Gatwick celebrates new ownership with continued investment to “put passengers at heart” of exciting new chapter

London Gatwick today announced a new chapter in its ownership as VINCI Airports completed the purchase of a 50.01% stake in the airport. Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) will continue to manage the remaining 49.99% interest in Gatwick. The new partnership promises continued investment to put passengers at the heart of Gatwick’s future plans.

VINCI Airports, the world’s leading private airport operator, will bring its expertise to Gatwick including a strong focus on quality of service and programme management. Now part of a global network of 46 airports in 12 countries, Gatwick teams will have access to broader opportunities particularly in international career development and in-house training. As the world’s most efficient single runway airport, Gatwick will also share best practice with VINCI Airports as the company continues to pursue its operational improvement strategy.

The completion of the transaction is the ideal opportunity for Gatwick’s shareholders to express their shared vision for the future of the airport and to announce the evolution of Gatwick’s governance based on continuity. Sir David Higgins, Stewart Wingate and Nick Dunn will remain respectively Chairman, CEO and CFO of the airport, and will be joined by Cédric Laurier, from VINCI Airports, as CTO (Chief Technical Officer).

The airport’s ambitious plans for the future remain, with a further £1.1 billion Capital Investment Programme (CIP) set to deliver a range of passenger improvements by 2023.

Nicolas Notebaert, CEO of VINCI Concessions and President of VINCI Airports, said:

“This partnership marks the beginning of a very exciting future for London Gatwick and VINCI Airports. Applying our joint skills will add significant value to both VINCI Airports and London Gatwick Airport and benefit all our stakeholders, notably airlines and passengers. Combining our expertise will further improve our operational excellence and sustain our shared vision of putting passengers’ satisfaction at the heart of everything we do.”

Sir David Higgins, Chairman, Gatwick, said:

“Today’s announcement marks an exciting new era for Gatwick, its airlines and passengers. We welcome VINCI Airports to Gatwick and are grateful for this strong vote of confidence in Gatwick and the UK.”

Stewart Wingate, Chief Executive Officer, Gatwick, said:

“Today is the start of a new chapter for Gatwick, with new owners and further investment enabling the airport to continue on its successful journey. The management team and I will remain focused on delivering exceptional service to our passengers and to developing longer-term plans to grow our airport.”

Michael McGhee, GIP Partner, said:

“The GIP-VINCI partnership is focused on continuing the transformation of the airport. VINCI’s global airport expertise, coupled with GIP’s intimate knowledge of Gatwick and the UK market, offer a unique and complementary world-class airport capability to carry on delivering exceptional performance.” 

The California Public Employees’ Retirement System (“CalPERS”), as part of the 49.99% interest managed by GIP, will retain a 9.99% stake in Gatwick.

Paul Mouchakkaa, Managing Investment Director - Real Assets, CalPERS, said: “CalPERS is excited to be a part of this new chapter of Gatwick’s future.”

Since December 2009, Gatwick has grown passenger numbers from 32 million to more than 46 million in 2019, while maintaining very high passenger satisfaction scores. In December 2018, Gatwick’s Quality of Service Monitor (QSM) score was 4.29 out of 5.0 – a ten-year high.

Throughout this time, the airport has focused on delivering on its mission to be the UK’s most sustainable airport through its Decade of Change programme. Highlights include achieving a Zero Waste to Landfill accreditation from the Carbon Trust, as well as becoming a carbon neutral airport.

Gatwick has also achieved much success in growing its long haul network, with over 60 long haul routes now available across Asia, North and South America and beyond. Gatwick flies to more destinations than any other UK airport. Recent route launches include Shanghai, Rio De Janeiro and San Francisco.

This has been supported by strong levels of investment in airport facilities, with more than £2 billion spent on improving Gatwick since 2009 including the world’s largest self-service bag drop in North Terminal, a brand-new Pier 1 and a state-of-the-art security area in both terminals, through which 95% of passengers pass through in less than five minutes.

