Edge Tea & Coffee Strengthens Leadership Team with Key Appointments

West Sussex, UK – EDGE Tea & Coffee, renowned for its premium yet affordable freshly roasted coffee and hand-blended teas, is entering an exciting new chapter with key leadership changes. After 35 years as Managing Director, Alice Edgcumbe-Rendle is stepping aside to become Chairperson, while Stewart Cumming steps into the role of Managing Director.

Having worked closely with Alice over the past 18 months, Stewart is well-prepared to lead the business into the future, focusing on sustainable growth while staying true to EDGE Tea & Coffee’s core values of quality, community, and innovation.

Alice shared her thoughts on the transition:
"I’m excited to step into the role of Chairperson and to continue supporting the business, particularly through more travels to origin. Meeting the farmers and growers who are such an integral part of what we do has always been a passion of mine. Stewart has demonstrated exceptional leadership and passion for EDGE Tea & Coffee, and I am confident that he will take us forward with fresh energy and vision."

To further strengthen its leadership team, EDGE Tea & Coffee is also delighted to announce the appointment of Stevie McCusker as Head of Coffee. This critical role will help the company navigate the current challenges in the coffee market while ensuring it delivers on its mission of providing ‘affordable, great-tasting coffee that enhances the everyday experience.’

Stewart commented on Stevie’s appointment:
"Stevie’s expertise and passion for coffee make him the perfect addition to our senior team. His arrival ensures we can continue sourcing the exceptional quality our customers expect, even in this challenging market. With Alice’s support, Stevie will also have the opportunity to build on the longstanding relationships we’ve cultivated with growers and suppliers, while forging new ones as we look to the future."

With these leadership changes, EDGE Tea & Coffee is well-positioned to build on its strong foundations and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead in 2025 and beyond.

About Edge Tea & Coffee
Edge Tea & Coffee is a family-founded business based in West Sussex, offering freshly roasted and hand-blended teas and coffees that are both premium and affordable via its online portal and Roastery Café and Store. With a focus on sustainability, quality, and community, Edge has become a trusted name for exceptional brews that enhance the everyday experience.

www.edgcumbes.co.uk

Join in the annual Lodge Hill Team Building Challenge!

 This is a unique opportunity for your team to compete in this exciting challenge while also supporting our not-for-profit charity.

Where: Lodge Hill Centre, London Road, Watersfield, RH20 1LZ

When: Friday 25^th April 2025

Time: 8:30am - 5pm

What’s included:

• A day of exciting activities
• An opportunity to network with other businesses
• Find out more about Lodge Hill and what we do
• Compete against other teams to win prizes during the end of day ceremony
• Breakfast baps & pastries, a buffet lunch and refreshments!

We are asking for a minimum donation of £450 per team to participate, with all proceeds going directly to supporting Lodge Hill. Not only will this event provide a fantastic team building experience for your company, but it will also make a lasting impact on the communities we serve.

Your generous donations are raising money to fund a sensory room for children and young people with SEN and disabilities to use. We want to create a safe space for children who struggle to self-regulate and require a sensory input to do this so that they feel better prepared for learning and interacting with others.

A sensory space addresses the primary senses; sight, hearing, smell, touch, vestibular and proprioceptive. By exercising these senses for children that have additional needs such as Autism, Anxiety, OCD, Asperger’s, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy etc, it can help to reduce stress levels, improve self-awareness, refine motor skills, increase self-confidence and can allow them to stimulate their senses at their own pace whilst blocking out uncomfortable sensory input.

We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy and benefit from visit Lodge Hill in whichever way is suitable to their level of needs. By having a sensory room, we are not only able to help improve the wellbeing of children with SEN, but also become more inclusive to groups and families who require use of these facilities.

Spaces for this event are limited, so we encourage you to secure your spot as soon as possible. To book your team, or if you have any questions, please contact me directly via email  lucy@lodgehill.org.uk or give me a call on 01798 831411.

Thank you in advance for considering this opportunity to support a great cause whilst having fun and strengthening your team. We truly appreciate your involvement and look forward to seeing you at the challenge!

Notice of change in traffic flow and junction closure on Chatsworth Road 

As a result of unforeseen engineering difficulties, we are introducing a 21-day closure of the junction from Chatsworth Road onto High Street, taking effect from 12 February 2025 to 5 March 2025. This means that we are changing the direction of the traffic flow on Chatsworth Road. We wanted to explain to you why the closure is in effect, what traffic management plan is in place, how you or your organisation might be affected, and who you can speak to if you would like more information or want to provide feedback.

Who are Hemiko?
Hemiko are a heat networks investor, developer, and operator. We have been selected by Worthing Borough Council to develop the Worthing Heat Network, which is central to the council’s Climate Neutral Strategy. As part of developing the heat network, we will bring jobs, work experience, opportunities for local business, curriculum support, and economic growth to Worthing.

