George Square Financial Management in conjunction with Albemarle Street Partners Monthly Review

Watchful waiting through the first 100 days of President Trump Mark Two

We have just passed the milestone for the first 100 days of the second presidency of Donald Trump. He greeted the milestone with a rally in Michigan, celebrating what he called “the most successful 100 days in the history of America.”  While it's ultimately up to American voters to decide, the data paints a more mixed picture.

His rally came as US economic activity shrank at an annualised rate of 0.3% in Q1, a sharp drop from 2.4% growth the previous quarter and well below forecasts for a 0.3% rise. True, there are some short-term factors such as stockpiling of goods ahead of the introduction of tariffs that played a part in that number, but it is nonetheless a rapid turnaround in the prospects for the US economy.

Although 100 days is a short period, we can still think about it as having three distinct eras (if an era can last just a few days, certainly it has felt like that). In the first era, which ran from Trump’s inauguration on 20 January until 2 April, the market was anxious about Donald Trump’s proposals on tariffs but there was no panic. An underlying belief persisted that when the tariffs were finally announced on what he termed ‘liberation day’ it would be done in such a way that markets would be protected. This was built on the belief that in his first term Trump worked hard to keep markets up, seeing them as a key metric to judge his own success. This phase came to an abrupt end on liberation day.

When Trump stood in the Rose Garden of the White House and announced a raft of enormous and arbitrary tariffs across the world there was genuine shock. Why were we not better prepared? Well, how could we be prepared for a set of tariffs that seemed to relate to no rational methodology at all. On this day, attitudes from market participants changed. Instead of believing that Donald Trump would basically prop up the stock market, investors now concluded he really didn’t care. His motivation really was achieving generational change where manufacturing returned to the United States. This would entail enormous economic disruption and stock market losses, but this was his belief system, and he was going to do it. This can be seen as the moment of maximum despair about Trump. We wrote at the time that the key thing for investors to remember at that moment was that he is not all-powerful. He will fundamentally meet institutional forces that would seek to restrain him.

Whilst we had felt the first stage was unduly complacent and had moved into some higher-quality assets ahead of the inauguration to prepare, we now felt that the second phase was too despairing.

This second phase came to an end just as suddenly as it had begun. On 9 April and in the days running up to it, markets had started to exhibit an even more worrying feature than falling share prices. The cost of US government borrowing had begun to rise even as the value of the dollar fell. This is just not in conventional terms ‘supposed to happen.’

It indicated that the United States, conventionally thought of as the safest place in the world to lend your money to, was having to pay more to persuade investors to lend to it. Lenders estimated that Trump’s actions would undermine the US economy.

Normally, if the US government is paying you more to lend it money, we see the dollar rise. Investors flow back to the safety of the United States rather than lend money to riskier places because the gap between the interest they get paid on the safer lending to the United States has shrunk. This time, the dollar fell. In other words, money was still fleeing the nation. This is common in emerging markets and even some smaller developed markets when they hit hard times but is extremely rare for the mighty United States.

In our view, it is this factor that led Trump to suddenly reverse course and massively reduce his tariffs for a 90-day period for all nations other than China. In other words, the bond markets spoke, and Trump lost the game of chicken. There are those who will argue it was all part of a master plan. We will of course never know. Yet his own trade adviser probably wished he had been told the plan, if indeed there was one, as he was appearing before Congress vociferously defending the tariffs at the moment he withdrew them.

This moment ushered in a third era. It has not been easy, and the market remains highly volatile, but it is not as scary as the second era. Now we recognise that something short of the tariffs announcement made on 2 April is the ‘worst case scenario’ for tariffs. The bond market simply won’t lend him the money he needs at the rate he needs if he goes back to that level of protectionism. There is after all always a bigger kid in the playground. For Donald Trump, the bigger kid is the bond market.

Yet despite this, there are still punishing tariffs in place and there is still a rapid staccato range of new policies being announced constantly, which are unsettling markets. The economic damage is to some extent done with business and consumer confidence having fallen sharply. So, it is certainly not the case that ‘all is well’.