The airport also continues to look to the future and recently consulted on its Draft Master Plan for the next 15 years, looking at how Gatwick could make best use of its existing infrastructure and, notably, its existing standby runway. The final master plan is due to be published later this year.

Extension To Brighton and Hove Albion’s Training Ground Approved

Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club has been given the green light by Adur District Council’s Planning Committee to extend their Lancing training ground.

The Premier League side received backing to invest a further £22million to transform a corner of land to the southeast of the £22 million American Express Elite Football Performance Centre.

The designs include building a ‘Club Hub’ and three additional football pitches.

One of the Club Hub facilities would be to provide a dedicated facility for the club’s womens and girls teams, who currently are based at the University of Sussex.

Other resources include an advanced medical and sports science facilities, yoga and Pilates studio and changing rooms, which would be accessible for people with complex needs.

The proposals were submitted by The Community Stadium Ltd to Adur District Council whose Planning Committee approved the plans at a meeting last night (Monday May 13, 2019).

The club hope that work would begin in the summer.

Councillor Neil Parkin, Leader of Adur District Council, said: “I am pleased to see Albion continue their investment in Lancing and the wider District.  This is a Premier League investment by a Premier League club which will create world-class accessible facilities for footballers across Sussex.

“Albion have shown that they are committed to investing in our community and I look forward to continuing to work this partnership for many years to come.”

Councillor Carol Albury, Chairman of Adur District Council’s Planning Committee, said: “The Albion training ground has been a welcome addition to Lancing and over the years there has been a steady growth in the use of the community pitch.

“The committee took into consideration the concerns of neighbours but on balance felt this investment in world-class sporting facilities was the right decision. Personally I’m delighted to see that this investment will support the growth of the women’s game and I hope this will allow Albion to remain a Women’s Super League club for many years to come.”

Worthing Beach Wins Top National Award

Worthing Beach has been recognised as one of the best in the country after winning the coveted Seaside Award for the third year running.

Overseen by Keep Britain Tidy, the honour identifies and rewards beaches achieving the highest standards of beach management and water quality.

Worthing Beach, a seven mile stretch of shingle, soft sand and rock pools, was one of those selected, joining the best beaches in England.

Councillor Kevin Jenkins, Worthing Borough Council’s executive member for regeneration said:

“The seafront is the lifeblood of any coastal town.”

“Worthing beach hosts a wide spacious prom, independent traders, world-class water sports, and soon we’ll be home to the largest observation wheel on the south coast.

“This area of Worthing is a community resource for all ages, which is why I'm delighted we have won this award again.”

“It is a real stamp of approval showing Worthing and its seafront is ready for summer.”

The accolade comes as work continues on the SustainableAW programme, which strives to tackle some of the largest environmental challenges of our time.

This ambitious project for the local area operates with the local community and partners to tackle areas such as water efficiency, clean energy and waste recycling.

This year environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy is presenting 208 awards to England’s very best beaches, including 71 international Blue Flags and 137 Seaside Awards, with 52 beaches achieving both awards.

All the beaches are united in cleanliness safety and meeting the highest environmental standards, as well as the tough international bathing water quality standards.

Keep Britain Tidy’s Chief Executive Allison Ogden-Newton said:

“The success of the 156 beaches in reaching the very high standards demanded by both awards is a testament to all those who have worked so hard to protect and improve our beaches – from beach managers and volunteers to local people and businesses.

“When you enjoy a trip to a beach flying an international Blue Flag or Seaside Award, you know you are on one of the safest, cleanest and very best in the country.”

Worthing Museum reveals newly accessioned and conserved works for the first time in latest exhibition
 
Worthing Museum & Art Gallery has welcomed some exciting new additions to its fine art collection in recent months, particularly from contemporary artists, many of whom have a local connection to Sussex.
 
The museum’s new exhibition Collected and Conserved reveals these newly accessioned works for their first showing at WMA, and explores how and why certain works are selected by the museum’s curatorial team.
 
Alongside artworks which are completely new to the collection will be some old favourites which have recently had professional conservation work undertaken to them, thanks to the generosity of the Friends at Worthing Museum. This exhibition explores the importance of conservation work and takes a more detailed look at the type of treatment these works have recently undergone. 

