Worthing Homes job vacancy

Are you an enthusiastic, efficient and highly organised administrator?

Do you want to be part of a busy customer service team? Then this could be the role for you!

We are looking for a committed and skilled administrator to provide support to our neighbourhood and customer experience teams.

Administrator - 1 year Fixed Term Contract

£19,240.00

37 hours per week

The successful candidate will:

• ·         Have experience of working in a customer services environment
• ·         Take a positive approach to resolving problems and providing support across all teams
• ·         Work under pressure, dealing with competing priorities and delivering results to tight deadlines
• ·         Have excellent IT and customer services skills

Main responsibilities:

·         To carry out a range of administrative tasks arising from customer contact

·         To assist with the data entry of invoices onto our housing management system

·         To effectively administer former tenant and garage arrears

·         To promptly inform customers when their housing benefit has been suspended

·         To arrange appointments for colleagues in other teams

·         To process rechargeable repairs on our housing management system

·         To prepare information packs for residents

·         To provide cover for the customer experience and lettings team

·         To carry out customer satisfaction surveys

·         To administer the outgoing post

In return we offer:

• ·         26 days holiday
• ·         Private medical insurance (after qualifying period)
• ·         4% employer contribution to pension scheme, Employee Assistance Programme

To apply please send your CV with a supporting statement (maximum of 3 pages) to

Wear it Festive and make a difference to the lives of local people this Christmas

St Barnabas House hospice has launched its successful ‘Wear it Festive’ fundraising campaign. This year, anything goes, from simple seasonal socks to outrageous festive frocks.

Local businesses, schools and individuals are being invited to hold an event and fundraise to support the vital hospice care services provided by St Barnabas over the festive period. Whether you get together with colleagues to don your Christmas knits for a small donation, encourage your child’s nursery or school to spend a day in Santa hats, or host a festive dinner party, it couldn’t be easier or more fun to get involved.

St Barnabas House provides specialist palliative care both at the hospice and in the local community, free of charge, 365 days a year including Christmas Day. Community nurses continue to provide care for patients over the Christmas period.

Wendy Bardsley, Community Fundraising Manager at St Barnabas House, said: “Christmas can be a worrying time for many of our patients and their families, and knowing that our care team is there to support them brings real peace of mind.

“Since the launch of Wear it Festive in 2016, the community has raised an incredible £12,000 for St Barnabas House through taking part in the campaign. All donations received will make a real difference to local people. For example, a donation of £68.35 would provide for a visit by one of our Community Palliative Care Team Nurses to a patient’s home, £181 would enable a Hospice at Home nurse to provide a whole night of care for a patient over Christmas and £625 would pay for a 24 hour stay in the In-patient Unit for a patient on Christmas Day.”

Caption: Team at Shh.. Hair Salon, Goring

The team at Shh… Hair Salon in Goring were one of the first to sign up this year, having raised over £300 for the hospice since they first got involved in Wear it Festive three years ago.

Steve Hollis who runs the salon plans to wear a festive jumper. Steve said: “Really, I’m not that keen on dressing up, but this is such a great cause. We have all been touched by the work of St Barnabas House.”

Caption: Team at Michael Jones & Company, Goring

Estate agents from the Goring office of Michael Jones & Company have also registered to take part. James Brock, Branch Manager, said: “It’s a bit of fun that gets everyone involved and raises some money for St Barnabas in the process. As a local company, we like to support local charities like St Barnabas.”

You can join in with Wear it Festive at home, work or school on Friday 14 December 2018, or alternatively pick a date that suits you best.

Register to take part and receive a free fundraising pack at www.stbh.org.uk/wearitfestive or give one of the Fundraising Team a call to find out more on 01903 254777.

New free service to tackle fuel poverty launched in Adur and Worthing

Thousands of residents across Adur and Worthing could save money and keep warm in their homes after the launch of a new free service.

With more than 30,000 households across West Sussex (8.4 per cent) in fuel poverty, Adur & Worthing Councils has joined with Local Energy Advice Partnership (LEAP) to offer residents advice to stay warm this winter.

The scheme, which forms part of the Councils’ new Sustainability Framework, sees eligible households receive a free home visit from a qualified energy advisor. They will then be offered top tips on lowering bills, improving energy efficiency, accessing grants and benefits and managing debt.

As well as potentially saving household hundreds of pounds a year, the programme could also improve the health and wellbeing of some of the most vulnerable residents across Adur and Worthing.

