‘Platinum’ Accountancy Firm recruits 11 new trainees over the last 12 months

MHA Carpenter Box has appointed 11 new trainees over the past year to join their Audit and Business Services teams in both their Worthing and Gatwick offices. They will be joining either the firm’s Platinum Accredited programme on the road to the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification or studying for the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ACA) qualification.

The Audit team in Worthing welcomes Emma Sparrow from the University of Sussex, Will Sixsmith from Aberystwyth University and Rachel Cook from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. Dean Downes-Avery, Tabitha Nicholls and Michael Davis all from Worthing College, Daniel White from The Littlehampton Academy Sixth Form and Chloe Rempel from Chichester College have all joined the Worthing Business Services team.

In Gatwick, the Business Services team has welcomed Ben Roberts from Lancaster University, whilst the Audit team has been joined by Thagendra Bura from the University of Kent and Jack Gamon who was an estate agent for two years prior to joining MHA Carpenter Box.

MHA Carpenter Box Managing Partner, Alan Edwards, welcomed the new trainees on board, commenting: “Training the next generation of accountants, tax and business advisers is a responsibility we take very seriously and we have always invested heavily in emerging talent.

“We aim to give our students the best possible start to their careers which has been underlined by our accreditation as a Platinum employer, ACCA’s highest global standard of excellence.

“I wish all our new trainees every success in their accountancy careers over the coming years.”

The new trainees will undertake a comprehensive in-house training programme at MHA Carpenter Box working with a team of qualified and experienced accountants, business advisers and auditors – many of whom started their careers at MHA Carpenter Box as trainees themselves! They will also benefit from knowledge sharing across MHA, the firm’s national association and Baker Tilly International, its global network.

New Director of Estate Planning Appointed at MHA Carpenter Box

To lead and support its new Estate Planning Service offering, MHA Carpenter Box has appointed Phil Atherton to the new position of Director of Estate Planning in the firm’s Tax Services Group.

Starting December, the Sussex and Gatwick-based firm of chartered accountants, tax and business advisers will be delivering a series of Estate Planning seminars which will offer tax, wealth management and legal advice from regulated professionals.

Phil has vast experience in tax and estate planning spanning 37 years and is the ideal candidate to push forward the new initiative for MHA Carpenter Box. He started in practice and worked in London for almost 20 years, finally working for the London office of one of the ‘top six’ accountancy practices. He then moved south and in more recent years, ran his own Tax and Estate Planning practice with 14 employees.

Phil will be based at MHA Carpenter Box’s Worthing office and his new role will involve meeting with families and individuals to discuss estate planning and how they can best protect their wealth and assets for their loved ones. This could include reviewing Wills, Trusts, Inheritance Tax profiling and Powers of Attorney, amongst a whole range of other considerations. 

Phil commented: “I was particularly attracted to MHA Carpenter Box as it has a very good reputation in the industry and a wide range of quality clients. I am looking forward to supporting the firm on its continuing strategy of providing a one stop wealth management service helping new and existing clients to take control of their own financial affairs.”

Phil lives in Rustington and is married with three grown-up children. Outside of work he is a keen golfer, enjoys listening to and playing music and is a member of a local church.

www.carpenterbox.com

Unveiled: bright new adventure park vision for Brooklands

A £2 million masterplan for the complete revival of Worthing’s Brooklands Park has been revealed.

Working with leading environment-shaping company Chris Blandford Associates, Worthing Borough Council’s proposal is to create a new Science Adventure Park with the emphasis on learning through fun, play and exploration.

With the lake freshly revived after nine months hard work, the next stage is to move towards a coherent feel for the entire area.

The vision has been developed after input from more than 800 residents. The Friends of Brooklands Park have also been actively engaged in the process.

Key features and benefits of the regeneration will include a new cafe and lakeside picnicking area at the heart of the park along with improved walks and fitness trails, areas for outdoor events and community activities, community gardens and an adventure play area.

