Hastings` thriving old town Redoubtable success
Transcription
Hastings` thriving old town Redoubtable success
aspect Autumn 2011 News, views and information from Ashdown Hurrey and Spectrum Hastings’ thriving old town Unique blend keeps businesses ahead of the game Redoubtable success for Ace Joinery Rye’s vintage themed The Source Driving Through The Economic Downturn T ripling turnover between 2007 and 2011 is not a bad achievement given the economic conditions that have prevailed during that period but that’s just what Global Service Group has achieved. Since 1997 GSG has been offering high level distribution services to many parts of the UK. Whether the contracts require high levels of security, a proven chain of custody or a temperature controlled environment, GSG’s team deliver consistently high levels of distribution services to some of the country’s best known organisations. Company Chairman Gordon Weston formed the business and has seen many changes over the years: “Ashdown Hurrey has been ever present and we have a very close relationship with Carl Read who has been dealing with our affairs for over ten years now. Our ability to adapt over the years to changes within our industry has been one of our key strengths and our knowledge and specialisms have meant we can find a bespoke solution to large organisations’ specific distribution needs.” Managing Director Rob Berringer has been at the forefront of the company’s dramatic expansion over the past five years, he told Aspect: “With such a rapid period of growth it has been imperative to keep on top of the financial side of things. Increasing turnover means nothing if that does not filter through to the bottom line, and the monthly management information prepared by Carl and his team has been vital.” In the last 12 months the team at Ashdown Hurrey has become even more heavily involved in Global’s set up, effectively running its finance department. Carl says that being so involved in a business really gives him the opportunity to add value in the services that Ashdown Hurrey supplies: “It is also great to have seen first hand the way that the business has gone from strength to strength, especially in the current economic climate. This is testament to Gordon’s experience and Rob’s expertise and a huge amount of hard work from them and their dedicated team,” says Carl. was established as a small BMX and skateboard shop in Bexhill in 2003. Founded by BMXing brothers, Richard and Marc Moore, the business quickly launched a website and, with innovative marketing and expert knowledge, rapidly established itself as one of the leading BMX retailers in the UK. Following several moves to larger premises they now trade from a 4000 sq ft converted church in Braybrooke Terrace, Hastings; complete with warehouse and its very own indoor skatepark. You may have noticed that Aspect has grown a bit in size; we hope you like the new format and find something of interest in its pages. Ashdown Hurrey and Spectrum have always tried to be part of the local community and it therefore seemed logical to feature Hastings Old Town, which is undoubtedly the beating heart of Hastings as a whole. In its winding streets and fish market areas you will find many long-established independent businesses and activities, many of whom look to Ashdown Bonsucro has spent the last two years developing a standard that measures the environmental and social impact of sugarcane production. This global, non-profit, initiative is run from offices in London and works with a variety of stakeholders from small independent farmers and mills through to large multinational conglomerates in the food and drink industry. Its aim is to ensure that sugar is produced with minimal impact on the environment and that working conditions for those involved are fair. The shop and warehouse is the biggest of its kind in Europe but it is mail order that has driven sales to grow by 20 per cent or more year-on-year since the business was founded. The Source won the inaugural HSBC 1066 Business of The Year award in 2005 and soon after launched a distribution arm supplying over 100 BMX retailers in the UK. A big part of the success has been reinvesting resources in the BMX community by sponsoring a team of riders, working with the youth service and supporting BMX events. All of this coupled with the UK’s only BMX mail order catalogue, which goes out to over 20,000 riders twice a year, gives The Source the edge over its competition. This year has seen continued rapid growth with the addition of several new exclusive brands to distribute and some major website and system upgrades. The Source has also supplied scores of schools, councils and clubs around the UK; including a recent order for 75 BMX bikes for the London Olympics. Now employing eight staff the company has found growth challenging but has relied on the expertise