Electric bikes for enforcement officers as part of green drive

Civil enforcement officers in Adur and Worthing are leading the drive to become carbon neutral after making the pioneering switch to electric bikes.

NSL, who are contracted by Adur & Worthing Councils to enforce on and off street parking across the area, have invested in the technology as an alternative to petrol scooters.

As well as reducing emissions, the new bikes will allow staff to cover areas away from town centre such as Lancing, Findon and Southwick in a shorter space of time while saving money in running costs in the long-run.

It comes just weeks after the Councils declared a climate emergency, setting an ambitious target to become carbon neutral by 2030.

Other ideas being considered by NSL include adopting electric cars, using biodegradable parking ticket wallets and finding more sustainable alternatives to cable ties, which are used to display parking suspensions. 

Daniel Forbes, Client Account Manager for NSL, said: “NSL continues to look at ways of using electric power along with pedal power to reduce our reliance on the use of vehicles powered by fossil fuels.

“As a part of this strategy - and to help meet Adur & Worthing Councils’ goal, we have initially provided two EBikes for deploying staff on street. While this is only at its embryonic stage we hope they will eventually take the place of our moped fleet and reduce our reliance on cars for deploying enforcement staff. 

“The costs of fuel, maintenance and carbon footprint are a fraction of the mopeds we currently deploy. If the electric bikes trial works, we will look to further integrate these into our work here and other areas where we operate.

“We also continue to look at other initiatives to reduce our carbon footprint including using more biodegradable materials and will be taking delivery of our first fully electric vehicle later this year.” 

Adur & Worthing Councils have already made good progress on reducing carbon emissions by 30% between 2012 and 2019.

The adoption of the Climate Emergency last month has seen the Councils bring forward their carbon neutral target from 2050 to 2030. 

There is also a commitment to build on the SustainableAW programme, by transitioning to clean transport for all council services and operations, improving energy efficiency of council buildings, and installing renewable energy.

Councillor Emma Evans, Adur District Council’s Executive Member for Environment, said: “I’m pleased to see NSL adopt these steps which will not only improve parking enforcement across our area but also support our wider efforts to reduce carbon emissions across all the services that we provide directly and through external organisations.”

Councillor Edward Crouch, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Environment, said: “We are dedicated to showing leadership on this important issue of climate change, willing to take action and promise to play our part at a local level. While clearly we can't do this on our own, the more organisations who join in with this declaration, the more powerful the action will be.”

Kreston Reeves strengthens Private Client Tax team with Director appointment

Accountants, business and financial advisers Kreston Reeves has strengthened its Private Client Tax team with the appointment of Dan Mundroina.

Dan joined the firm as a Private Client Tax Director from RSM UK.  He brings to the firm considerable expertise and a strong track record in advising wealthy individuals and their families on all aspects of trusts, inheritance tax and personal tax matters.

Commenting on his appointment Dan said: “Kreston Reeves has a terrific reputation across Kent, Sussex and London for its work in advising private individuals and families on all aspects of wealth management and tax.  The team is complemented by a first-class financial planning offering and I am looking forward to developing my career further with the firm.”

Daniel Grainge, Partner and Head of Tax, Kreston Reeves adds: “Dan is a highly respected and experienced Private Client Tax adviser with a strong client following.  He will be a real asset to the firm and to our clients and we look forward to the contributions he will make.”

Dan has previously held senior roles at Menzies, Rawlinson & Hunter and Buzzacott

Kreston Reeves amongst the best recruiters in the UK

Accountants, business and financial advisers Kreston Reeves has been shortlisted as one of the best recruiters in the UK at the annual In-house Recruitment Awards.

The In-house Recruitment Awards are open to all businesses attracting hundreds of entries every year from some of the UK’s largest and best-known employers, and for the first time, Kreston Reeves has been shortlisted in two categories – the Newcomer (Team Award) and Recruitment Team (Financial and Professional Services).

Kreston Reeves is shortlisted for its evidence of development across key recruitment components, efficiencies and effectiveness in processes, recruitment strategy, consideration of candidate care, understanding of talent market, and business understanding and partnership. 

The firm is in good company, with many household names shortlisted, including PepsiCo, BP, BUPA, Capgemini, Wagamama, The AA and Harrods.

Jo Kay, Recruitment Manager at Kreston Reeves said: “It is a real honour to be shortlisted in two categories at the In-house Recruitment Awards.  They are hotly contested with only the best HR teams making the cut.  My colleague, Emily Moat, and I have worked hard to build a best-in-class recruitment function in the accountancy sector and to see that recognised alongside some of the UK’s most prestigious companies is terrific.”

