Turning Tides Pioneer New Alcohol Recover Method

At Turning Tides, the organisation believes that everyone deserves access to recovery. That belief has driven their Recovery Project to adopt a bold and ambitious approach to alcohol recovery—one that is now achieving outcomes that quietly outperform national averages.

The program was launched over 10 years ago by Turning Tides after the team recognised that people who were most heavily dependent on alcohol were being excluded from treatment. Head of Operations, Niall Read, explained:
“At the time, the main treatment providers would not assess people who couldn’t blow under the drink-drive limit, which is .35 on a breathalyser. Because some of the clients we work with are so highly alcohol dependent, the first thing they do when they wake is drink due to severe withdrawal symptoms. There was no kind of treatment option for them.”

For people who are alcohol dependent, stopping drinking suddenly brings on severe withdrawal symptoms such as seizures and, unlike any other drug, it can cause death. A new treatment method was needed if Turning Tides was to help those suffering with alcohol dependency.

The Managed Alcohol Withdrawal (MAW) Program

The Managed Alcohol Withdrawal (MAW) programme gradually and safely reduces alcohol intake under close clinical supervision within a trauma‑informed residential setting.

Turning Tides’ Recovery Project became the only service in the UK to support people to recover from alcohol addiction using alcohol itself, rather than replacing it with addictive medication such as benzodiazepines. This approach provides both reduced withdrawal symptoms and avoids introducing another addictive substance.

Following Turning Tides’ success, other services are now adopting this method in different settings, and the organisation’s work was recently featured by ITV. The latest coverage includes interviews with Recovery Project Manager, Grant Purser, and former client Mark Hounsome, who shares his journey and his love for sobriety.

Person‑Centred Care That Works

The MAW programme is carefully tailored to each individual. Only one person completes the programme at a time, enabling intensive, round‑the‑clock support.

Before entering the programme, clients work with the organisation’s Substance Misuse Nurse and their GP to assess medical history and physical health. They complete a drinks diary—sometimes using bottle tops to calculate amounts if a diary feels overwhelming—so that reduction can be planned safely and realistically.

Once in the programme:

• Alcohol is provided in measured amounts throughout the day in a clinical setting
• Only one type of alcohol is used, agreed with the client
• Reduction happens gradually over 20 days
• Withdrawal symptoms and wellbeing are constantly monitored

Substance Misuse Nurse Louise Slaney explains:
“Alcohol is the most dangerous substance to withdraw from. It has to be done slowly, with constant monitoring. By reducing alcohol itself rather than replacing it with medication, we often see fewer severe withdrawal symptoms and a better psychological experience.”

This is person‑centred care in action—meeting people where they are, listening to their needs, and building recovery with them, not for them.

Clients who complete the MAW programme then move into the main Recovery Project house, staying between nine months and two years. From there, they progress into Turning Tides’ lower‑support accommodation and, ultimately, into their own homes.

Recovery is not a single moment; it is a journey that is not always linear.

Accountable, Evidence‑Led Results

The programme has been running successfully for over 10 years, with extremely low drop‑out rates. Since 2019, 34 people have completed managed alcohol withdrawal through the Recovery Project:

• 79.41% remained sober for at least three months
• 41% achieved long‑term sobriety of a year or more

By comparison, national data suggests that only around 46–47% of people exit alcohol treatment successfully, and long‑term sobriety rates are significantly lower among people with complex needs, including homelessness.

The MAW model has been developed in collaboration with local GPs, addiction specialists, and independently reviewed by respected clinicians, including Dr Marian de Ruiter MB BS MRCPsych.

This reflects Turning Tides’ commitment to accountability—continually reviewing, refining and validating their work to ensure it is safe, effective and genuinely life‑changing.

Why This Matters Now

Demand for homelessness and addiction services continues to rise across the Southeast, while pressure on NHS services grows.

Turning Tides believes it is vital to ensure that recovery remains possible for all who want it.

As Niall Read notes:
“It’s about using an approach that actually works for people who are usually written off as ‘too difficult to treat’. We would love to reach more people and open up more Recovery Projects like this across West Sussex.”

