Give your retirement plans a workout

With the end of the tax year fast approaching, now is the ideal time to review how your savings and investments are progressing. This allows you to make any adjustments for the forthcoming year to meet your ongoing current needs as well as your future requirements. To avoid any future disappointment, failure to plan now will almost certainly lead to disappointment at a later stage in life.

With this in mind, MHA Carpenter Box Wealth Management recently produced a podcast called ‘The Retirement Gym’, which provides useful tips on all aspects of retirement. The series will run on a monthly basis throughout 2020.

In the first episode of the podcast, Partner and Head of MHA Carpenter Box Wealth Management, Roy Thompson chats with his colleague Gill Lynes, a financial adviser with a specialism in later life planning, to discuss the importance of budgeting when approaching retirement and the factors to take into consideration when it comes to making plans now and for the future.  

As Roy says: “No-one has any idea as to how long they will be retired for – it could be 30 years or more. So how much does an individual need to retire comfortably, to still be able to pay for their household expenses, weekly shop, car expenses and holidays, etc? Care fees may also be needed, so it’s best not to leave things to chance and to consider your future plans now with a professional advisor to avoid any disappointment at a later stage in life.”  

One of the tools that Roy recommends to help you plan is MHA Carpenter Box’s Budget Planner, which will give individuals a clearer idea of their expenditure now as well as of their likely future requirements. Decisions can then be made as to what savings/investments are needed now, for tomorrow, such as pension contributions.

You can listen to the full podcast here:

 https://www.carpenterbox.com/retirementgym/

For more information, get in touch with the MHA Carpenter Box team of Independent Financial Advisers by calling 01903 534587 or visit our website:

www.carpenterbox.com/wealth

Turning Tides Trustee Vacancies 

Turning Tides (previously known as WCHP) are seeking to recruit new Trustees to become part of our Board. Turning Tides have been supporting homeless and insecurely housed people in Worthing and surrounding areas for over 20 years. The Charity has grown considerably and now offer services in Horsham, Mid Sussex and Littlehampton.

Last financial year (2018/19) we worked with over 1,732 clients across all our projects, with a turnover of £3.7m increasing to an expected £4.7m next year. We have a highly committed and effective volunteer community of over 350 and over 140 paid staff. Our vision is for a community where no local person needs to sleep out and everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their potential.

The voluntary Trustee role brings with it various responsibilities, such as governing the affairs of the Charity and ensuring it is financially sound; along with a commitment to attend scheduled meetings throughout the year.

No specific qualifications are necessary to become a Trustee. We currently have several vacancies and welcome applications from anyone interested in our charitable mission, with both the willingness and enthusiasm to offer their expertise and time. For one of our vacancies we are appealing to those who have specific skills – particularly in the area of accountancy - and experience in community engagement and fundraising.

Being a Trustee is a rewarding and enriching experience as emphasised by our Chair of Trustees, Ian Mintram: “.. it has been a great opportunity to continue to learn and develop, whilst contributing to Turning Tides.” To find out more about our current Board please visit our website or read Management Team and Trustee profiles

Should you have any questions about the Trustee role you can download further information below. Additionally, you are welcome to have an informal telephone conversation with our current Chair of Trustees.

Please direct any enquiries or applications to sarah.clark@turning-tides.org.uk

Fire safety training available for West Sussex businesses

Practical fire safety training, led by experts from West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, is on offer for everyone working in the county.

Fire safety in the workplace is a legal requirement for employers, owners, landlords - or anyone with control of a business or non-domestic premises. 

Employees will be taught vital information by our and places can be booked by visiting our Learning and Developing Gateway and searching for the keyword 'frs'.

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 16th 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 ETI Ltd, 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”.

James Stoner – Managing Director of JSPC Computer Services 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.”

2020 Charity Partner 

The organising committee are delighted to announce Guild Care as the new Charity Partner for 2020. 

Guild Care has been making a difference to the lives of the people of Worthing and its surrounding areas since it was first established in 1933 by a small team of volunteers. Since then the not for profit charity has gone from strength to strength, listening to people and adapting over the decades to the needs of the local community.
Each year over 3,000 people and their families will be touched by one of their diverse range of over 30 community services. These include:

• Respite and short breaks for carers of people living with dementia, or who are frail or elderly
• Support services for families of children and adults with disabilities and additional needs
• Friendship Club for older people
• Community transport and outreach service
• Home care service
• Three care homes providing dementia, nursing and respite care

Sam Philpott – Head of Communications and Marketing commented “Guild Care is delighted that the Adur & Worthing Business Awards has chosen us as their Charity Partner for 2020. We look forward to hosting a launch event in June with them and the ceremony itself in November. The funds raised from this event will make such a difference and will allow us to continue to support the 30+ valuable community services that we run in Worthing for people living with a learning disability, or dementia, their carers, and older people”.

