Are you in need of some new, modern office chairs? Mocha Furniture can help!

Mocha Furniture are offering 4 Vector Work Mesh chairs (RRP of over £300.00) to Chamber members for just £110.00 each, including a full 5 year warranty. These chairs fully ergonomic (sliding seat, adjustable arms, adjustable lumber support, etc) and have a mesh back and dark grey charcoal upholstered seat.

If any chamber member wants one, please contact Mark Owen on 07415 133 490 or by email mark@mocha-furniture.co.uk. Mocha will happily (locally) deliver these to you.

Seagulls Increase Focus On Economic Goals

The economic power of positive private-public sector partnerships was underlined by Brighton & Hove Albion Executive Director Martin Perry when he addressed a packed meeting of The Sussex Property Alliance.

Mr Perry praised the support of Adur District Co uncil in bringing the vision of the club’s training ground to life in Lancing between Shoreham and Worthing – and the original foresight of Brighton & Hove Council in helping the Seagulls create the AMEX Stadium, which has become one of the city’s economic powerhouses. 

“Moving to the AMEX was a 10 year process and was a great example of how private-public sector partnerships can succeed,” said Mr Perry. “Since our move, we have created 1,000 full time equivalent jobs, contributed £38m to the local economy and entertained 3 million spectators in the first five years. In addition, it’s estimated that last year’s Rugby World Cup games at the Amex alone generated £46m for the city.

“Likewise, Adur Council immediately recognised the economic and social benefits of the training centre at Lancing and made it a strategic priority. Today it is home to all our teams – from academy and women’s teams through to the first team – and is a community resource used by 83 local clubs and 33 schools. It has created 100 full time equivalent jobs and added £3m to the local economy.”

Mr Perry then spoke of the collaborative approach of the Adur Council, which it is hoped will result in a mixed commercial and residential development on land adjacent to the training centre which will provide both jobs and housing.

“Together, we are working on a scheme that will create employment, 600 homes, a country park and infrastructure improvements. This type of positive partnership activity creates value for the council, the community and helps to drive the football club forward as we target a place in the Premier League.”

The Sussex Property Alliance, which is supported by Carpenter Box chartered accountants, Michael Jones commercial agency, and Bennett Griffin solicitors, also heard from Scott Marshall, of Marshall Regen, who works closely with the football club on its development activities.

Picture shows (l-r) Chris Coopey (Carpenter Box), Rob Fawcett (Bennet Griffin), Martin Perry (Brighton & Hove Albion FC), Scott Marshall (Marshall Regen), Steve Berrett (Michael Jones).

Adur District Council announces findings of its first major review of its off street parking provision in five years

Adur District Council has carried out its first review of off street parking for five years.  The recommendations which are expected to be implemented in January 2017 are designed to retain competitively priced parking provision in the area for businesses, residents and visitors both in terms of short and long term parking.  

Some long term tariffs have been reduced,  short stay tariffs of 30 minutes have been retained and season tickets have been made more convenient by enabling them to be purchased monthly and quarterly as well as annually.  Overall the charges remain lower than those of neighbouring areas.

Adur District Council manages a total of 13 off street pay and display car parks as well as a number of free surface car parks.  The car parks provide both short and long term parking which is of high importance for visitors, businesses and residents.  

The Council followed guidance from The Department for Transport, that states that parking tariffs should be reviewed regularly; more sustainable forms of transport such as cycling and public transport should be encouraged and that short term parking should be encouraged off street rather than on street to curb congestion.  The changes have been designed to encourage increased use of car parks and avoid on street congestion.

* Major changes of note include:

·         The half hour tariff has been retained for people only needing to park for a short period of time.  

·         Season ticket costs have been maintained at £350 /year (less than £1 per day) and will also be offered on a monthly and a quarterly basis to make them more attractive to people who do not want or need to commit to a full year.

·         At key sites (Tarmount Lane, Pond Road and Ropetackle) the all day tariff will be reduced  from £8 to £5 or £4 at Ropetackle.

·         Tariffs have not been changed in five years and increases to some remain at a modest level to encourage use of the car parks.

·         The number of tariffs will be simplified, eg Pond Road and Tarmount Lane will move from nine tariff bands to five.

·         Charges will apply between 9am and 6pm rather than 5pm to bring them in line with on street controls.  

·         A £1 charge will be introduced on Sundays and Bank Holidays to those remaining car parks where currently there is no charging in place on these days.  

·         “Pay-by-phone technology will be adopted alongside traditional pay and display machines to provide customers with greater flexibility when paying for parking.

* Full details of all charges can be found on the Adur & Worthing website  https://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/parking/ on Thursday 27th October 2016.

In line with most authorities in the South East and many other parts of the country, charges for Blue Badge holders will be introduced.  The British Parking Association advised the review that Blue Badges are designed to help people park closer to where they need to get to and that charging Blue Badge  holders is considered to be reasonable. The charges themselves must be set at a reasonable level, adequate parking facilities must be provided and most importantly the car parks and payment mechanisms must be easily accessible.  The Council is working with the British Parking Association on reviewing disabled parking provision and implementing recommendations for improvements.

Councillor Emma Evans, Adur District Council Executive Member for Environment adds “After five years it has been necessary to review our parking provision.  The implementation of the recommendations will mean that our charges remain amongst the lowest in the area.  This, together with various options for season tickets and making payments by phone as well as cash, will encourage more people to  choose Adur as their destination whether it be business or leisure.”

Indigo Restaurant | The Way Of The Hypnotist

The Way Of The Hypnotist - £21.00 

Thursday November 3rd @ 6:45 pm followed by Dinner

How does Hypnosis/Hypnotherapy work?

Hypnotherapist Alex Vrettos will give an overview on how hypnotherapy is used to help resolve unwanted thoughts, feelings or behavour and share with you many of his remarkable case studies – this we can assure you will not be a typical “circus act” but an intelligent look at this ancient form of the therapy and it’s proven success. You can read more about Alex Vrettos here

Click here to read more...

Prime Venue, Prime Location

Located on the main A27 and with free parking and step free access to all rooms, our venue is great for any corporate events.

Clean bright and modern with a choice of flexible rooms we can cater for small and large events.

We have our own onsite catering and we have an offsite AV partner.

FAQ's

Q: Are there disabled facilities?

A: Yes, we have step free access to all suites and we have disabled toilets.

Q: We need breakout rooms, can you do this?

A: If we have the rooms available for the numbers you require then yes. We have a range of rooms available.

Q: Can you cater for special dietary requirements?

A: Yes we can as long as we are advised of these in advance.

Q: We have our own production company for our AV, will this be a problem?

A: No it is not. We have small theatre companies here for seminars and AV companies here for award ceremonies and conferences.

Equipment

· Free Wi-Fi

· Free PA (selected suites)

· Flip charts, screens and projectors available to hire

Are you looking for a venue for a:

· Conference

· Seminar

· Training day

· Award ceremony

· Staff party

· Corporate party

· Team away day

Room layouts

· Cabaret style

· Theatre style

· Boardroom style

· Banqueting style

Refreshment Options:

· Buffet lunch

· Working lunch

· Hot fork buffet

· Cold fork buffet

· 2,3 or 4 course meal

· Delegate breakfast

· Bar on request

Don't forget we can also cater for functions, parties, wedding receptions, gala dinners and many more events. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Airport Expansion Decision - Coast to Capital

Jonathan Sharrock, Chief Executive of Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership

“We are disappointed that the Government favours a new runway at Heathrow instead of at Gatwick.  We believe that a second runway at Gatwick represents the better option, and would be cheaper and easier to build.

Gatwick Airport and the businesses in the surrounding area are a major driver of growth in our regional economy.  The Gatwick economy makes up nearly half of our regional economy and is worth around £23bn.  We will continue to work very closely with Gatwick to ensure that the airport continues to benefit the region.”

Gatwick Airport responds to Government decision on airport capacity

Gatwick notes the Government's announcement that it favours expansion at Heathrow.

Gatwick Chief Executive Stewart Wingate, said:

“We are disappointed as we do not believe this is the right answer for Britain. Gatwick has put forward a credible financeable and deliverable plan for expansion.

“It is a plan that can guarantee growth and guarantee certainty for Britain. We look forward to studying the full reasons behind the Government decision in detail. 

“The challenges facing Heathrow have not changed.  Our message today is that Gatwick stands ready to proceed when the time comes.”

Learn Xero in 7 Days 

Take a 7 day email course and learn the ins and outs of Xero!

Are you planning on starting a new business?

Starting a new business is a huge and challenging step but there is a great deal of support available for new entrepreneurs, both in the early stages of setting up a business and for helping with growth.

The Start and Grow programme, which is supported by the Regional Growth Fund, is just one programme of many that are available to pre-start businesses, and research has shown that those businesses who receive early support and advice are more likely to be successful in sustaining their business in the longer term.

Start and Grow offers a 3 year programme of support and advice, from helping the business owner to start trading, through to advice on marketing, funding or taking on staff. Once on the Start and Grow programme and trading Enterprise First clients will also receive membership to Enterprise Nation, which is a great start up resource, and to JournoLink which could significantly support promotional efforts.

To be eligible for Start and Grow, the business owner must be looking to grow and invest in their business along with potentially creating further employment for others. We have had many successful applicants from the Worthing and Brighton areas, and this programme is free and open to all potential business owners who meet the criteria.

Enterprise First is currently delivering the new Start & Grow programme throughout the South and as a local representative I can help you with your application.

Andy Pringle, Business Development Manager of Enterprise First says: “People have different reasons for wanting to work for themselves, it may be a lifestyle choice or an increasingly uncertain job market or redundancy which means exploring other options.“

“To succeed in the small business arena, persistence and determination are key. The ability to plan is an advantage and also a willingness to be adaptable to change as the business develops. Don’t let fear hold you back, many people give up to easily. Starting a business is hard work but incredibly rewarding.”

These small businesses are of significant importance to the UK economy - as they provide vital employment opportunities. It is fundamental that these small business owners know from the outset how they can receive the support that they need to thrive.

So, if you are interested in starting out and in finding out more about Start and Grow, please get in touch with me, or for more information see http://www.enterprisefirst.co.uk/services/start-grow/

City College Brighton and Northbrook College to merge and create a new Metropolitan College

City College and Northbrook College are proposing to merge. The merger will be one of equals, where two strong Colleges come together under the leadership of a single Board and Executive team.

The proposals have been developed over many months and the time has now come to seek the views and opinions of everyone in the City Region through a public consultation that starts today and concludes on 17 November.

The new organisation will build on the proud history and heritage of both Colleges - stretching back over 120 years - but will create a modern and forward looking institution that embraces the opportunities and challenges facing students in the 21^st century.

The consultation proposes a new name, The Metropolitan College, to reflect the combination of people, ideas, culture and place that the new organisation will serve.

The College will continue to operate from its five primary sites across Brighton, Shoreham and Worthing and will use the opportunity created by increased scale and efficiency to invest in its curriculum. A particular focus will be apprenticeships and higher-level professional and technical skills.

The planned date for the legal aspects of the merger to conclude is 31 March 2017.

In a joint Statement Nick Juba, CEO of City College and Sue Dare, Principal of Northbrook said

“This is all about establishing a College that can deliver for our students. A College that celebrates and promotes professional and vocational routes into work and higher education. We want our students to go on and do amazing things, to live fulfilling lives and follow rewarding careers. The Metropolitan College will offer clear routes right up the educational ladder providing opportunities for every young person or adults across the City Region to gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.

In a joint Statement Ian Lowrie and Julie Nerney, Chairs of Governors at the two colleges, said

“The Metropolitan College will be the engine room of the local economy training the next generation of carpenters, coders, beauticians and digital artists. We want to play our part in ensuring that businesses across the City Region have access to the pipeline of talent they need to develop, grow and create wealth for all of our residents.

We’re excited by the opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the two Colleges and to work in collaboration with businesses, local authorities, politicians, educational providers and all of our local communities for the good of our students, apprentices and undergraduates.

Now we need to hear your views so that we can ensure our proposals can be shaped by the needs of everyone in the City Region”.

______________________________________________________________________

Invitation to stakeholders to take part in the public consultation

The Boards of Governors of Northbrook College and City College Brighton and Hove have issued a joint consultation on proposals to merge the two colleges into a single institution.

The rationale for the merger proposal is contained within the attached consultation document.

We are also consulting on a new name for the merged college: The Metropolitan College.

You are invited to give us your views and comments on both the proposal to merge and the proposed name, using the online feedback form.

https://r1.dotmailer-surveys.com/132o5de3-d821j467

The consultation will run from 17 October to 17 November.  We are very much looking forward to receiving your feedback.

If you have any queries, or would prefer a paper copy of the consultation document, please email : consultation@nbcol.ac.uk

Click here to download the Consultation document.