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.

Patisserie Valerie signs 15 year deal to open in Worthing

Patisserie Valerie has been confirmed as the first letting to sign up to Worthing town centre’s new restaurant quarter.

NewRiver secured planning permission to convert several retail units in the Montague Centre into eateries in June, 2016.

The firm, which renamed the centre the ‘Montague Quarter’, today confirmed Patisserie Valerie had signed a 15-year lease to move in.

Stuart Mitchell, director at NewRiver, said: “We are thrilled to have Patisserie Valerie signed up for The Montague Quarter which we expect will be well-received by the local community for its high-quality upmarket food and drinks offer.

“Our investment to redevelop and refurbishment the centre will transform the centre and create a much-needed retail and leisure offer.”

The café will be moving into a new 1,850sq ft kiosk unit, with work due to commence next summer.

The kiosk courted controversy at the time of the planning application, as it meant existing sycamore trees would be felled – and semi-mature specimens replace them.

NewRiver said more national and regional restaurant operators were ‘under offer’ and expected to follow Patisserie Valerie.

Numerous big-name eateries have been linked with the centre, with Nando’s confirming in May it planned to open in Worthing at the end of the year.

But NewRiver had not confirmed any names had signed until today’s announcement.

Mr Mitchell said: “Our strategy for the centre is similar to what we did in Leamington Spa where we transformed a former thoroughfare into an attractive and thriving retail and leisure destination for the town and we look forward to doing the same in Worthing.

“The recent refurbishment works have already reinvigorated the centre, making it smarter and better suited to the discernible town. We are under offer to national and regional restaurant operators are delighted to welcome the rapidly expanding Patisserie Valerie as the first pre-let.”

New branded banners will be going up at the centre this week to coincide with the completion of refurbishment works, showcasing the centre’s new aubergine and antique bronze branding.

Read more at: http://www.worthingherald.co.uk/news/patisserie-valerie-signs-15-year-deal-to-open-in-worthing-1-8117274

Photo: Artist's impressions of plans for the Montague Centre SUS-160524-095405001

Think Globally & Capitalise on the Market Potential for British Businesses Abroad!

By Joshua Madden, Coast to Capital LEP

Have you considered exporting? It’s not just for conglomerates or manufacturers, in fact there is a strong appetite for British goods and services all over the world regardless of sector. Companies the world over are eager to buy from Britain because of its reputation for high quality, reliability, and value.

Why should you export?

The Department for International Trade (DIT) research shows that businesses that export are in a more stable and sustainable position being 11% more likely to stay in business¹, and tend to benefit from a 30% increase in productivity² within their first year of exporting. Conducting business overseas also gives you and your business a broader perspective, encourages innovation, and spreads the risks associated with fluctuating exchange rates and demand across different markets. This is especially true in the case of British firms, for whom demand in markets around the world remains very strong.

How can you reach these markets?

Support is available through many different organisations, including those organising trade visits around the world, such as DIT, UK-ASEAN Business Council, Enterprise Nation, and the British Chambers of Commerce.  Comprehensive support is available from DIT who have worked alongside Coast to Capital to allocate £2m for the recently launched Export ASEAN project³, established to provide businesses with the expertise and support to export to countries in Asia Pacific (though the support is also available for exporters to other global locations). DIT provides twelve hours of free advice to help you develop your export strategy, and provides financial support which helps fund businesses to present at exhibitions at over 250 locations worldwide.

If you are looking to grow your brand internationally and show the world that you are open for business, now is the time to start! Doing business abroad is far more than shipping goods, it also includes software development, consulting, food and drink, and all other sectors of business. In fact, if you are selling or have sold to a client on the European mainland, you already are exporting! 

So why not call the Growth Hub on 0800 977 4146 and let us help you on your way to giving your product a global audience.

About us: Coast to Capital’s Growth Hub provides a free and impartial service that supports all stages and sizes of business with information, advice and guidance necessary to help grow your business.

To find out more visit www.c2cbusiness.org.uk

Or email info@business-navigator.org.uk.

*^1-2Data taken from Department for International Trade (DIT) material

*³ Data taken from:

http://www.c2cbusiness.org.uk/storage/downloads/1499434829_erdf_project_flyer_-_asean.pdf