Pilbeam Construction celebrates employees’ long service

Sussex contractor Pilbeam Construction is celebrating the longevity of its loyal team members after their combined service topped 200 years.

Longest-serving members include general operative Dave Catchpole, who has been with the business for 34 years, plus manager Glen Karadzas started his career at Pilbeam 43 years ago and truck driver Paul Graham has worked for the chartered building company for 31 years.

The management team of pre-construction director Andrew Arrow, 24 years, and managing director Alan Corbett, 10 years, have hit big numbers, too, and believe the landmark is worth celebrating.

Andrew said: “Two hundred years combined service is remarkable and a credit to our team.

“It’s also pleasing because we have worked hard to provide a supportive environment and to invest in employees' professional growth and values. It’s very unusual to have an employee who has spent their whole career at just one firm and that makes us feel very lucky.

“We aim to create a collaborative and stable team culture here which is reflected in the loyalty and commitment to delivering projects on time and budget. It’s great to see our hard work pay off with a happy team. I hear the bosses are a right laugh too!”

Amongst the many other reasons team members have stayed with the Southwick contractor for so long are the supportive and friendly environment and the work life balance it provides, as it delivers projects within the commercial, health and care, education, heritage and residential sectors across Sussex and the South East.

Paul Graham said: “I like the fact it’s a friendly business with consistent work and wages. All my colleagues and the office staff are friendly and professional.”

Glen added: “Pilbeam have always worked on numerous varied types of projects. This means every day is different and I like the variety, challenges and the chance to learn something new.

“I have always appreciated the stability of working for Pilbeam. Working with the same team and company over time creates trust, teamwork and sense of family. That makes the job enjoyable and keeps me motivated.”

Other longest servers include Mark Smith, 24 years, Matt Hayler, 13 years, Greg Perry 11 years and John Hay, seven years.

Simon Hepworth, who has clocked up almost 24 years said: “Unlike some larger companies Pilbeam has always felt like a family who care about you. I now work with friends rather than colleagues. I like the variety of projects undertaken from new build to historic monuments each project is different and has its unique set of challenges.”

Contracts surveyor Matt Hayler added: “Having a young family and living locally, the work–life balance here has been a major reason I’ve stayed. Pilbeam understands that people have responsibilities outside of work, and they’ve always been flexible and supportive when I’ve needed it. Being close to home means I can be present for my family without compromising on my career, which is something I really value.

“The people make the biggest difference. The team is friendly, collaborative, and always willing to help, whether it’s solving a technical issue or just having a good laugh on a busy day.”

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

Electric Storm Youth Bolsters Board with Appointment of New Trustee

Electric Storm Youth (ESY) is pleased to announce the appointment of Laurence Davies to its Board of Trustees. ESY is an unwavering fixture in the lives of young people across Lancing, Sompting and Adur with a simple yet vital purpose, to support, inspire and equip young people aged 10–18 to thrive emotionally and socially.

Laurence Davies is the owner and founder of Power of Perspective and he brings a dynamic combination of over 17 years in coaching and operational support for businesses alongside significant expertise in the third sector. He previously spent seven years leading national mental health promotion and training programmes for one of the country's largest mental health charities.

Laurence’s commitment to ESY’s mission is driven by a personal passion for youth resilience. His background includes three years of direct front-line experience, including time as a Youth Worker. “I was motivated to take on this role after meeting CEO Karen Jefford and learning how clearly aligned the charity is with my own passion to support the resilience, wellbeing and positive life trajectories of young people,” said Laurence. “I am deeply driven to support young people to face and overcome the internal and practical challenges they face and to achieve their potential.”

His addition comes at a pivotal time as ESY seeks innovative ways to respond to evolving youth needs, particularly in the digital world. He expressed a keen interest in the role of communication and debate in youth leadership stating he is "very much looking forward to observing the Youth Forum in action".

Karen Jefford, CEO of Electric Storm Youth, commented: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Laurence to our Board. His background, which uniquely combines high-level strategic organisational development with practical knowledge of mental health and front-line youth work, will be invaluable as we scale our impact across Lancing, Sompting, and Adur.”

