Author: adm_f_club

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One of the nation’s most recognisable number plates, AMS 1, is back on our screens in Lord Sugar’s search for a new apprentice. Jason Wilkes, member of the Club, and director at plate trader CarReg tells Nima Suchak about the Asian love affair with private number plates, and why they’re as good an investment as ever.

The ultimate status symbol, a personalised number plate is an ideal way of making a car look even more unique. Successful people certainly take pride in the car they drive, and like with most luxury goods, number plates are a means of showing off their success.

“In terms of appeal, some prefer a subtle approach with the meaning of their plates, while others are definitely quite extrovert and like to be noticed,” says Jason. “The Asian community in particular is very inventive and have an array of names which can be creatively made with UK private and personalised number plates.”

During the pandemic, the personalised number plate business in the UK saw a surge in demand. “That surge could have been due to customers having more time to browse online or having some spare cash to invest. And with regular online auctions and sales, there was no need for buyers to step out their front door,” says Jason.

Historically, UK number plates have always been great investments, with the vast majority of private plates rising in value over time. “Time and time again we see clients reselling for profits,” says Jason. “We compare personalised number plates to antiques and works of art. And of course, there is no upkeep or continual maintenance.”

Some number plates will double in value within a short space of time. Some sold back in the late 90’s, have gone up more than 10 times the original sale price — effectively doubling every five years.

“Shorter numbers are very interesting. We have seen a steep rise in values of two, three and four character plates”, says Jason. “Take 7B for example. This was initially sold for £8200 in 1993, we bought it for £12000 in 1995, then later sold it for £40000. We recently offered £180000 to buy it back, and that was not enough!”

Short, dateless plates and ones which spell a word or name without having to ‘illegally mis space’ hold the most value, according to Jason. “The closer it looks to the name or word, the higher value it can potentially reach. Especially in the Asian community, those closely resembling Asian names often make high values.

“There have been a number of Asian names sold for massive amounts over the years,” he says. “The plate ‘S1 NGH’ is obviously very popular, so in turn the value has increased. The DVLA have sold both 51 NGH and S1 NGH, and also KR15 HNA made a huge amount. Words and names like P4 TEL, S1 KHS, AHM 3D, HAM 2A, FA21 ZAL, AKH 84R, etc, and some 786 plates have also made a premium.”

CarReg has sold many very high value numbers. In particular, the single (2 character plates), also known in the industry as ‘Superplates’. But mid-range plates are also seen as shrewd investments. “We continually invest in plates between £1000-£10000…they are all very much worthwhile investments,” says Jason. “Registrations which include initials like KAM, BAS, RAJ, SAJ, along with cheaper plates like ABZ, HAZ, etc, have proved popular and risen in value over time.

“I don’t think there is an exact time to sell. Everyone’s circumstances vary so the best time is what is best for the owner at that time. If you are happy with the reg on your vehicle and don’t need to sell it, then don’t, but everything has a price doesn’t it? As long as you are satisfied with the price you have agreed to sell, then it’s a good deal all round for both seller and buyer.”

Jason’s tips for buying number plates as a long term purchase

Know your budget and stick to it. Don’t be tempted to buy a plate you can’t really afford. (Although Finance is available to help spread the cost!)
Remember that the rarer a personalised number plate combination is, the more expensive it will be. Likewise, very popular/common initials command higher values due to the higher demand.
Don’t confine your search to just one website. Speak to some experts in the industry.
Only deal with companies that are fully accredited with all the relevant organisations.

Get in touch with Jason Wilkes or Russell Palmer at CarReg to find out more 01902791997

carreg.co.uk

As the travel industry shows healthy signs of waking up post pandemic, Frank Waters founder of DAF Concierge and member of the Club, shares his favourite destinations for 2022.

With airlines and hotels competing for much needed attention, coupled with highly confusing and fluid covid restrictions, booking trips abroad feels like a much harder job than it used to be. Most of us have been busy scrolling for a much-needed getaway (or two) since the beginning of the year, but admittedly we are still living in an unpredictable era. We reached out to Frank Waters to tap into his in-depth knowledge of luxury leisure and where we could be heading this year.

