Improvement work to breathe new life into major town centre street will begin in the Spring

A significant new regeneration scheme which will transform Worthing’s Portland Road into a vibrant and inclusive space will begin next month.

The newly-finalised plans highlight key features which will make the street an exciting destination where pedestrians are the priority.

Worthing Borough Council is managing the scheme, which is funded by West Sussex County Council and the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership, with contractors hoping to complete the £925,000 construction contract by the end of the year.

Free ultrafast public WiFi, better lighting, comfortable seating areas, cycle racks and landscape planting will all form part of the proposals, which are designed to encourage people into the town centre and support local businesses.

This is the first scheme to be delivered as part of the Growth Deal, a joint-project with the county council which sets out plans to rejuvenate eight public realm spaces from the train station to the seafront in Worthing, over the next five to ten years.

Cllr Kevin Jenkins, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “I’m so pleased the council is able to announce that work will commence for the Portland Road scheme. It will see the street transformed into a vibrant and inclusive space with a lovely, clean design that allows easy use for all. 

“Despite the many struggles the Covid-19 pandemic has presented, it has not slowed down the council’s plans to breathe new life into this area of Worthing. We have looked very carefully at all aspects of the new public realm to ensure the space is suitable for people to enjoy from day to night - from when the cafes open until the bars close in the early hours of the morning - once Government restrictions are lifted.”

Local contractor Landbuild Ltd has been appointed to bring the project to life, with work starting in March. Work will be finished in Spring 2022 but the firm is hopeful of early completion by the end of this year.

The main focus of the Portland Road venture is to create safe and well-lit spaces for people to enjoy and connect the street to other town centre areas - as well as to bring in digital infrastructure with the new Citizen Wifi network, using ultrafast internet access.

The space between Montague Street and Chandos Road will be pedestrianised with street furniture, including plenty of seating. High-quality lighting, trees and landscape planting will also be installed.

There will be enough space for people to practise social distancing in the short term as well as a clear way for those who are visually impaired or have mobility issues to move around. 

The scheme has been designed by WSP and Project Centre and will be delivered in phases, to allow access to the businesses on the street, and so pedestrians can move around safely during the construction phase. 

The designs were created after comments received during public consultation and from detailed discussions with local businesses and stakeholders.

Cllr Bob Lanzer, West Sussex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy, said: “The start of construction work on this multi-million-pound project will herald an exciting time for Worthing town centre and represents a significant investment in its future.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the innovative designs becoming a reality, creating an improved and more attractive environment for residents, shoppers, businesses and visitors.”

Andy Sparsis, owner of the Proto Restaurant Group which includes The Fat Greek Taverna on Portland Road, said: “The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have hit Portland Road businesses really hard and now more than ever we need to improve the space.

"If you implement a great scheme which shows the councils are prepared to invest in the town, it gives so much confidence to other people and businesses, and it will make them want to invest in the area. 

“We need to change the way people perceive Worthing, and one of the best ways to do that is to create beautiful, attractive spaces that families, workers, residents and young people can all use for many different reasons. 

“By pedestrianising the road people can pop by and grab a takeaway, sit down with their friends, read a book, use the WiFi or enjoy a coffee outside. We need to develop that culture which is ultimately going to draw people to the area.”

Confused about Brexit VAT and Duty rules? Kreston Reeves have a great flowchart tool will point you in the right direction 

Whether you are based in the UK or the EU, exporting or importing goods or services, Kreston Reeves' interactive flowchart will guide you through the considerations you need to make to comply with the rules, reduce disruption and avoid transactional errors. Click here to use the flowchart tool.

Council commits to preserving Worthing lido

Worthing Borough Council is committing to explore all avenues to preserve and enhance the town’s Grade II Listed lido despite significant issues being identified on its supporting structure.

Decades of constant exposure to seaside conditions has caused widespread deterioration to the underside of the 95-year-old building on the town’s promenade.

Recent assessments by an independent consultant has highlighted issues with the condition of the suspended substructure which overhangs the beach. 

To prevent further decline, a detailed schedule of repair works could be required which may result in parts of the lido being temporarily closed. This will depend on the findings of further detailed surveys due to take place this week.

Acknowledging the important role it plays in the heritage of the town, the Council is working with the lido’s tenant to ensure that as much of the current offer as possible can continue trading in the immediate future.

Details of the extent of the deterioration, repair options and how they will be funded will be brought forward for review by executive councillors in the new year.

Cllr Kevin Jenkins, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “For close to the century, the lido has been a landmark building on our seafront. Residents are rightly proud of its heritage and it continues to be an attraction for tens of thousands of people each year.