With the right support, investment and collaboration, this model has the potential to save lives and change the national conversation around addiction, homelessness and recovery.

https://www.turning-tides.org.uk/

Kreston Reeves announces new chapter as it joins AAB to accelerate growth

Accountants and business advisers Kreston Reeves and AAB have today announced a landmark deal, creating an accounting and advisory powerhouse with national and international reach for ambitious organisations and individuals. This will take the combined business beyond £200 million in annual revenue. 

With seven offices across London, Kent and Sussex and more than 550 people, Kreston Reeves is highly regarded for its high-touch, personalised client service and its strong supportive culture. 

 AAB, supported by Goldman Sachs Alternatives, is one of the fastest growing mid-market professional services firms having secured 18 deals across the UK and Ireland in the last four years.  

The joining of Kreston Reeves and AAB reflects the evolving and increasingly competitive accounting landscape. It will further strengthen Kreston Reeves’ investment in its people, technology and tools enabling the firm to deliver an even better service to clients wherever they are based. For AAB, the partnership gives the firm a growing London and South East presence with Kreston Reeves becoming their hub in the region. 

Richard Spofforth, Managing Partner at Kreston Reeves, said: 

“This is a significant milestone for our business, people and clients. Building on the strengths we have at Kreston Reeves, it will create new opportunities for our talented colleagues. For our clients, it will provide them with access to broader specialist expertise together with greater geographic reach.  

  “Most importantly, AAB shares the same values as Kreston Reeves, giving us a combined platform for sustainable long-term growth." 

Emma Lancaster, Chief Executive at AAB, said: 

“This is a major milestone for AAB and a clear demonstration of our ambition to become the leading professional services firm serving the mid-market. Growing the group beyond £200 million revenue is not about growth for growth’s sake - it’s about building a resilient, sustainable business that delivers long-term value for our clients, our people and our communities.

“This is our third deal since our investment deal with Goldman Sachs Alternatives was completed two months ago, and we are hugely excited about the future opportunities ahead as we continue to scale by combining businesses who share our dedication to putting clients at the heart of everything we do.”

Jose Barreto, Partner, and Mihir Lal, Managing Director, Private Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, said: 

"We are very excited about the strategic combination of AAB and Kreston Reeves. This partnership accelerates our vision for a national presence across the UK and Ireland, delivering essential scale in the South-East of England. The deep cultural alignment between AAB and Kreston Reeves will strengthen the collective offering for both customers and employees."

AAB’s strategic expansion plan is set to continue with further investment opportunities already under discussion to strengthen its regional and national footprint. In combining with Kreston Reeves, AAB will employ over 1,800 people across 23 locations in the UK and Ireland.
 
The partnership is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in Spring 2026.

Kreston Reeves was advised by Rothschild & Co (financial adviser) and Shoosmiths (legal adviser).

Lainy Russell - International Women's Day Feature

This IWD we're celebrating some of the female leaders, founders and entrepreneurs in our Chamber. In this feature we talked to Lainy Russell from Flourish.

1. How did you get to where you are today?

My business evolved from working in education and senior management.  I was drawn to the students that were ‘difficult’ to manage and staff that seemed to mirror similar behaviours. This led to learning more about the ‘why’ behind behaviour. What I soon realised was the reasons were complex. Along the way I attended many courses, worked alongside a neuroscientist and read, researched and studied independently for over 30 years. I wanted to make the information, accessible, easy not only to understand, but with real tools you can pick up and use every day. Hence the name ‘Flourish’, as that is my mission for all clients.

2. What would you tell your younger self?

As a teen: keep dreaming big, you have plenty of time and you are freer now than you are ever going to be

In my 20’s: you can make anything a reality, it’s all about belief, learn to manage your mind and keep expecting the dream

In my 30’s: Don’t listen to advice from people who aren’t where you want to be

In my 40’s: Put your fingers in your ears when around negative people, don’t let it seep into your thinking, it’s never too late and you’re still allowed to dream big!