2020 Launch Event 

Businesses interested in nominating or entering themselves for the 2020 awards are invited to attend the official launch event, which will take place on Wednesday 3rd June from 5:00pm - 7.30pm. 

This special networking event held in conjunction with Worthing & Adur Chamber of Commerce will be hosted by our Charity Partner Guild Care at Methold House, Worthing and will provide lots of useful information on the awards which will take place on Friday 13th November at the Pavilion, Worthing.

Business representatives will get the chance to chat to sponsors and mingle with former entrants and winners and of course, there will be plenty of time for networking so bring lots of business cards! Further information on this free event will be available in the next month or so. Special thanks to SJM Electrical Services for sponsoring this event.  

Sponsorship Opportunities 

Now in our thirteenth year, we are incredibly proud of how the Awards have grown year on year and are pleased to confirm that the majority of last year’s category sponsors have offered their continued support once again this year.  Following general feedback, the Organising Committee have announced that two new and exciting categories have been added for 2020 and are currently available to sponsor - Employee of the Year and Health, Beauty & Wellbeing. Sponsorship of a category is priced at £1,250 and includes the following:

• 6 tickets to the awards dinner
• Logo to appear on all promotional material (to include printed, online and at event)
• Regular promotion on social media channels
• Company profile and link on official website
• Rights to use the awards logo and associated material in your organisations marketing material
• Full page advert included in the A5 awards programme
• Opportunity to announce and present an award at the dinner
• Opportunity to have photo taken with category winner

2020 Key Dates

Please find below key dates for your diaries: 

Wednesday 3rd June                 2020 launch event 
Wednesday 3rd June                 Online entries open
Friday 18th September              Official closing date for nominations and entries
Friday 13th November               Awards night

We look forward to sending regular newsletters over the coming months and if there is anything you would like considered for inclusion please email nicky.dumbleton@awbawards.com In the meantime, feel free to check out the Awards website www.awbawards.com which is regularly updated with fresh content!

Safe In Sussex are having a Charity Dinner in Steyning next month and we now have the menu confirmed and bookings can be taken! 

To book please pop in to Sussex Produce in Steyning or call 01903 815045 to make a booking and have your CC details handy (preferably not between 12-3 as Café at its busiest).

Or you can book anytime via their website which is   www.thesussexproducecompany.co.uk   you just need to select the bookings page and take it from there. On the date there is a dropdown from which customers select Dinner and then follow instructions….

Please spread the word and the Safe in Sussex Love!

Make money doing what you love

Date: Monday 20th April - Friday 24th April
Time: 10:00am - 3:00pm 
Venue: Northbrook Theatre, Littlehampton Road, Worthing 
This course is free

Optivo are running a course to help your business get going and grow. This intensive 5 day course is free thanks to our sponsors. Places are limited, so make sure to register.

The course will cover everything you need to know to kick-start your business the right way:

Monday Choose your business.

Tuesday Find customers.

Wednesday Create your free website.

Thursday Connect with your customers with Social Media.

Friday Setting up your business, taxes and more.

Ongoing mentoring and advice. We are here to help and support you before and after the training.

Click here to book 

Worthing leaders welcome BoKlok announcement

Worthing Borough Council leaders have welcomed news that innovative housing provider BoKlok UK has stepped up its commitment to investing in the town.

The sustainable, quality and low-cost home provider, which launched in the UK in 2019 and is jointly owned by Skanska and IKEA, has today (February 4, 2020) announced the exchange of contracts on its first three developments.

Worthing is the first of those with a planning application to create about 150 properties on land west of Fulbeck Avenue now submitted.

Pending approval, BoKlok homes will be priced so that home ownership is more accessible for local working families. As part of the deal, the Council would be able to retain control of 30% of the units, ensuring it can provide social housing to those on the local waiting list.

Councillor Kevin Jenkins, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “I very much welcome the movement forward on this deal with a groundbreaking firm which could bring real benefits to local families.

“In this current market it's extremely tough for local people who are in full-time work to get on the housing market. This proposal could change that, giving these hard-working individuals a genuine chance to buy their own home without having to move out of the town.

“The fact these homes can be built quickly, to a high quality and meet top environmental standards makes this an extremely attractive proposition.

“With an application now submitted, everyone will have the chance to examine the details of the proposal ahead of the planning committee making a decision in the coming months.”