Abu Dhabi

Middle Eastern 5* service

An exciting and destination of ancient culture, garden cities, pristine beaches and adventure. Abu Dhabi is thriving with exciting new developments and world class theme parks including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, and Yas WaterWorld.

When to go: All year round – cooler in January / February, and perhaps too hot in July / August

Good for: Families, friends

Stay at: Emirates Palace

Photography by Daniel Olah

Mauritius

Stunning Indian Ocean destination where nothing is too far out of reach

Be as adventurous as you want to be! Mauritius is a small island, so make the most of it by hiring a car and setting off to discover monuments, waterfalls, and lakes. Of course, the white-sand beaches are a must, coupled with whale watching and swimming with wild dolphins.

When to go: Avoid January – March as it’s the cyclone season

Good for: Couples and families

Stay at: Shangri-La Le Touessrok

Photography by Xavier Coiffic

Banff & Lake Louise, Canada

Endless outdoor adventures with vibrant history and heritage

Amongst the world’s most awe-inspiring mountain destinations, take a panoramic tour of the Canadian Rockies including Lake Louise, hot springs in Banff, dog sledding and sleigh rides.

When to go: February – April for snow and ski!

Good for: Couples, families, friends

Stay at: Fairmont Lake Louise

Photography by Dustin Bowdige

Oman

A taste of authentic Arab culture

Combining traditional Bedouin villages, breath taking mountains, canyons and deserts, and untouched beaches, Oman is one of the most exciting destinations in the Middle East. Don’t miss out on an excursion to Wadi Shab…a natural oasis, home to crystal clear pools and secret waterfalls!

When to go: All year round – Oman is cooler in January / February, and very hot between June and August

Good for: Couples and families

Stay at: We have two contenders— The Chedi Muscat or Six Senses Zighy Bay

Photography by Anfal Shamsundeen

Cabo San Lucas

Where the Hollywood Stars go on holiday

Just a two-hour flight from LA, Mexican coastal town Cabo San Lucas is a trendy destination boasting secluded beaches, Instagrammable sleepy towns, and authentic Mexican street food.

There’s no direct flight from the UK, but it would be worth doing a city stopover via LA or Mexico City.

When to go: October – July

Good for: Couples

Stay at: One&Only Palmilla

Photography by Victor Hughes

Key West

Fun, wacky, one-of-a-kind island on the southernmost point of the US

Located closer to Cuba than Miami, Florida’s Key West is a subtropical paradise. The best way to visit is as part of a road trip itinerary with Miami, stopping in different towns along the drive.

When to go: Avoid Hurricane season from July – end of October

Good for: That all important friends’ trip

Stay at: Southernmost Inn

Photography by Andre Tan

Garden Route South Africa

One of the world’s greatest drives…the highlight of any trip to the Rainbow Nation

Fly to Cape town then grab a car for an exceptional adventure over the 200 km stretch of coast connecting Mossel Bay to the Storms River Mouth. Head to Stellenbosch for the vineyards and a fantastic picture of the rolling vineyards. Stop at Hermanus for whale Watching, and Mossel Bay for the sharks. Finish in the Eastern Cape where all the safaris are.

Best time to go: November – April

Stay at: Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Good for: Couples and families

Photography by Tom Podmore

Maldives

The dreamy Indian Ocean escape

Just 1% land and 99% ocean, a Maldives trip is your key to be part of the postcard, so do it well. Fly to Male, catch a sea plan or a speed boat to one of the exclusive islands for much needed luxury and relaxation.

Best time to go: November – April

Stay at: Cora Cora Maldives

Good for: Couples and families

Photography by Chelsea Gates

Iceland

An adventure-filled trip for families all year round

Enjoy Iceland’s geothermal energy and take a dip in the Sky Lagoon and Blue Lagoon. Try and see the magical Northern Lights by winter, or the Midnight Sun in the Summer. Go bird watching, visit the ice caves and walk through glaciers. What’s not to like?

When to go: September – March for winter wonders

Good for: Couples, friends, families

Stay at: The Retreat at Blue Lagoon

Photography by Jeff Sheldon

Bahrain

The desert island nation

From city tours to desert landscapes, Bahrain is a destination that brings together history, monuments, beach views and natural beauty. Smaller than Dubai, you can get around the entire country in a day, and easily access surrounding islands. Motor racing fanatics should visit the world famous Bahrain International Circuit – home to twelve of the Bahrain Grand Prix.