3. What advice would you give to the next generation of women in business?

Cultivate self-belief above all else, because when you are confident about what you do, it creates an invisible ‘energy’ that makes others feel safe around you and drawn towards you.

Never listen to people who don’t share or understand your dream, they cannot give you moral support or good advice because they are in the wrong place. 

Look at your competitors as potential collaborators, they are not the enemy, they are your tribe!

Hone your craft, never stop learning, always be curious; learn to love change and be flexible because your business will undoubtedly take you on many journeys.

Finally, age isn’t a barrier, you are not too young or too old, that type of thinking is called ‘conditioning’ and you need to erase that from your mind, and put a new message in there.

You can find out more here about this year's International Women's Day agenda - Rights. Justice, Action. For ALL Women and Girls.

Lisa Kerr - International Women's Day Feature

This IWD we're celebrating some of the female leaders, founders and entrepreneurs in our Chamber. In this feature we talked to Lisa Kerr from Think Exceptionally.

1. How did you get to where you are today?

I’m a Deloitte-trained Chartered Accountant with over 20 years in senior finance, operations and HR roles. In 2020, I launched what became Think Exceptionally to help businesses grow and individuals thrive. Around the same time, I was diagnosed Autistic and ADHD – a turning point that reshaped my purpose and fuelled my neurodiversity work. I trained as an ICF-Certified ADHD Life Coach and completed additional neurodiversity-inclusive coaching training to give others the support I didn’t realise I needed during my corporate career. Now I blend consulting, coaching, and speaking to turn complex challenges into opportunities to help people and organisations flourish.

2. What would you tell your younger self?

I’d tell my younger self that you’re not broken, you’re different, and that difference is powerful. Stop trying to fit systems that were never designed for your brain. Your sensitivity, intensity, and curiosity are strengths, not flaws. Burnout isn’t a personal failure; it’s a signal you’ve been pushing too hard to be ‘normal’. Ask for support sooner. Trust your instincts more. You don’t need to earn rest or prove your worth. One day, the things you struggle with now will become the very reason you help others thrive.

3. What advice would you give to the next generation of women in business?

I’d tell the next generation of women in business to stop waiting for permission. You don’t need to be more confident, more qualified, or more likeable to take up space. Build careers or businesses that work with your life and your brain, not against them. Question systems that reward burnout and silence difference. Learn your boundaries early and defend them without apology. Surround yourself with people who challenge you and support you, not just those who look impressive on paper. Community is important so find your tribe. Your perspective is valuable precisely because it’s unique. Use it boldly.

You can find out more here about this year's International Women's Day agenda - Rights. Justice, Action. For ALL Women and Girls.

Sonia Baker - International Women's Day Feature

This IWD we're celebrating some of the female leaders, founders and entrepreneurs in our Chamber. In this feature we talked to Sonia Baker from Sight Support Worthing.

1. How did you get to where you are today? (max 100 words)

I grew up in Brighton and after being very artistic at school, randomly ended up working for the Crown Prosecution Service for 11 years presenting criminal cases in the Magistrates court. I developed some invaluable skills there and having always been a creative, it taught me to be evidenced based in my thinking. However, after having young children I needed more flexible work, so I left and spent several years trying to find my ‘purpose’! I’ve always been an all-rounder who likes variety and luckily I found leadership in the nonprofit sector – which pretty much encompasses everything!

2. What would you tell your younger self? (max 100 words)

Vocation, vocation, vocation! Some young people are academic and know very early they want to be, say, a doctor, but others aren’t or don’t. I would tell any young person starting out to seize any opportunity for work placements, volunteering, or apprenticeships to build your professional experience. You’ll not only build knowledge but valuable soft skills as well. That’s how you’ll find what you love to do. And what you don’t!

3. What advice would you give to the next generation of women in business? (max 100 words)

To remain curious about everything and never stop learning. Also, being able to give back to your local community through your work whether through sharing your knowledge or volunteering or even occasional fundraising. Not only is it incredibly personally rewarding, it boosts your ESG profile and makes business sense!

www.sswcharity.org.uk

You can find out more here about this year's International Women's Day agenda - Rights. Justice, Action. For ALL Women and Girls.