In addition to pieces from within the fine art collection, WMA are also displaying one of their dresses from the costume collection; a late eighteenth century tambour work dress which has recently been conserved.
 
Discussing the exhibition, Emma Walder, Worthing Museum Art Curator says “We often find that visitors are very interested in what goes on behind the scenes in museums and we get many questions about what our roles are as curators.  This exhibition gives us an opportunity to display new pieces as well as some recently conserved pieces, whilst giving an insight into some of the fundamental aspects of our curatorial role.  We've included lots of information with all of the pieces on display to highlight their significance in the exhibition.  As a result of the eclectic nature of the work this exhibition is visually quite unusual.”

Collected and Conserved will be exhibited in Worthing Museum’s Norwood Gallery from Saturday 4 May – Saturday 21 September 2019, for more information visit worthingmuseum.co.uk

Shocking shirts, funky frocks & cream tea!

It's time to impress your friends, family and colleagues with your appalling taste in clothes!

Please join Safe in Sussex at the launch of their first annual Shocking Shirts & Funky Frocks Day. 

Time: 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Date: Friday 28th June 2019 
Venue: The Barn, English Martyrs Catholic Church, Goring Way, Goring By Sea, Worthing BN12 4UH 

As it's National Cream Tea Day, it would be silly not to combine the two, so you'll be able to enjoy a delicious Cream Tea for £3 per adult and £2 for children. 

All profits raised will help Safe in Sussex to support people affected by domestic abuse. 

Shocking Shirts & Funky Frocks are optional so, if you don't want to dress to impress, you can still come along and have fun. There will be a raffle and games for the children. 

There is no need to book - just drop in and say hello!

New Summer of Circus season swings into Worthing

Today, Worthing Theatres have announced their latest Summer of Circus season, which includes a host of free outdoor performances by renowned circus companies, a wide range of workshops for all ages and skill levels, and a variety of gripping indoor productions at the Pavilion Theatre from 8 June to 26 August.

The thrilling circus season will be launched in style with a free family fun day on Saturday 8 June, where everyone is invited to enjoy a variety of fun interactive stands, circus demonstrations by Poi Passion, face painting, a DJ and more exciting activities alongside two outdoor performances of Belly of the Whale performed by world renowned circus company Ockham’s Razor. The performers, like surfers on a wild sea, ride a giant semi-circular see-saw made of wood and steel which creaks and groans as it constantly transforms – creating an ever changing landscape. The company will also be leading a workshop within the structure so participants can try out moves featured in the show.
 
Other free outdoor performances on the Pavilion Promenade include the return of all female circus company Mimbre, who will be performing Lifted (20 July); a collection of funny, poetic and surprising moments, which explore, in different ways, what it means when one body is carried by another. Trampoline artists Max Calaf Seve perform their latest show ‘Dip’ (3 Aug), where three performers embark on an epic quest, giving life to everyday objects with breath-taking twisting tricks combined with funky tunes. Also returning to Summer of Circus is The Giant Balloon Show (24 Aug) by Dizzy O’ Dare. The company will take everything you know about balloons and will twist it into a highly entertaining show. They will also be leading a balloon modelling workshop for children on the day.
 
Inside the Pavilion Theatre will be a selection of full length circus productions by companies performing in Worthing for the first time. Chores (6-7 July) by Hoopla Cirque, is the heart-warming acrobatic comedy that follows the story of two brothers hanging out in their messy bedroom, but when they hear their mum approaching they have to hustle to get their jobs done! Written and performed by circus artist Jess Love, Notorious Strumpet and Dangerous Girl (9 July) is the strikingly truthful tale of one woman’s voyage to connect with her convict past, where twisted storytelling and spectacular circus combine in this dark moving comedy for adults. Hikapee Circus bring playful puppetry to the season in their beautiful show Look Up (17 Aug) which follows the story of Robyn, a child puppet who is curious about interacting with the outside world, encouraging others to look up away from their phones to see the life around them.
 