So how have we responded to this situation? When there is market turbulence such as this, the overwhelming urge is to do something. Doing something relieves our anxiety about these events. We have seen some other wealth managers do things like move a very small portion of their assets out of the United States and into Europe. In the short-term, this may have helped very slightly. But its impact is really very small indeed.

Ultimately, our conviction has been that to take risk out of portfolios in the past three months whilst this turbulence has been going on would have done two things. Firstly, it would have move investors into the losses that occurred suddenly when the aggressive tariffs were announced, even though it seems there is now a slow pullback from these policies. Secondly, it would have meant that investors would have seen their portfolios trading during a period of high volatility when it is frankly anybody’s guess hour by hour and day by day whether the trading would help.

Instead, we believe that the more psychologically uncomfortable position of watchful waiting has been the right policy. We have not rushed to make changes to these long-term portfolios because we know that attempting to time short-term market volatility very rarely rewards investors. Ultimately, the world works through its problems and finds solutions. Sometimes we just have to wait.

We will continue watchful waiting in the days ahead as we carefully judge the right moment to re-balance portfolios. We will be looking for a period of more modest stock market volatility to make that judgement.

The content of this material is a marketing communication, and not independent investment research. As such, the legal and regulatory requirements in relation to independent investment research do not apply to this material and it is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of its dissemination. The material is for general information purposes only (whether or not it states any opinions). It does not take into account your personal circumstances or objectives. Nothing in this material is (or should be considered to be) legal, financial, investment or other advice on which reliance should be placed. No opinion given in the material constitutes a recommendation by Albemarle Street Partners that any particular investment, security, transaction, or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. Although the information set out in this marketing communication is obtained from sources believed to be reliable, Albemarle Street Partners does not make any guarantee as to its accuracy or completeness. Albemarle Street Partners will not be responsible for any loss that you may incur, either directly or indirectly, arising from any investment based on any information contained herein. This material may include charts displaying financial instruments’ past performance as well as estimates and forecasts. Any information relating to past performance of an investment does not necessarily guarantee future performance. Albemarle Street Partners is a trading name of Atlantic House Investments Limited (AHI), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA") FRN 931264. Trading address: 135 Bishopsgate, London, EC2M 3TP.

Pilbeam protects Newhaven Fort for future generations

Sussex contractor Pilbeam Construction is celebrating after completing its work on the £7.5m restoration of Newhaven Fort, which will safeguard the attraction for generations to come.

The 12-month project required heritage expertise and careful liaison with Historic England as the Scheduled Ancient Monument was painstakingly improved.

The work resolved serious damp issues and transformed buildings into new event spaces, which will help the fort to broaden its appeal beyond military history enthusiasts and put Newhaven on the map as a visitor destination.

Alan Corbett, managing director of Pilbeam Construction, said: “We are proud to have been involved in this important restoration of Newhaven Fort – and to meet visitors who are overjoyed with the transformation.

“Preserving a Scheduled Ancient Monument such as the fort is a careful balancing act. We could make repairs and changes, but because of the listed status of the site, Historic England kept a tight rein on any changes, even if they were originally poorly constructed.

“Our specialist work needed to preserve the fort, without making it look like it had been disturbed. Communication was key. Without a doubt the biggest challenge was restoring 18 casemates and turning them into the warm and welcoming exhibition spaces they are today.”

Pilbeam Construction has extensive experience in the heritage building sector which meant it was well placed to deal with the challenges involved, while site manager Simon Hepworth lives in Newhaven and has visited the fort multiple times as a local resident.

Materials had to be transported across a small and narrow bridge with a five-tonne weight limit, so the team set up an external compound and carefully planned for the machinery required.

The biggest job was restoring 18 casemates (vaults within the site) and solving a serious damp problem. The team removed 300 cubic metres of soil, laid a membrane and drainage and then put all the soil back. This will prevent 90% of water ingress.

Pilbeam’s experts then carefully removed paint and added ventilation, creating dry, warm and welcoming exhibition spaces, with brickwork that pops with natural colours.

The casemates now provide an enhanced visitor experience and two of the casemates are available for venue hire.

Some of the historic mass concrete was removed to expose and repair steelwork, and provide reinforcement to the gun emplacement roofs, which required specialist techniques such as hydro demolition and a sprayed concrete method.

