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News & updates 

Regular news and updates from the Chamber, our members, local Councils and other relevant business news will be posted regularly here. 

Don't forget, as a member one of your many benefits is being able to submit your press releases and news for inclusion here as well as on either the members or business news emails and social media. Please submit to lauren@worthingandadurchamber.co.uk 


  • 20 November 2017 9:57 AM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)

    Rampion announces £4 million community fund

    • £3 million fund for local projects to benefit the Sussex community
    • £800,000 investment in Rampion Visitor Centre to be located in Brighton
    • £100,000 donation to local RNLI stations who help save lives at sea
    Rampion has announced it is to launch a £4 million Community Fund, which is set to benefit communities across Sussex.

    As well as incorporating a £3.1 million community benefit fun to support local community groups, charities and not for profit organisations, £800,000 will be invested in a Rampion Visitor Centre to be located in the seafront arches just east of the i360 in Brighton. A charitable donation of £100,000 is also being made to the local RNLI stations. 

    The Rampion Fund at Sussed Community Foundation has been made available to support the local community, from Littlehampton Habour in the west, to Beachy Head in the east and up to the A272 near Twineham in the north close to the wind farm's onshore substation. It is designed to help fund local projects particularly those with links to the environment and ecology, climate change and energy, as well as those that work to improve community facilities.

    Chris Tomilnson, Development and Stakeholder Manager for the Rampion Offshore Wind Farm, said: "We are delighted to be able to launch the Rampion Fund being managed by the Sussex Community Foundation. Our aim is to make a real difference to people living in the area surrounding the wind farm and we hope many organisations will apply to the fun to support their local Sussex projects.

    "We're also happy to be able to announce the location of the Rampion Visitor Centre, due to open later next year. The newly refurbished seafront arches in Brighton were chosen due to their view of the wind farm, high football location and excellent public transport connections, as well as their size of floor space, which will allow us to house exhibitions and interactive displays for visitors to learn more about wind energy and discover the whole Rampion story.

    To read more click here
  • 17 November 2017 11:53 AM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)

    BuildingAW goes live: new magazine shows Adur & Worthing is growing places

     Adur and Worthing’s reputation as a place on the move towards a better future is to be underlined in a new publication.

    Building AW is a bright, informal 26-page online publication which will keep residents and businesses across both areas up-to-date with all the latest development in their communities.

    With updates coming every few months, the aim is for Adur & Worthing Councils to keep the public fully informed of the change that is taking place at pace.

     

    Within this first edition is an interview with Ben Cheal, of Roffey Homes, the company behind the redevelopment of the former Aquarena site.

     

    Features on the Adur Tidal Walls scheme in Shoreham, the £3.5 million redevelopment of Worthing Museum and Adur District Council’s successful planning application to create a new office block on the former Civic Centre car park are also enclosed.

     

    The online publication will also include regular updates on some of the major projects across Adur and Worthing which are moving forward at speed.

    Councillors heralded the publication as a vital way to communicate with local residents the ongoing work that the Councils is driving forward.

     

    Councillor Brian Boggis, Adur District Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “It is clear that the towns and villages across the district are about to begin an exciting new chapter.

    “Major redevelopment schemes such as the Tidal Walls scheme in Shoreham are very much in the public eye at the moment and have the potential to bring increasing investment and prosperity to the district.

     

    “We are also keen to maximise the use of our own council assets to drive regeneration forward, as you will see from the projects currently underway on the old Civic Centre site in Shoreham.

     

    “However, we remain conscious of our obligations to retain the individual character and traditions of the various parts of our district.”

     

    Councillor Kevin Jenkins, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “Worthing is emerging as one of the most exciting destinations on the south coast. With a growing reputation as a place to live and work, a new generation of investors, start-up businesses and young families are discovering what makes Worthing great.

     

    “Worthing Borough Council has been developing a new vision for how the town will continue to be transformed in the future.

     

    “Creating a sense of place in the heart of the town, improving the public realm and infrastructure, developing the retail and hospitality experience and growing the tourism offer is vital to this vision.”

     

    To see the publication, visit this link.


