Shake It Up Creative - Member Case Study

What do you do?

Shake It Up Creative is a marketing and web company based in Worthing that works with SMEs who are ready for professional marketing support. Our sectors of strength are arts & culture, charity and hospitality but naturally our work extends wider than this, including public sector projects.  We like to get to know our clients and work like a natural extension of their internal team.  We love working with purpose-led organisations and for every project we deliver, we provide at least one hour of marketing advice to a small business in need.  Over more than two decades as a Director and Founder I (Rachael Dines) have worked with hundreds of small organisations including Worthing Samaritans, Brighton Gin and Egalité Care.  I'm a Chartered Marketer, a BIPC Expert in Residence and the charities marketing expert for Community Works alongside being an expert advisor on many regional, funded, support programmes such as Grow Digital and Go for Growth IOW. I've previously featured on BBC Radio Sussex, C5 and as the live, expert SEO guest on the LBC Radio Clive Bull Business Show.

Why did you join the Chamber?

To raise the profile of my company, have learning opportunities and also because it's good value.  It's given me all of this, plus a valuable support network and new business too.  As every business owner knows, things aren't always rosy and I've made strong enough connections through the chamber to always have someone to talk to or to recommend me when I've needed a boost.  For the past few years I have been an Ambassador and sat on a working group and I enjoy being able to give back to an organisation that has genuinely cared about me as I've built my business.

What's your favourite thing about being a member?

Having a variety of events to go to - I've been on walks, food factory tours, out for cocktails and to the airport amongst other places - as well as the continuous opportunity to meet new people. I'm always recommending the Chamber to business owners that I meet in other networks and I also try to bring new ideas to the table as an Ambassador to help the Chamber continue to evolve. The chamber also gave me my first speaking opportunities which led to me later being on panels and speaking at huge events like Brighton SEO.

Pilbeam Construction - Member Case Study

What do you do? 

Pilbeam Construction builds and manages large and medium-sized projects across Sussex and the South East, mixing traditional values with innovative techniques.

Having begun as a family business in 1955, we specialise in the commercial, health, education, heritage and residential sectors – with a reputation for offering personal service, a proactive approach and a loyal supply chain.

The company recently underwent a management buy-out which has seen long-standing directors Alan Corbett and Andrew Arrow take over the reins, with a vision to maximise the qualities our customers love so much whilst growing the business responsibly.

That includes meeting a growing need for affordable sustainable buildings that are good for the environment and delivered in a reliable time frame.

Our true USP is that our highly qualified 20-strong team regularly demonstrates an ability to deliver large-scale complex assignments, whilst retaining the collaborative approach and personal touch you associate with a family business.

Why did you join the Chamber? 

• Valuing local connection across Worthing and Adur and building relationships in the region has always been a big part of the way Pilbeam works.
• Our business was born nearby in Southwick by our founder Alan Pilbeam nearly 70 years ago and we’re still there - and very proud of our roots in Sussex.
• By staying local we have got to know all the consultants, quantity surveyors and architects around East and West Sussex. So, we always know what’s going on – and of course we’ve built a lot of friendships and loyal clients, too. Working with the Chamber of Commerce is a big part of that.

It’s all about meeting old friends, making new ones and keeping in touch with everything that is going on in the region.

Attending networking events helps build awareness of your business – and of course it can open up new business opportunities too.

www.pilbeamconstruction.co.uk     

Freedom Works - Member Case Study

What do you do? 

At Freedom Works, we're not your typical co-working space. Yes, we provide desks and a place to work, but we're so much more than just a roof over your head. Our spaces are designed to foster collaboration and creativity, cultivating collaborative communities. But we go way beyond that. We offer a wide range of resources and opportunities, from curated events to shared lunches, all geared towards helping our members grow and succeed. And we don't stop there; our comprehensive business support services are there to guide you every step of the way, ensuring your business reaches its full potential. And just when you thought things couldn't get better, as a member, you have the flexibility to utilise your benefits across all our spaces, enabling you to work wherever suits you best. At Freedom Works, we're not just about workspaces; we're about creating thriving ecosystems where individuals and businesses can truly flourish.

Why did you join the Chamber? 

Our decision to join the Chamber of Commerce was motivated by the networking opportunities it presents. Connecting with professionals from various backgrounds fosters collaboration and provides invaluable insights for our growth. We anticipated that membership would enhance our brand visibility through active participation in events and sponsorships, solidifying our presence in the local business community. Ultimately, we sought the Chamber to act as a catalyst for Freedom Works' success, offering a platform to network, build connections, and elevate our brand within the business landscape and local community.

What’s your favourite thing about being a member? 