“But we know from experience in other parts of the country that, even with maintenance, seafront buildings such as the lido do deteriorate over time when they are exposed to the harsh elements of the sea. 

“Given the recent acceleration and severity of the initial structural reports, it is only right that we act quickly and decisively to prevent further decline of this listed building.

“Our first priority is to protect the structure of the lido and ensure public safety, whilst entering into open and honest discussions with the current tenant and other key stakeholders so that we can develop a viable short-term solution which supports their livelihoods. It’s only right that we look at all of our options for the site moving forward.”

The lido was opened in 1925 with the D-shaped building providing a shelter for people to crowd round the bandstand.

It was then converted into a swimming pool before it became the leisure attraction it is today, featuring a cafe, amusements and a range of kiosks. 

Recently it was used as a film set, acting as a backdrop for Stan & Ollie, a film starring Steve Coogan which focussed on Laurel and Hardy’s last tour of the UK.

Martin Barrett, the tenant at Worthing Lido, said: “I have always known, due to the lido being a 95 year old construction which is exposed to sea, wind and rain, that ongoing work to preserve the site is essential.

“In order to allow maintenance work to be undertaken and prevent health and safety issues in the future, I know I will have to adapt the way and space in which the business operates.

“I am looking forward to continuing to work with the Council to ensure that it is as much ‘business as usual’ during the planning and duration of the works. I have been impressed with the guidance, flexibility and determination provided by the council in order to achieve this.

“I have every confidence that the council will continue on this path, minimising the disruption to the business while preserving the site so that it can continue being a major seaside tourist attraction for future generations.”

The majority of the lido has been closed this year due to lockdown measures.

Worthing’s creative industries set for post-COVID jobs boost

Creative and digital start-ups across Worthing could be given a post-COVID jobs boost with the proposed expansion of Colonnade House.

The Worthing Borough Council-owned creative hub has flourished since being opened in 2015. This has continued during the pandemic with gallery space and artistic studios running at close to capacity this year.

Keen to provide even more artists, designers and tech start-ups with a platform to grow, the Council is now looking to push ahead with plans to redevelop and expand the building in Warwick Street.

This will include upgrading the current facilities, installing ultrafast gigabit broadband and creating new studio units for micro-entrepreneurs by bringing back into use two redundant buildings in High Street. Six new homes, a cafe and further meeting and exhibition space could also be created.

Executive councillors, who are set to give approval to push ahead with the plans at a virtual meeting tomorrow (Tuesday, November 3), welcomed the move as part of its wider efforts to support the town bounce back from COVID.

Councillor Kevin Jenkins, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “Worthing has fast become a hotspot for innovative creative and digital industries with dozens of firms taking advantage of our vibrant communities, excellent connections and fantastic way of life.

“A big part of this has been the emergence of Colonnade House which has given local talent a platform to establish and grow while contributing to the wider vitality of the town centre and local economy.

“We want to build on that, creating adaptable, flexible workspaces which are fit for a post-COVID world and giving more opportunities to start-up ‘kitchen table’ businesses. This will create dozens of good-quality skilled jobs for local people while creating a more resilient local economy.”

A report to be discussed by Adur & Worthing Councils’ Joint Strategic Committee this week notes that while many businesses have struggled to recover from lockdown, the creative digital tech sector has continued to grow with recent figures suggesting it is worth £100 billion a year to the UK economy.

With the average business in the sector employing about 3 people, the proposed space at Colonnade will be focused on creating quality flexible space with world-class digital infrastructure which will be fit for purpose in a post-COVID world.

A total of 20 direct and 25 indirect jobs are expected to be created while the new facility will also provide professional development support for hundreds of people in the sector.

If executive councillors back the idea, a planning application could be submitted in December with work possibly starting on site in autumn 2021.

Councillor Heather Mercer, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Customer Services, which includes culture and housing, said: “Colonnade House has been a huge success since opening, providing a space for hundreds of people to hone their skills while entertaining many thousands more. 

“The fact this new plan will offer even more innovative individuals a chance to make a living from their creative talents is extremely exciting. 

“I also welcome the possibility of creating six new properties by turning run-down derelict buildings into good-quality housing, something which is vital for the ongoing prosperity of the town centre.”

The redevelopment of Colonnade House is one part of the Councils’ ambitious direction of travel Platforms for Our Places: Going Further.

This scheme also supports the Council’s ‘And Then...’ ambitions to support micro startups and micro entrepreneurs in response to the COVID pandemic.

