News & Updates

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

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



  • 27 February 2019 10:18 AM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)


    Plans for Teville Gate revealed - statement

    Leaders of Worthing Borough Council have today responded to the news that a full planning application to redevelop Teville Gate has been submitted.

    The proposal, which is known as Station Square, has been brought forward by Mosaique, the private owner of the brownfield site which borders the A24 and Teville Road.

    Cllr Daniel Humphreys, Leader of Worthing Borough Council, said: “The people of Worthing have been waiting a long time for firm plans to come forward for Teville Gate.

    “It is one of the town’s most prominent sites, which is why we want to see good-quality homes and jobs created there, in addition to ensuring that a much better link is provided between the town centre and the station.

    “The formal submission of these plans is another step towards the regeneration of this brownfield site and I look forward to looking at the plans in more detail.”

    Once the application is validated, a six week public consultation will take place ahead of the Council’s planning committee making a decision on the plans later this year.

    Councillor Kevin Jenkins, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “Given the prominent location and size of this redevelopment, interest in the plans for Station Square is set to be high across the town.

    “I urge residents and businesses to look at the plans and provide their comments so that the planning committee can take these into consideration when making a decision.”


  • 26 February 2019 3:57 PM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)


    Worthing Homes are hiring!

    There are 2 vacancies available. 

    Please click here to view details about the Cook role

    Please click here to view details about the Gardener role

  • 26 February 2019 3:44 PM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)


    Government funding boost for Greater Brighton’s pioneering projects

    Two Greater Brighton projects to improve public services while freeing up land for major regeneration schemes have received a government funding boost.

    The Greater Brighton One Public Estate programmehas been awarded a further £208,000 to help it work with partners and unlock multimillion pound projects on public land in Brighton and Burgess Hill.

    The aim is to use the money to bring forward these developments, creating scores of homes and improving public services while saving local taxpayers a large sum in running costs.

    Greater Brighton leaders welcomed the national investment as a big boost to the regional economy, adding it showed the partnership of councils, business and education providers was paying dividends across the City Region.

    Councillor Garry Wall, Chairman of Greater Brighton, said: “This is an excellent result and is yet another example of how by working together we can bring investment into our City Region.

    “Given the high level of competition from around the UK for this fund, it’s a real vote of confidence that we have received this funding. In total, we have now brought in close to £2 million of investment through these government schemes which shows we must be doing something right.

    “We must now put this money to good use to deliver on the jobs, homes and regeneration schemes that can help bring millions into our local economy while transforming our local communities and region as a whole.”

    The One Public Estate programme was launched in 2013 to make better use of public-sector sites, cutting running costs, freeing up space for new homes and jobs while improving services to residents. It is a joint initiative between the Cabinet Office, the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government and Local Government Association

    It is designed to encourage the emergency services, local councils and government departments to work more closely together by sharing sites and creating public-sector ‘hubs’ - where services are delivered in one place.

    The announcement by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government confirmed the following Greater Brighton projects were successful:

    • Burgess Hill Station Quarter - £90,000
    • Moulsecoomb Neighbourhood Hub - £83,000

    The programme also won a grant of £35,000 to support the programme management.

    Councillor Daniel Yates, leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, said: "The One Public Estate programme is a great example of how we are working with partners across the region to make the best use of public property and land for the benefit of all our residents, providing housing, jobs and better public services.

    “We’ll use the funding to progress the Moulsecoomb Neighbourhood Hub project which is improving and bringing a range of public services together, as well as using redundant land to provide new low-cost housing. We are growing the scope of this project to provide more than 300 affordable homes and enable closer joint working between health and social care services.”

     

    Cllr Wall, who is also Leader of Mid Sussex District Council, said: “The Burgess Hill strategic growth programme is the most ambitious programme of change anywhere in the sub-region.

     

    “There will be significant development and investment in the area in the near future so the funding award for the Burgess Hill station quarter is vital for our community.

     

    “This project offers a unique opportunity to maximise the delivery of new housing and commercial floorspace and facilitate the redevelopment of the station itself.”

     

    It brings the total amount brought into the region through the Greater Brighton One Public Estate programme to £1,042,500. A further £819,000 has been received in Land Release Fund capital fundingto three projects in Brighton & Hove.

