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News & updates 

Regular news and updates from the Chamber, our members, local Councils and other relevant business news will be posted regularly here. 

Don't forget, as a member one of your many benefits is being able to submit your press releases and news for inclusion here as well as on either the members or business news emails and social media. Please submit to lauren@worthingandadurchamber.co.uk 


  • 10 January 2018 9:29 AM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)

    New lifts just the start of multi-million pound investment in Worthing’s car parks

    Work on a major upgrade to improve access to Worthing’s car parks is well underway.

    As part of multi-million pound investment in it’s town centre multi-storeys, Worthing Borough Council’s contractors have begun installing new lifts in the Buckingham Road car park.

    Local authority leaders took the decision to replace the two 50-year-old elevators after a series of malfunctioning problems in recent months.

    The £211,000 work, which will also see the lift entrances widened to allow easy access for those in wheelchairs or with pushchairs, is expected to be complete by summer 2018.

    It is one of the first steps in a three year car park investment programme which is being paid for by a number of modest increases to tariffs at some of the council car parks expected to come into force on 18 January 2018.

    Councillor Diane Guest, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Environment, who recently visited the site to see how the installation was progressing, said: “I’m delighted to see our investment in the town’s multi-storeys is already having a positive impact.

    “Our car parks are quite often the first impression that visitors have of Worthing so it’s vital that they they are welcoming, modern, safe and accessible for all.

    “These new lifts are just the start of a much-needed investment programme which will have wide reaching benefits for the town centre. I’m looking forward to seeing it progress.”

    Work on the new lifts began just before Christmas. It will be phased so that one lift is operating at all times to ensure that those with mobility issues can continue to access the car park.

    The wider car park refurbishment programme has already seen new ‘smart’ lighting and replacement CCTV installed in Buckingham and High Street multi-storeys. This together with recently introduced night patrols will improve security at all sites.

    The new environmentally-friendly lighting cost £168,000 and will save an estimated £49,000 a year - meaning it will be have paid for itself in just over three years.

    Future works will include refurbishment of parking decks, entrances and public stairwells and new signage. In future it will be easier for customers to pay with online automatic billing and contactless payment options being pursued.


  • 08 January 2018 2:22 PM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)

    Adur & Worthing’s third sector urged to bid for grants

    Community and voluntary groups across Adur and Worthing can start their new year with a bang by bidding for grants worth more than £3 million.

    Adur & Worthing Councils recognise that the scores of third sector organisations across both areas play an integral part in supporting our communities.

    To help them proposer, both local authorities are urging organisations to get their bids in to a number of pots of cash made available through the public, private and third sectors to ensure they thrive in 2018 and beyond.

    For those groups that need support, Community Works, which is Adur & Worthing Councils’ community and voluntary sector support service, can provide one-to-one support before submitting any application.

    It comes as there are just a few days left to bid for the Rampion Fund at Sussex Community Foundation.

    Made available by E.On, which is behind the Rampion wind farm off the Sussex coast, it consists of a pot of £3.1 million with individual charities invited to bid for grants of up to £50,000.

    Some of this funding specifically ring-fenced for groups in east Worthing and Lancing. The deadline is 12th January, with another round in spring.

    Other grants that are available include:

    ·        Sussex Community Grants - deadline 12th January (two further rounds later in 2018)

    ·        West Sussex County Council Small Grants - deadline 15th January

    ·        Adur Community Grants - deadline 26th January

    ·        Community Chest - deadline end of January

    ·        Community Safety Fund - opens 8th January, deadline 9th February.

    Councillor David Simmons, Adur District Council’s Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “As a council we have always valued the benefits that local organisations bring to the people of our communities.

    “It is important that we continue to support, encourage and celebrate the key services and support that they provide. I urge as many groups as possible to act now so they do not miss out on these crucial funding opportunities.”

    Councillor Val Turner, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “Funding is always one of the challenges faced by the thriving third sector across Worthing. These pots of cash give organisations the perfect opportunity to start 2018 on a positive note.

    “I urge groups across the borough to use the experience and expertise offered by Community Works which will help voluntary groups across Worthing continue to prosper.”


  • 08 January 2018 2:12 PM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)

    Thousands of properties protected from flooding thanks to Greater Brighton

    Thousands of homes, hundreds of businesses and essential transport routes will become protected from flooding thanks to the work of Greater Brighton.

    The Environment Agency is midway through the multi-million pound Adur Tidal Walls scheme which will reduce the risk of flooding in Shoreham.

