In Issue 2, we speak to Bill King, chairman of 200-year-old company Cheffins, who reveals the strategies that have enabled the firm to reach such a monumental milestone. Forward planning is also the theme of a special focus on corporate Christmas parties, in which the city’s top event venues share their inspirational festive theme ideas and top tips for bringing them to life. Plus, we bring you all the latest business news, views and updates from the Cambridgeshire region.
Issue 2
Insider insights Stay up to date with regional business strategies Festive spirit Planning ahead with corporate Christmas party ideas
THE KEY TO SUCCESS A 200-year-old firm reveals its secrets
WELCOME
EDITORIAL Editor Louise Hoffman 01223 492249
LOOKING AHEAD
louisehoffman@bright.uk.com Editorial director Nicola Foley 01223 499459 nicolafoley@bright.uk.com Chief sub editor Matthew Winney Sub editor Zanna Buckland ADVERTISING Sales director Sam Scott-Smith 01223 499457 samscott-smith@bright.uk.com Ad manager Maria Francis 01223 492240 mariafrancis@bright.uk.com CONTRIBUTORS Jonathan Arnold & Karen Anker DESIGN & PRODUCTION Design director Andy Jennings Magazine design manager Lucy Woolcomb Ad production Holly May MANAGING DIRECTORS Andy Brogden & Matt Pluck
know, I know. It’s only July – why on earth are we mentioning the C-word in this issue of Business
such a monumental milestone, and what can other business leaders learn from it? Turn to page 10 to find out. Speaking of success stories, please do share with me (louisehoffman@bright. uk.com) news of any achievements or developments at your Cambridgeshire company – it could appear in a future magazine edition!
Edition ? Well, when it comes to corporate Christmas parties, forward planning – as we’ve learned from the city’s top event venues – is crucial, so it seemed only right to issue an extra timely reminder to those in charge of this year’s festivities. In fact, planning ahead is somewhat a narrative thread in the pages that follow, especially in our lead interview with Bill King, chairman of Cheffins, which is celebrating its 200-year anniversary. Which strategies have borne the firm along to
Louise Hoffman, editor
CONTENTS 04 MOVERS AND SHAKERS The latest news and views from Cambridgeshire businesses, including award wins and brand refreshes 10 THE LONG GAME Bill King, chairman of 200-year-old Cheffins, reveals key strategies for long-term business success
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From the publishers of
17 FAMILY MATTERS PT 2 Karen Anker discusses the importance of protecting business assets within the family sphere 20 FESTIVE SPIRIT Inspirational corporate Christmas party ideas – along with some top tips for bringing them to life
28 ONE-TO-ONE James Appleby, managing director (wealth) at Tees Financial Ltd, tells us all about wise investments
Business Edition Magazine Bright Publishing Ltd, Bright House, 82 High Street, Sawston, Cambridgeshire CB22 3HJ, 01223 499450 • All rights reserved. Material contained in this publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior permission of the publishers. • Views expressed in the magazine aren’t necessarily those of Business Edition or Bright Publishing Ltd, which do not accept any liability for loss or damage. • Every effort has been made to ensure all information is correct. • Business Edition is a free publication that can be found at cambsedition.co.uk
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ISSUE 2 | BUSINESS EDITION | 03
NEWS
KNOWLES LOGISTICS TRANSFORMS HEAD OFFICE
Third-party logistics provider Knowles Logistics has announced the successful completion of a major expansion and transformation of its head office, located near March in Cambridgeshire. Following a nine-month renovation project, led by office design and fit- out specialist Coel, the expanded HQ provides dedicated spaces and offices for the HR, IT, marketing and logistics departments. Meanwhile, a new transport check-in area includes shower facilities for HGV drivers. Walnut cladding, light tones and an Italian-inspired style were chosen for
the boardroom and MD’s office, and visitors to the site are welcomed by a new-look reception area with two- storey moss wall. The ambitious project was the brainchild of managing director Alex Knowles. “As we now have more than 650 employees, we saw this as a great opportunity to bring our management team together, create an inspiring space for our transport and central support teams, and future-proof the business,” he said.
