Issue 61 February 2015 LunchtimeThe News The monthly newsletter of Fancy running seven marathons in seven days on seven continents? Cobb Digital is Appointed the NO, neither did Cobb PR but we did jump at the chance to help promote Ted Jackson’s marathon extravaganza and help him Official Digital Marketing Partner raise money for the charity Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis (OMS). for Brighton Racecourse The Cobb Digital team (pictured) is proud to announce that we are now the official Digital Marketing Partner for Brighton’s prestigious racecourse. As current business trends increasingly lean toward online portals, Cobb Digital will be able to provide vital services that will increase online awareness and footfall at events throughout the year. Since Digital was first established, its experienced marketing unit has successfully lead a variety of online and offline projects across Sussex. With experience in the events sector, the team are well versed in providing online support within the industry and are always eager to go beyond the expectations of their clients. Past projects have mixed creativity with technical ability seamlessly. Cobb Digital will apply this tested structure to its business dealings with Brighton Racecourse and are keen to take on this large project. With references to races dating back to 1713, Brighton Racecourse on Whitehawk Hill is an integral part of Brighton’s historical tapestry. With stunning views of Brighton and nearby Hove, the picturesque attraction has grown into a fine venue for events, weddings and sporting fixtures throughout the year. Cobb Digital is assured that its tailored digital activity will compliment such a versatile venue perfectly. James Dempster, Managing Director is enthusiastic In January, 42-year-old Ted (pictured right) set out and completed The World about the budding partnership: “Cobb Digital are Marathon Challenge running marathons in Antarctica, Chile, Miami, Spain, Morocco, delighted to assist such a historic and esteemed Dubai and Australia. sporting and entertainment site in Brighton. As a Attracting coverage from all over the world, Cobb PR and the OMS team worked local business in the area, we’re looking forward with the media to ensure Ted was getting the attention he deserved. to working closely with the Brighton Racecourse team to increase ROI and develop user experience We secured a double page spread in the Independent on Sunday, coverage in The for everyone to enjoy.” Telegraph, BBC TV interviews and worldwide news. His campaign was backed by familiar celebrity faces including Philip Schofield, Gary Lineker and Eamonn Holmes and he has raised over £160,000. Tim Cobb commented: “Overcoming MS is a fantastic charity, giving support and hope to people with MS. It was our pleasure to work with them on this amazing challenge.” To see more about his journey or to donate visit: www.justgiving.com/ted777 Club organisers Issue 61 February 2015 Luke Wright Benefit Year 2015 Sussex and England cricketer Luke Wright is raising the profile of three great charities during his Benefit year throughout 2015. The world-class all-rounder has chosen a team of senior Sussex Left to right: Nik Askaroff, Luke Wright and Tim Cobb business people to help him stage a series of events to raise money for his chosen charities – The Broad Appeal, Make a Wish Foundation and Sussex County Cricket Club’s own charity, Sussex Cricket in the Community Trust. Nik Askaroff, business lunch club co-founder and chairman of EMC, heads up the benefit committee. The launch event takes place at The Grand Hotel in Brighton on Friday March 6. Special guest speaker will be former Ashes captain Andrew Strauss OBE, joined by Brighton comedian Stephen Grant and hosted by ex-England bowler Ed Giddins. Luke, 29, said: “I am tremendously honoured to have been awarded a Benefit Year by Sussex County Cricket Club. I have chosen three excellent charities and will be working flat-out to try and raise as much money for them as possible.” The launch event is expected to be a “sell-out” and tickets are now on sale via info@lukewrightbenefit2015.co.uk or by calling 01273 945984. Congratulations to lunch club member, Gary Peters, founder of lovelocaljobs.com who was awarded entrepreneur of the year at the Sussex Business Awards Richard GARY (pictured) beat off stiff competition from several Schaverien other sussex-based businessmen and was presented with the award in recognition of his achievements within the recruitment industry and his contribution to the local community over the past 15 years. Brighton & Hove Sponsors www.sussexbusinessclubs.com The Lunchtime News Five employment law changes your business should know about 1. Shared parental leave and pay The Shared Parental Leave Regulations 2014 are likely to prove