The death of paper-based VAT records is nigh. Are you ready for Making Tax Digital (MTD)?

Businesses have just a few weeks left to prepare for Making Tax Digital. Sussex-based chartered accountants, MHA Carpenter Box, is reminding business clients that the deadline is rapidly approaching.

The migration to digital is happening because from April 1, 2019 paper records will cease to meet the legal requirements in tax legislation where VAT is concerned.

Almost all VAT registered businesses with a turnover above the VAT threshold (currently £85,000) will need to maintain digital records, for VAT purposes from the changeover date.

They will also need to provide their VAT information to HMRC by using third party commercial software.

VAT registered businesses with a turnover below £85,000 will not have to use the new system until April 2020, at which time the Government expects to widen the scope of MTD to both Income Tax and Corporation Tax.

A small number of businesses such as trusts, local authorities, public corporations, unincorporated ‘not for profit’ organisations, VAT divisions and VAT groups who have more complex requirements have until 1 October 2019 as HMRC believe they may need more time to test the system.

Public sector entities required to provide additional information on their VAT return (e.g. Government departments and NHS Trusts, and traders based overseas) also have until 1 October 2019 to comply with the new MTD requirements.

Stuart Noakes, Partner and Head of Tax at MHA Carpenter Box, said: “Once bedded in, MTD should make it easier for businesses to get their tax right and keep on top of their tax affairs. However, we know that some businesses will be daunted in the move away from the paper systems they have managed with for many years. We can certainly help them to find a cloud solution, submit quarterly returns to HMRC and we even provide training to ensure that they remain compliant.”

Greater Brighton urges Secretary of State to support £182m New Monks Farm development

The leader of Greater Brighton region called for a swift government response on the New Monks Farm development.

Cllr Garry Wall has written to the Secretary of State on behalf of the Greater Brighton Economic Board backing the plan to deliver 600 new homes on the site, a new IKEA store and business units alongside the A27 in Lancing.

The development which totals £182m worth of investment and could bring £28m a year into the local economy has already been given planning permission at a special meeting of Adur District Council last year.

Under planning law the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has the power to ‘call in’ sizeable developments such as that at New Monks. A ‘call in’ would lead to a review by the national planning inspectorate of the decision to grant permission.

Protocol says the Secretary of State, James Brokenshire, should make a decision on ‘call in’ within 21 days but New Monks has now been sitting on his desk for more than 100 days.

In a letter to Mr Brokenshire Cllr Wall points out that the Greater Brighton’s role is to maximise opportunities to ensure the region is able to fulfil its economic potential.

Cllr Wall, who is also leader of Mid Sussex District Council, writes: "The Board has asked me to outline the significant economic benefits that could flow from the development and improvements within these applications. There is local support for them and a package of supporting infrastructure benefits that will significantly assist the area."

He adds that the future of Shoreham Airport is at serious risk if the developments, and the investment they will bring, do not go ahead.

"The airport operator and local consultative committee have indicated that these developments represent the best option for keeping the airport in operation," he tells the Secretary of State.

Adur & Worthing Business Award winners celebrate in style!

The Adur & Worthing Business Awards welcomed back sponsors, judges and winners for a post awards celebratory meal following the success of the 2018 awards.

The night began with fizz on arrival and an opportunity for guests to network before taking their seats for a specially chosen three course dinner.   Speeches were given by James Stoner – Managing Director - JSPC Computer Services and Martin Randall, Director for the Economy - Adur & Worthing Councils 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.

Now in its twelfth year, the awards have become the feature business event across the area showcasing a thriving business community.  The 2019 Awards will take place on Friday 1^st November and businesses interested in nominating themselves are invited to attend the official launch event, which will take place on Wednesday 5^th June from 5-7pm (venue to be confirmed). This special networking event will provide lots of useful information on the awards and business representatives will get the chance to chat to sponsors and mingle with former entrants and winners.

James Stoner said “These awards are an opportunity to celebrate the amazing number of successful businesses that we have here in Adur & Worthing.  Last year we had an exceptional mix from up and coming firms to major players who have all left their mark on the area and we expect more of the same in 2019”.

Tina Tilley of Worthing & Adur Chamber of Commerce commented “It is my privilege to once again be involved with the Adur & Worthing Business Awards.  The interest in the awards has been fantastic and a wide variety of businesses from across the area are excited about putting themselves forward in 2019.  We can’t wait to shout about the best of the best when it comes to business in Adur & Worthing”.

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

Taxing Times

Now is the best time of the year to get your finances in order, recommend tax and wealth management experts MHA Carpenter Box ahead of upcoming seminar.

