Mary Sawyer - International Women's Day Feature

This IWD we're celebrating some of the female leaders, founders and entrepreneurs in our Chamber. In this feature we talked to Mary Sawyer, owner of Vintage Looks (Paint A Bag)

1. How did you get to where you are today?

I have always been passionate about arts and crafts - the messier the better.  With my NNEB training, working experience in different settings.  But mainly the dream at the back off my head for at least 15 years, of encouraging the general public to ditch plastic bags and paint/express themselves on reusable linen bags.  Starting out by being mobile at fayres, care homes and parties. Then having a small base in Steyning.  To finally taking the chance on a bigger base, now in Worthing. Incorporating the painting of bags, with offering a save space to bring children to play and meet others and even have a party.

2. What would you tell your younger self?
I generally believe things happen for a reason and you cannot always guide how things are going to turn out.  So my patience and life experiences have helped me to get to where I am today.  I would probably tell a younger me to do a bit more planning ( specially financially). But I am glad I did not give up and was brave (spontaneous) enough to take chances, however scary it seems at times.

3. What advice would you give to the next generation of women in business?
Life is unpredictable and expensive, so you do need a career/job (even if it not your first choice), that helps you stay safe and healthy.  But if you have a dream that does not go away, I think you should follow it. Take chances, if it does not work out, at least you have tried with no regrets!

You can find out more here about this year's International Women's Day agenda - Rights. Justice, Action. For ALL Women and Girls.

Janet Webb - International Women's Day Feature

This IWD we're celebrating some of the female leaders, founders and entrepreneurs in our Chamber. In this feature we talked to Janet Webb of Janet Webb Consulting

Like most people working in HR and L&D, I fell into it. But I fell into it because I grabbed opportunities when they came my way. Those opportunities included management responsibility in Selfridges, The NHS and East Sussex County Council. I also ran some pretty heavy projects at ESCC, in a wide range of departments. So when I was made redundant in 2026 it seemed natural to grab the chance to go it alone and support businesses with their staff development and projects.

2. What would you tell your younger self?

Life is going to throw all sorts of junk at you – some of it awful. But the good stuff is going to be utterly brilliant, beyond what you can imagine. You will be surprised and what you can achieve. So, take a deep breath, be straightforward with people, notice who is in your tribe and cherish the moments of joy. It’s a roller coaster – you can scream with fear or scream with excitement; it’s your choice.

3. What advice would you give to the next generation of women in business?

Build your network, say yes to things when they come along (even if they are completely out of left field) and never stop being curious and learning. These things will give you a solid foundation and poise from which to excel in whatever you do. And don’t worry about other people being aggressive or putting you down. That stuff belongs to them; don’t waste your time trying to deal with it. Just be polite and respectful, step up and over and forward on to greater things.

www.janetwebbconsulting.co.uk

Ginny Santer - International Women's Day Feature

This IWD we're celebrating some of the female leaders, founders and entrepreneurs in our Chamber. In this feature we talked to Ginny Santer, Director of Monetaire Accountants.

1. How did you get to where you are today?

I did a business admin degree and then, after doing an admin job for a couple of years, decided that the bit that I really enjoyed was the finance.  I joined an accountancy firm on a training contract and stayed there until about 18 months after I qualified.  I have worked in practice, not for profit and industry.  I joined the firm that I now run knowing that it was going to be a potential outcome if things went well.  I’ve been here just over 11 years and running it for 10.

2. What would you tell your younger self?

Failing your A levels is not the end of the world.  There are lots of different ways to get to where you want to go – and where you thought you wanted to go at 18 was not even the case at 19!  You are more capable than you will ever believe you are and you should have more confidence in yourself.

3. What advice would you give to the next generation of women in business?

Don’t be discouraged if the route that you think you are going to take doesn’t work out.  There are lots of different ways to get to most places.  Being in business can feel really isolated so keep time for your family and friends because there will be times when you really need them.  It is ok to admit that you don’t know everything about running your business.  Most people don’t go in to it because they’re great at business – they go in to it because they have a passion.  Join networks and talk to others in the same boat.

www.monetaire.org.uk

You can find out more here about this year's International Women's Day agenda - Rights. Justice, Action. For ALL Women and Girls.

Henry King features in February's Funeral Service Journal

Henry was asked to take part in '20 Questions' in the February edition of the Funeral Service Journal. If you have a copy, head to page 62 to check it out! Henry said "This is a national journal so it's been nice to receive messages from funeral directors I have met all over the country."

