Salary sacrifice schemes are boosting electric vehicle uptake in the South East, and newly announced government grant will further help.

Vehicle leasing and management firm, Rivervale, is reporting an uptick in battery electric vehicle (BEV) leasing, driven in part by salary sacrifice schemes that offer tax benefits to businesses and employees.

South East accountants Carpenter Box believe that part of this increase can be attributed to the tax benefits for businesses offering BEVs to their people as part of a salary sacrifice scheme. This reduces NICs for employers while enabling employees to access a benefit in kind (BIK) tax rate of just 3%, whereas conventional fossil fuelled cars attract a rate of up to 37%.

And the recently announced government grant for EV manufacturers, which could save UK households up to £3,750 when they upgrade or switch to electric, is expected to further accelerate EV uptake.

Chris Reeves, Partner and Head of Motor Retail at Carpenter Box accountants, added: “There are lots of moving parts at play that can explain the upward trend in BEVs, such as improving battery range and environmental considerations, but the financial benefits for both companies and individuals via salary sacrifice schemes and the newly announced Electric Car Grant will likely be key influencing factors.

“Employers benefit from a reduction in NIC, and potentially a VAT saving, both of which are important considerations given the rising costs of employment. Such schemes also underline a company’s commitment to reducing their carbon footprint.”

Businesses can also benefit from significant savings in VAT. This is because vehicle lease payments are subject to the standard VAT rate of 20%, but employers can generally recover 50% of the VAT, regardless of how much the vehicle is used for private purposes.

Says Chris Reeves: “For all these reasons, salary sacrifice schemes, whether for electric vehicles or other qualifying benefits, should be given careful consideration as a way of mitigating rising employment costs while providing a valuable reward for employees.”

Rivervale provides leasing, purchasing and vehicle management services in Sussex, and says demand for such schemes is growing because they provide a valuable reward for staff.

Vince Pemberton, CEO of Rivervale, commented: “We’re seeing a real surge in demand for car salary sacrifice schemes as organisations look for cost-effective, sustainable ways to reward their people. Employers tell us they love the scheme because it helps them attract and retain talent while giving staff access to brand-new, zero-emission vehicles at a fraction of the usual cost.”

This trend is reflected in part in the latest SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) figures, which show BEVs now represent a quarter (26.5%) of all new cars joining UK roads.

Financial Commentary from George Square Financial Management in conjunction with Albemarle Street Partners

New heights and a cautious calm

Asset markets saw limited progress last month as investors digested new macroeconomic data. The US economy is slowing, yet it is handling tariff uncertainty. Business Manager Surveys (PMIs) remain weak, but retail sales have stabilised. All eyes, including those of the Fed, are on the labour market, where the data is mixed. New job openings have slowed, but layoffs have not increased sharply outside the government.

Jerome Powell’s final Jackson Hole address confirmed that the Federal Reserve expects conditions for a rate cut in September. A cut now and another in December would reflect the temporary effects of tariffs and support rate-sensitive consumer spending.

In Europe, economic data improved as German manufacturing sentiment and UK retail sales rebounded. The UK’s 30-year gilt yield climbed to 5.7%, its highest since May 1998, amid rising fiscal concerns. Investors are focused on the Autumn Budget, as Finance Minister Rachel Reeves is widely expected to raise taxes to meet fiscal targets. They are also watching for signals from the Bank of England on interest rate cuts.

Across Asia, there is continued uncertainty surrounding the impact of US trade policy. While China continues to seek a comprehensive trade deal, others in the region will seek to hasten their shift to intra-regional trade. Japan is seen as a relative beneficiary, as its quickly negotiated trade deal and weakened currency provide a competitive edge to its exporters.

The second quarter US corporate earnings provided a fundamental basis for continued optimism. Year on year earnings increased by 11.9% (source: FactSet), marking the third consecutive quarter of double-digit earnings growth. While analysts expect earnings growth to slow in the second half of 2025, companies have found multiple ways to expand margins, despite cost pressures.  

Digesting the data

Despite limited progress in August, developed equity markets are close to reaching or have reached new all-time highs. Weakness in manufacturing and other cyclical sectors continues to fuel narrow leadership in the US. Technology, industrials, and financials have dominated year to date performance.

In Europe, banks, industrials (defence), and rate sensitive sectors such as utilities and telecom services have done well. European equities have been the standout story in 2025. UK equities have been helped by the strength of financial, oil, and materials stocks.

Bond markets have rallied in anticipation of easing monetary policy. UK Government debt (gilts) has been the exception and have lagged most fixed income sectors in 2025.

Windows 10 End of Life: What UK businesses need to know

Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 on 14th October, 2025. After this date, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, patches, or technical support for the operating system. For businesses across the UK, this marks a critical deadline that brings both risks and opportunities.

The risks of doing nothing

Continuing to use Windows 10 after support ends introduces several risks. Unpatched vulnerabilities become permanent entry points for cyber attacks, increasing the likelihood of malware, ransomware, and other threats. Outdated systems may also lead to compliance breaches, especially for organisations that handle sensitive data or operate in regulated industries. If something goes wrong, businesses face a greater risk of disruption and potentially costly downtime. The longer organisations wait, the more exposed they become to these risks.