Laurence concluded with a message for the young people ESY supports “I’m really delighted to be joining ESY as a Trustee and will do my very best to help the charity to continue to support your needs and wishes. I want ESY to do the most it possibly can to help you have the biggest and best lives possible.”

Could your business be missing value from the Microsoft tools you use every day?

Most small and medium sized businesses rely on Microsoft every day. The tools feel familiar, they work reliably and they help teams stay productive. Because of this, it’s easy to assume your licences, security settings and features are all working as they should. But here is a question worth asking. Are you confident your Microsoft setup still reflects the way your business works today?

For many SMBs, the answer is now less certain. Costs creep, settings drift as roles change, licences become messy and support often feels reactive rather than proactive. Add Microsoft’s constant flow of updates and new features that no one explains, and it becomes even harder to keep a clear picture.

The everyday pain points that quietly drain time, money and efficiency

Most SMBs don’t face one major Microsoft issue. Instead, small problems build slowly until they begin to affect productivity, cost and security.

• ·       Costs that keep rising
  Bills increase, yet it’s not always clear what changed or whether your plan still fits the team.
• ·       Licences that no longer reflect real roles
  People leave, responsibilities shift and new hires join, but licensing rarely keeps pace.
• ·       Paying for tools twice
  Many businesses buy external software that Microsoft already includes, simply because no one highlighted it.
• ·       Security that feels complicated
  Protections exist, but knowing which ones are active or missing is difficult without guidance.
• ·       Efficiency gains that go unnoticed
  Microsoft often releases features that save time, yet many providers don’t point them out.
• ·       Support that renews, but rarely advises
  Some providers handle invoices but don’t explain changes, new features or cost saving options.

These issues build up quietly and create avoidable cost and risk.

Signs your Microsoft setup needs attention

• ·       Rising bills without clear reasoning
• ·       Old or unused licences still active
• ·       Staff buying tools already included within Microsoft
• ·       Limited visibility of enabled security features
• ·       Updates going unmentioned
• ·       No recent review of access or device compliance

Why FluidOne differs

A well-aligned Microsoft environment needs clarity, consistency and a partner who understands the whole picture. That is where FluidOne stands out.

• ·       Security built on best practice
  Key protections are configured correctly and checked regularly.
• ·       Bills that finally make sense
  You understand exactly what you are paying for and where savings exist.
• ·       Updates and improvements highlighted
  We explain new Microsoft features that genuinely save time and increase efficiency.
• ·       No duplicated tools or wasted spend
  If Microsoft includes it, we help you use it.
• ·       Everything under one roof
  As both an MSP and Cloud Solution Provider, we bring licensing, security, connectivity and IT support together, giving you one accountable partner.

When everything is aligned, Microsoft stops being a cost to question and becomes a platform that drives security, productivity and growth for your business.

Lancing College & Electric Storm Youth Celebrate 3rd Year of Young Carer Gift Donation

Electric Storm Youth (ESY) today extended their deepest thanks after receiving an overwhelming donation of 31 gift bags for the Young Carers they support. This highly valued initiative, organised by Lancing College, is now in its third consecutive year. This year, the generous gifts were donated and assembled by their Year 9 students and families.

The gifts were presented to ESY’s Youth Work Manager by Father Justin, the Chaplain at Lancing College. The bags were filled with high-quality and thoughtful items, including luxury toiletries, make-up, games, beautiful stationery, boxes of chocolates and valuable gifts like a Lego Batman set, reflecting an incredible level of care and thought.

The Impact on Young Carers

The Young Carers supported by ESY face significant daily responsibilities. These gifts serve as a vital recognition of their immense dedication and resilience.

Nic Reeves, Young Carers Youth Worker at Electric Storm Youth commented "To receive this level of kindness from Lancing College for the third year running makes an immense difference. Our Young Carers dedicate so much of their time to others, these gifts provide a moment of joy and recognition of their strength. Last year, a Young Carer who received a bottle of Dior perfume told us it was the best gift they had ever received. It shows them that they are seen, valued and deserving of being cared for themselves."

