Brand Nest - Member Case Study

What do you do? 

We help businesses of all sizes achieve their goals through affordable creative services with a personal approach.
Our extensive experience and personal approach are what set us apart from other agencies. When you work with Brand Nest, you’ll benefit from all the skills and resources of a large agency, at a fair and transparent price.

• Branding: a new brand look and feel, including rebrands, logos, branded merchandise and brand guidelines which can be implemented across your assets.
• Websites: advice, design and development of a high performing, responsive website built in WordPress. Includes SEO functionality as standard.
• Videos: explainers, brand videos, social media, thought leadership and high impact digital ads to help you showcase your products and services to the right people.
• Graphics: Infographics, typography, custom images and photography to support your online marketing strategy.

Why did you join the Chamber? 

What’s your favourite thing about being a member?

It's about the community, the feeling of being part of something where businesses get the opportunity to share and care. I thrive on honesty and transparency. I am a huge advocate of really getting under the skin of the businesses I support, their audience and their services offered. In order to give my best this is vital to achieve their goals

brandnest.co.uk

What do you do?
I am a Consultant Solicitor and Spanish Qualified Lawyer with over 20 years legal experience working within the UK. My practice focuses on Spanish law and international matters, providing comprehensive legal advice in areas ranging from buying and selling property in Spain, organising Spanish Probate, drafting Spanish Wills, Power of Attorney and certificates of law, assisting with Spanish visas, to also matters related to international trade of goods, contracts or litigation. You can rest assured that I can assist you throughout the entire process.
My bilingual skills means there will be no need of interpreters or streamlines document translation of documents, saving clients time and money.
Working for individual clients, companies or solicitors’ firms who seek assistance with Spanish legal matters and cross-border complexities. I have an in-depth knowledge of Hispanic cultures and their legal systems, facilitating smooth communication and navigating of cross-cultural nuances.
During my years in the UK, I have built an extensive network of international connections worldwide, enabling my legal assistance in over 50 countries.

Why did you join the Chamber? 

I joined the Worthing Chamber , having been living in Worthing for a number of years now., driven by the desire to connect with local professionals, fostering a supportive network. The Chamber’s events are opportunities to meet new professional and engage in the local business community.

What’s your favourite thing about being a member? 

As a Consultant now, I am enjoying the flexibility of working independently while still benefiting from the Chambers’s networks and events. It is great to attend the networking events with the Chamber and in particular to meet new professionals working in the area. The speed networking experiences are a lot of fun and the Business Awards are an event not to miss.

www.carmencalvo.co.uk07980 596 406 

Destrier VA Services - Member Case Study

What do you do?

In medieval times 'Destrier' was the knight's warhorse, a strong and reliable companion carrying its charge into battle. Destrier VA Services will be the ‘warhorse’ to help you win the battle with your admin. Designed with SME’s in mind we offer traditional executive support with niche expertise including business diary management, database maintenance, data input, email marketing, online research, venue finding and co-ordination, writing and editing presentations and meeting minute taking. By choosing Destrier VA Services you are choosing 40 years of administrative experience to help you with those tasks which might seem daunting to get done but, with a little help, could be off your desk in no time!

When I started Destrier VA Services at the start of 2023 joining Worthing and Adur Chamber of Commerce really was a no brainer for me! Through a previous job, I already knew they would offer the right level of support to me as a business start-up. The events are easy to attend and suit my time needs (I’m not a fan of early morning or evening networking). They put on a good variety of events which means I get to meet different people and they are all local which serves my business model.

The team makes membership easy as there is no pressure to attend events so I can fit them around my business demands and the frequency of events means that if I can’t make one, there is always another around the corner! The directory of members suits my business model as I want to work with other SME’s. This makes for a real community and a feeling you are part of something local and worthwhile. The educational opportunities are great and, perhaps most importantly for a small start up business, it isn’t expensive to be a member. What’s not to like!

carol@destriervaservices.co.uk

Janet Webb Consulting - Member Case Study

Janet is an independent learning & development consultant, working in the secular and in the spiritual arena. She supports staff by developing their management and personal effectiveness skills and helps them tackle things that they would usually avoid. She particularly specialises in working with new managers, helping them discover how to transfer their excellent technical skills into the skills of managing a team.

Her thing is to help people understand their own brains and emotions, so that they can do the scary stuff, such as managing people or giving presentations. She tries to help people find poise - that characteristic of being knowledgeable, balanced, secure, sure-footed. It comes from having confidence in self, mastery of skill and inner strength.

Janet can be a bit kooky at times – and she likes it that way.

Why did you join the chamber?

As a sole trader it is really easy to feel isolated and out of touch with other businesses. I joined the chamber to surround myself with like-minded people, who understood what it is like to run a business. I value the opportunities that the chamber offers to members in terms of training and key-note speakers, as well as the variety of networking events.

What’s your favourite thing about being a member?

