Electric Storm Youth Launches Patron Consortium to Strengthen Future for Local Young People.

Electric Storm Youth (ESY), a charity dedicated to empowering young people across Lancing, Sompting and Adur has officially launched its new Patron Consortium to strengthen its advocacy and community reach. This initiative aims to create an influential network of high-profile champions for the region's youth and ESY is proud to unveil the first two members of this consortium: Tom Rutland Member of Parliament for East Worthing and Shoreham and prominent business leader Simon Bland.

Tom joins Electric Storm Youth with a deep personal commitment to social mobility and a mission to raise the voices of the next generation. Having previously met with the ESY Youth Forum to discuss local democracy, Tom is eager to use his national and local platform to raise the charity’s profile. Sharing his personal motivation, Tom said "Giving every young person the opportunity to achieve their potential regardless of their background is something everyone should support, and very important to me personally. I want to make sure that every young person in Adur has the confidence, skills and support they need to thrive, and I’ve been so impressed with Electric Storm Youth's work to empower young people across Adur. I'm delighted to be appointed as a patron to support them to have the biggest possible impact for the next generation.“

Simon brings extensive expertise in economic development and further education, alongside a clear and long-standing commitment to supporting young people. His experience and professional networks would add significant value to the organisation, particularly in strengthening external relationships, advocacy, and long-term sustainability.

With over 20 years’ experience in local government, alongside a range of governor roles across Special Educational Needs settings and Pupil Referral Units, Simon offers deep strategic insight and the benefit of a well-established and influential network. “I believe that young people need support to help them achieve their full potential. There is a lack of this support resulting in many young people being 'left behind'. I am looking forward to being able to use my knowledge and experience to help ESY deliver their mission.

The formation of the Patron Consortium marks a significant step in ESY’s growth. By bringing together leaders from politics, business, and education, the charity aims to bridge the gap between young people and the wider community.

Karen Jefford, CEO of Electric Storm Youth, commented “We’ve been very deliberate in creating a Patron consortium rather than appointing a single Patron. For us, this is about bringing together a diversity of skills, perspectives, lived experience, and professional networks that can actively support our ambition to grow and deepen our impact.

The role of a Patron at Electric Storm Youth is about advocacy, influence, challenge, and mentorship. Tom and Simon each bring distinct strengths and experiences that will strengthen our organisation, open new opportunities, and, most importantly, help us support young people now, laying the foundations for the future.”

ESY is currently seeking two additional Patrons to complete the consortium, looking for individuals who share their passion for youth empowerment and social inclusion.

www.electricstormyouth.co.uk

Hargreaves Welcomes Rivervale to Newly Refurbished Shoreham Warehouse Hub

Hargreaves Group, the private family owned investment and development company with a strong commercial and residential portfolio across the South East, is pleased to announce a significant new letting at Dolphin Enterprise Centre in Shoreham. Rivervale Cars, one of the leading vehicle leasing brokers in the UK, has committed to Unit A1–A3, following a series of successful lettings across the wider Dolphin Road estate in 2025 to Scout Shops, Crop Crop and The Dental Imaging Company — reinforcing the exceptional appeal of this thriving business location.

The recently refurbished 9,816 sq ft warehouse offers high quality, energy efficient accommodation in a prominent position, complemented by excellent parking and loading facilities. Rivervale’s new 10 year lease reflects strong confidence in both the building and the wider estate, which continues to stand out as one of Shoreham’s most attractive industrial and warehouse destinations.

Dolphin Enterprise Centre continues to provide opportunities for growing businesses, with a range of smaller units from 1,068 to 2,136 sq ft currently available. Larger newly refurbished units from 7,035 to 15,600 sq ft are also offered nearby at Dolphin Way, enabling Hargreaves to cater to a wide spectrum of occupational needs. The company also have prime trade counter and warehouse space available in Burgess Hill. For further information, please contact Hargreaves on 01903 777772 or via email at leasing@hprop.co.uk.

David Russell Smith, Senior Asset Manager at Hargreaves Group, commented:

“Dolphin Enterprise Centre continues to attract a diverse range of occupiers, from ambitious start-ups to established national brands. Our significant investment in our Shoreham warehouse portfolio means we are offering some of the very best accommodation in the market. We are delighted to welcome Rivervale to the estate following the comprehensive refurbishment completed in 2025, and we look forward to bringing more businesses into our expanding Shoreham community throughout 2026.”