A FRESH FACE With its employee growth, Knowles saw fit to expand its head office
COTTENHAM BUSINESS NAMED SOCIAL ENTERPRISE OF THE YEAR
A Cambridgeshire-based start-up has been named social enterprise of the year at the 2025 East of England StartUp Awards. Founded in 2023, the fast-growing Positively Parenting supports neurodivergent families to thrive, with a specialist focus on parents with ADHD. “Winning social enterprise of the year feels like a huge moment – for me, but also for every parent who’s ever felt like they were failing due to their own ADHD,” said founder
Lauren O’Carroll. “I created the company because I couldn’t find support that recognised how hard it is to parent when you’re the one who struggles with emotional regulation, executive function and overwhelm, and you’re still expected to model it for your kids.” All regional winners will now progress to the UK StartUp Awards final taking place at Ideas Fest on 11 September, along with the winners from nine other regions.
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NEWS
Business news from across the region
CHANCELLOR AND ED MILIBAND VISIT CVE
In June, the chancellor of the exchequer, the Rt Hon Rachel Reeves, and the secretary of state for energy security and net zero, the Rt Hon Ed Miliband, visited Cambridge Vacuum Engineering (CVE) in Waterbeach to see its Ebflow technology in action. The visit saw the ministers learn about the electron-beam welding technology’s potential to transform manufacturing timelines and reduce costs for the UK’s next-generation nuclear power infrastructure. The visit came ahead of the government announcing investments in the Sizewell C nuclear power station and the results of its Great British Nuclear (GBN) Small Modular Reactor (SMR) competition – an initiative to select and support the deployment of SMR reactors across the UK.
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NEWS
TEES UNDERTAKES STRATEGIC BRAND REFRESH As part of strategic growth plans, and to reflect its evolving service offering, top 200 law firm Tees has unveiled a significant brand refresh. Spotlighting its capabilities as a full-service legal practice with an integrated financial services arm, the brand refresh is a key part of Tees’s strategic repositioning. Today, the firm’s independent financial advisers work closely with its legal teams to provide joined-up, holistic advice to private individuals, entrepreneurs and business owners alike. The brand refresh is just one element of the firm’s strategy, which
Of the 42% that already use AI, 92% have seen increases in productivity – the second-highest proportion of any UK region – while 87% say it has improved their profitability. Firms are most commonly using AI to improve efficiency (69%) or to analyse data and make better-informed decisions (42%). Looking ahead, 79% of the region’s businesses Tagomics awarded £860k grant Cambridge-based biomarker discovery and diagnostics company Tagomics Ltd has been awarded £860k of funding in the Biomedical Catalyst programme for testing and development of innovative healthcare solutions from Innovate UK. The funding will support the customisation of Tagomics’s Interlace platform to develop a highly sensitive and specific diagnostic test for the early detection and treatment of colorectal cancer, as well as a subsequent pilot study with the NHS. includes plans to achieve a turnover of £60m by 2028. The most recently published figures (for 2024) show a turnover of £30m, with 2025 likely to outturn around £35m. To put this into context, the 2020 figure was £23m. “This is more than a cosmetic update – it’s a statement about our ambition,” said managing director Ashton Hunt.
AI EXPECTED TO DRIVE LOCAL GROWTH The majority of East of England firms believe AI adoption will be a key growth driver in their local economy, according to Lloyds’ Business Barometer, with many reporting AI-related increases in productivity and profitability. More than three in five (61%)
plan to invest more in AI over the next year, with 22% of non- adopters planning to use it for the first time. Meanwhile, 22% of East of England firms plan to create new AI-specific roles. The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
East of England businesses believe greater AI adoption will be a major driver of local economic growth.
Spending pledge good for East Following June’s Spending Review, KPMG’s East of England office senior partner Joe Faulkner commented: “The chancellor’s £22bn annual funding pledge for science and technology R&D will benefit the East of England as a key innovation hub. The £2.5bn investment in East West Rail is a positive step, as improved connectivity between Oxford and Cambridge will unlock new opportunities for collaboration, support the flow of talent and drive long-term economic growth across the Arc.”
