Make money doing what you love

Date: Monday 20th April - Friday 24th April
Time: 10:00am - 3:00pm 
Venue: Northbrook Theatre, Littlehampton Road, Worthing 
This course is free

Optivo are running a course to help your business get going and grow. This intensive 5 day course is free thanks to our sponsors. Places are limited, so make sure to register.

The course will cover everything you need to know to kick-start your business the right way:

Monday Choose your business.

Tuesday Find customers.

Wednesday Create your free website.

Thursday Connect with your customers with Social Media.

Friday Setting up your business, taxes and more.

Ongoing mentoring and advice. We are here to help and support you before and after the training.

Click here to book 

Worthing leaders welcome BoKlok announcement

Worthing Borough Council leaders have welcomed news that innovative housing provider BoKlok UK has stepped up its commitment to investing in the town.

The sustainable, quality and low-cost home provider, which launched in the UK in 2019 and is jointly owned by Skanska and IKEA, has today (February 4, 2020) announced the exchange of contracts on its first three developments.

Worthing is the first of those with a planning application to create about 150 properties on land west of Fulbeck Avenue now submitted.

Pending approval, BoKlok homes will be priced so that home ownership is more accessible for local working families. As part of the deal, the Council would be able to retain control of 30% of the units, ensuring it can provide social housing to those on the local waiting list.

Councillor Kevin Jenkins, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “I very much welcome the movement forward on this deal with a groundbreaking firm which could bring real benefits to local families.

“In this current market it's extremely tough for local people who are in full-time work to get on the housing market. This proposal could change that, giving these hard-working individuals a genuine chance to buy their own home without having to move out of the town.

“The fact these homes can be built quickly, to a high quality and meet top environmental standards makes this an extremely attractive proposition.

“With an application now submitted, everyone will have the chance to examine the details of the proposal ahead of the planning committee making a decision in the coming months.”

BoKlok homes are completed using modern methods of construction. This enables high quality, low and predictable costs and minimum waste. 

The completed homes are manufactured off-site and feature high quality IKEA fittings. They are then transported to the construction site for assembly.

In addition to Worthing, BoKlok have signed deals to bring forward proposals in Bristol and Peacehaven. Together these sites will provide around 400 homes, subject to planning permission.

BoKlok President Jonas Spangenberg said: “We are delighted to meet this first milestone for our UK business. We are grateful to our partners and the local authorities we are working with who have been supportive in sharing our vision of sustainable, quality, low cost homes for all.”

The first developments are expected to be completed in 2021.

Anniversary Year Raises £35,000 for Local Charities

Staff and clients of Sussex-based accountancy practice MHA Carpenter Box have raised £35,000 for local charities during a year-long celebration of the 10^th anniversary of the firm’s charitable foundation – exceeding the original target for 2019 by £15,000.

The funds were raised through 10 events – from quizzes and cycles to sponsored walks and 10k runs – with employees also providing volunteer support for beach cleans, food banks and a local hospice. 

Five local charities will benefit from the funds raised: Lorica Trust, which provides practical skills for people affected by homelessness and disability at East Clayton Farm; the Turning Tides homelessness charity; Crawley Open House, which supports people affected by mental health issues and social exclusion; Care for Veterans, which provides long term care for disabled ex-servicemen and women; and Sullivan’s Heroes, which supports home adaptations for disabled children. Smaller donations have also been made to an additional 11 local charities.

“Our staff, clients and charitable foundation sponsors have been fantastic during this 10th anniversary year,” said MHA Carpenter Box Senior Partner John Billings. “We are delighted that the original fund-raising target has been exceeded by some distance and that so many of our staff have given their time in support of organisations that do such great work for our local community.”

MHA Carpenter Box has offices in Worthing, Gatwick and Brighton and was one of the first businesses in Sussex to set up a charitable arm with a focus on supporting smaller local organisations that often find it difficult to raise funds. The Carpenter Box Charitable Foundation, which has now raised over £200,000 in total, is run by staff and partner trustees, who together decide on donations and grants.

Our photo shows John Billings (centre) with local charities, sponsors and members of staff celebrating the success of the 10^th anniversary year of the Carpenter Box Charitable Foundation.

Adur and Worthing Councils urge divestment of pension funds

Pension bosses are being urged to divest funds away from fossil fuels by Adur & Worthing Councils.