Neil Chapman, Chairman of Rivervale, commented:

“Securing this unit at Dolphin Enterprise Centre marks an exciting step forward for our business. The building offers the high‑quality, well‑positioned warehouse space we’ve been actively seeking, and it provides an impressive setting for both our team and our customers. This move gives us the platform to elevate our operations, and we look forward to welcoming customers to our new facility once our fit‑out is complete.”

Hargreaves was advised by Stiles Harold Williams and Justice & Co. Rivervale Cars was unrepresented.

Five practical ways businesses can achieve affordable productivity by Fluid One

For many businesses, improving productivity often feels tied to major investment or large‑scale transformation. In reality, some of the biggest gains come from identifying hidden inefficiencies, strengthening the tools already in use, and simplifying the way the IT environment operates. When organisations focus on these practical areas, they often find meaningful improvements can be achieved without significant additional cost. With many businesses balancing growth ambitions against tighter budgets, knowing where to optimise can make a substantial difference. Here are five practical steps that help organisations stay productive without unnecessary spend.

1. Reduce supplier fragmentation

When IT responsibilities are split across several providers, delays and blurred ownership quickly follow. Issues take longer to resolve, and it becomes harder for teams to know who is responsible for what. A single trusted partner can streamline accountability, improve response times and keep systems aligned to business goals. Consolidating suppliers doesn’t just simplify communication, it often improves resilience and service quality.

2. Optimise your Microsoft licensing

As teams evolve, it’s easy for licences to drift out of sync with real working patterns. A simple review often uncovers unused features, overlapping tools or opportunities to simplify plans, improving value without reducing capability. Many organisations find this is one of the quickest ways to reduce ongoing spend while still giving employees access to the tools they need to work effectively.

3. Introduce AI in a structured, low‑risk way

AI doesn’t require a business‑wide rollout from day one. Starting with a small pilot group, measuring the impact and expanding gradually allows organisations to adopt AI in a controlled, cost‑effective way. This helps teams build confidence early, encourages practical experimentation and ensures investment is guided by real‑world results rather than hype.

4. Strengthen your security fundamentals

Preventable security incidents remain one of the most expensive and disruptive causes of downtime. Clear visibility, consistent controls and proactive monitoring help keep risk low and productivity uninterrupted. For businesses growing quickly, getting these basics right early avoids costly issues later and ensures security can scale smoothly with the organisation.

5. Ensure your IT support model scales with you

As businesses expand, their IT needs often grow quietly in the background. Regular check‑ins with a managed service provider help ensure performance, security and value remain aligned. A scalable support model prevents technology from becoming a barrier to innovation or operational momentum.

FluidOne brings these elements together through a single, accountable partnership designed to keep businesses secure, efficient and optimised. Support is available to help organisations unlock affordable productivity and ensure their technology continues to enable long‑term growth.

For further information, you can reach us through www.fluidone.com/contact, call us on 01273 384100 or email us at brighton@fluidone.com.

Baked Worthing shortlisted for Small Business Award 

Local firm Baked Worthing has been shortlisted for Britain’s best Bricks & Clicks business.

Wednesday 15 April 2026: Baked, based in Rowlands Road, Worthing, has been chosen as a finalist for the Bricks & Clicks Award at this year’s Small Awards. Now in its tenth year The Small Awards is a nationwide search for the UK’s greatest small firms, across all sectors. It is organised annually by Small Business Britain, which champions and supports the nation’s 5.5 million small firms.

Baked, founded in 2014 by Lauren Roffey, bakes and sells a huge range of brownies, blondies and brookies for sale in their shop/bakery in Rowlands Road as well as offering UK wide postal delivery. It has been selected as one of just eight finalists for the Bricks & Clicks Award that recognises small businesses that use multiple channels innovatively to develop their business.

The Small Awards celebrate the successes of Britain’s small businesses, with eleven different awards for small firms leading the way across everything from sustainability to digital adoption, and showcasing all types of small businesses including social enterprises, family-owned businesses, sole traders and start-ups.