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NEWS
LOCAL EDUCATION CHAMPION WINS NATIONAL AWARD
Local businesswoman Lynne Kerrison, co-owner of Tutor Doctor Cambridge, has brought home a prestigious national award for outstanding women in business. Kerrison, who has been helping local students thrive for more than 14 years, was crowned woman franchisee of the year at the Natwest Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWiF) Awards 2025 – an honour that recognises her dedication to education and the difference she’s made across Cambridgeshire. Since launching the business with her husband Rob, Kerrison and the team have been committed to educational excellence, working closely with partners such as the Cambridge Sports Development Foundation to support vulnerable children. In 2024 alone, Tutor Doctor Cambridge provided nearly 20,000 hours of tutoring. “This award is incredibly humbling,” said Kerrison. “Our work has been about more than tutoring; it’s about helping children fulfil their potential, supporting families and building brighter futures.”
SHINING STAR Lynne Kerrison has been awarded woman franchisee of the year in the EWiF Awards for her dedicated work
Business confidence climbs East of England business confidence climbed above the national average in June, rising seven points to 53%, according to the latest Lloyds Business Barometer. Companies reported greater confidence in the economy – up 14 points at 46%. Taken with optimism in their own business prospects (unchanged at 60%), this gives a headline confidence of 53% (vs 46% in May); 45% of businesses in the region also expect to increase staff over the next year, up 19 points on last month.
Nanoplume wins competition Nanoplume, based in Cambridge, has been announced as a winner of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s 2025 Emerging Technologies Competition, in the energy category. Nanoplume is scaling the manufacturing of a bio- aerogel, which is a nanoporous, ultra- light biomaterial for cold chain and thermal insulation applications. Made from renewable feedstocks, it enhances energy and space efficiency while promoting circularity in sustainable thermal applications.
Xanthos Digital achieves net zero Xanthos Digital, a Cambridge digital marketing agency, has achieved net zero status by offsetting more than 40 tonnes of CO2 annually – more than double its combined Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. The agency has partnered with Ecologi to fund impactful carbon- reduction projects worldwide, hosts all of its client websites using 100% renewable energy certified by the Green Web Foundation, and has signed the Clean Creatives Pledge to refuse work with fossil fuel clients.
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NEWS
Materials Nexus Ltd has fended off competition from dozens of local start-ups to be crowned the East of England Tech Innovator as part of KPMG’s search for the UK’s most exciting tech businesses. MATERIALS NEXUS NAMED AS A TECH TRAILBLAZER
Product manager Thomas Moissinac said: “At Matnex,
we’re pioneering the use of AI to revolutionise materials discovery, accelerating the development of sustainable and high-performance materials for critical applications in clean energy, electronics and
beyond. This recognition is a testament to the strength of our team and our technology’s transformative potential. “Having our roots in the vibrant Cambridge ecosystem – surrounded by world-leading research, talent and innovation – has been instrumental
to our progress. This proves how local innovation can drive global impact.” Materials Nexus Ltd will now progress to the national final, which will be held in London in July. The overall UK champion will then advance to the global final later in the year.
FLYING START (Left to right) Joe Faulkner (KPMG), Thomas Moissinac (Materials Nexus) and Salvatore Di Maggio (KPMG)
AI START-UP RECEIVES BUSINESS GROWTH SUPPORT
A Cambridge AI start-up already backed by Barclays Eagle Labs has begun its journey with Innovate UK Business Growth, which supports ambitious SMEs with potential to drive UK economic growth. Quick Brew Content (QBC) is an online platform that empowers SMEs and professionals on LinkedIn to create and post high-quality, industry-specific content in the time it takes to make a cup of tea. Co-founded in May 2024 by Jonathan Laker, Bart King and Donald Hyndman (pictured left to right), QBC has gained recognition and support from high-profile UK organisations. In 2024, the company was awarded grants from Innovate UK, as well as Innovation Labs, supported by Barclays Eagle Labs.
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INTERVIEW
The long
ill King, chairman of Cheffins – the multifaceted Cambridge business that
in 1534 – the year the English Reformation Parliament established Henry VIII as supreme head of the Church of England – reaching its bicentenary is still impressive by anyone’s standards. Cheffins was also born at a turbulent moment in British history: 1825 was the year of the so-called Panic that resulted in a colossal stock market crash. Hardly an auspicious moment to start a business, but Cheffins – then and
operates across property, land, commercial buildings, planning and auctions – has every reason to be very happy. Cheffins celebrates its 200th anniversary this year, a feat that few businesses in Cambridgeshire can match. Though it has some way to go to catch up with Cambridge University Press, which was founded
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INTERVIEW
Seeking long-term business success? Jonathan Arnold talks strategy with Bill King, chairman of bicentennial company Cheffins game
ISSUE 2 | BUSINESS EDITION | 11
INTERVIEW
“Reputation and trust underpin much of Cheffins’s success, but don’t necessarily guarantee longevity on their own”
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INTERVIEW
The Royal Mint is, arguably, the oldest company in the UK, with its coin-making history dating back to 886AD.
