Greater Brighton Chairman welcomes world's first solar-powered train scheme

The chairman of the Greater Brighton City Region today welcomed investment in the world’s first solar energy plant for powering railways.

Riding Sunbeams, the world-leading solar rail pioneer, has been awarded £2,527,500 from the South East Local Enterprise Partnership as part of the government's new Getting Building Fund.

The funds will be used to build and connect the world's first renewable solar energy plant directly powering the railways in East Sussex.

The project that will be financed by the grant is located in Berwick, north of the Eastbourne to London via Lewes mainline railway which will be powered by the energy it generates.

With the funds now secured, the solar farm is expected to be supplying power to the local railway network by March 2022. After completion, Cuckmere Community Solar will launch an investment offer so that the project can be owned by local community members and rail commuters who use the network.

Today chairman of the Greater Brighton City Region, Cllr Daniel Humphreys, said he was delighted that the solar plan had now received backing. Greater Brighton has just launched its environmental programme, GB10, which makes 10 pledges on action to help tackling climate change and includes commitments to solar power energy. The Riding Sunbeams project was one of those backed by Greater Brighton under the programme.

Cllr Humphreys said, ‘People talk about innovation quite a lot but this is truly that. The world’s first directly solar-powered trains will be running through our Region thanks to this fantastic scheme. I want to congratulate Riding Sunbeams, Network Rail and their partners for bringing this successful scheme to fruition.’

Ollie Pendered, Executive Director of Riding Sunbeams, said, ‘Our vision is to power trains with commercially priced and unsubsidised renewable energy with a positive social impact. It’s a fantastic opportunity to show the UK rail sector that commercial innovation can help power us all to the Zero Carbon future we need.’

The solar farm was granted planning consent in 2017, but like many community energy projects up and down the country it has been struggling to find a business model that works, given that solar energy has not been economic without subsidy. The connection to the rail track therefore provides an important route to market for the project, ensuring its future viability and a replicable business model that subsequent groups can benefit from.

In order to qualify for the government grant, Riding Sunbeams had to demonstrate that building the connection would provide key local and national benefits including annual carbon projected savings of over 820 tonnes per year and social and financial benefits for the local community arising from community ownership.

Network Rail is the single biggest user of electricity in the UK. The success of this project will enable them to procure green electricity at scale and a competitive price, while also creating social value for the communities they serve through better use of their assets.

For more information on the solar-powered train project see here: https://www.ridingsunbeams.org/

For information on the GB10 see here: https://greaterbrighton.com/gb10/

Post-lockdown boost for traders as safe towns measures reviewed

A range of temporary measures introduced in town centres across Adur and Worthing over the summer will be removed as part of wider work to support the economy post-lockdown.

Adur & Worthing Councils shut a small number of streets and suspended some parking bays in key shopping areas in June to ensure visitors had confidence they would have plenty of space for social distancing.

With compliance high and COVID rates in both areas are relatively low, the Councils have reviewed all the measures and agreed to lift more than half in the coming days.

The aim is to aid economic recovery in the area while supporting the wider #WinterWelcomeAW campaign, which encourages people to get outdoors, support local businesses and stay safe now lockdown restrictions have been lifted.

In Lancing, parking restrictions in North Road will be removed. Meanwhile in Shoreham the northern section of East Street will be reopened to traffic and parking suspensions in High Street and Brunswick Road will be lifted. The road traffic diversion in St Mary’s Road will also be removed.

In Worthing, the kerbside parking restriction in Portland Road will be lifted but the southern end of the road will remain closed to traffic.

Montague Place and Montague Street West will remain temporarily closed to vehicles to allow neighbouring hospitality businesses the chance to use the area for outdoor tables and chairs. There remains no charge for this license.

The Safe Towns measures will continue to be regularly reviewed by council officers to ensure a balance of supporting the local economy while promoting COVID safe measures.

Cllr Brian Boggis, Adur District Counci’s Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “The measures in Shoreham and Lancing were only ever temporary and designed to give visitors confidence they could maintain social distancing when using their local high street.

“With rates low and compliance extremely high, we feel now is the time to lift them - particularly as traders spoke of the importance of short-stay parking bays close to their shops. 

“But this is no time for complacency when it comes to public health. We continue to urge residents and visitors to observe social distancing measures and follow mask-wearing rules so we can keep the virus under control.”

Cllr Kevin Jenkins, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “Our town centre businesses, like a number of sectors out there, have been hit hard by COVID which is why we are doing all we can to make it easier and safer for people to visit them now national restrictions have been lifted. 