    As well as preserving existing buildings, a business case backed by the government shows the work will also protect key rail and road routes while unlocking other sites for future development.

    And it has all been made possible thanks to £6 million of funding drawn in through the Greater Brighton Economic Board (GBEB) via Coast To Capital Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

    During a visit to see some of the 7.2 km stretch where work is taking place, Greater Brighton leaders said they were delighted to see the progress.

    Councillor Andy Smith, GBEB chairman and leader of Lewes District Council, said: “I’m extremely impressed at the work to make one of Greater Brighton's key towns virtually 'flood-proof'. This is a prime example of how taxpayers money spent wisely and strategically can have a massive impact on the wider community.

    “As well as protecting the existing communities, this work has the potential to protect important transport corridors which tens of thousands of people rely on, as well as making the area more attractive and viable for the development of much-needed housing and commercial premises.

    “It is exactly the sort of project that everyone representing Greater Brighton - from politicians to business leaders to academics - wants to see happening as the wider benefit is enormous.”

    During the visit, Greater Brighton leaders were given an overview of the project from the team’s base on Shoreham Beach.

    It was explained that all government-funded flood protection works now need some form of match funding from other sources - which is where the GBEB and the LEP grant came in.

    In total more than 2,328 properties and 169 commercial premises will be protected thanks to the work in Shoreham.

    The delegation also heard how the work would safeguard key infrastructure routes, such as the coastal A259, the main coast rail link from Brighton to Southampton and Shoreham Airport.

    Then, contractors from Team Van Oord gave a guided tour of a range of the flood protection works that have already been completed since they started in October 2016

    It was explained that a range of methods are being used, including reinforced concrete walls, embankments, the creation of new natural habitats, and sheet pile walls.

    The work will mean that the area is now protected from all but the most extreme case (1 in 300 years) of flooding.

    Dave Robinson, of the Environment Agency, said: “When complete, the Shoreham scheme will reduce the tidal flood risk to thousands of homes and a significant number of commercial properties in the area, as well as protecting important local infrastructure such as the road network, railway line and Shoreham Airport.

    “This is one part of the Environment Agency’s national effort to reduce the risk of flooding for at least 300,000 homes by 2020/21.”


  • 08 January 2018 2:09 PM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)

    Father and daughter artists Gary and Bambi Goodman present a new exhibition at Worthing Museum & Art Gallery this February

    After two successful exhibitions at WishLess Gallery in Tokyo and a show at Studio Gallery in London, father and daughter artists, Gary and Bambi Goodman, present a new exhibition at Worthing Museum and Art Gallery this winter.
     
    Opening on 10 February, On a Night Like This is an exhibition which includes paintings, prints and poetry, which will be on display in the Studio Gallery until 30 June. There will be a reception on the opening afternoon where Gary will be reading some of his poetry. During the exhibition there will be further events and workshops.

    Gary Goodman is a painter and poet. His imagery is resoundingly direct, unbothered by artistic self-consciousness and politeness; unrefined, unmannerly yet sensitive. Gary has exhibited his paintings and prints and has performed his poetry around the world: from the frozen wastes of Norway and Alaska down to the warmth of New Zealand and the Southern States of USA.

    Bambi Goodman is a British artist living and working in Brighton. She has exhibited in galleries and Artists Open Houses in Brighton, and in Japan. She has also produced commercial work for The Japan Times as well as illustrations for albums and LP covers for bands under 1234 Records. Bambi is not precious about her work; although the themes are often personal and sentimental they are generally weighted with a sense of humour. Bambi is influenced by Bob Dylan, Van Gogh and melancholic cowboys.

    Bambi Goodman says “I paint what I like – and what I like is women and animals. Japanese schoolgirls, cowgirls, girls reading books, girls falling in love with bears and ravens, Van Gogh’s little lark. They are sensitive paintings, while playful and gaudy at times. There is no use trying to make them any more than they are."

    Emma Walder, Art Curator Worthing Museum & Art Gallery, says: “This father and daughter exhibition is an intriguing concept so it will be interesting to see if, or how Bambi may have been influenced by her father, Gary Goodman.  Will their work be juxtaposed, or complement each other? I know Gary's work well although I haven't seen this recent work, I'm drawn to his dark but somehow humorous style. I know many local artists who were taught by Gary and he has worked with the museum on previous projects and exhibitions so this will be a great opportunity to see the work he's selected for On a Night Like This. The mix of printmaking, poetry and painting will make a stimulating exhibition.”

    For more information on visit worthingmuseum.co.uk or call Worthing Museum on 01903 221 448.

