Whitehead-Ross Education - Case Study

What do you do?

Whitehead-Ross Education integrates education, recruitment, and ongoing employer support to build a sustainable employment network. Our efforts connect businesses with skilled talent, provide job seekers with meaningful opportunities, and contribute to long-term workforce development. Whitehead-Ross Education streamline recruitment for multiple employers across our sites by optimising their hiring process and connecting them with untapped talent pools. By providing insight into the local labour market, we help employers make informed hiring decisions and change the lives and careers of our candidates.

Whitehead Ross Education does not charge for any recruitment support as it is fully funded by The DWP. If you would like to contribute to your community’s economic development and gain dedicated, hardworking employees, reach out to Lili on lilifoskett@wrecltd.co.uk

Why did you join the Chamber?

I joined the Chamber to connect with my local community and expand my network. Working for a government-funded employability service, this aligns perfectly with supporting our customers by connecting with local employers seeking staff - at no cost, no contract, and no agency fees. The Chamber hosts fantastic networking events where I enjoy meeting like-minded professionals, strengthening relationships, and growing my network. I’m grateful for the opportunity to engage with both new and familiar faces, helping to build strong local connections. A huge thanks to the Chamber for making this possible in Worthing and the surrounding areas.

What’s your favourite thing about being a member? 

My favourite thing about being a Chamber member is the incredible networking opportunities. The events bring together like-minded professionals, making it easy to build meaningful connections with local businesses. As someone working in employability services, these relationships are invaluable for supporting job seekers and helping employers find staff - without cost or contracts. I love the sense of community, the welcoming atmosphere, and the chance to meet both familiar and new faces. The Chamber truly helps businesses and individuals thrive, and I’m grateful to be part of it.

Carpenter Box Goes from Strength to Strength at Chichester

The Chichester office of Sussex and South East accountancy firm Carpenter Box continues to go from strength to strength, thanks to a successful recruitment drive and an office refurbishment that’s providing further room to grow.

The firm has had an office in Chichester since October 2020 and following the recent refurbishment, has seen the number of employees based there increase from 20 to 30 – and there’s no sign of slowing down.

The Chichester office continues to recruit to satisfy demand for the firm’s professional services, including company secretarial support, corporate audit and assurance work, tax planning advice, an outsourced finance function and estate planning.

Sarah Fitzgerald, Partner, who heads-up the office, commented: “Chichester is home to many great businesses and entrepreneurs, and we are delighted to be a growing part of that community and to be providing career opportunities for local people.

“Our client profile reflects the area’s commercial landscape and includes agriculture and viticulture businesses as well as manufacturers, service companies and entrepreneurs. They each face particular challenges at the moment, whether that’s changes to inheritance tax or increases in employer national insurance. Our aim is to help them navigate this environment successfully and to assist them in becoming more efficient and agile.”

One of the growth areas for the firm is its Outsourced Finance Function, which businesses are increasingly using not just for bookkeeping and accountancy support, but to tap into director level expertise.

www.carpenterbox.com

Support Link to Hope and take on a Transylvanian Sponsored Cycle Challenge!

What is it? An 8 day trip ( 6 days cycling) sponsored challenge through the heart of Transylvania, Romania. A chance to experience stunning scenery, un spoilt rural villages, Saxon UNESCO towns and historic fortified churches. We will be cycling for 335km/210km in a circular loop through the heart of Transylvanian.

There are 10 places and the challenge will take place between 3rd – 10th October 2025

This amazing challenge to raise funds for Link to Hopes education and social care projects. Alongside this we are also raising funds for a wonderful project that supports marginalised adults and children with disabilities based in Brasov.

At the end of the cycle challenge there will be a chance to meet the Hope Without Limits team and see and hear about how your sponsored funds is going to be spent.

Price £795 per person (excluding luggage and drinks)

Includes flights, accommodation, all meals, guides, transfers, bike hire, repairs and maintenance, entrance fees, luggage transfer and medical support.

As we are doing this to raise funds then we ask each cyclist to try to raise £1,000. This might seem daunting but we support you all the way. It’s in our interest to do everything possible to help you raise those funds.