Kreston Reeves in July was also shortlisted for ‘National Firm of the Year’ at the annual British Accountancy Awards, and in May shortlisted for three awards at the Accounting Excellence Awards – ‘Large Firm of the Year’ award, ‘Client Service’ award and the ‘Investing in People’ award.

The In-house Recruitment Awards will be given on 4 December at a gala dinner in central London.

Promote your business - supporting the community

Get your company in front of thousands of people from Worthing & Adur showing your commitment to the local workforce of the future!

The largest annual joint careers and jobs fair in Worthing & Adur is back.

Now is your opportunity to get your brand on all marketing and literature for this popular event, returning to the prominent Worthing Assembly Hall on Wednesday 16th October 2019.

Demonstrate your commitment to developing skills, supporting local employers providing opportunities for local people by becoming a main event partner.

As well as featuring on all of our marketing and literature, you’ll be pride of place with a key location in the exhibition hall. 

There are additional opportunities, including a key speaker slot at a Networking Breakfast attended by all event stallholders, and getting your logo on all promotional materials and resources provided to schools and organisations before the occasion. 

Full details of all sponsorship opportunities can be found here https://awbp.co.uk/get-involved/careers-fair-2/

Heene Community Centre are hiring a part-time Caretaker!

The duties include:

• Maintaining building security

•  Being responsible for the building
• General cleaning
• Setting up/taking down rooms with tables and chairs
• General maintenance
• Decorating jobs
• Maintaining the garden area
• Assisting members of the public within the Centre

Normal working week of 14-16 hours: Monday evenings, Friday evenings & Sunday mornings

Must be flexible to cover sickness and holidays, as hours required could on occasions exceed 20 hours a week

If you are interested, please email info@heenecommunitycentre.org with CV, requesting an Application Form or pick up an Application Form from the office

Closing date: Monday 2nd September 2019 @ 9am If sufficient applications are received, we reserve the right to close this date earlier

Local community rallies round for Ropetackle

Less than two weeks since the launch of its Ropetackle 2020 Patrons and Friends Appeal, donations have flooded in, to the tune of £10,000, which, with the addition of Gift Aid, has increased the fund to £12,500 – more than a third of the target.

But the hugely popular arts centre is not out of the woods yet.

“The response to the appeal has been truly amazing,” says Ropetackle Chairman, Martin Allen. “We know that Ropetackle is highly valued by the local community and our wider audiences, but to see this level of support so early on is truly gratifying. We are hugely grateful to all of those who have made a donation.

“The target for Ropetackle 2020 is £30,000, however, so we do still have quite a way to go. We are also up against time. It is vital that we get close to our target by the middle of September to secure our position, and to provide us with the essential platform for the restructuring needed to ensure our longer-term future.”

Ropetackle’s discussions with Adur Council are continuing. “We are optimistic that, with this level of community support, the Council will agree to contribute, thus providing a sound and enduring partnership between community and Council,” Martin says. “This will guarantee a long- term future for what is a vital asset both to the community and the local economy.”

Fundraising Gig

To boost the coffers further, Ropetackle regulars South Coast Soul Revue will be performing a fundraising gig on Friday 6^th September. The night will open with the Lindsey Oliver Band, whose brilliant first album “you me us” is out now. Next up will be some original soul ‘n’ funk from the fantastic Frank Greene Band, featuring SCSR vocalists, Ruby and Danny, while the full band will close the show with 60 minutes of high-energy music. Tickets are £20 and available at www.ropetacklecentre.co.uk or from the Box Office (01273 464440).

All proceeds will go directly to Ropetackle.

Band manager, Barclay Thompson says: “South Coast Soul Revue have been performing regularly at Ropetackle since we first played there on New Year’s Eve 2014. We love the venue, the audience and the wonderfully welcoming and hard-working staff and volunteers. This venue, with its varied offering, is a vital element in what makes Shoreham-by-Sea such a wonderful place to live and It is so important that community venues like these survive.

“We not just happy, but proud to help its survival with this fundraiser.”

If you would like to sign up to the Patrons and Friends Scheme, visit www.ropetacklecentre.co.uk/Ropetackle2020/ or call in at the Box Office to pick up a form.

AUTHOR PETER JAMES LAUNCHES ROPETACKLE PLAN FOR SURVIVAL

“MORE THAN JUST AN ARTS CENTRE”

A new community fundraising appeal has been launched by Ropetackle Arts Centre that trustees hope will save the much-loved live entertainment venue and cinema from closing – and international best-selling author, Peter James has been the first to sign up as a “Gold Patron.”

 “As with nearly all arts venues, Ropetackle cannot survive without subsidy. Our situation is now critical to extent that we are calling on our community to support us,” Ropetackle chairman, Martin Allen, says. “We are a charity, and without such support, we face the prospect of closure.”