As part of stepping up its response to the climate emergency, councillors on both authorities agreed the millions of pounds invested by the West Sussex Pension Fund - of which its staff are members - should be done in an environmentally-conscious way.

Adur and Worthing members agreed it is time for a rethink on how capital is used, with the Councils’ Chief Executive writing to County Hall with a formal request on their behalf.

The aim is to encourage a move away from investing in companies that generate revenues from oil, gas and coal as part of wider efforts to tackle climate change.

Councillor Neil Parkin, Leader of Adur District Council, said: “After declaring a climate emergency, it’s vital that we as civic leaders show leadership on this extremely important issue.

“Divestment will send an extremely important message that we are serious about moving away from fossil fuels, which is why the Council was unanimous in urging West Sussex Pension Fund to take this action.”

Councillor Daniel Humphreys, Leader of Worthing Borough Council, said: “Oil and gas have been major contributors to pension funds in the past but now is the time to think again. 

“A move away will not be easy; but believe it should be looked at sooner rather than later which is why we have submitted this request.”

Both Adur and Worthing Full Councils passed motions at meetings last month.

The motions noted that both Councils were taking steps to “put their own house in order”. This includes creating a robust Carbon Reduction Plan which works towards carbon neutrality by 2030; working with businesses, community groups and individuals to take the agenda forward; and working up practical ways of responding to the climate crisis.

The motion concluded that: “This Council now calls upon the Trustees of the West Sussex County Council Local Authority Pension Fund (of which the Councils’ employees are members) to divest that fund of all investments in fossil fuel stocks, equities and funds.”

The agreement by both Councils means the Chief Executive has now written an open letter to the Trustees of the fund and asked them to take action.

Currently, the investment strategy by West Sussex County Council Pension Fund notes that it “does not take into account non-financial factors when selecting, retaining, or realising its investments” adding: “good practice in terms of social, environmental and corporate governance issues is likely to impact positively on companies’ financial performance.”

According to Friends of the Earth, UK councils are investing more than £16 billion of workers’ pensions in fossil fuel companies.

Love is in the air at the Indigo Restaurant

Treat the special person in your life to a Valentine’s Day lunch or dinner.

Our AA Rosette award winning Head Chef, Luca Mason, has created an exquisite Valentine’s Day menu guaranteed to create a memorable dining experience.

Luncheon from 12.00 to 1.45pm

2 Course - £29.50 or 3 Course - £37.00

Dinner from 6.30 to 9pm

3 Courses - £42.00 (including a red rose)

Head Chef Luca’s Valentine’s menu offers classic Valentine’s dishes including pan-roasted King Scallops and chargrilled steak alongside sharing plates to enjoy with the one you love.

STARTERS

Cream of Wild Mushroom Soup, Wild Mushroom and Truffle Oil

Spiced Courgette Korma

Aubergine pickle and coconut mint yoghurt, grilled flatbread(Vegan) gf on request

Chargrilled Local Venison Fillets

Celeriac slaw, beetroot, ketchups and Bramley apple puree gf

Pan-Roasted King Scallops,

Black pudding, wild mushrooms and parsnip puree

To Share

Bloody Mary prawn cocktail, king prawns in garlic butter, salt and pepper squid, smoked haddock smokies, mussels in a Thai broth gf on request

MAINS

Chargrilled Aged Fillet Steak

Grilled mushrooms & tomatoes, peppercorn sauce, chips and green beans gf

Pan Roasted Wing of Local Skate,

New potatoes, spinach and caper butter df gf

Grilled Fillets of Local Seabass

Crab and lobster risotto, asparagus and fennel salad gf

Pan Roasted Chicken Breast,

Creamed potato, chicken and pancetta sausage, creamed leeks, pearl barley and gravy

Pan Roasted Rump of Lamb,

Braised lentils, celeriac puree, cavolo nero & Madeira jus gf

Chickpea, Butternut Squash and Red Pepper Tagine,

Quinoa salad, pomegranate, mint, tzatziki and grilled pitta(vg) gf

DESSERTS

Hot Chocolate Fondant, Chocolate and Almond Sponge, White Chocolate Cheese, Dark Chocolate Mousse,

Orange Jelly & Pistachio Ice Cream

Spiced Pear and Blackberry Crème Brulee

Apple and cider compote, honey biscuits

Steamed Syrup Sponge

Plum and Orange Crème Anglaise

Roasted pineapple, coconut ice cream

Dark rum and pineapple syrup, df gf vegan

Selection of British and Continental Cheese,

Indigo homemade chutney, celery and biscuits gf on request

***

Freshly Ground Coffee or Tea Infusions & Audrey’s handmade Chocolates

To make a reservation, please call on 01903 230451 or click here.

