METALL event: Do your research to succeed overseas

Sussex and Surrey manufacturers looking to grow overseas benefited from advice from one of the UK’s leading international trade experts at the latest meeting of METALL, the forum for the region’s manufacturing, engineering and technology businesses.

Nick Charles, International Trade Adviser at the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), guided business leaders through the government support that is available both online and in person to help companies expand through exports.

“Succeeding internationally not only means exposure to bigger markets, it can also make recruiting talent easier, boost productivity and generate new ideas through knowledge sharing,” said Nick. “That said, businesses must do their research, get good data, and be prepared to invest their time and resources to expand operations on a country-by-country basis.”

He recommended visiting great.gov.uk as a starting point where businesses can join DBT’s online export academy, which helps to build knowledge on selling internationally, and explore further support options relevant to them.  This includes contacting DBT’s export support team.

Businesses also heard from a panel of experts from METALL sponsors, accountants Carpenter Box, lawyers DMH Stallard and NatWest Bank, about the most common pitfalls to avoid, notably around intellectual property, contractual terms and conditions, VAT and finance.

“There are definitely exciting opportunities overseas for progressive businesses, but the big take-away for would-be exporters is to do your homework,” said Tony Summers, Partner and Head of Manufacturing at Carpenter Box. “To succeed, manufacturers need to be thorough in their planning, understand the risks, get to know their target territories and markets inside out – and then implement a comprehensive business development plan.”

Photo (l-r) shows: Thomas Mobee, VAT Director, Carpenter Box; Kaajal Kanbi, Trade Finance Manager, NatWest; Nick Charles, International Trade Adviser, Department for Business and Trade; and Debbie Venn, Partner, DMH Stallard.

www.metall.org.uk

Pilbeam expands team to support talent development

Contractor Pilbeam Construction has strengthened its team with three new hires, boosting its ability to deliver high-quality construction projects across Sussex and the South East.

Joining Pilbeam, based in Southwick, West Sussex, are Rob Lyons as assistant quantity surveyor, Benjamin Williams as assistant site manager and Sam Burchett as a carpentry apprentice.

Pilbeam Construction managing director Alan Corbett said: “This expansion demonstrates our commitment to providing opportunities for young people and quality craftsmanship.

“We’re very happy to welcome Rob, Benjamin and Sam to the Pilbeam family. The skills they acquire with us will strengthen our ability to deliver excellent service across major heritage, healthcare and educational projects in the South East.”

Rob Lyons, with a BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying and experience in managing large-scale projects across Dubai and Oman, joins as assistant quantity surveyor. His responsibilities include procurement, contract management and cost control.

Rob said: “It was Pilbeam’s reputation for quality and collaboration that initially attracted me.

“The company is large enough to manage substantial, exciting projects, yet retains a close-knit culture that encourages teamwork.”

Rob’s career began in council housing maintenance, later evolving into international project management – and he’s now eager to bring his expertise to Pilbeam’s diverse portfolio.

Benjamin Williams brings a dynamic approach to site management, with expertise in health and safety, resource organisation and quality-focused project delivery.

With a technology-driven perspective, Benjamin has already contributed to Pilbeam’s notable regional projects, including the restoration of Newhaven Fort.

Currently working towards a Level 6 BSc (Hons) in Construction Management, Benjamin said: “Pilbeam’s values align with my own. It’s a supportive environment where the company really invests in your professional growth. It took me a while to find my place in construction, but I believe I’ve landed on my feet at Pilbeam.”

Sam Burchett, a carpentry and joinery apprentice studying at Brighton Met, has joined Pilbeam after a successful work experience placement.

Previously a warehouse operative, Sam’s transition to carpentry and joinery reflects his dedication to mastering hands-on, creative work in a field he’s passionate about.

Sam said: “From day one, the team has made me feel welcome and I’m learning so much in an environment that truly values its apprentices. I’ve always loved making things, so this role is the perfect fit for me.”

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

Could you support Tree Action and Durrington Infant and Junior Schools?

TreeAction CIC, a Sussex based non for profit that funds and organises tree planting projects in schools and communities, is currently fundraising for an orchard of 20 fruit trees that will be planted at Durrington Infant and Junior school over the next six months.

The project will be TreeActions 8^th school project in Sussex where it has fundraised for over 90% of the cost of the project, and they are now looking to raise £5000 for the Durrington Primary project, with all donations being matched by Aviva Community fund.  

