Kreston Reeves Graham Gardner named a rising star

Kreston Reeves Audit Quality Director Graham Gardner has been named one of Accountancy Age’s 35 Under 35, joining an exclusive group of the accountancy profession’s rising stars.

Graham joined Kreston Reeves in January 2024 as an audit quality director to drive innovation and maintain the high audit standards that the firm is recognised for. Kreston Reeves was named Progressive Audit Firm of the Year in the annual Accounting Excellence Awards in October 2023.

He has throughout his career played a critical role in exploring, developing and implementing new technology to improve the audit landscape. He joined Kreston Reeves from KPMG where he played a pivotal role in the firm’s implementation of AI-empowered audit software and led the design and development of the firm’s internal generative AI virtual assistant.

His commitment to inclusivity led to the creation of tools to support KPMG staff with dyslexia, and he built an automated staff allocation tool, saving administrative staff several hundred hours annually.

He has continued to drive innovation in his role at Kreston Reeves. He has developed an automated sampling tool and wrote and implemented a fraud detection methodology for AI in journal entry testing.

The Accountancy Age judges in making the award said: “His blend of technical proficiency and audit expertise positions him as a leader in his field, consistently driving improvements and efficiencies in audit practices.”

Commenting on the award, Graham said: “This is a real honour to join this exclusive group of peers. Every single one is exceptional and hugely talented. Technology is shaping the audit landscape and that will accelerate dramatically over the next few years. It is exciting to understand how technology will help us better achieve audit excellence and deliver greater assurances to our clients.”

Michael Cook, Partner and Head of Audit and Financial Reporting at Kreston Reeves adds: “The whole firm joins me in passing on our congratulations to Graham. In his time so far at Kreston Reeves Graham has made an outstanding contribution, he is a real asset to the firm and our clients.”

Conquer the UK Three Peaks – Hike for Homelessness 

Turning Tides, the West Sussex homelessness charity, is thrilled to announce the “Conquer the UK Three Peaks – Hike for Homelessness” event. The charity invites you to embark on this extraordinary journey, where your next adventure could be the start of someone’s journey out of homelessness. 

Could you join a group of dedicated adventurers who believe that everyone deserves a home? By taking on the Three Peaks Challenge from 3rd October, you will climb the highest mountains in the UK - Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon - while raising vital funds to support people experiencing homelessness. Your fundraising will offer an opportunity to start their own journey and change their lives forever. 

Dedicated supporters from local business, Shore Group have ten staff members taking on the Three Peaks Challenge with Turning Tides this October. 

“Our team of 10 are taking on the Three Peaks Challenge for Turning Tides—a lifeline for the homeless in our local Sussex area. Anyone’s life can unravel into homelessness, whether affected by the cost-of-living crisis, illness or unforeseen circumstances. Turning Tides provides real pathways out of homelessness for those in need of support.” 

To participate, you’ll need a good level of fitness and a commitment to fundraising.  Don’t worry—Turning Tides will guide you every step of the way, from securing your place to reaching your fundraising target. 

Self-confessed rubbish portrait artist Hercule Van Wolfwinkle is a long-time supporter of Turning Tides. He’s has signed up for the challenge, as he continues add to the £200k+ already raised for Turning Tides over the last three years.  

“I’ll be aiming to climb the three highest mountains in the UK (Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon) in a little over 24 hrs; starting on the morning of 4th October and ending around lunchtime on the 5th.” 

“I’ll also be attempting to draw a portrait at the top of each mountain, and you could be in with a chance of your pet being one of three drawn.” 

Did you know that for every person you see rough sleeping, there are at least another 20 hidden homeless? And those numbers are on the rise. If you want to do something about this and love hiking you can register here: Conquer the UK Three Peaks - Hike for homelessness Tickets, Fort William | Eventbrite 

Please visit Turning Tides website for more information: https://www.turning-tides.org.uk/event/conquer-the-uk-three-peaks-hike-for-homelessness/ 

Flexible AI Upskilling Fund pilot: open for applications

Through this pilot programme, eligible business can apply for funding for up to 50% of the cost of AI skills training. This is training which supports employees to develop their technical skills and/or understanding of AI to be able to develop, deploy, or use AI in their role. Training can be at any level, from foundational skills helping trainees understand how AI can be used in their business to advanced technical skills allowing them to design and develop AI tools themselves.  

From boosting efficiency in the workplace, ramping up productivity, and even unlocking new ways to treat disease and tackle climate change, boosting AI skills is key to allowing us to continue driving forward the next wave if innovation and opportunity. We encourage all eligible businesses to apply, no matter where they currently are on their AI adoption journey.

Objectives of the programme

Artificial Intelligence holds huge opportunities to drive productivity and prosperity across the UK economy. It has the potential to increase UK GDP by up to 10.3% by 2030 – the equivalent of an additional £232 billion - and businesses who adopt AI are more likely to be successful than those that do not.

But evidence shows that a lack of AI skills in businesses is hindering AI adoption, in part due to low investment in AI upskilling in UK businesses, particularly in smaller companies.