One of the things we appreciate most about being a member of the Chamber of Commerce is the fantastic networking opportunities it provides. Connecting with professionals from various backgrounds not only encourages collaboration but also offers valuable insights for growth. Our membership enhances our brand visibility through participation in events and sponsorships, reinforcing our presence in the local business community. Participating in events like the Better Business Show exemplifies how these opportunities come to fruition. In essence, the Chamber plays a role in Freedom Works' success, offering a platform to network, connect, and enhance our brand within the business environment and local echo system.

www.freedomworks.space

St Oscar Romero - Member Case Study

What do you do?

 I am an extended learning Leader at St Oscar Romero Catholic school in Goring and I help to bring the students in to the real World. I focus on Careers, Enrichment and Outdoor learning with the help of the dedicated Business/Training Partners (you!) Events like: Build and Bake Enterprise Day, Careers Fairs, Environmental activities and lots of trips to the workplace including our week long Work Experience program. 

Why did you join the Chamber? 

So I can promote and encourage Partners to help out so to develop our your students to be effective and driven employees and leaders of the future. 

www.stromeros.co.uk

Brand Nest - Member Case Study

What do you do? 

We help businesses of all sizes achieve their goals through affordable creative services with a personal approach.
Our extensive experience and personal approach are what set us apart from other agencies. When you work with Brand Nest, you’ll benefit from all the skills and resources of a large agency, at a fair and transparent price.

• Branding: a new brand look and feel, including rebrands, logos, branded merchandise and brand guidelines which can be implemented across your assets.
• Websites: advice, design and development of a high performing, responsive website built in WordPress. Includes SEO functionality as standard.
• Videos: explainers, brand videos, social media, thought leadership and high impact digital ads to help you showcase your products and services to the right people.
• Graphics: Infographics, typography, custom images and photography to support your online marketing strategy.

Why did you join the Chamber? 

What’s your favourite thing about being a member?

It's about the community, the feeling of being part of something where businesses get the opportunity to share and care. I thrive on honesty and transparency. I am a huge advocate of really getting under the skin of the businesses I support, their audience and their services offered. In order to give my best this is vital to achieve their goals

brandnest.co.uk

What do you do?
I am a Consultant Solicitor and Spanish Qualified Lawyer with over 20 years legal experience working within the UK. My practice focuses on Spanish law and international matters, providing comprehensive legal advice in areas ranging from buying and selling property in Spain, organising Spanish Probate, drafting Spanish Wills, Power of Attorney and certificates of law, assisting with Spanish visas, to also matters related to international trade of goods, contracts or litigation. You can rest assured that I can assist you throughout the entire process.
My bilingual skills means there will be no need of interpreters or streamlines document translation of documents, saving clients time and money.
Working for individual clients, companies or solicitors’ firms who seek assistance with Spanish legal matters and cross-border complexities. I have an in-depth knowledge of Hispanic cultures and their legal systems, facilitating smooth communication and navigating of cross-cultural nuances.
During my years in the UK, I have built an extensive network of international connections worldwide, enabling my legal assistance in over 50 countries.

Why did you join the Chamber? 

I joined the Worthing Chamber , having been living in Worthing for a number of years now., driven by the desire to connect with local professionals, fostering a supportive network. The Chamber’s events are opportunities to meet new professional and engage in the local business community.

What’s your favourite thing about being a member? 

As a Consultant now, I am enjoying the flexibility of working independently while still benefiting from the Chambers’s networks and events. It is great to attend the networking events with the Chamber and in particular to meet new professionals working in the area. The speed networking experiences are a lot of fun and the Business Awards are an event not to miss.

www.carmencalvo.co.uk07980 596 406 

Destrier VA Services - Member Case Study

What do you do?

In medieval times 'Destrier' was the knight's warhorse, a strong and reliable companion carrying its charge into battle. Destrier VA Services will be the ‘warhorse’ to help you win the battle with your admin. Designed with SME’s in mind we offer traditional executive support with niche expertise including business diary management, database maintenance, data input, email marketing, online research, venue finding and co-ordination, writing and editing presentations and meeting minute taking. By choosing Destrier VA Services you are choosing 40 years of administrative experience to help you with those tasks which might seem daunting to get done but, with a little help, could be off your desk in no time!

When I started Destrier VA Services at the start of 2023 joining Worthing and Adur Chamber of Commerce really was a no brainer for me! Through a previous job, I already knew they would offer the right level of support to me as a business start-up. The events are easy to attend and suit my time needs (I’m not a fan of early morning or evening networking). They put on a good variety of events which means I get to meet different people and they are all local which serves my business model.

