Read the latest chamber newsletter, please click image to download

Coast to Capital will launch the Business Growth Grants programme on Monday 11th November

• Are you a high growth, innovative small or medium business?
• Or one delivering green or low carbon goods and services?
• Are you planning to to expand and grow but not finding it easy to find the finance required? 
• Would a grant of up to 25% of the total project cost make the difference between going ahead and not being able to?
  

If so then an innovation and green business grant could be for you.

Click here to Download full details.

Monday 11th November 2013 Eric Knowles from the BBC Antiques Roadshow
A talk from the wonderful and hugely entertaining Eric Knowles from the BBC Antiques road show with the chance of having your antique valued followed by a super lunch.
	Menu A trio of locally smoked salmon, freshwater crayfish and smoked haddock mousse Cream of wild mushroom soup, white truffle oil ..... Tenderloin of Sussex pork stuffed with apricot, sage and pine nuts A duo of grilled fillets of salmon and seabass, herb and lemon butter, new potatoes Basil tofu and roasted Mediterranean vegetable tart (V) Served with a selection of vegetables .................. Profiteroles filled with baileys cream and warm chocolate sauce Warm treacle tart and custard A selection of British cheese and biscuits ... Freshly ground coffee and chocolates
Includes a glass of wine with lunch £43:00 per person The talk will commence at midday with lunch at 1:00pm Eric will do as many valuations as possible please bring along your antique and you will be given a raffle ticket which if he picks, your item will be valued Please pre order when booking along with payment. Guests will be seated at tables of up to 10 guests. Any cancellations made up to 5 days before the event will receive a full refund

South East Business Crime Conference - Working Together to Secure Your Business

FREE Security Exhibition and Seminar for businesses in the South East Region

Against a continued backdrop of economic pressure, business crime remains at the top of the agenda for businesses in the South East. To help businesses understand the latest risks facing them and the security solutions out there that can help combat crime - the BSIA with the support of Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Thames Valley police forces is organising a business crime conference and exhibition entitled Working Together to Secure Your Business.

Among the speakers confirmed are Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne who will formally open the event, Lisa Perretta, Brighton and Hove Business Crime Reduction Partnership, Charlie Newman, Littoralis and Roy Smith, New Scotlant Yard and Professor Martin Gill of Perpetuity Research  In addition, a number of security experts will be on hand to provide information and guidance that will help keep your business as safe and secure as possible.

This free one-day security exhibition and seminar enables delegates the opportunity to view the latest security developments, hear from key speakers covering economic, social and environmental topics, and gives an insight into how you can keep your staff and businesses safe and secure in these challenging times.

Delegates places are free of charge and to register your interest in attending please complete the online booking form.

WORTHING BUS COMPANY NOMINATED FOR PRESTIGIOUS BUS INDUSTRY AWARD

Worthing-based bus Company, Compass Travel, are very pleased to have recently been short-listed for a UK Bus Industry award.

During a short-listing luncheon held at Heathrow Academy on 10 October, it was announced that the Company had made it to the final five in the category “Top Independent Bus Operator of the Year” in the UK Bus Awards.

Further judging will now take place, with the overall winn_GoBacker announced at an award ceremony at London’s Park Lane Hilton Hotel on Tuesday 19 November.

Chris Chatfield, Managing Director of Compass Travel said “I am delighted that we have been shortlisted for such an accolade.  It reflects the dedication and teamwork of everyone at the Company.  Compass Travel relies on the goodwill of our customers, and so we always aim to “go the extra mile” to please them.  Providing excellent service is at the heart of everything we do.  We are also fortunate to have good working partnerships with local authorities, suppliers and the schools we serve.”

UK Bus Awards chairman John Owen said: “Despite the difficult economic times, this year’s entries demonstrated clearly that creativity within the industry is still alive and well. The bar is constantly being raised, meaning that the innovation of a few years ago is now the everyday standard in many places.

“The bus industry has a come a long way in recent years and is every bit as dynamic as the high profile retail operations regarded as market leaders,” he added. “Our judges have been genuinely impressed with the commitment to higher standards in all areas of the business.

In shortlisting Compass Travel for an award, the judges noted that, where possible, drivers and vehicles were allocated to specific routes, encouraging staff to develop good, professional relationships with their customers; and that the Company positively encouraged feedback.

West Sussex Independent Economic Commission

West Sussex have established an Independent Economic Commission (WSIEC) to review the main drivers and barriers to the future growth in the County. The Commission is very keen to understand the views of business and is currently conducting an online survey of West Sussex firms and holding six business events during October and November.

All events will begin at 6pm (for refreshments) for a 6:30pm start, and will run on till 8pm.

The programme for these events will be:

•    29 October: Transport and other infrastructure: what should the investment priorities be? (Gatwick Diamond, Venue TBC)
•    4 November: Innovative sources of investment and funding – how do we fund our ambitions? (Chichester College, Chichester)
•    11 November: a concluding event – agenda TBC. (Venue TBC)

If you would like to attend any of these events or receive further details, please respond to Margaret Brade by phone or email at: 020 7756 7600 / margaret.brade@sharedintelligence.net.

Fontwell Fabulous Firework Party

Friday 1 November 2013

Fireworks and a Halloween Party all rolled into one! There will be entertainment including stilt walkers and fire dancers to greet you on arrival!!

