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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 


  • 19 July 2017 4:36 PM | Deleted user

    Pioneering digital app that helps GPs and their patients wins national award

    A pioneering digital app that helps NHS patients get the help they need while freeing up GPs has won Adur & Worthing Councils a prestigious innovation award.

    The app allows doctors to refer patients to non medical services in the community thus freeing them up to concentrate on people with medical conditions.

    Now that digital work has been awarded Best Not-For-Profit Project at the Computing News annual awards, a blue chip event for pioneering work.

    The award recognises outstanding innovation in the public sector to ensure services are providing better value to both the people they serve and the taxpayers who fund them.

    In this case the Councils, working with Bedford-based firm MATS and the company’s ‘Low-code’ application development platform, sought to meet the challenges of changing lifestyle of residents and the UK’s aging population

    After an NHS Alliance and Primary Care Foundation study estimated 27% of GP appointments could be avoided by using better technology, the councils decided to take action.

    The result was a scheme called Going Local an innovative social prescribing programme designed to build bridges between NHS care and local communities.

    It provides Community Referrers who work across services in local communities, to spend time with referred patients with complex issues and connect them into local social and community based solutions to improve their health and wellbeing.  

    Three partners came together last year - Adur and Worthing Councils, Coastal West Sussex Clinical Commissioning Group, which holds the local NHS purse strings, and West Sussex County Council - to design and fund this work.

    A critical feature of this programme was the need to develop innovative digital technology to assist the Community Referrers to make these connections to local providers and community groups.   

    Adur and Worthing Councils, through it's Digital and Communities and Wellbeing Team have designed and created this, working with digital developer Digital Friendly and funded by the Local Government Association.

    Paul Brewer, Director for Digital and Resources at Adur & Worthing Councils, had been using MATS Low-code to replace legacy systems for some time, and he saw that a Low-code app could quickly streamline the process of referring patients to non-medical services.

    The scheme is supported by a new digital solution, built by the team in weeks using MATS Low-code, which delivers:

    ·         Case management for referred patients

    ·         A service directory for matching patients to the right services

    ·         Appointments, reminders and communications tools to keep patients and service providers up to date

    Paul says the scheme is making a real difference: “We’re immensely proud to have won this award. The results from the scheme have been fantastic for us and we’re looking forward to continuing to improve the way we deliver services by implementing further Low-code innovations in the future.”

    Martin Scovell, CEO of MATS, said: “Adur & Worthing Councils’ vision and achievements in digital innovation is inspiring – and this success is well deserved. The scheme is an excellent example of digital innovation at work and it’s great to see MATS Low-code making a real difference in people’s lives.”

  • 19 July 2017 4:26 PM | Deleted user

    Worthing parks and gardens among the best green spaces in Britain

    Three parks and gardens in Worthing were today (Tuesday, July 18th) named among the best in Britain.

    Beach House Park, Field Place and Highdown Gardens, which are owned by Worthing Borough Council, are among a record 1,797 UK parks and green spaces to receive a prestigious Green Flag Award.

    The announcement of the awards coincides with Love Parks Week, a Keep Britain Tidy initiative to celebrate the country’s love of parks.

    The international Green Flag Award, now in its third decade and also run by Keep Britain Tidy, recognises green spaces that:

    ·         Have the highest possible environmental standards

    ·         Are beautifully maintained and

    ·         Have excellent visitor facilities.

    Beach House Park, near Worthing Hospital, receives a Green Flag for the first time. As well as its glorious flowerbeds, hanging baskets and herbaceous borders, the park boasts bowling greens of international standard and the charming Palm Court Pavilion cafe.

    Field Place in The Boulevard gains its award for the third year running. With displays of colourful seasonal bedding plants and impressive shrubs, facilities include tennis, bowls, croquet and a popular wedding venue.

    Highdown Gardens, known as Worthing’s hidden gem, has been flying the Green Flag for more than a decade. Nestling in the chalk hillside above the town, the stunning gardens are so important that they are a designated National Collection. They have also just marked the 50th anniversary of the death of Sir Frederick Stern, the man who created them.

    Councillor Diane Guest, Worthing’s Executive Member for Environment, said:

    “We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Award for all three sites. We have worked very hard to manage these important parks and gardens for the people of Worthing to high standards, and are very pleased that this has been recognised with this award.

