WORKSHOP 1 - SOCIAL START-UPS
Either Wednesday 3 February 2016 in Bognor Regis Or Thursday 4 February in Crawley
10.00am - 12.00pm

WORKSHOP 2 - IDEA DEVELOPMENT AND STRUCTURE TO FIT
Either Tuesday 23 February 2016 in Crawley Or Friday 26 February in Worthing
10.00am - 12.30pm

WORKSHOP 3 - INVESTMENT READINESS, WRITING YOUR BUSINESS PLAN
Either Monday 7 March 2016 in Worthing Or Monday 21 March in Crawley
10.00am - 12.30pm

CONFERENCE - GETTING YOUR MESSAGE ACROSS
Thursday 25 February 2016 in Horsham
9.30am - 4.00pm

TICKETS ARE FREE - FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK YOUR PLACE - VISIT https://wssen.eventbrite.com

Groups of businesses in West Sussex that are without access to superfast broadband and not included in any commercial or publicly-funded rollout can now apply for a Digital Connectivity Grant.  The first £225k tranche of the fund is now open to applications, the second £225k will be launched in Spring 2016.

This pilot grant project offers grants of between £10k and £20k to enable superfast connection to a maximum of 40% of the total project cost.

The deadline for applications is 15 January 2016 at 17:00.  

Having opened a new Gatwick office in June, West Sussex and Gatwick-based chartered accountants and business advisers, Carpenter Box is keen to help local businesses - from SMEs to large corporates - achieve their growth plans. With this in mind, the award winning firm is hosting an exciting new event at the Hawth Theatre in Crawley on 4 February 2016 involving an impressive panel of nine alternative funders and industry experts. 

There will be a fantastic panel, which will provide an insider’s guide to innovative routes to funding, the impact of interest rates and other current issues surrounding alternative sources of finance. Panellists already confirmed include Marcus Stuttard, Head of AIM and UK primary markets at the London Stock Exchange, Andy Davis, author of ‘Beyond the banks’, Alan Austin, National sales leader at GE Capital and James Chalk, Head of Equity Business Development at Crowdcube, the world’s leading investment crowdfunding platform.

Tony Summers, Partner at Carpenter Box commented: “Although traditional bank finance for business is starting to free-up, there are still many situations that arise where alternative sources of finance need to be identified. Start-ups and newer high growth businesses often find it difficult to borrow from high street banks, as do well established businesses looking to pursue unusual projects, such as a merger. It is also really important that businesses research the market and look at alternative sources of funding to get the best deal for their particular project. With such an incredibly high calibre A-list panel, the insight will be fantastic, so even if you don’t need funding now, this event is a must to help educate you for the future when the need might just arise”.

The event will be held between 9am and 11am on 4 February 2016. To book your place please visit www.carpenterbox.com/inspired-financing/ or get in touch with Lucy Tunstall (lucy.tunstall@carpenterbox.com) at Carpenter Box on 01903 234094.

On Monday 7th December Adur & Worthing Councils invited members of staff who had reached their 25th year of working with the Councils to a special ceremony in the Town Hall.

Worthing Mayor Michael Donin, Chairman of Adur District Council, Councillor Carson Albury and Director of Customer Services Jane Eckford presented staff with a certificate and a gift voucher for £100.00

The full list of staff, who this year have reached 25 years working for Adur & Worthing Councils are as follows:

Lynda Bristowe - Senior Control and Verification Officer

Robin Bastable - Refuse/Recycling Driver Operative - Trade

Christopher Herbert - Channel Sweeper Driver HGV

Des McAuley - Principal Accountant for Revenue & Treasury

Jean Hewitt - System Support & Development Analyst

Annette Kilpatrick - Parks and Foreshore Support Officer

Paul Pennicott - Major Projects Officer

Deborah Johnson - Support Services Manager

Lynne Ward - Neighbourhood Manager

Leader of Worthing Borough Council, Councillor Daniel Humphreys adds “Many congratulations to all who were recognised today.  We are all grateful for their commitment and loyalty to the Council and their service to the residents of Worthing.”

Leader of Adur District Council, Councillor Neil Parkin says “25 years working for our Council is a major achievement and many congratulations and thanks to all of these members of staff who have devoted their careers so far to working for the residents of Adur.”

Pictured from left to right:

1.    Worthing Mayor Michael Donin, Lynda Bristowe Adur & Worthing Councils Senior Control and Verification Officer,  Chairman of Adur District Council, Councillor Carson Albury and Adur & Worthing Councils Director for Customer Services Jane Eckford.

2.  Worthing Mayor Michael Donin, Christopher Herbert - Channel Sweeper Driver HGV,  Chairman of Adur District Council, Councillor Carson Albury and Adur & Worthing Councils Director for Customer Services Jane Eckford

3.  Worthing Mayor Michael Donin, Jean Hewitt Adur & Worthing Councils System Support & Development Analyst, Chairman of Adur District Council, Councillor Carson Albury and Adur & Worthing Councils Director for Customer Services Jane Eckford

4.  Worthing Mayor Michael Donin, Paul Pennicott,  Adur & Worthing Councils Major Projects Officer,  Chairman of Adur District Council, Councillor Carson Albury and Adur & Worthing Councils Director for Customer Services Jane Eckford

Each year at Christmas time, our St Barnabas House Light Up a Life appeal provides our local community with the opportunity to come together to remember and reflect on the wonderful moments we have spent with our loved ones.

You are warmly invited to join us for one of our Light Up a Life services on Monday 14 December 2015 at 4.30pm or 7.30pm at Worthing Assembly Hall.  Everyon who joins us will receive a special votive candle to be lit at home in memory of a loved one and their dedication will be included in the Order of Service.