Best-selling crime author Peter James wasted no time in signing up to the scheme, launched today. He recalled his support when plans for establishing Ropetackle were first laid, saying: “What has been created here is ten times richer than the original vision. It is more than just an arts centre – it is a community hub.”

With the title Ropetackle 2020, and a rolling target of £30,000 per year, the appeal invites contributions at different levels:

• ·        Gold Patrons (£45 per month or £500 single annual payment) and Silver Patrons (£10 per month of £100 single payment)
• ·        Friends (£2 per month or £20 single annual payment)
• ·        Donors (£10 per year)

Patrons will be entitled to reserve seating and both Patrons and Friends have the right to priority booking of certain tickets.

With audiences of over 40,000 per year and with numerous community and other activities, in the 12 years since it opened, Ropetackle has been a remarkable success story, punching above its weight in the regional arts scene. In the past six months alone, top comedians Romesh Ranganathan, Jack Dee, Alan Carr, and Peter James have entertained audiences, along with some of the biggest names in jazz, rock, blues, folk, indie and world music.

Having won several prestigious awards, Ropetackle’s latest accolade came this Spring, when it was voted Best Theatre and Arts Venue in Sussex.*

However, as Martin Allen adds: “Success comes at a price: there is the ongoing cost of running a live entertainment venue, and the complexity of its operation means we need more paid staff to support our wonderful team of volunteers.

“Ropetackle is a real hub for the community. As well as offering a rich cultural experience, we work with schools, disadvantaged groups and a number of partners to inspire everyone and help reduce loneliness.  Our café is very popular, and we attract tourists to the area, with our audiences contributing upward of £1m a year to the local economy. I hope the scheme will encourage people to sign up with a view to supporting us year-on-year so that we can sustain this wonderful Centre and keep it running long into the future.”

Those interested in joining the scheme can do so online at www.ropetacklecentre.co.uk/ropetackle2020 or in person at the Box Office.

Sussex’s best soul and funk band, the South Coast Soul Revue, will be performing a fundraising gig in aid of Ropetackle 2020 on Friday 6^th September at the venue. The band will be supported by two other soul acts and the fun kicks off at 8pm. Everyone is welcome. Tickets just £20.

Sussex experts gather to discuss plans to reduce carbon emissions

Experts throughout Sussex have begun the vital and urgent work of drawing up plans to remove hundreds of thousands of tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere as part of  the battle to prevent climate disaster.

Sustainability Officers from all local authorities across the county have met to co-ordinate efforts to bring their council’s own carbon emissions down but also encourage residents and businesses to do the same.

Many of the councils have already declared a climate emergency in their areas, a rallying call to become carbon neutral. Adur and Worthing Councils want to achieve this by 2030. They have already reduced carbon emissions by 30% between 2012 and 2019. Emissions of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) from industry and the production of energy help create the greenhouse effect which is warming the planet .

In their 2018 report UN experts warned the world has just 12 years to act to limit catastrophic runaway climate change which will expose millions to flooding, heatwaves, poverty, drought, food shortages, biodiversity loss and the collapse of economies. 

The gathering of experts, usually Sustainability Officers charged with drawing up plans for carbon neutral programmes met at Worthing Town Hall. 

Francesca Illife, Adur and Worthing Councils’ Sustainability Manager, said: "It was a really productive meeting. Obviously all the authorities are already getting on with their own efforts but we all know we have to work together for maximum effect.

"All councils across Sussex are in no doubt that human activity is largely responsible for climate change so it is human activity that has to change. We have to play our part."

The meeting recognised that there was now political and public support for the battle and was enthused that with the current spotlight on this agenda those in attendance could really make a difference. Officers agreed to work at speed in defining what emissions were to be cut and how they were to be measured. Another meeting is scheduled shortly at which progress will be reported.

Alongside Adur & Worthing Councils officers from, East Sussex County Council, West Sussex County Council, Brighton & Hove, Crawley, Mid Sussex, Arun, Horsham, Hastings, Wealden, Lewes & Eastbourne attended as did East Hampshire & Havant from across the county border.

Adur & Worthing Councils have declared climate emergency and committed to work towards being carbon neutral council by 2030. It has set up a Chief executives Climate Emergency Board and committed to more £700K to deliver carbon reduction projects across the council's estate. All projects will pay for themselves in a short timeframe.

Strong commitments have also been made by the Councils under their environmental programme, called Sustainable AW, to reduce carbon emissions. LED lighting upgrades have so far saved 98 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year, while solar panels have saved 32 tonnes.

Link to Hope Downslink Cycle Challenge

What? – Downslink Cycle challenge from Shoreham to Guildford (West Sussex) – and for those hardened cyclists  – back again.  Finish in Guildford having completed an amazing 37 miles (60km) or for the super challenge back to Shoreham a total of 74 miles (120km).