When to go: November – March

Good for: Couples

Stay at: The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain

Photography by Gulf Air

Whether you want a simple one stop holiday or a complete round the world itinerary, arranged for just yourself, your family or a group of friends or work colleagues, get in touch with Frank Waters on 02082255651, email Frank.Waters@DAFConcierge.co.uk or follow on Instagram @FW_dialaflightconcierge

Main image: Aditya Chinchure

Words: Nima Suchak

Founder of Car Audio & Security, Raj Sangha has just opened his new showroom, specialising in car audio, performance and styling as well as home audio and cinema.

Raj’s passion for the industry was ignited when he was a student, working part time in a store on London's Tottenham Court Road. His own business selling car audio was born in 1992 and has since gone from strength to strength. The new state of the art showroom provides the ultimate experience – showcasing elements of both car and home audio and includes market leaders and niche brands, with four demo rooms, including a full on £50,000 home cinema.

You have managed to merge your passion and business. What’s it like living the dream?

Growing up I always loved cars and dreamt of owning one or two. My car passion has escalated over the years! I have a rolling collection of cars which I relish. Some are classic cars, some are new, and each one is unique. I buy a regular car, modify it and add my own personal touch to make it unique—it could be suspension, wheels or audio, but ultimately, it’s about putting my own stamp on it.

For social media engagement, it is important to put a face to the business and hear the story behind it. We recently launched Raj’s Garage on YouTube which is about me and my collection of cars, completely merging my passion and my business.

Your biggest extravagance is: I would say buying a Ferrari at the age of 35. I shouldn’t have done because I think it may have sent out the wrong message to others around me. On a business level, the biggest extravagance is the cinema room that I’ve created here in this building. This is the biggest single cost in the new showroom.

Ambition or talent, which matters more to success? For me, it’s ambition. I’ve always had drive and that’s why I continue to do what I do, to push boundaries, reach the next level, bringing my team along with me.

One thing you’re glad you tried but would never do again is: I went into a business partnership in 2001.The problem with partnership is that it is a marriage of two people and the challenge is when there is a clash of personal differences and personalities and different opinions on the future of the business. The partnership didn’t last but I learnt a lot from it, I would never do it again.

Brand new cars which have caught your eye for 2021 are: Weirdly enough, the first is a fairly affordable car in comparison to what I would normally say, but it’s a Toyota GR Yaris. A hot hatch which all the motoring journalists are talking about because of the way it drives, the way it delivers the power, and the handling. I’ve actually ordered one! Then I would say the Porsche Taycan Turbo S (electric cars are the future), and the Porsche 992 GT3. That’s a car I’m trying my hardest to get allocation on.

Three tracks on your driving playlist are:

Soul II Soul, Keep On Moving
Ice Cube, It Was a Good Day
Will Smith, Miami

Your first car was: a Ford Fiesta 950 CC in sky blue which my father bought for me when I was 17. The first one I bought from my own money when I was 20 was a Peugeot 205 1.9 GTI.

The vintage car you would love to drive is: a Ferrari F40 from the late 80’s, which was definitely a bedroom poster car for me. Such an iconic car and possibly the first of the ‘hypercars’.

caraudiosecurity.com

Photographs by Kam Parmar

Shona is founder of design delivery house, SP3 London, specialising in interior design, design management, project management and FF&E procurement for high-end residential projects. We ask Shona about her personal style and her thoughts on the latest trends.

How would you describe your own interiors style?

I don’t have an interiors style as such and nor do we as a company as we like to look at the location, context and client brief and base the design on that. A lot of our projects are dependent on the client brief so we will adapt according to what they want.

How do you approach a design project?

We get the initial brief from the client and look at what they are trying to achieve in terms of space and palette. We generally make sure that we respond to the architectural language, the surroundings and the context, and not design something that is going to look out of place.

What areas of the home should one invest most in?

