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Worthing & Adur Chamber

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News & Updates

Regular news and updates from the Chamber, our members, local Councils and other relevant business news will be posted regularly here. 

Don't forget, as a member one of your many benefits is being able to submit your press releases and news for inclusion here as well as on either the members or business news emails and social media, for guidelines please click here. Please submit to lauren@worthingandadurchamber.co.uk 

Business News Items


  • 28 November 2024 2:43 PM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)

    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/


  • 28 November 2024 11:58 AM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)

    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



  • 27 November 2024 9:42 AM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)

    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”.


  • 27 November 2024 9:06 AM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)

    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


  • 20 November 2024 1:07 PM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)

    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


  • 19 November 2024 1:36 PM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)

    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).


  • 12 November 2024 9:36 AM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)

    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.”


  • 11 November 2024 12:05 PM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)

    METALL event: Do your research to succeed overseas

    Sussex and Surrey manufacturers looking to grow overseas benefited from advice from one of the UK’s leading international trade experts at the latest meeting of METALL, the forum for the region’s manufacturing, engineering and technology businesses.

    Nick Charles, International Trade Adviser at the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), guided business leaders through the government support that is available both online and in person to help companies expand through exports.

    “Succeeding internationally not only means exposure to bigger markets, it can also make recruiting talent easier, boost productivity and generate new ideas through knowledge sharing,” said Nick. “That said, businesses must do their research, get good data, and be prepared to invest their time and resources to expand operations on a country-by-country basis.”

    He recommended visiting great.gov.uk as a starting point where businesses can join DBT’s online export academy, which helps to build knowledge on selling internationally, and explore further support options relevant to them.  This includes contacting DBT’s export support team.

    Businesses also heard from a panel of experts from METALL sponsors, accountants Carpenter Box, lawyers DMH Stallard and NatWest Bank, about the most common pitfalls to avoid, notably around intellectual property, contractual terms and conditions, VAT and finance.

    “There are definitely exciting opportunities overseas for progressive businesses, but the big take-away for would-be exporters is to do your homework,” said Tony Summers, Partner and Head of Manufacturing at Carpenter Box. “To succeed, manufacturers need to be thorough in their planning, understand the risks, get to know their target territories and markets inside out – and then implement a comprehensive business development plan.”

    Photo (l-r) shows: Thomas Mobee, VAT Director, Carpenter Box; Kaajal Kanbi, Trade Finance Manager, NatWest; Nick Charles, International Trade Adviser, Department for Business and Trade; and Debbie Venn, Partner, DMH Stallard.

    www.metall.org.uk


  • 08 November 2024 9:52 AM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)

    Pilbeam expands team to support talent development

    Contractor Pilbeam Construction has strengthened its team with three new hires, boosting its ability to deliver high-quality construction projects across Sussex and the South East.

    Joining Pilbeam, based in Southwick, West Sussex, are Rob Lyons as assistant quantity surveyor, Benjamin Williams as assistant site manager and Sam Burchett as a carpentry apprentice.

    Pilbeam Construction managing director Alan Corbett said: “This expansion demonstrates our commitment to providing opportunities for young people and quality craftsmanship.

    “We’re very happy to welcome Rob, Benjamin and Sam to the Pilbeam family. The skills they acquire with us will strengthen our ability to deliver excellent service across major heritage, healthcare and educational projects in the South East.”

    Rob Lyons, with a BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying and experience in managing large-scale projects across Dubai and Oman, joins as assistant quantity surveyor. His responsibilities include procurement, contract management and cost control.

    Rob said: “It was Pilbeam’s reputation for quality and collaboration that initially attracted me.

    “The company is large enough to manage substantial, exciting projects, yet retains a close-knit culture that encourages teamwork.”

    Rob’s career began in council housing maintenance, later evolving into international project management – and he’s now eager to bring his expertise to Pilbeam’s diverse portfolio.

    Benjamin Williams brings a dynamic approach to site management, with expertise in health and safety, resource organisation and quality-focused project delivery.

    With a technology-driven perspective, Benjamin has already contributed to Pilbeam’s notable regional projects, including the restoration of Newhaven Fort.

    Currently working towards a Level 6 BSc (Hons) in Construction Management, Benjamin said: “Pilbeam’s values align with my own. It’s a supportive environment where the company really invests in your professional growth. It took me a while to find my place in construction, but I believe I’ve landed on my feet at Pilbeam.”

    Sam Burchett, a carpentry and joinery apprentice studying at Brighton Met, has joined Pilbeam after a successful work experience placement.

    Previously a warehouse operative, Sam’s transition to carpentry and joinery reflects his dedication to mastering hands-on, creative work in a field he’s passionate about.

    Sam said: “From day one, the team has made me feel welcome and I’m learning so much in an environment that truly values its apprentices. I’ve always loved making things, so this role is the perfect fit for me.”

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


  • 08 November 2024 9:43 AM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)

    Could you support Tree Action and Durrington Infant and Junior Schools?

    TreeAction CIC, a Sussex based non for profit that funds and organises tree planting projects in schools and communities, is currently fundraising for an orchard of 20 fruit trees that will be planted at Durrington Infant and Junior school over the next six months.

    The project will be TreeActions 8th school project in Sussex where it has fundraised for over 90% of the cost of the project, and they are now looking to raise £5000 for the Durrington Primary project, with all donations being matched by Aviva Community fund.  

    The planting itself would involve the students who will also be caring for those trees and harvesting the fruit for years to come.

    Durrington Infant and Junior support a considerable number of vulnerable and disadvantaged pupils and their families. They have a food bank supporting up to 50 families each month, offering breakfast to pupils, and each Friday make surplus food available to families who cannot always provide fresh fruit to their children. Fruit from the orchard would also be offered mid-morning snacks to any pupils.

    The varieties we will order will likely include pear, plum and cherry trees and the project will help the school to address an educational vacuum through hands on tree care and fruit picking as part of the curriculum.

    Above: Some of the young eco-team and year 3 cohort at the school who will be involved in planting looking after the trees. Some are school councilors as well so represent their class.  

    TreeAction CIC Director Ricky Purnell said “ We’re looking to support environmental education in schools with more trees, especially when the school do not have the time and resources to organise major projects like this. The young students are our future eco ambassadors, and giving them responsibility for caring for trees can support their outdoor learning  “

    The school's nursery children will pay visits to begin understanding nature from early on adopting a tree as part of their "Well-being Wednesday" and lessons including cooking and understanding where food comes from would use this. A range of children will be involved from nursery up to year 6, so this will be a whole school project. 

    More information on the project and crowdfunding campaign can be found here – https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/treeaction---more-tree-projects-for-schools

    They are also always on the lookout for volunteers. - www.treeactionuk.org



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