This pilot programme will test whether training SMEs in AI maximises the value of adoption AI. Specifically, whether government support in the form of match-funding is an effective way of increasing employer-led upskilling in AI, and whether increased skills translate into AI adoption and firm-level productivity benefits.

Specifically, the pilot has the following objectives:

1. To stimulate employer investment in AI training
2. To address AI skills gaps in the UK workforce limiting AI adoption
3. To measure the impact of AI upskilling on business productivity and outcomes

Eligibility

The funding competition is open to applicants who:

• are registered and operate in the UK
• employ between 1-249 employees in the UK
• are defined as an SME per the BEIS SME Action Plan
• have been operating for at least 1 year
• are able to match-fund 50% of the cost of the training, and
• operate in the Professional and Business Services (PBS) sector (see the guidance attached for definition)

Please see the guidance attached for further detail on eligibility and application criteria.

Open for applications

Applications have now opened. £6.4 million of grant funding is available, and eligible businesses have until 11.59pm on 18 August 2024 to apply for funding. Please apply for the programme through Apply for A Grant.

Worthing Homes and Turning Tides work together to support the homeless

Worthing Homes and Placemakers are working jointly with West Sussex County Council and Turning Tides in developing Skywaves and Clifton Road.

SkyWaves will be 21 self-contained flats for single people with high support needs. They  have been co-designed with a homeless client group  The flats will be staffed 24hrs day / 7 days week, helping rough sleepers and homeless  people on their initial steps towards living fully independently. The site was previously  occupied by Feba Radio, hence the SkyWaves name. 

Clients are expected to stay 6-9 months before taking the next step into alternative Turning  Tides accommodation. This will include 13 new self-contained flats for people with lower  support needs at Clifton Road in the town.  

In terms of a journey out of homelessness, SkyWaves is the start of the local support service  and Clifton Road the end point.  

Known for its beaches and seaside atmosphere, the south coast town of Worthing has a hidden side. Each night 200 people are homeless, and typically 85-90% have a local connection. Some are sofa surfing, some street homeless but all are vulnerable due to a lack of housing and support.

After years of planning and preparation, SkyWaves is finally being built. This will create homes and support for homeless people, starting a journey out of homelessness.

Placeshapers

Worthing Homes

Turning Tides

Inspire You Member Case Study

1. What do you do? 

We champion mental fitness for improved performance and productivity on individual, team, and organisational levels. 

With science-backed approaches, our award-winning therapy, training, and coaching business enhances motivation, connection, and stress management. 

Our bespoke solutions include workshops, webinars, and personalised coaching, bolstered by innovative online platforms and partnerships. 

With core values in Freedom, Fun and making a difference we empower organisations to thrive.

2. Why did you join the Chamber? 

I joined the chamber to connect with the local business community , seeking opportunities for collaboration, growth, and community engagement. By aligning with like-minded entrepreneurs and businesses, and accessing exclusive events, and workshops, my aim was to bolster my brand awareness and credibility within the Adur and Worthing area. Ultimately, my vision is to foster sustainable relationships, and leverage collective expertise, shopping local and being able to work ON the business as well as IN. I get energised by my local tribe.

3. What's your favourite thing about being a member? 

My favourite thing about being a member is having regular meet ups with business friends, learning something new and having fun, which when working on your own A gets me out of the house and B keeps me connected and allows me to learn from others. The sense of belonging the Chamber fosters is invaluable to me. Through regular meetups, I not only expand my professional network but I can also sound off to fellow business owners who understand the unique challenges and triumphs of being on the business journey. These connections go beyond business; they provide a supportive community that energises and motivates me. Furthermore, being part of the Chamber reinforces my commitment to personal and professional development, offering insights and perspectives that enrich my journey as a business leader especially around topics that are not my core knowledge.

www.inspire-you.co.uk

AD Fuels - Member Case Study

1. What do you do? 

I am the MD of AD Fuels, a future fuel business transporting Biomethane in both compressed and cryogenic liquid form. The fuel is used by transport operators, industry and marine and replaces the resilience on heavy oils such as diesel. The gas, especially if created through the process of anaerobic digestion, is 90% cleaner for the environment than current fuels. Our customer base is features ASDA, Tesco, Calmac Ferries, John Lewis, etc. Additionally, we also transport cryogenic liquid carbon dioxide, a by-product of anaerobic digestion, for use in the food and beverage, medical and industrial arena. Since our inception in 2018 we have quickly become the largest independently operated LNG and CNG haulier in the UK. We employ locally and currently have an employee base of 50. 

2. Why did you join the Chamber? 

We chose to join the Chamber about 3 years ago to network locally, (although our client base is national and even international) and see if we could better use local support companies, such as web design, HR, payroll, and IT.

We have met serval people who have all helped in our growth and development along the way. We also wanted to take advantage of some of the training the Chamber offered and attend the various speaker sessions which prove to be rewarding.

www.adfuels.co.uk

Fizz Creations - Member Case Study

1. What do you do? 

We sell fun novelty gifts & ranges to independent, national and international customers. We bring a smile to peoples faces.