Lisa Hector - International Women's Day Feature

This IWD we're celebrating some of the female leaders, founders and entrepreneurs in our Chamber. In this feature we talked to Lisa Hector from Link to Hope. 

1. How did you get to where you are today?

I’ve spent over two decades leading a UK charity working across Eastern Europe, growing it from small beginnings into something sustainable and impactful. Along the way, I’ve made plenty of mistakes — but each one has been part of the learning. The role has required constant adaptation, awareness of the changing external environment, and the ability to lead through uncertainty and change. Much of my journey has involved setting direction and bringing others with me. Coming from a corporate background, I expected the transition to be easier, but working in the non-profit sector has given me a level of experience and responsibility I could never have imagined. Leading a Christian organisation, my work is faith-based, and that has always been the guiding focus behind my decisions.

2.What would you tell your younger self?

Get a mentor early on and don’t be afraid to move more quickly. Don’t let things happen to you — make them happen. I started out in an era where I could be the second most senior person in a room full of men and still be asked to make the coffee. Thankfully, things have changed, but I would tell my younger self not to stay in toxic environments. Choose roles where you can be yourself, grow, and use your strengths — not ones that keep you boxed in by expectation. Be more confident, trust your instincts, ask for help sooner, and never underestimate the power of relationships.

3. What advice would you give to the next generation of women in business?

Build strong networks, seek out mentors, and support other women along the way.  You have a unique set of attributes and skills that no-one else has.  Don't compare yourself to people that you think have done better or have got up the career ladder faster.  Its your journey,  make it the one you want it to be and be happy with what you have achieved not what others have.

You can find out more here about this year's International Women's Day agenda - Rights. Justice, Action. For ALL Women and Girls.

Sam Pewsey - International Women's Day Feature

This IWD we're celebrating some of the female leaders, founders and entrepreneurs in our Chamber. In this feature we talked to Sam Pewsey from People Finding Consultancy. 

1. How did you get to where you are today?  

I got here through a combination of nearly 20 years working in recruitment for other people and a deep desire to do it differently. I wanted to be part of my clients’ teams as a true in house recruiter, which led me to build the People Finding model. Alongside that, losing my dad caused me to step back and reassess life, work and purpose. That perspective pulled me back to recruitment because helping people is what I love. It’s been built through hard work, reflection, feedback, adaptation, trusting my instincts and showing up every day.  

2. What would you tell your younger self?

You are not too sensitive, too emotional or too much. Those things are your strength. Stop trying to fit into boxes that were never designed for you and trust your gut earlier. Confidence doesn’t arrive fully formed, it’s built by doing the scary things anyway. You don’t need to have it all figured out to take the next step and you are allowed to change direction as you grow.

3. What advice would you give to the next generation of women in business?

Build businesses that work for your life, not at the expense of it. You don’t need to copy loud models of success to be taken seriously. Kindness, integrity and emotional intelligence are commercial strengths, not weaknesses. Find people who support you, ask for help sooner, listen to your own instincts and remember that rest is productive. Success looks different for everyone and you get to define what that means for you.

www.peoplefindingconsultancy.com

You can find out more here about this year's International Women's Day agenda - Rights. Justice, Action. For ALL Women and Girls.

Henry King features in February's Funeral Service Journal

Henry was asked to take part in '20 Questions' in the February edition of the Funeral Service Journal. If you have a copy, head to page 62 to check it out! Henry said "This is a national journal so it's been nice to receive messages from funeral directors I have met all over the country."

1. What’s the most unusual request you’ve ever had? I am a big advocate for 'unusual requests'. Too often we hear families suggest music choices, followed by 'that isn't funeral appropriate'. Instead, we should be celebrating the individual. The first thought that came to mind was a family who brought two bags to the service: one with scrunched up wrapping paper and the other with pegs. As the service concluded, a wrapping paper throwing fight broke out, as the family did every Christmas. The pegs were used during the reception, to discretely attach a peg to any individual - but don't get caught! 

