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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 


  • 08 June 2017 11:01 AM | Deleted user

    Policies not initiatives. Tough talk at METALL

    The latest meeting of the Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Alliance (METALL) took a long look at the Skills Gap facing businesses trying to grow despite the scarcity of candidates

    More than 60 attendees from Sussex-based SMEs and the education sector heard from Sir John O’Reilly, Chairman of the ERA Foundation, Maggie Philbin OBE, CEO and co-founder of Teen Tech and Professor Andrew Lloyd, Dean of the College of Life, Health & Physical Sciences & Professor of Biomedical Materials at the University of Brighton.

    Both the audience and presenters agreed that the UK has a number of fundamental education issues and that the Government needs to get the conditions right in the UK for the industry to help itself.

    Youngsters need more guidance on the opportunities in the sector and the chance to take a closer look at roles in the work place. There is not enough focus on technology subjects in the SATS tests taken at age 11 and GCSEs keep changing.

    Next year’s results for instance will not be based on any course work – students will need to memorise information for an exam. This is unlikely to help the situation we already have where the calibre of many graduates, even with 2:1 degrees, is not high enough for the work place; they are being taught to pass exams and do not understand their subject sufficiently to apply it at work.

    Listening to the speakers, it was clear that a number of initiatives are already underway to get teenagers more interested in careers in technology, but initiatives come and go. What industry needs is a long-term plan based on a national skills strategy for industry.

    Sir John O’Reilly pointed out: “We do not have an issue with STEM subjects in the UK, but it is more of an industrial skills problem, particularly in engineering. New entrants need more awareness of management, production and quality issues and not just the theory behind it.” Professor Andrew Lloyd talked about the new wave of experiential learning that is going some way to meet this challenge. 

    The question and answer session heard an argument for introducing children from the age of eight to science and technology subjects to help them to consider a career in manufacturing and engineering when they leave school. Maggie Philbin highlighted the work done by TeenTech in this regard. 

    It was interesting to note that some of the SMEs attending considered factors such as enthusiasm, interest, willingness to learn and attitude as more important than academic qualifications when recruiting.

    MHA Carpenter Box Practice Director Chris Coopey, who compered the event hosted jointly by MHA Carpenter Box, solicitors asb law and recruitment agency CBSbutler, concluded: “The number of people attending today’s event demonstrated how important an issue this is for the sector. There were some fantastic, thought-provoking ideas from a range of SMEs and an excellent exchange of possible solutions.  One idea mentioned of which I’m a particular fan is making industrial strategy apolitical. It would be a major step forward to pull it out of party politics and look for solutions based on evidence, not dogma or apathy. Particularly with regard to SMEs, successive governments have promised much but delivered very little when it comes to promoting the manufacturing and engineering sector. With Brexit on the horizon, the time to change that is now.”

  • 08 June 2017 10:52 AM | Deleted user

    Sustainable Travel Event June 13th | 16:30 – 19:00 | Martlets Hall, Burgess Hill

    Explore sustainable options for commuting & business journeys. Learn from expert speakers and exhibitors, and network with other local organisations.

    Speakers

    1. Welcome from Mid Sussex District Councillor Gary Marsh, Cabinet Member for Service Delivery

    2. Rachel Ryan-Crisp, Burgess Hill Growth Area Programme Manager – Burgess Hill transport & infrastructure upgrades. West Sussex County Council has recently confirmed a £14.9 million funding package for transport and infrastructure improvements in Burgess Hill, including: 

     Capacity building and upgrades to road management systems and junctions

     Better integrated transport solutions, including bus and interchange improvements  New cycle paths and footpaths linking new developments to the town centre 
     A new cycle path to link Burgess Hill and Haywards Heath

    3. Peter Lamb, Senior Manager – Scientific Pump Technology, Edwards Vacuum – Business Case Study. Edwards Vacuum has implemented a range of initiatives at their Global Technology Centre to reduce business mileage and help employees choose more sustainable options to travel. These include:

     Charging points for electric vehicles 
     Cycle parking and shower facilities
     Taxi shuttle run to the railway station
     Video conferencing in meeting rooms and Skype for employees
     Priority parking spaces for people who car-share


    Peter will share how these measures have worked in practice, cost and CO2e savings achieved and other projects planned by their volunteer Environmental Impact Reduction Group.