The supportive atmosphere means that you can really get to know people. People I have met through the monthly hub and other events have become trusted associates and friends. I am a better resource to my clients because of who I know well through the chamber.

Hollands Associates - Member Case Study

What do you do? 

I’m a PR and communications consultant with over 20 years' experience. I work with corporate and charity clients, helping them build and maintain a good reputation and a high profile among their audiences. I do this through effective media relations, stakeholder communications and raising their profile – such as by helping them win awards, secure speaking opportunities and get mentioned in the press.
As a crisis specialist, I also help my clients ensure they’re saying and doing the right things when times get challenging.

Why did you join the Chamber? 

To make business and community connections, to meet fellow business owners and to tap into the learning resources the Chamber offers. I also wanted to give my clients assurance that I am a trusted practitioner who takes the running of my business seriously and I thought that being associated with the Chamber was a good way to do that. Since becoming a member, I’ve joined Peer Mentoring, which is a monthly highlight, and delivered two sessions to help others better understand PR and how their businesses can benefit from it

What’s your favourite thing about being a member?

The camaraderie and opportunity to be involved in networking and events which are always either free or very reasonably priced. I've met some wonderful people through the Chamber, whom I wouldn't have known otherwise. Being a Chamber member makes owning and running a business feel a lot less lonely and gives you the feeling that you’re all in it together, experiencing the same highs, lows and challenges.

Bozboz Web Design - Member Case Study

What do you do?

Bozboz is a web design and development agency based in Brighton that specialises in creating, supporting and optimising B2B and eCommerce experiences for brands and consumers. Our mission is simple - to make websites work harder for everyone.

Our services incorporate website design and development, proactive support and maintenance, brand development and Hubspot CRM implementation.

From the first spark of inspiration to the final launch, we're by your side. We collaborate to understand your unique challenges, and create user-first websites that enhance your credibility and drive results.

Beyond launch, our proactive approach to support means we've always got your brand in mind. From continuous website improvements, to practical eCommerce and SEO consultancy, we use research and data to help you reach your objectives, faster.

Whether it’s helping you ditch your out-of-date tech, boosting sales, or building a CMS that your team can actually use, our services are tailored to solve your digital problems, whatever they may be.

Why did you join the chamber?

We joined the chamber after being introduced by another member and attending a monthly chamber hub event, which was a fantastic opportunity to meet the diverse member base and the supportive Worthing team. Our initial experience was overwhelmingly positive, enjoying a well-organised and well-attended event. The chamber's broad mix of brands, from solopreneurs to enterprise clients, offers excellent networking opportunities. The Worthing Chamber team’s support during our initial discussions reinforced our decision to join. Overall, the chamber provides us with a platform to connect with local businesses and offer digital support and advice to fellow members on their digital journeys.

What’s your favourite thing about being a member?

Our favourite aspect of being a chamber member is the regular community events, particularly the speed networking sessions we recently enjoyed. Worthing Chamber offers ample opportunities to promote our brand through social posts, thought leadership content in their digital magazine, and speaking engagements. Their willingness to facilitate introductions and their regular updates are invaluable. The diverse mix of brands also makes it a fantastic chapter to be part of. We especially appreciate the monthly chamber events, which are perfect for reconnecting with the businesses and friends we've made along the way.

Expert VA Services - Member Case Study

What do you do? 

At Expert Virtual Assistant Services, we provide office administration and business support to small businesses and consultants who just want to concentrate on their fee-earning work.

We take on all of those tasks that are always on your to-do list but never seem to get done. This relieves stress, saves you time and ultimately money as you only pay for the work that we do.

We are highly organised, accurate and reliable, so are the perfect solution to help your business run more smoothly. Our team work with a variety of industries and have a wide-range of skills so we can hit the ground running while you can feel confident that things are being taken care of.

Here are just a few of the tasks we can take on for you: administration, diary management, email inbox management, data entry, proofreading, research, credit control, minute taking, presentation creation. 

Why did you join the Chamber?

 I joined the Chamber after attending a few of their networking events when I first started my business nearly 7 years ago. The events were really accessible and friendly and the members welcoming and informative. As I was a solo business owner at the time, the opportunity to feel part of the local business community was a no-brainer as it enabled me to meet people on a regular basis and discuss any issues I was having. It’s fantastic value for money for the number of events, training and support that is available. I’m proud to be an ambassador of the Chamber.

What’s your favourite thing about being a member?

My favourite thing about being a member (and ambassador) of the Chamber is the invaluable support it has provided for me as my business has grown. I have taken part in the Peer-to-Peer Mentoring programme, have attended several training events and also both taken part in and presented workshops. I’ve also benefited from the many networking opportunities being a member has provided. I’ve not only found clients through its members but have also sourced suppliers and made some good friends. I have learned so much about business in general as well as the whole local business community.

Constructive Marketing - Member Case Study

What do you do? 

Constructive Marketing is a positive force for your business! From strategic advice, through to implementation, we help clients discover (and then take care of) the things they really need to make their marketing activity work for their bottom line. We love working with clients from all walks of life and have particular specialisms in Construction and Care. 