Cheffins in numbers
throughout its history – has always been adept at navigating choppy economic and societal waters. It boasts the kind of durability that many businesses would envy. Says King: “From humble beginnings, the directors of each generation have guided our colleagues and the firm through world wars, a succession of agricultural depressions and economic recessions and, more recently, the tumult of Brexit as well as the Covid-19 pandemic. “Over the years, a number of departments were born out of a need to replace lost income from other areas of the business that were suffering in the face of adverse trading conditions. The result today is a firm with a solid financial foundation, a reputation for excellence and experience, and colleagues who take pride in delivering advice worth paying for.” Strong foundations King has clear views on what it takes to keep a business going over such an extended period. “Part of the reason we’re so successful is that we’re a true partnership,” he asserts. “There are 12 owners, including myself, and 180 staff, and we’re all on the same page. “We are nimble, move quickly with the times and confront whatever
economic or technological conditions we face. For example, during Covid-19, we were able to adapt very quickly to the shift online, particularly with our auction business. Our clients look to a business with a long-standing and trusted reputation, which was a real benefit during the pandemic and other periods of economic uncertainty.” This combination of reputation and trust underpins much of Cheffins’s success, but that doesn’t necessarily mean these traits guarantee longevity on their own. They’re part of a much more complex mix of elements, as King explains. “We aren’t sitting in an ivory tower,” he adds. “You can never communicate enough with your staff and clients. Everyone knows who we are, and there’s a big team behind us. Marketing, HR, technology… they’re all incredibly important.” Just before Covid-19, Cheffins invested in a major rebrand, which helped the business by giving it a fresh, contemporary look. King adds, “Our market research confirmed that evolving our corporate identity, including updating our logo, was the appropriate strategic move for us. This two-year-long project is indicative of our significant investment in the firm and commitment to Cheffins’s continued growth, alongside our confidence in our business in
worth of fine art sales properties under commercial management 200 £6m+ valuations of rural property £250m+ development site sales £60m+ tractors sold every year 3,000+
Source: cheffins.co.uk
ISSUE 2 | BUSINESS EDITION | 13
INTERVIEW
Kongō Gumi, a Japanese construction company established in 578AD that specialises in Buddhist temples, is considered the oldest continuously operating company in the world.
spite of the volatility and uncertainty in today’s markets.” Whether or not the new look helped to re-establish and reinforce the Cheffins name during Covid-19 is difficult to measure, but King is clear that, to keep the business relevant and forward-looking, the rebrand was definitely worth doing. Planning ahead When asked what he believes the key factors are for business longevity, King points out that there is no ‘one size fits all’ and that what is right for Cheffins may, of course, not be so for any number of other businesses. But some of the things, he shares, are indeed universal. “You must be prepared to look at available opportunities and be proactive with your clients. Being focused and having clear objectives is key.” To that end, he adds, long-term planning – for long- term success – is imperative. Cheffins’s partners work on a rolling five-year plan. The current five-year period is coming to an end, but King insists they are well advanced in their plans for the next five. This strategy is vital for Cheffins – and should, King believes, be applied universally across business and industry. Yet, within a world of ultra-fast technological change, including the
current shift to AI, looking five years ahead can only really be done on a macro basis. King and his partners balance this by looking at the micro on a bimonthly cycle. These more frequent strategy meetings are now more critical than ever. Adds King: “Although we’re a multidiscipline business, we are, nevertheless, very collegiate,” which is another key component to why Cheffins continues to be so successful. “Of course, it can often be a challenge to get everyone on board, but we respect differences of opinion.” Adapt to thrive Returning to the theme of what ingredients are needed to keep a business going over the long term, King is unequivocal. “Yes, we have been dynamic, but at the same time – and where necessary – we’ve also been conservative. We’re a mid-sized business and have grown in part through mergers and acquisitions. But we’re also anxious that we don’t stand still, so we’re always looking at our opportunities.” King makes the valid point that languishing in areas of business that are either becoming obsolete or don’t fit the business’s future strategic plans is counterproductive to any ambition to play the long game.