    Exhibition Stands & Networking

    Before and after the presentations there will be time to meet both Event Partners and other local organisations helping encourage the uptake of sustainable transport, including:

     Mid Sussex District Council
     Burgess Hill Business Parks Association
     Haywards Heath & District Business Association
     Sustainable Business Network
     Barnard & Brough Nissan Dealership – electric cars

     Cycleshack – electric bikes and cycle-to-work scheme
     WSCC – Travelwise Scheme
     Co-Wheels Car Club
     Green Circle Network  Metrobus

    Book your free tickets here http://sustainablebusiness.org.uk/booking-form-sustainable-travel/

    To find out more visit sustainablebusiness.org.uk/network/sustainable-travel/ or call 01273 9642339


  • 02 June 2017 3:39 PM | Deleted user

    Guildcare Wine Tasting Evening - 15th June


  • 02 June 2017 3:26 PM | Deleted user

    Countdown on to StreetVelodrome returning to Worthing

    The countdown is on to StreetVelodrome revving in to Worthing once again.

    Locally enjoyed and nationally televised, the cycling event remains one of the most thrilling sporting weekends in the town’s calendar.  

    Taking place on the weekend of July 1 and 2, hundreds of people are expected to flock to Beach House Grounds for some sensational sporting action and family fun.

    Overseen by Worthing Borough Council, it forms part of Discover Worthing, a major marketing campaign launched this summer which is aimed at increasing the numbers of visitors to the wider area.

    Councillor Kevin Jenkins, Worthing Borough Council’s executive member for regeneration, said:

    “I’m delighted to welcome StreetVelodrome back for another year.

    “The previous two year’s sun-drenched weekends of cycle racing have set a high bar for the 2017 competition. But I anticipate that this year the event will be bigger and better than ever before.

    “With the addition of a host of other sporting events across the weekend, I urge people of all ages to come down and try things out for themselves so they can Discover a new side of Worthing.”

    The format of 2017’s StreetVelodrome competition mirrors the successful set-up from 2016.

    In just a few hours, the normally tranquil seafront park is transformed into a professional racing circuit giving people the perfect opportunity to clip on a helmet and test themselves against amateur and pro-riders alike.

    The South Coast Rollers, Worthing’s home team, will be taking to the track again, searching for the best new talent to accompany them to the London finals.  

    This year, the Worthing StreetVelodrome weekend is also welcoming Worthing FC, Worthing RFC, Worthing Thunder, VC Jubilee and Southdown Leisure - all of whom will be offering visitors the chance to learn new skills, get active and revel in the sporting talent that the town has to offer.

    All equipment and coaching will be provided, so all you need to do is turn up and take part.

    In addition to the Borough Council’s investment, the StreetVelodrome competition benefits from the faith of its sponsors.  

    This year, Worthing StreetVelodrome is being brought to the town in association with:

    ·         Chandlers of Worthing

    ·         Lancing College Preparatory School at Worthing

    ·         Southern Railway

    ·         Worthing Homes

    ·         Basepoint

    For more information, head to www.WorthingStreetVelodrome.co.uk.

  • 02 June 2017 12:48 PM | Deleted user

    Latest news from Gatwick

    Following a year of record growth, Gatwick has been officially recognised as a carbon neutral airport through its use of 100% renewable electricity and Gold Standard carbon credits to offset ground fuel emissions.  The award, from ACI Europe, means that Gatwick Airport Ltd completed Airport Carbon Accreditation at Level 3+ in 2016 for all ground operation emissions that the airport controls – including fuels, electricity and business travel - having achieved Level 3 for the preceding three years. 


    Hot off the press is our  Decade of Change report for 2016 which tracks our progress against ten ambitious environmental and community-focused priorities from 2010 to 2020.  This year’s Decade of Change report also highlights a range of innovations that have helped Gatwick to grow more sustainably, including building a new world-leading waste processing plant,  working with our partner Airport Taxis to bring Tesla electric taxis to Gatwick, becoming the UK’s first Autism-Friendly Airport and establishing the Noise Management Board to examine ways to alleviate problems communities experience in relation to noise. 


    We have had perfect weather for ‘Gatwick Goes Wild’ this week – and it’s not too late to get involved.  We have an active biodiversity programme which includes managing 75 hectares of thriving woodlands, grasslands and wetlands, inhabited by hundreds of species of mammals, insects and bees, many of which are rare or protected – this week’s activities offer an opportunity to get closer to this local wildlife. ‘Gatwick Goes Wild’ is running from Monday 29 May to Monday 5 June. Spaces for each event will be allocated on a first come, first served basis and all children must be accompanied by an adult. To book a space on any of the sessions, please email rachel.bicker@gatwickairport.com.


