As you may already be aware at the beginning of the year the Council was approached by the BBC and Tiger Aspects with regards to filming a new prime time BBC1 Police drama in the Adur and Worthing area called CUFFS, with Adur Civic Centre featuring as the fictional Police headquarters and also being used by the BBC as their production and operational base during the 6 months of filming.

Filming is now well underway with location shooting having already taken place at various locations within our area and within Adur Civic Centre where a number of sets have been constructed.

Free alcohol awareness training for West Sussex businesses

Employers in West Sussex are being reminded they can access free training about alcohol awareness.

The training involves helping them to start conversations with staff about risky alcohol use.

19% of adults reportedly drink alcohol at a level which is risky for their health. This is estimated to cost £40.2 million per year.

Christine Field, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing, said: “I would encourage businesses, through their managers, human resources and personnel staff, to take up the offer of this training. Workplaces can be a good way to raise awareness of health issues or to pass on information and advice.”

Among the benefits for businesses is to:

• ·         Promote a safe and healthy working environment
• ·         Sustain a healthy and productive workforce
• ·         Strengthen business performance

The training is called Alcohol Identification and Brief Advice and is given by an organisation called Drugtrain on behalf of West Sussex County Council.

Employers and businesses who would like to take up the training should email admin@drugtrain.org.uk or call 01226 738321.

Adur and Worthing Careers Fair, Wednesday 17^th June from 5.00-8.00pm at Northbrook College Broadwater

Can you promote Careers within your individual sectors? Would you like to attend as an exhibitor?

The focus for the event is for school and College leavers to attend but, as this also coincides with the Adult Information Fair on the same evening, it is likely that visitors will be of all ages.

If you are interested in coming along to this FREE event and having a stand, please click here to download a booking form and return to: Brenda Cook Apprenticeship and Careers Manager for External Partnerships, b.cook@nbcol.ac.uk

South Downs Leisure - under the starter’s gun...

It’s taken a year of hard work but, on Tuesday 14 April Worthing Borough Councillors voted unanimously to give a ringing endorsement to the final stage of the process to transfer Worthing’s successful leisure services to a community run trust.

Gaining support from across Worthing’s political spectrum, the creation of South Downs Leisure Trust, who will officially take over the management of all Worthing’s leisure and fitness sites on 1st May, marks a watershed moment both for the town, and for the Borough Council’s ambitions for the future of local government delivery.

John Mitchell, Director for Communities at Adur & Worthing Councils, explains:

“The decision to create the South Downs Leisure Trust was not taken lightly by the Council’s Members or Officers - but I am convinced that it was the right one to make. 

“Worthing Leisure - South Downs Leisure as it will be from 1 May - have been performing increasingly strongly in the last few years, and the Borough Council can be rightly proud of its record of growing sport and fitness across Worthing.

“However, there is only so much that we can do and, by transferring management to a community run trust, we’re opening the doors to increasing levels of funding and investment in the facilities; bringing an even greater community voice into the running of the Trust and to expanding an already highly regarded offer yet further.

“In Catching The Wave, we said that we would be cultivating enterprising communities of people deeply engaged in the running of their communities; working with the South Downs Leisure Trust is the largest example of that ambition coming to fruition yet.”

While South Downs Leisure customers will be unaffected by the official change of management on 1st May, over time they will experience the benefits of significant improvements to the venues and facilities.  Any profits made by the Trust will be reinvested directly back into the business, complementing the additional tax breaks available to it as a Non-Profit Distributing Organisation and so providing the working funds needed to make the most of leisure and sport in Worthing.

For more details about the Trust, or to find out about the exciting range of fitness opportunities on offer, please visit their website: www.SouthDownsLeisure.co.u

The UK's leading economic expert comes to Shoreham's Ropetackle Centre.

Paul Johnson - Director of the Institute For Fiscal Studies

As the TV and radio “go to man” for all issues related to the nation’s finances, Paul Johnson, director of the hugely respected and internationally renowned Institute For Fiscal Studies (IFS), will be giving an exclusive talk at Shoreham’s Ropetackle Arts Centre on 17th April, 8pm.

The IFS has established itself as one of the most authoritative and independent voices on economic analysis, regularly being cited by all party leaders despite its readiness to question, and where necessary, criticise their pronouncements, most recently raising serious questions about both George Osborne’s budget forecasts and Ed Balls’ response.

It is in the area of public finances that the IFS projections are particularly significant. As Paul, originally from Shoreham, will reveal in his talk, what lies ahead during the next 5 years in terms of deficit reduction and the impact on public service will be hugely important.

Ropetackle chairman Martin Allen said: “Paul Johnson visiting Ropetackle, particularly so close to the election, is a real coup for Ropetackle. With his fascinating insight into the tensions between politics and the management of the country’s finances, it promises to be a very special occasion not to be missed!"

