The Coast to Capital Region Business Growth Grants Programme has launched and we are looking for Small and Medium (SME) sized businesses that want to grow and to create new jobs. £2,457,000 is available for this financial year.

The programme is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from Small and Medium (SME) sized businesses that are looking to expand and to create new jobs but not finding it easy to source the finance required. Grants of up to 40% of a total project cost can be provided to applicants that meet the eligibility criteria, are located within the Coast to Capital Region and can demonstrate how the investment will lead to job creation and growth.

Applications from all sectors are welcome but the programme particularly would like to see applications from companies in the following sectors, which have been identified as key sectors for the Coast to Capital region:

    Advanced Engineering
    Manufacturing
    Environmental Technologies, Goods and Services
    Creative, Digital and IT
    Healthcare, Medical Technology and Life Sciences

The programme is inviting start-ups, existing businesses and social enterprises to apply. The proposed new activity must be additional to existing business activity. Businesses must be able to incur the total project costs in full by 31 March 2017 and the grant may only be used for capital items.

Applications for Expressions of Interest are now open and will remain open until 12 noon on 30 September 2016 or until the amount of funding available is awarded, whichever is the earliest. This programme will only fund new activity and therefore retrospective costs are not eligible. For the purpose of this programme new activity is defined as that happening after the EOI has been approved and this has been communiced to the applicant.

Eligibility Criteria

    Grants of between £15,000 and £100,000 are available for capital expenditure only.
    Businesses must be able to incur the total project costs in full by 31 March 2017. Expenditure incurred means that the goods, works or services have been received by the business within that period and an invoice has been approved for payment.
    Businesses must demonstrate how the grant will lead to new jobs and meet the minimum cost per job figure of £10,000. For every £10,000 provided as a grant we would expect at least one full time job (30+ hours per week) to be created.
    It will be a contractual requirement that the investment and any job created through it must be sustained for at least two years.
    Businesses must show other investment alongside the grant- we will provide up to 40% of the project costs as a grant and you will need to provide the remaining 60%. Other forms of investment (match funding) could include retained profits, loans, equity finance or investment funds.
    Show how the project will have a positive impact on the local economy and how it will benefit local community and the local environment.
    Applications have to show how the jobs created are new and do not merely displace those in similar businesses.
    Applicants must be planning at least one of the following:
        To introduce new goods or services or other innovations
        To exploit leading edge and emerging technology
        To break into new markets, both in the UK and overseas.
    Business must have premises in or be planning to create new jobs in the Coast to Capital areas; West Sussex, Brighton and Hove, Lewes, Croydon, Epsom and Ewell, Reigate & Banstead, Mole Valley and Tandridge.

What the grant can be used for

Because the Local Growth Fund is in the form of a capital grant, it may only be used to fund the acquisition, enhancement or creation of capital assets which have a useful life for at least 12 months. Eligible expenditure items include but are not limited to the following:

    Machinery
    ICT equipment and infrastructure
    Building works- refurbishment and remodeling
    Business vehicles
    Furniture and fitting and storage equipment
    Tools and other essential equipment
    Plant and essential building services
    One-off security equipment
    Commercial catering equipment and plant
    Retail fittings and point of sale equipment

Applicants wishing to apply for activities related to Research, Development and Innovation, for example software development, development of new products and prototype development and testing (this list is not exhaustive) should note that these types of projects are likely to involve substantial expenditure that is unable to be classed as capital expenditure and will need to be considered on a case by case basis to gain clarity and agreement on eligibility. Therefore applicants for this type of project should email the Programme Team at ASAP.

Other project costs such as salaries for new staff, rent and rates for new premises that are not included in this list may be met by the applicant’s match funding but will not be eligible for grant funding from this programme.

Applicants may include any eligible expenditure from the date that we receive the EOI. But this will only be funded if the business is successful in securing the grant funding. Businesses incurring expenditure prior to approval do so entirely at their own risk. Funding will not be provided for expenditure incurred on unsuccessful applications.

Contact us:
If you would like any further information please contact the Programme Team at businessgrants@westsussex.gov.uk

How to Apply:

For information on how to apply click here.

Miller Parris Solicitors are delighted to confirm that Vicky Bates will join them as partner as of May 1st 2016.

