Adur & Worthing Business Awards host celebratory dinner for 2019 winners!

Winners, sponsors and other special guests celebrated at The Fat Greek Taverna restaurant in Worthing town centre on Thursday 16^th January following the success of the 2019 awards.

Over fifty guests enjoyed a glass of fizz on arrival and the opportunity to network before taking their seats to enjoy a wonderful mezze style dinner prepared by The Fat Greek Taverna.  Martin Randall, Director for the Economy - Adur & Worthing Councils and Peter Webb MBE DL, Managing Director – ETI Ltd welcomed guests with a short speech, acknowledging everyone’s contribution, input and support to the local business community.

The Adur & Worthing Business Awards are organised by a committee of successful local business people.  These include Peter Webb and Nicky Dumbleton of Electronic Temperature Instruments, James Stoner of JSPC Computer Services, Keith & Gill Gallis of Seagull Travel, Tina Tilley and Tracie Davey of Worthing & Adur Chamber of Commerce and Angela Crane of Adur & Worthing Council. 

Chay Took – President of Worthing & Adur Chamber of Commerce and category sponsor commented “The Adur & Worthing Business Awards is now a firm fixture on the local business calendar, showcasing a thriving business community.  For over twelve years, the event has welcomed and rewarded some of the area’s most recognisable business leaders and organisations, as well as young entrepreneurs and charities — we’re pleased to be able to welcome those winners here tonight to continue celebrating their achievements”.

The 2020 Awards will take place on Friday 13^th November and businesses interested in entering are invited to attend the official launch event which will take place on Wednesday 3^rd June from 5-7pm (venue to be confirmed). This special networking event will provide lots of useful tips and information on entering and attendees will get the chance to chat to sponsors and mingle with previous entrants and winners.

James Stoner – Managing Director of JSPC said “As a sponsor of the Adur & Worthing Business Awards I have witnessed first-hand the positive effect that being part of this process can achieve for a business. The widespread publicity around the awards help to raise the profile of shortlisted businesses and gives them a stage from which to share their story and engage with a wider audience. These awards not only put businesses on the map but provided a medium for us to discover truly amazing companies that are doing great things in Adur & Worthing which is something we should all be proud of.”

Full updates can be found on the dedicated website www.awbawards.com

Shoreham Beach boardwalk to be extended

The popular boardwalk at Shoreham Beach is about to get an extension. Work will commence on the new section in February when weather permits, and continue for about three weeks. 

The new extension will stretch along an existing pathway from the existing boardwalk at Ferry Road to the concrete footpath at Beach Road to the west.

Letters informing residents of nearby properties of the proposed route were issued at the end of last year and, as the work will take place under permitted development rights, planning permission is not needed.

The existing boardwalk, which extends for a mile from Ferry Road to Shoreham Fort, has proved highly popular with walkers and has also allowed those with limited mobility and pushchairs to explore the town’s environmentally-protected shoreline. It passes through a rare habitat hosting such plants as Yellow Horned Poppy, Sea Kale and Curled Dock.

The new phase four of the boardwalk will continue to use highly durable recycled plastic and cost £95,000 to install. 

Councillor David Simmons, Adur District Council’s Executive Member for Health & Wellbeing, said: “Since its inception, the boardwalk has really opened up this unique and protected stretch of beach to local residents and those with more limited mobility. I’m delighted we are about to start phase four of the scheme, which will open up even more opportunities to enjoy this public facility.”

Councillor Joss Loader, who is also chairman of the Shoreham Beach Residents’ Association, said: “Shoreham Beach is an extremely special place with a unique habitat and wonderful views. The existing boardwalk is hugely popular with residents and visitors to the beach and Adur District Council is to be applauded for the further investment.

“A lot of work has gone into making sure we use materials sympathetic to the area’s Local Nature Reserve status, ensuring the boardwalk also protects the rare plants.”

The boardwalk scheme has had the support of a range of partners including West Sussex County Council, the Environment Agency, Shoreham Port, Shoreham Residents’ Association, the Friends of Shoreham Beach and Shoreham Beach Neighbourhood Forum.

Climate conference planned for Adur and Worthing

Community groups are urging residents and businesses to play an active role in helping to transform Adur and Worthing’s approach to the climate emergency.