The complicated project included more than 30 different elements and careful liaison with other specialist contractors working to improve the site.

Other key repairs within the project included essential repairs to WWII gun emplacements, improvements to site entrance and accessibility and repointing and masonry repairs to casemate frontages.

The Romney Hut was reclad to provide a versatile event space, there were improvements to handrails and edge protection and there were repairs to WWII canopies over the gun emplacements.

Ryan Stock from heritage specialists Pritchard Architecture said: “This conservation-led project required a collaborative relationship with Historic England which allowed us to develop radical, but sensitive interventions.

“The project pioneered several strategies in the conservation of fortifications, with other organisations now taking inspiration from our work.”

The specialist team behind the restoration also included HOP Consulting, IWA M&E Consulting Engineers and MEA, as well as many more, who together worked in partnership to deliver the exciting project for operator Wave Active, which runs the fort for owner Lewes District Council.

The fort reopened to the public in February 2025 and has been so popular, visitors are being advised to book in advance on weekends and holidays.

Duncan Kerr, chief executive at Wave Active, which operates Newhaven Fort, said: "Newhaven Fort is an important landmark in the community and we’re so excited to see the specialist team from Pilbeam and other contractors complete this important project.

“Together their work will safeguard this community asset for local residents and attract visitors from Sussex and beyond, helping us to boost jobs and awareness about what Newhaven has to offer.”

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

Worthing FC - Corporate Six-A-Side Returns!

This full day event on Saturday 21st June will see 24 teams compete in full tournament format ending with our two top battling it out in the final for the chance to win the coveted trophy.

• FA affiliated referees
• Hot food available
• Stand Bar open from 12pm
• Presentation/trophy for winning team
• 10 players per team

The cost for entry is £250.
Interested parties should contact commercial@worthingfc.com to secure your team’s place.

Last year’s tournament was won by Randall & Chisnall 

Landlords and sole traders urged to prepare for MTD

It may be almost a year away, but landlords and the self-employed are being urged by South East accountants Carpenter Box to prepare for April 2026 when the new Making Tax Digital (MTD) for income tax era kicks in.

MTD for income tax will transform the way property rental businesses and sole traders with incomes of £50,000 or more (£30,000 from April 2027) manage their tax obligations, with a new requirement for digital records, online quarterly revenue reporting and a year-end declaration.

“MTD is part of the government’s taxation plans to enhance efficiency, and reduce tax reporting errors and omissions,” says David Crowter, Carpenter Box Tax Partner and Head of Private Client Services.

“It will mandate landlords and sole traders earning above the threshold to maintain timely trading records in a digital format and to comply with a quarterly and annual reporting regime, or risk being fined for late submissions. Self-assessment tax returns and payments will continue as is.”

MTD for income tax will require those affected to keep digital records of the amount, category and date of income and expenses relating to self-employment and/or a property business. A separate quarterly update will be needed for each trade or property business, so if a sole trader also has property income, they will need to submit eight quarterly submissions each year.

“Making Tax Digital marks a significant change to the UK tax system, but with the right tools and preparation, it can actually simplify tax compliance,” says David. “Although the start date is almost a year away, it’s worth getting advice now on how best to prepare for this important change in business income reporting for landlords and those who are self-employed.”

www.carpenterbox.com

Digital Exporting Programme & Digital Commerce Events

Some exciting opportunities and new partnerships below! 

E-Commerce Week - 23-27 June 2025

E-Commerce Week will take place 23-27 June 2025 and DBT are working together in partnership with leading industry board members from the E-Commerce Trade Commission. This includes Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade, eBay, Amazon, Google, Shopify, Alibaba, Association of International Courier & Express Services (AICES), Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).