Adur & Worthing Business Awards host celebratory dinner for 2019 winners!

Winners, sponsors and other special guests celebrated at The Fat Greek Taverna restaurant in Worthing town centre on Thursday 16^th January following the success of the 2019 awards.

Over fifty guests enjoyed a glass of fizz on arrival and the opportunity to network before taking their seats to enjoy a wonderful mezze style dinner prepared by The Fat Greek Taverna.  Martin Randall, Director for the Economy - Adur & Worthing Councils and Peter Webb MBE DL, Managing Director – ETI Ltd welcomed guests with a short speech, acknowledging everyone’s contribution, input and support to the local business community.

The Adur & Worthing Business Awards are organised by a committee of successful local business people.  These include Peter Webb and Nicky Dumbleton of Electronic Temperature Instruments, James Stoner of JSPC Computer Services, Keith & Gill Gallis of Seagull Travel, Tina Tilley and Tracie Davey of Worthing & Adur Chamber of Commerce and Angela Crane of Adur & Worthing Council. 

Chay Took – President of Worthing & Adur Chamber of Commerce and category sponsor commented “The Adur & Worthing Business Awards is now a firm fixture on the local business calendar, showcasing a thriving business community.  For over twelve years, the event has welcomed and rewarded some of the area’s most recognisable business leaders and organisations, as well as young entrepreneurs and charities — we’re pleased to be able to welcome those winners here tonight to continue celebrating their achievements”.

The 2020 Awards will take place on Friday 13^th November and businesses interested in entering are invited to attend the official launch event which will take place on Wednesday 3^rd June from 5-7pm (venue to be confirmed). This special networking event will provide lots of useful tips and information on entering and attendees will get the chance to chat to sponsors and mingle with previous entrants and winners.

James Stoner – Managing Director of JSPC said “As a sponsor of the Adur & Worthing Business Awards I have witnessed first-hand the positive effect that being part of this process can achieve for a business. The widespread publicity around the awards help to raise the profile of shortlisted businesses and gives them a stage from which to share their story and engage with a wider audience. These awards not only put businesses on the map but provided a medium for us to discover truly amazing companies that are doing great things in Adur & Worthing which is something we should all be proud of.”

Full updates can be found on the dedicated website www.awbawards.com

Shoreham Beach boardwalk to be extended

The popular boardwalk at Shoreham Beach is about to get an extension. Work will commence on the new section in February when weather permits, and continue for about three weeks. 

The new extension will stretch along an existing pathway from the existing boardwalk at Ferry Road to the concrete footpath at Beach Road to the west.

Letters informing residents of nearby properties of the proposed route were issued at the end of last year and, as the work will take place under permitted development rights, planning permission is not needed.

The existing boardwalk, which extends for a mile from Ferry Road to Shoreham Fort, has proved highly popular with walkers and has also allowed those with limited mobility and pushchairs to explore the town’s environmentally-protected shoreline. It passes through a rare habitat hosting such plants as Yellow Horned Poppy, Sea Kale and Curled Dock.

The new phase four of the boardwalk will continue to use highly durable recycled plastic and cost £95,000 to install. 

Councillor David Simmons, Adur District Council’s Executive Member for Health & Wellbeing, said: “Since its inception, the boardwalk has really opened up this unique and protected stretch of beach to local residents and those with more limited mobility. I’m delighted we are about to start phase four of the scheme, which will open up even more opportunities to enjoy this public facility.”

Councillor Joss Loader, who is also chairman of the Shoreham Beach Residents’ Association, said: “Shoreham Beach is an extremely special place with a unique habitat and wonderful views. The existing boardwalk is hugely popular with residents and visitors to the beach and Adur District Council is to be applauded for the further investment.

“A lot of work has gone into making sure we use materials sympathetic to the area’s Local Nature Reserve status, ensuring the boardwalk also protects the rare plants.”

The boardwalk scheme has had the support of a range of partners including West Sussex County Council, the Environment Agency, Shoreham Port, Shoreham Residents’ Association, the Friends of Shoreham Beach and Shoreham Beach Neighbourhood Forum.