What works are taking place?
Installing low carbon heat networks involves laying new pipe infrastructure under the roads. This requires us digging a trench to install pipework, before reinstating the road to its original condition. There are ongoing construction works taking place until March 2025 on the section of High Street near the High Street multi-storey car park and the grass verges outside of the car park. Ahead of works taking place, Hemiko conducted extensive surveying of our planned route. However, it’s not always possible to predict what is in the road until you start digging.

As part of our excavation works, Hemiko discovered some unexpected live service cables that had not been recorded on underground maps. We need to manage our works in a health and safety compliant manner. As a result, we will need to deviate from our intended pipe route, as shown on the diagram opposite.

Starting from 12 February 2025, Hemiko will introduce a 21-day closure of the junction from Chatsworth Road onto High Street, and change the direction of travel on Chatsworth Road.
Vehicles will now travel westbound to exit the High Street multi-storey car park. Eastbound travel will only be permitted for delivery and logistics vehicles dropping off at the Guildbourne Centre. Vehicles will not be able to travel eastbound from Chapel Road to High Street via Chatsworth Road. 

On-street parking bays are also suspended on Chatsworth Road to allow the change in direction of traffic. Alternative parking is available at the High Street multi-storey car park, Grafton multi-storey car park, and Buckingham Road multi storey car park. Pedestrian access will not be impacted, and pavements along Chatsworth Road will remain available for use. The exit route from the High Street multi-storey car park is shown in green in the diagram overleaf and there will be road signs in place to guide drivers on their journeys.

The only way for us to maintain safe access for delivery vehicles is to enforce a three-way traffic light system at the junction between Chapel Road and Chatsworth Road. This system will be in place from 12 February 2025 to manage the f low of traffic on both roads. A traffic officer will be present on site 24 hours a day to enable HGVs to safely enter Chatsworth Road.

What does this mean for HGVs and logistics vehicles?
For HGVs and logistics vehicles entering the Guildbourne Centre estate, Chatsworth Road will remain open eastbound. HGVs can then rejoin the flow of traffic westbound on Chatsworth Road towards Chapel Road. However, it will not be possible to exit via the High Street junction.

For organisations who require logistics access or deliveries to Chatsworth Road, we advise you to contact your suppliers to ensure they are aware of the latest arrangements. If you are driving an HGV for your business, please plan your journey accordingly, leaving a few extra minutes to account for the diversion.

Health, safety, and accessibility
Hemiko must ensure our construction continues safely at all times, which necessitated this decision. These are essential changes to works that have been agreed by the West Sussex County Council Highways Team. The health and safety of local residents and our staff is a top priority. We have installed safety fencing around the site to keep everyone safe. We have also undertaken health and safety assessments of the works and will continue to do these throughout.

If you live or work near the road and have accessibility requirements or vulnerability, please let us know on 01903 337364 or by emailing us and we would be happy to meet with you to discuss your needs, and ensure safe access is always available to your property or place of work.

Thank you – and who to talk to if you’d like more information or to provide feedback

We know that no one likes disruption on their streets. We will be working very hard to minimise the disruption as much as possible. Thank you for your cooperation whilst we complete these essential works. If you have any concerns and would like to speak to one of the local team, you can reach us on 01903 337364 or by emailing worthing@hemiko.com.

Further details on how to contact us are accessible on our website, https://hemiko.com/contact-us

Windows 11 Now Compatible with Older Devices: Should You Upgrade?

Microsoft recently announced that Windows 11 is now compatible with a wider range of older devices, marking a shift from the previous system requirements, which limited the upgrade to newer hardware. While this may seem like good news, it’s important to consider whether sticking with older hardware or upgrading is the best option.

Why Not Stick with Old Hardware?

For businesses, the ability to upgrade to Windows 11 without buying new devices may seem appealing. However, just because Windows 11 is now available for older machines doesn't necessarily mean it’s the best choice. Upgrading your hardware remains a strong consideration for several reasons:

1. Performance Issues: Older devices may meet the minimum Windows 11 requirements but could struggle with its demands. The OS requires more CPU power, RAM, and storage, and running it on older hardware could lead to sluggish performance that hampers productivity and efficiency.
2. Security Risks: Although Microsoft relaxed the TPM (Trusted Platform Module) requirement to allow TPM 1.2 – found on many older devices – these machines may lack support for the latest security features. For instance, TPM 1.2 doesn't support newer encryption methods, which could leave your business vulnerable to cyber threats.
3. Compatibility Problems: Older devices may face issues with running newer applications or working with modern hardware, creating potential friction in your IT ecosystem.

