Award winning Avantguard Security Officers

Avantguard are delighted and extremely proud to announce that our security officers Dave McFarlane and Kevin Hyde have been presented with a special awars from our client, OneFamily based in Brighton. 

The values award scheme was set up by our client in September 2017 and aims to recognise the commitment and effort of their employees. The awards are based on recommendations from the staff and management at One Family, who can nominate their colleagues if they feel that they have really gone above and beyond to represent the teamwork and values of OneFamily.

It is particularly special that our own team members were nominated, being contractors to OneFamily. But regularly working on the reception of the office in Brighton has made them part of the team, so much so that they are on first name terms with almost all of the 500 staff who work in the building. 

Overall there were 152 nominations and this was shortlisted to 32 people by a panel of judges. Dave and Kevin were presented with their award at a special ceremony at Hotel Du Vin in Brighton. They are incredibly honoured to have receievd this award and we are immensely proud of their achievement and to have them as part of the Avantguard  team.

Worthing Theatres, staging the future; key improvements start at the Pavilion Theatre

The first steps towards the grand vision for the Pavilion Theatre’s redevelopment began this month; Worthing Theatres cemented their commitment to ongoing building improvements across all of the venues, starting work on the Pavilion Theatre toilets refurbishment.

The plans for redevelopment of the toilets, first announced earlier this year, will be the most comprehensive in the theatre’s recent history and will enlarge and modernise the facilities to create additional family spaces for baby changing and increased capacity to reduce wait time for patrons.

This will involve utilising sections of the basement of the building's previously wasted storage space; re-purposing the space below the theatre’s auditorium. The newly refurbished toilets will be at the heart of the building and will vastly improve queues, allowing guests to enjoy more time at the bar and to find their seats for one of many performances at the Pavilion Theatre throughout the year, including the much loved family Pantomime. With an additional five cubicles within the ladies restrooms and all fixtures and fittings to be completely replaced, this will completely transform the space. 

Simon Gray, General Manager for Operations comments “The modern design will really add something new and much needed to the redevelopment of the venue. I’m really pleased with these developments, and I am sure the public will be too.” 

Refurbishments are already underway and the toilets are due to reopen in late autumn. For all performances during the refurbishment, patrons will have access to the the Pavilion Cafe Bar toilet facilities as well as the promenade public toilets, adjacent to the venue. 

Amanda O’Reilly, Head of Culture stated “We always try to ensure we review our customer feedback and this has always been an important improvement on our list, we look forward to hearing what people think of the new facilities. Our vision for the Pavilion is to have a building that will thrive for years to come and this is an exciting small step towards that.”

Shoreham Port Finance Executive vacancy 

Main duties, tasks and responsibilities:

A varied role including the processing of sales invoices for all of the Port’s revenue streams such as commercial shipping, tenants and the leisure sector. Responsible for Credit Control. Processing supplier invoices covering a vast range of expenditure streams such as haulage, maintenance, utilities and agency ship costs.

For a full list of duties, please visit the Port’s website and download the job description for the role.

www.shoreham-port.co.uk/jobs.  

Key Skills:

• ·         Attention to detail – to ensure efficiency and accuracy of work
• ·         Proficient in the use of Microsoft packages
• ·         Meeting deadlines on a timely basis
• ·         Dealing with and resolving problems
• ·         Decision making
• ·         Communication on all levels

Desirable but not essential:

• ·         Knowledge of accounting principles, e.g. part or fully qualified in AAT
• ·         Proficient in the use of Access Dimensions

Working pattern

0800 – 1700 with a one hour lunch break, Monday to Friday. 

Closing Date:

The closing date is 31^st August 2018.

Application Method:

Please download an application form from the jobs page of our website www.shoreham-port.co.uk/jobs and submit your application to: recruitment@shoreham-port.co.uk.  CV’s without an application form will not be accepted.

Further Information:

To find out more about us please visit our website – www.shoreham-port.co.uk.

Please Note: Port staff are subject to random drug and alcohol testing and all successful candidates will be expected to comply with the Port’s policy.

Adur & Worthing Careers Fair – 27th September 2018

Preparations are under way for the forthcoming Adur & Worthing Careers Fair – an exciting collaboration between business, local authority and education establishments across the area, inspiring people of all ages on their career journey.

Taking place on Thursday 27th September at the Assembly Hall, the fair will be open exclusively to secondary schools between 10am to 2.30pm. However from 3pm – 6pm it will be open to everyone – parents, college students and the general public either looking for work or for a career change. Advice and support will be available to everyone during this time, including help with CV writing and finding a job as well as guidance for those looking to change career.

