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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 


  • 24 October 2017 2:39 PM | Deleted user

    Local Property Professionals Focus on 600 Homes and IKEAS’s Big Plans

    One of the biggest proposed residential and commercial property schemes on the Sussex coast in decades was scrutinised at the latest meeting of the Sussex Property Alliance (SPA).

    If given the go-ahead, the New Monks Farm development in Lancing would create 600 homes, a school, a 28 hectare country park and a 35,000 sq m flagship IKEA store. Over 40 SPA members also heard details of separate plans to build 25,000 sqm of employment space at the adjacent Brighton City Airport.

    Speaking at the event, held at the Airport, James Appleton, Head of Planning and Development at Adur and Worthing Councils, said the New Monks Farm application was likely to be determined in the first few months of next year. He said that aside from the numerous environmental, heritage and highways objections to be taken into account, overall scheme viability was a key issue and the applicants claim that the delivery of the development was heavily reliant upon the proposed IKEA store had to be tested.

    Considerable concerns had been raised by the local community about additional congestion on the A27 as a result of the IKEA store but Mr Appleton stressed that the application was not expected to deal with the wider A27 problems but had to demonstrate that it would mitigate the impact of the additional development traffic on the trunk road.

    “In looking at how we meet future employment and housing needs the shortage of land in Adur meant that development had to be considered on greenfield land at New Monks Farm and the Airport. The Local Plan Inspector's report had recently been received and the Inspector found the Council’s overall strategy to be ‘sound’ providing an appropriate balance between meeting housing and employment needs with protecting the local environment.

    Mr Appleton said that,

    “The two planning applications were promoting more development than envisaged by the Local Plan and had provoked considerable opposition. The local planning authority will have to weigh up the benefits of the schemes in terms of new homes, jobs and economic development with the impact on the local environment, heritage and local infrastructure. The applications are hugely complex”

    In terms of the recent A27 consultation, the Councils of Adur and Worthing had objected on the basis that the Government had not provided sufficient funding to Highways England to come up with a genuine consultation exercise. Mr Appleton advised that the local Councils, MPs, and businesses had all asked the government to look for a more radical solution to ease congestion, improve journey times and improve air quality. It was hoped that the Government would listen and recent positive statements from the Transport Minister indicates that this is the case.

    The Sussex Property Alliance provides a forum where property professionals get together, exchange ideas, and build relationships. It is supported by Sussex-based MHA Carpenter Box chartered accountants, Bennett Griffin solicitors and Michael Jones commercial real estate agents.

    Looking towards New Monks Farm, our photo shows (l-r) Stephen Hollamby (Bennett Griffin), Robert Dowling (MHA Carpenter Box), James Appleton (Adur and Worthing Councils), and Steve Berrett (Michael Jones).

    www.sussexpropertyalliance.co.uk

  • 24 October 2017 12:30 PM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)

    Resilience & Optimism for Manufacturers despite Brexit uncertainties 

    SME manufacturers in the UK are more confident around revenue growth, despite Brexit uncertainties, skills shortages and production cost rises. So says this year’s MHA Manufacturing & Engineering annual survey report which is supported by Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.

    The findings of this year’s survey gathered by Sussex and Gatwick-based chartered accountants, tax and business advisers, MHA Carpenter Box, draw on the national and regional insights from over 450 clients and contacts. It identifies opportunities and concerns facing UK manufacturing and engineering businesses and, despite uncertainties over Brexit, 69% reported that they achieved revenue growth over the last 12 months and 78% remain positive about the future.

    Without doubt Brexit uncertainty is a significant barrier to growth and 94% of respondents expect further increase in production costs, which are likely to be passed on to customers. Nationally, 20% of respondents stated that they have lost staff or are at risk of losing staff from the EU because of Brexit, however, in the South East the figure is closer to 30%.

    Recruiting appropriately skilled staff is a significant issue for 75% of the survey respondents and this was identified as one of the main barriers to achieving business growth over the next 12 months, a problem compounded by staff losses over Brexit. In spite of this, 57% of respondents expect to increase their staff numbers over the next 12 months and 59% are planning to take on apprentices.

    The survey highlighted that manufacturers are starting to understand Industry 4.0 opportunities and are looking to government for more tax breaks to help them to accelerate the necessary investment. Many currently do not fully understand the impact of Industry 4.0, which is the name for the current trend of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies which can help create ‘smart factories’ and bring more automation to manufacturing and engineering processes.

