Following a public consultation process, regarding a fenced off play area for young school children within Victoria Park (Norfolk Street, Worthing), Councillor Clive Roberts, Worthing Executive Member for Environment has announced that the idea has been rejected and the park will remain as is.

Victoria Park is very close to two local primary schools St Mary’s Catholic Primary School on Cobden Road and Heene Church of England (Aided) Primary School on Norfolk Street.  Earlier in the year, Cllr Roberts proposed that Worthing Borough Council create a fenced area to provide children with a safe and clean place in which to play without restricting casual use of the rest of the park.

580 members of the public responded to the survey, with almost 65% voting against the idea.

Cllr Roberts has happily acknowledged the consultation feedback and has confirmed that the area will not be fenced off.  He also wanted to thank everyone who contributed to the consultation exercise.

He adds; “Although the idea of providing dedicated, safe, clean play areas for the young school children who regularly use the park has been rejected, I am heartened by the many members of the public who took part in this public consultation and in expressing their opinions in matters that affect their local community.  This level of public engagement is very impressive.”

Also in Worthing, at  Pond Lane Recreation Ground, a brand new outdoor £20,000 fitness area has been installed, funded by the Capital funding programme.  

Sompting Recreation Ground also boasts the same facility, completed just weeks ago, at a cost of £20,000.  With £15,000 funded by the Adur Capital funding programme and a very generous £5,000 contribution from Sompting Parish Council.

Click here to view Pond Lane's fitness design (PDF)

Click here to view Sompting Rec's fitness design (PDF)

DOUBLE DIGIT MANUFACTURING GROWTH LOCALLY DESPITE SKILLS GAP

Over half of manufacturers along the south coast and in the Gatwick Diamond area are predicting double digit growth this year, despite struggling to recruit skilled people, according to Carpenter Box, the Sussex-based firm of chartered accountants and business advisors.

The findings, gathered by Carpenter Box as part of the annual MHA Manufacturing Survey report, also reveals that more than 8 in 10 local manufacturers want the UK to stay within the EU, although 62% want the terms of membership renegotiated. The Eurozone is by far the most popular export market with 98% of firms who export having it as a destination.

The survey, supported by the manufacturing team at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, sampled predominantly SME manufacturing and engineering businesses, and found that a third of respondents felt a lack of skilled recruits was already a barrier to their business growth and thus they wanted more emphasis on skills training in schools and colleges to help develop the next generation of engineers and technicians.

Nine out of 10 companies also said their production costs would rise in 2015 for the fourth year in a row, primarily through higher wages. It seems with over 70% feeling unable to increase prices to customers, productivity gains are becoming ever-more important.

Meanwhile, red tape continues to be an issue for manufacturers, with 98% stating it was a concern for their business – and with 68% feeling that the burden of regulation was actually increasing.

Chris Coopey, Head of Manufacturing at Carpenter Box and MHA, commented: “The survey provides a valuable insight into the challenges facing the sector in our area, with considerable growth potential but with many companies struggling to recruit the skilled people needed to help deliver plans for growth. Whilst there is a developing focus on STEM in our secondary system, a new University Technical College in Newhaven, sponsored by the University of Brighton, and a new engineering school being developed by the University of Chichester with support from Coast to Capital LEP, much more needs to be done at every level to produce motivated young people with the qualifications to meet the needs of local employers.”

Key findings:

• 54% of local manufacturers predict growth in excess of 10% for 2015, with a further 34% expecting growth of a lesser magnitude.
• 35% of businesses have difficulties recruiting appropriately skilled staff and would like to see the government expand skills training in schools and colleges.
• 80% of businesses in the region undertake some Research and Development (R&D), with 12% investing over 10% of turnover, above the national average.

Carpenter Box will be holding two breakfast events to feedback to manufacturers, engineers and technologists the results of the 2015 Manufacturing Survey. The first will be held on 21 October at South Lodge Hotel near Horsham and the second will be held on 22 October at the Amex Stadium, Falmer near Brighton. Both events start at 8am and will be addressed by manufacturing guru Philippa Oldham, Head of Manufacturing & Transport at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), who contributed to the report.

Places are limited so if you would like to attend either of these events, please register via http://www.carpenterbox.com/mansurv/, or contact Lucy Tunstall at Carpenter Box on 01903 234094.

A copy of the report can be downloaded via: http://www.carpenterbox.com/assets/2015-MHA-Manf-and-Enging-Report.pdf

At a ceremony in Leicester on Monday (19th October), Adur and Worthing Councils digital team, lead by Director for Digital & Resources Paul Brewer, were announced winners of the SOCITM Digital Innovation Award 2015.  

SOCITM is the network and representative body for professionals delivering public services for the benefit of people and communities through the effective use of information and digital technology, across the whole public sector.

The Adur & Worthing Councils digital team were recognised for their ground-breaking work in introducing the latest digital technologies, to benefit their residents, members and staff.

The Council also received praise for creating a new citizen platform that means their services will be rapidly digitised over the next few years, including the Waste and Recycling and the  contact centre services.  All with a view to improving good customer service satisfaction and savings efficiencies.

The SOCITM Digital Innovation Award is testament to the Council's determination to innovate and provide great services for their residents.

Councillor Neil Parkin, Leader Adur District Counciladds;

“Paul Brewer and his team have been working for just over 18 months, in delivering innovative and cost effective digital services for Adur residents. 

This timely award is in recognition of the success of their work so far and of the innovative digital based services they will be able to provide in the near future. Such is the excellence and inventiveness of their work, I expect far more awards to follow in the future.”