  • 17 November 2017 9:05 AM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)

    Boost your cultural and community funding

    1-to-1 Funding Advice Session, from 2:30pm to 5:30pm

    Are you writing a funding bid for a creative project or community event and looking for advice about funding or bid-writing? Sign up now for a FREE 1-to-1 session with our specialists from Adur & Worthing Councils Andy Willems and Fiona Wilson. To book your free 30 minute session click here.

    The sessions are half an hour and you can use them for any of the following:

    • Funding searches - help to find a funder whose aims could match your needs, including Lottery funding, trusts, foundations and local funds 
    • Pre-application advice - detailed advcie about whether the funder that you have in mind is right for you, and check that you understand their criteria, timescales and processes.
    • Bid-writing - general information about how to tackle writing a successful bid 'critical friends' support - send your bid in advance of the session and get in-depth feedback (a double session can be booked for this option)
    • Budget advice – if you’re stuck on how to manage the finances for a project, or have questions about how to structure your budget in the application
    • Re-submission advice – if your bid has been turned down, send your bid in advance of the session and get in-depth feedback (a double session can be booked for this option if necessary)
    • Corporate sponsorship – how to tap into CSR initiatives and benefit from support in kind and corporate sponsorship from likeminded businesses.

    Please note: All information will be treated in confidence and won’t be shared with any third parties. This is an advice session and as such it will be the responsibility of the organisation/individual to decide on the final application.

    Andy Willems (Investment Officer, Place & Investment Team) oversees and guides external funding applications across Adur & Worthing Councils. Since joining the Council in 2015 he has supported numerous projects which have secured significant investment into the area.

    Fiona Wilson (External Funding and Projects Officer, Worthing Theatres) an inspiring and innovative cultural and charitable fundraiser and development director with over 20 years experience. Previous posts include Head of Public Fundraising, Comic Relief and Director of Development, New Theatre Royal Portsmouth, recently completing a £5 million fundraising campaign for capital redevelopment.

    Future-proof Your Creativity – A 60 minute seminar

    Monday 4 December – 6pm to 7pm followed by Q & As

    Adur is home to a breadth of cultural activity, from professional artists and galleries to multi genre venues and performance practitioners. There also exists a full calendar of events and festivals with a strong focus on exciting experiences for its local communities.

    JOIN US for 60 minutes of advice and guidance and future-proof your creativity!

    Talks from:

    Community Works

    Find out how Community Works champions voluntary and community action in Adur. This insightful presentation highlights the tools Community Works have at their fingertips to help local community groups, supporting growth with professional advice, training, funding and networking.

    Fund Your Creativity - Arts Council England

    Join ACE, South East Diversity Relationship Manager, Ashai Nicholas for an overview of how best to prepare your project, align your partners and succeed in successful funding applications.

    Tickets: FREE

    Entry: From 5.30pm

    Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham-by-Sea

    To book your ticket and for more details click here


  • 16 November 2017 4:44 PM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)

    Free photos for your LinkedIn Profiles!

    Where: Studio 12, Triangle Business Centre, 95 Commerce Way, Lancing Business Park, BN15 8UP.
    When: Friday 24th November 11:00am-4:00pm

    Martin Bloomfield from Bloomfield Digital and Julian Tate from Image 1 will be taking head and shoulders photos for people's LinkedIn profiles.. If you would like a high resolution photo, its asked that you donate £10 to Care For Veterans, Lancing Business Parks Charity of the Year.

  • 16 November 2017 3:33 PM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)

    Major investment planned for Worthing’s car parks

    Parking charges in some town centre car parks in Worthing are proposed to increase to help fund a much needed multi-million pound upgrade aimed at improving the experience of shoppers and visitors to the town.

    With a number of major regeneration schemes transforming the town, Worthing Borough Council leaders believe this should include upgrading its multi-storey car parks.

    To help fund the refurbishment, the local authority has recommended a number of modest increases to tariffs at some of the car parks it operates - the first proposed rise since 2014.

    Business groups in the town - including the Town Centre Initiative and Worthing & Adur Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the fact prices would still compare favourably to those in neighbouring towns and cities.

    The proceeds would support a major investment programme to High Street and Buckingham Road car parks, some of which is already underway.

    New lighting and replacement CCTV has already been installed in both car parks. This together with recently introduced night patrols will improve security at all sites.

    A programme to replace lifts in Buckingham Road will get under way in December. Future works will include refurbishment of parking decks, entrances and public stairwells and new signage.