ZERO 2030 is a community-led climate conference taking place on March 4 in Worthing’s Assembly Hall.

Organised by Worthing Climate Action Network and Transition Town Worthing with support from Adur & Worthing Councils, the aim is to generate ideas, projects and partnerships which will help the area tackle climate crisis.

Hundreds of people are expected to attend and discuss ways to lower carbon use, improve green spaces, reduce waste and improve access to sustainable transport and energy.

Interest is expected to be high - with residents and businesses encouraged to sign up online at Eventbrite to ensure they can attend the day-long event.

Michelle Furtado, of Worthing Climate Action Network, said: “The climate emergency is something that will affect everyone across Adur and Worthing. It as only by working together as a community that we can create a cleaner, greener, more resilient and connected Adur and Worthing.

“That’s why we are encouraging individuals, businesses, organisations and community to come along to this community-led event and contribute positive practical ideas so that our areas can continue to prosper in years to come.”

The event will feature a range of inspirational speakers and stalls featuring projects and activities going on locally to transform Adur and Worthing.

There will also be a chance to contribute ideas, sign up to campaigns and share pledges for action.

Among those speaking at the event will be Isabella Tree from the Knepp Estate, who will talk about rewilding of open spaces and the wider benefits to the environment.

A number of interactive spaces are also planned to cover several key themes, such as transport, waste, energy and carbon reduction, water and economics and business.

Attendees can also input into the Councils’ shared SustainableAW framework which outlines commitments the local authorities have made to become carbon neutral by 2030. Delegates will be invited to make their own pledges and collaborate on local climate action.

The community organisations are fundraising for costs to hold the event. To donate please visit the ZERO 2030 Crowdfunding page.

What are people in Worthing making and doing with digital tech?

Between 18 and 30 January 2020 we will be asking this question in the Space to Make project at Colonnade House.

Alongside the exciting plans to expand our current building into a creative digital hub with ultrafast broadband, we are exploring the potential for setting up a makerspace for Worthing.

We have already been working with creatives based at Colonnade House and with people working with digital tech in the wider community in Worthing and they will be sharing some of their projects at practical open 'Work in Progress' sessions at Colonnade House including:

· Ginny from Persistent Peril turning a light on with a Photon (a tiny Wi-Fi internet of things device enabling remote connectivity and control)  

· Adam from As Described taking up the challenge as an artist and non-coder of building an AI object-recognition system  

· Martin from Freedom Power Chairs using micro electronics and 3D printing to make adaptations for mobility scooters  

· Sussex Printmakers exploring how a laser cutter can be used as a tool for printmaking 

· John from Worthing Digital looking at how the Amazon Alexa voice assistant works and also exploring how you can make your own Alexa Skill    

· Arun Singh from The Peer Group looking at Augmented Reality - the state of play and what's coming next.  

· Transition Town Worthing exploring how they can use micro controllers to create responsive automatic irrigation systems 

How can you get involved?

• When our full programme is published in the new year, come along to a Work in Progress session to observe, learn, contribute and connect, or book into one of our family workshops. 
• Please share this with your networks

Potentially exciting development at the Guildbourne Centre 

A planning application has gone into for The Guildbourne Centre for Change of Use of 1st floor premises from Class A1 (Shops/Retail) to mixed Class B1a (office) / D1 (Non-Residential Institution) / D2 (Assembly and Leisure) use to accommodate a flexible working space, conference centre, church and general community space, run by the Jubilee Community Church charity.

The proposal will provide a community hub and serve as a place to provide a range of events to help meet the needs of the town.  For the past 15 years, the Jubilee Church has been looking for property in Worthing which could accommodate their offices and essential functions, such as their Sunday meetings, mid-week events and serve as a base for their involvement in the Worthing community. They have been helping local parents through their Tots group (parent and toddler mornings) and have been looking for a space which would allow them to continue their service several times in a week, in addition to running a Foodbank. Part of their project aims to offer hireable office space for local businesses looking for desk-hire and meeting space, in addition to using the auditorium as a conference centre for local companies to use. 

Click here for more information

Things could really be looking up as early 2020 will see the opening of a new Mind Works Escape Rooms on the Ground Floor. With the first room called Smugglers Room, set in Worthing in the 1860's. Click here for more info.