Councillor Daniel Humphreys, Leader Worthing Borough Council says; “Worthing Borough Council’s digital team completely deserve to win this prestigious award.  Over the past 18 months I have witnessed the hard work that has gone it to introducing and developing new digital services which are already reaping rewards for residents and Worthing Borough Council staff alike. This great work is having a very positive effect on driving down operating costs and improving the services that we provide to the public. This ambitious work has all been driven by Paul Brewer and his team and it is right that they are being recognised not just in Worthing but all over the country.”

Where on Earth are you going to get your new customers from? 

Export Hot House

Please click on the images above to view the full PDF versions.

As we had to take the decision to cancel the networking breakfast on Friday, we  would like to extend the following invitation from Jeremy Ramsden of the Shoreham FC ‘Business Club’ networking luncheon.

Jeremy extends this invitation to you to attend the very first Shoreham FC ‘Business Club’ networking luncheon as his guest; free of charge and without any obligation. 

Tina Tilley CEO of Worthing and Adur Chamber, will be guest speaker at this event.

‘The Gourmet Chef’, www.thegourmetchef.co.uk, will be providing a lavish finger buffet lunch. So, delegates are in for a real treat.

The event is being held tomorrow (Wednesday) from 12pm to 2.15pm. It would be fantastic to have you in attendance, enabling Jeremy to demonstrate the strength of the Shoreham FC corporate membership, driven entirely by CSR and Community Outreach initiatives.

Club address,

Shoreham FC

The Taxi-Link Community Ground
Middle Road
Shoreham-by-Sea
West Sussex
BN43 6GA

Your place must be secured  by emailing Jeremy Ramsden jeremy@abbottsgroup.co.uk

Jeremy is contactable anytime on 01903 693 002 or 07930 575 332. 

We look forward to hopefully meeting you at this event tomorrow lunchtime.

Please click on the flyers individually to view the full PDF version.

Molokini Marketing in Worthing are currently advertising for a PR Account Manager to join their team.

ABOUT MOLOKINI’S PR SERVICE

Molokini’s PR team predominantly serves the logistics, manufacturing, materials handling and industrial.

sectors on a retained basis, working for medium to large businesses. Other sectors we work for include

construction, property and luxury brands. Knowledge of these sectors would be advantageous, but is not essential.

THE JOB OPPORTUNITY

Molokini is looking for an experienced, self motivated PR professional to join our dynamic marketing team in this key role.

Please click here to view the full PDF PR Account Manager job description. 

Apply in writing to nik@molokini.co.uk 

no agencies | please state salary expectations in initial contact

On 5^th and 6^th December Worthing Churches Homeless Projects are holding a Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary de Haura Church in Shoreham. We would love to invite you to take part either as a business or as an individual! It’s easy:

• 1.       Fill in this form (there is also a letter which explains the timings and where to bring your tree)
• 2.       Sort out your tree – you can use an artificial one you already have or you are very welcome to bring a real tree
• 3.       Think of a theme – can you theme it to your business in anyway?
• 4.        Bring it along on Friday 4^th September and decorate!
• 5.       Scatter business cards or leaflets around the base of your tree so everyone knows who you are

Why take part?

• 1.       It’s a FESTIVAL OF CHRISTMAS TREES! What’s not to love?
• 2.       It’s FREE to take part
• 3.       It’s FREE advertising for your business
• 4.       It’s a community event and it will help raise funds for Worthing Churches Homeless Projects.

Don’t hesitate to get in contact with Rachel Blair, Community Fundraiser  on 01903 286480 or alternatively by email on rachel.blair@wchp.org.uk if you have any questions.

Chinese firm to invest in Kent amusement park

Plans for an amusement park in north Kent have taken a major step forward after Chinese construction firm SinoFortone pledged to invest £100m in the £3.2bn scheme.

The proposed London Paramount Entertainment Resort, which is expected to create up to 27,000 new jobs, is set to include a theme park, theatre, hotels and restaurants.

The Disneyland-style park is set to open in 2021 but has yet to be granted planning permission. It is being developed by London Resort Company Holdings.

More than £30bn worth of trade and investment deals creating almost 4,000 jobs are set to be unveiled to coincide with the state visit of the president of China, Xi Jinping.

Commercial deals spanning a range of sectors such as the creative industries, retail, energy, health and technology, financial services, aerospace and education will be signed, providing an opportunity for British and Chinese businesses to forge stronger links.

The visit will also open up export opportunities for UK companies looking to expand into China and attract Chinese investment into the regions, the government said.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: "This is going to be a very important moment for British-Chinese relations. Trade and investment between our two nations is growing and our people-to-people links are strong.

"This visit will be an opportunity to review all of these things but also talk about how the UK and China can work together on global issues such as climate change and tackling poverty. It’s a real opportunity to deepen our relationship."

Worthing Street Velodrome 2015 - Relive the action!

BT Sports 2 have just announced that they will be broadcasting the Worthing Street Velodrome on Wednesday 21st October 2015 at 5.30pm, BT Sport 2.

On the 1st and 2nd of August this year, the Worthing Street Velodrome heat bought the town to a standstill, as it seems the whole population came out to cheer on the brave contestants.

In fact, the Worthing heat attracted the most applications to compete, than any other heat across the UK.

Cllr Daniel Humphreys, Leader Worthing Borough Council adds;

"The Velodrome weekend in August was a magnificent event, a real highlight of the summer.  It seemed like the whole town turned out to watch.  Residents, visitors and businesses alike benefited from the great atmosphere this world class event attracted.”

TX: Wednesday 21st October, 5.30pm, BT Sport 2.

• ​Mon ​26th October at 11am
  
• ​Thur 29th October at 9am
  
• Mon 16th November at 3:30pm