    In future it will be easier for customers to pay with online automatic billing and contactless payment options being pursued.

    Councillor Diane Guest, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Environment, said: “We know that having sufficient high quality parking is critical to Worthing’s local economy - not only are multi-storeys quite often the first thing visitors see, but they also help reduce congestion in the town centre.

    “That’s why it’s vital that we up our game and ensure that our car parks are welcoming, safe and accessible to all.

    “This would be the first price increase since we brought the off-street car parks back in house in 2014. But we have ensured they remain competitive and represent value for money.”

    Worthing Borough Council brought the running of the car parks back ‘in-house’ from NCP in 2014 and substantially reduced the rates from £1.70 an hour. They have remained that level for four years.

    The proposed tariff changes, which could be introduced in the new year, will affect Buckingham Road, High Street, and Grafton multi-storey car parks, as well as Lyndhurst Road surface car park.

    Customers would still be able to enjoy £1 per hour for up to four hours on Saturdays and free parking on Sundays at the Civic Centre car park behind the Town Hall.

    The popular £1 tariff for the first hour will remain while prices will remain lower than on street parking for up to two hours (the maximum length of on street parking in central Worthing).

    The proposals will be subject to consultation with key stakeholders including West Sussex County Council and the police.

    Chris Coopey, President of Worthing & Adur Chamber of Commerce, said: “Worthing has been in the fortunate position to not have any issues about the cost of parking since 2014.

     “There is a general feel that we need to see improvements in the car parks in respect to safety, lighting and an improved appearance which hopefully the slight increase in parking costs that has been proposed can allow to happen.

     “In comparison with our competitor destinations, even with the proposed rises Worthing represents really good value.”

     Chris Spratt, Chairman of Worthing’s Town Centre Initiative, said: “I’m delighted to learn the council has committed to carry out some much needed investment into the car parks.

    “We are very keen to see investment in improving the customer experience when visiting Worthing. It is unfortunate that the cost of parking is increasing but I’m pleased the council has been astute enough to keep the costs lower than equivalent parking in nearby towns.

    “The TCI has agreed to partner with the council in looking at ways to improve the appearance of the car parks to provide a positive welcome to the town.”


  • 16 November 2017 3:15 PM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)

    The Worthing Dome Free Room Hire In December & 50% Off Room Hire In January!

  • 15 November 2017 1:34 PM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)

    Green Light for Major Shoreham Office Development

    A groundbreaking development led by Adur District Council to safeguard local jobs and generate a return for the taxpayer has got the go-ahead.

    Last night (Monday November 13), councillors on the local authority’s planning committee approved a proposal to create a four-storey office block on the former Adur Civic Centre car park in Ham Road, Shoreham.

    Work on the development, which has been supported by £1.8 million of funding from the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership, will start in the coming months.

    With planning approved, Adur leaders can now reveal the site will be used by Focus Group, a Southwick-based communications company, which has outgrown their current premises.

    Brian Boggis, Adur District Council's executive member for regeneration, said: "This is a prime example of a council doing everything it can to provide a platform to drive forward development.

    "In these straightened times, many local authorities across the country are having to cut back on putting money into their communities. But as a council we realise that sometimes you have to invest before the wider community reaps the rewards.

    “By maximising the potential of council land and using public money prudently, we are safeguarding local jobs while generating a return for the taxpayer.”

    The development will bring back into use the car park site which has been largely vacant since the Civic Centre closed in 2013.

    The 2,780m2 of commercial space will be designed for flexibility and spread over four floors.

    The scheme will also incorporate 70 car parking spaces, some of which will be underneath a wing of the four-storey building.

    Planners admitted it would form a significant new feature on Ham Road, and would ‘plug the gap’ in the streetscape between Glyndebourne Court and Dunelm Mill.

    Ralph Gilbert, managing director of Focus Group, said: “I’m delighted to announce this link-up with Adur District Council. It is a great example of a council helping local businesses grow.

    “Over the last ten years we have gone from two staff working from a home office to a respected company operating across the UK with hundreds of staff.

    “We are really excited to be staying locally at a fantastic new office which will help us to keep on growing - that’s good news for us, the council and the community as a whole.”

    The development is part of a wider revamp of the Civic Centre site.

    Across the road to the south, the former red-bricked council headquarters has been demolished and the site has been fenced off.