  Ambition: to galvanise UK small businesses to view e-commerce as a priority for export growth​

• Create a UK-wide conversation via stakeholders working with small businesses to encourage them to use e-commerce for growth​
• Create business opportunities for companies to connect with global marketplaces, service providers and partners to grow their digital exports.​
• Create educational opportunities to help companies to understand the ‘how’​

Details: 

• Mon 23 June to Fri 27 June 2025. ​
• Five days of free events, workshops, social media, in-person and education activities aimed at small businesses​
• Amplification of messaging and multiple stakeholder activities and promotions across the UK​
• ​Commercially focused ‘speed-date’ style event on Wed 25 June​
• Launch of the E-Commerce Trade Commission’s final report on Tue 24 June

We want businesses to:

1. See e-commerce as a priority for business growth​
2. See e-commerce as a first step to export, and to access new markets ​
3. Access the support and advice available, e.g. from E-Commerce Trade Commission, Amazon, DBT and other industry partners. 

Please contact Eastabrook-Wells.jobshare@businessandtrade.gov.uk to get involved.

UK Export Academy Events - find the full list here 

Promoting electronic invoicing across UK businesses and the public sector

HMRC and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) are publishing a joint consultation to understand how e-invoicing may align with you or your customers’ businesses. HMG are interested in responses from businesses of all sizes – whether they use e-invoicing or not as well as interest groups, representative bodies, industry bodies and individuals.

Help HMG to shape a more efficient system, that benefits UK businesses and drives economic growth by responding to the consultation by 7 May 2025

See the consultation at https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/promoting-electronic-invoicing-across-uk-businesses-and-the-public-sector

Drive your UK growth with DBT and Tesco!: Join us to find out more about the UK’s fastest growing new Marketplace - Thursday 29^th April
We are pleased to be partnering with Tesco to help UK sellers launch on the Tesco marketplace with a special webinar.

For Food & Drink/Beauty/ Home/ Lifestyle/Personal Digital and fashion brands, this is a UK opportunity only, to apply to join Tesco’s new marketplace, growing rapidly with the benefit of leveraging off Tesco's clubcard with 22m members. To apply Companies should register for the Tesco webinar details below and the Tesco team will be selecting companies to onboard from the registrations.

Don’t miss this opportunity to apply for the UK’s newest marketplace!

Join DBT to find out more about Tesco Marketplace - Thursday 29^th April 10-11am

 *Opportunity for Food and drink, Health and Beauty, Personal Digital, Petcare, Fashion, Home and Garden brands*

 Reach Millions of new Customers online with the UK’s largest grocery retailer with 22Mn Clubcard holders and over 100 years of retail selling experience!

 The Tesco team will be joining DBT to give you their insight on how to get the most out of selling on Tesco Marketplace

Including:

Key Categories to sell on Tesco marketplace

Seller requirements including Customer service and returns

The quickest way to onboard and get selling

How to get the most out of your listings via brand pages and marketing

How to sell more via personalisation.

Register at https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/938264ea-098f-45e3-a1fa-3d57d1b485d2@8fa217ec-33aa-46fb-ad96-dfe68006bb86


How is Generative AI Reshaping Consumer Businesses? – Tuesday 13 May 10.00am

Gen AI isn't an upgrade - it's a fundamental shift.

AI is driving work automation and productivity at unprecedented speeds, enabling high-quality, consistent customer journeys without the massive infrastructure overhauls traditionally associated with digital transformation. 

From hyper-personalised shopping experiences to streamlined supply chain optimisation, Gen AI is redefining how retailers, e-commerce platforms, brands, and marketplaces operate. AI's ability to exploit data and know-how is transforming customer experience, marketing strategy, product development, and logistics—advancing the entire industry into a new digital first era.

This session unpacks how brands, platforms, and tech providers can adapt and thrive in the new AI-driven landscape.

What You'll Learn:

 Omnichannel Strategy: How Gen AI bridges physical and digital retail experiences to create seamless customer journeys

• Digital Marketing Evolution: AI agents transforming SEO, content strategy, and ad performance across platforms
• Data Driven Decision Making: Using AI to process vast amounts of consumer data for actionable business intelligence
• Content & Creative Automation: How AI accelerates and enhances creative production for e-commerce and marketing teams
• Customer Experience (CX): Advanced personalisation across digital touch points and in store interactions
• Supply Chain Intelligence: Predictive analytics improving efficiencies in both online and offline distribution networks
• The Future of Business Models: How AI agents are reshaping traditional SaaS and service models across the consumer sector
• AI Implementation Framework: Practical adoption strategies from experimentation to AI-first enterprise

Who Should Attend?

