Adur and Worthing Councils urge divestment of pension funds

Pension bosses are being urged to divest funds away from fossil fuels by Adur & Worthing Councils.

As part of stepping up its response to the climate emergency, councillors on both authorities agreed the millions of pounds invested by the West Sussex Pension Fund - of which its staff are members - should be done in an environmentally-conscious way.

Adur and Worthing members agreed it is time for a rethink on how capital is used, with the Councils’ Chief Executive writing to County Hall with a formal request on their behalf.

The aim is to encourage a move away from investing in companies that generate revenues from oil, gas and coal as part of wider efforts to tackle climate change.

Councillor Neil Parkin, Leader of Adur District Council, said: “After declaring a climate emergency, it’s vital that we as civic leaders show leadership on this extremely important issue.

“Divestment will send an extremely important message that we are serious about moving away from fossil fuels, which is why the Council was unanimous in urging West Sussex Pension Fund to take this action.”

Councillor Daniel Humphreys, Leader of Worthing Borough Council, said: “Oil and gas have been major contributors to pension funds in the past but now is the time to think again. 

“A move away will not be easy; but believe it should be looked at sooner rather than later which is why we have submitted this request.”

Both Adur and Worthing Full Councils passed motions at meetings last month.

The motions noted that both Councils were taking steps to “put their own house in order”. This includes creating a robust Carbon Reduction Plan which works towards carbon neutrality by 2030; working with businesses, community groups and individuals to take the agenda forward; and working up practical ways of responding to the climate crisis.

The motion concluded that: “This Council now calls upon the Trustees of the West Sussex County Council Local Authority Pension Fund (of which the Councils’ employees are members) to divest that fund of all investments in fossil fuel stocks, equities and funds.”

The agreement by both Councils means the Chief Executive has now written an open letter to the Trustees of the fund and asked them to take action.

Currently, the investment strategy by West Sussex County Council Pension Fund notes that it “does not take into account non-financial factors when selecting, retaining, or realising its investments” adding: “good practice in terms of social, environmental and corporate governance issues is likely to impact positively on companies’ financial performance.”

According to Friends of the Earth, UK councils are investing more than £16 billion of workers’ pensions in fossil fuel companies.

Love is in the air at the Indigo Restaurant

Treat the special person in your life to a Valentine’s Day lunch or dinner.

Our AA Rosette award winning Head Chef, Luca Mason, has created an exquisite Valentine’s Day menu guaranteed to create a memorable dining experience.

Luncheon from 12.00 to 1.45pm

2 Course - £29.50 or 3 Course - £37.00

Dinner from 6.30 to 9pm

3 Courses - £42.00 (including a red rose)

Head Chef Luca’s Valentine’s menu offers classic Valentine’s dishes including pan-roasted King Scallops and chargrilled steak alongside sharing plates to enjoy with the one you love.

STARTERS

Cream of Wild Mushroom Soup, Wild Mushroom and Truffle Oil

Spiced Courgette Korma

Aubergine pickle and coconut mint yoghurt, grilled flatbread(Vegan) gf on request

Chargrilled Local Venison Fillets

Celeriac slaw, beetroot, ketchups and Bramley apple puree gf

Pan-Roasted King Scallops,

Black pudding, wild mushrooms and parsnip puree

To Share

Bloody Mary prawn cocktail, king prawns in garlic butter, salt and pepper squid, smoked haddock smokies, mussels in a Thai broth gf on request

MAINS

Chargrilled Aged Fillet Steak

Grilled mushrooms & tomatoes, peppercorn sauce, chips and green beans gf

Pan Roasted Wing of Local Skate,

New potatoes, spinach and caper butter df gf

Grilled Fillets of Local Seabass

Crab and lobster risotto, asparagus and fennel salad gf

Pan Roasted Chicken Breast,

Creamed potato, chicken and pancetta sausage, creamed leeks, pearl barley and gravy

Pan Roasted Rump of Lamb,

Braised lentils, celeriac puree, cavolo nero & Madeira jus gf

Chickpea, Butternut Squash and Red Pepper Tagine,

Quinoa salad, pomegranate, mint, tzatziki and grilled pitta(vg) gf

DESSERTS

Hot Chocolate Fondant, Chocolate and Almond Sponge, White Chocolate Cheese, Dark Chocolate Mousse,

Orange Jelly & Pistachio Ice Cream

Spiced Pear and Blackberry Crème Brulee

Apple and cider compote, honey biscuits

Steamed Syrup Sponge

Plum and Orange Crème Anglaise

Roasted pineapple, coconut ice cream

Dark rum and pineapple syrup, df gf vegan

Selection of British and Continental Cheese,

Indigo homemade chutney, celery and biscuits gf on request

***

Freshly Ground Coffee or Tea Infusions & Audrey’s handmade Chocolates

To make a reservation, please call on 01903 230451 or click here.