    “These are special places where we work closely with our community who have a significant input into how we steward our natural resources and help influence how they are shaped.”

    International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said:

    “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme. Each flag is a celebration of the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.


    “The success of the scheme, especially in these challenging times, demonstrates just how much parks matter to people.


    The glorious grounds at Highdown Gardens





    The Mayor of Worthing, Councillor Alex Harman, planting a tree at Highdown last week to mark the 50th anniversary of the death of the gardens’ creator, Sir Frederick Stern. With him are Interim Head Gardener Gary Prescod and Mark Bodicoat as Bottom from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which was performed at Highdown last week as part of its summer series of open air productions


  • 11 July 2017 2:03 PM | Deleted user

    Joseph Crouch selected as Conservative Candidate for Marine Ward by-election

    Following the retirement, due to serious ill health of long-serving Councillor Joan Bradley, West Worthing Conservative Association is pleased to announce that Joseph Crouch has been selected as Conservative candidate in the resultant by-election to be held on 3 August 2017.

    Many residents have expressed dismay that opposition parties have called the election to fall in the middle of school holidays, when for many families an autumn poll would have been far more sensible. Nonetheless Joseph and his team are looking forward to the campaign and meeting with as many residents and their families as possible over the coming weeks.

    Joseph’s priorities will be:

    • 1.      Protecting front-line council services whilst keeping council tax low
    • 2.      Pushing for greater regeneration of the town centre, and upgrades to the A27
    • 3.      Ensuring sensible and sustainable development and
    • 4.      Increased leisure activities for children and families

    Quotes:

    Sir Peter Bottomley MP

    “I have been pleased to work with Joseph Crouch. He is committed to the quiet undramatic provision of service to local people. Whether the concern is for leaseholder interests, fairer funding for schools or gaining greater security for all, he and I can work together with you.”

    Cllr Steve Waight (Chairman of West Worthing Conservative Association)

    “I am delighted that Joseph Crouch has agreed to be the Conservative Candidate for the Marine Ward by-election. Joseph is a born and bred Worthing man who runs a successful business. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge that will be invaluable to his residents and the town.”

    Joseph Crouch – Candidate

    “I’d like to pay tribute to Councillor Bradley’s years of dedicated service and am humbled to have been selected to stand. Worthing is a great place to live, work,  grow up and retire, but there’s always more to do. I’d like to see more facilities for families and young people, better access to our town on the A27 and work done to support the town centre regeneration”

    Contact

    Twitter: @JosephCrouchUK

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/JosephCrouchUK


  • 11 July 2017 1:59 PM | Deleted user

    PIONEERING MERGER HAS SAVED COUNCILS £17m -- NEW FIGURES

    Merging council services across Adur and Worthing has saved £17m over the last ten years, according to new figures.

    The tenth anniversary of the amalgamation of services between borough and district falls on Wednesday (July 12) and finance chiefs at the councils calculate that the ongoing saving is still amounting to more than £3m a year.

    Adur and Worthing were the first councils in the country to merge service functions such as refuse collections, officer responsibility, IT systems, benefits, planning policy and parks.

    The pioneering move has meant that the councils have been able to protect frontline services against central government grant cuts. For instance Adur & Worthing Councils are one of the few local authorities still committed to weekly refuse collections,

    Many other council across the UK have since adopted Adur and Worthing’s blueprint. While back office functions have been merged the councils themselves have remained completely independent with elected councillors for both authorities deciding their own priorities for their residents.

    Leader of Adur District Council, Cllr Neil Parkin said:” I think it is worth noting this milestone anniversary. It was a bold move and people thought we were mad. We have saved taxpayers money while maintaining frontline services.

    “And of course we remain separate from Worthing but nevertheless we work well together on big projects that benefit residents of both places.”

    Leader of Worthing Borough Council, Cllr Dan Humphries said:” £17m is a hefty saving and has allowed us to focus on what is really important for the people of this borough.

    “We have never lost our individual identity but working together has brought great benefits to both communities.”

    Early savings in senior management costs saved around £400,000 and removing duplication of services continues to save money.

    Bringing together refuse services under the banner Adur&Worthing Councils Services (AWCS) was the first large-scale project undertaken with the streamlining of operations and routes making significant savings

    In addition the councils reduced the number of their own office buildings down from three to two, with Worthing Town Hall and Portland House, Worthing remaining and Adur Civic Centre now the subject of a pioneering district council-backed homes and offices development scheme.