  • 05 January 2018 1:10 PM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)

    The Cruise Collection

    Sail on the latest addition to the Carnival Cruise Line fleet this year on this Mediterranean voyage from Barcelona. From vibrant
    cities to romantic bays this discovery treats you to the finest cultures, cuisines and historical sights of the region.


    22nd April 2018 - 9 nights from £899pp

    Whats included in this package?

    • 7 nights on-board on Carnival Horizon
    • 2 nights in a 4* B&B Barcelona Hotel
    • All transfers included
    • Return Flights
    Itinerary:
    Fly UK > Barcelona - Transfer to port and embark Carnival Horizon - Cagliari (Sardinia) - Naples (Capri/Pompeii) - Rome (Civitavecchia) - Livorno (Florence/Pisa) - Marseilles (Provence) - Arrice into Barcelona and transfer to 4* Hotel for two nights stay - Transfer to airport - Fly Barcelona > UK

    Click here to visit the website


  • 05 January 2018 9:28 AM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)

    Social Enterprise Hot House Programme Dates for Delegates

    Friday 12th January at 9:30am-12:30pm - Workshop: Fundraising Strategy - Taking a strategic approach to fundraising will help ensure that your Social Enterprise has a mix income approach which focuses energy and resources to those fundraising areas that will bring maximum return, both in the short-term and long-term.

    Friday 26th January from 10:00am-11:00am - Action Learning Session

    Friday 9th February at 9:30am-12:30pm - Workshop: Fundraising skills - Finding funding opportunities and understanding what funders are looking for are skills that will help you to be more successful in your fundraising activities. This workshop will help you identify the places where funding opportunities are advertised and help you understand the language and motivations of funders and what makes a good application. 

    Friday 23rd March at 10:00am-12:00pm - Action Learning Session

    Friday 13th April at 9:30am-12:300pm - Workshop: Recruiting and Retaining Volunteers - Volunteers are a fantastic resource for organisations whether it is on your management committee, or supporting your fundraising or day to day activities, however you need to find them and keep them happy! This workshop will give you the framework for identifying the skills you need in your organisation, the tools you need to keep volunteers happy and how and where to advertise.

    Friday 27th April at 10:00am-12:00pm - Action Learning Session

    Click here to book

  • 04 January 2018 3:32 PM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)

    MHA Carpenter Box Heads into 2018 following a record 2017

    Sussex-based chartered accountants MHA Carpenter Box is welcoming in 2018 on the back of a record year, driven in part by the rapid expansion of its Gatwick office.

    The firm, headquartered in Worthing, has seen its Gatwick headcount grow from four employees at start-up in June 2015 to 27 today, 15 of whom have been recruited in the last 12 months. Driving this growth has been an impressive increase in the client base being managed from Gatwick which, added to the strong performance of the Worthing office has made for an exceptional 12 months.

    To aid its long-term growth, MHA Carpenter Box also recruited its highest-ever number of new trainees last year, nine of whom were taken on at Worthing and three in Gatwick.

    Chris Coopey, Partner and Practice Director at the firm, commented: “The last 12 months have been exceptional, with the total number of employees now approaching 160.

    Our focus on service innovation and sector-related specialist support along with the national and global reach we can achieve through MHA and Baker Tilly International has certainly paid dividends, to the point that we now count multi-national businesses among our clients, regularly winning new business at the expense of accountancy groups with global profiles.”


  • 04 January 2018 3:15 PM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)

    Worthing’s trial “street clutter” scheme hailed a big success

    Traders are being thanked for playing their part in helping improve access to one of the major shopping streets in Worthing town centre.

    Worthing Borough Council began a pilot scheme in September aimed at reducing ‘street clutter’ in Warwick Street. This was following complaints from shoppers and wheelchair users that they were unable to get from A to B due to the amount of street furniture in the road.

    In order to maintain access for all, local businesses were asked to apply for a licence to place items like A-Boards and outdoor seating in the public highway.

    After all but three businesses in Warwick Street signed up to the self-funding scheme, access to the pedestrianised street has been dramatically improved.

    Enforcement action is now being considered against those firms without a licence, which will see the removal of items belonging to non-compliant firms and potential fines of up to £1,000.

    Council leaders will also look to roll out the pilot to other areas in the town from March.

    Councillor Diane Guest, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Environment, said: “I know as a local business owner how important items like A-Boards and outdoor eating areas play in boosting trade and improving the vibrancy of our town centre.

    “However, this cannot be done without thought to the very people that use the shops.