Find out more here

Prestigious Double Award Win for TERRA

Since acquiring Tottington Manor 4 Years Ago, the growth and the brand positioning of their restaurant has achieved huge recognition, only one year after the launch of their TERRA Restaurant Sussex.

Following the visit last week of the Nationally recognised AA Inspector, TERRA Restaurant has been awarded their first AA Rosette. Helen Pomery Director said “This recognition is the result of four years of really pushing our team to be the best they can be and receiving this long awaited accolade is the biggest reward for them. Ultimately our guest feedback drives us forward every day and helps push us even further in our mission to receive our next Rosette, our journey has only just begun”.

Chris Hilton, Executive Head Chef at TERRA said “I’m over the moon and so proud to have been part of the journey that Tottington Manor and TERRA Restaurant has been on so far and I continue to be very excited about what the future holds, there is more to come”.

This news came just a week before the call from Restaurants Brighton who spearhead the highly regarded hospitality equivalent of the Oscars! We were incredibly honoured to have won our first BRAVO Award for Most Sustainable Restaurant. Knowing we were up against some very strong contenders we were quite overwhelmed but sustainable hospitality has been our primary focus from day one. With rising fuel costs, it became a priority to eliminate fossil fuels, dramatically reduce our wastage and choosing Sussex ingredients across 90% of our food menu and 25% of our Drinks & Wine List, not only are we actively supporting our local economy, it just feels like the right thing to do.

Last year was the first time we were nominated for a BRAVO and we were really honoured to have been placed at 15^th place for Best Sussex Restaurant. Appreciating the quality restaurants across Sussex also nominated, this gave us a huge sense of achievement but in 2025, we were nominated in 5 categories; Best Sussex Restaurant, Best Team, Best Wine List, Best Sunday Roast and Most Sustainable. Our biggest win was winning the Most Sustainable Restaurant category, however, achieving 2^nd place as Best Sussex Restaurant was beyond words, the whole team feel hugely rewarded because our guests voted for us, there can be no greater recognition. Across all categories we achieved Top 10 for 4 and Top 20 for all 5 nominations out of the thousands nominated. We cannot thank everyone enough, especially Restaurants Brighton who work so hard to champion the Sussex Hospitality Sector.

TERRA Restaurant Sussex is an AA Rosette standard South Downs facing restaurant at Tottington Manor which fully caters for events with AA 4 Star Restaurant with Rooms Award. A fine quality destination to entertain, eat well, drink well and sleep well.

Carpenter Box announces merger with Clark Brownscombe

South East accountancy firm Carpenter Box is extending its office network into East Sussex with news that it is to merge Lewes-based Clark Brownscombe into its south coast operations.

Carpenter Box currently serves a growing client base from offices in Worthing, Brighton, Crawley, Chichester, Portsmouth and London and this latest announcement marks another important step in the firm’s ongoing expansion strategy.

Clark Brownscombe will continue to operate from the office in Lewes and will adopt the Carpenter Box brand later this year. Current Directors at the firm, Robert Scrivins and Vicky Anderson, will become Partners at Carpenter Box following the merger, which will also see six members of staff join the firm.

Commented Alan Edwards, Managing Partner at Carpenter Box: “I’m thrilled to announce this merger with Clark Brownscombe and delighted to welcome the firm into the Carpenter Box team. They are a perfect fit for our growth strategy, helping us to expand into East Sussex with a Lewes office. Together, we bring nearly 200 years of combined experience in tax planning, advisory services and financial planning and share the same customer service ethos.”

Robert Scrivins added: “This merger is a significant milestone in our journey. We currently have expertise in business, charity and individual accounting and taxation matters and by joining with Carpenter Box, we will unlock additional resources and services that will directly benefit our clients through access to specialist knowledge.”

Carpenter Box, part of the Sumer Group of regional accountancy practices, is an award-winning firm of chartered accountants, tax specialists and business advisers with a reputation for innovation and excellence. The firm, which now has 23 Partners and over 250 members of staff, operates across the south east and in London, with specialist teams helping businesses and entrepreneurs succeed in a profitable, sustainable and tax-efficient way.