Climate conference planned for Adur and Worthing

Community groups are urging residents and businesses to play an active role in helping to transform Adur and Worthing’s approach to the climate emergency.

ZERO 2030 is a community-led climate conference taking place on March 4 in Worthing’s Assembly Hall.

Organised by Worthing Climate Action Network and Transition Town Worthing with support from Adur & Worthing Councils, the aim is to generate ideas, projects and partnerships which will help the area tackle climate crisis.

Hundreds of people are expected to attend and discuss ways to lower carbon use, improve green spaces, reduce waste and improve access to sustainable transport and energy.

Interest is expected to be high - with residents and businesses encouraged to sign up online at Eventbrite to ensure they can attend the day-long event.

Michelle Furtado, of Worthing Climate Action Network, said: “The climate emergency is something that will affect everyone across Adur and Worthing. It as only by working together as a community that we can create a cleaner, greener, more resilient and connected Adur and Worthing.

“That’s why we are encouraging individuals, businesses, organisations and community to come along to this community-led event and contribute positive practical ideas so that our areas can continue to prosper in years to come.”

The event will feature a range of inspirational speakers and stalls featuring projects and activities going on locally to transform Adur and Worthing.

There will also be a chance to contribute ideas, sign up to campaigns and share pledges for action.

Among those speaking at the event will be Isabella Tree from the Knepp Estate, who will talk about rewilding of open spaces and the wider benefits to the environment.

A number of interactive spaces are also planned to cover several key themes, such as transport, waste, energy and carbon reduction, water and economics and business.

Attendees can also input into the Councils’ shared SustainableAW framework which outlines commitments the local authorities have made to become carbon neutral by 2030. Delegates will be invited to make their own pledges and collaborate on local climate action.

The community organisations are fundraising for costs to hold the event. To donate please visit the ZERO 2030 Crowdfunding page.

What are people in Worthing making and doing with digital tech?

Between 18 and 30 January 2020 we will be asking this question in the Space to Make project at Colonnade House.

Alongside the exciting plans to expand our current building into a creative digital hub with ultrafast broadband, we are exploring the potential for setting up a makerspace for Worthing.

We have already been working with creatives based at Colonnade House and with people working with digital tech in the wider community in Worthing and they will be sharing some of their projects at practical open 'Work in Progress' sessions at Colonnade House including:

· Ginny from Persistent Peril turning a light on with a Photon (a tiny Wi-Fi internet of things device enabling remote connectivity and control)  

· Adam from As Described taking up the challenge as an artist and non-coder of building an AI object-recognition system  

· Martin from Freedom Power Chairs using micro electronics and 3D printing to make adaptations for mobility scooters  

· Sussex Printmakers exploring how a laser cutter can be used as a tool for printmaking 

· John from Worthing Digital looking at how the Amazon Alexa voice assistant works and also exploring how you can make your own Alexa Skill    

· Arun Singh from The Peer Group looking at Augmented Reality - the state of play and what's coming next.  

· Transition Town Worthing exploring how they can use micro controllers to create responsive automatic irrigation systems 

How can you get involved?

• When our full programme is published in the new year, come along to a Work in Progress session to observe, learn, contribute and connect, or book into one of our family workshops. 
• Please share this with your networks

Potentially exciting development at the Guildbourne Centre 

A planning application has gone into for The Guildbourne Centre for Change of Use of 1st floor premises from Class A1 (Shops/Retail) to mixed Class B1a (office) / D1 (Non-Residential Institution) / D2 (Assembly and Leisure) use to accommodate a flexible working space, conference centre, church and general community space, run by the Jubilee Community Church charity.

The proposal will provide a community hub and serve as a place to provide a range of events to help meet the needs of the town.  For the past 15 years, the Jubilee Church has been looking for property in Worthing which could accommodate their offices and essential functions, such as their Sunday meetings, mid-week events and serve as a base for their involvement in the Worthing community. They have been helping local parents through their Tots group (parent and toddler mornings) and have been looking for a space which would allow them to continue their service several times in a week, in addition to running a Foodbank. Part of their project aims to offer hireable office space for local businesses looking for desk-hire and meeting space, in addition to using the auditorium as a conference centre for local companies to use. 

Click here for more information

Things could really be looking up as early 2020 will see the opening of a new Mind Works Escape Rooms on the Ground Floor. With the first room called Smugglers Room, set in Worthing in the 1860's. Click here for more info.