Adur & Worthing Business Awards host celebratory dinner for 2019 winners!

Winners, sponsors and other special guests celebrated at The Fat Greek Taverna restaurant in Worthing town centre on Thursday 16^th January following the success of the 2019 awards.

Over fifty guests enjoyed a glass of fizz on arrival and the opportunity to network before taking their seats to enjoy a wonderful mezze style dinner prepared by The Fat Greek Taverna.  Martin Randall, Director for the Economy - Adur & Worthing Councils and Peter Webb MBE DL, Managing Director – ETI Ltd welcomed guests with a short speech, acknowledging everyone’s contribution, input and support to the local business community.

The Adur & Worthing Business Awards are organised by a committee of successful local business people.  These include Peter Webb and Nicky Dumbleton of Electronic Temperature Instruments, James Stoner of JSPC Computer Services, Keith & Gill Gallis of Seagull Travel, Tina Tilley and Tracie Davey of Worthing & Adur Chamber of Commerce and Angela Crane of Adur & Worthing Council. 

Chay Took – President of Worthing & Adur Chamber of Commerce and category sponsor commented “The Adur & Worthing Business Awards is now a firm fixture on the local business calendar, showcasing a thriving business community.  For over twelve years, the event has welcomed and rewarded some of the area’s most recognisable business leaders and organisations, as well as young entrepreneurs and charities — we’re pleased to be able to welcome those winners here tonight to continue celebrating their achievements”.

The 2020 Awards will take place on Friday 13^th November and businesses interested in entering are invited to attend the official launch event which will take place on Wednesday 3^rd June from 5-7pm (venue to be confirmed). This special networking event will provide lots of useful tips and information on entering and attendees will get the chance to chat to sponsors and mingle with previous entrants and winners.

James Stoner – Managing Director of JSPC said “As a sponsor of the Adur & Worthing Business Awards I have witnessed first-hand the positive effect that being part of this process can achieve for a business. The widespread publicity around the awards help to raise the profile of shortlisted businesses and gives them a stage from which to share their story and engage with a wider audience. These awards not only put businesses on the map but provided a medium for us to discover truly amazing companies that are doing great things in Adur & Worthing which is something we should all be proud of.”

Full updates can be found on the dedicated website www.awbawards.com

Shoreham Beach boardwalk to be extended

The popular boardwalk at Shoreham Beach is about to get an extension. Work will commence on the new section in February when weather permits, and continue for about three weeks. 

The new extension will stretch along an existing pathway from the existing boardwalk at Ferry Road to the concrete footpath at Beach Road to the west.

Letters informing residents of nearby properties of the proposed route were issued at the end of last year and, as the work will take place under permitted development rights, planning permission is not needed.

The existing boardwalk, which extends for a mile from Ferry Road to Shoreham Fort, has proved highly popular with walkers and has also allowed those with limited mobility and pushchairs to explore the town’s environmentally-protected shoreline. It passes through a rare habitat hosting such plants as Yellow Horned Poppy, Sea Kale and Curled Dock.

The new phase four of the boardwalk will continue to use highly durable recycled plastic and cost £95,000 to install. 

Councillor David Simmons, Adur District Council’s Executive Member for Health & Wellbeing, said: “Since its inception, the boardwalk has really opened up this unique and protected stretch of beach to local residents and those with more limited mobility. I’m delighted we are about to start phase four of the scheme, which will open up even more opportunities to enjoy this public facility.”

Councillor Joss Loader, who is also chairman of the Shoreham Beach Residents’ Association, said: “Shoreham Beach is an extremely special place with a unique habitat and wonderful views. The existing boardwalk is hugely popular with residents and visitors to the beach and Adur District Council is to be applauded for the further investment.

“A lot of work has gone into making sure we use materials sympathetic to the area’s Local Nature Reserve status, ensuring the boardwalk also protects the rare plants.”

The boardwalk scheme has had the support of a range of partners including West Sussex County Council, the Environment Agency, Shoreham Port, Shoreham Residents’ Association, the Friends of Shoreham Beach and Shoreham Beach Neighbourhood Forum.

Climate conference planned for Adur and Worthing

Community groups are urging residents and businesses to play an active role in helping to transform Adur and Worthing’s approach to the climate emergency.

ZERO 2030 is a community-led climate conference taking place on March 4 in Worthing’s Assembly Hall.

Organised by Worthing Climate Action Network and Transition Town Worthing with support from Adur & Worthing Councils, the aim is to generate ideas, projects and partnerships which will help the area tackle climate crisis.