 CEOs, CMOs, Chief Strategy Officers, CTOs, and CDOs from retail, e-commerce, consumer brands, and technology providers

Join us as we explore the Gen AI-driven transformation reshaping the entire consumer and retail ecosystem. Whether you operate primarily in physical retail, e-commerce, or both, this session will help you adapt and thrive in the new Gen AI-powered landscape. Don't miss this chance to future-proof your business.

https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/cd0f5391-6f1e-4399-ada0-4eba2a880c6d@8fa217ec-33aa-46fb-ad96-dfe68006bb86

 
Unlocking Opportunities in the Global Travel Retail Sector – 15^th May 10.00am

Join the Department for Business and Trade, Travel Retail Experts and Heathrow Airport for an unprecedented insight into Travel Retail! 

Explore the Fast-Paced World of Travel Retail

Are you an exciting new UK Accessories, Retail, Food & Drink, Beauty or Personal Digital Company?

Join our exclusive webinar to gain valuable insights into one of the most dynamic and resilient sectors in global commerce – Travel Retail. 

Whether you're a brand looking to expand your footprint, or simply curious about the industry, this session is your gateway to understanding how to break into and thrive in this exciting space.

Plus hear more about DBT’s exciting new incubator brand partnership with Heathrow Airport, Click & Collect.

Registration for the Webinar is an automatic EOI for the Heathrow Retail Click and Collect Opportunity, exclusive to DBT.

Pitching sessions will take place in Central London on 26^th June.

What You’ll Learn:

• Who’s Who of Travel Retail: Overview of the major global operators and their networks (Dufry, Heinemann, Lagardère Travel Retail, and more)
• Top-Selling Product Categories: From luxury beauty to spirits, fashion, and confectionery – what moves and why
• How to Connect: Learn where and how to meet key operators and decision-makers – including trade shows, regional events, and industry platforms
• Heathrow Airport Retail: The opportunity, how the site works, the pitching process, what happens next and planned go live date.
• DBT Support: Hear more about upcoming events and activity

Why Attend?

• Invaluable overviews and insights by industry experts
• Access to exclusive opportunities post-webinar
• Networking tips to enter and succeed in the sector

Register now and get ahead in the world of travel retail.
https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/36a0f2c1-ebaf-4df3-b728-4b152ef03dbf@8fa217ec-33aa-46fb-ad96-dfe68006bb86

Top tips on how to sell your beauty products to the world - Tuesday 13 May at 11:00am

Hear from the founder of Beauty Bulb, a leading global, multi-platform sales growth business for beauty and wellness brands, on the help and support available to help you grow your beauty business around the world.

The demand for beauty products across the world is growing. Selling your beauty products to overseas customers can help you increase your profits and also grow your brand on a global platform.

Faye Speedie, Founder of Beauty Bulb, will take you through how her team have become experts in sales growth, sales strategy, new business development and international expansion.

Alongside Faye, will be Alethea Warburton, International Trade Adviser, and Vincenzo Gallone, International Trade Adviser, leading on the Consumer and Retail Sector, who will provide their insights on how the Department for Business and Trade can help you increase your sales, growth and stability when trading overseas.

What you’ll learn

• increase your knowledge and awareness of exporting beauty products
• how to access key contacts that may be able to help you
• the growth opportunities for your beauty business in overseas markets

https://www.great.gov.uk/export-academy/events/top-tips-on-how-to-sell-your-beauty-products-to-the-world-13-may-2025/

Understand business etiquette in France - Thursday 15 May at 10:00am

If you’re considering selling your products or services in France or establishing a partnership with a French company, this webinar is designed to help you navigate France’s business culture with confidence.

Expand your language and culture skills and learn about the main characteristics of the French business culture. Learn how to avoid faux pas and build successful business relationships.

France is one of the most modern and highly developed countries in the world. Boasting one of the largest economies in Europe, it is also a key trading partner for the UK. Renowned for its talented workforce, excellent transportation infrastructure, and robust intellectual property protections, France is an attractive market for businesses. Its celebrated cuisine, rich history, and unique way of life add to its allure.