    “While this scheme has not been universally popular, the result has been overwhelmingly positive - not only improving the appearance to one of the town’s major shopping streets, but making it a lot easier for everyone to access it.

    “It’s disappointing that a small number of firms still refuse to sign up to the scheme which gives us no option but to enforce the laws.

    “However, we will be rolling the scheme out across the town from March onwards, and are already beginning to receive unprompted applications from new businesses to the area.”

    The powers to license street furniture used to belong to West Sussex County Council. But the scheme was not widely promoted or enforced, meaning just two firms in the whole of Worthing paid for permission to place items on the highway.

    Worthing Borough Council took on the powers earlier this year - and pledged to work with businesses to ensure that the scheme is priced and enforced fairly.

    Costs for the first year for an advertising board will start from £106.50 - or just over £2 a week - with the fee dropping to just £80.50 in the second. Prices for tables and chairs are more expensive and calculated on the amount of highway used.

    Teams from the council regularly contacted every business in the street to make sure they are aware of the changes and talk them through the changes.

    The scheme is entirely self-funding with all of the monies raised covering the administration costs.


  • 03 January 2018 2:24 PM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)

    Enjoy a free drink at Indigo

    Enjoy a free glass of wine, half a pint of lager, half a pint of bitter or soft drink when you dine with us in January. Just click this link and show a member of staff
    http://mailchi.mp/ardingtonhotel/a-festive-treat-on-us-merry-christmas 

  • 03 January 2018 1:55 PM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)

    Coastal West Sussex Partnership urges government rethink on apprenticeship funding for businesses 

    Influential business partnership Coastal West Sussex (CWS)  today hit out at a government decision which could see a drastic drop in the number of small firm apprenticeships on offer in the region.

    Government has awarded no funding for the Universities of Chichester and Brighton to run apprenticeship schemes on behalf of small and medium sized businesses despite growing demand in the area.  The Further Education Colleges received only about 50% of their requirements.

    The South East as a whole has fared badly in the funding announcement despite the universities and colleges working hard with local businesses to grow demand and offer apprenticeships particularly in the digital, construction and engineering industries.

    Now CWS chairman Geoff Edwards has written to the government’s Apprenticeships Minister Anne Milton calling for an urgent rethink.

    In the letter, which has also been sent to all MPs covering the Coastal West Sussex region Mr Edwards, Executive Vice President of UK Operations at the high-end audio company Bowers and Wilkins says he is “very disappointed” by the outcome.

    “This curtailed funding will force education providers to work with just the Levy paying employers which, along the coast, are few and far between as only a small percentage of companies are  large enough to actually pay the Apprenticeship Levy in this area,” he writes.

    Director of CWS, Caroline Wood added, “This is extremely disappointing particularly given the hard work that has already gone in to creating these courses and growing the demand,” said director Caroline Wood, “Some courses will have to be scrapped despite there being demand from local people and businesses.

    “This is short-sighted thinking by the government and ignores the very real need smaller businesses have in the Coastal West Sussex region for young people with new skills to help local businesses  develop their markets.”

    In particular the University of Chichester had been developing a broad range of  Degree Apprenticeships and is about to open a new, £38M Engineering and Digital Technology Centre in Bognor Regis which would also have offered apprenticeships including Digital Degree Apprenticeships for which there is a desperate shortage in the area.

    Now with no allocation of funding those are in serious doubt.

    Skills levels at apprenticeship level in the coastal area are 11% lower than the rest of the region and the CWS Partnership says the new Centre in Bognor Regis with strong links to local small and medium businesses offered career pathway opportunities to inspire local young people and support the wider education led regeneration of the area.

    The nearest university to win funding is in Portsmouth making it very difficult and costly for new apprentices on day release to attend.

    The Education and Skills Funding Agency (Esfa) funding was announced just before Christmas with big differences in the regional winners and losers.

    The figures are for non-levy apprenticeships which the government funds for businesses with an annual paybill of less than £3m. Levy employers, usually larger companies, will be unaffected by this move.

    Coastal West Sussex Partnership has been very active in promoting apprenticeships and the importance of STEM educational subjects, science, technology, engineering and mathematics, so that young people in the area can gain the skills needed by local businesses.

    CWS is running its third Coastal STEMfest this year; an interactive series of events aimed at inspiring young people, particularly girls, to take STEM subjects to meet the growing national and local demand.

    STEMfest culminates in the Big Bang at Butlins in Bognor Regis on March 8 - a whole day of exciting workshops inspiring  the scientists, engineers and mathematicians of the future


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