Hundreds of people are expected to attend and discuss ways to lower carbon use, improve green spaces, reduce waste and improve access to sustainable transport and energy.

Interest is expected to be high - with residents and businesses encouraged to sign up online at Eventbrite to ensure they can attend the day-long event.

Michelle Furtado, of Worthing Climate Action Network, said: “The climate emergency is something that will affect everyone across Adur and Worthing. It as only by working together as a community that we can create a cleaner, greener, more resilient and connected Adur and Worthing.

“That’s why we are encouraging individuals, businesses, organisations and community to come along to this community-led event and contribute positive practical ideas so that our areas can continue to prosper in years to come.”

The event will feature a range of inspirational speakers and stalls featuring projects and activities going on locally to transform Adur and Worthing.

There will also be a chance to contribute ideas, sign up to campaigns and share pledges for action.

Among those speaking at the event will be Isabella Tree from the Knepp Estate, who will talk about rewilding of open spaces and the wider benefits to the environment.

A number of interactive spaces are also planned to cover several key themes, such as transport, waste, energy and carbon reduction, water and economics and business.

Attendees can also input into the Councils’ shared SustainableAW framework which outlines commitments the local authorities have made to become carbon neutral by 2030. Delegates will be invited to make their own pledges and collaborate on local climate action.

The community organisations are fundraising for costs to hold the event. To donate please visit the ZERO 2030 Crowdfunding page.

What are people in Worthing making and doing with digital tech?

Between 18 and 30 January 2020 we will be asking this question in the Space to Make project at Colonnade House.

Alongside the exciting plans to expand our current building into a creative digital hub with ultrafast broadband, we are exploring the potential for setting up a makerspace for Worthing.

We have already been working with creatives based at Colonnade House and with people working with digital tech in the wider community in Worthing and they will be sharing some of their projects at practical open 'Work in Progress' sessions at Colonnade House including:

· Ginny from Persistent Peril turning a light on with a Photon (a tiny Wi-Fi internet of things device enabling remote connectivity and control)  

· Adam from As Described taking up the challenge as an artist and non-coder of building an AI object-recognition system  

· Martin from Freedom Power Chairs using micro electronics and 3D printing to make adaptations for mobility scooters  

· Sussex Printmakers exploring how a laser cutter can be used as a tool for printmaking 

· John from Worthing Digital looking at how the Amazon Alexa voice assistant works and also exploring how you can make your own Alexa Skill    

· Arun Singh from The Peer Group looking at Augmented Reality - the state of play and what's coming next.  

· Transition Town Worthing exploring how they can use micro controllers to create responsive automatic irrigation systems 

How can you get involved?

• When our full programme is published in the new year, come along to a Work in Progress session to observe, learn, contribute and connect, or book into one of our family workshops. 
• Please share this with your networks

Potentially exciting development at the Guildbourne Centre 

A planning application has gone into for The Guildbourne Centre for Change of Use of 1st floor premises from Class A1 (Shops/Retail) to mixed Class B1a (office) / D1 (Non-Residential Institution) / D2 (Assembly and Leisure) use to accommodate a flexible working space, conference centre, church and general community space, run by the Jubilee Community Church charity.

The proposal will provide a community hub and serve as a place to provide a range of events to help meet the needs of the town.  For the past 15 years, the Jubilee Church has been looking for property in Worthing which could accommodate their offices and essential functions, such as their Sunday meetings, mid-week events and serve as a base for their involvement in the Worthing community. They have been helping local parents through their Tots group (parent and toddler mornings) and have been looking for a space which would allow them to continue their service several times in a week, in addition to running a Foodbank. Part of their project aims to offer hireable office space for local businesses looking for desk-hire and meeting space, in addition to using the auditorium as a conference centre for local companies to use. 

Click here for more information

Things could really be looking up as early 2020 will see the opening of a new Mind Works Escape Rooms on the Ground Floor. With the first room called Smugglers Room, set in Worthing in the 1860's. Click here for more info.

Who are you calling old?!

Worthing and Adur Chamber’s 100^th birthday

There’s no getting away from it – age catches up with all of us and the Chamber is no exception! This year is Worthing and Adur Chamber’s 100^th birthday but we’re not expecting a card from the Queen or putting ourselves out to pasture – no way! Instead we wanted to use the opportunity to do something good that could show as many people as possible what a fantastic business community our membership is and also help with the local economy. Sounds like a doddle right? OK, maybe not. This is where you – lovely members – show your Chamber mettle and join in!

So what are we doing?

The Chamber is launching a special programme with the aim of helping 100 young businesses become more successful this year. They can receive 20 hours training, mentoring and expert help from those that have been there and done it - all for the price of a £65 start-up membership.