The team makes membership easy as there is no pressure to attend events so I can fit them around my business demands and the frequency of events means that if I can’t make one, there is always another around the corner! The directory of members suits my business model as I want to work with other SME’s. This makes for a real community and a feeling you are part of something local and worthwhile. The educational opportunities are great and, perhaps most importantly for a small start up business, it isn’t expensive to be a member. What’s not to like!

carol@destriervaservices.co.uk

Janet Webb Consulting - Member Case Study

Janet is an independent learning & development consultant, working in the secular and in the spiritual arena. She supports staff by developing their management and personal effectiveness skills and helps them tackle things that they would usually avoid. She particularly specialises in working with new managers, helping them discover how to transfer their excellent technical skills into the skills of managing a team.

Her thing is to help people understand their own brains and emotions, so that they can do the scary stuff, such as managing people or giving presentations. She tries to help people find poise - that characteristic of being knowledgeable, balanced, secure, sure-footed. It comes from having confidence in self, mastery of skill and inner strength.

Janet can be a bit kooky at times – and she likes it that way.

Why did you join the chamber?

As a sole trader it is really easy to feel isolated and out of touch with other businesses. I joined the chamber to surround myself with like-minded people, who understood what it is like to run a business. I value the opportunities that the chamber offers to members in terms of training and key-note speakers, as well as the variety of networking events.

What’s your favourite thing about being a member?

The supportive atmosphere means that you can really get to know people. People I have met through the monthly hub and other events have become trusted associates and friends. I am a better resource to my clients because of who I know well through the chamber.

Hollands Associates - Member Case Study

What do you do? 

I’m a PR and communications consultant with over 20 years' experience. I work with corporate and charity clients, helping them build and maintain a good reputation and a high profile among their audiences. I do this through effective media relations, stakeholder communications and raising their profile – such as by helping them win awards, secure speaking opportunities and get mentioned in the press.
As a crisis specialist, I also help my clients ensure they’re saying and doing the right things when times get challenging.

Why did you join the Chamber? 

To make business and community connections, to meet fellow business owners and to tap into the learning resources the Chamber offers. I also wanted to give my clients assurance that I am a trusted practitioner who takes the running of my business seriously and I thought that being associated with the Chamber was a good way to do that. Since becoming a member, I’ve joined Peer Mentoring, which is a monthly highlight, and delivered two sessions to help others better understand PR and how their businesses can benefit from it

What’s your favourite thing about being a member?

The camaraderie and opportunity to be involved in networking and events which are always either free or very reasonably priced. I've met some wonderful people through the Chamber, whom I wouldn't have known otherwise. Being a Chamber member makes owning and running a business feel a lot less lonely and gives you the feeling that you’re all in it together, experiencing the same highs, lows and challenges.

Bozboz Web Design - Member Case Study

What do you do?

Bozboz is a web design and development agency based in Brighton that specialises in creating, supporting and optimising B2B and eCommerce experiences for brands and consumers. Our mission is simple - to make websites work harder for everyone.

Our services incorporate website design and development, proactive support and maintenance, brand development and Hubspot CRM implementation.

From the first spark of inspiration to the final launch, we're by your side. We collaborate to understand your unique challenges, and create user-first websites that enhance your credibility and drive results.

Beyond launch, our proactive approach to support means we've always got your brand in mind. From continuous website improvements, to practical eCommerce and SEO consultancy, we use research and data to help you reach your objectives, faster.

Whether it’s helping you ditch your out-of-date tech, boosting sales, or building a CMS that your team can actually use, our services are tailored to solve your digital problems, whatever they may be.

Why did you join the chamber?

We joined the chamber after being introduced by another member and attending a monthly chamber hub event, which was a fantastic opportunity to meet the diverse member base and the supportive Worthing team. Our initial experience was overwhelmingly positive, enjoying a well-organised and well-attended event. The chamber's broad mix of brands, from solopreneurs to enterprise clients, offers excellent networking opportunities. The Worthing Chamber team’s support during our initial discussions reinforced our decision to join. Overall, the chamber provides us with a platform to connect with local businesses and offer digital support and advice to fellow members on their digital journeys.

What’s your favourite thing about being a member?

Our favourite aspect of being a chamber member is the regular community events, particularly the speed networking sessions we recently enjoyed. Worthing Chamber offers ample opportunities to promote our brand through social posts, thought leadership content in their digital magazine, and speaking engagements. Their willingness to facilitate introductions and their regular updates are invaluable. The diverse mix of brands also makes it a fantastic chapter to be part of. We especially appreciate the monthly chamber events, which are perfect for reconnecting with the businesses and friends we've made along the way.