Photo L-R: Alan Edwards, Robert Scrivins, Vicky Anderson, Stuart Noakes

www.carpenterbox.com

www.clarkbrownscombe.co.uk

Electric Storm Youth Charity Announces New Leadership 

Say Hello, Wave Goodbye

Electric Storm Youth (ESY), a dedicated charity supporting young people across Sompting and Lancing for over 18 years, is proud to announce a leadership transition as it embarks on an exciting new chapter.

We extend our sincere thanks to John Randall, who has served as Interim CEO over the past year. John first joined ESY four years ago as a fundraiser, bringing energy and commitment to the role. In 2024, he stepped into the position of Interim CEO, guiding the organisation through a critical period of growth. Under his leadership, ESY implemented key developments and secured significant funding, including vital support from The National Lottery.

Marion Peskett, Chair of Trustees, shared:

“John has been a tremendous asset to Electric Storm Youth. His dedication, leadership, and ability to bring people together have had a lasting impact. We are incredibly grateful for all he has contributed during his time with us.”

As we look ahead, we are delighted to welcome Karen Jefford CMgr CMI as the new CEO of Electric Storm Youth.

Karen brings extensive leadership experience across the business, education, and charity sectors. A lifelong resident of Lancing, she has a deep understanding of the local community and a clear passion for supporting young people. With 13 years in secondary education, as well as being a mother of two and grandparent, Karen brings both professional insight and personal connection to her new role.

Karen is committed to building on ESY’s strong foundation. Her vision includes expanding services, developing new revenue streams, and strengthening the charity’s resilience, ensuring that ESY remains a vital and visible presence at the heart of the community.

Karen Jefford CMgr CMI, CEO of Electric Storm Youth, said:

“Having continued to engage in education, I see every day how important organisations like Electric Storm Youth are in helping young people navigate the journey from school into adulthood. If we at ESY can support, encourage, and build confidence among our young people, we’re not only helping them today, but we’re also investing in a stronger, more resilient future for everyone. I’m honoured to be part of this next chapter and to lead a charity that truly sits at the heart of our community.”

As we mark this transition, Electric Storm Youth remain firmly committed to its mission: supporting teenagers now and laying the foundations for the future.

www.electricstormyouth.co.uk

Tax and Investment Tips in a Volatile Landscape

How best to navigate the complexities of the current tax and investment landscape in a volatile economic environment?

That was the question that attracted more than 100 clients of South East accountants Carpenter Box to a special personal finance seminar in Horsham.

Roy Thompson, Head of Financial Services at Carpenter Box Financial Advisers, outlined how ‘fiscal drag’ caused by the freeze on allowances for personal tax, inheritance tax and ISAs heightened the need to make the most of investment returns. Moreover, the proposed inheritance tax treatment on unused pension pots from April 2027 will make it more important than ever to adopt a family-based approach to personal finance and tax planning.

He outlined how the pension changes, as proposed by the Government, could significantly increase death duties, but then highlighted a number of current options, that would help mitigate the inheritance tax take.

Inheritance tax was a particularly thorny issue for family farms, said David Crowter, Partner & Head of Private Client Services at Carpenter Box.

“With business and agricultural property relief changing from 100% on certain qualifying assets to being restricted to 100% on the first £1m from 6^th April 2026, many farming families are looking for answers. So, some of the things I have been suggesting to clients are that they review their Will to ensure it reflects their current wishes, take advice on gifting and valuation planning, and use life cover and pension drawings to reduce the amount to be paid in IHT.”

Henry Wilson, Partner, Senior Portfolio Manager at LGT Wealth Management, provided an overview of global financial markets, pointing out that while the global economy remains resilient, there will be investment opportunities. However, diversification and selectivity will be key in navigating the somewhat volatile and shifting economic and geopolitical landscape.

Photo (l-r) shows: Roy Thompson, Head of Financial Services at Carpenter Box Financial Advisers, Henry Wilson, Partner, Senior Portfolio Manager at LGT Wealth Management and David Crowter, Partner & Head of Private Client Services at Carpenter Box.

www.carpenterbox.com.

IT Security vs Cyber Security: the foundation vs the frontier

Securing IT infrastructure is crucial for modern business. But while IT security forms the foundation of protection, it alone is just one piece of the puzzle, with cyber security filling the critical gaps.