Councillor David Simmons, Adur District Council’s Executive Member for Health & Wellbeing, said: “Many people face difficult choices, when considering whether keep their home warm or spend limited income on other essentials. We recognise that failing to keep the home warm can cause the health of many local people to suffer.

“This programme is designed to provide advice from an expert who will visit their home at no cost to those who qualify, and where possible also fit money saving devices, again at no cost, to help them manage their income more effectively.  Prevention is the best way forward, and I recommend that you take this opportunity to find out more.”

Councillor Dan Humphreys, Leader of Worthing Borough Council, said: “Fuel poverty is a modern day evil and it is vital that we do what we can to support those residents in our communities who are most in need. I urge everyone to contact LEAP and see if they able to access support from this excellent scheme.”

Both councillors were present at the launch of LEAP which took place in Worthing Town Hall this week (November 5th, 2018).

The three year programme is available to those in private rented, public rented and owner occupied homes.

It is open to a wide number of residents, including people on a low income; those with a range of health conditions and individuals classed as vulnerable, such as victims of domestic abuse, recently bereaved and recently classed as homeless.

Those running the scheme said anyone who finds it difficult to heat their home to at least 19C are encouraged to take advantage of the scheme.

LEAP can help residents:

·         Check if you are on the cheapest energy tariff – potentially saving £280 per year;

·         Install FREE, simple energy saving measures to lower household bills;

·         With day-to-day energy saving hints and tips to ensure your heating system is set up to keep you warm and save money;

·         Arrange for FREE telephone advice to help with benefits, debt and other money problems

·         Access other improvements such as loft insulation or a new boiler.

To find out more about LEAP and to arrange a free home visit from an advisor call 0800 060 7657 or apply online at www.applyforleap.org.uk.

Too many UK businesses hyper-local with too few international aspirations, reports Kreston Reeves survey

UK private businesses are hyper-local, generating the majority of revenues from their immediate geographic location with little interest in international markets.  That is one of the conclusions from a new piece of research from accountants, business and financial advisers Kreston Reeves.

The research – published today in a report called Going for Growth: UK company growth strategies to 2021 – finds that a third (32%) of UK private businesses generate between 50-100% of their revenues from their immediate geographic location. 18% are hyper-local, generating between 75-100% of their revenue locally. 

And the UK is set to become an even more important market for businesses, with 56% believing their immediate geographic location is the most attractive market for future growth.  Over a third (35%) of businesses have no international aspirations at all.

The survey was conducted over the summer of 2018 and is based on the views of 530 privately owned businesses from across the UK, 80% of which with a turnover below £25m.  The report aims to better understand the hopes and aspirations of businesses towards growth and the barriers to growth as Brexit draws ever closer.

Andrew Griggs, Senior Partner at Kreston Reeves said: “Too many UK businesses are thinking local when our world is increasingly global.  Whilst it is true that businesses will continue to grow in their domestic markets, the lack of international ambition at a time when UK businesses should look to wider international markets has to be worrying.”

The Going for Growth report highlights include:

·         60% of businesses have grown by more than 25% over past three years.

·         58% of businesses remain positive that they will grow by more than 25% over next three years.

·         34% expect to see growth come from investment in new technology. 

·         31% of businesses will finance growth through retained profit.

·         21% believe business uncertainty to be the biggest barrier to growth. Access to funding (20%) and increased competitor activity (20%) follow closely behind.

·         35% of businesses fail to scenario plan and prepare for eventualities that may impact their business.

·         35% of businesses have no international aspirations at all.

·         28% say they are unable to resource international expansion, with 27% saying the lack of experience holds them back.

·         32% say they would like help in finding international customers.

·         47% see Brexit as a business opportunity, with 45% saying their growth plans have been positively affected by Brexit. Just 24% perceive Brexit as an obstacle and only 24% think it has negatively affected their growth plans. The remaining businesses remain uncertain.

Andrew said: “UK businesses are bullish about future growth, despite the uncertainty in the economic and political landscape.  They are, however, sensibly cautious about how future growth will be funded, turning to retained profits or organic growth. 

“It is surprising, however, that given political and economic uncertainty is considered the primary barrier to growth, that so few businesses scenario plan and prepare for future uncertainties.  We would expect to see and encourage more businesses to prepare for future threats to their revenue.”

Perhaps the greatest concern highlighted by Going for Growth is the reliance on UK customers and lack of international ambition.

24% of businesses surveyed generate up to a quarter of their revenues from Europe, compared with 21% from North America and South America, 23% each from the Middle East and Asia Pacific, and 22% from Australasia.