Where? – Shoreham by the Ropetackle and ends at Shalford Park in Guildford or back again at Shoreham-by-Sea. Also it is a fairly flat off road path with great views of the Low Weald countryside although there are some short hills to get up.

When? – Saturday 7th September 2019 starting at:-

8am  start – If you are signed up for the 120km we need to leave early in order to complete the challenge and return at a reasonable time.  

9am start – If you have signed up for the 60km challenge.  You will be finishing at Shalford Park where your bike and yourselves will be returned back to Shoreham.

Regardless of which one you choose the two groups will meet up at some point and celebrate the achievement together.  There will be a formal finish line for both groups at the end either at Shalford Park for the 60km group or back in Shoreham for the 120km group.

We will be transporting participants and their cycles back from Guildford to Shoreham.

Who? – Everyone who is fit and able enough to do the route they have  chosen – 37 miles (60km) or 74 miles (120m).  Very important that cycles must be a mountain bike, hybrid  or similar.

Why?– To raise money for  educational projects in Eastern Europe. As a result 100% of monies raised will go to projects in Romania, Moldova, Bulgaria and the Ukraine and many lives will be changed

What next? Register now for £20 to reserve your place (this is non returnable). Cyclists then aim to raise a minimum sponsorship of £150 one way and £250 for two ways.  

Register now to join in or  contact us on 01903 529333 or info@linktohope.co.uk.  A full pack of information will be sent you after you have registered.  Finally the challenge includes full support, breakdown help, professional lead and back cyclists, all refreshments, goody bag and a medal on completion of the challenge.  Full support will also be given to help you with your fundraising.

Please note: If you are struggling with the start times or you are coming from far away, we have a number of lovely supporters in Worthing who would like to offer you hospitality and a bed for the night before the challenge.  They will even feed you breakfast.  Please do contact us if you would like more details.

Freedom Works Wins 2019 Coworking Space Members’ Choice Awards for Sussex Coworking Space

Sussex based, Freedom Works, has today been recognised and awarded as a winner from industry recognised co-worker specialist, CoWorker Inc. The internationally recognised awards are in their second year, and Freedom Works received the Coworker Members’ Choice Awards (CMCAs) for their Co Working space in Worthing.

The business set up just over 3 years ago, has four spaces throughout Sussex, including; Chichester, Hove and Crawley as well as their founding space in Worthing. The CMCA award winners were determined based on feedback from thousands of coworking space members and users worldwide, and Freedom Works were recognised by a large number of the 1,300 Sussex based businesses that use their spaces.

“We are extremely proud to be recognised as a winner of the CoWorker Members’ Choice Awards (CMCAs). Our members are at the very heart of what we do so it’s incredible to have been nominated and voted for by them!”, beams Jon Trigg, Founder and Managing Director of Freedom Works.

“Our aim is to provide Coworking spaces that build communities of like minded businesses who will benefit from working in a shared environment. Worthing was our first space that we opened in September 2016 and we have opened 3 further spaces in Hove, Chichester and Gatwick, all with the same aim” Trigg goes onto to explain.

In a little under 3 years Freedom Works have doubled numbers of members each year with some of their founding members still using their spaces. The benefits the members see are; flexibility, as there are no long contract lengths for desk or office space, a plug and work environment (which includes free WIFI and refreshments). But, most importantly a key benefit is the community element, where members works alongside and with each other in what is encouraged to be a collaborative environment.

Launched in 2018, the Coworker Members’ Choice Awards are the only global coworking industry awards to recognize the top coworking spaces in each town and city. “Coworker is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2019 CMCAs in celebration of the best-loved coworking spaces around the world,” said Sam Marks, CEO of Coworker. “By turning the spotlight on spaces that are working hard to create a dynamic community for their members, we are excited to give coworking spaces – both large and small – the ability to showcase their unique offerings and features.”

Last year, 345 coworking spaces received recognition based on a grand total of over 56,000 votes. The “Best Coworking Space” award is given to only one coworking space in each city. Spaces were ranked this year by a combined, weighted score of:

· Percentage of a space’s members/users who participate in the survey

· Total score from the survey’s results

· Number of reviews on Coworker.com

· Average review rating on Coworker.com

For a full list of this year’s winners, visit www.coworker.com/lab or www.coworkinginsights.com 

“Our goal is to have several Freedom Works spaces across Sussex and the South East over the next few years, allowing local talent to stay and grow at home,'' further explains Trigg. “And recognition from our members via this award is the real barometer of the success of Freedom Works. I’m very proud of the team and our community, concludes Trigg.