It’s never too late!

An inspiring tale of the pandemic prompting a change of direction from Vicky Vaughan, one of our Chamber Members.

I have been a graphic designer and creative Chartered Marketer specialising in logo design and branding, as The Brand Surgery, for 21 years. During the pandemic, no one wanted a new logo because, not surprisingly, we were worried about the future and staying healthy.

Therefore, I channelled my creative energy into drawing Sussex architecture in Art Deco style. I have always been interested in architectural patterns and particularly enjoy making buildings look the best they can, adding a little artistic license here and there. Not all the buildings I draw are Art Deco in origin, however rules are made to be broken! 

One day, towards the end of lockdown, when shops were beginning to reopen, I ventured to Montague Gallery in Portland Road in Worthing and shyly presented my portfolio of Art Deco illustrations - Brighton City/Shoreham Airport, Sunny Worthing and The Prom were my first. Alan and Kim, the gallery owners, invited me to rent some gallery space. Alongside over 40 talented artists, which gave me the confidence to keep creating more.

Initially, I found it scary to share my personal art – it's completely different from commercial graphic design in that the designs are coming from my heart and soul, and not to a client brief. Customers have shared that they find my designs uplifting, which during these testing times, is fantastic. My marketing and branding experience has helped in marketing my work, plus creating a colourful palette that works well when hanging on a gallery wall and individually in customers' homes.

I hope that my story will inspire Chamber Members to have the courage to change direction if something inside is calling them to do so. There is so much talent out there, but as I have personally experienced, our imposter syndrome can keep us from nurturing our talent. I probably wouldn’t have had the courage to sell my personal work if I hadn’t been encouraged to by Kim and Alan. The message here is that if you know someone who has a gift, then encourage them to unleash it, because like me, they may need a little nudge. There is a balance between aspiring for success and comparing ourselves to more successful people, which can make or break our confidence. A little faith or encouragement goes a long way and makes a real difference.

Apart from selling my Art Deco framed art and gifts at Montague Gallery, I love being part of the artist community. There are over 40 talented artists selling their work which are perfect for unique Christmas, anniversary and birthday gifts. 

The Brand Surgery is still very much in business, having recently designed Worthing Dome Cinema’s and England and Wales Blind Golf branding. I feel I am the luckiest person alive, having two creative platforms in which to grow. 

Art Deco designs at: madebymebythesea.co.uk
Chartered Marketer and Branding: www.thebrandsurgery.co.uk
Montague Gallery: www.montaguegallery.co.uk.

Back again after popular demand - Burgess Hill Means Business 

The biggest business expo in Mid Sussex, brought to you by Burgess Hill Business Parks Association (BHBPA).

• ·         Friday 20^th January, from 10.00 to 3.00pm
• ·         The Kings Centre, 30 Victoria Road, Burgess Hill.

Our local MP Mims Davies will be officially opening the show at 10.00am.

Burgess Hill Business Parks Association brings you 65 exhibitors, including some of the biggest businesses in Burgess Hill, supporting our association and everything we do. Lots of engaging conversations to be had and new business contacts to be made.

Visitor parking has been arranged for the day. FREE entry with a business card.

You’ll find a unique mix of businesses large and small, with a wide variety of sectors represented. These include viticulture, manufacturing, facilities management, finance, legal, marketing, training, telecoms, hospitality and many more.

This event embraces the community spirit of our organisation, it's a chance to catch up with local businesses and it's a great networking opportunity. We expect visitors from across Sussex

Richard Cox, BHBPA’s CEO, had this to say “Every year, the Burgess Hill business community grows and with it, the diversity of our association increases. It’s a very exciting time and I’m very much looking forward to seeing what’s new at this year’s exhibition.”

If you are coming by train, it’s just a short 15 minute walk from Burgess Hill train station while the venue itself has a car park reserved for visitors.

For those of you travelling by train, Community Transport Sussex are providing a FREE shuttle service from Burgess Hill Train Station to the expo hall. You’ll find the minibus either directly outside the station or 20m down the hill, parked in a side road on your left.

The shuttle service will run twice at the following times:

• ·         10.30 (Minibus will wait for ten minutes, departing at 10.40)
• ·         12.30 (Minibus will wait ten minutes, departing at 12.40)

Free entry to the expo with a business card!