Resourcing international expansion holds back 28% of businesses, with a further 27% saying lack of experience is the main barrier.

Andrew said: “A quarter of businesses told us that they simply do not know how to access international markets, which suggests that all the time, effort and money successive UK governments have invested in encouraging UK businesses to expand internationally is just not working.  There is clearly more that can be done.

“The advice and support businesses need to support international expansion is quite straightforward.  They want help in identifying customers, partnering opportunities to spread risks and better government support and incentives.  Accountants and other advisers also need to play a greater role in advising businesses on international growth.”

Going for Growth: UK company growth strategies to 2021 is published by Kreston Reeves.  A copy of the report can be downloaded here www.krestonreeves.com/goingforgrowth.  The issues raised in the report will be discussed further at events and in follow up articles. 

Visit www.krestonreeves.com/goingforgrowth.

Corporate FIT4 gym membership available to all Worthing and Adur Chamber members

A healthy benefit for you, your employees and your bank balance!

We are excited to announce a new member benefit in partnership with South Downs Leisure.

South Downs Leisure is now offering ALL Chamber members, regardless of number of employees, their corporate FIT4 gym membership rate. Usually this rate is only available to businesses with more than 10 employees, so this is a fantastic opportunity for our members who are not normally eligible for the reduced corporate rate*.

Corporate membership for FIT4 is just £39 per month instead of £47.50 per month - an annual saving of £102 . And, if you join on Saturday 17th November 2018 - 'No Joining Fee' day - you can save another £48.50! See the image below for the special promotional code.

This represents a great saving for members. In fact, as a sole trader the savings mean you'll essentially pay just £30 a year for your Chamber membership. If you're a larger business and a number of staff join, the savings can more than cover the cost of your Chamber membership. 

We would like to encourage all our members to highlight this brilliant offer to their staff members (please feel free to use the copy from this page); if you have communal areas you may wish to display this poster. 

What's included in FIT4 membership? 

FIT4 membership is an all-inclusive fitness package, spread across five leisure sites:

• Splashpoint Leisure Centre
  
• Davison Leisure Centre
  
• Field Place
  
• Worthing Leisure Centre
  
• Fitness Centre at Worthing College.
  

Many activities are included in the one membership fee:

• 350+ fitness classes per week**
  
• 4 modern fitness suites
  
• Swimming pools, saunas, spa, steam rooms and heat beds
  
• Free gym induction & regular fitness programme updates
  
• Sport Coaching
  
• Off-peak racquet sports
  
• No tie in contract
  

…and more

More information about what's included in membership can be found in the FIT4 brochure, which you can see on their website. 

If you have any questions, please do give the Chamber team a call on 01903 203484. If you are not currently a member but would like to take advantage of this amazing benefit, you can join the Chamber online here.

We hope this exciting new offer is of benefit to you and we look forward to adding further new benefits soon!

*Please note that your membership must be approved and paid for when you apply for FIT4 membership. If you plan to join FIT4 on the 17th November, and you are not currently a Chamber member we recommend you apply for Chamber membership by Wednesday 14th November 2018.

**Please note, waiting lists  and time restrictions may apply for some activities.

GREEN FOR GO: AMBITIOUS RECYCLING TARGETS AT HEART OF NEW ENVIRONMENTAL PLEDGES

Adur & Worthing Councils today announce a major push on protecting the environment as they seek to make a big increase in recycling rates among a host of important eco issues.

The leaders of both Adur District Council and Worthing Borough Council today publish an Environment Framework which would commit the authorities to a range of measures including.

·         Increasing recycling to 50 per cent of total waste collected by 2020.

·         Back moves to see Councils become plastics free

·         Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent by 2021.

·         Back measures to help residents save on energy bills and reduce water consumption.

One key measure is to back a big increase in recycling figures. Currently only 36 per cent of waste collected in the district and borough is recycled, below the average across West Sussex, with too much still being sent to landfill sites.

Along with all other local authorities in England the Councils are facing a government target of reaching 50 per cent by 2020.

Adur & Worthing Councils are two of only four authorities in the county who collect general waste weekly and now a scheme to alternate perishable and non-recyclable waste with recycled waste is under consideration.

In other words households would have their grey lid bins collected one week and their blue lidded the next. The garden waste collection service would remain unchanged.

Seventy-six per cent of councils in England run this service and it has shown that recycling rates do increase and levels of general waste go down.