Robert Dowling, Head of the Construction & Real Estate sector at Gatwick and West Sussex-based chartered accountants, Carpenter Box, made the following observations on the recent Autumn Statement:

“The Chancellor announced that there will be 400,000 new subsidised homes by the end of 2020. £4bn will be made available over the next four years to be offered as grants for shared ownership properties, which will help workers in the South get onto the property ladder. However, acquiring a part-stake in an average property particularly in the South will still require a deposit to be put down which will continue to make a new home unaffordable for some people.

The Chancellor also stated that £2.3bn would be available to directly fund new starter homes, which will be offered at a 25% discount to first-time buyers under the age of 40. Private developers in the South who build the subsidised homes are expected to benefit, however, even with the discount, the new homes remain unaffordable for those on average wages across the region.

A further announcement from the Chancellor related to raising the Stamp Duty Land Tax for landlords and second-home owners; from April 2016 investors will have to pay a 3% Stamp Duty surcharge. With such high property prices in the South, this measure will have a noticeable impact as Stamp Duty will, for example, increase from £1,500 to £7,500 on a house valued at only £200,000! This is a further measure that follows on from the Spring Budget which is intended to prevent restricted housing stock being consolidated into the hands of landlords and second-home owners.

Finally, the Chancellor pledged £73bn for road and rail projects over the next six years to April 2021. Although this will result in an increase in the capital spend available on projects across the region, there will be a reduction in the cash available for day-to-day spending. However, it will mean that the construction of HS2 linking the North and the South can begin and the £5bn announced for roads maintenance is welcome news”.

Lunch Title:

Worthing Ladies Lunch Club

Lunch Date/Time:

Thursday 10th December 2015, from 12.00 PM – 2.00 PM

Lunch Venue/Location:

The Ardington Hotel, Worthing

The Worthing Ladies Lunch Club is a great way to raise your profile, get invaluable business advice and make new connections with other professionals from the local area. Come along for a relaxed two-course lunch followed by tea or coffee, surrounded by like-minded businesswomen. We have no membership fees, no long-term commitments – just good food and good company.

Link to book:

http://www.ladieslunchclubs.co.uk/?p=1121

Social media links:

Twitter:

@LadiesLunchx

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ladieslunchclubs/

Sparkle Spa celebrating National Small Business Day

Just thought we'd let you know, as you are no doubt aware, Saturday 5th December this year is National Small Business Day.

Well we have an event on in Portland Road to raise awareness of small Businesses. Portland Road will be closed all day, and a stage is being erected. There will be dance acts and bands performing from about 13:30 right through till the evening. There is a Scavenger hunt involving most of the businesses on Portland Road as well as activities for children.
 
Sparkle Spa have a special offer on that we would like to shout about:
On Dec. 5th only we are offering either a 10 minute facial/back neck and shoulder massage, or file and paint for just £5.00!!
If you then book the full treatment for another time, on the day, the £5.00 will be taken off the cost of that treatment.

For more details contact Leigh Jordan, Operations Director Tel 01903 367900
www.sparklespa.co.uk

Adur District Council have announced they are seeking a new approach to the future development of Shoreham’s Civic Centre, following the dissolution of the KSD SteelRock partnership.

Neil Parkin, Leader of Adur District Council says:

“Of course we are disappointed that the original team who presented so well have been unable to work together.  However, this change in circumstances provides the Council with an opportunity to take a more direct approach in securing much needed employment space, alongside new homes, in Shoreham.  

“We are actively considering a range of options - which might include forming a joint venture - to drive delivery forward and ensure that this important site meets our aspirations for the future of the town.”

A joint venture would be a first for Adur District Council, however it could be the start of a new strategic approach to guide future developments. 

Further details will be announced in due course.

Getting Home Safely, Worthing South Street Square, Saturday 21st November 2015.  

Getting Home Safely is a major safety awareness event that will be staged at South Street Square in Worthing.

Getting Home Safely aims to encourage the public to plan for their evenings out, to get home safely and to make appropriate decisions about their own levels of drinking, especially as we approach the Christmas party season.

The afternoon has been organised by Chair of Late Night Partnerships, Councillor Diane Guest, in conjunction with the Adur & Worthing Alcohol Group.

​There will be a range of awareness raising activities during the course of the afternoon.  

Ranging from a demonstration of a car being cut up after a drink drive accident, to a remote control car obstacle course the public can try out whilst wearing ‘beer goggles.’

Also in attendance will be Councillor Daniel Humphreys, Leader of Worthing Council who adds“This important event is one of many awareness initiatives organised by Councillor Diane Guest and The Late Night Partnership.  We are very grateful for their continued hard work in helping to ensure everyone who enjoys Worthing at night is fully aware of their options in having a great night out and a safe journey home”

The public will also be able to meet key volunteers in the community, who work late at night in helping people get home.  Full list of participants below.  Subject to change.

Safer Partnership, Sussex Fire Service, Speed Watch, Alcohol Liaison Nurse, Worthing Street Pastors, Arrow Taxis, Water Angels, One Club and Neighbourhood Watch.

From 12 noon;

Councillor Lionel Harman, Councillor Tom Wye and Councillor Heather Mercer.

From 2.00pm;

Councillor Daniel Humphreys, Leader of Worthing Council, Councillor Vino Vinojan and Councillor Keith Bickers.

Getting Home Safely marks the end of the National Alcohol Awareness Week who offer the following advice.

• Always plan your journey home, either by car, bus, taxi, train, cycling or walking.
• Be aware of your own vulnerability when drunk and how alcohol affects you.
• Stay with friends
• Nominate a driver to stay sober
• Pre book a taxi
• Don’t drive the next day
• Cyclists – light up to be seen at night