An indoor leisure activity centre in the south west corner of the park is also outlined to ensure it remains an attractive destination all year round.

Cllr Edward Crouch, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Digital and Environmental Services, said: “These plans have yet to be put before the Council for detailed discussion but we wanted the public to see what was in mind.

“I think the masterplan is really very exciting. It makes Brooklands a fantastic green space for families to enjoy.

“The lake is sparkling after our restoration so this is the next exciting step. It proves our commitment to preserving and indeed enhancing our green spaces as well as encouraging inward investment and new visitors to our town.”

The council, working closely with Chris Blandford Associates, has used the public consultation held earlier this year as a basis for the masterplan. It has worked hard to incorporate as many of views as possible into the proposal.

Plans also include an adventure playground, community gardens, outdoor education and den building area, enhanced planting of shrubs and flowers and pond life exploration. An iconic vertical feature, such as a sculpture or wind turbine, has also been suggested.

Work is still to be done to fund the entire list of features. Sponsorship is to be sought from private businesses for some aspects, particularly technology companies given the science-based nature of the proposal.

Increased car parking spaces and coach drop off areas are envisaged as the Council seeks to make Brooklands a destination attraction once again as well as a green space local residents can be proud of.

Better links from the park to the seafront so that people can easily travel between the two are also proposed.

In a statement Chris Blandford Associates says the park aims to provide ‘stimulation of the senses for people of all ages and abilities through hands-on play and exploration including sensory play equipment, acoustic play and temporary installations which can link to the wider health and well-being agenda’.

The development of the park will take place in stages. Work could start next year with the timescale for possible completion depending on the success of attracting funds for some of the individual elements.

Anyone who wants to comment on the masterplan or the general future of the park is asked to contact Brooklands@adur-worthing.gov.uk.

Greater Brighton businesses urged to have their say on the future of our water

Businesses are being asked for their views on how best to tackle 'water stress' in the Greater Brighton region.

Population growth, new housing and climate change are among a range of challenges that need to be addressed to make sure there is still enough water for all in the future, as well as prevent flooding and protect and improve the environment.

The Greater Brighton region, an economic and inward investment area stretching from Crawley to the coast and Worthing across to Newhaven, has established an Infrastructure Panel to look at sustainable water and energy for the future.

As part of its work to deliver a dedicated Greater Brighton water plan, the Panel has launched an online survey to capture the business community's feedback on this key strategic issue. The research will also include the opportunity for organisations to volunteer to take part in a more in-depth discussion.

Among the questions to asked will be the following:

·         How important is water to your business?

·         How would your business be affected by a lack of water supply, lack of wastewater disposal capacity, flooding and bills becoming more expensive?

·         How important a factor is water to your business, compared to issues like energy, telecommunications, transport and recruitment?

The answers from the survey will feed into the Panel's discussions, with a report back to the Greater Brighton Economic Board on recommended next steps due next year.

Representatives from companies such as Ricardo and IBM, the Universities of Sussex and Brighton, local authorities and bodies like the Environment Agency, South East Water and UK Power Networks have joined the Greater Brighton Panel under the chairmanship of Southern Water Chief Executive, Ian McAulay.

Ian said: "We need to make sure we build a resilient future for water and energy to allow us to continue grow the economy locally. To do that, it is vital we start to plan around some of the issues which will arise and that is why it is important to have businesses and the wider public engaged in this issue.

“Answers from local firms, of all sizes, will give us a richer picture of where our priorities should be. So I would urge everyone to spend a just few minutes to give us their views.”

The Greater Brighton Water Plan business survey can be found by clicking here. The survey is open until Monday 5 November 2018.

West Sussex County Council Cybercrime/Online Safety Surveys are now LIVE!

The Community Safety & Wellbeing Team at the County Council has launched two surveys in order to gather feedback about people’s perceptions and experiences of cybercrime/online safety over the last 12 months. Responses to this survey will influence how we at the County Council shape our cybercrime/online safety support work in the future.