Hardware Not Meeting Minimum Requirements?

It’s possible to install Windows 11 on devices that don’t meet the minimum requirements, but this is not advisable. Microsoft warns that devices failing to meet these criteria will no longer receive support or updates, with the following disclaimer:

“If you proceed with installing Windows 11, your PC will no longer be supported and won't be entitled to receive updates.”

If your hardware is too old, you may end up with a system that is unsupported, leaving you without crucial updates and patches.

Upgrade Your Hardware

To avoid performance issues, security risks, and compatibility problems, it’s often better to invest in modern hardware. Upgrading your infrastructure ensures you get the full benefit of Windows 11’s performance, security, and compatibility features.

As a Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) and IT managed services provider (MSP), FluidOne offers tailored IT solutions, including hardware provisioning and software upgrade consultation. With FluidOne’s support, you can seamlessly transition to new hardware while ensuring your systems remain secure, efficient, and reliable.

For more information, reach us at https://www.fluidone.com/contact, call 01273 384100, or email brighton@fluidone.com.

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service Public Consultations

WSFRS has launched a public consultation to review its Emergency Response Standards.

Emergency Response Standards refer to the time it takes us to attend incidents such as fires and road traffic collisions in West Sussex.

The proposed changes will not affect the location of any fire stations or fire engines within West Sussex or change the time it takes for a fire engine to attend an incident but will bring the way the service measures its performance in line with other fire and rescue services to allow for greater transparency.

The consultation comes following a commitment made in the service’s Community Risk Management Plan 2022 – 2026 to maintain our existing Emergency Response Standards while we undertook a review.

The service has now prepared a proposed new model, drawing on a range of principles taken from the National Fire Chief’s Council Community Risk Programme and His Majesties Inspectorate for Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.

The service’s proposal would see the introduction of a service wide core measure to all critical incidents:

• 10 minutes average first appliance response time to all critical incidents
• 15 minutes average second appliance response time to all critical incidents
• 16 minutes first appliance response time to all incidents 90 percent of the time

You can review the proposals and share your views as part of the public consultation on the county council’s website until February 27.

Lime Pixel - Member Case Study

What do you do?

Limepixel is owned and run by Stacey Church and was established in 2009. I design and build websites that help your business to boost visibility and flourish online.

Having worked with many businesses (including a number of Chamber Members) across most sectors. From celebrants to physiotherapists and trades people to property investment companies. Just last year I designed and built a website for one of the UK’s biggest influencers with over 12 million followers, Simon Squibb.

It’s important to me to design and build websites with great foundations that can grow and flourish as the business does. After all websites are not just a bunch of stunning visuals and curly fonts. Websites must not only look good they have to function well and be optimised for Search.

Limepixel offers this across all of its website packages from the starter package, Lites Sites to its Flourish and Boost web packages that provide a few more bells and whistles.

Why did you join the Chamber?

I had heard good things about the Chamber. I had no hesitation in joining Worthing & Adur Chamber after speaking with Heidi and felt it would help my business to grow and be supported whilst building strong connections with the local business community. There’s a vibrancy to the Chamber Hubs networking events and numerous opportunities to collaborate and connect across its many events.

What’s your favourite thing about being a member?

It’s a friendly and welcoming atmosphere where you feel everyone strives to support and assist each other in finding the opportunities for grow our businesses. A community that advocates for each other for the benefit of all.

www.limepixel.co.uk

Changes to Business Food Waste

By the end of March, almost all businesses and organisations must have separate food waste and recycling collections in place.

The new rules form part of the government’s ‘Simpler Recycling’ plans, which were announced in 2023 to introduce a simpler, common-sense approach to recycling so people across England can recycle the same materials whether at home, work or school.

For businesses, the changes mean they must be recycling their kitchen leftovers and plate waste through a specialised food waste collection service by March 2025. Organisations with fewer than ten employees will have until March 2027 to comply with the new regulations.

Businesses are also expected to review what can and can’t be recycled to ensure that materials aren’t being misplaced in their bins.

The change could be a great way for local businesses to save some money, with both recycling and food waste collections being cheaper than general waste through our commercial waste service.

If you are an existing or new commercial waste customer and would like to know more about the changes and how we can help, please contact our commercial waste services team on 01273 263050 or email commercial.sales@adur-worthing.gov.uk.

For more information on our commercial food waste service, visit: www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/commercial-waste/food-waste/

Bird & Blend Tea Co. ranked as one of the fastest growing companies in Food & Drinks

Digital 100 celebrates brands that demonstrated exceptional digital growth in 2024.

Bird & Blend Tea Co., Sussex, has been named as one of the fastest growing companies in Food & Drinks category by Similarweb in the 2025 Digital 100, an annual ranking of the fastest-growing digital brands. Bird & Blend was recognised in the Digital 100 Report for the UK.