With the end of the financial year looming, now is the ideal time to review both business and personal finances to make plans for the year ahead. The volatility of the financial markets as a consequence of the uncertainty around Brexit has made it even more difficult to plan for the year ahead, which is why MHA Carpenter Box is holding an Investment and Tax Seminar to help you make the right financial decisions for both your business and your own finances.

The seminar will be held at the exclusive South Lodge Hotel near Horsham where attendees will first hear from Wealth Managers LGT Vestra, who will provide an overview of the current financial landscape and outlook for investors in 2019.

Stuart Noakes, Partner and Head of Tax Services at MHA Carpenter Box will then give some useful end of year tax planning tips including a useful tax checklist, a guide to tax relief through investment schemes such as the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and how careful Inheritance Tax planning can minimise liability when the final curtain falls.

Wealth management strategies for you and your family will also be discussed at the event by Roy Thompson, Partner and Head of MHA Carpenter Box Wealth Management. Roy will outline the different types of investment opportunities available and how to make the most of pensions, ISAs and other investments.

The Sussex-based chartered accountants and chartered tax advisers are looking forward to 2019 after a very successful 2018, which saw a record growth in new clients matched by an increase in headcount at the firm to almost 170.

Chris Coopey, Partner and Practice Director at the firm, commented: “We are really looking forward to this event. It aims to give some useful pointers as to what the markets are up to and how businesses and individuals can make the best of their hard earned wealth despite the political somersaults going on at Westminster. The event has already attracted a great deal of interest and there should be something for everyone. Attendees will have the opportunity to raise any issues directly with the presenters and to network with other like-minded individuals in the beautiful setting of the South Lodge Hotel.”

The seminar will be held between 8am and 10am on Thursday 21st February and all attendees will receive a complimentary copy of the firm’s Year End Tax Planning Guide. For more information and to register for the event, please visit http://www.carpenterbox.com/investment-tax-seminar/

Worthing Theatres raise over £8000 for Chestnut Tree House

Worthing Theatres have today announced that across their recent record-breaking pantomime Aladdin, customers and staff raised £8070 for the local children’s hospice Chestnut Tree House; twice as much as the previous year’s fundraising efforts from Snow White. Since the charity partnership was first formed in 2016, the total funds accumulated now stands at £13,076.

Customers generously donated at the bucket collections after each performance of the pantomime, which was recently revealed to be their best-selling Christmas production of all time. Staff at Worthing Theatres were keen to get involved in the fundraising endeavours as they pushed themselves to the limit in their all day Santa cycle at the Connaught Theatre, where they cycled the length of Sussex on an indoor electronic bike generously donated by South Downs Leisure, dressed in festive costumes to support the cause.

The cast also paid a special visit to the children’s hospice in Arundel as STEPS singer Lee Latchford-Evans and renowned children’s entertainer Mark Jones visited the staff, volunteers and children at the house. Dressed in their pantomime costumes, the two of them took an extensive tour of the facilities and created Aladdin themed golden lamps with the children on the day. They even had a play on the house’s new state of the art games projector, where Aladdin and Wishee Washee played a match against each other on an interactive football pitch, which ended in a friendly draw.

Chestnut Tree House cares for 300 children and young adults from 0-19 years of age with progressive life-shortening conditions.

Amanda O Reilly, Head of Culture for Worthing Theatres, says “We would like to say a huge thank you to our staff and customers who generously donated their money to support such a fantastic cause. We’re very proud to have Chestnut Tree House as our official pantomime charity partner; as an organisation, connecting with our local community is an essential part of everything we do, and to have raised such a substantial amount, which increases year upon year, is wonderful.”

Chestnut Tree House Community Fundraiser Caroline Roberts-Quigley says “I was astonished to learn that over £8,000 was raised. The generosity of people living in our local communities is heart-warming. Everyone at Chestnut Tree House would like to say a most grateful thank you to Worthing Theatres for choosing us as their Pantomime Partner and to everyone who gave so generously, which makes a real difference to the life-limited children and families we support. We have to raise £6,850 every day to pay for a day of care at Chestnut Tree House, provided at the house and in the children’s own homes. It now costs over £3.9 million a year to provide our care services and families are never charged.”
Tickets are on sales for next year’s pantomime Cinderella, which runs at the Pavilion Theatre, Worthing from Friday 29 November 2019 to Sunday 5 January 2020.  For more information on tickets visit www.worthingtheatres.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01903 206 206.