    Adur District Council has earmarked the land for a mixed-use site with the plot set to be marketed in the New Year.

    Jonathan Sharrock, Chief Executive of Coast to Capital said: “Shoreham is a great place to live and work and protecting IT skills is vital to the success of the area.

    “We are thrilled to be part of a project that will not only safeguard existing local jobs but help provide improved facilities which will benefit a large number of employees, the rewards of which will be felt across the wider community.”

    Click here to view the development plan


  • 13 November 2017 2:57 PM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)

    Adur & Worthing Business Awards Press Release

    On Friday 10th November the winners of the 10th Adur & Worthing Business Awards were announced at The Pavilion Theatre, Worthing.

    The sell-out event was attended by over 370 guests all representing local businessesand included the town’s Mayor, Alex Harman and Mayoress, The Rt Hon, Baroness Virginia Bottomley as well as other distinguished guests and Council delegates.

    The Adur & Worthing Business Awards is one of the most prestigious events in the local business calendar and over 750 entries and nominations were received, making this a record breaking year.

    Now organised under the umbrella of the Adur & Worthing Business Partnership (AWBP) as a not-for-profit organisation, the Adur & Worthing Business Awards are organised by a committee of successful local business people from organisations including Electronic Temperature Instruments Ltd, JSPC Computer Services, Seagull Travel, Worthing & Adur Chamber of Commerce and Adur & Worthing Council.

    James Stoner, Managing Director of JSPC, commented “This has been a special year as it marks the 10th anniversary of the Awards and the first year that the event has been run for the businesses by businesses. The calibre of entries was of a particularly high standard which gave the judging panel a tremendously difficult task. However, after careful deliberation, we knew the right winners had been selected.”

    The winner of the coveted The Overall Business of the year award went to The Gemini Print Group.  Judges awarded the dedicated and innovative print company this title as they deemed them, the organisation who had shown the most enterprise, passion and drive in taking their business forward. The company has expanded significantly without compromising on their outstanding customer service, showing themselves a force to be reckoned with in the world of print.


    This year Sue Dare MBE was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her work within the Further Education sector for more than 35 years.  This accolade is awarded to an individual who has had a major impact on their business and the area over a number of years. Sue held the title of Principal of Northbrook College from November 2009 until March this year and under her guidance it has become England’s third highest performing college. Over the years Sue has also been involved with the Sussex Learning Network, Adur & Worthing Business Partnership and was integral in setting up the Greater Brighton Economic Board.

    In addition to recognising some of the top business talent in our local area, this year’s awards also supported Love Your Hospital, a dedicated charity for Western Sussex Hospital NHS Foundation Trust who raise vital funds Worthing, Southlands and St Richard’s Hospitals.   A fundraising raffle courtesy of Darren Crabb was held during the awards ceremony resulting in £ 1,925 being raised for this fantastic cause.

    Peter Webb MBE,

    Managing Director of Electronic Temperature Instruments Ltd commented; “I would like to personally congratulate all of the award winners, runners up and finalists, for their exceptional achievements over the past year. The Adur & Worthing Business Awards & Gala dinner is an unmissable event for local businesses and I’m delighted that the evening was such a great success”

     

    A full list of winners can be found below:

    • ·         Start-Up (Sponsored by: Adur & Worthing Council)

    Freedom Works Ltd

    • ·         Small Business, up to 9 employees (Sponsored by: Adur & Worthing Business Partnership)

    Wall Bros Carpet & Flooring

    • ·         Medium Business, 10 to 49 employees (Sponsored by: Allergy Therapeutics)

    5 Rings Group & Spicer International Ltd

    • ·         Large Business, 50+ employees (Sponsored by: Worthing Pier Southern Pavilion)

    The Gemini Print Group

    • ·         Business Personality (Sponsored by: The Martlet Partnership)

    Sharon Clarke

    • ·         Manufacturing & Engineering (Sponsored by: Carpenter Box)

    Allergy Therapeutics

    • ·         Young Achiever (Sponsored by: Lancing College Preparatory School at Worthing)

     Ben Griggs

    • ·         Customer Service (Sponsored by: Worthing & Adur Chamber of Commerce)

     Prosperon Networks

    • ·         Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure (Sponsored by: Southern Water)