1. What’s the most unusual request you’ve ever had? I am a big advocate for 'unusual requests'. Too often we hear families suggest music choices, followed by 'that isn't funeral appropriate'. Instead, we should be celebrating the individual. The first thought that came to mind was a family who brought two bags to the service: one with scrunched up wrapping paper and the other with pegs. As the service concluded, a wrapping paper throwing fight broke out, as the family did every Christmas. The pegs were used during the reception, to discretely attach a peg to any individual - but don't get caught! 

2. How did you fulfil it? The answer is yes - what's the question?
3. What would you want your funeral to be like? If I was to pass away tomorrow, I would like the full hog. Placed on a gun carriage and pulled through the village by black Frisesian horses. Marching band. Carried into St James the Less Church and left in repose. Heaviest coffin you can imagine. Jerusalem to be sung. And yes, I've already told my partner - pre planning!
4. Burial or cremation? I think cremation. I like the idea that 'land is for the living' and my ashes could be scattered in a memorable place for my family to visit. 
5. What song(s) would you want played at your funeral? I enjoy a vast variety of music genres, but I'd have to choose something by Edward Elgar, with London Grammar thrown in too. ‘Jerusalem’ has to be sung!
6. What attracted you to the funeral sector? My father worked in the industry, so I've grown up with it. I started casual pallbearing with him aged 16, as he didn't want me 'sitting at home on the PlayStation'. My intentions were joining the Royal Air Force, but after acquiring a full-time position aged 18, I enjoyed it that much I decided to stay. Here I am, 15 years later.
7. What’s the one thing you wish you’d known when you started? That you cannot hold onto the information of every funeral you conduct. I would walk down the high street; notice a client and I could tell you everything about the funeral we arranged 2-3 years prior. From music, to coffin, officiant, how many order of service booklets they had, how many limousines they had. It was unhealthy and it affected me mentally. 
8. If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be and why? Regulation. I take huge pride investing in my facilities, insuring we have the best equipment and care for our families and deceased. 
9. What worries you most about your business? I worry about the mental impact direct cremations are having on families. I'm not saying direct cremation is wrong and nobody should have it, but too often I'm hearing from families 'I want Dad to have a funeral, but he wanted direct cremation'. They're torn between getting the closure that will help in grief, but also respecting their father's wishes. I'm seeing families 12 months later regretting choosing a direct cremation and the realisation of the impact it will have on their mental health. 
10. What is the best part of your job? Hearing 'thank you' from a family. During what is often the most difficult time in someone's life, they take the time to thank you for the service you have provided.
11. What’s the worst? Finding a healthy balance between work and personal life. Working in this industry, we know life is too short. It's important to get that balance right.
12. What three words best describe your life in the funeral sector? Inspiring. Thankful. Legacy.
13. What advice would you give someone joining the sector now? Know your values and stick by them!
14. What’s the worst mistake you’ve ever made? Failing to understand how to run a business. You can be the best funeral director in the county, but if you don't understand business, how good you are becomes irrelevant.
15. What did you learn from it? How to recognise working 'in' the business and 'on' the business. Understanding that makes a huge difference in growth.
16. When and where were you at your happiest? When my son was born. I have a photograph of him being born, and in the same frame is my beaming, smiling face. My face hurts at the thought of how big my smile was. He changed the perspective of life and I will forever be grateful - he's only two and doesn't know it!
17. Who or what has been your biggest influence? My Dad. He believed in me and supported me when I decided to open my office in 2017. He sadly passed away in 2021 and I hope he is proud of the legacy and I continue in his name. I've written a few blogs on my website about him, including when he died. His photographs are proudly displayed in my office.
18. What are you most proud of and why? Proving the haters wrong. I was 23 when I opened my office and I got a lot of stick for it. Larger funeral directors made it difficult for me at the start, but I'm proud of the business I have created.
19. What is your biggest regret? Fiddling with the VCR when my Dad taped WrestleMania in the early 2000s. I didn't believe he had woken up to record it, so I aged around 8-10 I took it upon myself to push buttons, ultimately stopping the recording. I was so upset the following morning that I faked an illness to be off school and borrowed a friend's tape recording!
20. How do you want to be remembered? As a man my son would be proud to call 'dad'.

FluidOne share how Microsoft Copilot can save time for Chamber member businesses

As a Chamber member, Fluid One works closely with small and medium sized organisations to help them improve productivity and make better use of the technology they already have. In this article, the Fluid One team share practical insights on Microsoft 365 Copilot, exploring how accessible AI tools can help Chamber member businesses save time, reduce everyday admin, and support teams facing the pressures of 2026.