  • 10 July 2017 1:00 PM | Deleted user
    Showcasing The Dome For Your Event

    We are super excited to present to you this new video showcasing our beautiful venue. 

    Click on the image above to view (and yes, we're not only about weddings)

     

    Not just a Wedding Venue.  Engagement Parties, Birthday Bashes, Naming Ceremonies (and even a few parties for no other reason than just to have a party), over the years, The Dome has hosted them all. Situated a step away from the beach, and with a range of spaces to choose from for the smaller occasions to the biggest days of your life, The Dome is the perfect venue. 

    We know that everyone has an image of how their unique event will look and at The Dome we will work with you to create something truly memorable. Contact our imaginative and creative event planners to show you around the venue and discuss your plans.

    Enquire

    Worthing Dome Website


     

  • 10 July 2017 10:15 AM | Deleted user

    Business Navigator Newsletter - July 

    £1.5m to Help Businesses Export

    The Department for International Trade (DIT) will be running a series of launch events across Coast to Capital to raise awareness of the additional £1.5m funding that has been made available to support export through the European Regional Development Fund.  For more information on international related support and events contact the Growth Hub team on 0800 977 4146 or visit the website

    Finding Overseas Opportunities

    Searching for new export opportunities has never been easier thanks to the DIT Portal.  Using this service you will be able to:

    • Access live opportunities so you can sell your product or service
    • Get alerts whenever an overseas company is looking for a product or service like yours
    • Reach new customers around the world with ease
    • Get support along each stage of exporting.

    Export opportunities are waiting for you, so visit the Portal today!

    Export Support from Sussex Chamber of Commerce

    UK exporters will at some point need export documentation. The Sussex Chamber is licensed to certify and arrange legalisation of export documentation.  The Chamber also assists exporters throughout the process of completing the documentation. Export documentation is required to comply with import regulations in the country of arrival, evidence the country of manufacture of the goods and ensure payment under a Letter of Credit. 

    Sussex Chamber can also offer guidance through its International Trade training. Courses include import and export procedures, commodity and tariff codes, becoming an AEO, controls and licensing, inward processing relief and much more. For more information visit the Sussex Chamber website

    For more information

    Gatwick Meet the Buyer – International Opportunities

    The 2017 Gatwick Diamond Meet the Buyers event brings local, regional and national buyers together with local businesses in the region.  This event creates new business for those taking part and over £22.5m of business is estimated to have been created since 2010. There will be more than 2,000 sales meetings at the event which takes place on Wednesday 18 October 2017 at the Arora Hotel in Crawley.

    As a result of the reach of this event FICCI, a key membership organisation from India, will be attending to help businesses explore international sales opportunities with India.  FICCI is the voice of India's business and industry, drawing its strength from diverse regional Chambers of Commerce and reaching out to over 250,000 companies.

    For further information

    International Support Provided by Business Navigator Growth Hub

    Click here to see how the Coast to Capital Business Navigator Growth Hub service helped Horsham based EMCEL Filters to take advantage of international opportunities.  Manager Jason Allen said:

    The Business Navigator Service has signposted EMCEL to relevant advice and opened up several opportunities and forums to explore and benefit from. This has included one to one meetings, online support and a willingness to help and be available for any questions we may have.”

    Coast to Capital Confirms its Priorities

    Coast to Capital launched its 2017/18 Business Plan last month which sets out the work which will be delivered over the coming year.  It highlights seven key strategic priorities which includes encouraging trade and inward investment.   Coast to Capital’s objectives in this area are to build a pipeline of new exporters, ensure existing exporters get the best support and maximise inward investment in the region If you would like to find out more about Coast to Capital please visit the website or view the latest news. Subscribe to the Coast to Capital Newsletter to receive further information directly to your inbox.


  • 07 July 2017 3:19 PM | Deleted user

    A27 Worthing and Lancing improvements

    In line with the Government’s 2015 Road Investment Strategy, Highways England has committed to improve the A27 between Worthing and Lancing. They  have developed a scheme which they say aims to improve traffic flow, journey times, safety and accessibility, boost local economic growth and minimise the impact on the environment.