Beki Tonks, Senior Enterprise Coordinator at Coast to Capital said “Schools across the area have signed up to take advantage of this free, interactive event & are encouraging parents to come along after 3pm with their children to find out more about career opportunities.”

Kevin Jenkins, Executive member for Regeneration said “with over 35 exhibitors confirmed, across all sectors, it provides a great opportunity for people of all ages to find out about our local employment economy and what jobs are available to explore“.

The event is a partnership between Coast to Capital, Adur & Worthing Council, Adur & Worthing Business Partnership, West Sussex County Council, the Careers and Enterprise Company, JSPC Computers and the National Careers Service.  In addition, the National Collaborative Outreach Project is assisting with project management and targeted school engagement.  Working together, this project has provided funding and support to help schools release students, especially where barriers would not have allowed. 

Traditionally, transport has been a barrier, however this year, schools have received a boost from The Adur & Worthing Business Partnership, who have funded all transport costs for the schools in Adur & Worthing, helping reduce the financial burden they face.

Andrew Swayne Chair of the Partnership says "this is a very practical way to show support but one which makes a massive difference between attendance and non-attendance from local schools. With support from other sponsors, every school should be able to attend. The Adur & Worthing Business Partnership are thrilled to be sponsoring the transport.  With many of the local schools scheduled to attend, our funds are already showing a return on investment.”

Providing sponsorship for the venue is local, multi – award winning company, JSPC Computers.  James Stoner, Managing Director said “The Adur and Worthing Careers Fair is a great opportunity for people of all ages to explore a range of career options from multinational global brands to specialist companies. As a supplier of IT solutions to schools and businesses in the region, we know there are a lot of businesses looking for new talent and lots of bright minds keen to get their first step on the ladder. The Careers Fair gives everyone a chance to broaden their horizons and perhaps find new ideas for how to develop their career.  JSPC are very proud to support the event”.

If you are a local employer and wish to have a stand or have a general enquiry, please contact Beki Tonks on rebecca.tonks@coast2capital.org.uk 

Hooray for Hula Hooping! Local wellbeing programme continues with a unique approach to fitness

All in a spin – and for good reason! Growing Communities are hoopin’ that their latest event will inspire families to get active together.

Growing Communities, a scheme to enable communities in West Sussex to improve their health and wellbeing, is now well into the swing of a busy summer programme of activities. Its latest Hula Hoop event took place last week at Eastbrook Manor Community Centre.

Cleria Humphries, who runs a local fitness business, linked up with Growing Communities to run the event. She explained why: “There are lots of benefits to Hula Hooping. It helps strengthen muscles, gives you a full body workout, and it puts a smile on your face! Not only is it a fun way to keep fit and active, it also brings the whole family together. I always say that anyone can Hula Hoop!”

Dionne Jardine, from the local Nido Montessori, regularly enjoys taking pupils out to ‘Shark Park', as Eastbrook Manor Community Centre is more informally known. Experiencing a Hula Hoop fitness session there was an added bonus! Dionne said: “It’s all about exercise, fitness, and coordination – plus it’s impossible not to smile when you’re Hula Hooping!"

The Growing Communities scheme is run by a national group The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) with support from Adur & Worthing Councils, and is primarily funded by the Big Lottery Fund. It aims to encourage local residents in Eastbrook, Adur and Northbrook, Worthing to get involved in free projects which aim to improve health and wellbeing in open spaces.

Next up on the programme is the ‘Schools Without Walls’ arts and crafts event, taking place on Tuesday 21 August from 11am – 4pm at Northbrook Park.

For full details of the programme go to the TCV Growing Communities Facebook page and also view the Growing Communities page on the TCV website.

Tell us what you would like to see in a Worthing Community Hub!

West Sussex County Council is taking a fresh look at how we offer services to the Worthing community to provide better local services in this area. We’re looking at the services provided by the library, children and family centre, and registration services to see whether they could be brought together to one central hub.

We want to invite you to tell us what is important to you and to share your ideas for a Worthing community hub!  Your ideas could involve these services, or something completely different.

You can participate by visiting ‘The Ideas Zone’ at Worthing Library, which you will find on the ground floor near the Information Desk.  Once there we hope you will be inspired by the artist’s illustrations of what a community hub could include – but you could suggest something different.   Feedback forms will be available in ‘The Ideas Zone’ for you to write down your ideas.  You can then post them to us in the blue box provided nearby for this purpose.

Don’t worry if you can’t get to the library.  You can still tell us what you think by visiting www.westsussex.gov.uk/worthingcommunity, or by emailing us direct at worthingcommunity@westsussex.gov.uk.

Whichever way you choose to participate, please let us have your ideas and comments by the closing date: 24^th September, 2018.