Vicky will lead the Business Client department and will continue to work on a wide range of commercial matters.

A property solicitor with over 10 years experience working in the City of London, Vicky has a wide range of knowledge and expertise in all aspects of commercial property including investment acquisitions and disposals and lettings and management work.  Vicky is also able to advise on the acquisition and disposal of small businesses and their property related matters.

Vicky said “"I'm really proud to be offered a partnership in a firm which I have found not only has a great reputation for its high quality of advice and service but which is also devoted to providing a high level of client care. It is a very pleasant environment to work in and I hope to use my experience and skills to add value and enhance the firm's ongoing success."

Mike Metters commented “Vicky has already shown herself to be a huge asset to our team with her commercial property experience and friendly and approachable manner and we are delighted that she has accepted a partnership with us.  We look forward to her input in continuing the growth of the business and ensuring that our clients remain our priority in everything we do”.

In addition to dealing with commercial property matters, Vicky also regularly acts on residential property acquisitions and disposals.

For further information please contact Vicky at vickybates@millerparris.co.uk

The future of Worthing is to be shaped by a new document, with the first opportunity to feedback beginning on Wednesday when a six week “Issues and Options” consultation opens.

Looking ahead to 2033, the Worthing Local Plan will set out opportunities for where and what development could take place over the next 17 years. When adopted, the new Plan will replace the Borough’s existing local planning policies and will be an important consideration in deciding planning applications.

From 11th May until 22nd June 2016, feedback on this first stage of the Local Plan can be made online at www.adur-worthing.gov.uk. There will also be hard copies to read at the Council offices and libraries in Worthing.

This public consultation identifies the challenges facing the Borough, and which options could help address them. Therefore, Worthing Borough Council is asking for views on how best to balance the delivery of growth and regeneration across the Borough, to meet future needs whilst at the same time protecting the things that so many residents and businesses value about the town.

Cllr Bryan Turner, Executive Member for Regeneration at Worthing Borough Council, said:

“Worthing is a great place is live and work, recently making the national press as one of the most desirable in the country. It is important to ensure that we plan for appropriate growth and development which maintains this reputation for the town.

“We would like to invite as many people as possible to provide feedback on the issues identified in this consultation document, so that our vision for the future reflects the views of those living in Worthing.”

After the six week consultation, all comments will be given consideration to help inform future decisions on which sites will be proposed for allocation and which policies will be included in the emerging Local Plan.

Worthing Borough Council’s decision to dismiss plans for an 11-storey seafront development has been supported by an independent Government Inspector.

The land at the corner of Grand Avenue and West Parade was subject to a planning application by Roffey Homes. An appeal was lodged after the Council’s Planning Committee refused planning permission in April 2015.

In a report published this week, Inspector John Gray conclusively dismissed the plans, supporting the arguments made by Worthing Borough Council and local residents.

Cllr Kevin Jenkins, Chair of Worthing Borough Council’s Planning Committee, commented: “It’s nice to see the Committee’s decision, with support from local residents, vindicated by the Government’s independent inspector.

“Looking to the future, we do not want to see this prominent site fall derelict. It is important to work with the local community and a developer to produce an appropriate and sensitively designed development, which not only makes best use of the site and delivers more homes but is sustainable, achieves a high standard of design and safeguards local residents’ amenity.” 

In his report, Mr Gray concluded that arguments for the development did not outweigh the  design shortcomings and harm to neighbours’ amenity. “The proposed development would be inappropriate in design terms because of a combination of its siting (forward of the building lines on West Parade and Grand Avenue), height (significantly taller than its neighbours) and massing (in relation to both Regis Court and the dwellings on Grand Avenue).”

The report also went on to say “the siting and bulk of the building would unacceptably diminish the level of residential amenity enjoyed by the occupiers of some neighbouring dwellings”.

The appeal decision and the other important documents can be seen in full on the Council’s website, www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/planning, under the reference AWDM/1805/14.

Stagecoach South is pleased to announce some great news. Firstly, it has frozen all bus fares at 2015 levels and for the benefit of commuters it has scrapped peak return fares meaning it is even cheaper to travel to work. Stagecoach hopes that this added incentive will encourage people to leave the car at home. Recent national research revealed that commuters can already save an average of £90 a month by using the bus to travel to work and play!