The session will explore key aspects of French business etiquette, ethics, and effective relationship management with French counterparts. Understanding the dos and don’ts of French business culture will empower you to seize opportunities and thrive in this market.

You will also hear from Julie Hutchinson of International Collection Ltd, a seasoned exporter with extensive experience living and trading on both sides of the Channel. Julie will share her insights and practical tips on succeeding in the French market, covering everything from trading and setting up a business entity to recruiting local staff. Julie will also be joined by Estelle Dingley International Trade Adviser, Department for Business and Trade

What you’ll learn

• Learn about the business attitudes and values in France
• Practical tips when trading with customers based in France
• Learn about setting up an entity and recruiting staff in France

https://www.great.gov.uk/export-academy/events/understand-business-etiquette-in-france-15-may-2025/

Made in the UK, Sold to the World Roadshows – April to September 2025
Join DBT at one of six new roadshows that will be touring the UK this year. Visiting locations in Northern England, the Midlands, Wales, Southern England, Northern Ireland and Scotland, they are open to all sectors, but with a different sector spotlight at each location.

Designed to facilitate world class conversations and create quality connections, these Roadshows intend to build your business confidence and provide you with the information you need to fast-track your global growth.

Whether you are exploring trading internationally for the first time or looking to expand your global presence, if you have an export ready product or service, these events could help you accelerate your approach to new markets:

• Each Roadshow will include a commercial/buying zone of sector/market specialists and buyers, business support zone, and a seminar programme, led by senior Department for Business and Trade representatives from across our network.

For more details visit https://eu.eventscloud.com/website/16327/

Museums and Heritage Show – Wednesday 14 May
The Museums & Heritage Show (MHS) is the UK’s largest annual trade show for the Experience and Attractions sector, drawing in nearly 2,200 worldwide buyers and more than 150 exhibitors.

Join the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) at the Museums + Heritage Show this May. The largest exhibition for the Museums and Cultural sector in the UK has over 2,000 museum professionals from the UK, Europe and other overseas markets attending to source new products and services for their museums, galleries or attractions.

DBT is hosting a stand and business lounge at this year’s event and is offering on-site meetings on a first come first served basis for UK companies looking to develop their export capability and pursue specific opportunities within the museums and attractions sector. 

International representatives from the following markets will attend MHS as part of a DBT hosted inward delegation and be available for 1-2-1 meetings with interested UK suppliers:  
India, Hong Kong, China, Oman, Abu Dhabi, Egypt (Delegate information will be confirmed in due course.) 

For more details visit https://eu.eventscloud.com/website/16456/ or contact rozmin.blatt@businessandtrade.gov.uk

Cyber Threat Monthly Newsletter from Fluid One

New 2FA Phishing Kit Astaroth Threatens User Logins

IT security has long been a game of cat and mouse, with cyber criminals and security professionals constantly evolving their tactics. A new threat, the Astaroth phishing kit, highlights this ongoing battle by targeting two-factor authentication (2FA)—a security measure once seen as a reliable defence.

Understanding MFA and 2FA
Passwords have traditionally been the primary line of defence in digital security. However, due to their vulnerabilities, multi-factor authentication (MFA) was introduced to enhance protection. MFA requires users to provide two or more forms of identification—commonly passwords alongside biometric data or one-time codes—before granting access. 2FA, a subset of MFA, typically involves just two methods.

What makes Astaroth different?
While MFA and 2FA have significantly improved security, they’re not immune to attack. Phishing remains a popular tactic, with scammers posing as trusted entities to steal credentials. Astaroth takes this a step further.

First appearing in January 2025, Astaroth is a sophisticated phishing kit designed to intercept 2FA codes in real-time. It works by creating convincing replicas of legitimate login pages, tricking users into submitting their credentials. Once entered, the kit captures both the password and 2FA code, allowing attackers to access the real site immediately—bypassing what would normally be a strong security barrier.

How the attack works:

1. A user receives an email that appears to be from a trusted source (e.g., Microsoft or Gmail).
2. Clicking the link directs them to a fake but authentic-looking login page.
3. As the user enters their credentials and 2FA code, the kit relays the information to the real site, granting the attacker access.