    South Downs Leisure

    • ·         Innovation (Sponsored by: Kreston Reeves)

    The Protein Ball Co

    • ·         Training & Development (Sponsored by: MET - Greater Brighton Metropolitan College)

    Egalite Care Ltd

    • ·         Green Business (Sponsored by: Sussex Transport)

    Proto Restaurant Group

    • ·         Retailer (Sponsored by: Worthing Town Centre Initiative)

    Gardner & Scardifield Ltd

    • ·         Place to Eat and/or Drink (Sponsored by: Bennett Griffin Solicitors & Notaries)

     CrabShack

    • ·         Building & Construction (Sponsored by: Gardner Scardifield)  

    ECE Architecture

    • ·         Business in the Community (Sponsored by: Bowers & Wilkins)

    Whitebox UK

    • ·         Lifetime Achievement (Sponsored by: JSPC Computer Services)

     Sue Dare MBE

    • ·         Overall Business of the Year (Sponsored by: Electronic Temperature Instruments Ltd)

    Gemini Print Group


  • 10 November 2017 12:55 PM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)

    Blueprint revealed for one of the biggest regeneration projects in the South-East!

    An ambitious 15-year plan for the renaissance of Shoreham Harbour has been published which could see 1,400 riverside homes built and hundreds of jobs created.

    The docklands revival plan could provide a much-needed boost for the area, transforming it into a vibrant, thriving neighbourhood.

    Restaurants, shops, office space and cycle ways are also planned together with a new multi-million pound flood defence scheme.

    With the area stretching across three local authorities, it is one of the biggest regeneration projects across the south east.

    Already one proposal from Southern Housing Group has been unveiled for Free Wharf opposite the former Adur Civic Centre which could see 540 new homes built alongside new work places.

    The overall scheme called the Shoreham Harbour Joint Action Plan has been developed by Adur District Council, Brighton & Hove City Council and West Sussex County Council, as well as the Shoreham Port Authority.

    Adur District Council leader Neil Parkin claimed the proposals could lead to a stunning revival for the area, saying:

    “This has taken five years of hard work but I think it has been worth it.

    ”It sets out a blueprint for the Harbour which will transform it into a destination of choice providing quality homes, jobs and a fantastic waterside environment for everyone.”

    “The joint efforts alongside the other councils toward making this ambitious project sustainable will have a big impact on improving the entire area for the wider community”.

    Among the proposals in the 120 page blueprint are;

    ·  New waterfront walking/cycling route from Shoreham to Kingston Beach.

    ·  1,400 new homes, including affordable housing

    ·  23,500 sqm new employment floorspace, including offices

    ·  Green corridor alongside A259 - improving environment, air quality, reducing noise pollution

    ·  District heat network - providing affordable, low carbon heat

    Port operations will be concentrated in the eastern end of the harbour, freeing land for redevelopment. This scheme is set to repurpose this underused as an integral part of the revitalisation of the area.

    Emphasis has also been placed on enhancing the waterfront’s natural appeal as a watersport destination with big plans to create a safe place to get active on the River Adur.

    Bob Lanzer, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Infrastructure, said:

    “This is an exciting plan which will bring about long-term regeneration and support economic growth on the West Sussex coast for existing and new residents, ports users, and visitors alike.”

    “It will help to maintain capacity for transporting minerals alongside redevelopment and investment in transport and other community infrastructure.”

    Cllr Julie Cattell, lead member for planning at Brighton & Hove City Council, said:

     

    “This regeneration scheme will see the transformation of Shoreham Harbour by creating a vibrant, exciting hub for this popular but all too often neglected area.

    “The scheme will also bring much-needed jobs, housing and office space to Shoreham, and shows what can be achieved when different local authorities work in partnership.”

    The plans will be available for public view from November 10 to December 22 with an invitation for comments on its overall legal compliance.

    Both hard copies and digitised documents will be available during these dates at the Shoreham centre in Pond Road, Hove Town Hall, Norton Road and Bartholomew House in Brighton as well as libraries across the area.

    Click here to view the aerial shots of the Harbour and click here to view the Joint Area Action Plan with Aerial map.

  • 10 November 2017 12:45 PM | Lauren Martin-Grieveson (Administrator)

    See Whats Happening at the Colonnade House This Month!


    Click here to see more

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