Highest ever number of new Trainees recruited at ‘Platinum’ Accountancy Firm 

Worthing and Gatwick-based chartered accountants, MHA Carpenter Box, have appointed their highest ever number of new trainees. 12 new trainees have recently been recruited, nine of whom have joined the firm’s Platinum Accredited programme on the road to the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification. Two will be studying for the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ACA) qualification and one for a tax qualification with the Association of Tax Technicians (ATT).

Alexander Cracknell joined from the University of Glasgow, Angelika Niedzwiedzka from Bank University in Poznan, Poland, Alexander Kent from Canterbury Christ Church University, with Lukas Kourtis, Meghan Osbourne and Natasha Whitehead joining from the University of Chichester. Jessica Jackman, Natalie Smith, Samantha Veness and Will Uwins joined following graduation from Worthing College, Isabella Roozbehan from Chichester College and Huw John from Mill Hill County High School.

Angelika, Lukas and Alexander Kent will work from MHA Carpenter Box’s Gatwick office, while the remainder will be based at the firm’s HQ in Worthing.

MHA Carpenter Box Practice Director, Chris Coopey, welcomed the trainees on board, commenting: “Our task is to train the next generation of business advisers focussing their ability to use their accountancy, tax and audit skills to help our clients prosper.

“We have always aimed to give our students the best possible start to their careers which has been underlined by our accreditation as a Platinum employer, ACCA’s highest global standard of excellence.”

The new trainees will undertake a comprehensive in-house training programme working in the Business Services, Tax Services and Assurance and Advisory Groups at MHA Carpenter Box, as well as benefitting from knowledge sharing across MHA, the firm’s national association and Baker Tilly International, its global network. 

Investment Solutions September Newsletter 

This month we take a look at:

• Inheritance Tax
  
• The Government’s proposals re dividend income & pension contributions
  
• Financial complications re divorce
  
• Childcare benefits
  

Let's talk because winter's coming ...

Winter is coming! But for some, the approach of cold weather and, particularly, the festive season is something to be dreaded rather than anticipated. Imagine if you were homeless, for example, or one of your nearest and dearest is in prison.

Our September Voluntary Sector Forum looks at how local organisations help those for whom the prospect of winter is bleak.

Our speakers include Sue Stevens, from Worthing Churches Homeless Project, Denis Byrne from Sussex Prisoners' Families and Maggie Taylor from the Southern Housing Group (sponsor of our Voluntary Sector Forums.)

As always, there will be an opportunity for you to share your news, make new contacts and enjoy the company of others who are working with, and for, the Worthing Voluntary and community sector.

Join this friendly forum on Monday 11th September between 10 am until 12 noon at the Quaker Meeting House (at the rear of 34 Mill Road, Worthing, West Sussex BN11 5DR).

Please remember there is no parking at the Quaker Meeting House, but there is on-road parking available in Grand Avenue and West Avenue.

Book your place now by emailing Jaqui Ball, Chair of VAW - jaqui.ball@yahoo.com or call 07989 095872 . (It would help us in preparing light refreshments to know if anyone has any special dietary requirements).

If you can't make this event, be sure to get the date of the next Voluntary Sector Forum in your diaries - Monday 18th December - with the theme of 'Festive Fun' (speakers to be confirmed).

Worthing Mental Health Awareness Week

Incorporating World Mental Health Day

9th - 14th October 2017 Offington Park Methodist Church Worthing

The 5th Worthing Mental Health Awareness Week (WMHAW) will be held from Monday 9th October to Saturday 14th October 2016 at Offington Park Methodist Church, South Farm Road by Broadwater Green in Worthing.

The aim of the Week is to challenge the stigma around mental health and to provide good quality information in a safe and no- judgemental environment.

Throughout the Week there will be a series of free events including a Laughter for Wellness and Wellbeing workshop by Worthing Laughter Club on World Mental Health Day (Tuesday 10^th Oct).

All the events are free and open are open to all. It is expected that over 30 local charities and organisations will have displays in the 'Information Centre'. There will be a variety of workshops and talks designed to promote mental health throughout the week.

The week will be launched on Monday 9th October at 10am with the Mayor of Worthing Cllr Alex Harman and Mayor’s Chaplain lighting a Peace Candle and Master of Ceremonies Bob Smytherman.

The key note presentation this year will be by Eleanor Hope from West Sussex County Council and will explore issues around 'Diversity and Wellbeing'.

In the evening there will be a special Meeting of Worthing Rethink Mental Health Carers group run by Mark Hughes with a guest speaker which will be open to anyone caring for someone with a mental health condition.

The Tuesday will focus on keeping well in later life and include an open meeting of the Dementia Action Alliance at 4pm.

On Wednesday 11th, Offington Counselling Service will be hosting a talk on the 'Courage to Heal' and a 'Come and Meet Us' morning to find out more about counselling followed in the evening with a Celebration Quiz Night run by Offington Counselling Service to mark their relaunch.

Thursday's activities include ways of promoting self-care and emotional resilience.

On the Friday there will an informal workshop on 'Spirituality and Mental Wellbeing' followed in the evening with a concert, with a retiring collection for Coastal West Sussex MIND 

Free activities and events continue in the evenings and are open to everyone and the week will conclude with a coffee morning on Saturday 14^th Oct from 10am– 12noon.

MHA Carpenter Box Shortlisted in Prestigious British Accountancy Awards

Sussex-based chartered accountants, tax and business advisers, MHA Carpenter Box, have been named as a finalist in the Mid-Tier Firm of the Year category of the British Accountancy Awards.

MHA Carpenter Box Practice Director, Chris Coopey, is understandably thrilled with the news, commenting: “We are extremely proud  to have been shortlisted for this national award, which recognises the dedication of our staff in providing the best business and tax advice, tuned to the needs of each and every client.”

The British Accountancy Awards are one of the most prestigious accolades in the accountancy industry, highlighting companies and individuals who have demonstrated excellence in the profession over the last year. The Mid-Tier Firm of the Year prize is awarded to the firm that delivers a significant value-adding service across all service areas, enabling clients to achieve their business goals.

MHA Carpenter Box, which operates from offices in Worthing and Gatwick and now has a headcount of over 150, has to wait until 13 October to find out the results, which will be presented at a glittering awards ceremony at the Hilton Hotel, Park Lane, London.