Top Five IT Priorities for 2025 by FluidOne (formerly CNC)

In addition to the usual resolutions made in December and January, we are experiencing a fair amount of change: CNC is now officially the Brighton branch of FluidOne, a Connected Cloud Solutions provider of IT, Cyber, and Comms services! This requires a lot of special planning for the New Year, which got us thinking of what lies ahead for all companies, regardless of any special going-on. With that in mind, here’s a checklist of five key IT priorities to focus on in 2025.

1. Windows 10 End-of-Life

Windows 10 support will end on October 14, 2025 – Microsoft will not provide security patches, technical assistance, or software updates, leaving devices more vulnerable to cyber attacks and performance issues. Upgrading to Windows 11 avoids this, while offering features such as a new interface, live captions, and integrated passkeys. As a Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider (CSP), FluidOne offers support with licenses and Microsoft services.

2. Rise of AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transformative. AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft 365 Copilot are revolutionising how companies operate through automation: transcribing meetings, drafting emails, creating content, and more. By 2025, AI will be more embedded in daily business processes, making it essential to explore how AI can improve efficiency and be integrated.

3. Sustainable IT

As with most industries, sustainability is now a focus in IT. Migrating to energy-efficient data centres and cloud storage solutions can help reduce energy consumption. Transitioning to environmentally friendly hardware that uses less energy and is recyclable is another green step. These sustainable IT practices not only align with global environmental goals but also offer long-term cost savings.

4. Increasing Security

Cyber and IT security are critical, with nearly half of businesses experiencing breaches last year. That statistic should be a catalyst for conducting a comprehensive review of their security measures. Proactive strategies, such as assessments, training, and multi-factor authentication, are essential to safeguard against evolving cyber threats and strengthen defences.

5. Backup and Disaster Recovery

Disaster recovery planning is vital for protecting data and ensuring business continuity in case of cyber attacks or natural disasters. Backup is the cornerstone of recovery. Reviewing backup processes, ensuring proper encryption, and utilising cloud services will ensure that critical data is protected and recoverable.

Conclusion

IT strategies ensure organisations remain secure, efficient, and sustainable. The above five priorities are essential to keeping your business ahead of the curve. At FluidOne, our team of experts is ready to assist you with all the priorities – and more – and create a customised strategy for IT success in 2025. You can reach us through https://www.fluidone.com/contact, call us at 01273 384100 or email us at brighton@fluidone.com.

Held Consultancy - Member Case Study

What do you do? 
I am a customer experience consultant - A one stop shop for all your customer experience related needs: 

Converting visitors from your website and online store into customers. 
Increasing online sales and services bookings. 
Increasing percentage of returning customers. 
Improving services presentation, online products presentation and optimising the checkout process.  

Customer support - from methodology and supporting tools to ticketing systems implementation.  

  Why did you join the Chamber?
I wanted to be a part of a local business hub. I participated in some of the chamber’s events and was pleasantly surprised by the great atmosphere and the high organisation level in these events. This made joining an easy next step. 

What’s your favourite thing about being a member?
The opportunity to connect and share with local likeminded people. 

George Square Financial Management - Member Case Study

What do you do? 
George Square Financial Management provides independent financial planning solutions and mortgage advice to both individuals and businesses in the Southeast of England as well as the Midlands. Our approach is professional, friendly and client-focused whether you’re looking for expert advice on pensions, planning for the future, have a lump sum to invest, need help securing a mortgage or need a financial plan for your business. Our team of experienced, independent financial advisers work hard to build long-lasting relationships with our clients, getting to know you and your financial objectives and building mutual trust and respect. Considered planning, sound investment management and the strong ethos of partnership lie at the heart of what we do. With George Square you can be sure of a proactive approach and a dedicated, personal service that helps to build, safeguard and grow your wealth in a manner that best suits you. 

Why did you join the Chamber?
I have many long-standing clients in London and the Southeast, but when I relocated to Worthing in 2022, I was aware that although George Square Financial Management is well established in the Midlands (our head office is in Nottingham), the name was new to the people and businesses of Worthing. I was keen to expand my network in the area and establish new connections.   

Having been a part of the East Midlands Chamber network for many years, I was pleased to see that Worthing and Adur offered a similar range of activities and events, which I find invaluable. I have thoroughly enjoyed the events I’ve attended so far, and I’m delighted to have met many interesting people and useful connections. 

What’s your favourite thing about being a member? 
The events. Not only are they enjoyable and useful, they are also well-organised and ran with professionalism. 