When pressed about which other companies he admires for their longevity, he cites C Hoare & Co (the UK’s oldest privately owned bank, founded in 1672), Clarks Shoes (the British footwear manufacturer and retailer, also founded in 1825) and JCB (the British multinational manufacturer of equipment for construction, agriculture, waste handling and demolition, founded in 1945). Three very different businesses, but, like Cheffins, always fleet of foot and capable of adapting rapidly to changing market and economic forces. “We sell a lot of second-hand JCB machinery,” adds King, with obvious pleasure. “What an incredible family- run business, which, like us, rose from modest beginnings but has endured.” Cheffins has come a very long way, since starting life as cattle auctioneers back in 1825, to arrive at the vibrant organisation it is today, providing advice on property, land, farms, fine art, tractors and steam engines, as well as hosting regular auctions for all of these divisions. If one division should suffer from a particular market disruption, chances are another will be thriving for different reasons. Perhaps, above all else, it’s this diverse offering and the ability to be commercially nimble that has contributed the most to Cheffins’s long-term success.
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INTERVIEW
“Languishing in areas of business that are obsolete or don’t fit future strategic plans is counterproductive”
ISSUE 2 | BUSINESS EDITION | 15
COMMENT
Karen Anker of Barr Ellison Law discusses the importance of protecting business assets within the family sphere FAMILY MATTERS
he imposition of inheritance tax on qualifying business assets following the 2024 Autumn
date, then a prenuptial agreement should be entered into sufficiently ahead of the wedding date to avoid any allegations of undue pressure. If the adult child receiving shares is employed within the company or makes a payment to acquire the shareholding, then the shares are far less likely to be identified as non-matrimonial. While a pre or postnuptial agreement would still be advisable, this might serve only to depress or limit the other spouse’s claim against the shares, rather than removing it entirely. A nuptial agreement is not legally binding on a court in subsequent divorce proceedings, but if it has been executed with the benefit of a full understanding of the financial position, as well as independent legal advice, it’s likely that the court will give weight to its terms. Case law seems to show that, where a nuptial agreement is in place, even where the court is not fully persuaded to follow all of its provisions, it still allocates less to the claimant spouse than would otherwise be the case. Concerns only arise where the recipient of the shares is married or is considering marriage. Where a couple are cohabiting, despite the urban myth of common-law spouse entitlement, no right to the other party’s assets arises. If a non-married couple have children together, there are additional claims that the primary carer of the child can bring, but these very rarely stretch to business assets, unless based in property.
Budget, which was covered in issue 1 of Business Edition , may well encourage business owners to pass on part or all of their business assets earlier than they would previously have intended. This in turn raises issues in the family sphere. If business owners are passing shares in a limited company to their adult children who are married or might marry in the future, it’s worth thinking about how to protect those assets in the event of the marriage breaking down. Even where shares are gifted in this way, meaning that they’re a non- matrimonial asset, whose source is from outside the marriage, simply being non- matrimonial doesn’t protect such assets from the spouse’s claims or the reach of the court if there are insufficient funds in the matrimonial pot to provide for the needs of the other party in a divorce. To place yourself in the best position to prevent a non-family member from acquiring an interest in a family business’s shareholding when the gift of shares is made to a child who is already married, consideration should be given to a postnuptial agreement. This is drawn up by the recipient of the gift and their spouse, in which they can set out how they agree the shareholding should be treated in the event of a divorce. If the gift of shares has been made at the point where the adult child is single, and marriage comes about at a later
Karen Anker
is a senior associate and specialist family solicitor at Barr Ellison Law. barrellison.co.uk
“Simply being non-matrimonial doesn’t protect such business assets from the spouse’s claims or the reach of the court”
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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
In the annual Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival race, hosted by Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust, teamwork really does make the dream work! ENTER THE DRAGONS the Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival, teams will help ACT change the story of cancer – which is something to celebrate together! We still have a few places left, but they’re going fast! So sign up for a great cause.”