2. How did you fulfil it? The answer is yes - what's the question?
3. What would you want your funeral to be like? If I was to pass away tomorrow, I would like the full hog. Placed on a gun carriage and pulled through the village by black Frisesian horses. Marching band. Carried into St James the Less Church and left in repose. Heaviest coffin you can imagine. Jerusalem to be sung. And yes, I've already told my partner - pre planning!
4. Burial or cremation? I think cremation. I like the idea that 'land is for the living' and my ashes could be scattered in a memorable place for my family to visit. 
5. What song(s) would you want played at your funeral? I enjoy a vast variety of music genres, but I'd have to choose something by Edward Elgar, with London Grammar thrown in too. ‘Jerusalem’ has to be sung!
6. What attracted you to the funeral sector? My father worked in the industry, so I've grown up with it. I started casual pallbearing with him aged 16, as he didn't want me 'sitting at home on the PlayStation'. My intentions were joining the Royal Air Force, but after acquiring a full-time position aged 18, I enjoyed it that much I decided to stay. Here I am, 15 years later.
7. What’s the one thing you wish you’d known when you started? That you cannot hold onto the information of every funeral you conduct. I would walk down the high street; notice a client and I could tell you everything about the funeral we arranged 2-3 years prior. From music, to coffin, officiant, how many order of service booklets they had, how many limousines they had. It was unhealthy and it affected me mentally. 
8. If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be and why? Regulation. I take huge pride investing in my facilities, insuring we have the best equipment and care for our families and deceased. 
9. What worries you most about your business? I worry about the mental impact direct cremations are having on families. I'm not saying direct cremation is wrong and nobody should have it, but too often I'm hearing from families 'I want Dad to have a funeral, but he wanted direct cremation'. They're torn between getting the closure that will help in grief, but also respecting their father's wishes. I'm seeing families 12 months later regretting choosing a direct cremation and the realisation of the impact it will have on their mental health. 
10. What is the best part of your job? Hearing 'thank you' from a family. During what is often the most difficult time in someone's life, they take the time to thank you for the service you have provided.
11. What’s the worst? Finding a healthy balance between work and personal life. Working in this industry, we know life is too short. It's important to get that balance right.
12. What three words best describe your life in the funeral sector? Inspiring. Thankful. Legacy.
13. What advice would you give someone joining the sector now? Know your values and stick by them!
14. What’s the worst mistake you’ve ever made? Failing to understand how to run a business. You can be the best funeral director in the county, but if you don't understand business, how good you are becomes irrelevant.
15. What did you learn from it? How to recognise working 'in' the business and 'on' the business. Understanding that makes a huge difference in growth.
16. When and where were you at your happiest? When my son was born. I have a photograph of him being born, and in the same frame is my beaming, smiling face. My face hurts at the thought of how big my smile was. He changed the perspective of life and I will forever be grateful - he's only two and doesn't know it!
17. Who or what has been your biggest influence? My Dad. He believed in me and supported me when I decided to open my office in 2017. He sadly passed away in 2021 and I hope he is proud of the legacy and I continue in his name. I've written a few blogs on my website about him, including when he died. His photographs are proudly displayed in my office.
18. What are you most proud of and why? Proving the haters wrong. I was 23 when I opened my office and I got a lot of stick for it. Larger funeral directors made it difficult for me at the start, but I'm proud of the business I have created.
19. What is your biggest regret? Fiddling with the VCR when my Dad taped WrestleMania in the early 2000s. I didn't believe he had woken up to record it, so I aged around 8-10 I took it upon myself to push buttons, ultimately stopping the recording. I was so upset the following morning that I faked an illness to be off school and borrowed a friend's tape recording!
20. How do you want to be remembered? As a man my son would be proud to call 'dad'.

FluidOne share how Microsoft Copilot can save time for Chamber member businesses

As a Chamber member, Fluid One works closely with small and medium sized organisations to help them improve productivity and make better use of the technology they already have. In this article, the Fluid One team share practical insights on Microsoft 365 Copilot, exploring how accessible AI tools can help Chamber member businesses save time, reduce everyday admin, and support teams facing the pressures of 2026.