The planting itself would involve the students who will also be caring for those trees and harvesting the fruit for years to come.

Durrington Infant and Junior support a considerable number of vulnerable and disadvantaged pupils and their families. They have a food bank supporting up to 50 families each month, offering breakfast to pupils, and each Friday make surplus food available to families who cannot always provide fresh fruit to their children. Fruit from the orchard would also be offered mid-morning snacks to any pupils.

The varieties we will order will likely include pear, plum and cherry trees and the project will help the school to address an educational vacuum through hands on tree care and fruit picking as part of the curriculum.

Above: Some of the young eco-team and year 3 cohort at the school who will be involved in planting looking after the trees. Some are school councilors as well so represent their class.  

TreeAction CIC Director Ricky Purnell said “ We’re looking to support environmental education in schools with more trees, especially when the school do not have the time and resources to organise major projects like this. The young students are our future eco ambassadors, and giving them responsibility for caring for trees can support their outdoor learning  “

The school's nursery children will pay visits to begin understanding nature from early on adopting a tree as part of their "Well-being Wednesday" and lessons including cooking and understanding where food comes from would use this. A range of children will be involved from nursery up to year 6, so this will be a whole school project. 

More information on the project and crowdfunding campaign can be found here – https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/treeaction---more-tree-projects-for-schools

They are also always on the lookout for volunteers. - www.treeactionuk.org. 

Kreston Reeves advises Falkland Islands-based Fortuna on its acquisition of Holyhead Towing Company Ltd 

Kreston Reeves has advised Fortuna Ltd on its acquisition of Holyhead Towing Company Ltd.

Fortuna Ltd, based in Stanley, is the leading company in the fishing industry in the Falkland Islands with a strong international reputation for wild-caught and sustainably fished seafood.

Holyhead Towing, based on the Isle of Anglesey in North Wales and with strong and historic connections to the Falkland Islands, operates a fleet of 15 modern and versatile vessels used to support energy, marine civil engineering, dredging and renewable energy projects in the Arabian Gulf, Africa, Indian Ocean and throughout Europe.

The Kreston Reeves team was led by Corporate Finance Director Craig Dallender, supported by Partner Tom Wacher, Corporate Tax Senior Manager Mohammed Mujtaba, Corporate Finance Manager Sakshi Gupta, Corporate Finance Assistant Manager Mark Cheung, Private Client Tax Partner Tom Boniface, Corporate Tax Assistant Manager Jieun Shin and VAT Semi Senior Tanraj Bansal.

Overseas tax support was provided by Kreston ITH and Breaking the Mould Accounting Limited. Legal advice was provided by Pinsent Masons.

Craig said: “We are delighted to have assisted the team at Fortuna with this important transaction. The complexities of the deal required input from a range of the experts across the services we offer here at Kreston Reeves; a clear demonstration of our ability to help clients to achieve the best possible outcomes.”

James Wallace, Managing Director, Fortuna Ltd, said: “This is a significant acquisition for Fortuna which builds on our strengths as a company, helps further diversify our business and provides exciting capabilities and opportunities for the Falklands in the future. Holyhead Towing is a strong company that we know well, with a clear plan for growth. We are very excited to be involved in the future of the Company, and I am delighted to welcome them into the Fortuna Group.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the teams at Pinsent Masons and Kreston Reeves for their invaluable assistance in progressing this acquisition”

James Burns, Managing Director, Holyhead Towing Company Ltd, said: “This is a great step forward for the company, allowing us to chart a course toward an impressive future. Over the coming years, we will focus on strategic investments in our fleet, driven by our commitment to safety, quality, and innovation, all grounded in our extensive experience and deep understanding of our customers’ needs. We extend our gratitude to the board of Fortuna, as well as the crews, management, and customers of HT, for their patience and support throughout this process.”

Looking for a Career in Accountancy?

For those interested in a career in accountancy, Sussex and South East firm Carpenter Box is holding a Trainee Scheme Open Evening in November at their main office in Crescent Road, Worthing.

Accountancy continues to be a very popular career for college leavers and graduates, as evidenced by the increasing number of new trainees recruited each year by Carpenter Box.

Following their popular open evening in February, Carpenter Box is running another informative event on Tuesday 19^th November from 5.30pm. The event is aimed at sixth form and college students who are looking to find out more about starting a career in accountancy or tax in 2025.

