Thursday 11th September
from 12.30pm until 2pm

Businesses can apply for a share of the £600,000 fund, which is designed to help support the local economy and create jobs by offering grants of up to £25,000 to small and medium sized local businesses.

To qualify for a grant, applicants must be located in West Sussex and, if applicable, be paying business rates there. Alternatively they could be about to start up a company in, or be planning relocation to, West Sussex.

The closing date for applications is 5.00pm on Monday 15 September 2014.

Louise Goldsmith, Leader of West Sussex County Council said: “So far we have had a great response from local businesses keen to tap into the help and support available from the County Council, but we want to hear from more before the application deadline.

“A wide range of businesses from across the county have already applied to the fund, both established organisations and new initiatives looking to start up in West Sussex. However I’m sure there are many others out there who are looking for that extra boost to help them take the next step in their business.

“We know that local businesses need better access to finance and support in order to develop and grow. ‘Be the Business’ is designed to help address those issues and the more we can do to help create the conditions that allow businesses to prosper in the county, the better it is for everyone.”

Full details of how to apply to the fund are available at Be the Business.

A decision on which applications have been successful is expected in November.

Broadwater Bridge Safety Repairs

The work will commence on 1st September and anticipated finish date late November.

Road restrictions during the Work

Extensive Traffic Management will be in place throughout the project with traffic on each side of the bridge restricted to one lane each way.

King Edward Avenue, The Quashetts and Westbourne Avenue will be made into a temporary ONE WAY system.

King Edward Avenue - ONE WAY Eastbound (from Broadwater Road towards Ivy Arch Road)

The Quashetts - ONE WAY Northbound (from King Edward Avenue to Westbourne Avenue)

Westbourne Avenue - ONE WAY Westbound (from Westbourne Avenue towards Broadwater Road)

As part of the audit process, they were assessed over 89 performance indicators and their final score was just 11 points short of putting them within the top 25% of small business security providers in the country, with Approved Contractor Status. Their innovative workflow management reporting system, Guardtools®, was even noted as a best practice.
 
“We have to thank our team as a whole, as this achievement is testament to a team that consistently delivers the highest standards in security to our clients” commented Tony Woolcott, Managing Director of Avantguard. “Every person in our team is both pro-active and re-active in providing and enhancing the bespoke security services that our clients receive”.

The ACS scheme was developed to help security buyers in choosing a company which is “demonstrably committed to customer service and the compulsory licensing of their staff” say the Security Industry Authority. By choosing an ACS accredited supplier for your security provision, you “can be confident that the employment practices of the supplier have been extensively assessed” and that your security service “more closely reflect(s) your precise requirements”.

The status of the ACS is recognised by the police and offers the potential for enhanced working relationships. The aim is to provide practical benefits through 'joined-up' police, business and community initiatives.

Avantguard provide managed security services across Sussex including security officers, mobile patrols and keyholding and alarm response.

LAST CHANCE TO GRAB GOVERNMENT’S MATCH-FUNDING!!!

October this year sees the deadline for the 'Community First' endowment match funding and, as far as we know, there is no equivalent match-funding scheme on the horizon. £1000 becomes £1600!

Just to summarise, for all donations over a minimum of £500 to the Worthing & Adur Fund at Sussex Community Foundation, the government will add a further 50 % and Gift Aid if applicable. For example, once Gift Aid and match funding is factored in, a donation of £1,000 will add over £1,600 to the Fund, at a net cost after tax to a 40% taxpayer of only £750!

MILLER PARRIS SOLICITORS SUPPORT LOCAL FUND
Miller Parris Solicitors, based in Broadwater, Worthing, recently donated £1,000 to the Worthing and Adur Fund.
Mike Metters, Partner of Miller Parris said “We are delighted to be able to donate to this worthwhile fund.  As our business grows we are pleased to be able to support the community that we are part of.  The Worthing and Adur Fund has already been able to make such a difference to so many local groups that we are proud to be associated with it.”

The fund was set up in partnership with Worthing and Adur Chamber of Commerce and is supported by local people and businesses keen to help build a permanent endowment fund. Founder Donor Karen Simporis said  “This is very much a local Fund which supports lots of smaller voluntary groups that may find it hard to access other grants-and the application process is quick and easy”.

