest bud will produce a leaf, or a flower.

EUROSTAR LAUNCHES SERVICE TO MARSEILLE

‘CORPSE FLOWER’ MAY BE ABOUT TO BLOOM

82 PORTFOLIO

BUSINESS lunch

Danny Lenovo has an authentic French Bistro dining experience at La Fourchette in Hove

If asked to have a guess at who had originally

invented the fork as a dining utensil, you would

probably suggest “the French”, naturellement.

After all, they generously provided us with

‘civilised’ words for some of our favourite food

items – veal, pork, beef, among many others –

and introduced us, historically, to the efficiency

and management benefits of the Civil Service.

And considering their unfettered penchant

for claiming to have invented everything from

motor cars to the potato, you would be forgiven

for thinking they had devised the fork. But you

would be wrong, mes amies.

La fourchette was in common use at

Byzantine dining tables at least as early as the

11th Century, at which time it arrived in Italy

as part of the dowry baggage of a Byzantine

princess. Her use of the fork got her into a bit

of a bother with the Church, who considered

the use of anything but the fingers for eating

an affront to God, who, in His infinite wisdom,

had already provided us with all the equipment

we would ever need for chucking food into our

mouths.

The fork arrived in England in the early

17th Century as the result of cultural contact

between English travellers to Italy and France,

where its use was beginning to gain acceptance

as a more hygienic and civilised way to

transport food to the mouth. Americans were

slower to adopt the use of anything other than

the fingers and the knife at table, and some

would say that nothing has changed much

“over there” since Byzantine times. To this day

it is against the law to eat chicken with a fork

in Gainesville, Georgia, the ‘Chicken Capital of

the World.’

I first visited La Fourchette in the late 90s,

when it was located in Western Road. It was

a pleasant, modest dining room with a nice,

relaxed French ambience, and the fact that

I can still vividly recall the succulence and

flavour of the rack of lamb I ate on that occasion

is a testament to the quality of the kitchen. La

Fourchette subsequently morphed into Pascal’s

and has now re-emerged just off Church Road,

Hove, flying its original flag.

There is something very reassuring about

a restaurant that actually is what it claims

to be. English pubs and ‘Italian’ restaurants

staffed by Eastern Europeans may serve very

LA FOURCHETTE

pleasant, decently prepared food in a friendly,

efficient manner, but it can be difficult to get the

feeling that you are having an authentic dining

experience. At La Fourchette we were shown to

our table by the very capable Frédéric, from the

village of Bonnieux in Luberon, Southern France,

where many of us have enjoyed memorable

al fresco meals and washed them down with

the very drinkable wines from that region,

and, incidentally, where the film A Good Year

was shot. The La Fourchette ambience is very

evocative of a traditional French bistro, married

with the clean, fresh feel of contemporary

décor. The bar is warm and inviting and has

a buzz that would make it very hard to resist

popping in for a bit of liquid refreshment at

lunchtime or after work for anyone working

locally, and there is a charming outdoor dining

area street-side, facing Church Road.

You always meet nice people in nice bistros,

and no sooner had we settled down with

Frédéric to the serious business of ordering

our lunch than Simon Kay from Just Lets

lettings popped in. Judging by the enthusiasm

with which he was greeted, Simon is clearly a

regular at La Fourchette. He is also a fan, and

he happily shared his positive experience of La

Fourchette.

Frédéric talked us through the lunch menu,

which changes every day, and, true to its bistro

heritage, is also fabulous value for money,

offering a special three course lunch menu. If

you can’t find something to eat here, or on the a

la carte menu, you’re either not hungry or you

have a pathological relationship with food.

We started with seasonal vegetable

soup accompanied by the de rigueur bits

of crusty bread and seared queen scallops

with asparagus, wilted spinach, bacon and

cauliflower. Scallops must be of a respectable

size, seared (not fried) and served piping hot.

These were gorgeous, with the added bonus

that the orange roe sacs were still attached.

The soup was a creamy vegetable garden in

a bowl, full of deep, rich flavours. For mains,

we plumped for lightly battered calamari and

sea bass fillets, garnished with vegetables,

salad and home made sauce tartare and grilled

chicken in a rich, spicy salsa, accompanied by

chorizo, couscous, courgettes and carrots. The

seafood was crispy on the outside, moist, soft

and piping hot on the inside. Parfait. The robust,

hearty chicken dish transported us instantly to

the French countryside, where simple, well-

prepared meals abound.

Between bites we enjoyed glasses of Picpoul

de Pinet, a citrussy southern French white that

also works very well with oysters, and a classic

Rosé de Provence, balanced, dry and with a

refreshing hint of strawberry notes.

Hot apple tart – an individual tart, not a slice

– with ice cream was very French, and the

only authentic way to finish off an authentic

lunch experience. We can see why local bon

viveur Simon Kay hangs out here. Simple,

authentic fare constructed from fresh, seasonal

ingredients, a truly representative French

wine list, with Frédéric and Amelie discreetly

at your beck and call. Vive la France! Vive La

Fourchette!