An accessible opportunity for SMBs facing the challenges of 2026

For small and medium‑sized businesses, 2026 begins with a familiar challenge: producing more, faster, with limited teams and ongoing budget pressure. In this context, the arrival of AI tools that are accessible, easy to deploy, and genuinely useful in day‑to‑day work marks an important turning point. Among these, Microsoft 365 Copilot Business is emerging as a practical productivity driver; not a gadget, but a tool that integrates directly into the applications SMBs already use.

Why is Copilot becoming a strong asset for SMBs?

A large part of lost time in businesses comes from repetitive tasks, starting documents from scratch or sorting through long email threads. Work is taking longer than it should, good ideas get stuck in drafts, and frustrations rise as things fail to move forward as quickly as they need to.

On average, employees using Copilot save around 2.3 hours per week¹, time they can reinvest in higher‑value work. Copilot automates or accelerates these actions by relying on the data and tools teams already use. Unlike general AI tools, Copilot works directly within Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, OneDrive) allowing it to operate with context, accuracy and in line with the organisation’s security rules.

What can Copilot do for your team every day?

Copilot supports teams by helping them work more efficiently in the flow of work, boosting productivity without increasing costs and allowing them to focus on what matters most:

An accessible investment for small organisations

Integrated AI was once reserved for large enterprises, but Microsoft has introduced a dedicated Copilot plan designed to make AI genuinely accessible for SMBs, at a predictable and controlled cost.

For many small businesses, this removes the usual barriers to entry, allowing teams to explore AI in a practical way, without heavy upfront investment or complex implementation. It is a straightforward way to test real productivity gains, backed by familiar Microsoft 365 tools and simplified support.

Conclusion

Copilot gives SMBs exactly what they need: fewer admin bottlenecks, faster output, and secure automation built directly into the tools teams already use.

A promotional Copilot offer is available until March 31st, making now a strong opportunity to get started with minimal risk and maximum value. Click here to find out more.

¹ Source: Vodafone, Microsoft & KPMG – Microsoft 365 Copilot Productivity Trial Results (2024)

GWCA Solicitors Announced as Headline Sponsor for Worthing Museum and Art Gallery

GWCA Solicitors is delighted to announce a new partnership with Worthing Theatres and Museum (WTM) , who will serve as Headline Sponsor for the highly anticipated reopening of Worthing Museum and the landmark OPEN26 exhibition.

The year-long sponsorship will see GWCA Solicitors support the Museum's long-awaited reopening in late March 2026, following an extensive refurbishment project made possible through major funding from Arts Council England, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Garfield Weston Foundation and Museum Development South East. The redevelopment project has also been generously supported by local donors who have collectively raised over £15,000 through the Reimagining Worthing Museum campaign.

As Headline Sponsor, GWCA will be prominently featured throughout the reopening celebrations as well as the OPEN26 exhibition running from March to September. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting arts, heritage and community engagement in Worthing and the wider West Sussex region. GWCA's sponsorship will support a comprehensive programme of exhibitions and events throughout the year, helping to ensure the Museum remains accessible and welcoming for all.

Yemisi Mokuolu, Chair of Worthing Theatres and Museum, said: "We are thrilled to welcome GWCA Solicitors as Headline Sponsor for this momentous occasion in Worthing Museum's history. Their support demonstrates a genuine commitment to enriching cultural life in Worthing. This partnership will help us create an unforgettable reopening experience for our community and ensure that the Museum's return is celebrated in the way it deserves."

Emma Chatwell, Senior Partner at GWCA Solicitors, said: "GWCA Solicitors is proud to support Worthing Museum as it embarks on this exciting new chapter. The Museum is a vital cultural asset for our community, and we believe strongly in supporting local institutions that bring people together and enrich our town. This partnership represents a long-term commitment from GWCA to the Museum and to Worthing's cultural offering. We are looking forward to the reopening celebrations in March and to playing our part in ensuring the Museum's continued success throughout 2026 and beyond."

Ropetackle and Pilbeam Construction celebrate new partnership

Ropetackle Arts Centre has kicked off the new year on a positive note, announcing Southwick-based Pilbeam Construction as its latest business sponsor.

Chartered building company Pilbeam Construction is a well-established local success story, with strong foundations. Trading since 1955, the company has built a reputation for delivering high-quality, complex projects on time and within budget.

Pilbeam Construction specialises in the design, build and management of projects within the residential, commercial, health and care, education, heritage and ecclesiastical sectors.

Martin Allen, Chairman of Ropetackle Arts Centre, said: “We’re delighted to welcome such a prestigious company to our growing group of business sponsors and really look forward to working with them over the coming years. Pilbeam represents many of the values we hold dear, including a strong community-focused ethos and an excellent ‘can-do’ attitude.”