an administrative nightmare for many Paul Maynard employers in 2015. They entitle mothers to opt in to sharing their maternity leave and pay entitlement with the other parent, and a similar right exists for adopters. Subject to certain qualifying criteria, parents can share up to 50 weeks’ leave and 37 weeks’ pay, providing the child is due to be born on or after 5 April 2015 or is placed for adoption on or after that date. 2. Statutory adoption leave and pay From 5 April 2015, the 26-week qualifying period for adoption leave will be scrapped as adoption leave becomes a day-one right. Similarly, statutory adoption pay will be brought into line with maternity pay with the first six weeks paid at 90 per cent of the employee’s average weekly earnings. In addition, surrogate parents will be entitled to adoption leave. 3. New right to time off work for adoption appointments For expert legal advice on From 5 April 2015, the main adopter will any employment law matter have the right to take paid time off work to contact Gaby Hardwicke attend up to five adoption appointments. partner Paul Maynard on The secondary adopter will be able to take 01323 435 900 or pcm@ paid time off work for up to two adoption gabyhardwicke.co.uk appointments. Also arriving in 2015… a new pay monthly or yearly 4. Child age limit for parental leave rises from five to 18 Employment Solutions service from Gaby Hardwicke. Parental leave gives employees with more Email cjb@gabyhardwicke. than a year’s service the right to take up co.uk for more information. to 18 weeks’ unpaid leave during the first five years of their child’s life. From 5 April Special Election 2015, the right to take parental leave will be extended until the child’s 18th birthday. Eastbourne Lunch Club – March 12 4. Fit for Work referral service The Eastbourne & District The government is introducing a new Fit Business Lunch Club on for Work service that will offer employees March 12 promises to be who have been off sick for four weeks or a real cracker of an event. more access to free occupational health It’s a Special Election assistance. Employers will be able to Lunch Club and all the claim up to £500 tax relief per year for parliamentary candidates each employee who undergoes medical have confirmed they will be treatment recommended by Fit for Work. there. Once coffee is served we are running a 60 minute Q&A. Contact [email protected] for futher details. Eastbourne & District Sponsors Issue 61 February 2015 The Lunchtime News Recognition for Rawlison Butler South East regional law firm, Rawlison Butler, has been recognised across its key areas of practice in this year’s Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession. This leading independent directory, whose rankings are based heavily on client feedback, has named a number of RB Partners as ‘Leaders in their Field’ and recognised our main legal teams, including rating the Property Team (pictured) as the leading firm in the area. This recognition follows straight on from the firm winning three ACQ Global Awards 2014 for the UK South East region: Commercial Litigation Team of the Year, Corporate Team of the Year and Tim Sadka for Corporate Lawyer of the Year. The ACQ awards are voted on by industry peers and the readers of ACQ business magazine as those businesses and individuals that have had the greatest impact on the industry in the last year and delivered exceptional performance. Diary dates Property team Nicholas Pentecost, Forthcoming Lunch Club Vanessa Joll meetings: Crawley & Gatwick February – Thursday 5 Gatwick Hilton Hotel March – Thursday 5 Gatwick Hilton Hotel April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2, Haywards Heath branch makes Sept 3, Oct 1, Nov 5 Eastbourne & District 45 for the region February – Thursday 12 Grand Hotel, Eastbourne HANDELSBANKEN are pleased to announce the opening of a new branch in Haywards March – Thursday 12 Heath, making 45 for the region and 189 in the UK. Grand Hotel, Eastbourne April 9, May 14, July 9, Aug Haywards Heath is regarded as the economic centre of mid Sussex. 13, Sept 10, Oct 8, Nov 12 The town dates back to the English Civil War and local legend is that Brighton & Hove its name comes from a local highwayman called Jack Hayward. Whilst February – Friday 20 the town has a population of around 25,000, the wider mid Sussex Hotel du Vin, Brighton area the branch will serve has a population of c140,000. March – Friday 20 The new Branch Manager will be David Barden, who is currently Roedean School Corporate Manager at the Brighton Branch. David said: “I am very April 17, May 15, June 19, excited about the opportunity to open a new branch in Haywards July 17, Sept 18, Oct 16, Heath and help make the bank more local to the people of Sussex.” Nov 20 David Barden Crawley & Gatwick Sponsors.