Adur & Worthing Trust Creative Commissions 

“I predict an explosion of creativity in the arts and business sectors when the pent up energy held back by the pandemic is released – a cultural and economic renaissance.”

These are the words of Karen Simporis, Chair of Adur and Worthing Trust whose gaze is set firmly beyond lockdown and towards the wonderful, creative and life-affirming things that we are all looking forward to doing again.

Adur & Worthing Trust is the local charity behind Colonnade House and the successful partnership with Worthing Borough Council that has brought this creative hub to life. An important part of their work as a charity is to help get ideas and new creative businesses off the ground, and that’s where the Creative Commissions come in.

Running for the fourth time, the Creative Commissions launch event is on Thursday 14th January offering grants of between £300 and £700 to local creatives in Adur and Worthing who want to get a project off the ground.

Karen says, “We’re looking for new work that flags up the vibrant creative community we live in and we’ve made it a simple process.”

Last year the scheme had to be pulled due to Covid-19, and so this year it is back bigger and better and the trustees are looking forward to getting proposals for projects from across all areas of the arts.

More information about Creative Commissions can be found on the Colonnade House website: https://colonnadehouse.co.uk/event/creative-commissions-2021/

As the exciting plans for the expansion of Colonnade House into a creative digital hub will soon be submitted for planning permission the Trust are also looking ahead to their continued role in the development and management of the hub. With that in mind, the Trust are actively looking for new trustees with experience, expertise and interest in one or more of the following areas:

Fundraising, Project development, Strategic thinking, Education for all ages and levels, Digital innovation and economy, Policy analysis, Marketing, Financial planning and analysis, Legal, and all areas of the arts and heritage.

For an informal discussion or expressions of interest please contact: k.simporis1@ntlworld.com

Chancellor eases burden on more than a million businesses through Pay as You Grow flexible repayment options

Businesses that took out government-backed Bounce Back Loans to get through Covid-19 will now have greater flexibility to repay their loans, the government announced today (8 February).

• Bounce Back Loan borrowers will now have the option to tailor payments according to their individual circumstances
• Chancellor makes support even more generous with the option to delay all repayments for a further six months
• Pay as You Grow will be available to over 1.4 million businesses, which collectively took out nearly £45 billion through the Bounce Back Loan Scheme

The Treasury’s Pay as You Grow repayment flexibilities enable borrowers to tailor their repayment schedule, with the option to extend the length of their loans from six to ten years (reducing monthly repayments by almost half), make interest-only payments for six months or pause repayments for up to six months.

The Chancellor has now extended the flexibility of the third option, which will now be available to all from their first repayment, rather than after six repayments have been made. This will mean that businesses can choose to make no payments on their loans until 18 months after they originally took them out.

These Pay as You Grow options will be available to more than 1.4 million businesses which took out a total of nearly £45 billion through the Bounce Back Loan Scheme.

This is in addition to the government covering the costs of interest for the first year of the loan.

Pay as You Grow’s additional support, first announced by the Chancellor in September, will give borrowers the option to tailor repayments to their individual circumstances.

This will provide more time and greater flexibility to repay the loans.

From today, lenders will begin reaching out to borrowers to provide information on repayment schedules and how to access flexible repayment options.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, said:

"Businesses are continuing to feel the impact of extended disruption from Covid-19, and we’re determined to give them the backing and confidence they need to get through the pandemic.

"That’s why we’re giving Bounce Back Loan borrowers breathing space to get back on their feet, through greater flexibility and time to repay their loans on their terms."

Lenders will proactively and directly inform their customers of Pay as You Grow, and borrowers should only expect correspondence three months before their first repayments are due.

It will provide businesses with the following options:

1. Extend the length of the loan from six years to ten
2. Make interest-only payments for six months, with the option to use this up to three times throughout the loan
3. Pause repayments entirely for up to six months

Business Secretary, Kwasi Kwarteng, added:

"The comprehensive and generous financial support package we have delivered across the UK has protected jobs, saved businesses and kept local economies on the move.

"While our vaccine rollout is moving at an incredible pace and the end is in sight, we know times are still tough for many companies and extra support is needed.

"These flexible repayment options will give businesses the time they need to recover from the pandemic before paying back loans, giving them the breathing space and confidence to build back better."

Job Vacancy - Health & Safety Manager at Shoreham Port

Shoreham Port operates 24/7 365 days of the year within a fascinating and complex Health & Safety environment. The successful applicant will have responsibility for Health & Safety across all land side activities of the Port including our busy operations, engineering, maintenance and property divisions, ensuring that safety is at the heart of everything we do.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a Health & Safety Manager who thrives on leading and delivering transformational change within the Health & Safety arena whilst continuing to ensure compliance with all relevant Health & Safety legislation.