If you would like this information in an alternative format them please contact us via email at worthingcommunity@westsussex.gov.uk, on 01243 777100 or via NGT Text Relay 18001 01243 777100  (which is available on computers, tablets and smart phones through a free downloadable app) .

Blackeyed Theatre presents Sherlock Holmes: The Sign of Four
By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
 
This autumn, Blackeyed Theatre bring to the stage a thrilling new adaptation of The Sign of Four, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s epic second Sherlock Holmes novel. Adapted and directed by Nick Lane, with music composed by Tristan Parkes, this spectacular world premiere embarks on a six-month UK tour this September, which plays at the Connaught Theatre from Thursday 20 – Saturday 22 September.
 
When Mary Morstan arrives at Baker Street to request help following the mysterious disappearance of her father, Sherlock Holmes and his companion Dr Watson are plunged into a murky world of deception and a complex plot involving murder, corruption and stolen jewels.
 
Crammed full of adventure, romance, comedy and, of course, one or two rather brilliant deductions, this faithful adaptation will combine original live music, high energy theatricality and ensemble storytelling.
 
The cast features Luke Barton as Sherlock Holmes (The Unexpected Guest, Mill at Sonning; Misterman, Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse), Joseph Derrington as Dr John Watson (The Importance of Being Earnest, MAC Belfast; The Canterville Ghost, Erasmus Theatre), Zach Lee as Jonathan Small (Bouncers, Glass Menagerie, Hull Truck; The Derby McQueen Affair, York Theatre Royal), Stephanie Rutherford as Mary Morstan (Kubla Khan, Mirror Mirror, Oily Cart; Cinderella, Derby Theatre), Christopher Glover as Dost Akbar (Peckham The Soap Opera, Royal Court; Eastenders, BBC) and Ru Hamilton as Thaddeus Sholto (Tipping the Velvet, Lyric Hammersmith; Peter Pan, Derby Theatre).
 
Director Nick Lane comments, “I don't think I know anyone over the age of ten who doesn't know at least the name Sherlock Holmes. He is part of the literary fabric of this country - hugely popular and hugely adaptable - and his cases with Watson are a blueprint for so many crime novels, films, TV shows and theatre. We have approached this adaptation in a stylised way which will appeal to avid fans of the novel as well as those who simply want to come to the theatre and enjoy a rattling good crime story!”
 
Sherlock Holmes: The Sign of Four is produced by Blackeyed Theatre in association with New Theatre Royal Portsmouth and South Hill Park Arts Centre in Bracknell and supported by Arts Council England.

Tickets for Sherlock Holmes: The Sign of Four at the Connaught Theatre are priced at £10 - £19.50 and are available from the Worthing Theatres box office on 01903 206 206 and online at worthingtheatres.co.uk.

Greater Brighton leaders: Why the myths of the Sunny South could hold us back

‘Forget about the myth of the Sunny South’ - that was the message from Greater Brighton today as it calls for decision makers to ditch the notion that everything is rosy on the coast.

With government and big business shifting investment focus to the north, Councillor Garry Wall, the chairman of Greater Brighton, argues that overlooking regions south of the capital risks “choking off the contribution our economies make to UK plc”.

In an article for the respected Municipal Journal magazine, Cllr Wall made clear that the City Region, which contains nearly one million people from the south coast to Gatwick, is a vibrant place to do business with an economy worth more than £21 billion a year.

But he said that key issues, such as a lack of investment in transport infrastructure and a major skills shortage, are holding the region back, hampering growth and costing the treasury billions of pounds a year in revenue.

Cllr Wall argues that it is only by decision makers looking beyond the preconceived notion that everything is rosy on the coast that a true national economy can be created.

Cllr Wall, who is also leader of Mid Sussex District Council, said: “We have a simple request for investment bodies, big businesses, decision-makers of all kinds and, yes, government. That is to forget the preconceived notions about Greater Brighton, that here in the sunny South we are all comfortably well-off or retired to our seaside cottages.

“I’m asking that you don’t simply lump us in with London, that a Greater Brighton population of nearly a million people deserve better than that.”

The article references Channel 4’s recent decision to overlook the city of Brighton & Hove for a new creative hub.

While understanding the reasons for the broadcaster’s decision, Cllr Wall said he was concerned about the feedback that Brighton was too close to London and a new hub would fail to have an impact in providing new opportunities for a local workforce.

Cllr Wall said: “For me, as chairman of the Greater Brighton region - an area covering nearly one million residents from the south coast to Gatwick - what concerned us was that this revealed an unfortunate unawareness of the needs of our young people, the skills gaps we clearly have, the pockets of deprivation that exist, the employment opportunities we need to create for people born and brought up here to be able to stay.