    Among the projects to benefit from funding is a proposal to create a new health hub for Worthing’s Civic Centre (£90,000 funding in November 2016). Others include the Hove Station Quarter (£70,000) and the North Street Quarter (NSQ) Health Hub in Lewes (£150,000) which both received funding in January 2018.

    The Minister for Implementation, Oliver Dowden, said: “Getting the best use out of publicly-owned land can help to regenerate our towns and cities and give people improved access to the services they need.

    “This programme shows that when government works smarter, with public authorities coming together, taxpayers get better value for money, new jobs are created and space is freed-up for vitally needed new homes.”


  • 26 February 2019 3:29 PM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)


    Brighton Main Line Improvement Project | Update

    Bus Hub at Three Bridges
    The bus hub has been operating successfully since Saturday with only minor teething problems. Whilst we know that these may have caused passengers some inconvenience, we are glad to say that they did not impact departure times or bus arrivals. Passengers were welcomed off the train at Three Bridges, with teams directing them to the correct bus departure gate, so they could catch their onward connection. Staff assisted passengers with luggage and those with accessibility issues via an alternative route. The undercover walkway and waiting area in the hub helped us keep everyone dry.

    Bus Operation
    The bus operation largely worked well with positive feedback from passengers around the short wait times, frequency of buses, comfort on board the buses and treats being handed out at stations by our brand ambassadors. 

    While some confusion was caused around the existence of the fast bus from Brighton to Three Bridges, this was clarified over the weekend and on Monday.  Given the size of the operation, it was not possible to run this route for the first weekend (due to final testing) and during the weekdays. However, please be assured that the fast bus service will run again this weekend similarly to other weekends.

    Engineering Achievements
    The blockade has been an opportunity for us to conduct an unprecedented amount of essential work in this area and will help us improve reliability on this part of the network. From 01.00 on Saturday, 16 February, the teams arrived on site to mobilise the first 8 engineering trains and get work underway working against a strict milestone plan. There were five main work sites broken down by geographical location which further comprise 27 individual sites of work.

    Since Saturday, the Balcombe Tunnel Junction was removed, excavated and the new track laid. Drainage works took place at Balcombe Tunnel, Copyhold Junction and at Haywards Heath. The teams have been busy cleaning out old drainage and laying new. This will remove the risk of flooding, make the track more reliable and journeys safer and quicker.

    Signalling upgrades have taken place at Haywards Heath and Preston Park as well as from Hassocks to Patcham. At Preston Park, rails were renewed, signals upgraded and track circuits were converted. Cabling in Clayton Tunnel took place and brick work repairs continue throughout the week. Conductor Rail renewal took place at Burgess Hill and the cables have now been reconnected.

    From Keymer to Lewes, track works and general maintenance have taken place. From Cooksbridge to Lewes, signal upgrades including conversion to LED lighting has taken place. 

    The programme of work is on schedule and the teams continue their work each day to ensure the service on the Brighton Main Line can commence early on Monday morning.

    Station Improvements
    The blockade also gave us the opportunity to conduct some much needed work at the stations affected.  As well as this being a good time to do this work with the stations being empty, it is also a gesture of thanks from us to passengers for bearing with us during the closure. At Haywards Heath station, the timber supports on both island platforms have been replaced and we have repaired, upgraded and deep-cleaned the station. The Plumpton station footbridge was stripped and primed and station timbers and platforms have been repaired. The top coats of paint will be completed during the three follow-up weekends.  At Cooksbridge, the old bridge was looking tired and in need of refurbishment.  We have replaced the stair treads on the footbridge and given the station a deep clean. Preparation for the level crossing works in March have also taken place.

    At Wivelsfield, work on the platform is progressing. The team has renewed platform copers and started the planned programme of strengthening platform support work on Platforms 1 & 2.  The remaining works to Platform 2 will be completed as planned during the three follow up weekend. In addition, there has been substantial general maintenance repairs to the station and stairways including deep cleaning and repainting.

    We hope that once passengers return to their stations on Monday and throughout next week they will be please to see the improvements that we’ve made.
     