“I would like to thank the public for the high level of compliance we have seen in Worthing. This partial lifting of restrictions will allow visitors to maintain social distancing in busier areas while improving direct access to traders in Portland Road.

“I also want to remind businesses that if they need and support or advice on reopening after COVID, we have expert teams on hand to help.”

Business requiring further information can visit www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-advice.

Hospice launches Pet Festive competition

St Barnabas House is helping to spread some well-needed festive cheer with the launch of its ‘Pet Festive’ photography competition.

Pet owners across West Sussex are being invited to send in photos of their trusty lockdown companions getting into the festive spirit, with the winner receiving a portrait of their pet, worth £250, by local artist Sara Abbott.

Wendy Bardsley, Head of Fundraising at St Barnabas House, says, “You can pose your pet, dress them up, dress them down, or just as they are. However you decide to get involved, Pet Festive is the purrrfect way to raise money for your local hospice whilst celebrating our pets who have been there for us during this challenging time, offering unconditional love, loyalty, and laughter.”

The photos will be judged by patients at the hospice, where pets are welcome and are often seen sharing precious moments with their owners during their stay.

Local chef and MasterChef Champion, Kenny Tutt, has already got involved, submitting a festive photo of his dachshund, Ralph. “Last year was our first Christmas with Ralph as we brought him home as a puppy mid-December,” says Kenny. “He may be small but he’s a big part of our family and the girls love him! St Barnabas is so important to our local community and I like to help them whenever I can. Getting involved with ‘Pet Festive’ is a really fun and easy way to support this great cause, and the suggested donation of £5 will contribute towards a freshly cooked Christmas dinner for a patient staying at the hospice.”

The last time the competition ran in 2018, patients from the St Barnabas Day Hospice selected Bazil the horse as their worthy winner.

Bazil’s owner, Natasha Cockell from Lancing, says: “I took part in the Pet Festive competition as I always dress my horse up every year to cheer up my son, Atlas, who is five years old. He loves it! Bazil is a good sport and is happy to be festive as long as he gets plenty of carrots after! St Barnabas is such a great charity and my mum and I always support when we can.”

If your pet loves to pose in front of the camera, visit www.stbh.org.uk/pet-festive to register and submit your favourite festive photo. There is a suggested donation of £5 which will contribute towards a freshly cooked Christmas dinner for a patient staying at the hospice.

MHA Carpenter Box Partner Wins Practice Pioneer of the Year

Nathan Keeley, Head of Cloud Accounting at Sussex-based MHA Carpenter Box, has been named Practice Pioneer of the Year at the national Accounting Excellence Awards ceremony held virtually due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.

The national awards recognise and celebrate brilliance across the British accounting profession, highlighting the achievements of individuals and firms.

Nathan joined MHA Carpenter Box in 2001, became a Partner in 2010 and has driven innovation within the practice through the adoption of new and existing technologies.

Nathan is one of the country’s leading cloud experts and has strong relationships with the main vendors. He has significantly enhanced the firm’s overall reputation, attracting additional clients as well as new specialist digital team members. He has also developed the cloud team’s capabilities to undertake system reviews and software training for clients, adding value to their businesses.

The judges were impressed by the fact that Nathan doesn’t only drive change within a large organisation, but his work also genuinely influences the profession due to his extensive network, and opportunities to advise software providers.

Nathan commented: “This is huge recognition for both myself and the firm and evidences the hard work that has been put in over the last few years. It would not have been possible without the support of the firm and the great team we have here at MHA Carpenter Box, so thanks and congratulations should really go to all of them. Using this as an endorsement, we will continue to strive to improve the firm to become the best that it can be and consequently benefit all of our staff and clients alike.”

www.carpenterbox.com 

MHA Carpenter Box named accountancy partner for Premier Sports Network

Sussex-based accountants, MHA Carpenter Box, has been appointed the official accountancy and tax partner for Premier Sports Network (PSN), which represents some of the country’s leading athletes.

The firm will be advising and supporting high performance athletes across all sports, offering specialist tax and planning advice, wealth protection and planning for life after sport through PSN’s Player Care network. Specialists from MHA Carpenter Box will also be hosting a variety of educational initiatives, engaging directly with young professional athletes to offer guidance on tax efficiency, profitability and personal finances.

Sam Uwins, Partner at MHA Carpenter Box, said: “We are delighted to partner with Premier Sport’s Network in the delivery of their Life Skills programme. Athletes, particularly those at the start of their career, have a lot to consider when thinking about their finances, whether it’s purchasing a home, planning for retirement, or considering other complex issues like international tax or image rights.

“Our dedicated sports team is looking forward to delivering a comprehensive educational service to set up hard-working athletes for a long and successful career.”

The firm’s specialists will advise and support high-performance athletes to help them achieve their financial and business goals, working closely with their managers, agents, and advisers to provide a holistic approach to their requirements.

Spencer Hidge, Founder of Premier Sports Network, said: “It’s not uncommon for sports professionals to lead lavish lifestyles while overlooking how quickly their income stream from professional competition will dry up. Having a trusted accountants can play a vital role in helping athletes plan for their financial future – it is important for us to work with MHA Carpenter Box so that professional athletes across the network can access the best financial support.”

www.carpenterbox.com/psn

Kreston Reeves named ‘Large Firm of the Year’ at Accounting Excellence Awards

Accountants, business and financial advisers Kreston Reeves has been named ‘Large Firm of the Year’ at the prestigious annual Accounting Excellence Awards.

The judges praised Kreston Reeves strong performance during an exceptionally challenging year and its efforts in growing the breadth and depth of services offered to clients.

Kreston Reeves fought off stiff competition from some of the UK’s largest accountancy firms to win the award, which it also won in 2018.

In giving the award, the Accounting Excellence judges said Kreston Reeves “stood out in a strong field”. They added the “firm is successfully growing the breadth and depth of services, with a clear focus on the challenge of rebuilding post-COVID while posting very strong growth figures. Kreston Reeves obviously values the future as much as it values the day-to-day”.

Nigel Fright, Managing Partner, Kreston Reeves, on collecting the award, said: “This award is worthy external recognition of all the effort and sacrifice that everyone at Kreston Reeves continues to make as we work through the personal, professional and organisational challenges wrought by COVID, and now Brexit.”

Andrew Griggs, Senior Partner, Kreston Reeves adds: “We are exceptionally proud of the way everyone has supported their clients and each other in a difficult year. This award is for everyone that makes Kreston Reeves the firm it is today.”

Kreston Reeves has seen turnover increase by 64% since 2016, growing a network of offices across London, Kent and Sussex, playing a key role in the Kreston International network of more than 200 accountancy firms across 110 countries.

The firm has recently introduced a new ‘Growth advisory’ service supporting fast-growing businesses, launched dedicated COVID-19 and Brexit hubs, created a charitable foundation, launched its purpose under the banner ‘guiding you to a brighter future’, and developed further its award-winning training and development programme which includes being just one of three accountancy firms accredited as ‘Employer Provider’ on the Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers by the Department of Education. The firm continues to invest significantly in new trainees for the future.

For more information visit www.krestonreeves.com.

Students at St Oscar Romero Catholic School raise the profile of mental well-being, as well as £771.51 for local Mental Health Charity 

Students at St Oscar Romero Catholic School were delighted to present a cheque, via a zoom assembly, in the sum of £771.51 to Lisa Green from local charity West Sussex Mind.  West Sussex Mind offer advice and information about mental health to adults, young people (16-25), carers, older people and families and information about mental health.  

Early in November, students had taken part in a series of activities, over the course of a week, to mark Mental Wellbeing Day.  Activities included random acts of kindness; writing to or calling someone who lives far away; thinking about qualities of others they admire; Flashmob dances; yoga sessions; Kahoot quiz; ‘knit and natter’ and ‘fix your bike’ clubs; as well as a mufti day to raise funds for West Sussex Mind.  Members of school staff also spoke about the importance of mental health, including sharing their own personal experiences.    Lisa Green from West Sussex Mind said "I would like to say a very big thank you for organising a mufti day with your students on our behalf - we really appreciate your efforts.  Once again, many thanks for helping us to continue our much needed work"  

Worthing Business Helps Homeless Charity Christmas Appeal

Local company Electronic Temperature Instruments Ltd (ETI) were delighted to pledge their support to Turning Tides charity by donating £3,000 towards their ‘Christmas Is Not Cancelled’ appeal. 

Based in Worthing, ETI are aware of the issues that affect homeless individuals in the town and surrounding areas so when it came to collaborating with a local charity, Turning Tides was the obvious choice.  Surviving on the street this winter will be a huge challenge for some men and women and many are facing homelessness for the first time, as Covid takes away jobs and livelihoods.  The money donated will help to provide turkeys and all the trimmings for volunteers at Turning Tides to cook and deliver.  In addition to food and festivities, their frontline keyworkers will provide practical and emotional support throughout the festive period - and beyond into the new year.

Abbi Last, Corporate Fundraiser for Turning Tides commented “Thank you so much ETI for your ongoing support – it has never been so gratefully received. Your generosity and that of others will enable us to offer help, much-needed hope, and even a little bit of Christmas to those who need it most in our community”.

Turning Tides is now the biggest provider of services for single homeless people in West Sussex and they continue to grow and develop their services to meet the needs of the local area. They provide real pathways out of homelessness and are committed to supporting people at every stage of their journey. Their services empower those experiencing homelessness to find the strength, confidence and belief in themselves to create a brighter future.

Jason Webb, Operations Director at ETI recently visited the Worthing Hub to present a cheque.  Jason said; ‘Christmas is a time of giving and thinking of others and the opportunity to help a local charity that provides such outstanding support was met with much enthusiasm by our staff and also enables us to help raise awareness and give something back to our community’.

More information on the appeal can be found at https://www.turning-tides.org.uk/christmas/

West Sussex Recover & Rise in 2021 Program

In the New Year, West Sussex County Council is supporting a new initiative across the county to help small businesses who are finding the current climate commercially tough.

The West Sussex Recover & Rise in 2021 program is a series of nine FREE online workshops designed to give small businesses a robust toolkit to not only survive through another year of unpredictable times, but to thrive.

These sessions have been put together by local experts (Rume2, Shake It Up Creative & Creative Bloom in partnership with the County Council) to help business owners define, communicate and market in the right way to attract and retain customers throughout 2021.

From product/service definition to networking, from setting goals & KPIs to tracking success through analytics, from action planning to digital marketing, this program will give small and micro companies the structure and sales that many of them desperately need as we head into a new year.

The sessions will be run online and will take place at 12pm every Tuesday & Friday from Tuesday 12^th January.

Interested organisations can use the link below to sign up for any or all of the sessions.

Sign up to workshops

The business must be located within West Sussex to be eligible for these workshops.

Program Overview

Session 1 – Action Planning to Survive & Thrive

How to restructure your long-term business plan into a set of manageable actions prioritised first by survival & then back to growth.

Link to event

Session 2 – Defining Your Products & Services

How to structure and communicate your products & services so it is absolutely clear to your potential customers the benefit and value they will bring them.

Link to event

Session 3 – Goal, Objective & KPI Setting

How to set relevant & measurable objectives, goals & KPIs for each key pillar of your business.

Link to event

Session 4 – Collaborate, Trust & Win

In this session, learn why you should consider collaboration and purpose as part of your company growth plan and how to make it happen (networking included).

Link to event

Session 5 – SEO for Local Businesses

A session for local businesses with a physical location or an online website to improve SEO knowledge and start ranking higher on Google results.

Link to event

Session 6 – Social Media for Business

Gain both a theoretical and practical overview of the main social media marketing channels used for business – Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram and how to include them within your overall marketing strategy.

Link to event

Session 7 – Google Analytics Training

An in-depth Google Analytics training workshop for beginners and intermediate levels. Understand the platform with a live walk-through.

Link to event

Session 8 – Using PR To Build Brand Visibility

Learn the details about what makes the best stories and how to confidently pitch them to the local media. This session will also explain why PR and SEO are a marketing match made in heaven to seriously raise the visibility of your brand.

Link to event

Session 9 – Google Adwords Training

In this online Pay Per Click (PPC) training you’ll learn why paid advertising is so important and how it can boost your website traffic.

Link to event

Book your sessions online now and start 2021 with a real boost to your business for FREE.

Expert delivery team

www.rume2.co.uk 

www.creativebloomrocks.com 

www.shakeitupcreative.com 

Virtual Wine Tasting with Care For Veterans

Care For Veterans have teamed up with Majestic Wine to deliver a wonderful evening of wines and ports.

They can either send the wines to you*, or you can collect them from our facility on Boundary Road, Worthing. In each ‘Taster for Two’, you will receive five 187ml mini bottles of wine to share between you.

Join them for a Zoom call on Friday 12th February at 8:30pm, where a member of the team from Majestic Wine will talk you through each wine.

You will explore wines you may not have ever tasted before, have a chance to ask questions, and learn more about how each wine gets its distinct flavour.

When: Friday 12th February 2021 at 8:30pm
Where: Online – so anywhere you prefer to enjoy a glass of wine!
Cost: £35 for a taster for two – EARLY BIRD OFFER £30 (when purchased before the 25th December 2020)

Click here for more information or to book