of Ashdown Hurrey to help it become a bigger business; from incorporation, to raising finance and tax planning. aspect Welcome to this, the latest edition of Aspect, the publication dedicated to all things Ashdown Hurrey and Spectrum. Making sugar sweeter Hurrey and Spectrum for their business needs. You can also read about our other client successes and we flag up a few business issues which may have passed you by, together with the usual items of in-house gossip to help you see our human side. We hope you enjoy this issue. If you have any comments or would like to be featured in a future edition, we are waiting to hear from you. Patrick Lee and Carl Read Editors boutique with a real touch of class Karena Callen was beauty director at Red Magazine for 10 years, having previously worked at ELLE and Cosmopolitan. She has now decided to turn her attention to Violetta, a vintage-style beauty apothecary and perfumery based on Rye High Street that sells the kind of items that Karena knows – and loves – best. Rather than selling the fragrances, skin care and cosmetics that are available from most high street stores, Violetta sell more specialised items such as Miller Harris and Serge Lutens fragrances, Paul & Joe Cosmetics, Caudalie and This Works skin care, lingerie from Tallulah Love, which comes in powder-style boxes along with vintage items, including French decorative antique furniture. Sam Carter has helped Karena and her partner Nick Shaddick, an art historian, get the business up and running along with the support of Vicky Wallington from Daily Business Support Bureau. Natasha Schwarzbach, General Manager at Bonsucro, has been involved since the early days and was there when Ashdown Hurrey was appointed as auditors in 2009, she says: “At that point, large amounts of funding were being received from stakeholders to fund the research and implementation of the systems needed for the certification model. Although no audit was required when Ashdown Hurrey was first appointed, Mark Weeks-Pearson initially assisted us through the VAT registration process and has since guided us through the operation of VAT with our suppliers and customers who are based worldwide. The annual audit of the accounts is vital, as our stakeholders want the reassurance that the accounts correctly reflect all income and expenditure.” Bearing in mind the wide use of sugar, there has been a lot of interest in the standard developed by Bonsucro and you should look out for the Bonsucro stamp of approval on food and drink in the coming years. Whilst Karena and Nick have a depth of knowledge about the fashion, beauty and design industry, they have made the shrewd decision to make use of the expertise that Sam and Vicky can both offer so that they can focus on the areas where they have experience and push Violetta forward, making sure it goes from strength to strength. In addition to buying niche fragrances and beauty products, you can get personal advice from Karena or book in to one of Violetta’s special Pop Up Salons hosted at the shop where top hair stylists and make-up artists are on hand for make-up masterclasses and hair styling. As well as being a beauty editor for glossy magazines, Karena is also a successful author with five books to her name. Violetta’s new website will soon be going live, so take a look for yourself at www.violetta-boutique.co.uk – or better still take a trip to Rye. up in the wrong place. We like to have a consistency of approach and giving personnel the chance to work in ‘the other office’ Ashdown Hurrey has been focused into its two broadens their experience and most enjoy the offices in Hastings and Bexhill for a number of change.” years now and the partners and staff believe This year movement between the offices has they know the area very well. been a bit more fundamental. Steve Sampson Managing partner Patrick Lee says: “Having and his team of Kristian Fuller and Daniel two locations provides greater geographical Swann moving to Hastings and Carl Read and coverage but sometimes a person ends Ben Sallows with their team member, Sarah Office Shuffle Karena and Nick outside the Rye boutique Warburton, moving in the opposite direction. Patrick explains: “The change gave practical benefits within the organisation and with modern communication methods, has been viewed positively by most of those clients affected. If a client wishes to remain associated with a particular office, this can always be accommodated but all those involved have reacted positively to the changes and the challenges associated with them and have settled into their new homes.” I n times of recession businesses have to take every opportunity to make their mark and establish their own identity. as pe ct In an age where multiple retailers are dominating our town centres independent businesses have to carve out their own unique place in the hearts