Also, the people I’ve met, both at the Chamber and fellow members. Everyone has been friendly, enthusiastic, and welcoming, and have helped to make my relocation a much smoother process than I expected. I’m looking forward to making many more connections and introducing George Square Financial Management. 

 https://george-square.co.uk/

Momentum Business Support Limited - Member Case Study

What do you do?

Established in 2013, MOMENTUM Business Support Ltd specialises in providing comprehensive remote support services tailored to meet the unique needs of small and medium sized businesses. Our team of experts are dedicated to ensuring that your business operations run smoothly and efficiently. We offer a wide range of services including administrative support, digital marketing, accounts and credit control, call answering, HR and recruitment and a bespoke call answering service. By taking over these essential tasks, we enable business owners to focus on growth and development, making it easier for them to achieve their goals. Our flexible, cost-effective solutions are designed to save time and reduce stress, ensuring you have the right people in place to make it happen..

Why did you join the Chamber?

We joined Worthing & Adur Chamber of Commerce to become part of a vibrant local business community that fosters collaboration and growth. Being a member allows us to connect with like-minded business owners, share knowledge, and leverage the networking opportunities provided by the Chamber. We believe that active participation in the Chamber enhances our visibility and credibility while opening doors to new partnerships and clients, helping us to continuously expand our service offerings.

What’s your favourite thing about being a member?

Our favourite aspect of being a Chamber member is the sense of community and support we receive. The Chamber offers a platform for valuable connections, insightful events, and professional development opportunities. We particularly appreciate the Chamber's dedication to promoting local businesses and creating an environment where members can thrive together. The friendly, collaborative spirit and mutual support within the Chamber have significantly contributed to our growth and success, making it an invaluable resource for our business.

 https://momentumbusinesssupport.com/

First Aid Savvy - Member Case Study

What do you do? 
In a nutshell, I teach regulated First Aid courses to business and individuals within a 20 mile radius of Worthing. But it’s more than that … my aim is to create First Aiders who feel confident in themselves and their ability to give potentially life-saving help in an emergency situation. I run regular Open EFAW courses locally which are great for small numbers  and I can also deliver a course on-site which can be very cost effective for 5 or more delegates, and convenient for your staff. Courses can often be spread over a few days or delivered in one go, whichever suits your business’s individual circumstances. As a NUCO registered trainer, the courses are guaranteed to meet HSE standards.

Why did you join the Chamber? 
I went along to a couple of First Friday and Chamber Hub meetings initially and I was pleasantly surprised at how well attended they were, and how approachable and friendly everyone was. I wanted a networking group that didn’t feel like I had to do the hard sell – I believe networking is all about developing connections and this was exactly the atmosphere I found in the Chamber.

What’s your favourite thing about being a member? 
As a sole trader and a people-person, it can be lonely not having colleagues around me. Being a member of the chamber means I feel like I’m not alone … twice a month and more, I can meet with like-minded business people who are so much more than potential clients (tho there is that as well obviously)  .. some will become more like friends and colleagues and it’s great to feel part of something bigger than just me and my manikin mates!

www.firstaidsavvy.co.uk

Ropetackle Arts Centre and South Downs Leisure announce new partnership

Ropetackle Arts Centre and South Downs Leisure are excited to announce a new partnership, with South Downs Leisure becoming a business sponsor of Ropetackle. The sponsorship will enable Ropetackle to extend its outreach work, by offering free tickets to children who haven’t had the opportunity to visit the theatre before. 

South Downs Leisure is an award winning sustainable Charity and Leisure Trust, responsible for the delivery of leisure and hospitality facilities in Adur & Worthing.  It also operates the new 50m Sea Lanes in Brighton.

South Downs Leisure works in partnership with over 80 local clubs, charities, schools and wellbeing providers and is dedicated to enhancing the lives of local residents.  Its mission is to deliver an inclusive range of health and wellbeing initiatives whilst providing a clean, safe and happy experience.

Duncan Anderson, CEO of South Downs Leisure said  “We are delighted to be partnering with Ropetackle.  Our organisations share many values and are both committed to improving the lives of the communities in which we work.  We are particularly pleased to be able to help Ropetackle work with more children and families as part of its outreach programme over the coming year’.