Paul will be at Ropetackle on Friday 17th April, 8pm. Tickets: £5

Tickets are available from the box office on 01273 464440, online at http://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/paul-johnson/ or in person at:

Ropetackle Arts Centre, Little High Street, Shoreham, West Sussex, BN43 5EG

The Money Tree - an opportunity to fund innovative youth projects in Worthing

Do you currently work with under 25’s on projects which benefit the community as well as the young people taking part? Or simply have an idea for a project but don’t know where to find the money?

Then you could be eligible to apply for up to £5000 of funding from one of two Money Trees from Worthing Borough Council.

The youth focused scheme has been designed to help fund those projects which promote a positive image of young people and help the community at the same time. The Money Tree is currently accepting applications for funding up until May 5th 2015; the forms can be found online at http://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/the-money-tree/  or can be printed off to complete and return by post.

The Money Tree allows locally run projects to apply to one of two ‘trees’ of funding, the smaller tree will offer funding of up to £2000 with the larger offering anything between £2001 - £5000, the only restrictions being that all projects must promote a positive image of young people in Worthing, and must be focussed on one of the key themes below:

* Stay safe

* Be healthy

* Enjoy and Achieve

* Achieve economic well being

* Make a positive contribution

Worthing and Adur’s Head of Wellbeing Tina Favier said:

“You may be in a group already running a successful project, or an individual with a simple idea - all bids are welcome and encouraged! So if you run or know of a project that helps young people as well as the community, and would benefit from additional funding, get your applications to Joanne Clarke in Worthing Borough Council’s Community’s Team as soon as possible.”  

Once all applications have been received, they will be scored by a panel of judges made up of local Councillors and young people. Successful bids will then be invited to an event on 2nd July 2015 (venue to be advised) where they will be given the opportunity to present their project ideas to a live voting audience consisting of young people, supporters of the bids and a panel of judges from the Worthing Executive members.

If you know of any schemes that would benefit from additional funding then why delay making an application? For more information, please visit the Councils’ website (http://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/the-money-tree/) or call Jo Clarke on 01273 263175.

Worthing and Adur Chamber of Commerce were pleased to host an Election Breakfast at Northbrook College recently, giving their members the chance to question potential candidates about their policies and local business issues.   Each party were given the opportunity to outline their main points for election and then questions were taken from the floor.

Tim Cross - UKIP Candidate for Worthing West

“We should not be afraid of leaving the EU at all; on the contrary we should embrace the opportunity to trade with the whole world and not be imprisoned in a straight-jacket under the control of the EU and its laws. In simple terms we would not have to pay £55 million per day as our contribution, be subject to EU laws and directives which cost business at least £30 billion per annum and with control of immigration we would be able to bring in quality skilled migrants instead of unskilled migrants which we do not need and who push down wages.”

James Doyle -Green Party Parliamentary Candidate for East Worthing & Shoreham

“Political support for businesses should be as local as possible, responsive to their needs, and should help them look to the future with their own plans as well as the government.  Our workforce needs to be educated and skilled to compete with other countries, and paid well enough to live.”

Tim Loughton MP - Candidate for East Worthing & Shoreham

“The Chamber of Commerce has shown again what a thriving business community we have locally and it is incumbent upon all elected representatives to have policies in place to make Adur & Worthing good places to do business. Whether it’s through improving infrastructure such as the A27 upgrade at last, raising skill levels of school-leavers or making ultra-fast broadband as standard this is an exciting place to invest and expand - so look out Brighton.”

Hazel Thorpe Liberal Democrat candidate for West Worthing

Local Manifesto
Economy; to support SMEs in surviving, thriving, being sustainable, via lobbying for Government and EU funding and networking
Education; to support our schools & colleges to prepare young people for the jobs, skills and vocations needed
Health and Social Care; to support the hospital and NHS by raising awareness of public opinion, needs, experience and speaking out
Real life solutions; highlighting the need for emotional intelligence, caring support and training between apprenticeships and full time work

Tim Macpherson – Labour candidate for East Worthing

“Small businesses are the engine room of our economy, they currently get a raw deal from this Government which tends to classify "business" as the large multinationals over which they have little control.
We will cut business rates which burden small businesses and cancel the planned cut in corporation tax, a cut which mainly benefits big business.
Stop late payments as cash flow is king for a small business and 90+ days is too long.  Labour would like to encourage business lending and introduce a shipping economy as they don’t believe there is one currently. We'll boost the status of apprenticeships, particularly for the 16 - 24 age group which leads to a real job.
Finally we'll legislate against zero hours contracts being used by companies to hire people on the cheap."