    At Balcombe station, the old footbridge is being removed today with installation of the new footbridge on Thursday.  While clearing vegetation at the Brighton end of platform two at Balcombe station, our engineers discovered a carving engraved in stone. The hand-hewn carving commemorates a strike by the drivers and firemen of the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway which occurred on Monday 25 and Tuesday 26 March, 1867. The dispute was over pay and working conditions and was resolved by the Wednesday of the same week

  • 22 February 2019 9:25 AM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)

    Experience the fun of circus with a free performance on the Worthing Pavilion Theatre Promenade
     
    Dip is new trampoline and live music show specifically created and devised to be performed in public spaces and outdoor programming. With a cast of three performers including Max Calaf as a lead artist and the support of existing collaborators they will be performing a free show on Sunday 14 April, 11.00am and 2.00pm on the Worthing Pavilion Theatre Promenade. Max Calaf has previously performed in Worthing's Summer of Circus festival with indoor trampoline show Anyday.
     
    The show revolves around ‘the found’; how we find each other, objects we find daily and how we can make creative and fun use of waste, as well as interrogating relationships in a society of overconsumption. The framework explores sound, musicality, physicality and narrative possibilities, using a trampoline with a platform as a centre stage.The company aims to make an all-ages show for families to enjoy somethingimaginative and quirky that is a highly visual and sonic experience. It offers a light hearted show with the artistic vision of a contemporary circus practice.
     
    The combination of three performers and the diversity of their skills, ranging from acrobatics, free running, music, dance, juggling and comedy are brought together in an exciting and unique piece. Technical elements include: Acro-balance on a trampoline, trampoline technique, ‘platform’ work, acro-dance, free running and tricking. They create the show with the lively atmosphere and the possibilities of the outdoor setting in mind.
     
    Dip will bring something unique to the British circus and outdoors arts scene. The project is a platform for UK based trampolinists, offering working opportunities nationally and internationally.
     
    The project has a circus nature, however the language used in the work of the company is very close to the language of dance, dance theatre and physical theatre. All Max Calaf Sevé collaborators and artists have some contact with the dance world, have been a dance practitioner themselves and are interested in blurring the boundaries of circus/dance/performance/theatre/visual art.
               
    Please note that this is a free event, but Worthing Theatres recommend booking a ticket so we can keep you up to date if anything changes about the show -ie weather, time change etc. You can book tickets for Dip from the Worthing Theatres box office on 01903 206 206 and online at worthingtheatres.co.uk.

  • 22 February 2019 9:15 AM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)

    Food For Thought | Murder? You Be The Judge and Jury
    March 12 @ 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm
    £19.75 

    John Eddleston is famed for being one of the great authorities on crime, murderers and execution having studied and written numerous books on the subject of real-life unsolved murders, killers and villains.  

    We are delighted to welcome back John, aka MR M!!, at your request, for another true-to-life murder mystery talk. A real case from the last century. This time you will be shown all the evidence, hear all the witnesses and get all the facts and you can decide whether the accused is guilty or innocent before John reveals his expert theory.

     This interactive talk will begin at 12 noon followed by lunch at 1:00pm

    The Menu

    Beef Bourguignon

    Creamed potato & green beans

    Grilled fillet of Skate

    Caper and lemon butter

    New potatoes

    Pea and mint risotto

    Cherry tomato and spring onion salad (vegan)

    ….

    Sticky toffee pudding and custard 

    Bananas tossed in dark rum

    Booji Chocolate and  vanilla ice cream ( vegan)

    A selection of cheese, biscuits and pickle

    Freshly ground coffee, tea infusions and mints

     £19:75 Per Person


  • 22 February 2019 9:06 AM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)


    Shoreham Harbour Joint Area Action Plan - Proposed Main Modifications

    Plans to reviatlise Shoreham Harbour and surrounding areas take another step forward as the councils submit the Proposed Main Modifications for public consultation. The Shoreham Harbour Joint Area Action Plan includes proposals and policies for new housing and employment generating floorspace; and for upgraded flood defences, recreational and community facilities, sustainable travel, environmental and green infrastructure improvements.

    Adur District Council, Brighton & Hove City Council, and West Sussex County Council are jointly inviting comments on the Proposed Main Modifications to the Shoreham Harbour Joint Area Action Plan. The formal Notice of Consultation is attached to this message.

    Main Modifications are those which are considered necessary to make the plan sound and legally compliant. The tests for soundness are as follows:

    • Positively prepared: the plan should be prepared based on a strategy which seeks to meet objectively assessed development and infrastructure requirements, including unmet requirements from neighbouring authorities where it is reasonable to do so and consistent with achieving sustainable development;
    • Justified: the plan should be the most appropriate strategy, when considered against the reasonable alternatives, based on proportionate evidence;
    • Effective: the plan should be deliverable over its period and based on effective joint working on cross-boundary strategic priorities; and
    • Consistent with national policy: the plan should enable the delivery of sustainable development in accordance with the policies in the Framework

     

    The Proposed Main Modifications are proposed without prejudice to the Inspector's final conclusion on the Joint Area Action Plan which will take account of all representations submitted in response to this consultation.