An accessible opportunity for SMBs facing the challenges of 2026

For small and medium‑sized businesses, 2026 begins with a familiar challenge: producing more, faster, with limited teams and ongoing budget pressure. In this context, the arrival of AI tools that are accessible, easy to deploy, and genuinely useful in day‑to‑day work marks an important turning point. Among these, Microsoft 365 Copilot Business is emerging as a practical productivity driver; not a gadget, but a tool that integrates directly into the applications SMBs already use.

Why is Copilot becoming a strong asset for SMBs?

A large part of lost time in businesses comes from repetitive tasks, starting documents from scratch or sorting through long email threads. Work is taking longer than it should, good ideas get stuck in drafts, and frustrations rise as things fail to move forward as quickly as they need to.

On average, employees using Copilot save around 2.3 hours per week¹, time they can reinvest in higher‑value work. Copilot automates or accelerates these actions by relying on the data and tools teams already use. Unlike general AI tools, Copilot works directly within Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, OneDrive) allowing it to operate with context, accuracy and in line with the organisation’s security rules.

What can Copilot do for your team every day?

Copilot supports teams by helping them work more efficiently in the flow of work, boosting productivity without increasing costs and allowing them to focus on what matters most:

An accessible investment for small organisations

Integrated AI was once reserved for large enterprises, but Microsoft has introduced a dedicated Copilot plan designed to make AI genuinely accessible for SMBs, at a predictable and controlled cost.

For many small businesses, this removes the usual barriers to entry, allowing teams to explore AI in a practical way, without heavy upfront investment or complex implementation. It is a straightforward way to test real productivity gains, backed by familiar Microsoft 365 tools and simplified support.

Conclusion

Copilot gives SMBs exactly what they need: fewer admin bottlenecks, faster output, and secure automation built directly into the tools teams already use.

A promotional Copilot offer is available until March 31st, making now a strong opportunity to get started with minimal risk and maximum value. Click here to find out more.

¹ Source: Vodafone, Microsoft & KPMG – Microsoft 365 Copilot Productivity Trial Results (2024)

GWCA Solicitors Announced as Headline Sponsor for Worthing Museum and Art Gallery

GWCA Solicitors is delighted to announce a new partnership with Worthing Theatres and Museum (WTM) , who will serve as Headline Sponsor for the highly anticipated reopening of Worthing Museum and the landmark OPEN26 exhibition.

The year-long sponsorship will see GWCA Solicitors support the Museum's long-awaited reopening in late March 2026, following an extensive refurbishment project made possible through major funding from Arts Council England, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Garfield Weston Foundation and Museum Development South East. The redevelopment project has also been generously supported by local donors who have collectively raised over £15,000 through the Reimagining Worthing Museum campaign.

As Headline Sponsor, GWCA will be prominently featured throughout the reopening celebrations as well as the OPEN26 exhibition running from March to September. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting arts, heritage and community engagement in Worthing and the wider West Sussex region. GWCA's sponsorship will support a comprehensive programme of exhibitions and events throughout the year, helping to ensure the Museum remains accessible and welcoming for all.

Yemisi Mokuolu, Chair of Worthing Theatres and Museum, said: "We are thrilled to welcome GWCA Solicitors as Headline Sponsor for this momentous occasion in Worthing Museum's history. Their support demonstrates a genuine commitment to enriching cultural life in Worthing. This partnership will help us create an unforgettable reopening experience for our community and ensure that the Museum's return is celebrated in the way it deserves."

Emma Chatwell, Senior Partner at GWCA Solicitors, said: "GWCA Solicitors is proud to support Worthing Museum as it embarks on this exciting new chapter. The Museum is a vital cultural asset for our community, and we believe strongly in supporting local institutions that bring people together and enrich our town. This partnership represents a long-term commitment from GWCA to the Museum and to Worthing's cultural offering. We are looking forward to the reopening celebrations in March and to playing our part in ensuring the Museum's continued success throughout 2026 and beyond."