BoKlok homes are completed using modern methods of construction. This enables high quality, low and predictable costs and minimum waste. 

The completed homes are manufactured off-site and feature high quality IKEA fittings. They are then transported to the construction site for assembly.

In addition to Worthing, BoKlok have signed deals to bring forward proposals in Bristol and Peacehaven. Together these sites will provide around 400 homes, subject to planning permission.

BoKlok President Jonas Spangenberg said: “We are delighted to meet this first milestone for our UK business. We are grateful to our partners and the local authorities we are working with who have been supportive in sharing our vision of sustainable, quality, low cost homes for all.”

The first developments are expected to be completed in 2021.

Anniversary Year Raises £35,000 for Local Charities

Staff and clients of Sussex-based accountancy practice MHA Carpenter Box have raised £35,000 for local charities during a year-long celebration of the 10^th anniversary of the firm’s charitable foundation – exceeding the original target for 2019 by £15,000.

The funds were raised through 10 events – from quizzes and cycles to sponsored walks and 10k runs – with employees also providing volunteer support for beach cleans, food banks and a local hospice. 

Five local charities will benefit from the funds raised: Lorica Trust, which provides practical skills for people affected by homelessness and disability at East Clayton Farm; the Turning Tides homelessness charity; Crawley Open House, which supports people affected by mental health issues and social exclusion; Care for Veterans, which provides long term care for disabled ex-servicemen and women; and Sullivan’s Heroes, which supports home adaptations for disabled children. Smaller donations have also been made to an additional 11 local charities.

“Our staff, clients and charitable foundation sponsors have been fantastic during this 10th anniversary year,” said MHA Carpenter Box Senior Partner John Billings. “We are delighted that the original fund-raising target has been exceeded by some distance and that so many of our staff have given their time in support of organisations that do such great work for our local community.”

MHA Carpenter Box has offices in Worthing, Gatwick and Brighton and was one of the first businesses in Sussex to set up a charitable arm with a focus on supporting smaller local organisations that often find it difficult to raise funds. The Carpenter Box Charitable Foundation, which has now raised over £200,000 in total, is run by staff and partner trustees, who together decide on donations and grants.

Our photo shows John Billings (centre) with local charities, sponsors and members of staff celebrating the success of the 10^th anniversary year of the Carpenter Box Charitable Foundation.

Adur and Worthing Councils urge divestment of pension funds

Pension bosses are being urged to divest funds away from fossil fuels by Adur & Worthing Councils.

As part of stepping up its response to the climate emergency, councillors on both authorities agreed the millions of pounds invested by the West Sussex Pension Fund - of which its staff are members - should be done in an environmentally-conscious way.

Adur and Worthing members agreed it is time for a rethink on how capital is used, with the Councils’ Chief Executive writing to County Hall with a formal request on their behalf.

The aim is to encourage a move away from investing in companies that generate revenues from oil, gas and coal as part of wider efforts to tackle climate change.

Councillor Neil Parkin, Leader of Adur District Council, said: “After declaring a climate emergency, it’s vital that we as civic leaders show leadership on this extremely important issue.

“Divestment will send an extremely important message that we are serious about moving away from fossil fuels, which is why the Council was unanimous in urging West Sussex Pension Fund to take this action.”

Councillor Daniel Humphreys, Leader of Worthing Borough Council, said: “Oil and gas have been major contributors to pension funds in the past but now is the time to think again. 

“A move away will not be easy; but believe it should be looked at sooner rather than later which is why we have submitted this request.”

Both Adur and Worthing Full Councils passed motions at meetings last month.

The motions noted that both Councils were taking steps to “put their own house in order”. This includes creating a robust Carbon Reduction Plan which works towards carbon neutrality by 2030; working with businesses, community groups and individuals to take the agenda forward; and working up practical ways of responding to the climate crisis.

The motion concluded that: “This Council now calls upon the Trustees of the West Sussex County Council Local Authority Pension Fund (of which the Councils’ employees are members) to divest that fund of all investments in fossil fuel stocks, equities and funds.”

The agreement by both Councils means the Chief Executive has now written an open letter to the Trustees of the fund and asked them to take action.

Currently, the investment strategy by West Sussex County Council Pension Fund notes that it “does not take into account non-financial factors when selecting, retaining, or realising its investments” adding: “good practice in terms of social, environmental and corporate governance issues is likely to impact positively on companies’ financial performance.”

According to Friends of the Earth, UK councils are investing more than £16 billion of workers’ pensions in fossil fuel companies.