Paul Wait, General Manager (Sales) of Virgin Atlantic Airways to talk about risk in the current climate at a Paris Smith Business Conference on Tuesday the 31st January 2012 9am-12.30pm at The Rose Bowl.

Has your attitude to risk changed since the economic meltdown? Have you considered how your risk profile can be managed to your benefit?

With the UK economy predicted to shrink in the final quarter, the ability for business owners and directors to manage risk will be ever more crucial. To assist businesses to explore what this means, Southampton based lawyers Paris Smith will be hosting a conference entitled “Business Risks – Threat or Opportunity?” on Tuesday the 31^st January at The Rose Bowl in West End, Southampton.  The key note speaker will be Paul Wait, General Manager (Sales) of Virgin Atlantic Airways who will share some of the key strategies to the success of Virgin Atlantic.

Peter Taylor, Head of Dispute Resolution at Paris Smith, who will speaking at the conference, says: “Business owners and directors have to assess and react to risks on a day to day basis.  Some are obvious, such as threats to brand, reputation or productivity and some less so, for example in relation to directors’ obligations and the changing regulatory landscape. If you are going to get ahead in this difficult climate, you have to take control of managing risk and make it work for you.”

He will be joined by John Rosling, CEO of Shirlaws, who have an international reputation in assisting businesses to understand risk as a key driver to commercial success. He will explain how to measure one’s risk profile and how to use that knowledge to drive strategic decision making and equity growth in your business. Also taking to the speaker’s platform will be Sarah Wheadon who is Head of Regulatory & Health and Safety at Paris Smith.

The conference takes place between 9am and 12.30pm and will be followed by a finger buffet and networking. There is a nominal charge of £25 for a ticket which can be reserved by emailing Helen Freeston at Paris Smith ( Helen.freeston@parissmith.co.uk) or telephone 02380 482418

By registering for this event you will receive a complimentary comprehensive online Business Risk Indicator.

Note: In the photo:  Left: Sarah Wheadon, Head of Regulatory & Health and Safety at Paris Smith. Right: Peter Taylor, Head of Dispute Resolution at Paris Smith (Credit David Greensmith)

“Statistics are like a bikini. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital” Aaron Levenstein

 However the statistics revealed by Dr Simon Fraser, (GP and Speciality Registrar in Public Health) in his presentation to third year medical students at yesterday’s Scientific Basis of Medicine Seminar at University Hospital Southampton, left one under no illusion. On a global basis the biggest threat to health and life expectancy are non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes. The W.H.O website tells us that these diseases:

“ are the leading cause of mortality in the world. This invisible epidemic is an under-appreciated cause of poverty and hinders the economic development of many countries…36 million of the 57 million global deaths in 2008 were due to NCDs.”

Dr Fraser revealed that in Glasgow life expectancy is 28 years less than someone living a mere 13 kilometres further south; the life expectancy of someone living in Lesotho is 48 years where as for  someone living in Japan it is 83. Clearly social determinants are key, with poverty a leading factor. He shared a poor woman from Moldova’s own definition as

“poverty is pain, it feels like a disease. It attacks a person, not only materially, but also morally. It eats away one’s dignity and drives one into total despair.”
The problem therefore is enormous but not overwhelming as I discovered through my own involvement in the health link that University Hospital Southampton has become involved in as a partner with Ghana Health Services and child welfare charity Afrikids. For me seeing really was believing when I visited the Upper East Region of Ghana in January 2010 and witnessed with my own eyes the abject poverty, hunger and poor access to health, along with learning that there was only 1 doctor per 36,000 people. I realised quite rapidly that with the effort of a few, significant benefits in terms of capacity building and sustainable health outcomes could be achieved.

In 18 months, the health initiative known as the G.A.S Partnership, has sent health professionals to the region to train staff in our targeted areas of Maternity, Paediatrics, Theatres/Anaesthetics and Imaging. Frameworks have been established to improve the patient pathway, theatre practice including the use of the W.H.O Surgical Checklist, estate and facility management working with 7 hospitals in the region, as well as assisting in the design and development of a dedicated mother and children’s unit. The health link has been awarded the prestigious 3^rd Sector public/private partnership of the year in the UK and will continue to grow in strength. So, as an African proverb says and repeated by Dame Anita Roddick:

“If you think you’re too small to make a difference, try sleeping in a closed room with a mosquito!”