“There is something very reassuring about a restaurant that actually is what it claims to be”

PORTFOLIO 83

La Fourchette, 6 Queens Place, Second Avenue, Hove BN3 2LT01273 729990 | www.lafourchette.co.uk

Explaining why she started her

wedding gown business, designer

Vera Wang said ‘when I decided to get

married at 40, I couldn’t find a dress

with the modernity or sophistication I

wanted.’ Her words got me thinking;

dressing for weddings throws so many

guests into a tailspin, and rarely (in

my opinion) do they look modern or

sophisticated either.

You may have guessed that I am

not a fan of the traditional wedding

look. Women tend to look frumpy or

overdone, and men seem to wear

badly-fitting morning dress or the

same old boring office suits.

Dressing for a wedding can be really

stressful. Many people leave it to the

very last minute. They end up panic-

buying on the high street and the

result is an outfit they are unhappy

with and uncomfortable wearing. Or

(horrors of horrors) they arrive only to

find someone else has turned up in the

same outfit. It’s a sartorial minefield.

Let’s turn this around. In this article I’m going

to give you some tips and ideas to help you be

the best dressed guest this summer, without,

of course, upstaging the bride and groom.

First, let’s look at the options for men.

DON’T DRESS FOR THE OFFICE

Guys, I’m sure you don’t want to show up to a

good friend’s big day looking like you’re going

to the office. He won’t appreciate it, and you

won’t feel quite up-to-scratch. You will also

want to stay cool as the mercury rises, and

(hopefully) you feel comfortable enough to

dance.

Dressing for a formal wedding is fairly

straightforward. There are a number of places

on the high street to hire or buy morning

suits and formal highland dress. But do get

organised and plan in advance to ensure your

size is available and any necessary alterations

can be made.

For black tie weddings choose a dinner suit in

black or midnight blue (the Duke of Windsor’s

favourite) in wool. Single-breasted is the most

popular option, although double-breasted

is making a comeback. For a modern look,

go for a slim leg trouser, and don’t worry

about a cummerbund – these are rarely worn

nowadays.

84 PORTFOLIO

STYLE

BE THE BEST DRESSED GUESTSamantha Wilding on how to make sure your style is on point

for a summer wedding

“Keep it simple and refined, and you’ll be sure to be the best dressed guest this summer”

For weddings that call for lounge suits or

more informal dress, there are a variety of

ways to look stylish and up to date:

• Think three: the three-piece suit (in

classic or slim fit) is back and is a

clean and sharp take on the lounge

suit;

• Add some colour: suits in bright blue,

pale grey, stone or pale grey check

are great alternatives to dark grey

and navy. For more casual weddings,

be bold and go for a navy jacket

for example, with a pale blue shirt

and bright-coloured chino. A pink,

lavender or grey shirt is another way

to add a pop of colour;

• Beat the heat: keep things cool with

lightweight wool, wool-mohair blends

or cotton. Or choose linen, but beware

the crumpled effect;

• Show some ankle: slim-cropped

trousers (no more than an inch above

the ankle) worn with loafers and no

socks is a contemporary informal

look;

• Lose the tie: this depends on the

formality of the occasion. A beige

or soft grey suit worn with a white

shirt, pocket square and no tie looks

fantastic while keeping you cool;

• Add pattern and texture: inject these

into the details – ties, pocket squares,

socks – a great way to breathe

new life into an office suit if you

can’t stretch to a whole new outfit.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO WEAR A DRESS

Ladies, you don’t have to wear a hat. It’s not

obligatory. Or a dress, for that matter. There

are a number of cooler alternatives out there:

Trousers: consider wide-leg trousers in

vibrant colours (or a small print) with a silk

top, heels and a clutch. Or go ‘matchy-matchy’

in a floral print top and trousers (very 2015);

Slim trouser suits: in powder pink, sand or ice

blue are a great way to work pastel shades

without looking too girly. This look can also be

worn as slim trousers with a matching duster

coat;

Go ‘midi’: a midi-length skirt, dress or culottes

worn with block heels is a cool modern option;

The jumpsuit: this is fast becoming a classic.

A good look for women going to a black tie

wedding who don’t want to wear the ubiquitous

LBD.

Another quick word on black tie weddings.

Debretts states that a ‘smart dress’ is

appropriate, and can be long or short (but

not too short – no more than an inch above

the knee). And it needn’t be black. But do not

wear white, cream or ivory – the bride will not

appreciate it.

Don’t wear a hat with a long dress as it will

completely unbalance the look. Fascinators

can work but keep them small – I think your

best bet is adding sparkle and texture with a

hair clip or slide. If your dress (or trousers

or jumpsuit) is plain, you can wear more

elaborate accessories. Likewise, if you choose

a bold print, then keep your accessories clean

and simple. And no platform shoes, please –

they instantly make an outfit look cheap.

Modern weddings vary in type and venue, so

make sure you understand and adhere to the

dress code as stated on the invitation. If you’re

in doubt, ask. Consider your outfit as a whole,

while paying attention to the details; this will

help you retain elements of your individual

style and ensure that everything works

together. Finally, keep it simple and refined,

and you’ll be sure to be the best dressed guest

this summer…

STYLE

“Consider your outfit as a whole,

while paying attention to the details; this will help you retain

elements of your individual style”

www.styleandgrace.eu | @alwayschicUK

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PORTFOLIO 87

ACES: WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO

The Alliance of Chambers in East Sussex (ACES)

links together the Chambers of Commerce, the

Federation of Small Businesses and the Institute

of Directors in East Sussex, representing

over 4,000 local businesses with over 15,000

members of staff.

