Alternative funding on the up

Alternative funding options have proliferated in recent years, and will be a major theme at BITE 2017 (Business, Innovation, Technology and Efficiency) hosted by MHA Carpenter Box at the Amex Stadium, Brighton on Thursday 27 April.

Andy Davis, former editor of FT Weekend and author of the ‘Beyond the Banks’ report on alternative finance, will be one of the industry experts forming an Alternative Funding panel at the free one-day conference, and he’s looking forward to sharing his expertise with local business leaders.

“The alternative funding market is still small when compared to traditional banks, but it can provide a faster and more flexible option for businesses. For example, it’s a route increasingly used for unsecured loans of £50k - £70k,” explained Andy.

One major provider of alternative finance – Funding Circle – is a peer-to-peer lending marketplace that allows investors to lend money directly to small and medium-sized businesses. It currently has a total loan book of £1.2 billion, £820 million of which was lent during 2016 alone.

Small and medium sized businesses are accessing peer-to-peer finance in increasing numbers to help them deliver their strategies for growth.

“BITE will help businesses to develop an understanding of a funding market which offers more options than ever for raising finance, but which can also be complex. With the support of experts in this field, local businesses will gain expert insight into a growing marketplace that offers a wide range of opportunities.” 

To register your interest or book a stand at BITE, please visit www.bite2017.com.

Speaking outside Downing Street, she confirmed that an election will be held on 8 June.

The move comes despite the government previously denying it would call a snap election.

The Prime Minister said: "The country is coming together, but Westminster is not.

"Let us remove the risk of uncertainty and instability, and continue to give the country the strong and stable leadership it demands."

May, Conservative MP for Maidenhead since 1997, became Prime Minister on 13 July 2016 having previously served as Home Secretary from May 2010 until July 2016.

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REVAMPED CONNAUGHT STUDIO PROVING TO BE A BIG HIT

Fans of the big screen are flocking to enjoy Worthing Theatres’ recently revamped Connaught Studio.

Since the new £80,000 seats were installed in February at the venue which was built in 1916, thousands of people have streamed through the doors.

In the first six weeks, there have been more than 20 sell-out performances with early indications showing that ticket sales are up more than 10 per cent up in some weeks than on the same dates last year.

Those that oversee the Worthing Borough Council venue have been delighted at the reaction from the wider public.

​Cllr Dr Heather Mercer, Worthing Borough Council’s executive member for customer services, said:

"Having been one of the first people to try out the renovated studio I can proudly say that it is a fantastic place to enjoy a whole range of entertainment.

“This refit was all about improving the customer experience and it’s no surprise that so many people have been queuing up to get in.

“The sound system is one of the best around while the new tiered seating also means that we can host a variety of other live shows in a beautiful building.

“There have been a few teething problems, which is always inevitable when carrying out major work to a historic building. But we are constantly working hard to improve things for loyal and new customers alike.

“This is a perfect example of how the council is creating a platform for people of all ages to enjoy themselves in a state-of-the-art venue while bringing in more money to support the council’s work.”

The revamped studio went live on February 20.

The new seating was installed as part of a wider plan to improve the customer experience at the 160-capacity venue.

It includes a new sound system, donated by local business Bowers and Wilkins.

Among the most popular shows have been Beauty and the Beast, an 80s throwback screening of Robocop and half-term screenings of popular children’s movies, such as Peppa Pig and Sing.

Adur & Worthing Councils secure £96,000 in Government funds to aid Women’s support services in West Sussex

Following a successful bid last year, Adur and Worthing Councils, in partnership with Horsham District Council; Arun District Council, Worthing Women's Aid, West Sussex County Council and Worthing Churches Homeless Project have been awarded £96,000 in funding to recruit three specialist staff to offer more support services for women across West Sussex.

Adur & Worthing Councils Wellbeing department will be working closely alongside local charities; Safe In Sussex, Worthing Churches Homeless Projects and Brighton Women's Centre to develop services for women with complex needs; for example homeless women who are experiencing abuse and or exploitation and also alcohol or drug use/ mental health issues.

Mary D’Arcy, Adur & Worthing Councils Director for Communities continues

“Women who have experienced domestic abuse and may become homeless as a result are some of the most vulnerable in our society. Their complex needs may mean that that sometimes fall between services, as no single service offers a safe space to recover - homeless hostels are typically mixed gender and refuges may find it difficult to support women with the range of complex needs who become homeless’’.

This award will fund three new posts; one Female Outreach worker dedicated to the rough sleeping community, supporting women at risk. A Specialist Complex Needs worker to work with the Safe In Sussex refuges group, to help women access safe female only refuge accommodation and one part time generic refuge worker to make sure that there is an appropriate ratio of staff to support a more diverse client group.”

The funding is until March 2018.   

Brighton Summit: Embracing the unknown

Date: Friday 13th October

Time: 8:30am - 6:00pm

Venue: The Clarendon Centre, Brighton

So your business was ticking along nicely, you were making plans for the future, and then…2016 happened. The British people voted to quit Europe, America elected a reality TV host as President, and the world seemed to tilt on its axis. The pound nose-dived, businesses worried about hanging on to their EU employees, and everyone thought….WTF? 

In this time of change and uncertainty, you can confidently stick one thing in your diary - the Brighton Summit. It’s a high energy conference bringing together the city’s distinctive business community and it’s the highlight of the Chamber’s year.

This year’s theme is ‘Embracing the unknown’. It will encourage you to think about how to deal with the unfamiliar, seize new opportunities and take advantage of the altering landscape.

Some things won’t change. You can rely on the usual great networking, brilliant keynote speakers and inspiring workshops. But there will be challenges and surprises to reflect the mood of the times. So come prepared to leave your comfort zone and expect the unexpected…

Earlybird tickets are on sale now https://brighton-summit-2017.eventbrite.co.uk