Fireworks night returns to Fontwell again on Friday 1 November with different activities to suit all the family. Gates open at 6pm with fun fair* rides, themed entertainment, food & drink outlets. There is also a Fancy Dress Competition for Best Boy, Best Girl and Best Family. The overall winner will win a VIP Family Ticket for 4 to a raceday of your choice including a 3 course meal in our Premier Lounge Restaurant (subject to availability) - the winners will be announced at 8pm.

The fabulous firework display starts at 8.30pm with covered viewing areas to ensure the best viewing, along with other facilities such as our indoor bar and café area.

There is unlimited FREE car parking on the evening and gates close at 9pm.

Click here for more information

View our latest newsletter here

Day Release Degree – growing your talent and your business!

The Day Release Degree from the University of Chichester is an exciting, innovative and flexible way for students to gain a full honours degree in Business Studies, whilst in work.

We are currently, successfully delivering the 2013-2017 Day Release Degree programme to a range of students from a wide spectrum of employers in the hospitality, travel, construction, engineering leisure, retail, marketing and social enterprise sectors. Several Worthing-based companies such as Classic Collection Holidays and Newview Homes are participating in this programme.
The University of Chichester is inviting existing employees who want to develop their potential by gaining a degree that is directly relevant to their work to contact us. We are also looking for highly motivated and talented students in their final year of college to consider this programme.
What’s in it for Employers?
The Day Release Degree is the best opportunity for you and your organisation to recruit and develop your own existing talent in a way that is focussed on your organisation and organisational goals, whilst allowing your employee the opportunity to get a recognised qualification. It is aimed both at existing employees and new entrants.

•    Attracting highly skilled, motivated people - offering a job within your organisation that allows a person to attend the Day Release Degree programme will help you to attract the high calibre recruits that can really help to drive your business forward.
•    Direct business impact – your business will benefit directly from work-related projects focused on your business objectives and enables the students to make a real difference while they are learning.
•    Increased loyalty - you gain loyalty from your employees as supporting development is widely proven to have a positive effect on staff motivation and retention.
•    Innovation - your organisation benefits from innovation and impact as the student brings the latest research and approaches to the work related projects that they will be doing.
•    Talent Management - grow your own employees who will become your high performers of the future.

How does it work?
The University of Chichester identifies employers who want to be part of this innovative programme. Businesses want to partner with us because they can see the benefits of developing their existing staff members as well as attracting new entrants and the long term benefit that this can bring to the organisation.

•    Students will study at the University of Chichester one day a week over three ten week terms for the first three years. The fourth year comprises primarily a tutor supported management project studied over two semesters i.e. September to May
•    Study is a mix of generic business and skills based modules. The majority of assignments are work related projects agreed in advance with the employer. Subjects covered include, finance, management, marketing, HR and operations.
•    Students are supported by both an academic tutor and a work based mentor.
•    Employers typically fund 50% of the course fees with some participants getting access to student loans.

What’s in it for the Day Release Degree student?
You may be an existing employee and want to develop your potential within the company to enhance your career and move to more senior roles. The Day Release Degree is perfect for developing and progressing your existing career and because you will be working on practical projects you make a very direct impact on your business.
Alternatively, you may have completed your BTEC or your A Levels and want to get a degree, but may not want to go to university full time in which case the Day Release Degree is for you.  It is an excellent opportunity to achieve a recognised degree, whilst gaining valuable work experience.
As the degree is done while you are in work, there is every chance that you will have much reduced student debt from the fees. You can still apply for student loans.

Here are some comments from our current employer partners and students:
"It's about investing in the young today to give you the managers of tomorrow. We are really pleased with our student, Anna-Marie; she has exceeded expectations and is already making an impact. We definitely plan to recruit two more for this year's programme" Nick Munday, Managing director, Classic Collection Holidays Ltd.

“Working directly with a corporation allows you to get vital work experience for future career progression”. Jay – Trainee, Butlins Leisure

“With the coursework being based around the company’s own core principles and internal training policies I feel I am getting the best education from both sides”. Simon – Manager, Bombardier Engineering

How do I find out more?
Call Andrew Adams at the University of Chichester on 07796 655247, email a.adams@chi.ac.uk

Murder at the Manor - Saturday 19th October 2013

A superb murder mystery evening with one of the very best production companies in the UK and is in demand in Europe with its first class production
This is a must for all amateur sleuths who just luuvve drama!
Cluedo brought to life!!!
 
Menu
 Locally smoked salmon and crayfish cocktail
Cream of wild mushroom soup white truffle oil (v)
Chicken liver and Cognac parfait, onion marmalade and warm brioche
………………..
Roast rump of aged British beef, Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes
Very slowly braised shoulder of Sussex lamb, rosemary and redcurrant gravy
Grilled fillets of seabass, rosemary and lemon butter, new potatoes
Swede and potato cakes with watercress and black pepper sauce (V)
 A selection of vegetables
…………………
Lemon tart with raspberries
Pear and chocolate tart with clotted cream
A selection of cheese and biscuits with apple pickle
…………………
Freshly ground coffee and tea infusions and petit fours
£45:00 per person including cocktails on arrival and a glass of wine with dinner
Guests are to arrive at 7:00pm for a 7:30pm sit down
Please pre order when booking along with payment. Guests will be seated at tables of up to 10 guests.
Any cancellations made up to 5 days before the event will receive a full refund

For more information visit www.indigorestaurant.info