It is also much easier to plan your journey now because the new website (www.stagecoachbus.com) advises you when the next bus is leaving from your chosen bus stop and gives you the fare for your journey.

Stagecoach has also relaunched its Nightrider ticket to celebrate the increased frequency of its evening services on the Coastliner and Pulse routes. The Nightrider ticket costs only £2 if purchased after 7pm and can be used many times throughout the evening throughout Worthing and the surrounding region. This is excellent news for the Worthing economy as customers can enjoy reliable travel and have more money left over to spend on enjoying themselves at their venue of choice!

Sharon Clarke, Worthing Town Centre Initiative said: “It is great to hear about the enhancements to the evening bus service in Worthing as this will help to encourage people into the Town Centre for a night out. The news is really positive for the Town’s evening economy.”

Mark Turner, Commercial Director for Stagecoach South said: “These improvements are extremely exciting and if they prove popular, we will be extending the benefits to other Worthing bus routes.“
 
The official launch of Nightrider is on 1st June 2016 at 12noon on the prom just outside the Pavilion theatre. Everyone is welcome to come and find out more – there will be plenty of timetables and Nightrider goodies for all.

Worthing Churches Forthcoming Community Events

SkyDive

Saturday 21^st May 2016

Take the leap and raise funds for Worthing Churches Homeless Projects to help local people who are homeless or insecurely housed. Download a registration form from www.wchp.org.uk , call 01903 286480 or email info@wchp.org.uk for further information.

Treasure Exhibition

June – July 2016

This year we are taking part in the Worthing Artist Open Houses again using the theme; what do you treasure most? We have only very recently been given a venue which is very exciting but it means we really need artists to be involved with us. If you are interested in finding out more and creating some artwork or helping in any way please call Rachel on 01903 286480 or email rachel.blair@wchp.org.uk

Flag Day

Saturday 16^th July 2016

This is our annual Flag Day collection where volunteers spread across Worthing Town Centre, Goring, Findon and Broadwater. There will be live music in the town centre at two locations for all to enjoy. If you would like to volunteer with this event please call 01903 286480 or email info@wchp.org.uk

Broadwater Carnival

Saturday 23^rd July 2016

We are excited be a beneficiary of the carnival. We will have a stall at the fayre after the procession. Please come along and show your support.

Littlehampton Flag Day

Saturday 30^th July 2016

This is our first Flag Day collection in Littlehampton, where volunteers will spread across Littlehampton Town Centre and sea front. If you would like to volunteer with this event please call 01903 227829 or email info@wchp.org.uk

Car Boot Sale

Saturday 6^th August

We are holding our car boot sale again this year on Broadwater Green. Come along and bag yourself a bargain or help us out on the day by calling 01903 286480 or emailing info@wchp.org.uk.

London to Brighton Cycle Ride

Sunday 11^th September

Take on the 54 mile challenge from Clapham Common to Brighton Seafront in aid of Worthing Churches Homeless Projects.  From novices to experienced riders – everyone is welcome. If you are interested in taking part, please contact Abi on 01903 227829.

24 Peaks Challenge

Saturday 17th- Sunday  18^th September

We are trying out the 24 peak challenge for the first time this year. The aim is to climb 24 peaks in 24 hours in the picturesque Lake District. If you would like to join our team taking on the challenge, please contact Rachel on 01903 286480 or email info@wchp.org.uk

For further details of any of our events please contact the Fundraising Team on 01903 286480 or email info@wchp.org.uk                                                                                                                                                                                                                            If you would like to help at any of our events please contact our Volunteer Co-ordinator on 01903 227825 or email help@wchp.org.uk

Please visit WCHP's website www.wchp.org.uk

As part of ongoing research into the local economy the Coast to Capital LEP is issuing a call for evidence on the Low Carbon and Environmental Goods and Services (LCEGS) sector. This sector has been identified as being important for future economics and jobs growth, as well as being key to meeting the UK’s commitments to reduce CO₂ emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and increasing the use of renewable energy.
 