The gifts will be distributed during ESY’s dedicated Young Carers programme which provides confidential, one-to-one support to Young Carers in Lancing and Sompting, helping to improve their self-confidence and overall wellbeing.

A Partnership in Community

Justin Pottinger, Chaplain at Lancing College said "As a Christian community, it's at the heart of who we are to partner with charities like Electric Storm in supporting the young carers of Lancing and Sompting, whose hard work and sacrifice often goes unseen. Our Year 9 students and their families have shown that even small acts of generosity can speak volumes. These gifts are our way of saying to young carers in our local area, that the Christmas message of love and joy is for us all, and it is a privilege for us to stand alongside you and share Christmas with you in this way.”

Electric Storm Youth extends a huge thank you to Father Justin, the Year 9 students and families at Lancing College for embodying the spirit of community and compassion and for helping ESY fulfil its mission of ‘Supporting young people now, laying foundations for the future’.

New mental health support service launched in West Sussex

Pathfinder West Sussex is a new community mental health service, providing free mental health and wellbeing support to people across West Sussex.

The service was commissioned by NHS Sussex and is being led by BHT Sussex, working in partnership with West Sussex Mind, replacing the previous Pathfinder Alliance arrangements for the county.

The new contract brings on board new partners from the homelessness sector and offers comprehensive, co-produced community mental health support for anyone over 18. 

Pathfinder West Sussex offers adults:

• Information, advice and guidance through a single helpline 

• One-to-one and group support sessions 

• Peer support from people with lived experience of mental health 

• Community activities to increase confidence and create connection 

• Physical health interventions 

• Homelessness support 

• Employment support. 

The service brings together a number of trusted organisations to provide integrated support and works closely with the local NHS and GP surgeries, making it easier to get information, find support or get specialist advice. 

MOMENTUM Business Support Ltd Supported Worthing Food Foundation with Unique Fundraising Effort

During the last six months of 2025, MOMENTUM Business Support Ltd proudly partnered with the Worthing Food Foundation (Les Alden Foundation), a volunteer-led organisation dedicated to providing essential food and household items to individuals and families in need across Worthing.

The Foundation played a vital role in supporting those experiencing food poverty, offering dignity, kindness, and practical assistance when it mattered most. What many did not realise was that approximately 90% of the food distributed by the charity had to be purchased, making every donation critical to its mission.

In addition to donating business services free of charge, MOMENTUM wanted to take its support a step further. To raise awareness and funds, the team committed to a 24-hour fast — no food, no snacks, and no caffeine, relying solely on water and willpower. This initiative aimed to provide a small glimpse into the daily struggles faced by those living with food insecurity.

MOMENTUM invited clients, friends, and supporters to get involved in three impactful ways:

• Sponsor the fast — every contribution helped feed someone in need.
• Share the campaign to spread awareness.
• Join the challenge by fasting for a day in solidarity.

All funds raised went directly to the Worthing Food Foundation, enabling them to continue their incredible work supporting local families.

Together, MOMENTUM and its community worked to ensure that no one in Worthing went hungry.

There is still time to donate here MOMENTUM Business Support Ltd is fundraising for Les Alden Foundation

Connect to Work has now launched!

Connect to Work is a Supported Employment programme helping people living with disabilities and long-term health conditions, as well as individuals with complex barriers, find and maintain paid work.

It is being funded by the Department for Work and Pensions and will be delivered until April 2030, aiming to help up to 900 West Sussex residents per year at peak of programme.

Support will initially be offered to people who are struggling to find employment and have a barrier to work which might include:

• Adults with learning disabilities or neurodiversity
• Young people aged 18-25 who have barriers to employment which might include mental or physical health challenges, being a care leaver or in temporary accommodation.
• Refugees, resettled Afghans, or individuals on the Homes for Ukrainian Scheme
• Residents living in Adur and Worthing who have barriers to employment which can include people who have mental or physical health conditions, are homeless, veterans or in recovery from addiction

Application for the programme is through an Expression of Interest form which can be filled in by the participant or a supporter. This form can also be accessed through the QR code below:

Individuals can also apply at libraries or by calling the WSCC Customer Service Centre on 01243 642140.