Free Autism workshops from West Sussex Mind and our partners Impact Initiatives and Aspens

Are you aware of the difficulties autistic people may experience in the workplace and why?

Do you understand the potential causes of anxiety for autistic people in the workplace?

No?

We may be able to help you. Running from January through to may West Sussex Mind have a series of free workshops, some of which employers may find helpful in understanding how better to support neurodiverse colleagues.

Better understanding will increase empathy, enable you to start productive conversations and identify and implement reasonable adjustments and create a more inclusive workplace for all.

See the full range of titles and book your place at westsussexmind.eventbrite.com

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/west-sussex-mind-8288439768

George Square to kick off 2023 with ambitious growth plans

George Square Financial Management will kick off 2023 with ambitious three-to-five-year plans for corporate expansion.

By 2028, the independent financial advice firm intends to recruit two experienced IFAs, add three new trainee advisers to its team, and purchase a new IFA practice.

Having recently marked its ten-year anniversary in business, George Square has grown significantly since it was founded by managing director George Goward in 2012. The team now has 19 members -representing a 60 percent increase in headcount - and has seen annual turnover rise by over 200% in the last decade.

“George Square Financial Management set out to provide first-class independent financial planning solutions and mortgage advice to individuals and businesses,” explains George Goward. “Our corporate expansion plans have always been focused on growing the firm’s highly experienced team of financial experts and adding new specialisms to our portfolio.”

Amid sustained growth in demand for its impartial mortgage advice, the firm has added two specialist mortgage advisers in the last 12 months. George continues: “The appointments of Phil Browne and Alex Barrett formed a key part of our 2021-22 growth plan. Both joined as Mortgage Protection Advisers in May last year and provide high quality mortgage and protection advice and support to George Square’s growing roster of clients.

“2023 marks the beginning of an exciting time for the business. We are in the process of purchasing a new IFA practice and have plans to recruit five new team members, including three trainee IFAs. We have recorded sustained growth in demand for our independent financial advice throughout our ten years of operation, and the firm is in excellent shape as we begin the next decade.”

“George Square’s values and approach have earned us a strong reputation,” George adds, “which in turn has meant we attract and retain sector-leading talent and experts. Every member of our team possesses the skills, knowledge, and attention to detail for which the firm is known, particularly by our portfolio of clients, many of whom have been with us since the firm began.”

George Square Financial Management is an established firm of independent financial advisers based in Nottingham city centre. For more information, please visit: https://george-square.co.uk/

Bird & Blend Tea Co. win Company of the Year at the Sussex Business Awards

The winners of the 2022 Sussex Business Awards have been revealed at a spectacular ceremony. The prestigious black-tie event took place at The Grand Brighton on December 1st and recognised the achievements and resilience of the county’s business community.

Newsreader and the first ever winner of Strictly Come Dancing, Natasha Kaplinsky OBE, hosted the ceremony which brought together some of the most successful companies-and their leaders - in Sussex.

The 16 winners included individuals and companies from across a wide range of sectors including recruitment, manufacturing, retail, health and marketing.

Bird & Blend Tea Co. won Company of the Year, sponsored by Lloyds Bank.

Maarten Hoffmann, Managing Director at Platinum Media Group and organiser of the awards said: “The Sussex Business Awards celebrate all the remarkable businesses in the region - and the people that work for them! Everyone should be rightly proud of their achievements, and it is these businesses that are putting Sussex on the map, adding weight to the county’s burgeoning reputation for innovation, creativity and excellence.”

Fund our Food Banks – Adur & Worthing

Adur and Worthing food banks support over 3,000 people, including children, every month. Our food banks report that the current demand for help is unprecedented. With the Cost of Living increase, food banks also report seeing more families who have never required help before.

No one should be cold or hungry this Winter. ‘Fund our Food Banks’ is asking for your donation to ensure our local food banks have the funds in place during this time of increased pressure. Every penny you give will go straight to the food banks who support the most vulnerable in our area. 

