Adur Local Plan ‘Key Issues’ Consultation

Adur District Council has started work on preparing an updated Adur Local Plan, which will provide a long term vision for the area over a period of 15 years.  This consultation provides an opportunity for people to help shape the future of the area to meet their needs to create a better place to live, work and play.  The new plan will provide the strategy for the growth of the local plan area, setting out what development will take place and where.  

It will set out a vision for the area that helps to establish the long term aims and aspirations.  The vision will be turned into objectives and policies which will deal with issues such as housing, the economy, the environment and infrastructure.  Once adopted, the new plan will replace the existing Adur Local Plan which was adopted in 2017 and will be an important consideration in deciding planning applications.

The Adur Local Plan ‘Key Issues’ consultation is the first stage in preparing the plan. We are seeking your views and suggestions on the issues and challenges facing the  area, and will take your feedback into account.

How to comment

You can read the Key Issues Consultation Document and have your say by visiting the council’s consultation page:
https://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/alp-key-issues-consultation/

The consultation runs until midnight on Sunday 5th January 2025.

An Evening with Paul Johnson

Join Ropetackle for a fascinating and engaging evening with Paul Johnson, Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), where he discusses the financial state of the nation. 

Date: Saturday 11th January 
Time: 7:30pm 

Originally from Shoreham-by-Sea, Paul has been director of the IFS since 2011. He is a columnist for The Times, and is a regular contributor to other broadcast and print media. He is a visiting professor in the UCL Policy Lab and at the UCL department of economics.

For 10 years, Paul was a member of the UK Climate Change Committee, and has served on the council of the ESRC and of the Royal Economic Society. Paul led reviews of pension auto-enrolment and of inflation measurement for the UK government, and of fiscal devolution for the Northern Ireland executive.

Previous roles have included time as chief economist at the Department for Education and as director of public spending at HM Treasury, where he also served as deputy head of the government economic service.

Paul published the Sunday Times bestseller “Follow the Money” in 2023. He was appointed CBE in the 2018 birthday honours.

Book your ticket here

Cosy Christmas at All Saints Church thanks to Pilbeam Construction

Visitors to All Saints Church in Lindfield, West Sussex, will have an even warmer welcome this festive season, thanks to state-of-the-art underfloor heating installed by Pilbeam Construction.

The Sussex-based construction company, known for its expertise in historic buildings, has successfully completed the installation of a modern underfloor heating system at Church House, part of the Grade II-listed All Saints Church complex which dates back to 1098.

It’s a significant upgrade for Church House, known locally as The Tiger, one of the oldest buildings in the village, which was originally an open hall house built around 1400.

Alan Corbett, managing director at Pilbeam, said: “It really is an honour to contribute to the legacy of such a historic and vital community building.

“The new heating system will ensure that The Tiger continues to bring people together in warmth and comfort for years to come.

“Underfloor heating is a fantastic option for churches because it’s sympathetic to the historic nature of the building, it heats up big spaces quickly and it’s much more efficient than radiators.”

Pilbeam’s work guarantees a comfortable environment for the congregation, community groups and other visitors who use the space regularly.

While the project ran smoothly, Pilbeam faced a few challenges, including inconsistencies in the original joist layout drawings.

Despite this, the team adapted quickly by installing acoustic and thermal insulation and revising the underfloor heating design and supplier.

The work was completed in just six weeks, one week ahead of the planned seven-week schedule, and came in under budget.

Pilbeam even unearthed some unexpected finds – when removing the original floor coverings and cleaning between the joists, workers discovered old cigarette packets, hinting at the building’s rich past.

Church House, formerly the Tiger Inn, may once have been the parish guest and alehouse. It was also the home of the Michelbourne family, who were a family of merchant adventurers with a tiger on their crest.