    They have announced the following  public consultation will run from 19 July to 12 September 2017. All responses to the public consultation will be considered by Highways England's project team. The closing date for responses is 11.59pm on 12 September 2017.

    Highways England will be hosting the following public consultation events:

    Date

    Location

    Address

    Time

    Wednesday 19 July

    Richmond Room, Worthing Assembly Hall

    Stoke Abbott Road, Worthing, BN11 1HQ

    4pm to 8pm

    Tuesday 25 July

    Harriet Johnson Centre

    Old School House, Loose Lane, Sompting, BN15 0BG

    1pm to 8pm

    Saturday 29 July

    Impulse Leisure – Lancing Manor

    Manor Road, Lancing, BN15 0PH

    10am to 2pm

    Saturday 12 August

    Impulse Leisure – Lancing Manor

    Manor Road, Lancing, BN15 0PH

    10am to 2pm

    Tuesday 15 August

    Richmond Room, Worthing Assembly Hall

    Stoke Abbott Road, Worthing, BN11 1HQ

    1pm to 8pm

    Wednesday 16 August

    Harriet Johnson Centre

    Old School House, Loose Lane, Sompting, BN15 0BG

    1pm to 8pm

    Saturday 2 September

    Richmond Room, Worthing Assembly Hall

    Stoke Abbott Road, Worthing, BN11 1HQ

    10am to 2pm

    Wednesday 6 September

    Field Place Manor House

    The Boulevard, Worthing, BN13 1NP

    2pm to 8pm


    Copies of the brochure and the questionnaire will also be available at local libraries throughout the consultation period.

    From 19 July, the A27 Worthing Lancing improvements website will have key information about the proposals, including the brochure, online questionnaire, frequently asked questions, various background reports and supporting information. Please visit: www.highways.gov.uk/a27Worthing-and-Lancing

  • 07 July 2017 3:03 PM | Deleted user
    HMS Shoreham arrives in port

    HMS Shoreham

    HMS Shoreham arrived in in its namesake harbour yesterday (5th July 2017) for a busy four-day visit with its captain pledging to “strengthen close bonds”between ship and town.

    The Royal Navy minehunter moored at Power Station Wharf and the commanding officer and ship's company were soon meeting the local community.

    One of the first ports of call on dry land was a reception hosted by Adur District Council Vice-Chairman Joss Loader at the Shoreham Centre.

    Other events on the schedule include conducting pre-arranged tours of the ship, hosting an on-board lunch and evening reception for local guests and attending an evening organised by the Shoreham Royal British Legion.

    Lieutenant Commander Ben Evans, who took command of the ship in March, said:

    “HMS Shoreham is very much looking forward to strengthening the close bonds of friendship and mutual respect which exist between the district and the ship.

    “The town has a long history as a seafaring port and a long history with the Royal Navy.”

    Adur District Council awarded the ship the Freedom of Shoreham in 2011 after an association going back centuries. The original HMS Shoreham was built in the town and launched in 1694.

    The current 600 tonne ship, the fifth to bear the HMS Shoreham name, was launched in 2001 and has a crew of 34. She will leave port on Sunday 9th July.

    Photos: HMS Shoreham arrives in the town

    PR17-091 - HMS Shoreham arrives in port - coming through the lock gates

    PR17-091 - HMS Shoreham arrives in port - moored at Power Station Wharf (looking towards Shoreham-by-Sea)

    PR17-091 - HMS Shoreham arrives in port - moored at Power Station Wharf (looking towards the power station)

    Photo: Commanding Officer Ben Evans

    PR17-091 - HMS Shoreham Commanding Officer Ben Evans

    Photo (left to right): 
    - Paul Brewer, Adur & Worthing Councils' Director of Digital and Resources 
    - Ben Evans, HMS Shoreham Commanding Officer 
    - Joss Loader, Adur District Council Vice-Chairman, and 
    - Commander Nicholas Chatwin, Naval Liaison Officer

    PR17-091 - Paul Brewer, HMS Shoreham Commanding Off. Ben Evans, Joss Loader & Cmdr Nicholas Chatwin, Naval Liaison Off.

  • 07 July 2017 2:44 PM | Deleted user

    Worthing proves it's "Right Now" as spectacular artwork is unveiled

    Right Now. That is the dramatic slogan today revealed within Worthing seafront’s striking new art installation.