• Food banks provide food supplies, hot food, clothing, fuel vouchers, and access to specialist services, such as Citizens Advice, to provide a holistic approach to supporting people in crisis.  
• Recent research shows that as many as 1 in 6 people will need to use a food bank over Christmas.*

Community Works provides support for the voluntary and charity sector and we are proud to be hosting the crowdfunder on behalf of the Adur and Worthing Food network, working alongside our partners to gain the maximum exposure. If you or your local business would like to donate or support this crowdfunder, please contact frances@bhcommunityworks.org.uk. Donations can also be made here:  https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/fund-our-foodbanks

Foodbanks your donation will support 

Our local food banks are supported by the Adur and Worthing Food Network and those that need your support right now are:  

Worthing Soup Kitchen which supports emergency food and engagement with the homeless and vulnerable community in Worthing. 

Worthing Food Foundation is a non-referral food operation that supplies dry, tinned and fresh food, as well as other essentials, to people in need. WFF has as many as 500 people through its doors every week. 

Worthing Vegan Foodbank supports people in the short-term and long-term with food, personal hygiene items and emergency food parcels. Its products are 100% vegan and cruelty-free.  

Broadwater Support Group provides food, clothes and support to those who need it most, including furniture, emergency food supplies and uniforms. 

Lancing and Sompting Foodbank shares food given by the community to those who need it most.

Find out more here: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/fund-our-foodbanks

Update from Chamber Member - George Square Financial Management

November has been another strong month for financial markets as weaker inflationary data and a softer tone from the US Federal Reserve has lifted investor confidence. While the global economy is not out of the woods, the unrelenting pressure from higher policy rates may be about to subside.

Recession Alert:

Economic activity around the world has shown a distinctive dip in recent months as the impact of higher interest rates and a decline in consumer spending impacts businesses.

The UK economy has entered recession, registering its second month on month decline in GDP. The Chancellor’s autumn statement will saddle UK households with highest tax burden since the second world war and worsen consumer finances already reeling from higher energy prices.

In the US, the all-important US Manufacturing managers’ survey reported its first reading below 50, a level associated with recessions.

Source – Bloomberg – 31/12/1992 to 30/11/2022

Housing demand on both sides of the pond have fallen sharply as consumer have struggled to finance higher mortgage costs. The gating of UK property funds has already started.

Inflation:

Source – Bloomberg – 31/12/1990 to 31/10/2022

US CPI data for October highlighted by the blue line - came in weaker than expected for October. Goods prices, a key part of post pandemic spike in inflation have now started to fall. Energy and food prices will start to show meaningful declines in the next quarter as we anniversary the post war spike in commodities. While inflation in the UK remains elevated, we believe the slowing economy and tighter monetary policy will help contain prices.

China

China’s Zero-Tolerance COVID policy has been at the centre of the storm this month. There is widespread discontent amongst the population of locked down cities, and domestic spending and manufacturing have come under strain. Riots at a Foxconn’s biggest iPhone factory in the city of Zhengzhou, highlights this unrest. The full opening of China relies heavily on the success of local vaccines, and a broader vaccination programme. The Chinese government will have to find a way to live with COVID to allow a recovery in its economy.

Bond rally

The rally in bonds started in October and has continued into November. The UK 10-year gilt yield, in blue, has declined sharply as the impending recession is priced into monetary policy forecasts. We have increased the duration of our bond holdings in a timely manner and allocated more to investment grade corporate issuers. Duration represents the sensitivity of a bond’s price to falling yields. As the recession begins, inflation should subside, allowing our bond holdings to recover. 

Conclusion:

Our approach throughout 2022 has been to reduce sources of unintended risk within portfolios. We closely monitor market-based signals such as breadth, factor performance and risk sentiment and stand ready to take advantage of the discounts on offer when asset prices start to recover.  Expected returns for a wide range of assets have improved significantly as inflation and recession risks are simultaneously being priced into a variety of asset classes. We are excited by the opportunity set we see ahead of us in 2023.