What sets Astaroth apart is its ability to function as a live "man-in-the-middle," capturing credentials and 2FA tokens in real time. Traditional phishing kits often stop at collecting static login details—this one goes further.

Protecting Yourself
Vigilance is key. To protect against Astaroth and similar threats:

• Be sceptical of unexpected login requests or urgent emails.
• Always double-check URLs—legitimate Microsoft logins, for instance, use https://login.microsoftonline.com.
• When in doubt, contact your IT team before clicking.

Need support with your IT security?

Cyber threats evolve constantly, making awareness your best defence. At FluidOne, we offer training to help users stay informed, along with solutions like MFA, mobile device management, and secure networking. You can reach us through https://www.fluidone.com/contact, call us at 01273 384100 or email us at brighton@fluidone.com to get in touch with our experts today to find out how we can help protect your business.

Hemiko - Notice of Works on Richmond Road from 2 June – 22 July 2025 

We will shortly be commencing works which will affect Richmond Road in Worthing. To receive regular updates on upcoming works in Worthing, please sign up to our mailing list by emailing worthing@hemiko.com, and a member of our team will add you to our distribution.

What works are taking place?

Phase 1:
Hemiko will be working on the southbound lane of Chapel Rd and the section of Richmond Rd between Worthing County Court and the Chapel Rd junction, resulting in a westbound lane closure on Richmond Road.

Chapel Rd will remain open two-way, with a filter system and temporary traffic lights in place at the Richmond Rd junction to control the flow of traffic. The westbound lane of Richmond Rd will be closed and traffic entering Chapel Rd from Richmond Rd will only be able to travel northbound. Vehicles wishing to travel westbound from Chapel Rd onto Richmond Rd will be diverted via Chapel Rd, Teville Rd, and Christchurch Rd.

Pedestrians will also be unable to cross from the central island on the Richmond Road junction to the pavement outside The Venue but will be able to safely pass onto the east side of Chapel Rd to walk into the town centre.

Several parking bays will be suspended on Richmond Rd, including two disabled bays outside The Venue. Alternative disabled parking is available at the nearby Civic Quarter Car Park; further information on disabled parking is available on the Council website: https://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/parking/disabled/. By 08:00am on 2 June 2025, all cars will need to be removed from the on-street parking bays on Richmond Rd as illustrated in the diagram. The bus stops outside Worthing Library, Worthing Town Hall, and Worthing Tabernacle Church will be suspended for both phases of works; travellers are encouraged to contact Stagecoach and Compass Travel for further details.

Phase 2:
For the second phase, Hemiko will continue to work on the southbound lane of Chapel Rd and a portion of Richmond Rd. Traffic will continue to flow both ways on Chapel Rd, facilitated by a filter system and temporary traffic lights. Traffic entering Chapel Rd from Richmond Rd will also now be able to turn southbound or northbound.

The bus stops outside Worthing Library, Worthing Town Hall, and Worthing Tabernacle Church will remain suspended over the second phase of works. Likewise, the crossing from the central island on the Richmond Road junction to the pavement outside The Venue will be inaccessible. The parking bays illustrated in the diagram above will remain suspended during this time.

Towards the end of Phase 2, Hemiko will need to close Richmond Road for five days. The dates of this closure and the diversion route for traffic will be communicated in due course, giving sufficient notice to residents and visitors.

Health, safety and accessibility

The health and safety of local residents and our staff is a top priority. We will be installing safety fencing around the site, to keep everyone safe. We have undertaken health and safety assessments of the works and will continue to do these throughout.

If you are a resident of the road with accessibility requirements or vulnerability, please let us know on 01903 337364 or by emailing us and we would be happy to meet with you to discuss your needs, and ensure safe access is always available to your property or place of work.

Thank you – and who to talk to if you’d like more information or to provide feedback

We know that no one likes disruption on their streets. We will be working very hard to minimise the disruption as much as possible. Thank you for your cooperation whilst we complete these essential works.

If you have any concerns and would like to speak to one of the local team, you can reach us on 01903 337364 or by emailing worthing@hemiko.com. Further details on how to contact us are accessible on our website, https://hemiko.com/contact-us.

You can also feel free to speak to staff when you see them on site.

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