    The documents made available for consultation include:

    ·         Schedule of Proposed Main Modifications to the Shoreham Harbour Joint Area Action Plan (January 2019)

    ·         Sustainability Appraisal of the Shoreham Harbour Joint Area Action Plan (Proposed Main Modifications) (January 2019)

    ·         Non-Technical Summary of the Sustainability Appraisal of the JAAP (Proposed Main Modifications) (January 2019)

     

    The councils have prepared a Schedule of Additional Modifications. These are minor changes to the Joint Area Action Plan which do not affect soundness. These are for information only and do not form part of the consultation:

    ·         Schedule of Additional Modifications to the Shoreham Harbour Joint Area Action Plan (January 2019)

     

    The councils have also published a Consultation Statement to accompany the Schedule of Proposed Modifications:

    ·         Consultation Statement Shoreham Harbour Joint Area Action Plan (Proposed Main Modifications) (January 2019)

     

    All consultation documents and supporting evidence and can be viewed on the submission page on the Adur & Worthing Councils website:

    https://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/shoreham-harbour-regeneration/main-modifications/

     

    Hard copies of the consultation documents will also be available to view at the following council offices and libraries:

     

    Brighton

    ·         Bartholomew House, Bartholomew Square, BN1 1JE

    ·         Jubilee Library, Jubilee Street, Brighton, BN1 1GE

     

    Chichester

    ·         County Hall, West Street, Chichester, PO19 1RQ

     

    Hove

    ·         Hove Town Hall, Norton Road, BN3 3BQ

    ·         Hove Library, 182-186 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2EG

     

    Portslade

    ·         Portslade Library, 223 Old Shoreham Road, Portslade, BN41 1XR

     

    Shoreham

    ·         Shoreham Centre, Pond Rd, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 5WU

    ·         Shoreham Library, St Mary’s Road, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 5ZA

     

    Southwick

    ·         Southwick Library, Southdown Road, Southwick, BN42 4FT

     

    Worthing

    ·         Portland House, Richmond Rd, Worthing, BN11 1HS

     

    Representations must be made after 5pm 21st January and received by 5pm 4th March 2019.

    Representations should be provided in writing by completing and submitting the response form using the following methods:

     

    Please make sure tell us which main modification each of your comments relates to by referencing the relevant number from the Schedule of Main Modifications.

    Representations at this stage should only be made in relation to the legal compliance and soundness of the Proposed Main Modifications to the Local Plan. Representations should specify in what respect(s) the Proposed Main Modification is considered to be unsound, and what change(s) would need to be made to make it sound. These terms are explained in a guidance note available from the locations set out above or from the Adur & Worthing Councils website.

    Anonymous comments or comments received outside the consultation dates will not be accepted. Please note that comments cannot be treated as confidential. Copies of all comments will be made available for the public to view (including respondent's name) but will not include any personal contact details or signatures.

    All representations received within the statutory consultation period will be submitted to the Inspector examining the Shoreham Harbour Joint Area Action Plan.

    For further information please contact: info@shorehamharbour.com

    Or, telephone: 01273 263000 and ask for the Shoreham Harbour Regeneration Team


  • 21 February 2019 4:39 PM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)


    St Barnabas Fairy Tale Fair

    Date: Sunday 14th April
    Time: 10:30am - 4:00pm 
    Venue: Worthing Charmandean

    The fair will feature 70 stalls with local makers and designers selling their Easter and Spring creations. There will also be St Barnabas stalls and raffle, cafe and home baked cakes and treats, face painting and lots of magical extras to explore. 

    The fair will be open 10.30am - 4pm and will be opened by Worthing Town Crier, Worthing Deputy Mayor. There will also be appearances from the mad hatter on stilts, the Ghostbusters, and the Easter bunny. 

    The fair is organised by ourselves (The Fairy Tale Fair) and the Northbrook Friends of St Barnabas and aims to beat last years total of just over £3,000 raised for St Barnabas


  • 21 February 2019 4:35 PM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)

    We need your feedback: Make sure your business is heard 


    Quarterly Economic Survey Q1 2019

    By telling us what is impacting on your business - we will be able to start doing something about it.