ACES offer major networking events and

support to each local Chamber of Commerce.

They also work closely with policy makers,

including Central Government and County,

District and Borough Councils.

If you belong to one of the Chambers of

Commerce listed below, you are automatically

a member of ACES.

For more details of how to join and what

ACES can do for your business, visit www.

acesalliance.org

Save The Date: The ACES 2015 BEST4Biz

Conference takes place on Thursday, 15th

October. The emphasis will be on innovation and

skills, to include networking, a B2B exhibition,

an expert panel, valuable breakouts and

excellent speakers, so keep the date free.

FIZZ ON FOOT

Marketing guru Ian Shearer has joined forces

with health and fitness specialist Lucy-Ann

Prideaux to turn their hobbies into a new

business. With a love of fine wine and rambling

through the stunning Sussex countryside, Ian

and Lucy have put the two together to develop

Fizz on Foot. Fizz on Foot tours take in stunning

walking routes across the South Downs

National Park and Cuckmere Valley, along with

visits to local award-winning vineyards in East

and West Sussex with tutored wine tastings and

a delicious lunch.

Your vineyard hosts will explain all about

the wine, the grapes and the methods of

production so you can make an informed

decision about the wines available to purchase.

Tours commence in Alfriston, where you can

stay overnight at the beautifully refurbished

Star Inn before or after your Fizz on Foot tour.

For more details visit www.fizzonfoot.com

VISIT A VINEYARD

ACES and Wealden District Council are delighted

to support SEVA, the South East Viticulture

Association, and the South East Wine Route as

it meanders through some of the most beautiful

countryside of Sussex.

To help you find these hidden treasures

SEVA has produced a map of the South East

Wine Route including almost all the vineyards

in Kent, Sussex and Surrey, with information on

their events, opening hours and contact details.

If you would like a copy of the map, contact

your local Chamber of Commerce (listed

below) to collect a free map while stocks

last. Alternatively, download the South East

Vineyards app for just £2.99 so you can visit all

the Sussex vineyards and support your local

viticulture industry.

Visit multi-award-winning estates like

Ridgeview in Ditchling. Established in 1995 by

Mike and Chris Roberts, the status of the wine is

reflected by the number of international medals

they have won. They also have a stunning new

tasting room and spoke at the 2014 ACES

Best4Biz Conference, Buxted Park about the

way social media has helped them grow.

For more information email

[email protected]

SECRET VALLEY

We are now lucky enough to live in a county

which often beats Champagne in blind tastings

and is applying for a Protected Designation of

Origin (PDO) for its Sussex Sparkling. This will

mean that only sparkling wines produced in

Sussex by the méthode traditionnelle will be

able to call themselves Sussex Sparkling.

Sussex is home to about 20 successful

vineyards making sparkling and still wines

of excellent quality, and in the next couple of

years will see the first sparkling wines from

Rathfinny, which will be the largest vineyard in

the country.

By 2020 Rathfinny expects to develop 400

acres of the South Downs in an area known as

the “Secret Valley” near Alfriston. The owners,

Mark and Sarah Driver took 18 months after

Mark quit the City as a global hedge fund

manager to find the perfect location, with the

perfect climate and the perfect soil to which

they then added the perfect vines and the very

best expertise from France and New Zealand.

The team at Rathfinny will be producing

their first still wines this year and are running

a series of excellent events throughout the year

to encourage people to visit the estate.

Having embarked on this amazing journey

to create world-class wine on the South

Downs, Mark Driver spoke at the 2014 Best4Biz

Conference about risk management and

planning to succeed – something he knows

inside-out.

For more details of Rathfinny events, including

fine dining, classical music and regular

festivals, check www.rathfinnyestate.com

News from businesses who are part of the Chambers of Commerce in East Sussex. This month we put the spotlight on local wine-makers and related businesses

VIVA VITICULTURE

Official government fuel consumption figures in mpg (litres per 100km) for the new smart range: urban: 55.4(5.1)-58.9(4.8), extra-urban: 72.4(3.9)-76.4(3.7), combined: 65.7(4.3)-68.9(4.1). CO2 emissions: 99-93g/km. Official EU-regulated test data are provided for camparison purposes and actual performance will depend on driving style, road conditions and other non-technical factors. Model featured the new smart forfour passion at £149 per month oncontract hire. Business users only. Mercedes-Benz UK Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales with company number 2248457 and has its registered address at Tongwell, Milton Keynes, MK15 8BA. 58127

smart of Ashford Monument Way, Orbital Park, Ashford, Kent TN24 0HB 0844 659 6072 smart of Brighton Victoria Road, Portslade, Brighton, East Sussex BN41 1DY 0844 659 6072 smart of Eastbourne Eastbourne Road, Westham, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN24 5NH 0844 659 6072 smart of Gatwick 78 Gatwick Road, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 9AW 0844 659 6072 smart of Maidstone Bircholt Road, Parkwood, Maidstone, Kent ME15 9YN 0844 659 6072 smart of Tonbridge Vale Rise, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1TB 0844 659 6072 www.lookers.co.uk/smart

58127 297x210_LOOKERS 22/05/2015 12:07 Page 1

Call: 07966 244046 • e-mail: [email protected] • web: www.theplatinumclubbrighton.co.uk

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for CEO’s and MD’s of companies within the Gatwick Diamond and London.