2. Why did you join the Chamber? 

To meet other local businesses, share experiences learn from them, help each other and grow together, and to source services locally where we can.

3. What's your favourite thing about being a member? 

Hearing other peoples stories and meeting some amazing & inspiring local business people.

www.fizzcreations.com

Mindworks Escape Rooms - Member Case Study

1. What do you do? 

Mindworks Escape Rooms is a family-run, independent business which came to Worthing Town Centre in 2020 with their debut, totally original escape room game 'Smuggler's Ruin'. Now with 'Trapped For Cash' and 'Mission Berlin', Mindworks is proudly the home of THREE multi-award winning, 5-star-rated immersive experiences! Dive into the puzzle-solving adventures and unravel the mysteries! With 60 minutes on the clock, will you and your team outwit the challenges!?

2. Why did you join the Chamber? 

Mindworks was eager to join Worthing Chamber as local community means a lot to us. We're a small team, who have grown-up, live and work in Worthing. By being a part of the Chamber, we love being able to help promote our new, fun and unique leisure activity for Worthing - as well as trying to support other local businesses too! The Chamber events are always so valuable, and have led to many new connections, friends and collaborations! We're already looking forward to the next Better Business Show!

3. What's your favourite thing about being a member? 

We adore seeing teams' reactions to our experiences! After designing and building our games from the ground up, it means so much when we see everyone's excitement to cracking our puzzles, unraveling the stories we've created, and sharing their victories...!! Our favourite thing so far about being a Chamber member was treating the hard-working Chamber team themselves to a dose of escapism and fun team-building, and seeing them conquer the escape rooms!! They're an amazing team, so a lot of fun to host and work with.

www.mindworks-escaperooms.co.uk

Bird & Blend Party Invitation!

"You are all invited to celebrate Bird & Blend's 12th Birthday with us at our Birthday Beach ParTEA on Brighton seafront with Birdie and our Beach Store!"

Come see us and celebrate with us on June 30th!
It's 12 years of Bird & Blend Tea Co. and with 19 stores across the UK, a thriving D2C global website, stockists and wholesale partners across the nation and an engaged team of 220+ there is a lot to shout out about and to celebrate! 

We'll be doing:

• Hot cuppas and iced drinks from Birdie (including iced matcha!)
• Launching Brighton Rock, Brighton's tea blend (new herbal recipe)
• Freebies & treats
• Games with prizes to fundraise for our charity of the Q Hospice UK
• Celebration cakes & Brighton rock candy (while they last!)
• Cold Brew Summer teas and social stories with everyone!

This will be the final day of a whole week of Birthday celebration activities across the business. We'll be there all day (weather permitting), just near our Brighton store and next to the Upside Down House. 

Please come along and join in - bring your family & friends, dogs, cats, ferrets, invite everyone you know, spread the word - tell everyone, it's going to be a fun & exciting Bird & Blend birthday buzz on the day!

Hope to see you all there! 

June 30th, 10am to 8pm
38-39 Kings Road Arches, BN1 2LN

Look out for Birdie our tea van! 

Adur & Worthing Councils June 2024 Economy & Business Newsletter

Funding

Adur & Worthing Business Support Programme - now live!
Fully funded business support is now available to local businesses in the areas of innovation, leadership & management, sustainability and pre start and start up advice. As part of the support there are a very small number of grants available.  Please see our main website for further details.  Please also help spread the word through your own networks using the attached flyer.  We can also help you host a workshop for your adur and worthing clients! Just email bsp@adur-worthing.gov.uk


Business Support

New Rules for Commercial Waste Management Coming March 2025
Under new government rules almost all businesses and organisations must have separate food waste and recycling collections in place by the end of March 2025.  Small businesses with fewer than ten employees will have until March 2027 to comply with the new regulations.
If you would like to know more about the changes and how we can help, please contact the Commercial Waste team on 01273 263050 or at commercialwaste@adur-worthing.gov.uk

New exhibition space at Highdown Gardens
Following the creation of a new space, named Highdown Gallery, creatives, as well as art and craft groups, can now present their work surrounded by the stunning display of Worthing’s much-loved and free-to-access chalk gardens. For further details and how to book the space please visit the Highdown Gardens website.

Adur & Worthing Business Awards - entries and nominations now open!
Whether large or small, start-up or firmly established, businesses are invited to enter these awards which offer 19 separate categories, all designed to recognise successes and achievements across various industries. The awards, now in their 16th year, seek entries from a cross-section of businesses that can demonstrate exceptional growth, innovation, or an outstanding contribution to the community in which they operate.  For more details click here.  

Job vacancies to fill?  Be part of the next local jobs fair in Worthing
Adur & Worthing Councils' in partnership with DWP will be holding another local jobs fair on Thursday 27th June at Worthing Leisure Centre.  If you have any vacancies to fill and would like to have a stand at the event, please contact Ali Stevens on Ali.Stevens@dwp.gov.uk