Both surveys will be open for 5 weeks, and will close at midnight on Monday 19^th November, 2018.

Survey 1) Business & Organisation Survey:

We are looking specifically for business owners / managers, aged 18 or above, to complete our business survey.

Survey 2) Personal Survey:

For information purposes, we will also be seeking views and information from any West Sussex resident, aged 18 or above, to complete our Personal Use Cybercrime/Online Safety Survey in order to support the wider community. Reference to this survey will also be included in the email template for businesses & organisations (see below dotted line).

Please support us by encouraging West Sussex businesses to complete the business survey by:

• ·        Cascading this survey out to relevant business parties on your contact lists
• ·        Using the attached message template below with survey links in order to gain maximum uptake

Supporting Our Businesses – Your Perception and Views

West Sussex County Council Cybercrime/Online Safety Surveys are now LIVE!

The Community Safety & Wellbeing Team at the County Council have launched two surveys in order to gather feedback about perceptions and experiences of cybercrime/online safety across West Sussex over the last 12 months from a business and personal perspective. Your response to this survey will help influence how we at the County Council shape our cybercrime/ online safety support work in order to help local businesses in the future.

You will have 5 weeks in order to complete the survey. The survey will close at midnight on Monday 19^th November, 2018.

If you are a business owner/manager, aged 18 or above, then please follow the link below to complete our Cybercrime/Online Safety Survey for businesses and organisations. We need your help to be able to better support our work with the business community.

Cybercrime/Online Safety Survey for Businesses & Organisations – https://haveyoursay.westsussex.gov.uk/communities-public-protection/cybercrimebusiness/

In addition, we are also seeking feedback from the wider West Sussex population. If you are not a business owner / manager, then please follow the link below to complete our Personal Use Cybercrime/Online Safety Survey.

Personal Use Cybercrime/Online Safety Survey Link – https://haveyoursay.westsussex.gov.uk/communities-public-protection/cybercrime/

Jack on the Green returns to light up Worthing 

A sparkling night of lights and lanterns awaits Worthing residents and visitors, with the return of the ‘Jack on the Green’ spectacle this coming weekend.

The popular illumination event will be back for the second year running. The event, hosted by Worthing Borough Council and community arts charity Same Sky, will give attendees the opportunity to see Beach House Park in a whole new light.

Taking place on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st October, the evening events will feature a lit trail around Beach House Park from 6pm to 8:30pm. Admission is free, with donations welcomed at the gate.

Spellbinding displays and live music will wow the crowds, with spectacular displays from East Beach Studio Artists and Creative Waves. Six local schools are involved in making some of the structures which will be on show.

Youngsters will benefit from the free craft workshops, which will be run by Same Sky and held in Palm Court Pavilion on both days from 2pm to 4pm.

Pauline Freestone, Events Officer at Worthing Borough Council, said:

“We’re delighted to be running this event for the second year in partnership with Same Sky. Last year the event attracted over 2,000 visitors, plus another 200 schoolchildren to the daytime craft workshops - and this year’s event looks set to be bigger and better. Everything made in these workshops will form part of the trail at Beach House Park, so children can come along to spot their own creation in the evening!”

For more details, see the Discover Worthing website: https://discoverworthing.uk/whats-on/jack-on-the-green/

Building AW: Brooklands Park can become a “regional destination”

Brooklands Park has the potential to become a “regional destination” - that’s the view of those who have worked with Worthing Borough Council to create a masterplan to guide the rejuvenation of the much-loved open space.

After listening to the views of hundreds of local people, the local authority and leading environment-shaping company Chris Blandford Associates have revealed an ambition to turn the area into a new Science Adventure Park.

The claim came during an interview with Adur & Worthing Councils’ online magazine, which is designed to keep residents and business up-to-date with the ongoing change in the area.