Who are you calling old?!

Worthing and Adur Chamber’s 100^th birthday

There’s no getting away from it – age catches up with all of us and the Chamber is no exception! This year is Worthing and Adur Chamber’s 100^th birthday but we’re not expecting a card from the Queen or putting ourselves out to pasture – no way! Instead we wanted to use the opportunity to do something good that could show as many people as possible what a fantastic business community our membership is and also help with the local economy. Sounds like a doddle right? OK, maybe not. This is where you – lovely members – show your Chamber mettle and join in!

So what are we doing?

The Chamber is launching a special programme with the aim of helping 100 young businesses become more successful this year. They can receive 20 hours training, mentoring and expert help from those that have been there and done it - all for the price of a £65 start-up membership.

Training

Participants will receive up to 20 hours free training in the form of courses specifically designed to help young businesses. These will be led by Chamber experts.

Mentoring

There will also be access to business mentors who will be able to provide guidance on more specific problems that occur among individual businesses. The Chamber will strive to match mentors to participants according to experience and need.

Expert Help

Programme entrants will also be supported by local bodies such as Adur & Worthing Council and the Adur and Worthing Business Partnership (AWBP). These bodies have committed to offering help through the bureaucracy that can be a minefield for newer businesses. The less red tape the better we say!

What can you do to help?

We need help in a number of ways:

• 1.      Be one of our experts!
• Could your skills be of use to a new business? We’re looking for finance, marketing, admin, legal, recruitment and IT help – plus others too. If you think you can provide a training session or help us write one then please get in touch with the office.
• 2.      Be a mentor
• If you’ve been there, seen it, done it and bought the t-shirt in business, then we reckon you’ve probably got what it takes to help mentor a young business. Mentoring can be as hands on or off as you want it to be and can also be hugely rewarding. We will match your skills to programme entrants.
• 3.      Recruit young businesses
  If you know anyone who has recently started a business then please put them in touch with us. The business just needs to be less than 18 months old and can be from any sector at all; Retail, Manufacturing, Trade, Technical, Service… anything. This programme is not just about digital – it’s for everyone.
• 4.      Help us give this programme a name!
• We’re looking for a great catchy name for this programme. It needs to be something that really fits the bill and is relevant to our 100^th birthday. The name will be revealed at the programme’s official launch at the Better Business Show on February 13^th and the person who comes up with the name will be given the ‘My Business My Story’ page in the next issue of Connect, plus a huge thank you from the Chamber team J

Of course we will be celebrating with a number of other special events throughout the year too (so keep your eyes peeled for more info on these) but we believe this programme could leave a legacy for our local area and even help the local economy. We really hope you want to be part of it too.

More information coming soon keep an eye on the website www.worthingandadurchamber.co.uk

Invite for GB MET Industry Day in Brighton 

Date: Thursday 30th January, 2020
Time: 10.00 am- 12.30 - Buffet lunch 1-2 pm
Location: Greater Brighton Metropolitan College, Pelham Street, Brighton BN1 4FA

This will be an opportunity to meet level 2 and 3 students on our computing, business, estate agency and catering courses. It will be followed by a networking buffet lunch prepared by our catering students, where you will have a chance to talk with course tutors and find out more about the new T Level qualifications and industry placements. Our apprenticeship team will also be available to answer any questions you have.

We would love you to attend. There will be space for you to set up a small stand where you can meet the students and talk about your business and what you look out for in new young staff. We will also be hosting seminars ,if that’s something you’d like to do let us know what the topic will be about.

When you RSVP, please state whether you would like a stand or a seminar slot (or both!). You are also very welcome to pop along just for our lunchtime information and networking lunch. Please let us know of any special dietary requirements and how many people will be attending.

Please note there is no college parking at the moment . We will provide tables, chairs and any audio visual equipment you require so you only need some promotional material.a

Please click here to email Amir to RSVP

Alderman honour for town’s youngest mayor

One of the country’s youngest ever mayors has been given a lifetime honour by Worthing Borough Council in recognition of his service to the town.

In 2017/18, Alex Harman, then just 23, was voted in by his peers to become the town’s first citizen, making him the youngest borough mayor in the UK.