Ashley Bence, facilities manager at All Saints, said: “The Tiger has always been a beloved part of Lindfield’s heritage, and now, thanks to Pilbeam’s expertise, it’s also a cosy hub for the whole community. We’re thrilled with the result as winter sets in – and it’s even better that the project came in below budget despite the challenges.”

The underfloor heating will benefit a wide range of groups, including the Ukrainian Friendship Group, Tiger Cubs village nursery and other local community organisations.

For further information visit: www.pilbeamconstruction.co.uk 

Bluecrest introduces two new female hormone tests

Female health tests launch for women suspecting menopause

Health assessments provider, Bluecrest, has expanded its offering to include a Menopause Hormone Test – and Advanced Menopause Profile – to help women understand if they are menopausal.

Broadening female health support for women, the tests are designed to support women over- 40 with suspected menopausal symptoms, and those looking to check menopausal status.

"Traditionally a menopause diagnosis is based on symptoms alone. However, we know many women want to know what is happening during this time – so our tests offer further insight.  We have included a GP consultation as part of our Advanced Menopause Profile, offering women a chance to discuss their results and symptoms – to establish the right path forward,” comments Martin Thornton, Chief Medical Officer at Bluecrest.

Bluecrest’s Menopause Hormone Test looks at follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, which play a crucial role in promoting egg growth and triggering the production of Oestrogen. An FSH blood test provides insights into the health of the pituitary gland – a key regulator of reproductive hormones – and can help to assess whether women may be entering menopause. The Advanced Menopause Profile looks at FSH levels, as well as oestradiol, sex hormone binding globulin, testosterone, and thyroid stimulating hormone.

More than 90% of postmenopausal women were never taught about the menopause at school, and over 60% only started looking for information about the menopause once their symptoms had started, according to a study conducted by the University College London.¹

Thornton explains: “There’s still a lot of misunderstanding and misinformation out there, and many women report feeling alone when trying to cope with difficult symptoms. Being able to take a dedicated Menopause Hormone Test could transform someone’s menopause experience.”

Dominque Kent, Bluecrest’s Chief Executive, comments: “We are so excited to launch the new Advanced Menopause Profile, which, along with a GP consultation to discuss symptoms, can tell women where they are on their menopause journey. So many women confuse perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms for burnout or other lifestyle pressures and vice versa. Our Menopause Hormone Tests give women the information they need to understand what is going on for them and take action.”

Menopause isn’t just something that impacts women in isolation. It also impacts their families – and their workplaces.

The British Menopause Society has revealed that 45% of women felt that menopausal symptoms had a negative impact on their work, and 47% who needed to take a day off work due to menopause symptoms say they wouldn’t tell their employer the real reason.²

“We know menopausal women are the fastest growing demographic in the workplace,” says Kent, “and we know that it hits just as women are reaching senior positions. That’s talent British businesses can’t afford to lose.”

Martin added: “Menopause is protected under the Equality Act of 2010, but many businesses are still grappling with how to support women effectively. Periods are still a taboo subject in the workplace, and we need to cut through that stigma by talking about menstruation, by talking about menopause, in offices, on factory floors, and in boardrooms. If you’re an organisation that cares about wellbeing, you should care about menopause, and you should be looking for ways to support your workforce. Bluecrest health assessments, especially with this new Menopause Hormone Test, could be an important part of that picture.”

Bluecrest’s Advanced Menopause Profile supports the understanding of specific hormone levels, and can help women in their decisions around HRT, so that they can better manage the impact of menopause on their daily lives.

Kent continues: “This launch is particularly personal to me, given my own experience as a senior woman in the workplace and that of many women around me. Menopausal symptoms can be scary when you don’t know what is going on for you. We want to be able to empower and provide data about something that happens to 50% of the population, helping women manage menopause in the best way that they can.”

With NHS waiting lists for menopause specialist guidance rising to several months,² the tests will allow women to have informed conversations with a GP about where they are on their menopause journey and understand the treatment options available to them.

·         The Menopause Hormone Test is priced at £49 and includes FSH testing, offering initial insights for women seeking to identify menopause.