Lucy Morton, executive director at NewWave Events, added: “The Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival is such a unique opportunity for both seasoned and new teams to experience the thrill of racing, with full equipment and guidance provided to make it accessible for everyone.” Competing teams, each with between ten and 15 team members, paddle the boats up the river, with a drummer at the front beating time and a helm at the tail. Races will start at around 10am, with a prize ceremony held at the end of the day. There is also a Spitfire flypast planned, weather permitting. As well as the races, there will be bankside entertainment with food vans and an on-site bar, guaranteeing a fun-filled family day out. If you’re not racing, do still come and enjoy the day – it might inspire you and your team to take part next year! Visit act4addenbrookes.org.uk/ dragonboat to find out more about the event, or email ACT’s corporate team at corporatepartnerships@ act4addenbrookes.org.uk
hat could be nicer than a day spent on the glorious River Cam? This summer, the
and research expertise under one roof. This will help clinicians detect cancer earlier, treat it more precisely and save more lives. Pioneering research from the hospital is expected to have a far- reaching impact, not just regionally, but nationally and globally too. Festival sponsor Illumina returns for the second year running, and will be providing spectator activities in the riverside marquee, including strawberry DNA extraction, dragon paper chains and a tombola. They have also entered three teams for the event, supported by Cambridge Radio, who will be reporting live on the day. Natasha Robertson, corporate partnerships manager at ACT, said: “The 2024 event was such a fantastic day, with an amazing atmosphere. The event raised an incredible £37,000, with 41 teams competing and having fun on the River Cam. This year, ACT celebrates its 30th birthday, and we want to make sure we celebrate big and make this Dragon Boat race the biggest and best yet. By taking part in
Fen Ditton stretch is again hosting the Cambridge Dragon Boat race, and it’s an occasion not to be missed! An army of teams will once again be pitted against each other to take home the prize. But if you think it’s all about brute strength, think again. The most important element of winning the race is teamwork – which is why so many Cambridge companies come back year after year! On Saturday 13 September, this year’s Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival, hosted by Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) and organised by NewWave Events, is returning for its 19th year. The money raised will go towards the new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital (CCRH), set to be built on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus by 2029. The hospital will be the first specialist cancer hospital for the East of England, bringing together clinical
ISSUE 2 | BUSINESS EDITION | 19
STAFF PARTIES
FESTIVE SPIRIT
Local venues share corporate Christmas party ideas to inspire – along with top tips for bringing them to life
ven the most dedicated followers of Christmas are likely to find it a little
incongruous planning festive fun in the balmy heat and long days of summer, but so it is that the task of organising the end-of-year staff party falls to company leads across the UK like clockwork each July or August. With venues often getting booked up months in advance, forward planning is imperative to make sure you secure a setting that can accommodate and cater to your team, as well as providing the perfect backdrop to your party theme. Ah yes. The party theme. Whether this is your first foray into the world of event organisation or you’ve been doing it a while and are running out of inspiration, we’ve gathered up top suggestions from local experts – for a range of budgets and team sizes – that are sure to spark some ideas.
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STAFF PARTIES
WINTER GARDEN PARTY
For a more intimate and relaxed option, The Gonville Hotel can also host your team in its heated garden Teepee or private dining space, dressed in seasonal greenery and magical twinkling lights, with a festive three-course meal.
Top tips Have a photo corner with festive props for fun team memories. Add some mulled wine, candles and cosy throws to enhance the winter warmth. Build your own festive playlist or hire a local acoustic musician for background music – it adds atmosphere without overpowering the conversation.
Step into a 40s-themed festive whodunnit, where secrets will unravel… and someone doesn’t make it to dessert! Christmas Murder Mystery evenings at The Gonville Hotel are fully hosted and include live actors, a festive three-course menu and plenty of plot twists. Available as a public ticketed event to attend or for private group bookings, the Murder Mystery evenings are ideal for companies wanting something theatrical, fun and completely stress-free to organise. MURDER MYSTERY
Top tips Encourage guests
to dress in 40s style to boost the atmosphere and engagement. Welcome guests with a themed cocktail – such as a Mistletoe Martini – to set the scene. Design personalised name cards to enhance the experience and make it easier for guests to step into the story.