Alan Corbett, Managing Director of Pilbeam says: “We’re looking forward to supporting Ropetackle which is only down the road from us.

“We know it brings a lot of joy to people living in Shoreham and beyond. We’re very proud to support this registered charity as it continues to deliver a fantastic programme.

“The Pilbeam Construction team love working on projects locally that make people’s lives better, so they will really love supporting Ropetackle too.”

The new partnership reflects a shared commitment to excellence and supporting the local community, and marks an exciting step forward for both organisations.

Attracting audiences of more than 50,000 per year, supported by 600 plus Friends and Patrons and 80 plus volunteers, Ropetackle plays a unique and established role at the heart of the community, contributing around £1.4m annually to the local economy.

Ropetackle’s sponsorship scheme allows businesses to maximise brand awareness within the venue and brochure, capitalise on Ropetackle's digital presence and contribute to their corporate social responsibility objectives.

West Sussex Mind benefits from donated renovation work thanks to Southern Housing and HG Construction grant!

Vikki Turpin, manager of the Adur support hub, said: “We want our building to feel welcoming and safe, as it can feel like a big step asking for help

Mental health charity, West Sussex Mind, has received a donation of ‘work in kind’ from Southern Housing and HG Construction, transforming Corner House, its support hub in Southwick for people experiencing mental health difficulties.

The work was carried out by HG Construction at the end of 2025 to renovate and redecorate areas used for one-to-one support appointments and social activities for the charity’s service users.

The site is a converted old house, dating back to the late 19th century, and is used to deliver front-line mental health services. However, some of the areas needed renovation to create a more welcoming environment for service users and to free up more space for social activities, such as art, creative writing and get togethers, which the charity runs for people it supports. 

In 2024-25, the Adur support hub: 

·    Supported 346 service users with their mental health

·    Held 66 social activities

·    Hosted 59 mental health workshops and support groups with a total of 258 attendances.

Southern Housing and HG Construction worked closely with Vikki Turpin, manager of the Adur support hub, and Mark Palmer-Wilson, West Sussex Mind’s facilities manager, to scope out the work and complete the renovation with minimal disruption to employees and service users.

The team went above and beyond, renovating and reflooring the art room and one-to-one appointment rooms, as well as the social activities room, hallways and stairs, and downstairs lounge and toilet. 

The renovation has been positively received among staff and service users – with one service user commenting: “I love the redecoration in the social activities room and I find the green [colour] really calming.” 

"We are grateful to Southern Housing and HG Construction for their ‘work in kind’ donation, which has transformed our support hub and people’s experience here. It's been great to give a much-needed refresh to the building that will benefit the community’s mental health and wellbeing for years to come."

Sophie Lowe, social value lead at Southern Housing, said: “We are delighted to be able to support West Sussex Mind and the amazing work they do in Adur and beyond supporting so many people in the local community.

“The Corner House is an important community venue and the renovation work completed by HG Construction has transformed the spaces. It’s been a pleasure to be able to support this project.”

Member Case Study: Andrew Lake – Soundcheck Audio Visual

With over three decades at the forefront of live entertainment, theatre, corporate events, and international productions, I am delighted to reintroduce myself to the Worthing and Adur Chamber community. As founder of Soundcheck Audio Visual Services, my career has been built on delivering seamless technical solutions and unforgettable experiences across meetings, conferences, and exhibitions.

From BBC touring productions to national theatre shows, cruise ship entertainment, and high-profile corporate gatherings, I have honed a reputation for precision, creativity, and operational excellence. My expertise spans advanced sound engineering, event design, and technical management, ensuring that every production, whether a boardroom presentation or a large-scale exhibition runs flawlessly. Along the way, I’ve been privileged to receive multiple industry awards, recognising not only technical mastery but also the collaborative spirit and premium service that underpin my work.

As we look ahead to 2026, I invite fellow Chamber members to consider how my knowledge and experience could elevate your upcoming events. Whether you’re planning a conference for 200 delegates that demands clarity and impact, an exhibition with Keynote stage and breakout rooms, or a meeting where every detail matters, Soundcheck AV brings the assurance of seasoned professionalism combined with a fresh, client-focused approach.

And for Chamber members, don’t miss our exclusive special offer, available now on the Members Offer page. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore how Soundcheck AV can support your next event while enjoying added value as part of your membership.

Events are opportunities to inspire, connect, and impress. With Soundcheck AV, you gain a partner who understands the stakes and delivers with confidence. Let’s talk about how we can make your next event not just successful, but exceptional.

www.soundcheck-avs.co.uk