Training

Participants will receive up to 20 hours free training in the form of courses specifically designed to help young businesses. These will be led by Chamber experts.

Mentoring

There will also be access to business mentors who will be able to provide guidance on more specific problems that occur among individual businesses. The Chamber will strive to match mentors to participants according to experience and need.

Expert Help

Programme entrants will also be supported by local bodies such as Adur & Worthing Council and the Adur and Worthing Business Partnership (AWBP). These bodies have committed to offering help through the bureaucracy that can be a minefield for newer businesses. The less red tape the better we say!

What can you do to help?

We need help in a number of ways:

• 1.      Be one of our experts!
• Could your skills be of use to a new business? We’re looking for finance, marketing, admin, legal, recruitment and IT help – plus others too. If you think you can provide a training session or help us write one then please get in touch with the office.
• 2.      Be a mentor
• If you’ve been there, seen it, done it and bought the t-shirt in business, then we reckon you’ve probably got what it takes to help mentor a young business. Mentoring can be as hands on or off as you want it to be and can also be hugely rewarding. We will match your skills to programme entrants.
• 3.      Recruit young businesses
  If you know anyone who has recently started a business then please put them in touch with us. The business just needs to be less than 18 months old and can be from any sector at all; Retail, Manufacturing, Trade, Technical, Service… anything. This programme is not just about digital – it’s for everyone.
• 4.      Help us give this programme a name!
• We’re looking for a great catchy name for this programme. It needs to be something that really fits the bill and is relevant to our 100^th birthday. The name will be revealed at the programme’s official launch at the Better Business Show on February 13^th and the person who comes up with the name will be given the ‘My Business My Story’ page in the next issue of Connect, plus a huge thank you from the Chamber team J

Of course we will be celebrating with a number of other special events throughout the year too (so keep your eyes peeled for more info on these) but we believe this programme could leave a legacy for our local area and even help the local economy. We really hope you want to be part of it too.

More information coming soon keep an eye on the website www.worthingandadurchamber.co.uk

Invite for GB MET Industry Day in Brighton 

Date: Thursday 30th January, 2020
Time: 10.00 am- 12.30 - Buffet lunch 1-2 pm
Location: Greater Brighton Metropolitan College, Pelham Street, Brighton BN1 4FA

This will be an opportunity to meet level 2 and 3 students on our computing, business, estate agency and catering courses. It will be followed by a networking buffet lunch prepared by our catering students, where you will have a chance to talk with course tutors and find out more about the new T Level qualifications and industry placements. Our apprenticeship team will also be available to answer any questions you have.

We would love you to attend. There will be space for you to set up a small stand where you can meet the students and talk about your business and what you look out for in new young staff. We will also be hosting seminars ,if that’s something you’d like to do let us know what the topic will be about.

When you RSVP, please state whether you would like a stand or a seminar slot (or both!). You are also very welcome to pop along just for our lunchtime information and networking lunch. Please let us know of any special dietary requirements and how many people will be attending.

Please note there is no college parking at the moment . We will provide tables, chairs and any audio visual equipment you require so you only need some promotional material.a

Please click here to email Amir to RSVP

Alderman honour for town’s youngest mayor

One of the country’s youngest ever mayors has been given a lifetime honour by Worthing Borough Council in recognition of his service to the town.

In 2017/18, Alex Harman, then just 23, was voted in by his peers to become the town’s first citizen, making him the youngest borough mayor in the UK.

During his 12 months in office he became well-known for raising awareness of the mayoralty with younger people, as well as representing the town at a range of events, including the wedding of Prince Harry and Megan Markle.

To honour his contribution and thank him for his work, Harman was made an alderman of the town at a special meeting of Full Council last night (Tuesday, December 17, 2019).

Council leader Dan Humphreys, who proposed the former councillor for the honour, said: “During his year as mayor Alex proved to be a real ambassador for the Council and the town, bringing a real enthusiasm, commitment and energy to this historic role.

“As well as raising thousands of pounds for charity, he raised awareness of the mayoralty with thousands of young people through initiatives such as the annual charity swim, town hall tours and the first ever school question time in the council chamber.

“I’m sure every member of the Council will agree that he fully deserves this honour, making the town’s youngest ever mayor one of the UK’s youngest ever aldermen.”

The title of Alderman is bestowed on former councillors who have “rendered eminent services to the Council as past members of the Council”.

Harman, who represented Selden ward on the local authority, is one of just 20 other people currently alive who have had the honour bestowed on them by Worthing Borough Council.

Honorary Aldermen may be invited to attend civic ceremonies as invited but will not have the right to participate in official council meetings or receive any allowances or payments.