During his 12 months in office he became well-known for raising awareness of the mayoralty with younger people, as well as representing the town at a range of events, including the wedding of Prince Harry and Megan Markle.

To honour his contribution and thank him for his work, Harman was made an alderman of the town at a special meeting of Full Council last night (Tuesday, December 17, 2019).

Council leader Dan Humphreys, who proposed the former councillor for the honour, said: “During his year as mayor Alex proved to be a real ambassador for the Council and the town, bringing a real enthusiasm, commitment and energy to this historic role.

“As well as raising thousands of pounds for charity, he raised awareness of the mayoralty with thousands of young people through initiatives such as the annual charity swim, town hall tours and the first ever school question time in the council chamber.

“I’m sure every member of the Council will agree that he fully deserves this honour, making the town’s youngest ever mayor one of the UK’s youngest ever aldermen.”

The title of Alderman is bestowed on former councillors who have “rendered eminent services to the Council as past members of the Council”.

Harman, who represented Selden ward on the local authority, is one of just 20 other people currently alive who have had the honour bestowed on them by Worthing Borough Council.

Honorary Aldermen may be invited to attend civic ceremonies as invited but will not have the right to participate in official council meetings or receive any allowances or payments.

Meet the Trustees of Worthing Theatres and Museum

On 1 November, management of Worthing Theatres and Worthing Museum and Art Gallery was transferred from Worthing Borough Council to an independent charity. Worthing Theatres and Museum (WTM) is a charity led by a cross-section of corporate and cultural leaders recently appointed as trustees; Peter Cadwallader, Scott Marshall, Simon Parsonage, Cepta Kelly, Andrew Comben, Louise Burgess, all successful business people based in West and East Sussex. These men and women will be instrumental in developing the cultural charity, creating a viable business to support the creative programming and partnership projects as well as ensuring everyone in the business community becomes familiar with the incredible work of WTM. 

Peter Cadwallader, Chair of WTM is a qualified solicitor and entrepreneur having previously worked for Price Waterhouse Coopers LLP, DMH Stallard LLP and wealth management firm Maitland Advisory LLP.  Peter is an experienced property developer and co founded Uplift in 2013, a residential development company with a substantial portfolio. He has recently acquired his first hotel in Eastbourne with ambitions to expand his hotel business across UK seaside towns.

Peter said he was delighted to welcome the board: “Between them, they bring a wealth of expertise and knowledge and a passion for the arts and heritage which will be of huge benefit to WTM as it moves into this next chapter.”

Scott Marshall (Vice Chair), is a successful regeneration professional with over 28 years experience in delivering central and local governments’ economic growth and cultural agendas. He has provided strategic advice to both public and private sector clients on some of the South Coast’s largest regeneration projects including the American Express Community Stadium, Preston Barracks, i360 and Circus Street. Scott is former Director of Culture, Housing and Regeneration at Brighton and Hove City Council and Director for the Economy at Adur and Worthing Councils.  

Cepta Kelly is a qualified solicitor who trained and worked in a London law firm before moving in-house with a large multinational. She has had a long and varied in-house career. In 2013 Cepta relocated permanently to the South Coast and is currently the Legal Director of a local medical device manufacturing business.  Cepta is committed to supporting the Trust and its ongoing efforts to make the cultural life of Worthing exciting, diverse, accessible, vibrant and attractive.

Louise Burgess has worked in Human Resources for 18 years. Louise joined a local  Worthing company employing over 250 people  in January 2015. She has particularly enjoyed the challenge of developing employee relations and engagement with a diverse range of people across all levels of the company. 

Andrew Comben, joined Brighton Dome and Brighton Festival as Chief Executive in 2008, establishing the Guest Director model for Brighton Festival (with artists such as Anish Kapoor, Laurie Anderson, Kate Tempest and David Shrigley) and developing a new vision for the organisation as a year-round centre of artistic activity and involving all areas of the community in the performing arts.

Simon Parsonage as a qualified Chartered Accountant has worked in a number of industries including Ship Repair, Construction, IT and Communications, Farming and Fresh Produce.  For the past 10 years he has worked at the Chichester Festival Theatre where he is the Financial Director and Company Secretary.  He is also a Trustee of a number of theatre charities including The Watermill Theatre near Newbury.