Listen to what the people of Ghana have to say about the support they have received so far through our partner Afrikids: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kORAqCV8Ijc&feature=fvsr and to register an interest in getting involved email info@gaspartnership.org

With thanks to Dr Richard Newsom for his contribution to the international health agenda and for organizing the seminar.

http://gaspartnership.wordpress.com/

Adrian Waterton Debut Exhibition Preview a Success

Adrian Waterton is celebrating after the successful launch of his debut exhibition at ArtSway this week. The preview was attended by individuals and businesses from across Southampton and the New Forest and was supported by Paris Smith Solicitors. Peter Taylor who is Head of the Dispute Resolution & Licensing Department said in his address to the audience:

“Outstanding talent and creativity is what will drive regeneration within our economy and Adrian Waterton has that successful combination of ability and vision.”

The chef from Lymington who recovered from life changing injuries after a severe motorbike accident discovered his painting ability when he was recovering and still jokes today that he was given a “blood transfusion from an artist”. He talked to attendees about the journey he goes on when he makes the first imprint on the page, often not knowing or planning how the picture will develop or emerge.  He said 

“I get a lot of my ideas from everyday shapes found in objects around the house and develop them into themes such as time and place.”

Other speakers included Peter Jones, Chair of the Board of Trustees for ArtSway who expressed his delight at being able to show such original work but who also talked about the severe challenges that the organization is facing following cuts in funding from various sources including the Arts Council. This has resulted in the loss of two members of staff last month.  Peter Bonnell, ArtSway Curator, was visibly moved when he talked about how this was the last exhibition that he was curating for ArtSway as he too will be leaving at the end of December to take up a post elsewhere.

The exhibition is on until Friday the 17^th December with gallery opening times from 11am until 5pm and you can sample the work at www.watertonart.com.

* All photography credits: Emily Norris

Policing Budget in Hampshire: Have Your Say

Hampshire Police Authority has launched an online survey to give the public the

power to influence the policing budget for 2012/13.

Residents from Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are being encouraged to share their

views and opinions on the allocation of the policing budget and their policing

priorities. 

The survey will take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SQYHSK9

Watertonart 14 – 17 December 2011 Reception for the Artist: 14 December 2011, 7pm – 9pm

 ArtSway is pleased to present the debut exhibition of ink drawings and oil paintings by Lymington based artist Adrian Waterton.

Waterton produces highly striking graphic work, based on a range of sources, ideas and inspirations – even to the extent of doodling on the shower screen when taking a shower. Many of these ideas can be considered strange, and some so complicated the artist states ‘…that even I can’t work out how to put them on paper’. 

The artists continues, ‘My work always starts with a sheet of paper, a drawn rectangle box and some sort of repetitive design somewhere in the corner. When the picture is finished it bears no resemblance to the first few pen to paper marks or from the ideas I originally had. I draw my inspiration from a lot of shapes found around the home and use them as stencils. The sea on my ink drawing Bournemouth 1966 is made from old garden hedge trimmer blades.’ Waterton draws his inspiration from the mathematically precise and perplexingly ambivalent work of M.C. Escher; the artist comments on Esher’s work that he ‘…loved the illusion and quirky aspects of his drawings, his clever use of depth and deception.’

 Adrian Waterton is a 46 year-old self-taught artist, who has developed a unique style of work – in essence something he describes as ‘modern graphic design with a twist of humour’. His work is a mix of waterproof ink, pure black paints and long lasting St Petersburg watercolours. Some of the works have found a following with architects in London who like the crisp sharp lines that take you on what the artist describes as ‘…a journey into infinity’. It is this ‘journey’, and perhaps a brush with death, that inspires part of Waterton’s work. In August 1998 he had a horrific motorbike accident and was told to start learning to write with his left hand due to severe damage and lack of grip. During this time of rehabilitation, he developed his previously untapped artistic talent and hasn’t stopped since.

His debut exhibition is being sponsored by Southampton based solicitors, Paris Smith, who have a track record of supporting the arts. Peter Taylor, Head of the Dispute Resolution & Licensing, said:

“We believe that the arts are an integral part of the culture of the Solent region and are not only delighted but privileged
to be able to support Adrian. Those with creative talents as well as those entrepreneurs with new ideas will be vital to the growth of the economy. We are pleased to be sponsoring the debut exhibition of such a unique and talented artist. We are confident that visitors to the exhibition will find his work both intriguing and fascinating. There’s something in there for all ages and tastes.”