    Around 2000 beacons have been installed across Gatwick Airport’s two terminals providing an indoor navigation system that is much more reliable than GPS and that enables augmented reality wayfinding for passengers – a world first for an airport.  The lack of satellite signals makes road-based navigation systems – such as Google or Apple maps – unreliable indoors, so Gatwick has deployed a beacon based positioning system to enable reliable ‘blue dot’ on indoor maps, which in time can be used within a range of mobile airport, airline or third party apps.

     

    On the first anniversary of Gatwick’s award winning Hidden Disability Lanyard service, the airport can also announce that it has purchased an Eagle Hoist 4 – a passenger lifting facility that provides safer and more respectful transfer for wheelchair users requiring full assistance to their aircraft seat.  The airport is also investing in two specialist hoist assisted toilet facilities in the next 12 months, each with a height adjustable adult sized changing bench, for people with learning and physical disabilities who may need extra equipment and space to use toilets safely, comfortably and with dignity.


  • 02 June 2017 12:45 PM | Deleted user

    Tenders invited for Dial-a-Ride service

    Adur & Worthing Councils are inviting tenders for the provision of a ‘Dial-a-Ride transport service’ for people with additional needs in the area.

    Dial-a-Ride works through a telephone booking system and offers a bespoke door-to-door service for those unable to use or reach public transport.

    The Councils already offer this valued service, recognising that a lack of transport can be isolating for vulnerable people as well as a barrier to leading a fulfilling and productive life.

    They will be looking to secure the service with the award of a two-year contract starting from August 1.

    Potential service providers must be able to demonstrate a proven track record for delivering a professional, reliable and quality transport service for disabled or vulnerable people.

    Interested parties should register on the Councils’ tendering portal where they can also find out more about the service and what is required.

    The Councils’ procurement team will be happy to answer questions from potential suppliers by email on procurement@adur-worthing.gov.uk or by phoning 01903 221499.

    The deadline for tenders to be submitted is 5pm on Friday 16th June.

  • 19 May 2017 1:17 PM | Deleted user

    Apprenticeship Levy Newsletter - May 2017

    Business Solutions Apprenticeship Levy Newsletter

    Apprenticeship Service Account is now live for Levy Employers

    To request apprenticeship training from Greater Brighton Metropolitan College you will now need to log in to the Apprenticeship Service to request training.

     

    The quickest and easiest way is to send us a message via the system with your requirements and let us do the rest.

     

    You will require our UKPN number to search for Greater Brighton Metropolitan College: 10004736

     

    Click on the link to access the college's "walk through guide" on: how to request training using the apprenticeship service.

     

    Our Specialist Skills Advisors are available to discuss your training needs and support you with the new Levy reform.

     

    Contact us today to arrange a scoping meeting, call: 01903 273 732 or email: business.solutions@nbcol.ac.uk.  



  • 19 May 2017 12:57 PM | Deleted user

    Worthing’s new first citizen to make history as youngest in the UK  

    Worthing’s new mayor will make history becoming one of the youngest ever in the country to don the civic robes and chain.

    Alex Harman is set to officially take on the role as the town’s first citizen at a ceremony today, Friday, May 19

    At 23, he is not only the youngest ever mayor in the borough’s 127-year history, he is also the youngest borough mayor ever in the UK.

    Alex said: “It’s a great privilege to be Mayor of Worthing. It’s a fantastic borough and I’m extremely proud to represent it.

    “Obviously I’m a little bit younger to other mayors and I want to bring a little bit of an energy to the role that wasn’t there before

    “I don’t think being 23 makes me too young for the job; it just means I’m a little different.

    “The town is changing, you can see that with the demographics in that it is becoming a lot younger and a lot older too. I want to represent that in everything that I do.”

    Alex has lived in West Sussex all his life, moving to Worthing seven years ago.

    After leaving Worthing College, Alex secured an apprenticeship in Business Administration with West Sussex County Council and Northbrook College.

    He has spent the majority of his career to date working in client facing roles for both large international companies and smaller more local businesses.

    In the next 12 months, Alex will take a year out of work to fully focus on his civic duties, with hundreds of events already booked in his calendar.

    After putting on the century-old robes for the first time on Friday, Alex will waste no time getting on to business - with a mayor’s inaugural dinner that evening followed by a civic service at St George’s church on Sunday.

    The following day, he will welcome a group of English language school students from Austria and a local Brownies group into the mayor's chamber.

    Alex will be accompanied throughout the year by his wife Fran, who works in finance for Worthing High School. They married in September last year.