Horsham District Council changed to an alternate service this year and has already seen and increase in the collection of recyclable waste of approximately 200 tonnes.

Financial prudence is also a secondary factor behind the proposal. With budgets tight and the system of recycling credits about to change the Councils could face the prospect of losing £250,000 a year, savings which would have to found elsewhere.

In a joint statement the leaders of Adur District Council and Worthing Borough Council, Cllr Neil Parkin and Cllr Dan Humphreys, said: “As yet this is only a proposal we are both looking at. We have rightly prided ourselves on our refuse collection service which is second to none. However times change and we have to continually review our policies.

“We all agree that recycling rates across the world need to increase to help the planet and despite all of our education programmes we need to move our own rates up at a more rapid pace.

“Residents can be assured that if we do change the service we will support them to ensure that the change is as smooth and as convenient as possible.”

In recent times Adur & Worthing Councils has introduced or supported a number of environmental protection schemes including placing solar panels on some of its own roofs, supporting car share schemes for staff, introduced electric vehicle charging points, backing a campaign to reduce single-use plastic and promoting community involving beach clean ups.

In their direction-of-travel plan Platforms for our Places the Councils have a full section called Stewarding Our Natural Resources which commits to working with our communities and local businesses to reduce waste and protecting the environment.

Both the Environment Framework and the changes to waste collection proposals will go before the Councils’ Joint Strategic Committee on November 6 for possible adoption.

Have Your Say on the draft Worthing Local Plan

Members of the public are being urged to have their say on a blueprint to guide the future development of Worthing for the next 15 years.

The draft Worthing Local Plan sets out the vision for what the town could look like by 2033 by ensuring there is the right mix of places for people to live, work and play.

Central to the proposal is the allocation of land to build more than 4,000 high-quality homes while also protecting three major open spaces to preserve the sensitive green gaps either side of the town.

The Council is now encouraging residents, businesses and other representatives to come forward and have their say on the proposal during a six-week consultation period which starts today (Wednesday October 31, 2018).

During this time, two drop in events will be held in the Gordon Room at Worthing Town Hall: on Wednesday November 14 from 3pm to 8.30pm; and November 23 from 10am to 3pm,

All comments will be fed into the ‘Submission draft’ before a final version is presented to a government inspector for Examination.

Councillor Kevin Jenkins, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “Whether you live, work or regularly visit Worthing, the Local Plan is something that affects everyone who has a vested interest in how our town develops in future years.

“While we have limited land due to being trapped between the sea and the downs, it is our duty to try and create a development plan which not only provides much-needed housing but also protects some of our most valued open spaces and employment areas.

“We really need to hear all comments, those that are supportive of the proposals we are bringing forward and those who wish to suggest changes. It is essential to the success of the plan that the Inspector is able to see the weight of opinion. The public's view in this is extremely important to that process.”

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 the Council looks to ensure the right mix of places for people to live, work and play in the future.

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 by 2033. This is way below the assessed need level of more than 12,000 homes.

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

However, even with housing pressure, the Council has made an initial commitment to place protected status on environmentally sensitive areas such as Goring Gap (South), Chatsmore Farm (between the A259 and railway line at Goring) and Brooklands Park.

The 180-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.

Planners will take on board all feedback from the consultation before creating a final version which will be 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 requirements.

All comments need to be submitted by 5pm on December 12 via worthinglocalplan@adur-worthing.gov.uk.

To view the Local Plan and for further information visit: www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/worthing-local-plan.

Trekkers raise £77,000 for St Barnabas House by climbing to Laka Got in the Himalayas

A team of 42 trekkers from across the local area raised in excess of £77,000 by taking on the Dalai Lama India Trek for St Barnabas House last week.

Participants set off on the epic journey on Thursday 18 October, flying from Heathrow to Delhi. They then travelled on an overnight sleeper train to Pathankot, continuing by coach to Dharamshala, the spiritual home of the Dalai Lama.

On Sunday 21 October the team set off, and on the first day they witnessed an Indian funeral (an incredible outpouring of emotion) crossed a rickety suspension bridge and tackled a mud slide which had destroyed part of the route.

Monday saw the team trek from near Kareri to Bal village, a walk with amazing views of the Dhauladhar mountain range early in the day, a river crossing after lunch and a tough incline towards the end of the day.

On Tuesday 23 October the team continued their ascent to Triund, a campsite which stands at 2,995 metres above sea level and has some truly spectacular views of the snow-capped Dhauladhar mountain range and the valleys below.