    MHA Carpenter Box Partner Chris Coopey, who heads the Manufacturing Group at MHA nationally, commented: “The resilience and optimism of our manufacturers and engineers highlighted by our survey is a massive positive for the UK in this most uncertain of worlds. Despite the challenges they face the sector remains buoyant.

    “We know the skills shortage is already being exacerbated by the loss of both skilled and unskilled staff from the EU. Though apprenticeships are becoming more popular, they will not match demand, so we need to make more using less labour by utilising technology. The fact that the principles around Industry 4.0 are beginning to figure in the sector’s thinking is therefore very good news. Investment seems to be the key to the conundrum of skills shortages and rising costs.”

    Mark Burton, Managing Director Lloyds Bank Mid Markets, London and South East, commented:

    “Manufacturers across the South coast are exceeding even their own growth forecasts. Uncertainty is affecting the current workforce but the region’s businesses are still achieving high turnovers and businesses are in fact keen to take on more staff.

    “A central concern for companies is managing their working capital at the moment, with almost a fifth of firms struggling to manage their cash flow. Lloyds Bank is committed to helping firms manage risk and working capital as part of our Helping Britain Prosper commitment.”

    Philippa Oldham who heads Manufacturing and Transport for the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, will discuss the main findings of this year’s report at the Manufacturing Engineering and Technology Alliance (METALL #6) meeting on October 19th at the South Lodge Hotel near Horsham.  

    For more details and to sign up, visit www.metall.org.uk .


  • 23 October 2017 1:48 PM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)

    Help Crowdfund the Tide of Light!

    Help raise £2868 for the Tide of Light Lantern Parade. If they don't hit target they won't get a penny of the donations already pledged.

    Please help make this the best year ever by donating to the cause. in return there's an opportunity to press the button to start the fireworks and some lovely branded goodies to boot. 

    At the moment they have raised £424 of the required £2,868 - So head on over to their Crowdfunding page and donate some money to support the magical evening! 

    click here to donate!



  • 23 October 2017 9:53 AM | Deleted user

    Friends of Superstar Arts Launch

    Superstar Arts is a Worthing based organisation that provides creative projects for people with learning disabilities.  

    We are launching Friends of Superstar Arts to raise much needed funds for Superstar Arts to develop and resource it's provision.  We are holding a launch event on Saturday 4th November at St Paul's Centre in Worthing are approaching local businesses and individuals to support this.  You can find out more about what Superstar Arts at www.superstararts.com and follow weekly news on our facebook page.

    The aim of Superstar Arts is to improve communication, confidence and self-esteem and to enable learning disabled people to create positive images of themselves and what they do in Worthing and the surrounding area. Activities include enterprise, participating in community events (Worthing Carnival, Tide of Light), drama and performance as well as exploring themes and issues that affect the lives of learning disabled people.



  • 16 October 2017 2:08 PM | Deleted user

    Adur & Worthing Business Awards 2017
    Shortlist Announcement

     

    The organisers of the Adur & Worthing Business Awards are delighted to reveal the shortlisted entries for 2017.
     
    Now in their 10th year, the 2017 awards promise to be even better than before, as local businesses and professionals go from strength to strength showcasing some of the very best in Adur & Worthing.
     
    Thanks to our amazing panel of judges for taking on this almost impossible task.
     
    Peter Webb MBE, Managing Director at ETI Ltd commented; “A record number of entries were received this year which made judging a harder task than ever, but I think everybody will agree that the shortlist is superb and really highlights the diverse businesses in the area.”

    The black-tie Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony will take place from 6.15pm at The Pavilion, Worthing on Friday 10th November 2017. Tickets are just £60 each and include a welcome drink, 3 course meal provided by Harding’s Catering and post ceremony entertainment/disco. 

    Places are now limited so don’t delay!  For more information and to book your tickets, please visit 
    this page.

    On behalf of all our sponsors and supporters, the organising committee and judging panel would like to wish all shortlisted businesses and individuals the very best of luck!

    Start-Up Business – sponsored by Adur & Worthing Councils

    • Here & Now Media Ltd
    • Freedom Works Ltd
    • Refsix Ltd
    • Vertex Joinery Ltd
    • Vanilla Pod Beauty

    Retailer – sponsored by Worthing Town Centre Initiative

    • Gardner & Scardifield
    • Shore Being Natural Foods
    • The Garden Pantry
    • VJG Jewellery
    • Wall Brothers Carpets & Flooring

    Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure – sponsored by Southern Water

    • Ropetackle Arts Centre
    • South Downs Leisure
    • The Egremont Public House
    • The Hummingbird Restaurant
    • Worthing Rugby Club
    • Worthing Town Centre Initiative