© 2022 George Square Financial Management Ltd. All Rights Reserved

The content of this material is a marketing communication, and not independent investment research. As such, the legal and regulatory requirements in relation to independent investment research do not apply to this material and it is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of its dissemination. The material is for general information purposes only (whether or not it states any opinions). It does not take into account your personal circumstances or objectives. Nothing in this material is (or should be considered to be) legal, financial, investment or other advice on which reliance should be placed. No opinion given in the material constitutes a recommendation by Albemarle Street Partners or George Square Financial Management Ltd that any particular investment, security, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. Although the information set out in this marketing communication is obtained from sources believed to be reliable, Albemarle Street Partners or George Square Financial Management  Ltd. makes no guarantee as to its accuracy or completeness. Neither Albemarle Street Partners or George Square Financial Management Ltd. shall be responsible for any loss that you may incur, either directly or indirectly, arising from any investment based on any information contained herein. This material may include charts displaying financial instruments' past performance as well as estimates and forecasts. Any information relating to past performance of an investment does not necessarily guarantee future performance.

Albemarle Street Partners is a trading name of Atlantic House Fund Management LLP  who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. George Square Financial Management Ltd. is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Start 2023 with funding from the Adur & Worthing Trust

The Adur & Worthing Trust are excited to announce the launch of the next round of Creative Commissions small grant funding, with grants of £500 - £1000 up for grabs. The Trust wants to commission more works of art – these could be in any shape or form, for example a painting, a comedy performance, a community participation dance project, a piece of new music, a film, a literary work or a new exciting event. The Trust funded nine exciting projects in 2022 and are inviting applications from across Adur & Worthing.

Karen Simporis, Chair of Adur & Worthing Trust says; “2022 gave us another great series of projects with something for all ages and a wide range of genres. For 2023 we’re looking for more new ideas and collaborations especially if it’s your first time applying for funding and dipping your toes in the water! Maybe a performance for the new Worthing Festival in June? More about this later. Surprise us!”

Applications open on 24 January, with a virtual & in-person launch at Colonnade House, featuring live Q&A with the Chair of the Trust alongside an exhibition & showcase of funded projects in 2022.  Another launch event is also planned to be held at Freedom Works - Fabric, Lancing, on 30 January, 18.00 - 19.30

Book onto a free launch event on the Colonnade House website: https://colonnadehouse.co.uk/event/creative-commissions-2023/

2022 saw a varied selection of funded projects ranging from sheep shearing to drag queens. Sea swimmers to giant kaleidoscopes. As usual, the funded projects showcased the diversity, talent & ingenuity of creatives based in Adur & Worthing.

Join the launch, visit the exhibition and be inspired to apply for a grant in 2023 to bring your project to life.

The funded projects of 2022;

●        The first project of the year coincided with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, artists from ‘Worthing’s West End’ collaborated with participants at Sight Support Worthing with interactive workshops to produce woven & knitted sculptures and large scale collaged banners which decorated Rowlands Road & Steyne Gardens in celebration of the Jubilee.

●        Jacob Chillmaid , aka Isabelle End, presented a group of LGBTQ+ performers at Coast Cafe - many appearing in public for the first time. The artists brought singing, comedy, lip syncs and breathtaking death drops. The event was then repeated in July as part of Worthing Pride.

●        When skateboarding & creativity collide. South Coast Skate Club worked with film producer Andy Evans holding workshops to support young skateboarders to film, record & edit their own ‘skate vids’. The films were premiered at Cellar Arts Club, with a full audience, who sat down refreshments to watch & vote on the 26 submissions in over 6 categories. One of the highlights was ‘Jurassic Skate Park’ by Lily Rose, which featured a velociraptor on wheels.

●        Just Add Water celebrated the post-lockdown communities of sea swimming along our wonderful coast line. Filmmaker Kristian Coburn met with local swimming groups from across Adur & Worthing to record their stories and highlight the positive effects sea swimming has on wellbeing & mental health. The film premiered locally in Worthing and has since gone on to be screened at festivals in Wales and has been nominated for the Lift-Off Global Network’s First-Time Filmmaker Sessions.

●        Katie Gander used the power of nature & creativity to ‘weave communities together’. The project was launched in Summer when the flock of sheep at Fen Farm in Sompting, had their winter fleeces sheared. With funding from the Trust and Sompting Big Local, the farm opened its doors and Katie took members of the public through the process, spinning, dying & felting the wool from fleece to wonderful pieces of textile art.