Adur and Worthing set to mark Holocaust Memorial Day

Services to recognise Holocaust Memorial Day will take place in Adur and Worthing next Sunday (27 January) to bring communities together in remembrance of atrocities.

Civic leaders will join with residents to remember those who suffered in The Holocaust, under Nazi persecution, and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur.

In memory of all those individuals, families and communities who lost their lives or faced persecution, Adur residents are invited to join Councillor Joss Loader, Chairman of Adur District Council, for a memorial service in Shoreham’s Buckingham Park from 12 noon.

In Worthing, residents are invited to join Councillor Paul Baker, Worthing Mayor, who will lead a memorial service in Beach House Park, Worthing, from 11am.

Both services will take place next to a ‘Tree of Life’, on which a wreath will be laid. The trees were planted to help remember those who died during the Holocaust and other genocides.

The national commemoration day takes place each year on 27 January. This year, a particular focus will be given to the trauma inflicted by persecution and genocide in driving people from their homes, as part of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust’s theme ‘Torn from Home’.

Cllr Loader said:

“Regardless of our background, age, faith or race, Holocaust Memorial Day gives us all an opportunity to pause and remember those who have lost their lives in the most heart-rending circumstances.

“This year, we will join in the nationwide focus on how those who have faced persecution have lost a safe space to call ‘home’. I hope that this service will provide a means to reflect and learn from the lessons of the past which must never be repeated.”

Cllr Baker said:

“‘Home’ is a place of sanctuary, yet the millions of people affected by the atrocities of genocide were forcibly removed from their place of safety. On this important day, we will join together in remembrance of the suffering of those whose lives were lost in World War Two and in subsequent genocides.”

Haviland House becomes the first dementia nursing home on the south coast to achieve ‘Butterfly’ accreditation

Guild Care is proud to announce that the charity’s Haviland House has become the first dementia nursing home on the south coast to achieve Level 1 ‘Butterfly’ accreditation.

The care home in Goring-by-Sea, which opened in 2015 was independently audited by the international consultancy Dementia Care Matters in December 2018. The accreditation has been awarded to two of Haviland House’s households, Bramber and Clapham.

Chris Walton-Turner, who was Registered Manager of Haviland House until 31^st December before returning to his role as a Director at Guild Care, said; "This is an absolutely fantastic achievement and I’m immensely proud of the team as this is very difficult to achieve. Adopting the ‘butterfly’ model has been about creating a calm and happy place that feels like home for our family members; an environment where relatives will have the confidence that their loved one will be ok, they’ll thrive, they will be with someone who will know them inside and make them feel connected.

“Since using this approach the difference has been incredible, the home has been completely transformed. Before our service was providing good, safe care but it wasn’t always meeting people’s emotional, social and psychological needs in the way that we do today. Now the atmosphere is far more relaxed, our staff no longer wear uniforms, and we no longer follow strict routines. Everyone is smiling, our family members form friendships with each other, there’s lots of dancing, laughing and joking. There is no longer a feeling of them and us, staff work and live alongside people, they share personal stories, they connect, they support each other as one big family.”

Dementia Care Matters undertake over 700 audits per year and only 1% of care homes within the UK achieve a Level 1 distinction.  The ‘Butterfly’ model is now being extended across the remaining three households in Haviland House.

Chris added: “From a personal point of view introducing the butterfly model has been very challenging, but also extremely rewarding to see how it has improved morale amongst not only our staff but most importantly improved the wellbeing and quality of life of our family members. Our culture, our ethos, our way of living a full life at Haviland House is about recognising that ‘feelings matter most’.”

Haviland House has 63 beds for people suffering with all stages of dementia. The relative of one family member said; “This is the 11^th placement for my father because of his difficult behaviours. It is the only residential care setting where the staff have embraced him and managed his behaviours with complete success. He is so happy here. He loves the staff and enjoys warm and friendly banter. The facilities are amazing, and the staff are wonderful, caring, professional and just marvellous.”

To find out more about Haviland House please contact our customer service team on 01903 327 327 or email enquiries@guildcare.org

Gatwick Airport Master Plan - Consultation 

You will be aware that Gatwick Airport Ltd has launched a new Draft Master Plan to support growth of the Airport across the next 5 years and then rolling out to 15 years.  The Draft Plan sets out three growth scenarios and includes details on how it will address infrastructure, the economy, the environment and the passenger experience.  The three scenarios are:

1. Utilising the single runway, growing through use of technology, larger aircraft and more intensive operations
2. Utilising the existing standby runway within the existing land footprint
3. Continuing to safeguard land for an additional wide space runway, if Government Policy requires it

There is a Consultation on the Draft Plan through to 10^th January 2019 with an online form to complete.  This 12-page Summary of the Draft Master Plan summarises the key elements.

