Menu
Log in

Worthing & Adur Chamber

Welcome to Worthing & Adur Chamber

Members area
Login

Log in

01903 203484

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 


  • 23 September 2016 10:50 AM | Deleted user

    Business Solutions Apprenticeship Levy NewsletterApprenticeship Levy Newsletter - September 2016

    Developments this Month

    Who can the Apprenticeship Levy be Spent on?

     There are rules governing what an apprenticeship is. The main ones are: 

    • The apprentice must be employed in a real job.
    • They may be an existing employee or a new hire.
    •  The apprentice must work towards achieving an approved apprenticeships standard or framework. 
    • The apprenticeship training must last at least 12 months. 
    • The apprentice must spend at least 20% of their time on off-the-job training.

    What can the Apprenticeship Levy be Spent on?

     Digital funds & government funding can be used for:

    • Apprenticeship training & assessment.
    •  Against an approved framework or standard.
    •  With an approved training provider & assessment organisation. 
    • Up to the funding band maximum for that apprenticeship.

    Digital funds & government funding can not be used for 

    • Wages. 
    • Travel & subsistence costs. 
    • Managerial costs. 
    • Traineeships. 
    • Work placement programmes.
    • The costs of setting up an apprenticeship programme.

    New Funding Information Released 

    • 16-18 year old incentive payment (£1000 to employer, £1000 to provider).
    • Highest level of qualification held by the individual no longer a barrier.
    • 15 funding bands for frameworks & standards.
    • Reduced funding for frameworks. 
    • Government pay for English & Maths training.
  • 21 September 2016 12:06 PM | Deleted user

    How Technology is changing the role of Accountants

    Recent developments in online software are transforming how accountants are recommending products to their clients as business owners can now automate every aspect of their workflow across their business and benefit from real-time office-to-field connectivity. 

    For a number of years, West Sussex and Gatwick-based chartered accountants, Carpenter Box, has been one of the leaders in promoting and

     distributing cloud based software to their clients. They are, in fact, UK Accounting Partner of the Year and the second largest distributor of Xero accounting software, behind only KPMG. However, as Carpenter Box Partner, Nathan Keeley explains:

    “For progressive businesses Xero is just a starting point, the foundation if you like of an efficient and deployable accounting system. Over the years a number of ‘add-ons’ have been developed which enables Xero to be tuned to a business’ unique needs.  Clients need us to understand what these ‘add-ons’ do and to recommend the best of breed to them. 

    As such, in our view, accountants now need to have a wide knowledge of what cloud accounting is and how it can be tailored to help businesses understand and manage their finances in a way that was not possible, even a few years ago.” 

    In our view the role of the accountant should very much be around being the trusted business adviser, rather than end-of-year number cruncher. In our case, in retail for instance, by using software such as Xero with Vend point of sale software as an ‘add-on’, all a retailer needs is an iPad, a lockable cash drawer and a blue tooth scanner.  There is therefore no capital spend on items such as tills, instead just an easy to use and responsive cloud based system with stock control and management tools as standard for a manageable monthly fee.

    Nathan concludes: “The add-ons and specialist software now available have enabled us to understand more about our clients and recommend suitable solutions whilst allowing our clients to operate more efficiently in terms of time spent on business administration. They see savings in terms of both time and money, so it’s a real ‘Win-Win’ situation all round!”

  • 20 September 2016 12:41 PM | Deleted user

    Adur & Worthing Councils Joint Overview & Scrutiny Committee (JOSC) meeting on Thursday 22nd September

    At this public meeting, agenda item 6, will review Southern Rail ticket office closures and general levels of service, with representatives from Southern Rail / Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR),  RMT Trade Union and Brighton Line Commuters group present.

    The Committee also wish to discuss the recent problems with the general level of rail services being provided by Southern Rail which are adversely affecting local residents, businesses and visitors to the area.

    JOSC have the ability to review public services and make recommendations only with a view to influencing outcomes. JOSC, however, does not have the power to make the rail company act in a particular way. As part of its fact finding/investigative role, JOSC will have the opportunity to put questions to GTR/Southern Rail representatives and to the RMT representatives.

    The meeting is open to the public without prior arrangement but places are only available on a first come basis.  Doors open to the public at 6pm, with the meeting starting promptly at 6.30pm.

    Public question time is limited to 30 minutes only and all public questions must be submitted in writing no later than two days before the meeting to mark.lowe@adur-worthing.gov.uk.


  • 20 September 2016 11:53 AM | Deleted user

    Adur District Council public consultation on future of Adur Outdoor Activity Centre

    Adur District Council are running a public consultation to seek residents views, thoughts and suggestions (via a short simple survey) about what types of activities they would like to see taking place at the Adur Outdoor Activity Centre in the future.