For membership information please contact [email protected]

MOTORING review

Mercedes Benz is a word synonymous with

quality, style and performance and having

owned many of them in my time, I approve

of Stuttgart’s efforts. I had a glorious 250SE and an

SL500 from the 70’s of which I have fond memories –

not quite so of the hugely collectable 540K that I once

parked in a Paris underground car park that flooded

– that car now would be worth £8 million – I think I

feel a little faint!

Then, be still my beating heart, Mercedes call and

ask if I would like to join them at Mercedes Benz

World and try out their new jet fighter – the SL65

AMG. I thought about this for 1.2 seconds and then

made my way out of the door like a scalded cat and

left considerable rubber on the driveway.

I arrive in Weybridge to the home of the old

Brooklands Track, now replaced with Mercs own

much smaller track, and after the customary effuse

greeting from their professional staff along with

endless tables of food and drink, before I know

it Charles has tossed me the keys and casually

mentioned that when I got tired of the roads I could

take to the track! I think I might of have died and gone

to heaven.

The SL has always been a beautiful car right from

its birth in 1954 and derives from the German Sport

Leicht or Sport Lightweight and the moniker was

first applied to the gorgeous 300SL Gullwing.

AMG is Mercedes tuning division and it’s always

a good sign when you see that badge - but in this

instance they have excelled. It looks beautiful, smells

beautiful and you just know that this twin turbo 6.0

litre V12 is about to try and rip your face off. Pulling

out onto the A3, I am enamoured by the superb

leather seats, the air scarf that wafts warm air on

my neck and the quiet threat that emanates from the

burbling hunk of metal under the bonnet.

To be honest, the A3 went past in a blur, as all

621bhp was unleashed by my right foot and the

smooth rapidity of the 7-speed auto is astonishing.

60mph came in less than 4 seconds, 125mph in 11

seconds and warp speed a second or two later. This

is a very dangerous car as the speed comes on so

fast and so smoothly that by the time you’ve noticed,

you’re in front of the beak and facing 6 months! I

think I’m in love.

It purrs along at traffic speed in total silence and

with the manners of an 18th Courtesan, ensuring

that you are lured into a false sense of security. But

one irreverent blip of the pedal and your world turns

upside down. The traction control dashboard light

can easily be made to introduce itself at 80mph. In

the dry! With little effort! And an insane smirk.

The profile and huge rubber at each corner means

that there is zero roll in corners and just to ensure you

feel tip top to push on, the seat bolsters electronically

squeeze you into the seat as you put the power

on. Not sure I like that, as it is very disconcerting

but it certainly works to fix you to the seat back. It

seems churlish to mention fuel economy but you

will struggle to better 20mpg in real world driving

but honestly, if you have just forked out £168,285 in

cold blood, I doubt you give a monkeys about the cost

of the fuel but at full Autobahn chat, the number of

refuelling stops would get old quite quickly.

The folding roof is a piece of engineering art in

itself and there is very little wind noise and although

the stowed roof limits the luggage space, it’ll do an

overnight for two quite comfortably. I sat there for

a few minutes pressing the roof up and down and

watched in awe at what is an engineering ballet

performance like no other.

Enough said, now back through the gates and into

the track control area awaiting my clearance to wring

the neck out of it. The waved hand appears and I let it

rip and I have to say that to a petrol head, this is about

as much fun as you can have with your clothes on.

Doesn’t matter what speed you arrive at the corner,

it refuses to over steer and has such incredible grip

that it seems to defy physics. The balance and sheer

devastating brute force is a thing to behold and just

goes to prove that decade after decade, the Germans

are the finest automobile manufacturers on the

planet and by this example, they will remain aloft for

many years to come.

Now becalmed with the behemoth powered down

in the car park, I must say that as awesome as this

thing is, it would be difficult to justify an increase of

£84,000 over the ‘standard’ excellent 4.7 V8 SL500

that offers almost everything you get in the 65, bar

the top end acceleration and a bit of grunt – that’s

50% more and it will be a rare breed that parts with

that wad, but whichever one you choose, sell the

kids, rent out the wife, flog a kidney or mortgage

your granny, but BUY one of these or at the very least,

drive one of these before you die. You’ll thank me!

THUNDER ROADBusiness Editor, Maarten Hoffmann, investigates the quality and style of the Mercedes SL65 AMG

90 PORTFOLIO

MOTORING review

TECHNICAL STUFF:Price: £169,670.000Speed: 0-60 4.0 secsTop: 155mph (limited)Power: 630bhpEconomy: 24.4mpg

“It looks beautiful, smells beautiful and

you just know that this twin turbo 6.0 litre V12 is about to try and rip

your face off”

GREGDYKE

Maarten Hoffmann profiles journalist, broadcaster and former BBC Director General, Greg Dyke

Greg Dyke certainly gets around. In the

1960s he started life in the media and

early on decided to shake things up a bit

and brought tabloid television to the masses.