The Private View takes place on Wednesday the 14^th December between 7 and 9pm with the exhibition open to the public until Saturday the 17^th December. To attend the Private View and for more information on Adrian’s work, please visit: www.watertonart.com

For gallery opening times visit: http://www.artsway.org.uk/

The Mayor of Southampton invites Southampton Charities and Businesses for celebration and networking event on Thursday 8th December at 5.30pm.

Councillor Terry Matthews, the Mayor of Southampton, will be celebrating the fantastic work of charities in Southampton as he welcomes charities and local businesses to the Mayor’s Parlour for a reception which he is hosting on behalf of the Rotary Club Southampton on Thursday the 8^th December at 5.30pm. The Rotary Club will be presenting cheques to the Mayor’s chosen charities, the Gift of Sight Appeal and Alzheimer’s Research Trust, as well as to Scott McDermott, Vice Chair of the Countess Mountbatten Hospice.

Nick Vaughan, former Rotary President, who is also the Senior Partner of Paris Smith Solicitors explained “Supporting the charitable sector and the vital work that they do is an important part of our business ethos and playing an active part in the Rotary Club means that we can make a contribution in real terms to the sustainability of the wider community in which we function in order to create better lives for those people who are less advantaged. The Rotary Club is really pleased to be making donations to such a wide range of causes during Christmas and at a time when  the focus has got to be on those people in need or who are suffering hardship. The charities that will benefit all do incredibly good work in our region.”

The evening starts at 5.30 with a welcome from the Mayor followed by speeches from the current President of the Rotary Club, Meg Ryves, outlining the work that they do along with Scott McDermott providing an insight into the Hospice and how charitable donations make a significant difference to the people who tragically find themselves in need of their services.

The reception will provide an opportunity for businesses and charities to network. Anyone wishing to attend can secure a place by contacting Nick Vaughan at Paris Smith on 023 804 82482.

Ken Russell 3rd July 1927 – 27th November 2011

 My first experience of Ken Russell was as teen studying the very controversial Women in Love as an A’Level text and then watching his even more controversial film adaptation with Oliver Reed, Glenda Jackson and Alan Bates. I was in awe of the film for its sheer nerve and of course the illicit pleasure of watching the wrestling scene.

As an adult our paths crossed when I became involved in media at Wessex Media Group, promoting professional development “In Conversation…” events at Southampton Solent University which triggered a subsequent call from him asking for the woman with the hair of many colours. That of course was me and I was invited to have dinner with him in The Fisherman’s Inn which was a favourite not just for its spitting distance location to home but for its excellent fare.  He was looking for someone to organise him and apparently I fitted the bill.

Thus began almost two years of trips to his home two or three times a week in what amounted to a very vain attempt to cast his life in order. It was amusing to watch him open a letter which once hastily glanced at, would be allowed to float carelessly through the air to the floor.  I never really knew what the floor looked like, apart from one occasion when former wife Hetty and youngest son Xavier descended in an organising fury following one of many mini strokes. It was a grand gesture as the house fell into its usual state within hours. He did in fact have a cleaner and it must have been a thankless task. Her job was never done.
Perhaps all of this was merely an outward reflection of the creative energy that he always exuded. The fun times included watching pieces of work past and present and being told the marvellous stories that lay behind the journey including how he managed to get Bates and Reed to perform the famous scene following a sizing up of each other in the gents which left them comfortable that neither would out perform the other.

Other bizarre moments included playing a part in his last venture “Brave Tart” a semi biographical piece on the dark character of the occultist Aleister Crowley. I don’t think the inhabitants of Lymington ever quite recovered from the site of a coffin in my 4×4 en route to Hatchet’s Pond to shoot a scene in mid winter as the heels on my punk boots sunk slowly into the mud.

I will remember him with great affection for being a creative visionary, feisty, voluble, a fantastic cook with a taste for fine wine, generous and always a gentleman.
His autobiographical publisher Paul Torjussen has been trying for years to win him national recognition as one of this country’s greatest creative talents, writing endless letters to the great and the good without result. I hope he will be rewarded posthumously as we take in our stride everything from his Monitor pieces, to big screen films along with mini epics shot against a green screen; albeit a much younger generation will of course recall his rather dramatic exit from Big Brother.