“We are so proud to be celebrating a decade of the Small Awards. The awards celebrate the very best of the UK’s small business owners, who make such a difference in their local communities and are a key driver of the nation’s economic growth,” said Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder of Small Business Britain.

“The awards are a great opportunity to recognise the success and contributions of so many small businesses - Baked Worthing is extremely deserving of being a finalist, and we look forward to celebrating together in May.”

Speaking of her joy at being shortlisted for the award, Lauren Roffey said “To be recognised like this, on the national stage, is just wonderful. As so many people know, running a small business is tough going, and it feels great to see that our hard work has paid off.”

“I am very lucky to have a great team that work alongside me, and a loyal tribe of brownie fans that help keep us going and growing. I can’t wait to celebrate in May.”

Judged by a panel of industry experts, the winners of all categories, including the overall winner of the Small Business of the Year award, will be announced at an awards ceremony in London on 21st May 2026.

The ceremony will this year be held at Christchurch in Spitalfields London, with plans underway for a night of entertainment, inspiration and celebration for the UK’s greatest small businesses.

Kreston Reeves & Kreston ProWorks advise Japanese chemical company on UK acquisition 

Kreston Reeves and Kreston ProWorks have advised Washin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. on its acquisition of JFBR Group Limited, the holding company of Foilco Ltd.

Headquartered in Japan, Washin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd manufactures hot stamping foils and specialty coatings and paints for products and consumer packaging around the world.

Established in 1987 in Greater Manchester, Foilco Ltd specialises in the marketing and supply of hot stamping foils for premium packaging, print and product decoration.

Kreston Reeves (UK) and Kreston ProWorks (Japan) worked together to provide their client with a seamless, multi-lingual service. They provided buy-side corporate finance, financial and tax due diligence support, combining local knowledge and global experience to ensure all stakeholders had the appropriate support and advice.

The strength of Kreston Global was further highlighted with Kreston Revicom (Italy) providing additional local tax expertise.

The team in the UK was led by Senior Partner Andrew Griggs and Corporate Finance Director Craig Dallender, supported by Sakshi Gupta (Corporate Finance Manager), Mohammed Mujtaba (Corporate Tax Partner), Karl Dillow (Corporate Tax Senior Manager) and Tanraj Bansal (VAT Senior). 

In Japan, the team was led by Kreston ProWorks CEO and Director Marek Lehocky, supported by Kazumichi Shimagaki. For Kreston Revicom, the team included Mario Wiel Marin (Partner) and Michele Zingarelli (Associate Partner).

Craig Dallender said: “Kreston Reeves and the Kreston Global network is well-placed to support businesses anywhere in the world looking to do business in the UK or to acquire UK businesses. We are delighted to have advised the Washin Chemical Industry Company on this acquisition and to work alongside the terrific Kreston ProWorks team. This transaction really demonstrates the strength of Kreston Global and our ability to leverage regional expertise and vast deal experience to provide our clients with high quality cross-border support.”

Marek Lehocky said: “Washin Chemical Industry Company is a global leader in specialist foils and coatings with customers around the world. Its acquisition of Foilco Ltd in the UK is an important step in its international growth, and we are pleased to have supported this transaction alongside Kreston Reeves. We also appreciate the role of Nihon M&A Center, a leading M&A advisory and brokerage firm, in bringing the buyer and seller together and enabling this successful cross-border transaction.”

Andrew Griggs, Kreston Reeves Senior Partner and Head of Global added: “This engagement clearly demonstrates the strength of the Kreston Global network and how our member firms collaborate seamlessly to deliver effective cross-border solutions for clients. I am extremely proud of the way Kreston Reeves and Kreston Proworks worked together as one team to successfully support a mutual client.”

Shin Nakamichi, Executive Officer, Washin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd, said: “We are grateful for the support provided by Kreston Reeves and Kreston ProWorks throughout this acquisition. Their advice was timely, practical and well-coordinated across Japan and the UK, which gave us confidence as we progressed the transaction.”

Legal advice to Washin Chemical Industry Company was provided by Nishimura & Asahi and RPC Legal. Foilco were advised by Lodders Solicitors. Japanese corporate finance advice was also provided by Nihon M&A Center Inc.

Southwick Community Centre set for major refurbishment

Visitors to historic Southwick Community Centre will benefit from an improved facility once heritage specialist Pilbeam Construction completes a crucial revamp in early May this year.