Speaking to Building AW, Adrienne Soudain, a landscape architect at Chris Blandford Associates, said the inspiration for the vision came from making the most of Brooklands’ unique setting.

She said: “We are excited by the prospect of bringing science to life by offering hands-on experiences within a truly innovative regional park experience.

“The local links to science and the creative responses from the stakeholder consultation inspired us to design an adventure park with multiple indoor and outdoor leisure activities for year-round interest and opportunities to explore and experience science phenomenon through leisure and play.

“The creation of a regional destination will attract greater visitor numbers and contribute to the long-term viability of the park. Commercial ventures to offset the management costs of the park also offer valuable local employment opportunities.”

The vision has been developed after input from more than 800 residents. The Friends of Brooklands Park have also been actively engaged in the process.

Key features and benefits of the regeneration will include a new cafe and lakeside picnicking area at the heart of the park along with improved walks and fitness trails, areas for outdoor events and community activities, community gardens and an adventure play area.

An indoor leisure activity centre in the south west corner of the park is also outlined to ensure it remains an attractive destination all year round.

But Adrienne said that what will make the rejuvenation really special is that Brooklands has been “a focal point for people's lives over a number of generations”.

She said: “We are passionate about creating opportunities for local community to come together, get involved and get a real sense of ownership over the park. When people feel a sense of ownership over their surroundings they look after them; they become cherished as an asset to the neighbourhood and a hub of the community.”

Building AW is a bright, informal 28-page online publication which keeps residents and businesses across both areas up-to-date with all the latest development in their communities.

Features in the October edition include an update on the Adur District Council-funded office block in Ham Road which will keep hundreds of jobs in the local area; details on the completion of a gateway to Shoreham Beach; and the latest on £5 million plans to improve Worthing town centre.

The online publication also includes regular updates on some of the major projects across Adur and Worthing which are moving forward at speed.

In their introductions to the edition, leaders recognised the change to local communities but urged that regeneration was about more than building houses.

Councillor Brian Boggis, Adur District Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “As has been the case in recent months, much of the focus is on the Shoreham.

"However, the recent decision of the planning committee to approve the New Monks Farm application for 600 new homes and the new IKEA store as well as the proposed industrial development on the Airport site promises to move the focus westward in the coming months."

Councillor Kevin Jenkins, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “Regeneration is important to the continued vitality of Worthing. This is not only in terms of our housing, our retail offer, or state of the art business parks that we aim to bring to Decoy Farm; but it is also about leisure, health and wellbeing. It’s about what we provide for our residents to enjoy, whatever their age.

“That is why working in partnership with colleagues I am so pleased to see the next stage of the regeneration of Brooklands Park being announced.

“Once delivered it will provide a major leisure attraction for residents and will put Worthing further on the map as a destination of choice for those who live within striking distance of the town.”

To read the most recent edition of Building AW visit this link

Huge achievement for local Worthing Choir 

Fantastic news and a huge achievement for a local Worthing choir, Spring into Soul, who are BBC Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year 2018 finalists.

Judges, who they will be trying to impress include Gareth Malone and Royal Wedding Jerusalem Choir leader, Karen Gibson.

SIS formed in 2006 and are a Worthing based, community Gospel choir, led by the talented and inspirational Siggi Mwasote and, they are all very excited about being one of five choirs taking part in this competition.

Give them your support and tune in to BBC One, Songs of Praise on 18th and 25th November 2018.

There is also an opportunity to see Spring into Soul at St Paul’s in Worthing on Saturday 2nd February 2019. Tickets will be available from www.seetickets.com. Profits go to Chestnut Tree Children’s Hospice. 

For more details about the choir visit www.springintosoul.co.uk

Don’t leave it too late to plan for your old age!

Old age comes to us all, so it’s far better to be prepared for it so that no unwelcome surprises arise after we reach retirement. This is why Sussex and Gatwick-based chartered accountants MHA Carpenter Box and Worthing-based solicitors Bennett Griffin are joining the charity Guild Care in Worthing to hold an event to help you plan for later life.