The fourth day of trekking saw the team reach the highest point of their journey, Laka Got at 3,500 metres above sea level. Here the team were invited to hang prayer flags in memory or honour of loved ones cared for by St Barnabas House.

It was an extremely emotional day with some trekkers really struggling, but they were spurred on by the reward of reaching the top. A couple of the team scattered the ashes of loved ones at the highest point.

The final day of trekking consisted of a steep descent to Bhagsu Nag. In the evening the team enjoyed a celebratory meal in Dharamshala before making the long journey back to Delhi and onto Agra to conclude the trip with a visit to the Taj Mahal.

The team have all been fundraising for Worthing-based hospice St Barnabas House, and between them they have raised in excess of £77,000.

Event Manager Kerry Foy said: “I’d like to say a big thanks to everyone involved in the trek, including Global Adventure Challenges for organising the trek and all of the guides and Sherpas who helped us along the way.

“It was a once in a lifetime experience, an opportunity to remember loved ones, and everyone made some great news friends along the way.

“The money raised through sponsorship will help St Barnabas House to provide care for local people with more complex clinical needs, including those with heart, liver, kidney and respiratory conditions.”

Gail Chandler brings husband Clive with her to Laka Got

Yoga instructor Gail Chandler, 61, from Storrington decided to take on the trek with her friend, 76-year-old Carole Pickworth, in memory of her husband Clive Mitchell.

Gail married Clive at St Barnabas House in 2013 after he proposed to her just weeks before he died at the age of 52.

“St Barnabas are the most caring, loving people I’ve ever met,” she said. “The way they helped Clive and I, and the rest of the family. It has been beyond anything I have ever come across before; the care and the love.”

Gail’s daughter, Jemma, is also currently battling cancer, and she added: “I’m also trekking for my daughter (Jemma). They (St Barnabas House) have been so helpful with my daughter. After Clive died the counselling was very, very helpful.

“Clive is actually in my bag. I’ve got him in spirit and I’ve got a bit of him in my bag that I’m taking up to the top. I take a little bit of him whenever I go on a journey and I sprinkle him in waterfalls and lots of beautiful places because he loved to travel.”

Sarah Tuhey treks in memory of her “adventurer” Uncle Mike

Sarah Tuhey, 26, who lives in Brighton and is originally from Storrington, was doing the Dalai Lama India Trek in memory of her uncle, Mike Buck.

Sarah said: “My Uncle Mike was cared for by St Barnabas on their In-patient Unit at the end of November 2015. He was a big adventurer and he absolutely loved to travel and just anything really that was a bit extraordinary.

“I thought he’d be really excited about me coming out here and doing this trek, so I’ve just been trying to do my best and hopefully make him proud.”

“I was really anxious coming out here because I came on my own and I didn’t really know what to expect – it’s the first time I’ve done anything like this. I’ve absolutely loved every second of it, even the challenges.”

Tracey Shaughnessy inspired by the care provided to her stepfather

Tracey Shaughnessy from Worthing was participating in the Dalai Lama India Trek in memory of her stepfather, Richard Sampey.

Tracey said: “My wonderful stepfather visited the Day Hospice – for seven months he had COPD – and that completely changed his life. The counselling that they gave him was amazing. We’ve had some incredible support from the whole of the staff at St Barnabas, including the Bereavement Team.

“He actually came out to India three times and loved the country. The day after he died the hospice’s Life magazine came out and Richard was featured on the front. Three pages in was ‘Come and join us on the Dalai Lama India Trek’ and I thought it was meant to be.”

On day three of the trek, Tracey said: “We’ve had to deal with landslides on the first day which was pretty heart in mouth and yesterday we climbed the sheer side of a mountain and didn’t really think about it.

“I’d like to thank everybody involved in the trek, the Sherpas, Terri and Craig (from Global Adventure Challenges) and all of the staff at St Barnabas supporting us.”

Sandra Grant shares her experience of day one of the trek

Sandra Grant from Worthing decided to do the Dalai Lama India Trek in memory of her mum, Joan Cox.

She said: “I’m walking in the Himalayas on the Dalai Lama India Trek for St Barnabas in memory of my mum, Joan Cox, who died in December 2016.”

Talking on day one of the trek, she added: “We’re towards the end of day one and we have just walked across a landslide! It was interesting, challenging and very, very scary at times but absolutely exhilarating.”