Personally I think the main living areas and entertainment spaces. The heart of the home is usually the kitchen and lounge. So making sure the area you spend most of your time in is the most comfortable. It always depends on the clients and what they enjoy. If they enjoy tech or fun things, do they want a cinema room or a spa? And of course the master bedroom is always key because that’s the space you go to every night to get some downtime.

Where do you find inspiration?

I do a lot of the project management, but it’s my team who is fully into the design world and bring different things to the table that we oversee, review, discuss and decide on. In terms of inspiration, it comes from being out and about, attending shows, showrooms, meeting suppliers, exploring design trends, etc.

Now WFH is more popular than ever, what are your suggestions for working space?

Ideally keep it separate. If you could have a door between your office and your home, that is good for the mind because it gives you that natural transition from work to home.
Try to keep the work space clean and structured.
Look for natural light. The sun brightens up the mood and makes you more productive.

What is something that people are obsessed with but you just don’t get the point of?

Swimming pools. I grew up in a home with a pool in the garden, but we hardly used it as you don’t get enough good weather in this country. And the amount of maintenance and cost it took to run it, it just wasn’t worthwhile.

Which project are you most proud of?

We did a full strip out and remodel of an apartment in Knightsbridge for a client who lived between Dubai and LA. We turned it into an open plan apartment incorporating clever lighting details and the integration of a warm light palette created a homely environment. We delivered a beautifully designed home, and the client was super happy.

Which high street store would you shop at for interiors?

For general day to day living at everyday prices I would say Habitat for accessories, IKEA for bits and bobs, and West Elm.

What are your top interiors trends for 2021?

Gyms and leisure spaces in the home, so gardens, hot tubs, pools, and more! Elevated outdoor spaces – bringing nature indoors through plants, etc. And an essential is a great home office space, use of natural materials, and colourful uplifting art.

Any particular requests trending amongst your clients?

Home office is one. Large gardens, swimming pools and gyms are big at the moment.

The most treasured item in your own home is?

A timeless red leather chair with bronze legs from Soane. It is beautifully crafted and sits in the family room. It was given to me by a client and is very close to my heart.

sp3london.com

Photographs by Rory B Gullan

It was Sir Henry Royce’s meticulous skills and eagle-eye perfection that led to the creation of the luxurious British car, which has since become the epitome of wealth, power and craftsmanship with the worldwide elite. But, what is it about the iconic brand that hails it as an emblem of success for the Asian society? Anuja Gaur explores

“Take the best that exists and make it better...”

The game-changing words of aeroplane and car engineer Sir Henry Frederick Royce, who alongside his aristocratic business partner, Eton-educated Cambridge graduate Charles Stewart Royce, gave us the highly heralded Rolls-Royce in 1904.

Continuing the legacy of Royce’s unparalleled work ethic and above-perfect mottos, Rolls-Royce reflects powerful prestige that flirts with the millionaire yacht and private jet worlds.

The Asian community is known for continuously seeking to push the boundaries of learning, innovation and success. Their thirst for hard graft stems from the beginning, pushing them to do better, be better, and achieve more. These intense ambitions for extravagantly bespoke grandeur have seen Asians dominate the UK’s rich list, echoing the Rolls-Royce values.

You can experience the brand’s values through the unified collaboration of sixty engineers, artisans and sculptures, with 800 hours of undivided attention to construction and craftsmanship solely on one Rolls-Royce. Resulting is a travelling jewel that captures the imagination of aristocrats, billionaire players and royal families.

Rolls-Royce has whet the appetite of ultra-high-net-worth Indians since the early 1900s, in particular with the illustrious maharajas known for their flamboyant spending on luxurious cars. The love story began in 1907 – just three years after Rolls-Royce was launched – with the appearance of a 40/50 Silver Ghost speeding its way to victory on a 620-mile trail through Mumbai and Kolhapur.

The sight captured the beating hearts, and soon a VIP royal clientele base. The Maharaja of Mysore being one of the many fans, courtesy of RR’s sonic silent performance, fine leather and hard-wood interiors, a tough yet elegantly stylish exterior showcasing its domineering presence. Finished off with a touch of ethereal beauty with The Spirit of Ecstasy bonnet sculpture, billowing her wing-like cloth whilst flaunting those illicitly mesmerising curves.