    After a week of working through pouring rain, raging wind and scorching sun, artists have finally finished the Grafton car park installation, thought to be the UK’s largest ever outdoor artwork.

    And the message is clear Worthing is Right Now. The slogan is an anagram of the town name and the team behind the scheme wanted to send out a message that Worthing is moving forward.

    Backed by Worthing Borough Council the ambitious project is the brainchild of local firm ECE Architecture and award-winning agency Creative Forager, who were behind two previous groundbreaking works of art on Worthing beach.

    In 2015 Mirrored Beach Hut and Doorways last year earned rave reviews.

    Right Now has been earning similar plaudits from passers-by and posters on social media. The lettering is not immediately apparent but can be glimpsed through the brightly colour picture postcard colours used to reflect traditional seaside items such as deckchairs, sticks of rock and buckets and spades.

    Worthing Borough Council’s executive member for regeneration, Cllr Kevin Jenkins said: “I loved the idea and I’m impressed with the finished art.

    “We wanted to show that this town is moving forward. We have our problems like every seaside town but if you look closely there is an incredible amount of progress and huge ambition.

    “I agree with the message.  Our time is now.”

    ECE Architecture’s managing director Stuart Eatock said: “We have been working on ideas to engage people with architecture and creativity for three years. Right Now is about re-imagining a car park as a canvas, creating a new landmark for Worthing.

    “We want to thank the council for their amazing support, from the most senior levels backing the concept to the enthusiasm and support of the site team during installation.

    “This is a site that the council would like to regenerate. In the meantime, let's celebrate it and use it creatively. We hope this is just the start for Grafton."

    Mark Sephton, of Creative Forager said: “The image is inspired by the bright and bold colours and shapes of the sea front but on closer inspection spells out a positive phrase that the town can own. We're really Proud to have created  a supergraphic new landmark for Worthing.”

    Artist Rick Also, who used 600 cans of spray paint in the work, added: It was a really interesting challenge to create a piece of art at such a large scale, not only of how to cover such a big area and creating a design that worked around the window areas, but also to come up with a design that had impact from a distance and had a connection to the area.”

    Right Now cost £14,000, jointly funded by the borough council and ECE, and is currently planned to be in situ until the end of September.

    Grafton car park is listed for development by Worthing Borough Council with a mixture of homes, restaurants and retail and public space improvements favoured.

    Ten Right Now projects that prove Worthing is on the up.

    Right Now - Plans for two new beachside restaurants underway.

    Right Now - New Discover Worthing Visitor website launched

    Right Now - Windsor Lawns Refurbishment nears completion with additional gym equipment.

    Right Now - Worthing status as Kite Surf centre on South Coast strengthens as town now home to two British Kite Surfing Accredited schools

    Right Now - Worthing beach awarded  Keep Britain Tidy Seaside Award 2017

    Right Now - Worthing Theatres’ smash-hit Summer of Circus programme of events draws big audiences

    Right Now - Work begins on new £45m homes plan for Aquarena site.

    Right Now -  Major £850,000 project to improve Brooklands Pleasure Park about to get under way.

    Right Now - Worthing launches Donkey Bikes, the county's first pay-and-go hire bike scheme

    Right Now - Worthing’s spectacular Highdown Gardens wins public support for Lottery bid

    And a bonus Right Now - Worthing now has one of the largest, most spectacular outdoor artwork in the UK.

  • 06 July 2017 2:48 PM | Deleted user

    Leader Welcomes 600 Homes Plan for Lancing

    The leader of Adur District Council has today welcomed the announcement of a deal with CALA Homes to build 600 new houses at New Monks Farm.

    The 600 form a large part of the council’s new housing provision in its emerging Local Plan and helps the authority meet its government target for house building.

    New Marks Farm Development Ltd, a subsidiary of Brighton and Hove Albion football club, has entered into a contract with CALA Homes (South East) Ltd for the development on the Lancing site.

    A total of 180 (30 per cent) will be designated affordable.

    Adur leader Cllr Neil Parkin said:” I am very pleased this contract has been signed as it will provide much-needed new homes in the area.

    “I am also very pleased that CALA Homes has been chosen as the company has a strong reputation for building quality homes.

    “I now look forward to seeing robust schemes for flood management and prevention and transport infrastructure to accompany the build.”


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