Peter and the newly-formed board oversaw the transfer of the theatres and museum to Worthing Theatres and Museum (Charity No. 1185189) in the autumn. This includes recruiting the remaining trustees for which recruitment should begin shortly.

Capital Grant Funding Opportunities Workshop 

For food and drink producers, businesses and farmers, visitor attractions and accommodation providers, rural community organisations and public bodies in the Coast to Capital LEP area.

With the deadline to submit an Expression of Interest fast approaching, the Rural West Sussex Partnership is hosting two workshops providing an opportunity to find out more about the capital grant funding that is currently available to support business growth and productivity and to develop or improve the rural tourism infrastructure within the Coast to Capital LEP area.

Meet representatives of the Rural Payments Agency/Defra, the Coast to Capital Growth Hub, and the Rural West Sussex Partnership from 10.00am to 12.30pm on Thursday 9^th January 2020 at Thakeham Village Hall, or Friday 10^th January 2020 at The Victory Hall, Balcombe followed by a sandwich lunch.

At the workshops, you can find out if you are eligible and how much funding your business or organisation could receive from the capital grant funding programmes. The RDPE Growth Programme, which currently has an Expression of Interest deadline of 16 February 2020 offers Food Processing, Rural Tourism Infrastructure, and Business Development funding with a minimum £20,000 grant.  The Coast to Capital Growth Grant Programme 2019-2020, with a minimum grant of £40,000, will help fund capital projects to improve productivity and introduce innovation.

Afterwards, you can stay for a sandwich lunch and network with the other attendees or meet the representatives for a 1-2-1 discussion about your particular capital funding needs and any questions you may have about the application process.   The funding teams will be able to advise what is best for your business and for the project requiring funding.

Thursday 9 January 2020 from 10.00am – 12.30pm

Thakeham Village Hall, 1 Abingworth Crescent, Thakeham, Pulborough, West Sussex RH20 3GW

Book your place on Eventbrite at https://rwsp-fundingworkshop-9jan20.eventbrite.co.uk

 or

Friday 10 January 2020 from 10.00am – 12.30pm

The Victory Hall, Stockcroft Road, Balcombe, West Sussex  RH17 6HP

Book your place on Eventbrite at https://rwsp-fundingworkshop-10jan20.eventbrite.co.uk

These events are being organised by the Rural West Sussex Partnership whose aim is to bring together the key organisations that develop strategy and policy in West Sussex to ensure the best use of resources across the county to deliver projects and services in rural areas.

MORE INFORMATION

Where can I find out more information about these grants?

The RDPE Growth Programme is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EADRD) and three capital-only streams are currently open for expressions of interest: Rural Tourism Infrastructure available to a wide range of rural businesses and organisations, Business Development for small rural businesses (new or existing) including farmers that want to diversify, and Food Processing for rural and urban food and drink businesses that process agricultural and horticultural products.  The minimum grant is £20,000 to a maximum of around £175,000 (maximum around £750,000 for Food Processing subject to state aid legislation) at 40% of eligible costs for commercial applicants.

RDPE Growth Programme: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/rdpe-growth-programme

The Coast to Capital Growth Grant Programme is designed to stimulate capital investment to help businesses introduce innovation and improve productivity. The minimum grant is £40,000 with 40% of the capital costs usually being grant funding and the remaining 60% funded by the applicant, which means the minimum project value is £100,000.

Coast to Capital Growth Grant: https://www.coast2capital.org.uk/growth-grant

Where can I check that my business or organisation is in a designated area in the Coast to Capital region?

Check the location of your business or organisation against the RDPE Growth Programme map for the Coast to Capital LEP area at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/rdpe-growth-programme-rural-maps

For Rural Tourism Infrastructure and Business Development grants, check that your business is within a designated rural area at https://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx

What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event?

Off road and nearby parking is available at both venues. For information on location and directions, please see  https://www.thakehamvillagehall.co.uk/contact and http://www.balcombehall.com/contact

Can I book if I do not have access to Eventbrite?

If you are unable to make a booking through Eventbrite, please email your details and preferred date to sgrant@matthewsassociates.co.uk