·         The Advanced Menopause Profile is priced at £169 and includes tests for FSH, oestradiol, sex hormone binding globulin, testosterone, and thyroid stimulating hormone, plus a GP consultation.

For more information about the new menopause tests, go to Bluecrestwellness.com

https://www.bluecrestwellness.com/packages/advanced-menopause-profile

References

• 1.      UCL News. 2023. Nine in ten women were never educated about the menopause. Available at: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2023/apr/nine-ten-women-were-never-educated-about-menopause. Accessed: December 2024

• 2.      iNews. Menopause care crisis revealed as women face waiting until 2025 for NHS appointments. Available at: https://inews.co.uk/news/women-menopause-appointments-2025-2275134?srsltid=AfmBOooPb2zEiuUj238GtZCmO3pHfkaJBa5SbpBGDZYMJe1zhCL_gP6s. Accessed: December 2024

• 3.      NHS Inform. Menopause and the workplace. Available at: https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/womens-health/later-years-around-50-years-and-over/menopause-and-post-menopause-health/menopause-and-the-workplace/#:~:text=It%27s%20important%20to%20remember%20that,talk%20about%20menopause%20at%20work. Accessed: December 2024

About Bluecrest:

Bluecrest is the health intelligence company. Their mission is to help everyone live healthier for longer by making personal health monitoring easy and affordable.

Its thorough assessments help people understand what is going on inside their bodies – the good and the could be better – giving them the information they need to make healthier choices and seek support if needed.

Its network of over 14,000 in-person clinics across the UK and Ireland is conveniently designed so that a Bluecrest hub is located within 20 minutes of most locations.

Bluecrest’s clinical strategy is driven by its in-house expert, Dr Martin Thornton, who is dedicated to improving health outcomes through patient-centred prevention. A clinical advisory board made up of GPs and specialist consultants shapes its approach to achieving clinical excellence.

Bluecrest is registered with the Care Quality Commission in England, with test results processed by a market-leading accredited laboratory.

For over a decade, Bluecrest has been ensuring people can live health-confident lives, completing over 2,000+ appointments every week.

Bluecrest's assessments cater for everyone by offering personalised packages that are right for the individual. Packages start from as little as £109, which includes access to a 24/7 GP service, the MyWellness App and mental health support for a year.

Flux Peircing are sending Snoop Elves to YOUR Business!!

Here's a message from Flux...

Dear Worthing Shop/Business Owner 

For those who haven't met me I am Princess Marnie (Self assigned the role!).  I own Flux Piercing Studio.  We have been firmly established in Worthing for 23 years, we are multi award winning and the oldest Purely Piercing Studio in the UK.   We have recently moved to Stanford Square in Warwick Street, and thought it would be lovely to have a little fun this Christmas on our socials; and hope you would like to get involved.

Instead of Elf on the Shelf we have two Snoop Elfs - one large and one smaller.  Our larger Snoop is living it large in Worthing, he has been in a number of premises having a 'snoop' about! 

If you would like to get involved please email info@fluxpiercing.co.uk or call 01903 600878 and one of our delightful professional piercers will run him down to you for his photo opportunity.   Over the course of December we will be posting Snoop to our socials tagging where he is, with (we hope) a humorous line or two.  

From a marketing point of view it obviously keeps people engaged with our brand (not going to lie - for starters I am seriously pants at lying so I gave up some 4 decades back!) but it also shares your business with our 4.5K followers, who may not have come across you. 

By resharing our post/s on your socials it shares our independent business with your followers and beyond - sharing is caring after all! In this manner it's a little bit of fun that may benefit us all, working together.

I was born and raised in this Town and know if we work together in ways such as this we can make our town a bustle of activity that supports each other for the common goal of sustaining our businesses! I hope you will see this as a funny little thing to get on board with - I look forward to hearing from you all soon! We are open 7 days a week so email or call and we will escort Snoop over to you - quite honestly letting him come alone - lawd knows what would happen! 