At the open evening, one of the Carpenter Box Partners will introduce the firm and provide some information about the different pathways available to become an accountant, tax or business adviser. Attendees can also chat with current trainees to get first-hand insight into their role and experience so far and speak to representatives from ACCA and ICAEW to find out more about the various qualification options. Their HR team will also be on hand to provide some CV and interview tips when applying for a trainee role at Carpenter Box.

For further information on the open evening and to register for a free place visit: https://www.carpenterbox.com/event/open-evening/

www.carpenterbox.com

Carpenter Box Wins Top Tax Team Accolade at Industry Awards

Carpenter Box has been named the Tax Team of the Year at the prestigious 2024 Accounting Excellence Awards. 

The accolade, presented during a red-carpet ceremony hosted by comedian Rob Beckett at London’s iconic Roundhouse, recognised the Sussex and South East firm’s innovative approach to tax services and its commitment to client support.

The Carpenter Box tax team is led by five partners and comprises 35 members of staff across six offices, of which 20 are chartered tax advisers.

In their citation, the award judges described the firm as ‘innovative…with a clearly defined strategy and goals...and a real focus on client care.’ They highlighted Carpenter Box’s successful StarBox initiative, which offers tax-driven support to YouTubers and content creators, as an example of ‘how the firm is responding to wider changes in society’.

“This award is testament to the teamwork that is at the heart of the service we provide to our clients,” said Stuart Noakes, Chairman and Head of Tax Services at Carpenter Box. “We focus unerringly on staff development and training to ensure that every single team member is not only recognised and valued but also equipped with the technical and personal skills they need to deliver high quality service and appropriate professional advice.

“Tax is central to the firm’s wider growth strategy, and this award helps to solidify our growing reputation as the premier tax team in the South East,” said Stuart.

(Receiving the award are l-r: Carpenter Box Partners David Crowter, Nathan Keeley & Robert Lee, Chairman & Head of Tax Services Stuart Noakes, Managing Partner Alan Edwards, Matthew Barnes, Sales Director at Wolters Kluwer & comedian Rob Beckett.)

www.carpenterbox.com

Sussex-based Lightning Fibre launches Full Fibre Broadband Sale 

Lightning Fibre delivers lightning-fast full fibre broadband to Eastbourne, Brighton and Hove, Worthing, Lancing, Hastings and St Leonards, Heathfield, Hellingly and Broad Oak, Hailsham and Polegate. This ‘sale for everyone’ gives a range of price points and speeds for every type of user and budget.

150Mbps 24 month contract, residential customers, was £26 per month plus £48 one off set up fee. NOW £22 per month, free set up and first month FREE.

500Mbps 24 month contract, residential customers, £35 per month, free set up and THREE months FREE.

1Gbps 24 month contract, residential customers, was £39 per month. NOW £29 per month, free set up and first month FREE.

2Gbps 24 month contract, residential customers, was £99 per month. NOW £49 per month, free set up and first month FREE. (where available)*

‍
Additionally, the Lightning Fibre offers a social tariff on a rolling 30 day contract for £15 per month for households in receipt of means-tested benefits, delivering 50Mbps symmetric full fibre to the home.  Plus, until 30^th Nov, anyone over 66 years can also access FullFibre50 for £15 per month fixed for 24 months.

Lightning Fibre operates a Sussex-based customer service call centre, available every day from 8am to 8pm (except on Christmas Day) and has a retail unit in Eastbourne, located in the Enterprise Shopping Centre, open Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm.

Rob Reaks, chief commercial officer, commented, "This is the first time we have discounted all 24 month packages, and I am particularly pleased to see the 2Gbps package reduced to half price*. It makes a residential multi-gig package more affordable for busy homes and gamers and we expect it to be very popular this winter. One Touch Switch now makes it easier than ever before to switch providers, and we can typically install new broadband customers within a few weeks of placing an order.”

The company offers a fixed price for 24 months, although 12 month and rolling contracts are available. 12 and 1 month rolling contracts are not part of the Winter Sale. Unlike many mainstream ISPs, Lightning Fibre does not increase prices during a minimum service period, which means these sale prices can be locked in for a full two years. The sale ends 31st December.

Lightning Fibre is working with Global Radio, Bauer Media, More Radio and Gaydio to deliver radio campaigns across East and West Sussex and Kent, and is running TV and VOD campaigns on Sky TV, Channels Four and Five and ITV.