Throughout the season there will also be a series of aerial taster sessions led by circus artist Carolyn Watt for Adults (24 June) and Children and Young Adults (29 July). Participants of all skill levels and body types are encouraged to learn how to use aerial silks and hoops in a fun and nurturing environment. In addition to this there is also a beginners’ flexibility taster session for adults (26 August), to encourage flexibility, strength and body awareness.

Amanda O Reilly, Head of Culture for Adur & Worthing Councils, says
“We wanted to ensure that this year’s Summer of Circus was accessible to as many people as possible, so we programmed an eclectic range of free outdoor performances to make sure that everybody can enjoy this exhilarating art form. Our interactive workshops offer participants a chance to learn new skills, and if you’ve never experienced circus before, make sure you come along to our family fun day to get a taste of what’s in store.”
 
Whilst outdoor performances are free, workshops and indoor productions are priced individually from £5 - £12.50. To find out more call the Worthing Theatres box office on 01903 206 206 or visit worthingtheatres.co.uk/circus.

Later life expertise recognised at MHA Carpenter Box Wealth Management

Gill Lynes, Senior Financial Planning Manager at Sussex-based MHA Carpenter Box Wealth Management, has recently been accredited with full membership of the Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA).

To become a full member of SOLLA, applicants have to pass a rigorous accreditation process, which includes obtaining a professional qualification through examination. MHA Carpenter Box Wealth Management also had to show that it has a robust policy in place for helping elderly and vulnerable clients, including ongoing training and support. In addition, wheel chair accessibility has to be available and when required, advisers must be willing to visit clients’ homes to discuss their needs.

SOLLA was established in 2008 as a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to raising standards and improving accessibility to regulated financial advice for older people and their families. 

Gill has over 30 years’ experience in the financial services sector. She joined MHA Carpenter Box Wealth Management three years ago as a Financial Planning Manager after performing a similar role for NatWest and prior to that, HSBC Bank. 

Once accredited, full members can advise on a wide range of subjects such as retirement planning (including pensions and annuities), funding for Care Home fees or for care at home, Inheritance Tax planning and other tax matters. They can also provide guidance on estate and wealth planning issues, including Lasting Powers of Attorney and Deputy Orders.

Roy Thompson, Partner & Head of Wealth Management at MHA Carpenter Box Wealth Management, commented: “This accreditation from SOLLA is excellent news for our clients many of whom have elderly parents or family members. Following this accreditation, we have a recognised seal of approval on our ability to help elderly and vulnerable clients with their financial affairs. Well done to Gill on gaining full membership of SOLLA, proving that she has the knowledge and technical ability to provide the highest level of customer service to our clients.”

Gill lives just outside of Brighton and is married with two grown-up children. She enjoys spending time with her family, eating out and socialising. 

www.carpenterbox.com

Chay Took for President

Chay Took, a partner at accountants, business and financial advisers Kreston Reeves has been elected as President of the Worthing & Adur Chamber of Commerce.

The appointment for a three-year term was ratified at the annual general meeting of the Worthing & Adur Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday 8 May 2019.

The Worthing & Adur Chamber of Commerce is one of the largest and most prestigious business groups in the region, representing the interests of some 350 business of all sizes.

Chay Took has been at the heart of the region’s business community for over 20 years advising businesses and their owners on a wide range of financial and tax matters.  Kreston Reeves is the largest firm of accountants in the South East with nine offices across Sussex, Kent and London.  The firm acts for some of the region’s fast-growing, entrepreneurial businesses, charities and private individuals.

Commenting on his appointment, Chay Took said: “It is a great honour to be elected President of the Worthing & Adur Chamber of Commerce.  The Chamber is very active across the region, with a well-attended regular programme of events, networking, training and mentoring.  It is the hub of the business community.”

Tina Tilley, CEO of the Worthing & Adur Chamber of Commerce said: “Chay has been an active member of the Chamber for many years and we are thrilled to elect him to President.  Chambers of Commerce have never been more important to business across the region, campaigning on important local issues and representing the views of our members on the national stage.  We look forward to the contribution Chay will continue to make as President over the next three years.”