    The Council are committed to getting the centre up and running again and make it a vibrant, multi-purpose activity centre for the community.

    Every single response, request, comment and idea will greatly inform the centre's future and their new owners.

    Adur Outdoor Activity Centre has been closed since November 2015, when it was forced into voluntary liquidation.  A process is underway to select a new management team and the reopening of the centre in the new year.

    The closing dates for all completed surveys is Monday 10th October 2016 and can be found on the Adur & Worthing Councils website  http://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/aoac-survey/.

    Councillor Emma Evans, Executive Member for Environment Adur District Council adds “It is vitally important that the local community fill out this survey, so we can best reflect their needs for a vibrant, busy and well used activity centre.  I know that the closure of the AOAC for the past year has been a huge loss to the local community, however the Council are fully committed to opening it as soon as possible, with the best team in place to run it and with a programme of activities the community has asked for.”  

  • 09 September 2016 3:40 PM | Deleted user

    Spofforths Kreston Reeves Extends October Finance Focus Seminars

    [image]

    Further seminars provided on recent business, tax and wealth developments for company directors and financial controllers  

    Accountants and financial advisers Kreston Reeves has extended its programme of popular Finance Focus updates, with six seminars taking place across the South East during the month of October.

    Finance Focus has become well-established within the business community as a valuable source of information to help businesses grow and plan for the future. Finance Focus seminars will take place between 4th and 20th October with each half-day session covering a range of topics. 2016 topics include tax efficient profit extraction, updates on VAT and financial reporting changes, raising business finance and pension developments all of which will be referenced to the likely impact of Brexit on SME businesses. , Partner, comments, "Kreston Reeves has been running Finance Focus successfully across Kent, London and Sussex for two decades and feedback gathered during this time shows how much those attending value the expertise and experience shared by our speakers. We very much look forward to another series of well-attended events as the uncertain economic climate continues to grow." http://www.krestonreeves.com/news-and-events/type/events or contact Rachel Pritchard at events@krestonreeves.com or call +44 (0)330 124 1399.


  • 09 September 2016 2:53 PM | Deleted user

    It’s time to celebrate with Adur & Worthing Business Awards – Nominations Now Open


    The Adur and Worthing Business Awards provides a platform to recognise, reward and celebrate all the successful businesses and professional individuals we have in our area. It will enhance your business, encourage your customers and your clients, and energise you to do better. It doesn't cost you anything – except your time and your efforts. 

    The awards are now in their ninth year and we are looking for entries from those who can prove business achievement and excellence in their field. Whether that be in growth, innovation or contribution to the community we want to hear from you. You may have a high achiever or team of excellence within your company – why not put them forward for an extra special award?

    Nominations close on Friday 30th September
    You can nominate your own business or another business you would like to shout about. The winners will be announced at a gala black tie dinner held at the Worthing Pavilion on 11th November 2016.

    What makes a good entry?

    Some top tips to consider when submitting your entry including:

    ·         Read the rules – carefully

    ·         Choose your category - carefully

    ·         Why you should ask for testimonials

    ·         Nominate others

    ·         Involve your staff

    At our recent breakfast a panel of experts shared their experiences of the Business Awards and their top tips. They all agreed the application process alone makes you look at your business, your performance and involves all your staff. David Carter of ETI said “one of the proudest moments was when one of our employee’s won the young achiever award. The effect this had on the team was immeasurable”. Steve Hobbs of Warnes Project commented “it changed everybody in the company after looking at testimonials from clients and looking back on work achieved. They were all re-energised” Karen Simporis of Henry House agreed the enthusiasm you have for your business is pushed forwards by involving your customers. Phil Duckett from Southern Pavilion said “winning is like eating 5 of your favourite sweets all at the same time!” Use the nomination process to shout about your business and your achievements. Winner or not you should be there to celebrate the night.

    Go ahead and do it. Good luck!

    If you would like to book for the event or want more details on the Business Awards please visit www.worthingandadurchamber.co.uk


  • 09 September 2016 2:52 PM | Deleted user

    How can the Business Navigator Service help me?

    The Coast to Capital Business Navigator Service is totally focussed on helping business in the Coast to Capital area start –up, develop and grow.  It exists to help grow the economy in the Coast to Capital area – to create jobs and prosperity.  Coast to Capital covers East Surrey, Croydon, West Sussex and the Greater Brighton area.

    The Business Navigator service provides a website and a team of business navigators to help you find the best support for your business.  The service is totally free as it is fully funded by the UK Government.