New windows and damp proofing, combined with internal and external refurbishment will transform the important community building into a more welcoming space.

Founded in 1945, Southwick Community Centre is one of the oldest community centres in the country.

The complex was originally derelict 16th-century farm buildings, including a barn, stables and piggeries.

Pilbeam Construction commercial manager Matt Hayler said: “It’s a pleasure for us to be working on Southwick Community Centre, a project that’s very close to home for our team and for me personally, as I live just around the corner.

“The centre brings so much to the local community, so we’re proud to support a building that plays such an important role for local people.

“With much of the centre remaining open throughout, we’ll ensure the work is carefully managed, clearly communicated and safely separated from visitors to minimise disruption.”

Work is due to start on April 1 and complete in early May, with specialist timber windows supplied by Ventrolla.

Pilbeam will work closely with the conservation officer to ensure the specialist windows match the existing ones precisely.

The £150k scheme will include installing replacement windows to the Barn Café and the George Porter Room, as the current windows are beyond repair. Drainage work will combat internal damp problems.

The café will be shut for two weeks to allow the work to be completed.

Southwick Community Centre manager Jayne Routley said: “Our centre hosts a vast array of activities with 50 different groups which bring our community together so it’s vital we provide a more comfortable space for them.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming our neighbours Pilbeam Construction and seeing their heritage construction skills at work.

“We know construction causes disruption to visitors, but the results will be worth the very short wait.”

Pilbeam Construction has previously worked for Adur and Worthing Councils, which owns the community centre, on projects at Worthing Town Hall and Worthing Theatres and Museum.

For more information please visit: https://www.pilbeamconstruction.co.uk/

For more information about the community centre please visit: https://southwickcommunitycentre.org.uk/

Expert advice on Closing the Skills Gap in Manufacturing and Engineering at Crawley breakfast event

Local manufacturing and engineering businesses will hear expert tips on closing the skills gap at the next meeting of METALL, the forum for manufacturing, engineering and technology businesses.

The breakfast event takes place on Tuesday 21 April at the Sussex and Surrey Institute of Technology at Crawley College. The practical presentations will be of particular interest for those businesses facing their most capable staff approaching retirement, new recruits arriving without the technical and practical skills their business needs, staff that are irreplaceable in the current market, or issues retaining and developing their best people.

Speakers Jeff Hughes, Engineering Manager of Welland Medical and Zoe Robson, Head of People at Ceres Power will share how they addressed workforce priorities within their businesses, with support from Crawley College and the Sussex and Surrey Institute of Technology (IoT). Dean Wynter (Vice Principal at Crawley College & SSIoT) will outline how businesses can access funding, tailored training, and qualifications like T Levels, HNCs, and HNDs to upskill staff.

Tony Summers, Partner and Head of Manufacturing at Carpenter Boxcommented:

“This is a fantastic opportunity for manufacturing businesses to explore one of the sector’s most pressing challenges – building and retaining a skilled workforce. With practical insight from industry peers and guidance from the Institute of Technology, attendees will gain clear, actionable ways to access training, funding and development pathways to support future growth.”

The event will end with an open Q&A, followed by attendees having the opportunity to tour the state-of-the-art IoT facility on the Crawley College campus. Registration for this free event is at https://www.metall.org.uk/events/

The event is sponsored by: Carpenter Box, NatWest and DMH Stallard LLP.

Link To Hope's Friday Night Live

Forget Easter Eggs.  Buy a ticket to Link To Hope’s Friday Night Live event instead.

Friday Night Live is a fun-filled evening of entertainment, laughter and great company on Friday 17th April, from 7.30pm to 10.00pm in Ferring, West Sussex.  Join us for a fantastic evening of games inspired by classic TV game shows including What’s My Line, Blankety Blank, Mr & Mrs, Would I Lie to You, Play Your Cards Right, Copycats and more.

Tickets are £10 each and fantastic entertainment, raffle and a cash bar are also available.

Come in teams of 10 or as an individual or couple and we will put you on a table with others. For each game your table decides if you want to play your Joker to double your points.  If was a sell out last time we hosted this fundraiser. Children are welcome over 10 years old.