Please do respond to the Consultation, on behalf of your business.  If you have any questions then do not hesitate to contact Gatwick’s Consultant: Jeremy Taylor, (jeremy.taylor@thecompanyconnector.com).

Citizens Advice has huge impact on lives across Adur and Worthing

More than 16,000 people sought advice from Citizens Advice in Adur and Worthing last year, latest figures show.

More than 10,000 residents in Adur and 6,500 residents in Worthing have benefited from free, independent and confidential advice and information in the financial year to March 2018.

The most common advice sought by residents in the local area related to Universal Credit, benefits and tax credits, employment, housing, relationships and family. As many as 31% of Adur residents and 47% of Worthing residents who accessed the service had a long-term health condition.

Citizens Advice is a national charity with local, independent offices across the country. In Adur and Worthing, the local service is known as ‘Citizens Advice in West Sussex - North, South and East’, and operates from the Shoreham Centre, Lancing Library and Worthing Town Hall.

Adur & Worthing Councils make an annual funding contribution of £163,653 towards the service, while West Sussex County Council contributes £350,000 across the county. The total spend on the service by local authorities across West Sussex is £1,049,577 which includes contributions from the remaining district and borough councils.

A report to Adur & Worthing Councils’ Joint Strategic Committee, to be heard tomorrow (Tuesday 8^th January), recommends that the Councils continue to support the service for a further two years from April 2019 until March 2022. This is subject to continued funding from West Sussex County Council.

The report also highlights some of the challenges facing the service, including having to find and retain 80% of its workforce through volunteers and raising awareness of the different ways residents can access the service online via email and web-chat.

Councillor David Simmons, Adur District Council's Executive Member for Health & Wellbeing, said: “Trained volunteers are the life blood of Citizens Advice, and when considering the numbers of people who continue to access the services they provide, we are constantly reminded of the essential nature of the wide-ranging advice and support they deliver to people at times of need. We will continue to do our best to support the future of this valued organisation.”

Councillor Val Turner, Worthing Borough Council's Executive Member for Health & Wellbeing, said: “Citizens Advice’s research shows that four in ten of the British population contact the organisation at some point during their lives. We now hope to raise more awareness locally of the different ways in which residents can access advice from this invaluable service.”

Julie Martin, CEO of Citizens Advice in West Sussex - North, South and East, said: “Citizens Advice has been helping people for 79 years, giving advice on everything from benefits and employment, including debt management and family matters. We always consider how we can best reach and support those residents who need the service the most using all of the available advice channels, as well as through partnership locations, including GP surgeries. We are keen to ensure we take local needs and views into account in all our future planning”.

There are a number of ways that residents can contact the local branch of Citizens Advice: in person (at the two offices in Worthing and Shoreham), by telephone 0344 477 1171, email, letter or online via web-chat. More details can be found on their website: https://www.advicewestsussex.org.uk/

Multimillion pound social housing deal in Worthing

Much-needed accommodation is to be created by Worthing Borough Council after it sealed a multimillion pound deal to convert a former pub into affordable housing.

As part of its extensive project to purchase more properties to support those at risk of homelessness, the Council has agreed to invest £4.4 million in The Downview in Tarring Road.

The long-term investment could see the building converted into nine flats with a ground floor commercial unit and at least four more homes on the car park.

Once up and running, it is expected the new properties will save the Council £90,000 a year in temporary and emergency accommodation costs which is mainly spent on B&Bs outside of the area.

Councillor Heather Mercer, Worthing Borough Council's Executive Member for Customer Services, said: “As a Council we are committed to doing everything we can to provide affordable and suitable accommodation for those who need it.

“The Downview pub represented a rare opportunity to acquire a site within the town. With planning approval already granted, it represents a prudent long-term investment for the council.

“Once the conversion is complete, we will be able to provide more than a dozen families with a safe, secure place to call home. We can also work with them to secure permanent accommodation, as well as saving the taxpayer tens of thousands of pounds a year in emergency accommodation costs.

“We will continue to look at ways we can creatively secure suitable accommodation for those most in need across the borough.”

The Council took the decision as it looks to reduce the amount that is spend on emergency accommodation for those on short-term tenancies.

With the deal for Downview complete, teams from the Council are now working up a proposal to make best use of the site.

Planning permission was granted in June 2018 to convert the building into nine apartments while retaining part of the ground floor for commercial use. The approval also includes creating four new two-bedroom houses on land to south of the pub.