    Alex, who was elected to represent Selden ward on Worthing Borough Council in 2015, said: “I am looking forward to meeting as many members of the community as I can across the next year and promoting some of the great things that happen within the borough.

    “I hope to spend some time with various council services to highlight the great work they do keeping our town a fantastic place to live.

    “Across the last year as Deputy Mayor I have met with some amazing local businesses and charities and am looking forward to having the opportunity to meet more as Mayor."

    QUICKFIRE QUESTIONS

    Three top things to do in Worthing?

    I enjoy going on the pier with withe my wife; going for a pint at my local pub; and going out to eat in some of the many restaurants in Worthing town centre.

    Favourite food?

    Indian food

    Favourite sport?

    Rugby

    Favourite film?

    Any of the Batman trilogy

    Tell us something about the mayoralty we didn’t know?

    The thing that fascinates me the most is the mayoral robes that you see the mayor out and about in are the same robes worn in 1890 when the role was first created.

  • 19 May 2017 12:39 PM | Deleted user

    Adur District Council chooses new chairman

    A councillor has become the first citizen of Adur for the second time in five years.

    Peter Metcalfe was elected Chairman of Adur District Council at its annual meeting, taking over the chain of office from Cllr Ann Bridges.

    Cllr Metcalfe, who lives in Southwick and represents Southwick Green, has served as a councillor for nine years and first became chairman in 2012.

    He told of his delight at becoming Chairman for a second time, saying: “It was totally unexpected. I absolutely loved it before and I’m really looking forward to serving as Chairman again and having the opportunity to meet people and see the great things that are happening in Adur.”

    The new Vice Chairman is Cllr Joss Loader, who lives in Shoreham and represents Marine ward.

    Read on to find out more about the new Chairman.

    What is your background?

    After serving in the Armed Forces for 11 years, I retrained as a financial adviser. Thirty-two years later, I still enjoy my meetings with clients. My wife Rosemary and I have been married for 38 years and have two children, Sarah and Martin, and three grandchildren.

    How do you relax?

    I’m never one to sit still. Golf, cycling and walking allow me a great way to enjoy our area and relax.

    Why did you become a councillor?

    The change from having no particular interest in local politics to absolute concentration came about when our street was threatened with a block of overbearing flats which were totally out of keeping with the conservation area. We were successful in stopping the inappropriate flats with the help of Cllr Janet Mockeridge and others, so this began the thought process that if you don't like the system, there’s no point in standing on the sidelines moaning. If things need changing, join whatever organisation it is and try to change it from within. That's what my motivation was. Now it is to help others facing challenges from whatever direction.

    What are your priorities for the coming year as Chairman?

    I would, on behalf of the Council, extend our congratulations to Brighton and Hove Albion for their terrific promotion to the Premier League. Of course, with their top class training ground in Lancing, I would like to think we have been part of that success and I would like to work with the Albion to bring the benefits to the residents and schools of Adur. It’s a tremendous opportunity for us and one that I shall be looking forward to.

    Which charities will you be supporting as Chairman?

    My charities this year are:

    ·         St Barnabas House – a local charity offering support, a hospice and care for patients with cancer and other life-limiting conditions

    ·         Building Heroes – a charity which, as a veteran myself, is very dear to my heart. It provides skills and training for military veterans and support back into employment in the building trades. The aim is to tackle unemployment for those who have put their lives on the line for us

    ·         Macmillan Cancer Support – supporting and offering advice to reach and improve the lives of everyone living with cancer and to inspire millions of others to do the same

    ·         Citizens Advice – providing free, confidential and independent advice to help people overcome their problems.

    I hope as many people as possible will support me in raising funds for these and other charities this coming year.

    What makes Adur a special place?

    Shoreham, Lancing and Southwick – the main towns of Adur – along with our villages of Fishersgate, Coombes and Sompting offer so much diversity and beauty. With the timeless backdrop of Lancing College, our very successful Shoreham Port and the ever changing River Adur – from which, of course, we get our name – snaking its way down to the sea from the South Downs, it's a joy being in such a lovely location. 

  • 18 May 2017 11:16 AM | Deleted user

    Creating a Dementia Friendly Workplace - A Practical Guide for Employers

    This week is Dementia
    Awareness Week 14-20 May

    This guide for employers is designed to help them provide support for staff members with dementia. 

    It may also be a useful resource for people living with, or affected by, dementia in the workplace. 

    The guide includes practical tips and examples of situations that managers can use to ensure best practice as well as to review existing approaches to supporting people living with dementia in the workplace.

    Click the image to download the full guide.

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Email:
info@worthingandadurchamber.co.uk

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