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

Council Leaders Hit Out At Five Month A27 Closure Plan

Highways England was today accused of treating Adur and Worthing with contempt after news emerged that it is to shut the A27 overnight from 8pm for FIVE months.

Leader of Worthing Borough Council Cllr Dan Humphreys and Leader of Adur District Council, Cllr Neil Parkin say they are furious at the plan to divert traffic away from the road onto already busy routes such as the A259 coast road and the A283 across the Downs.

“I am flabbergasted by this plan,” said Cllr Humphreys, “Coming so soon after Highways England’s lamentable proposals for upgrading the road it seems to me that the agency has no real understanding of Worthing and the transport pressure we are under. It appears to me we are being treated with contempt.”

Cllr Parkin added;” This makes a mockery of claims Highways England is serious about plans to upgrade our stretch of this road. Why on earth would they do this now if they really thought they were going to be starting major works on it in 2020?”

Highways England says it wants to close the road from the Grove Lodge roundabout and the Adur viaduct from 8pm to 6am from October 2 to replace street lighting across the stretch.

Both Cllr Humphreys and Cllr Parkin have forcefully condemned the ‘sham’ consultation that Highways England is holding over the summer in relation to improvements to the A27. Cllr Humphreys pointed out that Highways England had already ruled out fixing potholes in the road at Grove Lodge on the basis that no new money was to be spent on the route until that date.

“They can’t have it both ways,” he said, “If they won’t repair the potholes how can they justify closing this whole stretch for this length of time?

“If you know the area you know there are still plenty of people using the road at 8pm to get to work, to run businesses, make family visits and to attend leisure events.

“To force them onto already busy minor routes risks creating havoc. Highways England has to think again about this. Our economy could be damaged by this but I doubt they have thought about that.”

Highways England says the traffic will be diverted using the A24, the A259 coast road, the A283 through Steyning and Washington and through Lancing via the A2025 to the coast road.

This is the second time in as many weeks that Highway England has angered the leaders.

Last week they called for the consultation on the £69m upgrade to be halted.

Modest improvements to six junctions between Durrington Hill and the Lancing Manor roundabout are proposed which would cut three minutes from journey times and, according to Highways England’s own scoring system would deliver “no significant benefit.”

In its consultation document the agency alludes to more expensive and radical solutions such as underpasses and flyovers but dismisses them as “too expensive” without further explanation.

Cllr Humphreys said at the time:” The more I listened to officials explaining the scheme at the launch of the consultation the more angry I became.

“Highways England do not seem to be taking us seriously. Our questions were met with an ‘experts know best’ response while there was no explanation about why other options hadn’t been explored,” said.

“The current consultation should be halted and a proper one, involving other options and explanations started afresh. The agency must have those plans and calculations so let’s see them.”

Cllr Parkin added: “All I know is the current scheme on the table is barely worth the disruption and certainly not worth spending £69m on.”

The leaders says they will now seek urgent clarification from the agency over the closure proposal.

Multi-platinum selling singer and Olivier award-winning actress Barbara Dickson to perform intimate acoustic gig with Nick Holland in Worthing

In a special acoustic performance Barbara Dickson and her pianist Nick Holland will explore her catalogue of songs at an intimate level at the Pavilion Theatre on Friday 6th October. The pair let the words and melodies take ‘centre stage’ as they perform a range of material drawing on Barbara’s folk roots, contemporary greats, and some of her classic hits.
 
Emerging from the Scottish folk scene of the late 1960’s Barbara had enjoyed mainstream chart success with hits including ‘Answer Me’, ‘Another Suitcase in Another Hall’, ‘Caravan’ and the million-selling number one single, ‘I Know Him So Well’.  As Scotland’s best-selling female album artist she has earned 6 platinum, 11 gold and 7 silver albums and cemented her status as one of the UK’s best-loved performers.
 
Her stage career has included the roles of the original Mrs Johnstone in Willy Russell’s long-running musical, ‘Blood Brothers’ and as Viv Nicholson in ‘Spend Spend Spend,’ both of which have won her an Olivier award for ‘Best Actress’. Barbara was awarded an O.B.E. by Her Majesty the Queen in the 2002 New Year’s Honours for her services to music and drama and she continues to record and to play to sold-out audiences.
 