    The Quarterly Economic Survey carried out by the British Chambers of Commerce is the largest independent business survey in the UK and a significant economic indicator. It is a key source of data about the local economy, the results help influence policy at the Bank of England and central Government.

    Please play your part to help promote and sustain a strong business community in Sussex.

    It really does only take 2 minutes and completing this short survey means we can ensure your voice is being represented in the UK Government. We would really appreciate your participation.

    Have your say by clicking the link below and under the ‘Which Chamber’ section, select ‘South East: Sussex’.

    Please visit - https://www.britishchambers.org.uk/page/quarterly-economic-survey-2 to start the survey.


  • 21 February 2019 3:47 PM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)

    Gatwick Diamond Business Awards – Triple Finalists

    While Valentines Day for many meant hearts, flowers and chocolates the celebration for Gemini Print was receiving the excellent news of being judged Finalists for the 2019 Gatwick Diamond Business Awards. These awards are viewed by many as the ‘tough ones.’ in the South, so everyone was very pleased.

    The Gemini Print team were especially delighted to be recognised for three categories that are key to the companies business strategy – high-quality production, client service excellence, plus positive relationships with key suppliers, partners, charities and the community. 

    The Award for Customer Delight: Judged and sponsored by DMH Stallard

    Manufacturing Business of the Year: - Judged and sponsored by Kreston Reeves

    The Award for Supply Chain Excellence:- Judged and sponsored by University of Brighton

    Gemini Print consistently strives to achieve being recognised as the ‘perfect print partner’. The team would like to express their thanks to all their clients who take the trouble to send in testimonials.  As well as being such a great motivator day to day it is this sort of feedback and assessment that plays a key role in enabling Gemini Print to have the confidence to enter business awards.

    Tony Hyams-Parish, the Employment Partner at  DMH Stallard, said:  'DMH Stallard are delighted to be sponsoring the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards 'Customer Delight' category.  Customer Delight was the natural category for us to focus on and we believe it is essential in developing great business relationships.  In recent years we have grown considerably, and this has been achieved through every member of the firm being strongly focussed on delivering exceptional service to our clients.  In his Employment practice, Tony promotes the importance of long term relationships, the positive impact of great communication, retaining and recruiting excellent people and sharing best practice both inside and outside the firm'. 

    www.dmhstallard.com

    Kreston Reeves advise dynamic businesses, not for profit organisations, private individuals and families on all areas of business, tax and wealth helping them make confident decisions about the future.

    We are dedicated to meeting and exceeding the needs of all our clients wherever their ambition takes them.

    Kreston Reeves Manufacturing Partner Allan Pinner commented: "The Gatwick Diamond Awards provide the opportunity for businesses and professionals to be recognised for their success and hard work whether for growth, innovation or contribution to our community.  We are particularly delighted to be sponsoring the Manufacturing Business of the Year 2019."

    www.krestonreeves.com

    The University of Brighton is delighted to sponsor the award for supply chain management, as a leader in both teaching and research in this area.

    Their MSc in Logistics and Supply Chain Management teaches students to understand the process and systems crucial to the world of business and equips them for careers in areas such as supply chain analysis, logistics, manufacturing and operations planning.

    Alongside teaching, their research into supply chain management has generated many business partnerships including a knowledge exchange programme with Littlehampton-based Dando Drilling that analyses and optimise the company's supply chain.

    “We welcome opportunities to work with organisations of all types and sizes in sectors as diverse as creative and digital, healthcare, teaching, environmental, pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences, and engineering.

    We embrace collaborations with companies and the public sector through knowledge exchange, consultancy, commercialisation of research, use of our equipment and facilities, and short courses for workforce development. At the University of Brighton, partnership working is fundamentally important to us. With a long established history of collaborating with companies in the Gatwick Diamond area, the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards provide a wonderful opportunity to recognise business excellence. We are proud to be part of this annual celebration as the Diamond continues to be significantly important to us.”

    www.brighton.ac.uk/business

    http://www.gatwickdiamondbusinessawards.com/107-2019-finalists.html

     

    If you have any questions, please, do contact Suzanne Heaven, Marketing Director s.heaven@gemini-print.co.uk or call 01273 086206