of the public and that’s just what is happening in Hastings Old Town. The Old Town is delightful with its wonderful vintage shops, independent food stores and restaurants serving locally caught or sourced produce. After a shopping trip or a relaxing meal you can take a walk on the pebbly beach to soak in the atmosphere or take a trip to the top of the east or west hill on one of the two funicular railways that have helped make the town famous. Adults will enjoy the meandering streets of the Old Town and there are special events including the annual Old Town Carnival and events like the Coastal Current Arts Festival. And a common thread running through the success of many businesses which make the Old Town what it is, is the involvement of local accountants and business advisors Ashdown Hurrey. Here we take a look at just a few of the unique Old Town businesses that work in association with Ashdown Hurrey and Spectrum. Hastings Fishing Fleet H astings fishing fleet is one of the oldest in the country; boats have worked in front of the ancient town for over a thousand years. Hastings Fishermen’s Protection Society was founded in 1831 and protects the fishermen’s rights to work from the stone beach known as The Stade. With the advent of the European Common Fishery Policy Reform, there is hope for a brighter future for local fishermen. Paul Joy who speaks on behalf of Hastings fishing fleet says: “Proposals from WHITE’S SEAFOOD and STEAK BAR F or Darren and Michelle Russell (pictured below with their children) no visit to Hastings is complete without a visit to Whites, they even described their most recent visit as a ‘pilgrimage’ to the seafood and steak bar located in George Street, the very heart of Hastings Old Town. The menu offers a wide range of dishes, with, as the name suggests, fish and steaks a speciality. A new addition is the fresh fish counter, replenished every day from locally caught produce. A family run business, Alex White and Ellie Chapman offer a warm welcome to all their customers.Rave reviews central government have been very positive in their support for the inshore coastal communities like Hastings. “Hastings Fishery has Marine Stewardship Council accreditation on Dover Sole, Mackerel and Herring. Fish landed at Hastings is caught using artisanal methods and taken to Hastings Fishmarket by the boys-ashore. Hastings Fishmarket Enterprise administers the market and has three wholesalers and several fish hawkers working from the premise. “Hastings fish CIC based at the Fishmarket sells Marine Stewardship Council sustainable fish to a number of local and regional restaurants and shops.” on TripAdvisor suggest that they have found the recipe for success and the Russells’ glowing personal recommendation backs that up. Ann Grant has been involved with the business from day one, providing a full book-keeping and accountancy service, and is a regular sounding board for new ideas, and assistance with all financial decisions. Ellie says: “With Ann looking after the numbers, Alex and I can concentrate on making a success of the restaurant”. “Cockles and Penny Royal mussels”… ...A mong other things are available from The Net Shop Jellied Eel Bar albeit not from a barrow on the corner of the street! Situated in Rock-a-Nore Road the family business has been successfully run by the current owner Johnny Swann for the last 20-odd years and provides some of the highest quality seafood on offer in the Old Town. A client of Ashdown Hurrey for a number of years Johnny who has known partner Paul Bradbury from his school days has said that he cannot fault the service and advice received from Ashdown Hurrey. And the Jellied Eel Bar has a fan base that spreads well beyond Hastings, when our photographer visited a family had just arrived down from Crawley and whenever they visit Hastings Johnny Swann’s Jellied Eel Bar is their first port of call. Having started with her first gift and card shop in Rye, Deanne Smith has more recently opened shops in Battle High Street and in George Street in Hastings Old Town. The shop has always sold gifts from various local sources and also carries many well known global brands, such as Cath Kidston, Emma Bridgewater and Five Dollar Shake. Deanne has been trading for a number of years and has experience in running the day-today affairs of the business. Patrick Lee and Mark Weeks-Pearson at Ashdown Hurrey have guided Deanne through the process of setting up a limited company to ensure she is trading as tax efficiently as possible. Mark says: “The Penny Royal shops add something different to the high street which is so often dominated by the usual nationwide chain stores. Deanne has a great eye for detail so the shops always look superb.” A and advising on the business structure. That was in the summer of 2005, and each year has seen the business grow. Ann Grant became involved before the family bought the pub, helping with the business plan Mark says: “Having never run a pub or a business before, Ann’s support is invaluable. Not only does she look after the figures, but she even found someone to train me in cellar work before we opened.” Alex at work in his kitchen Old Town Florist Janette Carter – Room Fifty One Limited Janette Carter opened Room Fifty One in Battle in May 2007, and relocated to George Street in April 2010. Room Fifty One stocks a range of ladies quality clothing including top European brands such as Hoss Intropia, Full Circle and Part Two. It also specialises in amazing evening and occassionwear by Blank London. Janette feels there is a real community spirit in the old town, and says it’s great to be part of festivals and carnivals so brilliantly organised by the Old Town Association. Janette says: “The old town is becoming a trendy shopping venue with individual and interesting shops, bars and restaurants.” Janette is looking to design her own range which will be exclusive to Room Fifty One, and will hopefully be available from autumn 2012. A s its website says: “At the Old Town Florist we offer a wide choice of flowers to suit every occasion.” Located on George St and painted a wonderful shade of pink, Old Town Florist is owned by Jackie Wareham, the florist, and Chris Atkins – deliveries and everything else. Jackie and Chris have been running the business for nearly four years, with Ashdown Hurrey advising since August 2010. Chris says: “Paperwork is not our strong point and Ann Grant has relieved the burden of VAT returns and accounts and freed us up to keep everything under control and up-to-date. I only wish we had met sooner!” family run local pub, located opposite the fishing huts at Rock-a-Nore, the Dolphin offers a wide range of carefully tended real ales, good food and a warm welcome from Mark and Maureen Little and their daughters Laura and Louise. Serving an Ace at Eastbourne Redoubt F or more than 200 years the Redoubt has stood ready to defend the Eastbourne coast. It formed part of a chain of fortifications built to deter Napoleon’s forces in the early 1800s and it still stands as a unique monument to that time. Garrisoned by troops until the early 1900s and again during World War II the fortress is now a suitable and atmospheric home to three exciting military collections. When it came to doing some running repairs Ace Joinery Solutions was commissioned by Eastbourne Borough Council – through architects John D Clarke of Eastbourne – to manufacture brand new bespoke European Oak entrance gates for the fortress. conditions and therefore great care was taken with the materials and construction methods used to ensure that the new gates will last for generations. After crafting the new gates Ace Joinery Solutions then installed them utilising the existing wrought iron hinges and cups that had been restored to their former glory. Each gate weighed in at around 400kg however the installation went without a hitch and the new gates were fully operational in time for the spring opening of the museum. The final result is truly impressive and the work completed on the Redoubt, of which the gates were a part, is being put forward for a heritage award by the architect. Chris Addison, Managing Director of Ace Joinery Solutions, said: “When you are asked to work on an historic monument, it’s a daunting prospect and a real privilege. We are always keen to work with local architects and builders on projects The location of the fortress provided that demonstrate the real beauty of its own challenges; being right on the wood.” seafront the gates will be subject to extreme weather Working with Richard Crook, a partner at John D Clarke, Ace aimed to produce gates fit for the 21st century but which would resemble the original design as closely as possible. Sweet taste of success for Sugar Group Ashdown Hurrey and Spectrum have recently become sponsors of the ladies networking club Sugar Group which was founded nearly two years ago by Geraldine Brooks and Jane Plouviez who decided to do networking for ladies differently and ultimately to enjoy the experience. Sugar Group is not all about sit-down formal lunches, it is also about hosting events in new venues in the town and experiencing new things. Eat@thestade and the new restaurant Pier Nine at the Zanzibar Hotel have been the recent venues for the group in Hastings. Wine tasting with Cooden Cellars, visits to the Wellington Centre for treatments and a visit to see the Antony Gormley’s Critical Mass exhibition at the De La Warr are just a few of the treats Sugar Group has put on for its members. But this ladies club doesn’t just network in Hastings and Bexhill, its sphere of influence stretches as far as London, Brighton, Tunbridge Wells, Eastbourne and Horsham with over 1,000 ladies registered to the Sugar Group website. Ashdown Hurrey and Sugar Group actively promote each other’s events with Ashdown Hurrey’s Women in Business Lunch Club continuing to be a success. The Ashdown Hurrey Women in Business Lunch Club was originally founded in 2005 by partner Ann Grant and is now organised and hosted by Gemma Steer. Between 40 and 60 women gather for each of the quarterly meetings to network, share experiences and enjoy a well earned break from the office at our current venue, Benton’s in Robertson Street, Hastings. If you would like any information about the Ashdown Hurrey Women in Business lunch club or Sugar Group, please email Gemma Steer at gemmas@ ashdownhurrey.co.uk for more details. THE BRIBERY ACT The Bribery Act came into force this year and while the thrust may be to cut out the nefarious activities of international companies, it does in fact apply to all businesses, no matter how small. The Act seeks to prevent either the giving or the accepting of a bribe and to demonstrate compliance, all businesses must either carry out an assessment to show that no risk is expected, or, if it is, to have policies in place to prevent it occurring. Businesses do not need to be concerned about customer entertaining or sponsorship, providing it is proportionate and reasonable for the level of business concerned but they will need to be able to demonstrate that they have considered the issue and acted sufficiently to ensure that bribes are neither given nor received. Ashdown Hurrey Staff Profile Patrick Ovens New Mothers Juggling the needs of a new baby and the requirements of a professional career are not always straightforward, but Bexhill office based Tamsyn Rayner-Vincent and Natalie Wordsworth are coping very well. How long have you been with Ashdown Hurrey? Ten years and ten months. Proudest moment? When my wife and I were told we were expecting a son the in the same month as I qualified as an accountant and got the chance to hold the Premier League Trophy. Natalie’s son, Kai, was born in late December last year and Tamsyn’s daughter, Isabel, this June. Office partner, Paul Bradbury, said: “We know we have to take a flexible approach so that everyone can get the best out of the arrangement; it’s great to have the two of them back in the office and we are committed to giving them the support they need for their two important roles.” What do you like doing outside of work? My main passion is football and I have been an avid Crystal Palace fan for the last 20 years including being a season ticket holder for 15 years. Favourite holiday destination? Las Vegas – I have been on a couple of occasions for my brother’s and my stag do – I can’t recommend it enough for a perfect lads’ holiday. Secret ambition? I would love to be able to play darts professionally. That or my boy playing for Palace in the future as I think my time has passed on that one. The baby in Hastings partner Ann Grant’s life is her new granddaughter, Bethany. Ann says: “This time round my work is unaffected but I do understand what Tamsyn and Natalie have to cope with.” Favourite film? Jaws – I have probably watched it at least 20 times. Fantasy dinner guests? Harrison Ford, Steve Coppell and Karl Pilkington. Place I would like most to visit? China – I have always visited places in the west so would love to experience the east’s culture and food. Worst moment? Experiencing relegation for the first time with Crystal Palace back in 1993, I have since got used to it. My perfect weekend? Spending time with my family, watching as much football as my wife will allow and having a few drinks down the pub with my mates. Making His Mark Life has been busy for Hastings based Mark Weeks-Pearson. Having led the firm’s halfmarathon team home in March he went on and completed his first London marathon at the end of April recording a sub-four hour time and raising more than £2,500 for the Sara Lee Trust. “We are always encouraged to see the bigger community picture and completing the marathon fulfilled a long-held ambition,” said Mark. Mark has also been rewarded for his acknowledged client-facing skills within the practice by being appointed to the role of Associate: “I see myself as a people person and enjoy the regular contact I get with clients, staff and business contacts. It’s great to see the opportunities for career progression within the practice and rewarding to see my hard work paying off.” T h e y ’ r e n o t j u s t v o u c h e r s t h e y ’ r e M & S Vo u c h e r s At a guess roughly 80 per cent of the new work that Ashdown Hurrey obtains comes from existing client recommendations which is great for several reasons: 1. The clients who are recommending us must be happy with the service they receive. 2. We are happy to gain the new business. 3. Most importantly, the recommendation results in a £25 Marks & Spencer’s voucher as a thank you if we are appointed. So next time someone you know needs an accountant it could result in your favourite M&S treat being on us! How to eclipse Inheritance Tax The late Roy Jenkins famously referred to Inheritance Tax (IHT) as a ‘voluntary tax paid by those who distrust their relatives more than they hate the Inland Revenue’. With the introduction of the transferable nil rate band (NRB) matters have simplified, however, many estates still face the prospect of HMRC being one of their largest beneficiaries. Where possible the annual tax free gift allowance of £3,000 should be used, which can be doubled up if not used in the previous tax year. Married couples and those in civil partnerships now have a definite advantage. Not the most romantic gesture in the world for tying the knot, but highly tax efficient. Even a divorce can reduce or eliminate the liability! In planning to mitigate Inheritance Tax it is usually necessary to make an absolute gift of assets and then survive seven years. This is often undesirable as, typically, the gifted assets may be required to generate income. By retaining access to income, without careful planning, such strategies will fall foul of the Gifts With Reservation (GWR) provisions. Spectrum has access to a proven strategy, backed up by robust Counsel’s opinion that has been designed to cater for those who wish to successfully mitigate Inheritance Tax, but not at the cost of compromising their current or future lifestyle. In essence, and in the right circumstances, the Eclipse concept can offer the following benefits:✤ IHT free after seven years ✤ Appointment of capital can be made to beneficiaries ✤ No Income Tax ✤ Low risk, proven investment strategy ✤ No Capital Gains Tax ✤ Simple structure ✤ Income available to creator of the Trust by way of reversions ✤ Competitively priced For more information on the Eclipse strategy or any other IHT mitigation strategy, including the use of the family home, please contact your Spectrum consultant. A Qualified Success Did you know that while many professional titles, such as doctor and solicitor, are legally protected and can only be used by those who have passed the exams of the supervising professional body, there is no restriction on who can describe themselves as an accountant. For accountants, the position is L-r: Natasha Parsons, Martin Copland, Francesca Diethelm and Jason Miller who have all fully qualified this year. further confused by there being not only more than one senior accounting body but also a confusing array of more junior qualifications, some requiring little more than the payment of an annual subscription. Ashdown Hurrey is a fully recognised firm of Chartered Accountants under the supervision of the Chartered Institute. All the partners and associates working in the accounting practice are fully qualified members of either the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ACA) or the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the practice remains committed to this ideal. Ashdown Hurrey believes that an accountant should be able to demonstrate their ability through being fully qualified, when holding a senior position. Ashdown Hurrey is fully regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants; if anything goes wrong, there is a full system of redress. Partner Jeff Moore says: “Clients should expect the best and this ensures they get it.” In excess of one million people could face unexpected demands for tax due to tax coding errors by HM Revenue & Customs. This includes the recently retired who have started to draw their pension for the first time. If you have any concerns about the tax you’ve been deducted, please contact your Ashdown Hurrey representative. The Government has introduced some interesting changes to pensions legislation. In summary, the changes are:✤ Requirement to annuitise at age 75 removed. ✤ Drawdown can continue for life. ✤ Flexible drawdown allows unlimited withdrawals for certain clients. ✤ Access benefits after age 75, recovery tax increased to 55 per cent. ✤ Annual contribution limit reduced to £50,000. www.ashdownhurrey.co.uk Bexhill 01424 730300 Hastings 01424 720222 www.spectrumfs.co.uk Bexhill 01424 739222 Hastings 01424 710360 28 Wilton Road, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 1EZ 20 Havelock Road, Hastings TN34 1BP If you would like more information on this issue please contact Jools Stebbings on 01424 720222 or email [email protected] Whilst every care has been taken in the preparation of this newsletter, it is published without responsibility on the part of Ashdown Hurrey or Spectrum for anyone acting upon or refraining to act upon the information contained herein. The information is of a general nature and is not a substitute for professional advice. You are recommended to obtain specific professional advice before you take any action.
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