    Training & Development – sponsored by MET (Greater Brighton Metropolitan College)

    • Egalite Care Ltd
    • Innavision
    • Proto Restaurant Group
    • Ricardo
    • Worthing & Adur Chamber of Commerce

    Business in the Community – sponsored by Bowers & Wilkins

    • 5 Rings Group
    • ECE Architechture
    • Gardner & Scardifield Ltd
    • Robert Luff & Co
    • Whitebox UK

    Young Achiever – sponsored by Lancing College Preparatory School Worthing

    • Abbie Kimber
    • Ben Griggs
    • David Kemp
    • James Macdonald
    • Jodie Rogers

    Place to Eat and/or Drink – sponsored by Bennett Griffin Solicitors & Notaries

    • Ami Bistro
    • CrabShack
    • Food Restaurant
    • The Egremont Public House
    • The Hummingbird Restaurant

    Building & Construction – sponsored by Gardner & Scardifield Ltd

    • ECE Architecture Ltd
    • Empire Construction Group Ltd
    • Roberts & Co Construction Ltd
    • Warnes Projects Ltd
    • Vertex Joinery Ltd

    Business Personality – sponsored by The Martlet Partnership

    • Keren Lewis
    • Lauren Tapp
    • Sandra Crathern
    • Sharon Clarke
    • Steve Cropper

    Customer Service – sponsored by Worthing & Adur Chamber of Commerce

    • Prosperon Networks
    • Spicer International Ltd
    • Towbex Ltd
    • Wall Brothers Carpet & Flooring
    • Warnes Projects Ltd

    Manufacturing & Engineering – sponsored by Carpenter Box

    • Allergy Therapeutics
    • Nordell Ltd
    • The Protein Ball Co
    • Vertex Joinery Ltd

    Green Business – sponsored by Sussex Transport

    • A Greener Alternative
    • Kenads Printers
    • Nature Shop
    • Proto Restaurant Group

    Small Business – sponsored by Adur & Worthing Business Partnership (AWBP)

    • ColourFull Kitchens Ltd
    • GoGecko Recruitment
    • Hit Refresh Marketing
    • Priavo Security
    • The Beauty Island Sanctuary Ltd
    • Wall Brothers Carpet & Flooring

    Medium Business – sponsored by Allergy Therapeutics

    • 5 Rings Group
    • Prosperon Networks
    • Proto Restaurant Group
    • Spicer International Ltd
    • The Protein Ball Co

    Large Business – sponsored by Worthing Pier Southern Pavilion

    • Egalite Care Ltd
    • Gardner Scardifield Ltd
    • South Downs Leisure
    • The Gemini Print Group
    • Worthing Homes

    Innovation – sponsored by Kreston Reeves

    • ColourFull Kitchens Ltd
    • ECE Architecture Ltd
    • Jacks & Jones Estate Agents
    • Refsix Ltd
    • The Protein Ball Co

    Lifetime Achievement – sponsored by JSPC Computer Services
    To be announced on the night!

    Overall Business – sponsored by Electronic Temperature Instruments Ltd
    To be announced on the night!

  • 13 October 2017 11:20 AM | Deleted user

    Adur and Worthing leaders welcome Transport Secretary’s pledge to look again at A27 options

    The leaders of both Adur District and Worthing Borough Councils today welcomed the news that the Transport Secretary would look again in full at options to upgrade the A27 through Worthing and Lancing.

    Both local authorities have been leading the way in standing up for residents and criticising Highways England’s single option to improve the road.

    Last month, both leaders wrote to Transport Secretary Chris Grayling with their concerns calling for him to visit the area in a bid to find a long-term solution to reduce congestion on the six mile stretch through Worthing and Lancing.

    With additional pressure from the area’s MPs, Mr Grayling has now said he wants to see all of the options on the table before Highways England make an announcement on their recommended way forward.

    In a joint statement, Councillor Neil Parkin, leader of Adur District Council, and Councillor Dan Humphreys, leader of Worthing Borough Council, said: “While we are still waiting to hear back personally from the transport secretary, we welcome this initial statement.

    “The plans presented by Highways England were derisory and in no way would improve any aspect of life across our areas.

    “We hope this is a signal of intent that Mr Grayling is to look again at all options and urge him to allocate appropriate funds to deliver a long-term and lasting solution.

    “We also want to reiterate our invitation for the secretary and his team to visit the area so Mr Grayling can fully understand the day-to-day problems first-hand.”

    The comments from My Grayling came in a letter addressed to Tim Loughton and Sir Peter Bottomley, the area’s two MPs.