In 1983, he was drafted into the ailing TV-

AM show to revitalise the ratings and this he

certainly did by adding bingo, horoscopes and

celebrity gossip, which generally began the

dumbing down of the nation’s television output.

His lifelong love of football led him to

become Chairman of Brentford F.C and then

finally into his present role of Chairman

of The Football Association, and his

endless TV and press appearance recently,

connected with the FIFA corruption scandal.

Greg Dyke’s life began in Hayes, Middlesex

in 1947, the youngest of three sons born into

a lower middle class family. His father was

an insurance salesman and Dyke attended

Hayes Grammer School, leaving with one

grade ‘E’ at A-level mathematics before going

on to become a lowly manager at Marks and

Spencer. He felt a strong urge to join the media

and left M&S to become a trainee reporter for

the Hillingdon Mirror, where his talents were

quickly recognised as he rose to become the

chief reporter within eight months. Having had

a taste of the media, he realised that to be taken

seriously he would need a degree and attended

the University of York as a mature student,

graduating in 1974 with a BA in politics.

During his time at York, he became active in

student politics and was part of a collective

that produced the psychedelic underground

magazine called Nouse. He also met and

married his first wife at York and his university

contemporaries were future journalists Peter

Hitchens and Linda Grant. Dyke was awarded

an honorary doctorate degree by the university

PORTFOLIO 93

BUSINESS interview

in 1999 and has been Chancellor since 2004.

Having become disillusioned with the press,

his first foray into television began when he

joined London Weekend Television under

bosses John Birt and Peter Jay and ruffled

a few feathers by insisting that to gain a

good audience share, programmes needed a

populist edge, and this led to him being given

control of The Six O’Clock Show, fronted by

Michael Aspel, with co-hosts Janet Street

Porter and Danny Baker. After a spell at TV-

AM he joined the consortium that successfully

bid for the Channel 5 licence in 1995 and

become the first Chairman of the new channel.

In 2000, he took over the helm of the BBC

from John Birt. At the beginning of his tenure,

he famously promised to “cut the crap” at the

Corporation. The “crap” he referred to was the

complex internal market Birt had introduced at

the BBC which, it is claimed, turned employees

away from making programmes and into

managers. Dyke reversed this trend; he

reduced administration costs from 24% of total

income to 15%. Unusually for a recent Director-

General, he had a good rapport with his

employees and was popular with the majority

of BBC staff, his management style being

seen as more open and risk-taking than Birt’s.

Apart from restoring staff morale, Greg

Dyke laid claim to two major achievements

during his office. In 2002, he introduced

the Freeview terrestrial digital transmission

platform with six additional BBC channels,

and persuaded Sky TV to join the consortium.

Previously this was an ITV subscription

service that had closed with major losses,

but by mid-2007 it could be seen by more

than half the population. After leaving

the BBC, he said that he always realised

that the introduction of Freeview helped

to prevent a subscription funding model

for the BBC gaining traction, because it is

impossible for broadcasters to switch off

the signal to individual Freeview boxes.

Dyke controversially described the

Corporation in early 2001 as “hideously

white”, based on statistics that showed the

organisation’s management structure was

98% white. Dyke said that “The figures we

have at the moment suggest that quite a lot of

people from different ethnic backgrounds that

we do attract to the BBC leave. Maybe they don’t

feel at home, maybe they don’t feel welcome.”

Dyke set a target that by 2003, 10% of the

BBC’s UK workforce and 4% of management

would be from ethnic minority backgrounds.

In September 2004, Dyke received an

award for his remarks from Glasgow-

based organisation Empower Scotland,

which fights against workplace racism.

Dyke attracted criticism when he ‘forgot’

to sell an equity stake in Granada Television,

which presented a conflict of interest in his new

position. He also caused controversy when he

lost the rights to Premier League football to ITV,

then accused the league of fixing the auction.

Others were worried that the openness

and high risk strategies of his management

style could backfire on the corporation. An

ITV executive was quoted as saying, “By being

too radical and playing fast and loose with

the public service remit, the BBC is inviting

external regulation – and it deserves it.”

Inevitably, it was not long before Dyke’s

interest in politics would surface and his

departure from the BBC top job, along with

Andrew Gilligan and Gavyn Davies, was

caused by the publication of the Hutton Report.

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Hutton described Dyke’s approach to checking

news stories as “defective”; when Alastair

Campbell complained about the story, Dyke

immediately defended it without investigating

whether there was any merit to the complaint.

In an email sent to all BBC staff just prior to his

resignation, Dyke wrote: “I accept that the BBC

made errors of judgement and I’ve sadly come

to the conclusion that it will be hard to draw a

line under this whole affair while I am still here.

We need closure. We need closure to protect the

future of the BBC, not for you or me but for the

benefit of everyone out there. It might sound

pompous, but I believe the BBC really matters.”

It was subsequently established that Dyke

had offered his resignation to the BBC’s Board

of Governors in the hope that they would reject

it. However, he was only able to secure the

support of about one-third of the Governors.