To help Coast to Capital LEP further support the local economy and businesses and to help the UK meet its environmental obligations evidence is needed detailing the key opportunities and issues, companies and projects, and skills needs in the local LCEGS sector. We are inviting local businesses, organisations, and industry experts to take part in a short survey that explores these questions.
 
It would be a great help if you share this with colleagues, partners, and businesses in your network.
 
The survey will remain open until the 13^th of May.
 
To contribute to the evidence please follow this link: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/PHXZGCP
 
Alternatively you can find a word version of the survey here and send your replies to Jamie.watson@coast2capital.org.uk.
 

Cloud Technology Solutions (CTS) is coming to ShorehambySea on Thursday the 12th of May, as part of the ‘Digital Transformation Roadshow’. This is an opportunity for businesses of any size to experience using Google Apps for Work and to try some of the latest cloud enabled technology and hardware. Organisations are achieving up to £3m in savings by moving to the Google Apps platform. So what can the Roadshow do for your business? Offer new working practices, inspire staff and ultimately save money.

CTS will host live workshops as well as offering on the spot advice from members of the Google UK office. These sessions will be supported by the latest in Cloud compatible technology from ASUS with both Chromebooks and tablets available onboard, alongside the latest in video conferencing facilities.Businesses moving to the Cloud is inevitable and we can demonstrate how simple the transition can be.. Google's popular web applications including Gmail, Google Drive, Google Hangouts,

Google Calendar, and Google Docs are a must for any business. Paul Brewer Director for Digital & Resources at Adur and Worthing Councils explained that,“Research has shown that Google for Work boosts staff productivity by around 2 hours per week per person.”

This increase in output hasn’t just been discovered by Adur and Worthing. Many of the UK’s top brands have moved to using Google within their businesses including RSPCA, Majestic Wines, The Guardian, Roadchef, Eventbrite and many more. Tonino Ciuffini, Head of Information Assets at Warwickshire County Council, stated that with Google

Apps for Work, the council is:

● Saving time by working together using the collaboration tools

● Freeing up office space

● Saving on transport costs with Google Hangouts

● Making working simpler by being able to login wherever you are

● Saving on IT maintenance and hardware costs

So come and see how moving to Google for work could help revolutionise the way you work and significantly reduce your business costs.

Fill in a signup form today, email googlebus@cloudsolutions.co.uk or call 0161 871 0330 to reserve a place and change your business.

Cost : FREE

Time : 9:00am – 5:00pm

Venue : The Shoreham Centre, 2 Pond Rd, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 5WU

About Cloud Technology Solutions:

CTS are a Google Premier Partner and leading provider of Google and Google Apps solutions that help organisations large and small become more agile while reducing costs. They are trusted by many of the world’s most well known organisations to help them move their business to the cloud. They deliver a complete range of services that help organisations to take full advantage of the Google Apps cloud environment, including: Google Apps Migration, Google Apps Adoption, Google Apps Integration, Google Apps Development, Enterprise Support & Management.

Cloud Technology Solutions Ltd, Lowry House, 17 Marble Street, Manchester, M2 3AW.

Tel: +44 (0)161 871 0330; email: marketing @cloudsolutions.co.uk Web: www.cloudsolutions.co.uk

On June 30th 1916, during World War 1, the Sussex Southdown Brigade lost 366 young men and officers in the Battle of Boar’s Head in Richebourg, Northern France,  known as the ‘the day Sussex died’.  

The relationship that has endured between these two towns for the past 100 years, is to be further celebrated with a series of major joint events later this year.

Mayor of Worthing, Councillor Michael Donin, this month welcomed the Deputy Mayor of Richebourg (France) Guy Warein and Anne Moitel, from the French Tourism office who met with local Councillors, Friends of Broadwater Cemetery and Council officers, to discuss plans for an exhibition and other events in Worthing and Richebourgh, marking this 100 Year anniversary..

The meeting followed a visit to Broadwater Cemetery to visit the grave of past Mayor Ellen Chapman, who, alongside the residents of Worthing, raised thousands of pounds at the end of World War 1, for the people of Richebourg whose small town was destroyed by the war.

Worthing’s efforts 100 years ago are still recognised with an official ceremony in the French town, every year.

Pictured from left to right; Deputy Mayor of Richebourg Guy Warein and Worthing Mayor Councillor Michael Donin exchanging gifts.