28th Annual Golf Challenge - 14th June

Club together with your friends or colleagues on Friday 14th June and enter our 28th Annual Golf Challenge!

Taking place at Worthing Golf Club, the all-day event includes brunch from 11am, 18-holes of golf, refreshments at the Halfway Hut, and dinner at 7.30pm with an auction and raffle.

The challenge will see teams of three take on the club’s Lower Course. Gather together your friends or a group of colleagues for a day of good hearted golf competition! Will reigning champions Burnand Brazier Malcolm Wilson retain their trophy?

Registration is £50 per person for members of Worthing Golf Club and £75 for non-members.

All funds raised will support our vital charity services. Last year’s event raised a staggering £7,885 – and we’re hoping for even more success this year! Together we can keep vital local services going for children and adults dealing with the daily challenge of a disability, loss of independence, or dementia.

For further information, booking, and sponsorship/advertising enquiries, please contact our Fundraising Team. You can call them on 01903 528613 or email fundraising@guildcare.org.

Please be aware that we will be taking photos at this event. These images will be sent to local press and will be used to publicise future events via our marketing materials, social media and website. If you would not like your image or images of your child to be used in these ways, please approach a member of the Guild Care team on the day or email fundraising@guildcare.org. Any photographs taken will be stored securely in line with GDPR guidelines.

METALL #10 searches for the Solutions to the Skills Chasm

A recent meeting of the Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Alliance (METALL #10) saw some lively debate between manufacturing businesses, education professionals from FE and HE and local business support organisations as they searched for solutions to the long-standing difficulty of recruiting into the engineering sector nationally

In the South, the recent MHA Manufacturing & Engineering Report revealed that 89% of companies were finding it difficult to recruit enough people with the right talent and skills to fill existing job vacancies.

Guests were welcomed to the event at the University of Chichester’s new Engineering and Technology Campus in Bognor by former engineer Chris Coopey, who is a Partner and Practice Director at MHA Carpenter Box. Chris then handed over to the event facilitator, Richard Freeman, CEO of East Sussex-based company, always possible.

Richard highlighted that the speed of technological change is starting to challenge our ability to keep up with it, with big data, AI, robotics and a whole host of other technology currently reshaping our lives at tremendous speed as we move forward in the 4^th Industrial Revolution.

One in five jobs in the UK are linked to the sector and despite the fact that our region is not nationally recognised as a hotbed of manufacturing and engineering, West Sussex manufacturing and engineering companies added £307.4m to the UK economy, which may come as a surprise to many.

So, what’s the answer?

Delegates at the METALL #10 event were quick to raise ideas and suggestions. One of the conclusions was that business and education needs to work more closely together to help students realise the many rewarding careers that the sector offers. In particular, more work needs to be done to attract many more female students to take STEM A levels and to go on to take degree apprenticeships or undergraduate degrees in Engineering.   

More work needs to be undertaken with schools, possibly through school governors, to encourage wider interest in STEM subjects from an earlier age. Head teachers from junior, primary and secondary schools also need to be involved and school leavers should be made aware that the manufacturing industry offers a career path and not just a job. T-Levels may help in this, but they are some way off.

One particularly interesting fact to emerge was the potential to retrain older workers from other sectors (such as retail) to take some of the many roles available. This is something that bears further research and action at national level.

Chris Coopey commented: “As I expected, there was some very lively debate at the event, and I was delighted to see the level of participation from the audience. It was very clear from the discussions that there are many issues to overcome. My view is that the Government still has no real idea about the value and potential of the sector, which means that local action has to be taken.

We will be organising a focus group off the back of this METALL meeting to take some of the ideas forward which we hope will help businesses to meet their skills needs.”

METALL is supported by MHA Carpenter Box chartered accountants, solicitors asb law and sector recruitment professionals, CBSbutler.  It was launched in 2016 with the primary aim of sharing best practice across Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology businesses.

www.carpenterbox.com