Some BBC staff felt that in the Hutton Report

too much blame had been placed on their

organisation in the wake of the David Kelly affair,

and that the government was interfering in the

BBC. Tim Gospill, spokesman for the National

Union of Journalists, said, “Being independent

doesn’t just mean not having the government

telling you what to do. It means you can

criticise the government as well. I’m not at

all sure the government understands that.”

Groups of staff staged walk-outs

from Broadcasting House and other BBC

offices in Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle,

Glasgow, Cardiff and Londonderry, in protest at

Dyke’s resignation. In addition, on 31st January,

2004, BBC staff paid for a full-page advert in

the Daily Telegraph to express their dismay

over Dyke’s departure. The statement in the

advertisement read: ‘Greg Dyke stood for brave,

independent and rigorous BBC journalism

that was fearless in its search for the truth.

We are resolute that the BBC should not step

back from its determination to investigate the

facts in pursuit of the truth. Through his passion

and integrity Greg inspired us to make

programmes of the highest quality and creativity.

We are dismayed by Greg’s departure, but we

are determined to maintain his achievements

and his vision for an independent organisation

that serves the public above all else.’

Dyke’s departure came 20 hours after BBC

Chairman Gavyn Davies resigned following

the Hutton Report and after the governors

had spent all day in crisis talks in London.

An emotional Mr Dyke told BBC staff at

their central London headquarters: “I don’t

want to go. But if in the end you screw

up, you have to go.” The BBC had made

certain mistakes, he said, adding: “I do not

necessarily accept the findings of Lord Hutton.”

The pair quit after parts of Andrew Gilligan’s

BBC report of claims that Downing Street had

“sexed up” a dossier on Iraq’s illegal weapons

were branded “unfounded” by Lord Hutton.

Lord Ryder said: “The BBC must now move

forward in the wake of Lord Hutton’s report, which

highlighted serious defects in the Corporation’s

processes and procedures. On behalf of the BBC

I have no hesitation in apologising unreservedly

for our errors and to the individuals whose

reputations were affected by them.”

Then Prime Minister Tony Blair quickly

welcomed the statement, saying it meant both

the BBC and the government could move on.

He said: “This for me has always been a very

simple matter of an accusation that was a

very serious one that was made. It has now

been withdrawn; that is all I ever wanted.”

The apology was also welcomed by ex-

Number 10 media chief Alastair Campbell, who

told BBC News 24: “It was right that Gavyn Davies

has resigned; it’s right that Greg Dyke resigned.”

Lord Hutton’s report cleared the government

of “sexing up” its Iraq weapons dossier with

unreliable intelligence and Hutton stated that

he believed Dr Kelly had killed himself after

being named as the suspected source of the

BBC’s controversial weapons dossier story.

So there we have the neat package of

government ensuring its own backside is safe

by destroying a man who was genuinely trying

to raise the editorial standards of the state

broadcaster but had the temerity to question

what they were doing. With some questioning

how much they knew about Kelly’s death, Alistair

Campbell and his Labour attack dogs went to

work and the fact that Dyke also got involved

in the ‘sexed up’ dossier, just added grist to

the mill. Blair and Campbell managed to wipe

out two unpleasant stories in one fell swoop.

On 28th November, 2003 Greg Dyke was

formally appointed by the University of York as

its new Chancellor, replacing Dame Janet Baker,

PORTFOLIO 95

“The fact that Dyke also got involved in the ‘sexed up’ Iraqi dossier, just added grist to the mill as Blair and Campbell

managed to wipe out two unpleasant stories

in one fell swoop”

BUSINESS interview

“So there we have the neat package of

government ensuring its own backside is safe by destroying

a man who was genuinely trying to raise the editorial

standards of the state broadcaster”

who had served in the post since November

1991. There was some controversy regarding

his appointment in the midst of the Iraq Dossier

scandal. He officially took the post in August 2004.

In this role, he is the honorary and

ceremonial head of the University, as well

as heading the University Development

Board. He has also made a personal grant

to the new Department of Theatre, Film and

Television, to found the Greg Dyke Chair in

Film and Television. On 6th February, 2004

Dyke announced that he had signed a six-

figure book contract with HarperCollins. The

book “Inside Story”, subsequently published in

September 2004, goes into detail about Dyke’s

opinion on the relationship between the BBC

and the British government, and on the Dr.

David Kelly affair and Hutton Inquiry. In July

2004 Dyke was awarded honorary doctorates

from the University of Sunderland, Middlesex

University and in 2006 from The University

of Bedfordshire. He was appointed Chair of

the British Film Institute on 15th February,

2008, succeeding Anthony Minghella and

on 10th March, 2010, it was reported that

he had been approached by Alexander

Lebedev and his son Evgeny Lebedev to

edit The Independent and The Independent on

Sunday newspapers. In the wake of the News

of The World hacking affair, Dyke frequently

appeared in the media to comment on events.

In April 2011 he said, “I don’t think the

News of the World is a great contribution

to British journalism. They have obviously

been playing fast and loose for a long time

and are now getting their just deserts.”