GOOD TIDINGS WE BRING The Gonville Hotel hosts stellar events and offers Christmas-ready venues
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STAFF PARTIES
For teams that love a touch of decadence, try the roaring 1920s Christmas at Clayton Hotel Cambridge! Step into a world of art deco glamour and elegance, with jazz playing softly, champagne towers, gold- accented decor and a glittering black-tie dress code. A sit-down dinner is followed by dancing under the chandeliers – a party worthy of Jay Gatsby! GATSBY GLAMOUR
Top tips Encourage guests to dress the part. Add immersive touches like a speakeasy-style cocktail bar or flapper- era dancers to bring the theme to life.
WINE AND DINE Host a night to remember in Clayton Hotel Cambridge’s Garden Suite
Designed with smaller teams and tighter budgets in mind, Clayton Hotel Cambridge’s Winter Woodland theme transforms its lush private dining areas into rustic hideaways. Think warm candlelight, pine garlands, mulled wine on arrival and hearty seasonal dishes. Described as festive without being flashy, it’s perfect for teams looking for something relaxed and meaningful. WINTER WOODLAND
Top tips Incorporate team bonding exercises like a festive quiz between courses. It’s low-cost but high-impact.
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STAFF PARTIES
SEASONAL STYLE
At Chestnut Group’s collection of country pubs across the region, it’s all about good food, delightful drinks and a relaxed setting – enhanced with a blend of seasonal styling and festive cheer to make the event truly memorable. You might, as the team suggests, opt for long trestle tables that encourage communal dining, dressed with fresh foliage, pinecones, winter berries and seasonal fruits, perhaps with tall taper candles and potted plants to create height and visual interest.
A festive menu that plays on the traditional Christmas dinner can also be a welcome addition – think mini turkey burgers, root vegetables, mulled drinks and festive-flavoured desserts that can be shared among the group. Finally, why not add a personal, hands-on element to your party too, by incorporating a festive workshop before or after dinner? This could be wreath- making or Christmas calligraphy to hone those Christmas card and gift tag writing skills.
CREATIVE CLASSICS At Chestnut Group, Christmas dinners can be seasonal classics with creative twists No matter the size of your workforce or budget, lots of Cambridgeshire venues can help you thank your team for their hard work over the past year with a knees-up to remember. Clayton Hotel Cambridge’s event spaces can accommodate up to 150 guests. Small teams can attend its Shared Christmas Party Nights, which offer all the festive fun – including DJ and dance floor – without having to book an entire room. Chestnut Group, meanwhile, caters for everything from company-wide festive dinners to intimate team lunches and evening drinks receptions with private dining spaces, festive set menus and seasonal entertainment. The Gonville Hotel has both indoor and outdoor spaces, evoking different atmospheres, and guests can even arrive in style in its classic Bentleys. Plus, all three venues (as well as many others in the area) offer overnight stays – perfect for those partying late into the night or travelling from afar. The key to it all? Plan early – and let the venue event teams help you end the year on a high!
Top tips Partner with local florists or stylists to achieve authentic, wintry greenery installations. Hire a calligraphy artist or florist to host your workshop. Include thoughtful take-home kits for those who want to continue the creativity.
Find out more The Gonville Hotel: gonvillehotel.co.uk Clayton Hotel Cambridge: claytonhotels.com/cambridge Chestnut Group: chestnutgroup.co.uk
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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Toast to festivities at The Gonville Hotel, which offers corporate Christmas events in the heart of Cambridge CELEBRATE IN STYLE
his festive season, The Gonville Hotel is inviting businesses and teams to
At £65 per person, it’s perfect for end- of-year team or client entertaining.
celebrate in style, with a collection of elegant and versatile experiences. Whether you’re planning a relaxed drinks reception, lively office party or intimate thank-you dinner, our variety of beautifully appointed event spaces are suited to any kind of celebration. Host an atmospheric Christmas party in our winter Teepee – perfect for larger team events with plenty of festive cheer. For more informal gatherings, the light-filled Atrium offers an ideal setting for drinks and canapes. Looking for a refined dining experience? Choose from our private rooms – the Terrace, Grantchester or Abington – each offering a warm, elegant setting for festive meals. Festive private dining Celebrate with a private dining experience that blends traditional charm with contemporary style. Enjoy a three-course seasonal menu, a glass of prosecco on arrival and exceptional service in your own exclusive space.