Lightning Fibre is the UK's best consumer ISP (<50k customers) - Internet Service Providers' Association Awards 2023, and also a finalist for the Best Consumer ISP (<100k customers) category in 2024, the winner will be revealed on 21^st November.

www.LightningFibre.co.uk

01323 380260

_{*2Gbps package is not available in Brighton & Hove, or Worthing at this time.} 

Tony Hedger, President of Worthing & Adur Chamber shares his thoughts on the recent Autumn Budget

The dust is settling on the 2024 Autumn Budget and the reaction from the small business sector has been interesting. Bust or boost? And how are firms going to finance operations and investment into 2025 and beyond?

Budget 2024: bad, good, somewhere in between?

The build-up to the Budget featured plenty of doom-mongering, and there were some tough measures for businesses, but at the same time, there were positives, not least a widespread focus on increasing investment. So, really, a mixed bag.

The rise to employers’ national insurance and the increase in the National Living Wage were the bad points for small businesses, both of which sparked some significant knee-jerk reactions involving claims of layoffs, redundancies and closures.

Heaping more pressure on cash flow and profit margins is the last thing small businesses wanted from the Budget and on the surface these measures do add to the burden. But it is worth pointing out that small businesses have been shielded to some degree from the rise in employers’ national insurance contributions through an increase in the related employment allowance.

There was also some good news with regard to business rates. Although the wide-ranging reform that the small business sector wanted didn’t materialise, retail, hospitality and leisure properties will benefits from lower rates, while the 40% relief framework will stay in place in the short term. Yet another review of the system has been promised by the government.

Aside from business rates, the reaction to the treatment of the corporate tax system has been largely positive, with important investment reliefs remaining in place. The targeting of greater stability has been praised here. Increased investment in workplace training and protection of R&D tax relief has also been welcomed.

Following our recent survey the main area of concern for our members is uncertainty and instability. Only time will tell if this budget has done anything for business confidence or if those business’s still feel uncertain for the future.

One thing we can absolutely reassure businesses of is that we are here to raise the voice of business in Worthing and Adur loud and clear and will continue to do so.

Esteem are looking for a Monitoring and Evaluation Consultant

Esteem is seeking a Monitoring and Evaluation Consultant to work with our youth charity, Esteem to establish a consistent framework for managing and measuring our impact. The ideal candidate will bring an innovative, participatory approach that actively involves young adults in the process, ensuring that the data we collect is not only robust but also reflective of the lived experiences of those we work with. Additionally, this framework will provide the quality of data needed to effectively communicate our impact to funders and stakeholders.

Our Theory of Change:

Our Theory of Change, identifies five key benefits we aim to deliver:

●     Thriving: Supporting young adults to live fulfilling and healthy lives.

●     Coping: Helping young adults build resilience and navigate challenges.

●     Using Initiative: Encouraging proactive behaviours and self-leadership.

●     Feeling Valued: Creating environments where young adults feel recognised and appreciated.

●     Adding Value to Others: Empowering young adults to contribute positively to their communities.

We believe that if we can evidence these benefits it will lead to our long term aims of creative positive cycles of growth, contributing to the wider community and resilience into adulthood.

Research shows that when social and emotional skills are developed, it leads to broader positive outcomes in both personal and community life. Our monitoring and evaluation process will ensure we are effectively capturing and communicating these benefits. We want to highlight areas where we could be doing more, being more effective or missing a vital area of support.

Esteem employs a staff team of 14 and works with over 250 young adults each year offering opportunities such as social activities, mentoring, volunteering and participation opportunities, wellbeing sessions and counselling. The organisation has grown year on year with our annual income rising from  £329,700 in 2021/22 to £497,409 in 2023/24

The brief includes working with Esteem’s staff team and young adults to meet the following key objectives:

1. Establish a Consistent Evaluation Framework:

-      Help us to design a framework that enables us to systematically measure and evaluate the impact of our programs across multiple projects and time periods. This framework should provide consistency in how data is gathered and reported.

-      Ensure the framework is built around our Theory of Change and our five core aims: Thriving, Coping, Using Initiative, Feeling Valued, and Adding Value to Others.

1. Use a Participatory Approach:

-      Work closely with young adults to co-create the evaluation process. This includes involving them in defining the key questions we should be asking to assess progress in each of the five benefit areas.