Sussex Transport Strengthens Community Links by Hosting Emergency Services LGV Training

Sussex Transport recently demonstrated its strong commitment to community partnership and safety by hosting a specialist LGV Appreciation Day for the West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and South East Coast Ambulance Service at its headquarters on Lancing Business Park.

The event was designed to help emergency personnel better understand the size, weight and structural challenges of Large Goods Vehicles (LGVs), which can be involved in complex roadside incidents. By opening its doors and fleet to the emergency services, Sussex Transport provided a realistic, hands-on environment that few training sites can match.

Across the day, participants rotated through three practical exercises using an articulated truck, a 'HAIB' crane lorry, and a 26-tonne curtainsider fitted with a Moffett forklift. The sessions covered topics such as danger areas around different LGVs, accessing a driver in distress, managing trapped-casualty situations, and stabilising or raising heavy vehicles safely with airbags and lifting gear.

“We were delighted to welcome both teams to our site,” said Andy Packham, Lifting & Training Manager at Sussex Transport.

“It was fantastic to see our working vehicles used to help train the people who respond to emergencies involving trucks like ours every day. Collaboration like this benefits everyone; the emergency services, the haulage industry, and the wider community.”

Managing Director Damian Pulford added that initiatives like this reflect Sussex Transport’s wider Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) goals:

“As a long-established local employer, we see value in sharing our knowledge and facilities whenever we can. This event perfectly illustrates how business and public services can work together for the good of the region.”

As well as operating a busy haulage and lifting fleet, Sussex Transport runs a dedicated Training Division delivering a wide range of safety and compliance training, including:

1.       Vehicle Marshalling Training

2.       Lifting Training (Appointed Person, Lorry Loader, Crane Lift Supervisor, Slinger Signaller, Overhead Gantry Crane, Marine Knuckle Boom Crane, Mobile Crane)

3.       Materials Handling Training (Forklift / Counterbalance, Telescopic Handler)

4.       Working at Height Training (Working at Height, Harness and Fall Arrest, MEWP Boom and Scissor, Safe Use of Ladders)

5.       Industrial Training Courses (Abrasive Wheels, Emergency First Aid at Work, Fire Marshall / Warden, Manual Handling)

Over the years, Sussex Transport has also supported other emergency services organisations, including the Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS), further underlining its commitment to community safety.

Community invited to join festive fun at Care for Veterans’ Christmas Fayre

Care for Veterans is inviting the Worthing community to attend its popular Christmas Fayre and enjoy an afternoon of festive family fun.

It will take place at the Boundary Road, care home on 29 November, and feature over 20 stalls offering handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, arts and crafts activities and more.

Entry is free and the afternoon promises fun and entertainment for all ages, with a festive grotto, live entertainment, raffle and games for children and families. Among the guests attending will be Worthing Mayor Cathy Glynn-Davies.

Care for Veterans provides long-term nursing, rehabilitation, respite and end-of-life care to veterans and their families who live with disabilities, including acquired brain injury and degenerative neurological conditions. It is now part of the Royal Star & Garter group, following a merger with the charity earlier this year.

Home Manager, Vicky Strange said : “The annual Christmas Fayre is a special event in the Care for Veterans calendar, and as this will be my first Christmas Fayre, I’m particularly excited to welcome the community and join our residents and staff in celebrating a day full of festive fun and entertainment.”

All proceeds from the Fayre will go towards supporting Care for Veterans’ vital work.

The Home is welcoming new residents. For more information on this and other ways to fundraise and support, please go to  www.careforveterans.org.uk  

Full Fibre Broadband Network Operator and ISP Lightning Fibre Achieves Prestigious Industry Award Hat-Trick

Lightning Fibre, the full fibre broadband network operator and Internet Service Provider (ISP), has secured a remarkable industry award hat-trick at the annual Internet Service Providers’ Association (ISPA) Awards.

The ISPA Awards shine a spotlight on the organisations and individuals driving the UK’s digital future, recognising providers for their passion, innovation, and commitment. Lightning Fibre was among the night's big winners, taking home multiple accolades.