    You can call the Navigator Service on 0800 977 4146 to speak with a Business Navigator who can help guide you through the support available and help identify the most appropriate solutions for you.   The website (www.c2cbusiness.org.uk) includes an online directory of business support organisations, a calendar of business events in the Coast to Capital area, resources and videos.

    The team signpost businesses to a wide range of support services including:

    • accessing finance
    • identifying networking and membership organisations
    • helping to reduce costs
    • implementing environmental policies,
    • understanding the regulatory landscape
    • mentoring support
    • exploring international markets
    • start-up workshops and support
    • finding premises
    • ...and much more

    Jonathan Parsons from Brighton based goworkers said "The Business Navigator service has truly been a huge part of goworkers success. The Business Navigator has been with goworkers on every step of the way.

    The best thing about the Business Navigator is their understanding of the steps we needed to take and putting us in touch with so many helpful people and organisations along the way. The Business Navigator was able to foresee some of the help that we needed before we even knew we needed it and this is what really made a difference.

    We received many referrals for really helpful services from the Business Navigator from business mentoring, workshops and local Government grant schemes that we would never have heard about."


  • 09 September 2016 2:43 PM | Deleted user

    shoreham airport

    The head lease holder for Brighton City Airport has entered administration

    Albemarle Shoreham Ltd bought the airport in 2008 having taken over from Erinaceous Group plc who themselves went into administration. 

    Receivers Simon Underwood and David Thurgood of Menzies LLP have been called in to deal with finances, the operator has confirmed.

    Brighton City Airport Ltd, who've been managing airside operations since August 2013, say flights will not be affected by the administration.

    The Shoreham terminal is one of the busiest in the UK in terms of movements, Shoreham was the 10th busiest airport in the UK in August 2013. 

    The airport has a diverse client base including the military, law enforcement, air ambulance, corporate jets, helicopters, flight training schools (attracting students from all over world), private charter companies and the coastguard


  • 08 September 2016 10:20 AM | Deleted user

    Lancing lets loose at Gorilla Circus

    Lancing Green was treated to a festival of flying performances last week as Gorilla Circus came to town.

    The UK’s only outdoor flying trapeze school put on professional displays to wow crowds of up to 250 people, and opened their doors for the public to have a go.

    170 budding thrill-seekers participated in workshops spread over 9 days, getting a unique opportunity to experience a climb three storeys high and learn to swing on the huge flying trapeze rig.

    The event was funded by Adur District Council. Cllr Emma Evans, Executive Member for the Environment, said:

    “It was fantastic for Lancing to host an event which has captured the imaginations of local residents young and old. The feedback we have received from those who took part has been hugely positive. The opportunity to experience a flying trapeze with the guidance of professionals is not just unique for Adur, but for the country too.”

    Running alongside Worthing Theatres ‘Summer of Circus’, the event was timed perfectly on the back of hugely successful Olympic Games for Great Britain. Many of the participants were young budding gymnasts, inspired by Team GB’s historic successes in gymnastics, who described the Gorilla Circus lessons as “incredible” and “inspiring”.

    Worthing’s Summer of Circus continues until 17 September. For the latest news and events, visit www.adur-worthing.gov.uk.


  • 06 September 2016 9:07 AM | Deleted user

    Rolls-Royce wins major Chinese contract

    Rolls-Royce wins major Chinese contract

    Engineering giant Rolls-Royce has secured a $1.5bn (£1.13bn) order from a Chinese airline.

    The group will supply its Trent 700 engines for 15 Airbus A330 aircraft in China Eastern Airline's fleet.

    The new order is in addition to the 51 Trent 700-powered A330s that the airline already operates.

    Paul Freestone (pictured right), senior vice president of Rolls-Royce, said: "China Eastern operates one of the world’s largest A330 fleets, and we are honoured they have selected the Trent 700 again, as it continues to respond to Chinese demand with new levels of service."

    China Eastern Airlines also has 20 Airbus A350 XWB aircraft on order, which are powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB.

    Tang Bing (pictured left), executive vice president of China Eastern Airlines, added: "This aircraft and engine combination continues to be key to our expansion and competitiveness. I look forward to the Trent 700 continuing to deliver outstanding performance and efficiency for our operations."

    Click here to read more from Insider Media 

Get in touch

Tel: 01903 203484   

Email:
info@worthingandadurchamber.co.uk

Connect with us on Facebook Connect with us on Facebook Connect with us on Instagram Connect with us on LinkedIn                        Proud Members of

Terms and Conditions Privacy Cookies Disclaimer Copyright GDPR