Nick Holland joined Barbara’s touring band in the mid 2000’s playing keyboards and adding vocals on her ‘Full Circle’ album, the first to feature the style of music she now performs. Barbara and Nick recently started working as a ‘duo’ where she plays guitar and piano, and Nick on keyboards – adding harmonies to Barbara’s own distinct vocals. They have performed this way in numerous venues including cathedrals, festivals and theatres and have developed an intimate rapport with each other and their audiences. Barbara Dickson says “It’s a different experience to working with the bigger band, but just as enjoyable and gives the music breathing space.”
 
Tickets cost £19.50 each and are available from the Worthing Theatres box office on 01903 206 206 and online at worthingtheatres.co.uk.

A27 CONSULTATION IS SHAM SAY LEADERS OF ADUR AND WORTHING COUNCILS

The leaders of Adur and Worthing councils today issue a joint response to proposals to improve the A27 damning the consultation as a “sham” which should be halted.

Highways England has given a deadline of September 12 for views on its £69m proposal for the road through Worthing and Lancing with just one option on the table.

Modest improvements to six junctions between Durrington Hill and the Lancing Manor roundabout are proposed which would cut three minutes from journey times and, according to Highways England’s own scoring system would deliver “no significant benefit.”

In its consultation document the agency alludes to more expensive and radical solutions such as underpasses and flyovers but dismisses them as “too expensive” without further explanation.

Now leader of Adur District Council, Cllr Neil Parkin and leader of Worthing Borough Council, Cllr Dan Humphreys have joined forces to demand better for local residents.

“Highways England say they want to consult with us but we say this is a sham,” said Cllr Parkin, “By not allowing the public to weigh up options and see full costings how are we to make any kind of decision.

“All I do know is the current scheme on the table is barely worth the disruption and certainly not worth spending £69m on.”

Cllr Parkin had earlier described the scheme on the table as the equivalent of “rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic” and said the government, which was insisting on more house building in the south, should do more to help transport infrastructure.

Cllr Humphreys added:” The more I listened to officials explaining the scheme at the launch of the consultation the more angry I became.

“Highways England do not seem to be taking us seriously. Our questions were met with an ‘experts know best’ response while there was no explanation about why other options hadn’t been explored,” said.

“The current consultation should be halted and a proper one, involving other options and explanations started afresh. The agency must have those plans and calculations so let’s seem them.”

The Councils are to officially submit a response by the deadline but both leaders say they did not want the summer to pass without a campaign for force a rethink.

Both insist it is not for the Councils to submit plans but for Highways England to give local residents, businesses and politicians real choice and real consultation.

Consultation ends on September 12 with two years of construction expected to start in 2020 if the scheme is approved.

Job Vacancy: Worthing Homes Clerk of Works/Technical Inspector (Part Time)                           

£32,000 per annum, depending on experience (pro rata)           

18.5 hours per week

Are you a qualified and experienced professional with drive, enthusiasm and organisational ability?  Are you looking for a new challenge?  If so, we have an exciting new opportunity for you!

We are an award winning social landlord providing low rent quality homes, key worker accommodation, low cost shared ownership, sheltered housing and new homes for the local community.

Our people are passionate about everything they do and work as one team to provide an excellent end to end service to our customers.

The role is based on our modern offices located in the heart of Worthing, where we promote flexible and agile working and it involves ensuring that planned maintenance and development works are carried out to agreed standards.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Sound knowledge of building construction
• Strong contractor monitoring skills, particularly, in respect of workmanship quality
•  Up to date knowledge of the housing sector, best practice and relevant legislation
• Ability to establish appropriate working relationships with contractor’s staff and to be persuasive and diplomatic.
• Good judgement skills to decide on when to insist on corrections, when to persuade or negotiate.
• Confidence to undertake inspections at high level via safe working platforms and ladders
• Strong awareness of appropriate construction & maintenance Health & Safety working practises

Main responsibilities:

Monitor progress of works in-line with the agreed works programmes.

Identify defect items upon completion of works and check/sign-off completion of all outstanding items prior to handover.

In conjunction with the Contractor and/or Agent; attend formal handover and 12month end of defect inspections. 

Be available out of normal working hours to undertake inspections and resident liaison as required

Assist with verifying the accuracy of contractors’ valuations / interim payments.