Skills and experience: 

• Attained an industry recognised qualification such as NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent.

• Previous experience of working in a complex Health & Safety environment.

• Experienced in advising and guiding senior leadership teams, line managers and colleagues in all matters relating to Health & Safety.

• Experience of incident investigation, root cause analysis and working with the Health & Safety Executive.

• Demonstrates up to date knowledge and practical application of Health & Safety regulations and standards.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills used to build relationships with a variety of stakeholders both internally and externally.

• Strong organisational and administrative skills with attention to detail and a methodical approach.

• Experienced and highly competent in the use of Microsoft Excel, Word and Power Point.
• Enjoy an autonomous standalone role.
• Proven capability to adapt and respond to changing priorities.
• Calm under pressure and able to demonstrate resilience.
• Full Driving License.

Pay/Package 

• Up to £51,000 per annum 
• Exceptional defines benefit pension scheme - Employer contribution rate - 18%
• 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays)
• Immediate starts are available 
• Funded training in a supportive environment 
• Access to a comprehensive wellbeing scheme

Click here to see more information. 

Click here to see full job description.

Click here to see the application form. 

New Partner Appointments Mark Positive New Year Start for MHA Carpenter Box

Sussex-based chartered accountants MHA Carpenter Box has signalled its continued investment in service expansion in 2021 with the appointment of two new partners within its Tax Services team.

Rachel Pearce has been promoted to Partner from her current position of Tax Director. She specialises in the construction and real estate sectors, advising property developers and investors on how to structure their tax affairs efficiently. As a Partner, Rachel will have greater involvement in the strategic direction of the business.

Rachel commented: “I joined MHA Carpenter Box in Worthing as a newly-qualified Chartered Tax Adviser 10 years ago, so am delighted to be made a Partner at a time of continued growth for the practice. Our clients have access to a fantastic team of people across our offices in Worthing, Gatwick, Brighton and Chichester and although we provide large firm expertise, we still pride ourselves on maintaining that local feel.”

Rachel lives in East Preston and says her two young boys keep her very busy, although she still finds time to play the piano. 

Anthony Davies joins the practice as Partner at Gatwick following the merger of his tax advice and planning business with MHA Carpenter Box. He brings with him 17 years’ industry experience, together with in-depth knowledge of tax planning technology and cloud services.  

Commented Anthony: “Merging the firm enables me to broaden the range of services available to my existing clients, while at the same time offering my international tax experience to the MHA Carpenter Box client base.”    

Anthony lives in Reigate and is married with a young son. Outside of work he is a keen martial arts enthusiast and holds a black belt in Judo.

Stuart Noakes, Head of Tax at MHA Carpenter Box, added: “I’m thrilled that Rachel and Anthony have both joined as Partners in the Tax Services Group. They bring with them a wealth of expertise and valuable experience to the partnership which will help us to further strengthen our in-house tax offering for clients. As we look ahead to 2021 and beyond, our focus will be to continue to deliver the practical advice and support to help clients maximise their tax-efficiency whilst achieving their objectives.”

www.carpenterbox.com 

Looking ahead to 2021 with a brand new challenge with St Barnabas House

We all need a breath of fresh air in 2021, and what better way to get it than to take on our thrilling brand-new Bungee Jump or White Cliffs Abseil? Perhaps you’ve always fancied a Skydive over the Salisbury Plains or even an exhilarating Wing Walk? Whatever gets your heart pumping, with these events being naturally socially distanced, we’ve got you covered: 

Bungee jump - Saturday 5th June - Steyne Gardens Worthing 

White Cliffs Abseil - Saturday 3rd July - Peacehaven Heights Clifftop 

Skydives - Saturday 17th April, Sunday 15th August, Sunday 31st October - Old Sarem Airfield, Salisbury 

Wing Walking - Sunday 18th July - Headcorn Aerodrome, Kent

Indigo have got some great meals on the menu for you! 

Friday 29th of January 

• Half a rotisserie spit roast chicken, 
• Potatoes baked in tallegio cheese, smoked bacon, cream, thyme and onions 
• Roasted vegetables

All for £15.50 (enough for two people)
Sticky toffee pudding and custard to follow (£4.50 per person)

Order lines will close at 5:00 pm on Wednesday the 27th January  
Delivery will be made on the 29^th January between 9:30 to mIdday
Or you can collect during the same period

Click here to order