Dyke appeared on BBC2’s Newsnight

programme on 8th July, 2011 alongside

comedian Steve Coogan, where he confronted

former News of the World deputy features editor

Paul McMullen over his attitude to the events of

the phone hacking scandal. Dyke told McMullen

“Your tabloid’s nothing to do with a free press,

or a decent democracy”. Distancing himself

from McMullen, he said, “I’ve spent most of my

life being a journalist, and I’m nothing to do with

him, and neither are most other journalists.

You could see there are occasionally, very

occasionally, public interest cases but most

of the time it wouldn’t make it less morally

reprehensible. These tabloid journalists

just tapped anyone they could think of”.

He was also of the opinion that stronger

independent regulation of the press was

needed, claiming that broadcast media had

always been more strictly regulated. On 11th

July, 2011, Dyke wrote in the Financial Times

that “from the moment it was revealed that

the News of the World had hacked into Milly

Dowler’s phone, Rupert Murdoch’s bid to buy

the 60.9 per cent of British Sky Broadcasting

that News Corp does not already own was all

but over.” He admitted, “for those of us who

have been warning about the tactics used by

the Murdoch operation for many years – Mr

Murdoch once described me as ‘an enemy’ –

the events of the past week have been sweet.”

Such outspoken words all but secured his

permanent departure from the media as there

were few people he had not upset. As is often

the case, it is not the words that are so much

the problem as the method of delivery. Never

one to wrap those words in cotton wool, as all

long-serving politicians and BBC managers do

by default, Dyke spoke as he found and, sadly,

that will never do in the British establishment.

Casting around for a new berth, Dyke did

what so many do. He considered what he loves

and decided to apply his not inconsiderable

talent to his love of football, but the past

always has a habit of revisiting, and Dyke

was once again involved in a TV row when

the subject of football rights popped up. Dyke

served on the board at Manchester United as

a Non-executive Director, and was the sole

board member to oppose a takeover bid from

BSkyB, which was subsequently rejected by

the Monopolies and Mergers Commission.

Dyke replaced David Bernstein as chairman

of The Football Association in July 2013 after

relinquishing his role as Brentford Chairman

and receiving approval from the FA council.

Now the head of UK football, Dyke reacted

to the recent FIFA corruption scandal in his

usual blunt fashion, and after hearing that

FIFA chairman Sepp Blatter had resigned for

‘honourable reasons’, he said: “I don’t believe a

word of this. If he believes that, why not step down

last week when we asked him to? He was cock-

a-hoop when he won the election and terribly

arrogant. Clearly, there is a smoking gun. This is

nothing to do with Mr Blatter being honourable;

he hasn’t been honourable for years”

Dyke has always been one of FIFA’s most

vocal critics and, to his credit, has been banging

on about corruption in the game for many years.

Many regard Dyke as Blatter’s mortal enemy:

“People keep coming up to me and saying, ‘Well

done, you got rid of him!’” he hoots, roaring with

laughter. “To which I say, ‘I think the FBI had

more to do with it than me.’” But the impression

of a gladiatorial clash between two titans is

unmistakable – as is the surprising degree

of similarity between football’s deadly foes.

Although still stunned by the FIFA president’s

resignation, Dyke thinks he can explain it,

starting with the allegations of a bribe to

erstwhile FIFA official Jack Warner. “I think it

was a combination of three things. The $10m

payment must have been authorised by him.

Nobody else could authorise $10m. Not $10m.

Also, I don’t know this for certain, but I wouldn’t

be at all surprised if Jérôme Valcke (FIFA’s

Secretary General, who faces strong evidence

that he knew of the alleged bribe) did say to

Blatter, ‘I’m not taking the rap for this, you

agreed.’ That’s one. Two, I think the FBI is getting

close. And three, I suspect the big sponsors

said, ‘You can’t do this, it’s got to change.’”

Decca Aitkenhead of the Guardian

newspaper, asked if Dyke expects Blatter to be

arrested, and he fell uncharacteristically silent,

so he put the question a different way. If he had

to put £50 on it, which way would he bet? “Yeah.”

Either way, says Dyke, Blatter hasn’t a hope

of remaining in post until his successor

is appointed this winter. “No!” he snorts

scornfully, perhaps thinking of the speed

of his own departure from the BBC. “He’ll

be gone. He won’t last. He can’t last more

than a couple of months. The one thing you

discover if you run an organisation is that the

moment you say you’re going, you’ve gone.

He’s dead. It’s over. If you resign, you resign.”

The two men first met shortly after Dyke

was appointed to the FA in 2013. “He was very

personable, very likable. In his way. He’s got

charisma, there’s no doubt. But I never trusted

him, no. He reminded me of Nixon, what I call

Nixonian politics. In other words, ‘You’re either

on our side or you’re the enemy, and anyone

who criticises is the enemy. Everything I do is

by definition right.’ Blatter’s argument at the

end, when he said this is a politically motivated

conspiracy – I mean, what world does he live in?

These are a bunch of crooks. Or it appears,” he

corrects himself, “they are a bunch of crooks.”

When the pair attended a meeting in February,

Dyke had been teetotal since New Year’s Day.