As required, undertake pre and post inspections of responsive maintenance jobs and instruct appropriate contractors to undertake repairs by raising electronic works orders.

In return we offer:

• 26 days annual leave (pro rata)
  
• Private medical insurance (after qualifying period)
  
• Flexible Working
  
• Life assurance cover
  
• Company events e.g. Christmas and summer parties.   
  

To apply, send your CV and covering letter, maximum 3 pages each to jobs@worthing-homes.org.uk.

Beach Volleyball Business Tournament

As a company, you want to maintain the health and wellness of your employees. Build stronger relationships to deal with the hard times and generally have fun!

You now have the opportunity to come together as a team and play against other companies, achieve feats that will defy gravity, amaze your bosses and give you a great buzz for weeks on end!

You are invited to take part in "The Summer Social", Worthing’s first business orientated beach volleyball tournament.  

What do you have to do:

·  Get a minimum of 4 people from your company to play (max 6 per team on the court at one time), more than one team can be entered.

·  Fill out some information and pay the entry fee

·  Turn up, ready to take part (spectators welcome)

·  Play against other teams from companies in the local area

·  Relax and enjoy yourself when not on the court; support, cheer and celebrate everyone having a go.

·  Socialise and get to know others in the area or just your own team

·  Win your matches to take home the trophy!

·  Go into beach volleyball and play all year round!

To sign up, please complete the following questionnaire by following the link:

https://goo.gl/forms/k4AKScDTaxAhmOFx2

The tournaments will be played at Worthing Sand Courts (map) on the following dates -

·  Thursday 31st August (6 pm)

·  Thursday 14th September (6 pm).

ENTRY: £50 per team,  (min 4 players - max 6 players on court)

Further information will be sent and additional dates will be added if interest is high and sign up exceed the limited spaces as this is first come first served.

Coast Cafe will be open for food, beverages and facilities throughout the tournament

FREE PSA* Testing - Organised and supported by Worthing Lions and PCaSO

This year Worthing Lions are again joining up with Prostate Cancer SupportOrganisation (PCaSO) to offer men aged between 40 and 75 a free PSA teston Saturday 16th September 2017. (PSA stands for Prostate Specific Antigen). A simple blood test can indicate, in most cases, the health of a man's PROSTATE. Although not a direct test for cancer, if the reading is particularly high it can be an indicator as can changes in readings done annually. 

This year the format is for a blood sample to be taken and sent to a laboratory for testing and results given by post or e-mail within 2 weeks.

Appointments are booked in 1/2 hour slots and take about 5 minutes each. They can be booked by phoning 08456502555 or sending an email stating the preferred time slot between 10am until 2pm on psa@worthinglions.co.uk

Residents show support for a Friends of Brooklands Park group

Dozens of residents turned out to find out more about ambitious plans for Brooklands Park in Worthing and how they can become involved in looking after it.

A packed meeting at the Richmond Rooms, behind Worthing Town Hall, heard about the Worthing Borough Council scheme to make significant environmental improvements to the park’s lake.

Residents were also invited to register their interest in joining a Friends of Brooklands Park group to help maintain the area moving forward and have a say in the future direction of the popular attraction.

Work is expected to start in October to revitalise the lake and create new habitats for wildlife. This includes:

·         Removing a build-up of silt and using it to form new margins around the lake

·         Creating a new island in the middle of the lake

·         Planting new trees and plants

·         Introducing a boardwalk through the reeds so visitors feel part of their new surroundings.

Representatives from Five Rivers Environmental Contracting, the company appointed to carry out the work, explained that the existing wildlife on the lake would not be affected. An ecologist would be on site full time throughout the project, which is expected to take two to three months to complete.

Councillor Diane Guest, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Environment, said: "It was great to see so many people at the meeting and to share the exciting plans for the lake with them.

"I'm really looking forward to the work getting under way and, with the help and support of a Friends of Brooklands Park group, establishing a lovely new lake for visitors and residents to enjoy for years to come."

Sue Standing, Chairman of the Friends of Heene Cemetery group, gave the meeting an insight into her experiences as a volunteer, and the meeting was shown a draft constitution for a Friends of Brooklands Park group.

A further meeting is planned for October as the next stage in forming the group.

The planned improvements for Brooklands Lake