Sue Reed treks in memory of her husband Trevor

Sue Reed from Worthing decided to take on the Dalai Lama India Trek with her friend Carly Rogers in memory of her husband, Trevor.

She said: “I’m doing it for my husband because he passed away six years ago with pancreatic cancer and St Barnabas was such an amazing help for him and me.

“He never went into St B’s, but we had the Hospice at Home Team come to us and they were amazing.

“It’s been amazing; really tough, really emotional, but what a five days it has been. I just can’t believe how far we’ve walked up these mountains. It’s been incredible. The views, the atmosphere, the camaraderie of everybody, has just been great.”

Caroline Smith decides now is the time to give something back

Caroline Smith, 27, from Goring-by-Sea was doing the trek in memory of her friend, Alun Bowen, who was cared for by the hospice in June 2017.

“I worked for St Barnabas for three years so I know how amazing they are and the great work they do in the community,” she said.

“A friend of mine actually passed away last year and he was only 24 and he stayed at St Barnabas House. They treated him and his family really well so I thought now is the time to give something back.”

Fiona Walsh treks in honour of her friend Debbie Darling-Duckels

Fiona Walsh from Brighton was took on the challenge in honour of her friend, Debbie Darling-Duckells, who has received care from the St Barnabas House Day Hospice.

 “I was inspired to take part in this challenge by the support the Day Hospice gave to my wonderful friend Debbie Darling-Duckells,” she said.

“It was physically much more demanding than any of us thought and emotionally exhilarating – truly an awesome experience.

“We trekked along narrow ledges, traversed a fast flowing river, negotiated a landslide, climbed steep gradients, crossed high suspension bridges, coped with rocking rocks, shale, snow, and hot sunshine – extremes.

“Thank you to so many of my friends who have sponsored and supported me with their help in running events, lending gardens and houses, hosting, performing, baking cakes, so much. My grand total currently stands at £6,494.42.”

Great Wall of China Trek

St Barnabas House has just opened registration for its next overseas trek, the ‘Great Wall of China Trek’, which takes place in October 2020.

For more information about the trek please visit www.stbh.org.uk/china or contact the Events Team by emailing events@stbh.org.uk or calling 01903 706354.

Worthing Council makes town centre investment pledge

Plans to invest in Worthing town centre car parking to ensure retail, leisure and businesses can continue to thrive have been revealed.

With new homes, jobs, retail and high quality public spaces all in the pipeline, Worthing Borough Council has drawn up proposals to ensure it continues to meet demand from motorists.

Central to the plan being presented to councillors next week (Tuesday November 6) is a commitment to continue a programme of major investment in existing car parks, such as Buckingham Road and High Street.

Longer-term, to ensure there continues to be sufficient town centre spaces after the planned demolishing of the outdated Grafton multi-storey, it suggests upgraded facilities could be provided at the Civic Centre and Lyndhurst Road.

The proposal also recommends the strategy is closely integrated with ongoing work to promote other more sustainable forms of transport, such as walking and cycling, and encourage modal shift away from single occupancy car journeys.

Councillor Kevin Jenkins, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “Worthing is a town going through real transformation due to a combination of major regeneration projects and changing trends. It’s important we embrace this while ensuring our town centre remains open for business.

“This proposed strategy shows that we are serious about investing to create high-quality multi-storeys in our town. It will also ensure a good level of parking across the town as new car parks are created and other sites, such as Grafton, regenerated.

“Along with this car parking strategy, we also remain committed to supporting other modes of transport which will help our residents live longer and healthier lives.”

A report presented to Adur & Worthing Councils’ Joint Strategic Committee next week (Tuesday, November 6) notes that there are about 1,800 council-owned public parking spaces in Worthing.

The majority of these (1,300) are in three multi-storeys - Buckingham Road, High Street and Grafton - which require ongoing annual investment of more than £100,000 to keep them operational in the short-term.

To improve the quality and keep these multi-storeys operational long term, the Council has already earmarked a further £2.7 million to invest in these facilities.

But, with Grafton requiring an estimated £7 million to £10 million to keep it operational long-term, the report to councillors recommends closing and demolishing the seafront multi-storey by 2023 so that the site can be redeveloped.

To ensure that the number of town centre parking spaces remains sufficient, the car parking strategy suggests developing two new public decked car parks at Lyndhurst Road and at the Civic Centre as part of the proposed new health hub.

Longer-term the report recommends spending an additional £1.5 million on a “high quality refurbishment” of Buckingham Road, with similar plans for High Street also suggested.

‘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.