If you don't get marketing, get Constructive!

Why did you join the Chamber? 

We joined the Chamber after hearing about the business support and networking opportunities it offered to members and we haven't looked back! Being part of the Chamber has helped in so many ways, it's become a first port of call for almost any business query we have. 

What’s your favourite thing about being a member? 

1. Getting to know so many people and build really valuable and long lasting relationships with some of them too.  

2. Always feeling like I matter as a member. Emails are answered, queries looked into, suggestions appreciated. You can't ask for more than that.

Mayo Wynne Baxter sees significant growth and strengthens position in legal sector

Sussex-based law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter (MWB) has announced a 7% increase in revenue for the past financial year, taking the firm’s turnover to more than £13.5 million for the first time, thanks to organic growth and team expansion.

In September 2023, the firm merged with Pure Employment Law in Chichester, bolstering its employment team.

MWB has also made significant investments in its family and private client teams with the appointment of partners Marie Stock and Marwa Hadi-Barnes.

Dean Orgill, chief executive partner at Mayo Wynne Baxter, said: “Our continued growth is a testament to the strength and dedication of our teams, as well as our ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional legal services to our clients.”

Steeped in history, the firm has been part of the Sussex community for more than 150 years – supporting local people, their families and their businesses.

Dean continued: “While we are proud of these results, we remain focused on ensuring that our growth is both sustainable and aligned with our values.

“It is important to us that we maintain our close ties to the communities we serve, continue to offer a rewarding environment for our people, and keep delivering the high-quality legal services that have become the hallmark of Mayo Wynne Baxter.”

In addition to this revenue growth, Mayo Wynne Baxter has further strengthened its footprint across Sussex, adding Chichester to its geographical reach as well as investing in new premises in Eastbourne.

The firm also remains committed to career development and training, particularly promoting social mobility. The firm made four promotions in the past financial year.

The firm, which became part of legal and professional services group Ampa May 2022, now sits firmly in the Lawyer’s Top 100 Law Firms, with the group ranking at number 47.

Dean added: “The integration into the Ampa group has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in enabling us to accelerate this growth, providing us with enhanced resources, strategic support, and opportunities for cross-collaboration.

“We look forward to continued success and are open to hearing from like-minded talent who share our values of being both purposeful and profitable.”

For more information please visit: https://www.mayowynnebaxter.co.uk/

FluidOne appoints Graham Dickie as new CFO to spearhead strategic growth initiatives

FluidOne Ltd, a leading provider of secure Connected Cloud Solutions, today announced the appointment of Graham Dickie as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective 6^th January 2025. Graham brings over 20 years of financial leadership experience to FluidOne, poised to enhance the company’s strategic financial planning and operations.

Graham has accumulated vast exposure through varied industries in his capacity as a CFO since 2006. Working in multinational businesses with revenues of upwards of £100m, he has successfully led projects centred on raising finance, improving profitability, and commercially supporting sales teams with pricing strategies. He brings comprehensive leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills and a wealth knowledge in working through large-scale restructuring and refinancing projects. His extensive experience in driving change and creating value in both private equity backed and multi-billion dollar listed global organisations will be pivotal in supporting FluidOne’s next steps in scaling up.

Since a management buyout led by CEO Russell Horton and backed by Livingbridge six years ago, the business has undergone substantial transformation. It has quadrupled in size to revenues of £113m and gone from a company specialising in communications and connectivity services, into an IT and Cyber Security-led managed service provider, with over 50% IT and cyber revenue mix and recurring revenues of over 70%.

FluidOne consults with its 2,400 customers to design solutions that complement their in-house IT structures; making complex hybrid multi-site environments and business applications accessible from anywhere, simply and securely. The Best Companies award-winning culture and customer-first values blends being a great place to work with providing world-class service to its customers. Unlike other players in this space, FluidOne consistently upholds one of the highest Net Promoter Scores (NPS) in the industry, securing 82 for November 2024.

Despite boasting nine acquisitions in recent years, the company is accelerating into a new phase of strategic expansion through organic growth and additional purchases, aiming to achieve a turnover of £300m by 2030 whilst maintaining its high standards of quality.

Russell Horton, FluidOne CEO, commented: “I am delighted to welcome Graham to FluidOne and am very much looking forward to collaborating with him in realising our 2030 vision. Our already talented team is considerably stronger with Graham on board. He brings unparalleled financial experience in buy and build strategies, combined with an immediate cultural fit, making him the ideal person to take us to the next level.”

Graham Dickie said: “It’s exciting to be joining FluidOne at such a transformative time in their journey; I’m looking forward to further establishing the business as an industry leader within IT, cyber and communications solutions.”

In becoming CFO, Graham joins the group board alongside CEO Russell Horton and CIO Chris Rogers to support them in developing and actioning FluidOne’s ambitious growth strategy.