With planning comes the peace of mind knowing that you will be cared for in later life, that your finances are in order and that your estate will be distributed to your loved ones in the way that you would want.

The Financial Planning for Later Life event will cover a wide range of topics from some of the legal issues surrounding Wills, Trusts and Powers of Attorney, as well as financial implications such as Inheritance Tax and funding for care fees.

Speakers at the event will include Helen Tidball from Guild Care, who will introduce and provide some background to the charity, which runs three care homes and over 30 community services in Worthing. Tania Clapham, Partner at Bennett Griffin, will discuss Wills, Trusts and Powers of Attorney, while Karen Thomas, Associate at MHA Carpenter Box, will provide details on Inheritance Tax. Gill Lynes, Financial Planning Manager with MHA Carpenter Box Wealth Management, will then conclude with an overview of care fees planning, so there should be something for everyone!

Attendees will have the opportunity to raise questions at the end of the event which will be held on Tuesday 16 October, between 6pm and 8pm at Guild Care, Methold House, North Street, Worthing.  For more information or to register for the event, please refer to: https://laterlifeplanningoct2018.eventbrite.co.uk/

Draft Worthing Local Plan revealed

Three key green spaces are proposed to be protected as a draft blueprint to guide the future development of Worthing has been revealed.

Those behind the Worthing Local Plan have spent the past two years carrying out extensive studies into every parcel of land in the borough as they look to ensure the right mix of places for people to live, work and play in the future.

Despite Government figures indicating Worthing needs 15,000 homes over the next 15 years to meet demand, the widespread search has shown there is only enough land to provide 4,000 by 2033.

Even with this pressure, the Council has made an initial commitment to place protected status on three major green spaces on the edge of the borough boundary - Goring Gap (South), Chatsmore Farm (between the A259 and railway line at Goring) and Brooklands Park.

Councillors are set to give their thoughts on the draft document this week with a public consultation on the document planned for the end of October.

The 15-year Plan will eventually need the approval of a government inspector before being adopted.

Councillor Kevin Jenkins, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “Every resident, worker and visitor to our town will know that, due to our position trapped between the Downs and the sea, land really is at a premium in our area so it is imperative that we make the most of our limited assets.

“The draft Worthing Local Plan does this, focusing on providing much-needed housing while also seeking to protect some of our most valued open spaces and employment areas.

“I look forward to hearing everyone’s contributions on this initial document in the coming weeks and working with residents, businesses and other stakeholders before we submit our final version to the Planning Inspector later next year.”

Discussions around creating a new Local Plan for Worthing began more than two years ago.

During that time the Government released revised housing need figures which state the borough needs to create 15,000 new properties in the next 15 years to meet demand.

Even with the development of major brownfield sites such as Teville Gate, Union Place and Grafton Car Park coming forward, comprehensive evidence published to support the Council’s first draft has demonstrated there is only enough land in the borough to provide just over 4,000 dwellings.

Among those other areas allocated for development include land off Upper Brighton Road (123 homes), land east of Fulbeck Avenue (50) and part of the Northbrook Caravan Club site (75).

The 166-page document also indicates that there remain significant obstacles to developing other greenfield areas such as land east of Titnore Lane and land off Beeches Avenue.

The document also includes detailed policies on a range of planning issues, such as affordable housing provision, heritage, design, retail and the economy. When adopted, these will be used when making decisions on future applications.

The next stage is for councillors to give their thoughts to the proposal at Worthing’s Planning Committee tomorrow (Wednesday September 19) before it goes to the Joint Strategic Committee.

Then, a six-week public consultation is planned when members of the public and other stakeholders can have their say on the proposal.

Planners will take on board this feedback before creating a final version which will be subject to further consultation before then being presented to a Planning Inspector towards the end of next year.

Once approved, the plan would be reviewed after five years in line with government recommendations.