Kindest seasonal regards, The Princess & The Fluxy Girls! 

Top Five IT Priorities for 2025 by FluidOne (formerly CNC)

In addition to the usual resolutions made in December and January, we are experiencing a fair amount of change: CNC is now officially the Brighton branch of FluidOne, a Connected Cloud Solutions provider of IT, Cyber, and Comms services! This requires a lot of special planning for the New Year, which got us thinking of what lies ahead for all companies, regardless of any special going-on. With that in mind, here’s a checklist of five key IT priorities to focus on in 2025.

1. Windows 10 End-of-Life

Windows 10 support will end on October 14, 2025 – Microsoft will not provide security patches, technical assistance, or software updates, leaving devices more vulnerable to cyber attacks and performance issues. Upgrading to Windows 11 avoids this, while offering features such as a new interface, live captions, and integrated passkeys. As a Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider (CSP), FluidOne offers support with licenses and Microsoft services.

2. Rise of AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transformative. AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft 365 Copilot are revolutionising how companies operate through automation: transcribing meetings, drafting emails, creating content, and more. By 2025, AI will be more embedded in daily business processes, making it essential to explore how AI can improve efficiency and be integrated.

3. Sustainable IT

As with most industries, sustainability is now a focus in IT. Migrating to energy-efficient data centres and cloud storage solutions can help reduce energy consumption. Transitioning to environmentally friendly hardware that uses less energy and is recyclable is another green step. These sustainable IT practices not only align with global environmental goals but also offer long-term cost savings.

4. Increasing Security

Cyber and IT security are critical, with nearly half of businesses experiencing breaches last year. That statistic should be a catalyst for conducting a comprehensive review of their security measures. Proactive strategies, such as assessments, training, and multi-factor authentication, are essential to safeguard against evolving cyber threats and strengthen defences.

5. Backup and Disaster Recovery

Disaster recovery planning is vital for protecting data and ensuring business continuity in case of cyber attacks or natural disasters. Backup is the cornerstone of recovery. Reviewing backup processes, ensuring proper encryption, and utilising cloud services will ensure that critical data is protected and recoverable.

Conclusion

IT strategies ensure organisations remain secure, efficient, and sustainable. The above five priorities are essential to keeping your business ahead of the curve. At FluidOne, our team of experts is ready to assist you with all the priorities – and more – and create a customised strategy for IT success in 2025. You can reach us through https://www.fluidone.com/contact, call us at 01273 384100 or email us at brighton@fluidone.com.

Held Consultancy - Member Case Study

What do you do? 
I am a customer experience consultant - A one stop shop for all your customer experience related needs: 

Converting visitors from your website and online store into customers. 
Increasing online sales and services bookings. 
Increasing percentage of returning customers. 
Improving services presentation, online products presentation and optimising the checkout process.  

Customer support - from methodology and supporting tools to ticketing systems implementation.  

  Why did you join the Chamber?
I wanted to be a part of a local business hub. I participated in some of the chamber’s events and was pleasantly surprised by the great atmosphere and the high organisation level in these events. This made joining an easy next step. 

What’s your favourite thing about being a member?
The opportunity to connect and share with local likeminded people. 

George Square Financial Management - Member Case Study

What do you do? 
George Square Financial Management provides independent financial planning solutions and mortgage advice to both individuals and businesses in the Southeast of England as well as the Midlands. Our approach is professional, friendly and client-focused whether you’re looking for expert advice on pensions, planning for the future, have a lump sum to invest, need help securing a mortgage or need a financial plan for your business. Our team of experienced, independent financial advisers work hard to build long-lasting relationships with our clients, getting to know you and your financial objectives and building mutual trust and respect. Considered planning, sound investment management and the strong ethos of partnership lie at the heart of what we do. With George Square you can be sure of a proactive approach and a dedicated, personal service that helps to build, safeguard and grow your wealth in a manner that best suits you. 