Rolls-Royce’s art of incomparable design has sung in harmony with the Asian love for never-done-before customisation, from opulent 24 Carat gold plating, to the awe-inspiring commission of an 8.0-litre powered and rifle fitted 1925 Phantom, custom built for the Maharaja of Kotah’s numerous game and tiger hunts. A century later, Rolls-Royce holds true to its title of the haute couture of the automobile world. The bespoke creations, down to the final brushstroke flirt with the love for glitz and vibrancy, from hand crafted, three-dimensional porcelain roses, delicate spheres set with amethyst stones circling a flawless solitaire, to the majestic captivation of 1,600 fibre-optic stars glittering on your roof lining, lovingly known as the Starlight Headliner.

Not content with reigning as queen of the royal automobile kingdom for the lavish shooting expeditions, Rolls-Royce set its sights on wooing the red carpet glitterati of Bollywood. Idolised as god-like figures and royalty in their own rights, one of them, being the late Rishi Kapoor, Bollywood superstar and 70’s heartthrob.

Armed with a coveted West End ticket to see his idol Dustin Hoffman play Shylock in Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, Kapoor’s attentions turned to the jet-like performance and fine interiors on four wheels, thus selecting a Rolls-Royce as his means to get to the show.

This luxurious slice of British-engineered culture continues to captivate the glamour icons of the big screen, particularly with the aesthetic Ghost series, from Greek God Hrithik Roshan and his V12-engined Ghost II, serving as the perfect modern day chariot, to the internationally adored Priyanka Chopra and her own ruby red leathered creation, a nod to her vivacious sass and style.

The new breed private jet generation are now in the Rolls-Royce target eye, with the Cullinan Black Badge SUV recently launched in New Delhi, India. Doused in a wickedly sexy cobra black shade sporting the signature front profile, this muscled machine fitted with bold bespoke alloy wheels, churning 592 HP to top speeds of 155 MPH, plays against the old age conventions for the adrenaline-fuelled new age.

With prices starting at Rs 8.2 Crore (approximately £880,000), this rebellious statement vehicle has cast its spell on the world’s wealthiest young Asians including Anant Ambani, son of billionaire business magnate and the richest man in Asia, Mukesh Ambani.

Rolls-Royce has played to the Asian market like a moth to a flame, fanning those burning desires for a six-figure marque that fulfils tailored visions right from the pencil sketches. It fuels boy racer inhibitions with its demonic performance, and ignites Bollywood fantasies with red carpet delivery, complimented with a metamorphic champagne chest, engineered to standards that represent an epicurean masterpiece.

Rolls-Royce stands tall in the league of extraordinary perfection. And as long as they continue to build cars, Asians will keep falling in love, inspired and willing to buy from this iconic brand.

Photographs by Rory B. Gullan

In that little window between lockdown and everything opening up properly, we managed to steal a day with three magical pieces from Roger Dubuis.

A watch for morning, afternoon and evening wear, we’ll let you decide which one is which.

Image 1, 2 - Roger Dubuis Spider Huracàn (Black Edition)

Image 3, 4, 5 - Roger Dubuis Excalibur DT (Limited to 8 pieces worldwide)

Image 6, 7 - Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider MT (Limited to 8 pieces worldwide)

rogerdubuis.com

Roger Dubuis, 45A Old Bond Street, London, W1S 4QT.

020 3692 0399

Photographs by Rory B. Gullan

On location at Prince of Wales Drive by Berkeley Group

Following the news that the largest online retailer of whisky in the world, The Whisky Exchange, has been acquired by Pernod-Ricard, a very special whisky tasting event was held with none other than the co-founder of The Whisky Exchange, Sukhinder Singh and his colleague Jason Vaswani.

Hosted by the Foundxrs Club in partnership with Roger Dubuis, members of the Club were invited to The Whisky Exchange’s Marylebone Store on Great Portland Street.

Singh is widely accepted as one of the most influential and respected people on the planet when it comes to whisky. The five-dram tasters were interspersed with Sukhinder’s story – from starting the business with his brother Rajbir at their parent’s Hanwell store, to introducing Japanese whisky to the UK.

Foundxrs Club members also had the opportunity to purchase a rare bottle of Chichibu Japanese Whisky.

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