The event will take place at Glebelands Centre, Ferring, West Sussex and all profits raised will go directly towards the work of Link to Hope, supporting vulnerable people and communities across Eastern Europe.

Come along, bring friends, and enjoy a great night out while helping transform lives.

Buy your tickets here

Crowns Venues announce full purchase of Tottington Manor Hotel

On 17th March 2021 the Directors of Crowns Venues Ltd, Helen & Steve Pomery, Philip Fossey & Jamie Kensett acquired the keys to Tottington Manor Hotel near Henfield. They negotiated an entry deal securing a 5 Year option and fixing the freehold price with the balance deferred until 17th March 2026. On 11th March this year the Freehold was purchased in full transferring 100% ownership to Crowns Venues Ltd T/A Tottington Manor Hotel. 

The Hotel, now completely transformed and re-invigorated through enormous investment and vision has built up an enviable reputation within Sussex and beyond as well as creating the standalone TERRA Restaurant which is entirely focused on championing the best Sussex Produce, Wines and Spirits all from the heart of the South Downs.

Since their arrival, the 12 Bedroomed Guest Accommodation has been recognised by the AA as 4 Star and they’ve gone on to be awarded numerous awards and accolades from THE BRAVO’s, The Beautiful South Awards for Best Restaurant in South East (2nd), Best Wedding Venue (Bronze), Gold Ribbon Good Food Guide, Opentable, has recently been featured as one of the Top 50 Restaurants in the UK by Opentable and receivedtheir first AA Rosette. 

Director Helen Pomery said “On the night of our 5th Anniversary we celebrated with 150 guests to announceour purchase was complete and we were joined by the local Sussex business community, guests, suppliers, friends and neighbours. We are so proud, especially during this very difficult time for the Hospitality Industry to have got the required funding to complete the purchase of Tottington Manor and secured its future foryears to come. We continue to work hard and smart and thank all the guests, our wonderful suppliers and ourteam and look forward to many more happy years here in the heart of the South Downs National Park. 

www.tottingtonmanor.co.uk

Worthing Businesses Support Sussex Cricket Foundation Through New Networking Events

Local businesses in Worthing have come together to support the Sussex Cricket Foundation through a growing series of networking events led by Tim Ransley of Bennett Griffin LLP and Sam Hart of Ian Hart Funeral Services.

The initiative brings together professionals from across the local business community in a relaxed and engaging environment, combining informal networking with guest speakers from the world of cricket.

The series has already welcomed well-known, international names including Monty Panesar, Ollie Robinson, and Paul Farbrace, Director of Cricket at Sussex, who have shared stories from their careers with guests while helping to raise funds for the Foundation.

The most recent event, “The Afternoon Session”, took place at Tavola Di Famiglia in Worthing, where around 40 guests enjoyed a three-course lunch, heard from guest speakers Paul Farbrace and Ollie Robinson, and took part in a raffle in support of the Foundation.

Speaking about the events, Tim Ransley and Sam Hart said:

“Whilst combining funerals with the law and professional sport all sounds rather novel, we wanted to get local businesses talking, but in a way that we could add a bit of interest. As fans of the old leather on willow, what better way to do that than hear from some of the legends of the game all whilst raising money for the Foundation. We want to say a huge thanks to Ian Hart Funeral Services and Bennett Griffin for supporting us with this. We have some great ideas for the future so watch this space!”

Across the first two events, a total of £1,500 has been raised to support the Sussex Cricket Foundation’s work across the county.

Gary Wallis-Tayler from the Sussex Cricket Foundation added:

“We are extremely grateful to Sam, Tim and the local Worthing community for supporting the Foundation. These events not only raise vital funds but also enables us to raise awareness and the profile of the Foundation, across a town that has strong cricketing tradition and whose recreational clubs continue to provide opportunities for people of all ages, abilities and genders to access the game.”

The Sussex Cricket Foundation plays an important role in supporting communities across the region, using cricket as a way to improve physical and mental wellbeing, develop life skills and create inclusive opportunities.

Further events are already being planned throughout the year, continuing to offer local businesses the chance to connect, share experiences and support a meaningful cause.  If you are interested, keep an eye on the Bennett Griffin Social Media feeds, or email Tim tr@bennett-griffin.co.uk to ensure you are on the next invite list.