Why did you join the Chamber?
I have many long-standing clients in London and the Southeast, but when I relocated to Worthing in 2022, I was aware that although George Square Financial Management is well established in the Midlands (our head office is in Nottingham), the name was new to the people and businesses of Worthing. I was keen to expand my network in the area and establish new connections.   

Having been a part of the East Midlands Chamber network for many years, I was pleased to see that Worthing and Adur offered a similar range of activities and events, which I find invaluable. I have thoroughly enjoyed the events I’ve attended so far, and I’m delighted to have met many interesting people and useful connections. 

What’s your favourite thing about being a member? 
The events. Not only are they enjoyable and useful, they are also well-organised and ran with professionalism. 

Also, the people I’ve met, both at the Chamber and fellow members. Everyone has been friendly, enthusiastic, and welcoming, and have helped to make my relocation a much smoother process than I expected. I’m looking forward to making many more connections and introducing George Square Financial Management. 

 https://george-square.co.uk/

Momentum Business Support Limited - Member Case Study

What do you do?

Established in 2013, MOMENTUM Business Support Ltd specialises in providing comprehensive remote support services tailored to meet the unique needs of small and medium sized businesses. Our team of experts are dedicated to ensuring that your business operations run smoothly and efficiently. We offer a wide range of services including administrative support, digital marketing, accounts and credit control, call answering, HR and recruitment and a bespoke call answering service. By taking over these essential tasks, we enable business owners to focus on growth and development, making it easier for them to achieve their goals. Our flexible, cost-effective solutions are designed to save time and reduce stress, ensuring you have the right people in place to make it happen..

Why did you join the Chamber?

We joined Worthing & Adur Chamber of Commerce to become part of a vibrant local business community that fosters collaboration and growth. Being a member allows us to connect with like-minded business owners, share knowledge, and leverage the networking opportunities provided by the Chamber. We believe that active participation in the Chamber enhances our visibility and credibility while opening doors to new partnerships and clients, helping us to continuously expand our service offerings.

What’s your favourite thing about being a member?

Our favourite aspect of being a Chamber member is the sense of community and support we receive. The Chamber offers a platform for valuable connections, insightful events, and professional development opportunities. We particularly appreciate the Chamber's dedication to promoting local businesses and creating an environment where members can thrive together. The friendly, collaborative spirit and mutual support within the Chamber have significantly contributed to our growth and success, making it an invaluable resource for our business.

 https://momentumbusinesssupport.com/

First Aid Savvy - Member Case Study

What do you do? 
In a nutshell, I teach regulated First Aid courses to business and individuals within a 20 mile radius of Worthing. But it’s more than that … my aim is to create First Aiders who feel confident in themselves and their ability to give potentially life-saving help in an emergency situation. I run regular Open EFAW courses locally which are great for small numbers  and I can also deliver a course on-site which can be very cost effective for 5 or more delegates, and convenient for your staff. Courses can often be spread over a few days or delivered in one go, whichever suits your business’s individual circumstances. As a NUCO registered trainer, the courses are guaranteed to meet HSE standards.

Why did you join the Chamber? 
I went along to a couple of First Friday and Chamber Hub meetings initially and I was pleasantly surprised at how well attended they were, and how approachable and friendly everyone was. I wanted a networking group that didn’t feel like I had to do the hard sell – I believe networking is all about developing connections and this was exactly the atmosphere I found in the Chamber.

What’s your favourite thing about being a member? 
As a sole trader and a people-person, it can be lonely not having colleagues around me. Being a member of the chamber means I feel like I’m not alone … twice a month and more, I can meet with like-minded business people who are so much more than potential clients (tho there is that as well obviously)  .. some will become more like friends and colleagues and it’s great to feel part of something bigger than just me and my manikin mates!

www.firstaidsavvy.co.uk