The Worthing and Adur Fund is thrilled to receive Miller Parris's donation. Caroline Nichols and Karen Simporis have generously made further donations  which along with the money raised by the Golf Day, Chamber quiz and raffles has now boosted the fund to over £70,000.We’re hoping that with your help we can reach £100,000 and make even more of a difference to our local community.
So don’t miss out on that Government money!

Where will my money go? - To your local community!

The Fund will be paying out again and applications need to be made by October 10th ( more information on the website www.sussexgiving.org.uk/apply-for-grants/)

Applicants must be from Worthing and Adur-here are the successful applicants from October 2013. Annual grants from the income of the Fund were awarded at the end of last year, with four community groups sharing more than £3,400 including:
•     £1,700 for Sussex Sailability, a voluntary group based in Shoreham which teaches sailing to young people aged 14+ with a range of disabilities.. The grant was awarded to support instructor fees and expenses, fuel and room rent
•    £670 for Worthing CAP Debt Centre which provides advice for low income individuals and families facing a cash crisis. - the grant supported office equipment
•    £600 for activities run by Worthing Kids and Dapper Snapper, a parent led  group for children with disabilities providing support, friendship, activities and outings such as swimming, signing and singing, music and fun exercise.
•    £466 for Electric Storm Youth in Lancing which aims to educate challenge and focus the energy of young people aged 11-18 in the Adur district . The grant was given to support young members taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme.

Worthing’s fledgling firms offered support during the first year

A NEW initiative aimed at supporting fledgling firms through their first year of business is being launched in Worthing.

The Start-Up Hot House programme will provide specialist advice to new entrepreneurs over a twelve month period, starting with an intensive two day boot camp and backed up by specialist knowledge workshops, peer group reviews and one to one coaching.

The sessions are led by the University of Chichester in conjunction with Worthing and Adur Chamber of Commerce and the boot camp will take place in Worthing on Monday 29th and Tuesday 30th September.

Tina Tilley CEO Worthing and Adur Chamber commented “we are pleased to be able to support delivery of this program which we feel has been missing in our area for some time. If you are in the early stages of a business this support is crucial to future success”

Paul Dallibar, Programme Manager at the University, said: “If someone has an idea for a business, or has recently started a new company in the Worthing area, our programme can provide the expertise to successfully guide them through that difficult first year.”

“We were keen to provide a programme based in Worthing because of its entrepreneurial population. The district is home to a highly skilled workforce and this along with other factors has  led to Worthing being ranked highly for business competitiveness.”

The boot camp is aimed at providing a clear focus for the business with the knowledge workshops providing information on a range of disciplines including; the legalities of running a business, raising finance, tax and national insurance, marketing, digital media and building a team.

The Hot House programme is supported by Regional Growth Fund (RGF) money which allows this level of support to be provided at a 90% discount to the market price.

 Mr Dallibar added: “Whatever the idea, the Hot House programme includes a range of stimulating and challenging business and personal development activities that are ideal for people from all work and educational backgrounds.
  “Whether you are in the early stages of running a business or thinking of starting one, this is the ideal opportunity to shape your ideas without the pain of writing a detailed plan.”

Applications for a place or more information on the Start-Up Hot House programme are available at www.chi.ac.uk/hothouse.
Or contact Paul Dallibar at p.dallibar@chi.ac.uk or call 01243 793 528

Come to the FREE TASTER Thursday 18TH September 9.30am-12.30pm.

Following the success of the Peer Mentoring Programme which supported over 50 local businesses owners we are ready to start GROUP SIX!!!! Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting and beneficial programme.

The Mentoring groups will consist of 10-12 like-minded business people all keen to share their business expertise and willing to learn from and support each other.

What will you gain?

•    Thinking time to work on (rather than in) your business
•    The opportunity to explore projects in a confidential environment
•    A diverse pool of wisdom and expertise to draw on
•    A unique blend of challenge and support from your peers
•    Think tank for practical solutions to specific problems
•    Ideas for new products and services
•    Develop your management skills
•    Build relationships, trust and mutual  understanding


The group will be selected from the applicants to ensure there is a wide variety of skill sets to share.