-      Employ participatory and creative data collection methods alongside our existing quantitative systems that empower young adults to contribute meaningfully. This could include workshops, interviews, storytelling, and arts-based methods that align with the participatory ethos of our charity.

-      Ensure that these methods are replicable and can be applied across future projects to ensure consistency.

1. Diverse & Inclusive Monitoring:

-      Develop a strategy for tracking the demographics and backgrounds of the young adults we engage with, focusing on ethnicity, socio-economic background, gender, and other intersectional factors. This will help us identify who we are reaching and who we are not, ensuring our programs are inclusive and reaching diverse groups.

-      Identify gaps in our reach and propose actionable recommendations on how to better engage underrepresented groups.

-      Take a DE&I approach to M&E and embed in the framework

1. Data Collection & Analysis:

-      In addition to our existing qualitative data (stories, case studies, etc.) and attendance figures, introduce quantitative and mixed-method approaches that provide a more holistic view of our impact.

-      Create tools and templates for staff to use in data collection that are user-friendly, trauma-informed and aligned with the framework, and can be integrated within our youth work offer.

-      Ensure that all data collected can be compared year-on-year and across projects to track long-term progress and trends.

-      Support the production of high-quality impact measurement data that can be used to report back to funders and stakeholders, demonstrating the effectiveness of our work and ensuring continued support. The data should enable us to clearly show how our programs contribute to the personal, social, and emotional development of young adults, as well as broader community benefits.

-      Explore options for ways young adults can benefit from the data that is collected eg. documenting, tracking and acknowledging their journey with Esteem

1. Reporting and Communication:

-      Develop a reporting structure that allows us to communicate our impact clearly to internal stakeholders (young adults and staff), funders, and external audiences. Reports should be clear, concise, and accessible, highlighting key outcomes and impact areas and identify ways to give feedback ongoing.

-      Ensure reports capture not just quantitative outcomes but also the personal, social, and emotional development of the young adults we work with, in line with our long-term goals of fostering Positive Cycles of Growth, Resilience into Adulthood, and Positive Contribution to the Community.

-      Provide funders with compelling evidence of the value of their investment, showing how their support contributes to tangible, positive outcomes for young people.

Current Data Collection:

We have a foundation of data, including:

●     Quotes, stories and case studies that highlight individual experiences.

●     Attendance figures and session reports that show engagement levels.

The consultant will build on this existing data, enhancing our ability to gather rich, participatory insights while ensuring our tools and methods are adaptable for future use.

Esteem is looking for a consultant who has:

●     Proven experience in designing and implementing monitoring and evaluation frameworks, ideally within the youth or charity sectors.

●     Demonstrated experience with participatory and creative data collection methods.

●     Strong understanding of intersectionality and inclusive practices in monitoring and evaluation.

●     Ability to involve young adults in co-creation processes.

●     Strong communication and reporting skills, with experience creating accessible reports for diverse stakeholders.

●     Understanding of the need for charities to produce impact measurement data that meets the needs of funders and demonstrates the value of the work being done.

Please provide a proposal for how you intend to meet the needs of the objectives, along with evidence of your experience, such as a CV to hr@esteem.org.uk. If you are successful you will be required to undertake an interview and enhanced DBS.

200 people benefited from Help to Grow

It’s been over two years since the first cohort of SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) business leaders graduated from the Help to Grow: Management programme at the University and they’ve just celebrated filling their 10^th cohort. The numbers tell of a success story for the programme and the businesses that have grown with them.

Help to Grow is a 90% Government funded 12-week programme for SME business decision makers designed to boost their leadership skills and business performance with them developing a bespoke  Growth action plan for their business.

The programme is proving a success with thousands of businesses throughout the UK being supported with 200 SME business leaders having taken the programme with the University of Brighton so far. These businesses come from all sectors - ranging from construction to a glamping site and from a mobile cocktail bar to a dental practice.

Catherine Robinson, Dean of the School of Business and Law said

“Aligned to the School of Business and Law’s mission Help to Grow cohorts are delivering on the school’s commitment to shape responsible enterprise for a fairer society by supporting local entrepreneurs with tailored further education and distinct executive coaching. When we speak to our graduates, we hear the huge impact that the Help to Grow programme makes to the sustainable growth of their businesses as well as their own personal development.”