“That we are simply lumped together with London was always a suspicion. But I hadn’t ever seen it laid out so barely before.”

He adds: “Are we to be punished for living underneath London, for failing to get the investment in road and rail that we need because of a vague notion that we are doing alright anyway? I hope not.”

Despite the difficulties mentioned above, Cllr Wall said that Greater Brighton, which is made up local authorities, businesses and academia, would continue to make significant headway in drawing in funding to address key issues.

He pointed to the securing of £160 million of Local Enterprise Partnership investment in flood defences, house building, town centre modernisation, job creation and road improvements.

Cllr Wall also referenced the opening of an Advanced Engineering Centre and a Construction Trades Centre last year which will help create a skilled workforce of the future.

He added that Gatwick Airport and Crawley Borough Council joining the Greater Brighton Economic Board showed that the benefits of working together as a coherent regional force were being recognised.

Cllr Wall said: “As chairman I am determined that Greater Brighton will start punching its own weight, pushing its case in a way we have admired from some leaders in the north.

“To be seen as the southern outpost of London is to do to the area a massive disservice. My job this year, working with the Board, is to remind government and business that we do have challenges and also have much to offer to help create wealth for the UK.”

A golden opportunity for audiences to attend Worthing’s fastest selling pantomime

For many attending their local pantomime has become the ultimate family Christmas tradition, securing their favourite seats, grabbing a keepsake programme and keeping their fingers crossed for a chance meeting with the stars post show.

Aware of just how important these traditions are to their patrons, Worthing Theatres are including some great opportunities in their new campaign aptly named ‘Golden Week’ for Aladdin the Pantomime, applicable to performances from Saturday 1 to Friday 7 December 2018, after the opening preview performance.

During this time, every single patron will be given a complimentary programme as part of their seat purchase. Additionally, for every evening performance, two or more lead cast members will be available for a post-show meet and greet in the Pavilion Café Bar. Pantomime fans will have the unique opportunity to have their programmes signed, as well as a chance to have photographs taken with the cast members present.

Worthing Theatres pantomime in partnership with Paul Holman Associates looks set to be another hit; with over 10,000 tickets sold and reserved so far and ticket sales financially ahead by a substantial 14% on last year's incredibly popular Christmas production Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
 
The cast will be led by Pop Superstar Lee Latchford-Evans from STEPS, who plays the title role of Aladdin. CBeebies star Rebecca Keatley plays Princess Jasmine, she is known to millions of fans both young and old as the bubbly anchor of the CBeebies House and hit children’s TV show Let’s Play.

Award-winning comedian Vikki Stone will star as the evil Abanazar, a role she is familiar with, as she was twice nominated as the Best Baddie at the Great British Pantomime Awards. Children’s comedy-entertainer Mark Jones stars as Wishee Washee, Mark has toured extensively with some of the UK’s most-loved children’s shows as the presenter of both ‘The Sooty Show’ and ‘Rainbow Live’. Well-known and well-loved Brighton cabaret artiste Dave Lynn will star as everyone’s favourite panto dame, Widow Twankey.

Amanda O’ Reilly, Head of Culture for Adur & Worthing Councils, stated “The pantomime is an important part of our annual programming and we are always looking for more ways to make this experience even more memorable for our audiences. Our new golden week campaign gives families that additional opportunity to make lasting memories with the ones they love and take a little bit of that pantomime magic home with them. It’s our fastest ever selling Christmas production, so make sure you book your seats early!”

Aladdin, runs at the Pavilion Theatre from Friday 30th November 2018 to Tuesday 1st January 2019 with ‘Golden Week’ running from Saturday 1 to Friday 7 December 2018. Tickets for this family favourite pantomime are on sale now via www.worthingtheatres.co.uk or at the Box Office on 01903 206 206, with an early bird discount which runs until Sunday 30 September.

Have You Entered the 2018
Adur & Worthing Business Awards Yet?

Entries are continuing to pour in for the Adur & Worthing Business Awards 2018, which will celebrate the achievements of firms from across the area.

Held at the Pavilion Theatre, Worthing on Friday 16^th November 2018 - the official awards ceremony offers local businesses the chance to shout loud and proud about their success, and celebrate the achievements and efforts of their hard-working staff.

There are eighteen categories in total so why not take a few minutes to enter, or nominate a worthy business or individual?  Since the awards were launched in June, lots of businesses have already entered so there’s no time like the present to get involved.

Please follow The Adur & Worthing Business Awards on social media and keep up to date with news, announcements and key dates.  We are also using the hashtag #AWBAwards so please feel free to join the conversation and like and share content on our social media pages!