They will meet once a month for twelve 3 hour sessions with an experienced and qualified facilitator to guide and support the group. Also bespoke workshops will be provided as identified and requested by the group.

 Spaces are limited to only 10-12 per group so please contact the Chamber office for more information or to secure a place! Email: info@worthingandadurchamber.co.uk or call the office on 01903 203484.

Adur and Worthing Business Awards 2014

Don't miss out on a great opportunity. Don't miss this deadline. It will enhance your business, encourage your customers and your clients, and energise you to do better. And it doesn't cost you anything – except your time your efforts and your. We're talking about entering you and your business into the business awards for 2014. It's not too late.

This is what you have to do.

1 Read this article, decide to take up the challenge and how much you want to improve your business potential.

2 Download the application form and read the rules. There are no great catches or tricks to look out for but the winners of these awards in the past have benefited in many ways. One of the chief benefits is that they have motivated their customers and their clients to appreciate their service and their products that their business offers. You can do the same.

3. Choose the category that you want to enter. There are many different classes and kinds of business into which you can enter. You can enter in up to 3 categories. Choose with care.

4. Draw up a list of all your customers and clients who are likely to provide you with glowing references and testimonials. Contact them individually. Ask them for their opinions on your service. Sometimes the truth can hurt but often there is a pleasant surprise and a reassuring result.

5. Why not nominate some of your own clients for awards? Be proactive. Encourage others.

6. The process so far will make you look at your business as a customer or client. It will make you concentrate on success.

7. If you have staff, involve them at every level and you will find them invigorated and motivated. The impact on the firm as a whole – whether or not you win – will be beneficial.

8. Once you are nominated then it is a matter for the judges. However there are usually several businesses nominated in each category. If you are nominated go to the business awards dinner. It is a celebration of business and a recognition that without business in the community there would be no wealth and no prosperity.

9. If you are not nominated but you do not win, the process will have been good for you and your staff and your customers. Your profile will be enhanced.

10. If you win then you and your business will have recognition. "Recognition is what babies cry for and what soldiers die for". You will be able to use the award in your marketing strategy and in your marketing literature. It will be worth a lot to you.

So don't prevaricate. Go ahead and do it. It's not too late. Good luck!

There is still time to apply for the Be the Business Start-up and Grow Grants 2014-15. The deadline for the fund is 15th September 2014 at 5pm.
 
A pot of £600,000 is available to help businesses to start-up and to grow in West Sussex.
 
If you would like more information about the grants you can attend one of our FREE information workshops being held in August (to book your place click here) or of you need help developing your bid you can book a FREE 1-2-1 session with one of our qualified business advisers. To book a 1-2-1 session please email info@bethebusiness.org.

This programme is for start-ups, early-stage companies (1-2 years) and for established and growing businesses in West Sussex where, if applicable, the business rates are/will be paid. Businesses planning to relocate in West Sussex are also eligible but if successful, the grant will only be paid after relocation has taken place. The programme is open to micro and Small and Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs) in West Sussex.
 
Applicants will be required to provide at least 50% of the total project costs as match-funding. The business proposal must be linked to the creation or safeguarding of jobs in West Sussex.
 
This year, 50% of the funding available will be dedicated to specific sectors we wish to encourage to come forward with their ideas, particularly to submit bids with other businesses in the same sector to address problems they have in common.
 
These sectors are:
•Manufacturing, particularly linked to healthcare, aviation or marine industry
•Low carbon and renewable technologies
•Tourism and local food
•Care
•Land based businesses
 
The remaining 50% of the fund will be open to applications from all sectors.
 
The maximum amount of grant that can be requested for any individual project is £25,000.  The maximum amount that can be requested for any sector project submitted in consortium is £75,000.  Only sector projects can be submitted in consortium.
 
For full details including eligibility criteria, guidelines, application form and grant agreements please visit www.bethebusiness.org/grants
 
Please feel free to circulate this information to anyone you think it may be of interest to.