“Every year, the Digital 100 allows us to celebrate companies who are achieving tremendous growth within highly competitive sectors of the digital economy,” said Or Offer, CEO and founder of Similarweb. “The Digital 100 report is a powerful tool to help organizations understand and elevate their performance in the digital world. Congratulations to the winners!”

The annual Digital 100 ranking for 2025, released by the digital market intelligence experts at Similarweb (NYSE: SMWB), celebrates the companies that demonstrated the greatest digital growth over the past year – crowning a #1 Website, #1 App, and a cross-platform Digital Winner across industries.

Similarweb released rankings for the US, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, Australia, India, and Brazil. For the first time, the US and UK  editions of the Digital 100 provide an equal depth of coverage for the fastest growing mobile apps, as well as the fastest growing websites, in every category.

Methodology

The Digital 100 report for the UK identifies the fastest-growing digital brands based on Similarweb estimates of web traffic and app usage. Minimum criteria for the web visitors and app users were established for each market. Analysts manually filtered the statistical results to identify the most meaningful examples of digital business performance improvement. 

About Similarweb

Similarweb powers businesses to win their markets with Digital Data. By providing essential web and app data, analytics, and insights, we empower our users to discover business opportunities, identify competitive threats, optimize strategy, acquire the right customers, and increase monetization. Similarweb products are integrated into users' workflow, powered by advanced technology, and based on leading comprehensive Digital Data.

About Bird & Blend Tea Co. 

Bird & Blend Tea Co. is a British tea company that specialises in creating innovative, fun and delicious tea blends. With 25 (and counting) physical stores, a thriving global website and with a focus on quality, sustainability, and flavour, Bird & Blend has quickly become THE tea brand for tea enthusiasts.  

Please be aware as a result of construction works taking place on High Street, HGVs are no longer permitted on Chatsworth Road.

Hemiko wanted to explain to you why the road has been closed to HGVs, what diversion route has been put in place, how you or your business might be affected, and who you can speak to if you would like more information or want to provide feedback.

More information can be found here

You are welcome to contact Hemiko at any time at Worthing@Hemiko.com if you have any questions or concerns.”

George Square Financial Management Monthly Review. In Conjunction with Albemarle Street Partners.

Central Banks Implement Historic Rate Cuts

December witnessed major central banks reducing interest rates, marking the most significant policy easing since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, and Sweden's Riksbank each reduced rates by 25 basis points, while Switzerland and Canada implemented 50 basis point cuts. Emerging markets followed suit, with Turkey cutting rates by 250 basis points. These actions culminated in a total of 825 basis points in cuts for 2024, the largest annual easing in 15 years. However, the accompanying communications from central banks remained notably hawkish, suggesting less scope for future rate cuts than markets had anticipated. This created a paradox where economic strength became a headwind for markets, as it implied higher-for-longer future interest rates and increased pressure on governments managing substantial deficit spending. 

The Santa Rally That Wasn’t

The traditional end-of-year stock market rally failed to materialise in December as investors grappled with the implications of President-elect Trump's early cabinet picks and policy signals. His nomination of several prominent Wall Street figures suggested a push toward financial deregulation, while his continued tough stance on China rattled global markets. The S&P 500 pulled back from its November highs, with technology stocks particularly affected. However, energy and defence sectors showed surprising resilience, as markets began pricing in the likelihood of increased military spending and a more fossil fuel-friendly administration.

Bank of Japan’s Historic Move

After maintaining negative interest rates for nearly a decade, the Bank of Japan announced plans to move rates back into positive territory by early 2025. This marks a historic shift in global monetary policy, potentially ending the era of negative rates in major economies. The yen strengthened sharply on the news, causing ripples through Asian markets and forcing many global investors to reassess their currency positions. The move suggests growing confidence in Japan's ability to maintain inflation at sustainable levels, though questions remain about the impact on its massive government debt burden.

The content of this material is a marketing communication, and not independent investment research. As such, the legal and regulatory requirements in relation to independent investment research do not apply to this material and it is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of its dissemination. The material is for general information purposes only (whether or not it states any opinions). It does not consider your personal circumstances or objectives. Nothing in this material is (or should be considered to be) legal, financial, investment or other advice on which reliance should be placed. No opinion given in the material constitutes a recommendation by George Square Financial Management that any particular investment, security, transaction, or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. Although the information set out in this marketing communication is obtained from sources believed to be reliable George Square Financial Management make any guarantee as to its accuracy or completeness. George Square Financial Management shall not be responsible for any loss that you may incur, either directly or indirectly, arising from any investment based on any information contained herein.. George Square Financial Management is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority