University of Chichester becomes a top 30 UK university

THE University of Chichester has been named in the UK’s top 30 higher education institutions.

National rankings produced by the Guardian University Guide 2021 placed it in 29th position – out of 121 others – based on its high student-satisfaction rates and graduate prospects. Its courses were also ranked among the country’s best, including its Art, Education, and Psychology degrees which were named in the UK’s top ten respectively.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane Longmore said: “These rankings are recognition of the University’s remarkable success in building the confidence, resilience, and aspirations of every student. Our staff have continued to deliver high-quality teaching and an excellent student experience during an immensely challenging year for the UK higher education sector.”

The Guardian University Guide is one of the most widely respected tables for the UK universities, and ranks 121 institutions according to nine criteria. Chichester’s ratings cap a remarkable few months for the West Sussex institution which was named a top-third tier UK university by the National Student Survey for its high satisfaction rates among its undergraduates.

Find out how the University of Chichester provides an inclusive and enriching experience of higher education for its students at www.chi.ac.uk or go to www.theguardian.com/education.

Bennett Griffin Family Law Clinics 

Bennett Griffin understand that the breakdown of a relationship can be one of the most traumatic events in your life. During the Covid-19 lockdown, they continued to receive requests from people looking for advice on an impending breakdown, or those who were in the middle of divorce proceedings or any family-related legal process.

With that in mind, they began to host regular Family Law Clinics, held every Friday between 10am and midday. These sessions, bookable via our dedicated area on their website, offered the chance to speak to our Family Law team on an informal basis, to discuss potential issues or allay any concerns they may have. Given that we were all in lockdown, all sessions took place via Zoom, Whatsapp or the video/phone application that was most convenient. The feedback was superb and the demand just as good.

Jackie Mensah, who has led the clinics was delighted with the weekly sessions commented: “Often just having the opportunity to have a quick chat with an expert about the crucial issues can provide much needed clarity and reassurance. It is easy to fit the 15 minutes advice session into a busy day and its impact and benefits are long-term and invaluable.”

The past few months have been extremely challenging for us all and uncertainty will continue for some time, especially as our children return to school and many of us return to the office or from furlough. With that in mind, as well as the clear continued demand for advice and support, they have decided to continue to hold the weekly Family Advice Clinics.

These will continue to be every Friday morning from 10am-12pm (availability pending) and those looking to book their initial 15 minute slot can do so by heading to our dedicated Family Advice page.

To book an appointment, simply navigate to https://www.bennettgriffin.co.uk/familyclinic or call our team on 01903 229999.

St Oscar Romero Catholic School shortlisted for the Tes School Awards 2020

The most outstanding individuals and institutions that the education sector has to offer have been recognised in the shortlist for the Tes Schools Awards  2020.

It's been revealed that St Oscar Romero Catholic School has been shortlisted for the Best Use of Technology award.

Tes editor Ann Mroz said: “It is always a highlight of the education calendar to see the best ideas and people lauded at the Tes Schools Awards. But this year, it felt more important than ever to run an event that showcased and celebrated the hard work that teachers and school staff do for children and their local community every single day. This has been one of the most difficult years in education, but – as ever – teachers continue to rise to the challenge.

"We had a record number of entries this year and the standard was very high, so all those shortlisted should be very proud: it's an extraordinary achievement to be on this shortlist."

Sadly we cannot hold the awards night in person this year as we had planned. For the very first time, award winners will be announced at a virtual ceremony on Friday 13 November 2020.

To see the full list of who's in the running, pick up a copy of this week's Tes, or visit tesawards.co.uk

Stark divide in how construction companies in the South are coping with COVID-19 pandemic

A national survey of construction companies published by Worthing and Gatwick-based chartered accountants MHA Carpenter Box, alongside their national association MHA, reveals a stark divide in how construction companies in the South East and beyond have fared during the COVID-19 crisis.

In line with national trends, almost half (49%) of companies said the impact of COVID-19 has been substantial; 44% stated it had had only minimal impact on their business; and only 5% described the damage was critical. Future expectations also showed a divide, with almost a third reporting that business activity was now back to normal, while 30% believed it would take over a year to return to pre-pandemic levels.

The biggest concern, shared by 61% of respondents, is economic uncertainty. Supply chain disruption also ranked high on the list of worries, mentioned by 45% of respondents, with 32% concerned about cashflow, which reflects the industry’s strong balance sheets, low debt risk and improved turnover pre-pandemic.

Other findings:

• 81% have made use of the furlough scheme, with seven in 10 planning to bring back all furloughed staff
• Close to a third (32%) have had to make redundancies
• 68% have used the VAT deferral scheme
• 47% reported it was easy to access government funding

Commenting on the results of the survey, Robert Dowling, Head of Construction and Real Estate at MHA and MHA Carpenter Box, said: “Construction businesses in the South East have generally adapted well since lockdown was lifted. They are managing sites to ensure activity can continue, whilst adhering to social distancing measures by spreading workforces around sites.

“Inevitably there are delays and completion dates are being put back, which in turn is expected to have some impact on funding by increasing the cost of capital.

“The future however is very uncertain. Government projects are now the most likely source of revival for the sector; housebuilding, although currently buoyed up by strong demand is likely to suffer from a rise in unemployment; and commercial building is unlikely to thrive, with many companies questioning whether they need as much office space as before.”

www.carpenterbox.co.uk 

Countdown to Safe in Sussex’s Gingerbread House Fun – Get involved!

In previous years, local businesses and groups have taken part and this year it is open to everyone. The event this year will be virtual and takes place on Friday, 11^th December.

The last 2 years have been a great success with local companies and groups coming together for team bonding and festive fun whilst raising vital funds for the charity. This year due to COVID-19 plans have had to change with the introduction of a friends and family smaller gingerbread house decorating kit as well as the corporate competition. 

The Corporate/Groups Gingerbread Decorating Competition like previous years will continue with the winner getting the amazing Gingerbread House Decorating Competition Trophy for a year and having their Group/Business name engraved on it. 

Fay Millar from Brighton Cakes who makes the gingerbread packs will be judging once again this year, along with another yet to be announced judge, as judging the amazing creations is a difficult task.

In previous years the gingerbread houses have been given to the refuges, but this year companies, groups and families will get to keep them and enjoy their creations to reduce the risk of possible infection.

In addition to the corporate competition, a smaller Gingerbread pack option has been designed so that individuals, couples and families can take part. There is no judging event, however Safe in Sussex will host a Gingerbread House Zoom event to allow people to show off their finished houses and enjoy some festive fun.

Debbie West, Community and Corporate Fundraiser for Safe in Sussex said “Our annual Gingerbread House Decorating Competition has been well supported by local businesses and groups for the last two years raising funds and awareness for the work of Safe in Sussex.  This year we were determined that despite the pandemic the event would go ahead.  I am so grateful that Fay Millar has once again stepped up to the challenge to create and bake the gingerbread houses flat packs for the competition as well as for the families and friend’s option.  Like many charities fundraising during a pandemic is a challenge and we hope that as many businesses, groups and families as possible will get involved to help us to continue to be there for those in our community who are impacted by domestic abuse.”

To take part and find out more about the Gingerbread House Event email debbie.west@safeinsussex.org.uk 

Care For Veterans
Arundel Christmas Fayre

When: Saturday 21st November 11:00 – 3:30pm
Where: Norfolk Centre, Mill Road, Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9PA (The building to the left of the Castle Gates, opposite Arundel Museum)
Cost: Entry by Donation

Join Care For Veterans for an afternoon of merriment and joy, peruse the wonderful stalls, get a few of your Christmas gifts, and maybe something lovely for yourself too!

There will be a wide range of items from fused glass, Christmas goodies, books and much more. So, join us and support the nations veterans this Christmas.

Some stalls will be able to offer card payments, but it is advised that you bring some cash. We ask that everyone attending wears a facemask as we will be following the government guidelines for social distancing.

Click here for more information

Are you sitting comfortably?

Office Furniture Showroom: Try before you buy! 

L&S Office are your local Office Furniture specialist with a showroom in Lancing, West Sussex. Our friendly team offer professional advice and invite you to visit our showroom to try our wide range of office chairs.

Office Chairs for Working from Home

Fabric Choices

Visit our Showroom

Based on the South coast, our showroom in Lancing is only 10 miles west of Brighton, simply head westbound on the A27 towards Worthing and Chichester. Plenty of free customer parking in Crabtree Lane allows you to take the time to find your perfect new office chair suitable for home or the office.  

https://www.lsoffice.co.uk/

Business Secretary urges businesses to prepare for the end of the transition period

Businesses need to take action now to prepare for the UK’s new start on 1 January 2021, the Business Secretary Alok Sharma will write in a letter to over 600,000 firms across the UK tomorrow (Monday 12 October).

In his letter, the Business Secretary will call on businesses to familiarise themselves with the actions they will need to take, by visiting gov.uk/transition and using the checker tool. When the transition period ends on 31 December 2020, there will be a guaranteed set of changes and opportunities for which businesses need to prepare as the UK leaves the customs union and single market, including changes to the way businesses import and export goods, the process for hiring people from the EU, and the way businesses provide services in EU markets.

The vast majority of these actions will need to be completed regardless of the outcome of our negotiations with the EU. These include ensuring staff register for residency rights and preparing for customs procedures when trading with the EU.

To make sure businesses are prepared, the government will also host a series of sector-specific webinars throughout October to remind them of the changes they will need to make.

Business Secretary Alok Sharma said:

"With just 81 days until the end of the transition period, businesses must act now to ensure they are ready for the UK’s new start come January. There will be no extension to the transition period, so there is no time to waste.

"I urge all businesses across the country to check gov.uk to see what action they need to take, sign up for updates, or attend one of our sector-specific webinars.

"Businesses have a crucial role to play in ensuring a smooth transition, and we will be there to support them through this change every step of the way."

Businesses can sign up for the most recent updates here.

A range of webinars for have been arranged by the Business Department for businesses to attend online. The first of these is on Tuesday 13 October, focusing on services and investment.