If you would like to hear more on the prospects of what a new government will look like our Patron Gillian Fielding will give us her vision at our forthcoming AGM on Wednesday 29^thApril

Gillian Fielding, Secret Millionaire and Chamber Patron.

Once again we are lucky to have our Patron Gillian Fielding with us, she has her finger on the pulse of wider picture and always gives an entertaining and inspiring talk. Gill will give us her vision as to how things may look depending on who manages to win the election. At past AGM’s she has shared her insight as to the décor of the cloakroom in 10 Downing Street …… will this change? Just what do the politicians think they are doing with the economy, or will it all go down the pan!!!!!

Chris Tomlinson – Eon 

Will be telling us about the progress on the Rampion Windfarm which is about to start at Brooklands. There will also be information on the procurement process for this project

Alex Bailey - CEO Adur & Worthing Council

Alex is determined to lead us into prosperity and growth, whether we like it or not. Alex will update us on ‘Underground Sussex.... Unlocking the value in our visitor economy’.  

It’s always an informative and well attended evening with excellent networking opportunities, so book now via www.worthingandadurchamber.co.uk. Non-Members welcome.

Shoreham’s growth as a centre of living, working and learning has taken a major step forward today, with Adur District Council’s announcement that KSD SteelRock Estates Ltd (“KSD SteelRock”) have been chosen as the preferred developer for the Civic Centre Site.

With social and economic regeneration at the forefront of the Council’s mind, the Executive Members and Council Officers are in no doubt that the KSD SteelRock proposal brings sharp focus onto the long-term impact of this key landmark site.  While the full details of the plans are still to be opened to public consultation, key highlights are:

*The foundation of a digital academy on the former staff car park site to accelerate the growth of digital skills in the local economy
*The relocation of Focus, a major local employer, from Southwick, protecting 150 local jobs and providing expansion space for the firm to double in size
*The provision of a range of spaces suitable for the needs of the town’s businesses to expand into, or micro businesses to operate from
*A number of high quality residential units ranging in size from 1 - 3 bedrooms, 30% of which will be affordable properties
*Hotel accommodation suited to the needs of business and leisure visitors
*High quality landscaping and design, maximising the attractiveness not only of the development itself, but of the views through the development to the river frontage.

Leader of Adur District Council, Neil Parkin, comments:

“I’m delighted to see the creation of new jobs, new skills and new residences for the people of Shoreham.  The Civic Centre site has been a target for our town’s regeneration efforts, and I am so pleased to be announcing KSD SteelRock as our preferred developer. 

“I fully believe that their ambitions match the District Council’s when it comes to creating long term value for the town and its community.”

James Appleton, Head of Economic Growth at Adur and Worthing Councils, said:

“The marketing for this site has been thorough and robust, resulting in a range of high quality submissions.

“Working with KSD SteelRock will allow us to drive forward our ambitious ‘Catching The Wave’ agenda, which focused the Councils’ sights firmly on growing our economies and our places to provide vibrant spaces to live, work and enjoy.”

Rupert English, Chief Executive at KSD SteelRock, adds:

“We are delighted to have been selected as preferred developer for this landmark site.  We are looking forward to working in close co-operation with both Adur District Council and the wider local community to deliver a development that combines an iconic design conceived by renowned local architect, Conran & Partners, with facilities which address local needs.”

Ralph Gilbert, Managing Director at Focus, is enthusiastic about the opportunities that expanding the business into Shoreham will bring.  He says:

“We are really excited about being part of the re-development of the Adur Civic Centre site. We can now concentrate on growing our business within the local area without the space restrictions we have in our current premises and ensuring our business can expand in an area convenient to our existing team.  We very much look forward to being a big part of Shoreham’s community in these exciting times.”

Public and stakeholder consultations will be held in the coming months to discuss the design and development of the Adur Civic Centre site (which incorporates both the Civic Centre and the staff car park opposite), and it is anticipated that a full planning application will be forthcoming in the Autumn of this year.

Further details will be announced in due course.

 Easter Eggstravaganza - 4th April 2015 4 Mar, 2015

The Worthing Borough Council Planning Committee Meeting scheduled for 15^th April has been deferred to a later date, following a request from property developers, Roffey Homes.

The future of the Aquarena site has ignited a large amount of debate in recent months, with both Worthing Borough Council and Roffey Homes receiving a great deal of correspondence on the subject.

In light of the detailed feedback, including that received from the Coastal Design Panel, Roffey Homes have requested that the 15^th April Planning Committee meeting be deferred until a later date. The Council have agreed, since both Members and Officers feel that it is important to ensure that the right solution is brought forward for this key regeneration site.

As soon as the scheme is ready to be brought back to the Committee, the new date will be widely publicised. No other business was due to be discussed at this meeting.

Neil Hopkins Head of Communications Adur and Worthing Councils