Martin Allen, Chairman of Ropetackle Arts Centre said “From our first meeting it was clear that South Downs Leisure and Ropetackle would make excellent partners.  We are delighted to be able to extend our work with children and their families thanks to South Downs Leisure’s support. Ropetackle works across the community in order to involve and engage as many different people as possible in our programme of performances and workshops.  This sponsorship will make a huge difference to our work with young people in the region”.

Photographer Tony Graham picks the winner for his Photo Shoot Competition!

Following a recent Chamber Networking Breakfast, Tony offered all attendees the chance to win a professional photoshoot.

Chamber Member Ginny Santer of Monetaire Accountants was delighted with the results saying "Tony was great on our recent company shoot for our website and social media photo library. It felt like the whole session was a two way process and he put me and the staff at ease. I am very happy with the results and would happily recommend him to others"

You can check out the shoot here https://adobe.ly/4fAXive

You can see more of Tony's work on his website https://www.tonygrahamphotography.co.uk/social-media-photography

Do you need help creating a sustainability plan for your business?

Final year University of Brighton students studying carbon accounting are available for business projects.

They can work with your business to examine your carbon footprint and propose strategies for reducing it.

 Get data-driven insights into sustainability and reducing your energy and waste costs. 

• Support students with experience in the world of work. 

• Accelerate your sustainability journey and all the business benefits that brings. 

Details:

• Meet the students on 25 February 2025.

• Students will need access to business info to measure your footprint, and will work from March 2025 to May 2025.

• You’ll need to be available w/c 26 May 2025 to attend a student presentation session with other businesses..

  Interested or have any questions?

   Contact Dr. Vincent Kane in the University's School of Business and Law at v.kane@brighton.ac.uk by 29 November 2024

Will the Budget stifle future innovation or boost growth in Sussex?

Changes to employer national insurance (NI) announced in the Budget will add over £900 in business costs annually to the average £33,000 wage in the Brighton and Hove area, according to Sussex and South East accountancy firm Carpenter Box.

Speaking at a Budget briefing for local business leaders at the Sussex County Cricket ground, Stuart Noakes, Head of Tax at Carpenter Box, said the Budget was “big on spending, big on tax and big on borrowing.”

He said that while employment allowances would increase for the smallest employers, those business owners impacted by higher NI rates from April 2025 might want to consider offering their staff options beyond the scope of NI, such as electric vehicle packages, cycle to work schemes or higher pension contributions.

“My message to employers is to think creatively about how they can remunerate employees by providing valuable workplace benefits which at the same time help mitigate the costs associated with the NI changes,” said Stuart.

Stuart was speaking alongside Roy Thompson, Partner at Carpenter Box Financial Advisers.

Roy Thompson said the widening of the scope of inheritance tax from April 2027 to include defined contribution pension schemes, would likely encourage families to adopt more of a group approach to asset and wealth planning, sharing information and looking to redistribute money down the family tree. The Budget announcements will also encourage individuals to seek alternative investment vehicles offering tax advantages. This may include the use of Trusts and investment in assets that qualify for inheritance tax exemptions.

For further information about the Budget impact on businesses and individuals, visit the Carpenter Box Budget Hub -  https://www.carpenterbox.com/budget-hub

Photo (l-r): Stuart Noakes (Carpenter Box) and Roy Thompson (Carpenter Box Financial Advisers).

Kreston Reeves strengthens VAT team with senior hire 

Accountants, business and financial advisers Kreston Reeves has strengthened its VAT and Indirect Tax team with the appointment of Director Nick Dawe.

Nick joined the firm on 1 November 2024 from KPMG where he was a senior manager in its indirect tax team.

He brings to the firm considerable expertise across all areas of VAT and with specific interests in land and property businesses, financial services, retail, not-for-profit, energy and public sector institutions.

Nick also has particular strengths in advising international businesses, having spent eight years at HMRC as its G7 and G6 VAT specialist.

Kreston Reeves’ expert VAT and Duty team supports clients through VAT advice and compliance, international VAT strategy, VAT recovery, negotiations with HMRC and advice on import duties.

Commenting on the new role, Nick said: “Kreston Reeves has a terrific reputation acting for entrepreneurial and fast-growth businesses, often with an international focus. I am looking forward to developing my career with a firm that reflects my own purpose in guiding clients through the VAT landscape.”

Rupert Moyle, Partner and Head of VAT and Duty at Kreston Reeves said: “VAT continues to be complex with businesses needing the very best advice to help them navigate the pot holes. We are thrilled by Nick’s decision to join the firm and know our clients will benefit from his technical expertise and ability to provide advice in an accessible and practical way.”