IT Security: the foundation

IT security is comprehensive, covering everything from hardware and software protection to managing access, ensuring data integrity, and disaster recovery. It acts as a brick-and-mortar defence—locking doors, securing networks, and safeguarding sensitive information. IT security focuses on protecting the infrastructure itself, ensuring only authorised access to vital resources and keeping systems operational against internal and external threats.

Typical IT security measures include:

• Endpoint Security: Safeguarding devices like computers and phones from malware.
• Data Security: Encrypting sensitive data to prevent unauthorised access.
• Disaster Recovery Plans: Ensuring rapid recovery from breaches, data loss, or outages.
• Access Control: Enforcing multi-factor authentication (MFA) for account protection.

These measures are essential for securing internal systems and sensitive data. However, they often lack the flexibility and focus needed to tackle modern cyber threats.

Why IT Security needs Cyber Security

IT security provides the foundation, but it doesn’t address the dynamic nature of cyber dangers. Threats like ransomware, phishing, and advanced persistent threats (APTs) evolve rapidly, requiring specialised, proactive defenses. That’s where cyber security comes in.

Cyber security focuses on protecting internet-connected systems from real-time threats such as hacking and malware, which can bypass traditional IT security. It brings an extra layer of defence, emphasising the detection and response to attacks as they happen. Key aspects of cyber security include:

• Threat Intelligence: Identifying emerging cyber threats before they can cause damage.
• Incident Response: Having a plan to mitigate the impact of an attack.
• Continuous Monitoring: Keeping a watchful eye on systems for signs of compromise.

Without cyber security, your organisation could remain vulnerable to threats that IT security is not designed to handle.

The future of security

As technology evolves, security strategies must adapt. AI, for example, offers huge benefits but also exposes organisations to new security risks. Both IT and cyber security are needed to manage these risks and ensure compliance. Cyber security helps organisations prepare for secure AI adoption, while IT security protects data and enforces security policies.

The necessity of both

In conclusion, IT security provides the essentials for protecting infrastructure, while cyber security actively defends against the evolving cyber threat landscape. A robust defence requires both, ensuring systems are not only secure but resilient against future cyber challenges.

At FluidOne, we provide comprehensive IT and cyber security solutions, empowering businesses to thrive in the AI era. For more information, you can reach us through https://www.fluidone.com/contact, call us at 01273 384100 or email us at brighton@fluidone.com.

Electric Storm Youth have been awarded a Sussex Community Foundation Grant for Young Carers!

Electric Storm Youth (ESY) is delighted to have been awarded a grant of £2804 from the Kim Addison Fund via Sussex Community Foundation, to support the vital work it undertakes with young carers.

Commenting on being awarded the grant, Karen Jefford, ESY’s CEO said “On behalf of the charity and our young carers, we are absolutely delighted to receive this significant grant which recognises the vital work we undertake in supporting young carers in Lancing and Sompting.“

Karen continues, “Young carers have complex needs and often feel socially isolated from their peers. This leads to stress, anxiety and in some cases specific mental health issues which need to be urgently addressed. The grant will enable us to continue to provide much needed support and counselling services to more than 45 individual young carers. This will take place at the Sir Robert Woodard Academy and as part of our general youth sessions.”

In the words of one young carer “The young carers session provides me with help and support when I've had a bad week or month and want to talk about it but may not even know how to start. It is a safe space for a chat in a confidential, non-judgemental way.”

Karen concludes, “Our work with young carers is just one of many projects we run to support young people in Lancing and Sompting. Our youth team takes a holistic and non-judgemental approach to working with young people and understands the complex factors that affect their lives. In addition to our young carers programme we also run mental health counselling, general youth sessions, LGBTQ+ sessions, street-based (detached) youth work, mentoring and work-experience.”

www.electricstormyouth.co.uk

Kalm Horizons is launching a new 8 week mindfulness course at Salt Water Studios in Worthing

Inner Peace is mindfulness course designed to introduce and explore mindfulness techniques including gratitude, letting go and acceptance. The sessions have been crafted to still the mind, ease anxiety and help participants sleep more naturally.

Thursdays at 8.15pm 

April 10, 17, 24

May 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29

LOCATION: Salt Water Studios
Stoke Abbott Rd
Worthing
BN11 1HE

Price: £95