    Within it, Mr Grayling said: “It would appear the current scheme does not have the support of the local council, business or community, as they want a better scheme for their area.”

    He added that Highways England were due to make an announcement on the preferred route in the coming months, adding “prior to this, I will instruct them to provide me with a review of the viable alternative options...which includes grade separation”.

    Mr Grayling did admit that for any alternative to be considered, it would “have to compete against other scheme priorities at that time”.

  • 12 October 2017 9:35 AM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)

    BECOME A DIRECTOR OF THE SUSSEX COUNTY FA


    Following a recent restructure, the Sussex County FA has three vacancies on the Board of Directors for dynamic, committed and enthusiastic people willing to take the County FA to another level.

    These are voluntary positions, but travel and other reasonable expenses can be claimed in accordance with the Sussex County FA policy.

    The successful candidate will be given an electronic device and a Sussex County FA email address, to separate from other business and family communications.

    The Director is accountable to the Board of Directors through the Chairman.

    The Director will be required to attend Board Meetings held at the Sussex County FA Headquarters in Lancing, as well as other meetings and events of the Association as and when required.

    Ideally, the candidate would have some football and business experience, as the Board is focused on the delivery of The FA strategies and Sussex County FA business plans, as well as financial planning, budget control and other areas of good governance.

    To read more about the position click here 

    To apply for the position click here

  • 11 October 2017 9:51 AM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)

    Free Acas Guidance and Tools for Flexible Working

    Click here to get free Acas guidance and tools for flexible working! Acas are workplace experts providing free information for employers and employees. They offer plenty of advice on general Workplace issues such as managing staff absence or gaining the skills required to develop good people management skills.

  • 10 October 2017 4:08 PM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)

    3 Month long Consultancy job Opportunity

    Worthing Homes are seeking bids from suitably experienced consultants to evaluate their award winning Community House project which is in the second tranche of funding from the Big Lottery Fund.

    The evaluation will cover all areas of the project but specifically looking at the impact of delivery of services to the community and the effect removal of the project would have on the communities the project serves.

    The evaluator will be provided with a range of qualitative and quantitative data as well as the opportunity to talk to staff and service users about the project and its effectiveness. The evaluator will also be able to draw on substantial case histories and a wide range of other community groups we work with.

    We anticipate this being in total a three month evaluation from beginning to final report.  We will offer strong support to enable the evaluator to complete this work within the time available and enable them to see all aspects of the project as required.

    We are looking for an individual/organisation with a strong background in evaluation particularly in the area of community involvement and support.  The successful candidate would also have an extensive understanding of community development projects and what they are trying to achieve.

    For further information about Community House please go to: http://www.thecommunityhouse.org.uk/

    If you are interested in bidding for this project, please contact: ccavanagh@worthing-homes.org.uk or

    C Cavanagh, Worthing Homes, North St, Worthing, BN11 1ER to receive the project brief.

    You will then be required to respond with your CV or evaluation history, examples of your relevant experience and your fee proposal. The closing date for submissions is 3rd November.


  • 10 October 2017 3:56 PM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)

    Worthing Museum adds interactive digital displays to archaeology collection

    New interactive digital displays have been added to Worthing Museum’s archaeology section, as four new state-of-the-art tablets have been installed as part of the permanent collection.

    The displays will add a digital element to the exhibitions, allowing visitors to enjoy a variety of features including a map database that can reveal local archaeological sites and discoveries across Sussex. They will also be used to showcase Worthing Museum’s large collection of historical items, including the pieces that aren’t on display, with detailed information and photographs cataloging the items. There will also be an archive of aerial footage of the South Downs to highlight treasured beauty spots across the county, and a quiz for adults and children to test their knowledge. Two of the tablets also link up to television screens as part of the display designed for group visitors and children’s educational trips to the museum.
     
    The project has been financially supported by Arts Fund, who provides funding for acquisitions to help redevelop and update museums, including archaeological displays.
     
    James Sainsbury, Archaeologist & Operations, Worthing Museum & Art Gallery, says “We’re really excited to be bringing our archaeology collection into the 21st century, it has been an idea I have had since I first started and it is amazing to see them in action. The aerial footage of the South Downs is fantastic because most of our group walks sell out fast. It means people who haven’t had the opportunity to visit the South Downs before, can enjoy seeing rare footage of these beautiful locations. We hope our extensive and interactive database will help people feel more connected to the past by finding local discoveries near where they live, learn more about their own ancestry and perhaps it may even inspire people to go out and start their own investigations on these historical landmarks.”
     
    For more information visit www.worthingmuseum.co.uk or call the museum on 01903 221 448.


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