May the Catholic iconoclast rest in peace.

In pictures from top down:

-Ken in conversation with Mark Kermode at Southampton Solent University

-Ken in Wales sinking his hands into concrete in Wales

-The Times photoshoot for Brave Tart

-Autobiography book signing at Waterstones in WestQuay Southampton with the actress Imelda Staunton

Up to 20% of pensioners in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight live in fuel poverty. Many suffer in silence during the coldest months, often hidden from view, withdrawn from the world around them.
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation is asking people and businesses, who can afford to do so, to donate the equivalent of the winter fuel payment so that these funds can be passed on to those most in need..
The money raised by the Surviving Winter Appeal will be used in two ways:
Support payments to those who need additional financial help to heat their homes properly, eat properly, stay active and keep in touch with their family and community
Grants to local charities and groups with a track record of looking after the elderly and vulnerable to ensure they can continue to provide their support and services throughout the winter.
Any surplus funds will be used to sustain our long-term support to local charities and voluntary organisations helping the most vulnerable older people in our communities.
By donating now you will help ensure this appeal has the necessary momentum to make it a great success when we publicly launch in early November. For more information about the Surviving Winter Appeal, please visit www.hantscf.org.uk where you can also donate online. Alternatively, please use the form below.
Thank you
Toni Shaw
Chief Executive

Please donate on line: http://www.hantscf.org.uk/

Dating and Solitude in Marriage

Love at both ends of the spectrum is the theme for this week’s film reviews as new releases How to Stop Being a Loser and Welcome to the Rileys hit the big screen. In “How to Stop Being a Loser” James is useless when it comes to the art of seduction and struggles to make it to the second date, that is until he meets motivational speaker Ampersand, who teaches him a thing or two and coaches him into being the kind of person “that someone might actually want to listen to.” This is a good light hearted Brit Flick with oodles of comedy and some strong familiar names such as Richard E Grant, Billy Murray and Colin Salmon.

If you’ve made it to the second date, down the aisle and a few years on then “Welcome to the Rileys” is probably going to be more of interest – or possibly not. Doug and Lois have been married for 30 years and no longer talk. She’s become agrophobic and he has a mistress. Things change when Doug goes on a business trip to New Orleans and he meets a “stray” who changes the course, direction and meaning of both of their lives.

We’re told “sometimes it takes a stranger to help you see the world outside” and quite possibly the interior world too. Listen to my review on BBC Radio Solent’s Drive time show with Nicola Murray, 24 minutes in on Http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/p00lh7cn

Apprentices Celebrate Success

It was a night of celebration at the De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel in Southampton where Steve Grant, General Manager hosted a dinner for his young apprentices to reward their excellent progress on the national scheme as well as on a new local internal staff development programme called “It’s All About You.” The programme gives staff the opportunity to manage their own skills and personal development with a bottom up, as opposed to management led approach.

Steve Grant said:  “One of the challenges for a manager is to motivate staff in a meaningful way that fully engages them as well as rewards them for their effort. I wanted the new staff development initiative and this celebration to be about recognising the effort of my most junior staff with star quality treatment and where they felt valued in the same way that we value our customers. “

Hannah Mills aged 17 and from Bitterne said: “ I went to college and it just wasn’t for me, so I dropped out. When I joined the De Vere as an Apprentice  at front of house I ended up winning a Business Award based  on the feedback that customers provided and who said they liked the welcome I gave them. I’m now training university graduates on front of house which I never thought I would be doing.”

The evening started with a champagne reception and an opportunity for the young people to network with their peers and bosses ahead of a sumptuous meal where junior chef Jack Parr, aged 18 and from Bitterne had a chance get out of the heat of the kitchen and to sit back and sample the food he would normally help to prepare.

The De Vere also welcomed Paul Chapman, MD of Pall Europe and his award winning apprentice Ben Moran aged 21 who won the WorldSkills UK Award for Milling.

In the photo:

Back Row from left to right:
Huw Chapman, MD (Pall Europe),Jack Parr, Apprentice (De Vere),Ben Moran,
Apprentice (Pall Europe), Derek Watters, Manager (Pall Europe), Steve
Grant General Manager (De Vere)
Photography Credit: Emily Norris