●        For a time during the pandemic, all we could do was look out the window. David Parker and artists from Figment Arts Studio, explored this theme in a variety of creative outputs. After being inspired by trips to Highdown Gardens, paintings, drawings, comic strips and performance took over the gallery at Colonnade House in celebration of the theme. The giant kaleidoscope was taken to Superstar Arts in West Worthing, and participants watched their artwork magically transform, which then provided a sensory experience for the artists with learning disabilities.

●        The mission of The Coastal Creatives is to Conserve, Create & Change. The trio is made up of reportage artist, Amanda Beck, songwriter, Chris Beck & beach trash artist, Carmen Haselup. Throughout Summer, they brought their creativity & passion for a greener world to the outdoor exhibition space, West Buildings Shelter, on Worthing Beach. The exhibition encouraged passers by to write their own song, create their own trash art and get involved with protecting our environment. With people as far as New Zealand being inspired and engaging with the campaign.

●        October was a month of celebration! Choir group, Spring in Soul, used the power of music to bring Black History Month celebrations to Worthing. With free performances encouraging audience participation throughout the month, the musicians and singers sang their hearts out whilst highlighting the important contributions and achievements of members of the Black community.

●        Simon Wilkinson developed an augmented reality story which explored the relationship between a medical robot and a child. Simon worked with artist Myra Appannah to launch the smartphone app at Worthing Dome in 2022.

You can see all the funded projects from 2022 on the Colonnade House website here and at the Creative Commissions exhibition 24 January - 4 February 2023. Applications close midnight 5 March 2023.

About the Trust:

Adur & Worthing Trust was formed in 2015 and is a registered charity and

Company Limited by Guarantee.

The Trust aims to stimulate the economy, employment, regeneration and

infrastructure in the local creative and digital sector both physically and virtually.

It actively supports Adur & Worthing Councils strategy A Commitment to Culture

by encouraging inclusive cultural activities, expanding opportunities to

participate in the arts and raising the profile and reputation of Adur and Worthing

for cultural excellence and innovation.

The Quarterly Economic Survey (QES)
2022 Quarter 4 is now live - This is your chance to drive change

Since the COVID-19 crisis, the QES has consistently demonstrated the scale of impact on UK businesses. The survey has been essential in understanding the short and longer-terms impacts on businesses of different sectors and sizes.

The QES carried out by the British Chambers (BCC) is the largest independent business survey in the UK and a significant economic indicator. We are asking all Sussex businesses to complete the survey. 

QES findings are vital in the BCC’s and Sussex Chamber’s lobbying efforts because they are broken down to individual accredited chamber-level, making sure your voice is properly heard both nationally and locally on the issues that matter.
 
The results of the QES are published in advance of official figures and other private surveys and it consistently mirrors trends in official data. The results help influence the Bank of England and central Government. We encourage you to take just a couple of minutes to complete this extremely important economic survey.

All data is treated as strictly confidential and will not be passed on to a third party.

Once you click the link, please make sure to select ‘South East: Sussex’ from the ‘Which Chamber’ section

Click here to start the survey

Click here to see past results

This year, Safe in Sussex is taking part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge, the UK’s biggest online match funding campaign

The Christmas Challenge helps UK-registered charities to raise funds for their projects by doubling donations when the campaign goes live on 29th November. You can find full details on theBigGive.org.uk.

They are hoping to raise vital funds for the project Finding Freedom From Abuse – Funding a Refuge Support Worker. They want to use funds raised to pay for a Refuge Support Worker in one of our 4 refuges (total cost £10,600 per annum). They provide essential assistance and empower the people we support to rebuild their lives free from abuse.

As part of their application, they need the public and key supporters to donate online during the week beginning 29th November and ending 6th December. They have been lucky enough to secure pledge and match funding through the Women and Girl’s fund, so anything we make up to £5,000 will be matched. Your donation will be doubled – something that would be incredible for Safe in Sussex. Anything after the £5,000 cap will still go towards our cause.

Donations must take place during this week and be made directly to our online campaign page here: https://donate.thebiggive.org.uk/campaign/a056900002ND6PVAA1

They would love to be in a position as the week starts to already have secured promises of donations from some of the key companies and businesses Safe in Sussex has a relationship with already. Is this something you would be willing to do?

Please let Debbie know your thoughts and don’t hesitate to ask if you have questions about the Christmas Challenge. You can contact her on debbie.west@safeinisussex.org.uk