Christmas Party Nights Make it an evening to remember at one of our Christmas Party Nights, available on selected Fridays in December. Perfect for team socials or shared parties, this £85 per person package includes a welcome prosecco, festive three-course menu, half a bottle of wine per guest and a DJ to keep the party going long into the night. Upgrade to our Party & Stay package to include an overnight stay and breakfast the next morning. Gin & Jazz Nights For something different, join us on 6 or 13 December for Gin & Jazz – a relaxed evening featuring two festive gins from Cambridge Distillery, live jazz and a three-course dinner in an uplifting setting. At £89 per person, it’s a unique way to toast the season. Festive Afternoon Tea Treat colleagues or clients to a refined seasonal experience with our Festive
Afternoon Tea, available Tuesday to Sunday from 21 November. Enjoy delicate savouries, festive patisserie and freshly baked scones, with the option to add some mulled wine or champagne for extra sparkle. Spaces are limited, so early booking is highly recommended. Besides, it’s never too soon to start planning your Christmas events! Whether it’s an all- out celebration or quiet end-of-year thank you, The Gonville Hotel brings exceptional service, thoughtful detail and spaces full of festive cheer. IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY Book soon to enjoy the Festive Afternoon Tea or other events at The Gonville Hotel
To explore the event spaces and discuss your next meeting,
celebration or event, email events@ gonvillehotel.co.uk, call 01223 366611 or visit gonvillehotel.co.uk
ISSUE 2 | BUSINESS EDITION | 27
Q&A
Investing some time with James Appleby, managing director (wealth) at Tees Financial Ltd ONE-TO-ONE
clients and, more recently, managing the advice teams and the business. “I get a real sense of pride seeing the impact of giving good advice, knowing we’ve made a difference”
Not everyone may know that Tees offers financial as
well as legal advice. Would you say the two are closely aligned and, if so, in what ways? Absolutely – they’re more closely aligned than many people realise. Life’s major decisions, whether personal or business- related, often have both legal and financial dimensions. Whether it’s estate planning, business succession or divorce settlements, having both legal and independent financial expertise under one roof allows for a more joined-up, holistic approach.
to help them secure an interested buyer for the business. Thanks to our advice, they set up a Family Investment Company (FIC), and – combined with careful coordination of their pension income – we were able to create an income strategy that supported a full exit from the business. This case highlights the critical role of financial planning, not only in preparing for retirement but in unlocking opportunities that might otherwise be missed. Finally, if you could chat at the water cooler with any high-profile businessperson, who would it be? I would love to have a chat with Warren Buffett. His long- term, values-driven approach to investing is legendary, but what’s equally impressive is his clarity of thought and ability to communicate complex ideas in simple terms. I’d be fascinated to hear about his views on investment patience, decision-making and balancing risk with opportunity – lessons that are just as relevant in effective financial planning as in global investing. teeslaw.com/wealth-management PLAYING A CRITICAL ROLE James Appleby explains the intersection of finance and law in life’s essential choices
What part of the role gives you the most satisfaction? Financial advice supports individuals, families and
businesses to achieve their goals and secure their futures through money management, retirement planning, sensible investment, protection and navigating complex financial decisions. I get a real sense of pride from seeing the long-term impact of giving good advice and knowing we’ve made a meaningful difference to our clients’ lives.
What does it take to be an effective wealth manager? From a practical perspective, it takes a blend of technical
knowledge, emotional intelligence and long-term thinking. You have to understand tax, markets and regulation. In reality, and most importantly, it’s about relationships and understanding people. Every client’s circumstances, aspirations, goals and values will be different.
Can you give an example of a business situation that
was saved or transformed by good financial advice?
How did you get into this area of expertise? It was a gradual evolution for me. My career started
Without going into specifics, we were approached by two
business owners who were seeking a review of their workplace pensions. What became clear through the course of the meeting was that they didn’t believe they could afford to retire any time soon. We were able to introduce them to a corporate finance specialist, who was able
in banking, and I found myself increasingly drawn to the client- centric, relationship-driven side of wealth management and financial advice. Over time, I built up the qualifications and experience to fully specialise, initially advising
28 | BUSINESS EDITION | ISSUE 2
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