The launch of the webinars follows extensive Government engagement with businesses in recent months, including roundtables led by the Business Secretary and BEIS ministers with business leaders and representative organisations. These roundtables have focussed on the next steps for business as the UK prepares for our new relationship with the EU.

The webinars cover general areas that businesses of any shape and size will need to understand and act on, such as visas, work permits, and tariffs – as well as sector specific information.

Business sectors being covered by these webinars are:

• Services and Investment - 13 October
• Retail - 14 October
• Automotive - 14 October
• Metals and Materials - 20 October
• Electronics and machinery - 21 October
• Consumer Goods - 22 October
• Life Sciences - 27 October
• Construction - 28 October
• Aerospace - 29 October

Virtual Trade Missions to build your International Opportunities

It is no longer feasible for international businesses to travel to destination countries to promote their products and services. Similarly, we are currently unable to host visitors from overseas looking to bring their goods, services or investment to the UK.  To address that, we are developing a programme of Virtual Trade Missions that will connect Manor Royal businesses with overseas markets and give them a real competitive advantage for when flights resume.

The inaugural event dates are:

14/10/20 – The Philippines

16/10/20 – Bulgaria

27/10/20 – Argentina

29/10/20 – Austin, Texas

Further dates are being agreed with destinations for future events.

Alongside the Virtual Trade Missions, we are building an online community space where participants, partners, promoters & sponsors can meet to exchange opportunities across all of the destinations we are working with and so build a large global trade network.

Event fee is £32.50 +vat.

There’s further information at www.TheTradeConnector.com & bookings can be made through https://thetradeconnector.eventbrite.co.uk/

Gatwick publishes half yearly results, as airport takes further steps to protect its future resilience against the economic impact of COVID-19

• Encouraging start to the year heavily impacted by significant drop in passenger numbers due to COVID-19
• Swift action taken to reduce operational costs and capital expenditure whilst the airport remained open throughout the pandemic
• Focus on safety and wellbeing of passengers and staff remains a priority
• Restructuring sets foundation for business to be in best place for recovery and future growth 

Despite an encouraging start to the year passenger numbers at Gatwick fell by 66% in the first six month ended 30 June, 2020 due to the impact of COVID-19. The airport remained open throughout the pandemic, however all revenue streams were impacted and the collapse in passenger demand led to a 61.3% fall in revenue and a £321m loss.  EBITDA fell 98.3%.

Decisive and swift action was taken to protect the financial strength of the business, following the spread of COVID-19 in March.  Planned capital expenditure has been reduced by £157m for 2020 and £196m for 2021.  Operational costs have been also reduced by over £100m through a variety of actions including consolidating air traffic to one terminal allowing for infrastructure shutdowns, severance programmes and termination of fixed term contracts, and improving efficiencies of its services in line with reduced airline and passenger demand.

A priority continues to be protecting the health and wellbeing of employees and passengers and, following latest Government guidance, a wide range of health measures have been introduced and are continuously assessed to maintain and help restore public confidence in flying.  Gatwick currently has 18 airlines flying to 115 airports in 42 countries.

To improve its liquidity, in April 2020 Gatwick secured a £300m loan with a consortium of banks. As at 30 June 2020, Gatwick held a cash balance of c.£326m. In light of the forecast impact on its financial covenants, Gatwick has commenced a three-week consent solicitation process following successful discussions with its lending banks and with bondholders forming a special committee of the Investment Association, in aggregate representing c.46.9% of total secured debt.

In line with further reducing operating costs, with over 70% of Gatwick’s employees remaining on furlough, the business has announced a company-wide restructuring proposal which could result in the region of a further 600 job losses. The restructuring will better align the business to passenger and air traffic forecasts whilst allowing it to remain agile should demand recover faster than expected. The recovery period to pre-pandemic traffic levels is forecast to be four to five years.

Gatwick Airport, Chief Executive Officer, Stewart Wingate said:

“Like any other international airport, the negative impact of COVID-19 on our passenger numbers and air traffic at the start of the year was dramatic and, although there are small signs of recovery, it is a trend we expect to continue to see.  However, we are focussed on ensuring the business remains robust and is best placed to take advantage of future growth.

“As with any responsible company we have protected our financial resilience by significantly reducing our operational costs and capital expenditure.   We are going through a proposed company-wide restructuring programme and I want to thank all my staff for their hard work to date whilst we go through this difficult time.  We will emerge a fitter and stronger organisation, best placed to remain flexible and agile in responding to growth opportunities.    This includes continuing to do all we can to protect the safety and wellbeing of our staff and passengers.

“In this post COVID-19 travelling world, we are working hard with our airlines to ensure we continue to offer our customers a wide choice of destinations and carriers.   We also expect, next year, to progress our plans to bring the existing Northern (stand-by) Runway into routine use which, as we rebuild our passenger numbers over the next four to five years, will enable us to offer even more travel choice. We will ensure we continue to deliver our operation mindful of our environmental, social and governance responsibilities.  We want to rebuild better.

Despite the immediate challenges I remain resolutely optimistic that Gatwick will recover and retain its position as one of the UK’s leading travel hubs and economic driver for the region.”