“And then I got sat next to Blatter at this bloody

thing, and I thought, ‘I can’t do this, I can’t sit here

without a drink.’ So it put me back on the bottle!”

Relations had by then more or less broken

down, perhaps predictably. “Blatter hates the

English. He hates the FA. And he hates the

British media. Blames them for everything.”

An FA Chairman who made his name and

fortune at London Weekend Television, “my

spiritual home”, before becoming Director

General of the BBC, would have been bad

enough. What must have made matters worse

is the absence of any discernible indication

that Dyke has forsaken his former profession.

“Once you’ve been a journalist, to some

extent you’re always a journalist,” he agrees.

PORTFOLIO 97

BUSINESS interview

98 PORTFOLIO

BEAUTIFUL homes

“Last week on Wednesday, which bits of my

brain jumped up? It was the journalistic bits.”

The animosity was mutual. Dyke has “always

assumed FIFA is corrupt. It’s always been

corrupt.” Blatter cast himself as a global

football missionary, and won praise even

from his critics for exporting the game into

developing countries. But when asked if

Blatter’s chief interest in Africa and Asia was

weak governance susceptible to bribery and

corruption, Dyke says without hesitation, “Yes.

That’s my view. Someone very senior in FIFA

– I won’t name who – said to me: ‘Football will

always be corrupt. Basically because it’s run

by men. If you walk into a room and there’s

a million pounds on the table and a naked

woman in the corner, most men will take the

million pounds and then fuck the woman.’

Now, I happen to believe that’s not what life

is like, and I think it’s a very depressing view of

the world. But that was someone quite senior in

FIFA, and his account of what life is like. It’s quite

sad, isn’t it? It’s a pretty sordid world, FIFA.”

Blatter, he was told, boasted to a pretty female

journalist: “‘What’s interesting about my job is,

whichever country I go to, I’m more important

than the President.’ Now, if that’s true, then it

tells you a lot about him. Massive ego. I think

he believed he was not answerable to anybody.”

Dyke’s analysis of his nemesis’ attitudes

sounds broadly reliable. The more he talks,

however, the more it sounds like an uncannily

accurate description of Dyke as well. With

the obvious exception of starkly different

attitudes to corruption, the two men’s

leadership styles do not appear to be dissimilar.

When asked if his public attacks on Blatter

and FIFA might have been rashly intemperate,

his tone is nonchalantly defiant. “See, I work

on the basis that we have nothing to lose, the

English FA. We don’t need FIFA’s money. We

don’t want to bid for another event, not while

Blatter’s there. We can say what we like.

Also, I’m 68. This is the end of my career.”

Will the FA be his last big public job? “Yeah.

Yeah. You know, I was 68 last week. The only

advantage of being old – well, of being old and

having made money – is you don’t give a f***.”

There are large parts of the world where the

FA is perceived as an arrogant, neo-colonial

elite and there Dyke’s comments might enjoy

less approval, and do little to dispel that

reputation. “No, I think it’s good for the FA’s

reputation. We stood up. The FA hasn’t always

stood up. The history is not that good. We

stood up to be counted. We stood up to him.”

If Blatter was oblivious to Fifa’s international

reputation, Dyke appears similarly unaware

of any animosity towards the FA. “Well, I think

it’s true that it’s perceived like that politically in

some quarters, but not by the football-watching

public. ’Cos they all love the Premier League. No,

I think this is a bit of a myth. That somehow it’s

colonialism. It’s not colonialism at all. But there

is no doubt that there is a set of values which

you find in Western Europe, and in America and

Australia, that don’t apply everywhere.” Such

as? “Well, my experience in Africa is that when

people go into politics in Africa, it’s incumbent

upon you as part of that to look after your family.

That’s just cultural, it’s a cultural difference.”

But he has no intention of heeding Qatar’s

public warning this week to stop querying its

right to host in 2022. “I thought it was funny,”

he laughs. “I’m an adult and I’ve been around

too long. I once had Blair after me, I’ve been

there before. Of course, you can’t convict people

on journalism, so we will have to wait for the

Swiss investigation to do its job. But if you

read the Sunday Times and the recent book,

it’s all in there. If you read all of that, it’s hard

to believe that it wasn’t corrupt.” His phone

rings, and when he hangs up he is beaming.

“We’ve just discovered that the FBI investigation

does include scrutiny of the two World Cup

awards. That’s good. I wouldn’t want to be

Qatar. They’ll sleep even less well tonight.”

Most of us hope to feel our lives have been

well lived, but seldom will you meet anyone

more convinced of it, and his contentment

makes him hugely likable. If Dyke has any

regret, it was his departure from the BBC.

“I hadn’t finished. There was more to be done

there. I wouldn’t have done more than a couple

of years anyway, but I would have liked to have

finished off all the stuff we were doing. But then,”

he starts to laugh, “that’s what Blatter said!”

75_Portfolio_Ad_Laurent Perrier.indd 75 27/06/2014 11:09

“This is nothing to do with Mr Blatter beinghonourable; he hasn’t been honourable for

years. I wouldn’t wantto be Qatar. They’ll

sleep even less well tonight”

75_Portfolio_Ad_Laurent Perrier.indd 75 27/06/2014 11:09

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