The opportunities in upgrading

Upgrading to Windows 11 is not just a swap for Windows 10. It is designed to meet the demands of modern business and support teams in working more effectively. The key benefits include:

• 1.       Improved security:
  Windows 11 is built to defend against modern threats, providing advanced protection for data and devices. Enhanced security features, such as hardware-based protections and improved encryption, helping to safeguard sensitive information and reduce the risk of cyber attacks.
• 2.       Simplified device management:
  IT teams benefit from easier deployment and management, freeing up resources for strategic projects. Windows 11 streamlines device management, making it simpler to roll out updates and support users wherever they are working.                                                    
• 3.       Hybrid working support:
  The platform delivers a flexible, modern experience tailored for remote and hybrid teams. Integrated collaboration tools enable staff to stay connected and productive, whether they are in the office, at home, or on the move.
• 4.       Future innovation:
  Windows 11 lays the groundwork for AI-powered tools such as Microsoft 365 Copilot, helping businesses unlock new efficiencies. The operating system is optimised for the latest hardware and applications, allowing organisations to take advantage of new technologies as they emerge.

By planning the transition now, businesses can not only avoid the risks associated with unsupported software but also position themselves to benefit from enhanced productivity, flexibility, and long-term resilience.

Upgrading is an opportunity to modernise, streamline operations, and prepare for future innovation.

For more information, you can call 01273 384 100 or email brighton@fluidone.com to get in touch with our experts today and find out how we can help protect your business during this transition.

Firewalk fundraiser to support residents at veterans’ care home

A Worthing care home which supports veterans is inviting the community to take part in a fiery evening of fundraising, with a Firewalk Challenge.

The event will raise money for Care for Veterans – a Royal Star & Garter Home, and take place at Worthing Rugby Club on 20 September.

Participants will brave a walk across red-hot wood embers to raise funds for the care and wellbeing of residents. The Home provides long-term nursing, rehabilitation, respite and end-of-life care to veterans and their families who live with disabilities, including acquired brain injury and degenerative neurological conditions.

Home Manager Vicky Strange said: “This event is about a community coming together to honour people who have already faced some of life’s greatest battles. Walking across fire is symbolic of the challenges our veterans have overcome, and a great way to show your support for the wonderful people we care for.”

The Firewalk takes place between 6-9pm, and includes a 30-minute briefing. Those taking part must be aged 12 or above, and able to walk unaided and at a fast pace. Registration is £25 and participants are asked to raise a minimum £50 in sponsorship. A special prize will be awarded to the person who raises the most.

Care for Veterans is now part of the Royal Star & Garter group, following a merger earlier this year.

The Firewalk takes place at Worthing Rugby Club, in Roundstone Lane, Angmering. To register, go to: https://www.careforveterans.org.uk/events/firewalk-fundraiser/

Care for Veterans is welcoming new residents. For more information on this and other ways to fundraise and support, please go to  www.careforveterans.org.uk

Carpenter Box recognises talent with seven senior promotions as growth continues

Carpenter Box has underlined its commitment to recognising and developing talent by making seven senior promotions, including four new Partners and three Associate Directors.

Alex Chidwick, Paula Nurse, Mark Northam and Andrew Neuman will be joining the Board as Partners, highlighting the growth and excellence at Carpenter Box and StarBox.

Alex Chidwick from the firm’s Audit and Assurance team joined Carpenter Box in 2011 and qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant in 2015. He is responsible for providing accountancy, audit and advisory services to a portfolio of clients across the healthcare, leisure, manufacturing and construction sectors.

Paula Nurse works in the Commercial Business Services team and looks after the day-to-day accounting and tax needs for start-ups, small limited companies, sole traders and partnerships. Based in Brighton, Paula works closely with the firm’s digital team in ensuring clients are up to date with cloud software.

Mark Northam re-joined Carpenter Box in 2021 to help grow and bolster the StarBox team who provide specialist accounting and tax service for content creators and social influencers. Mark looks after some of the UK’s most exciting media entrepreneurs such as YouTubers, vloggers and gamers, supporting growing businesses with his industry expertise.

Andrew Neuman from the firm’s Tax Services team specialises in advising both large corporates and owner managed businesses in all aspects of taxation. Based in the Crawley office, Andrew leads the firm’s International Tax services and is regularly involved in corporate transactions both in terms of group reorganisations as well as mergers and acquisitions.

The round of promotions also saw three accomplished individuals advance within the firm as Associate Directors. Within the Corporate Business Services team, Angela Norris trained with Carpenter Box and qualified with ACCA in 2014. She has 20 years’ experience working primarily with owner-managed businesses assisting with their regular compliance work and offering day-to-day business advice.

Within StarBox, David Taylor qualified with ACCA in 2019 and has amassed over 10 years’ experience, working with a diverse range of SMEs and more recently focussing on the new media sector such as Twitch, Instagram and YouTube creators.

And Meghan Clark has been promoted within the Tax Services team. She started at Carpenter Box in 2017 and gained her Chartered Institute of Taxation (CTA) and Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT) qualifications. Meghan specialises in bespoke corporate tax advice, including advising on international tax planning.

Managing Partner of Carpenter Box, Alan Edwards, said: “It’s always excellent to mark and celebrate the hard work and dedication to client service from our people. These promotions are highly deserved, and we’re thrilled to welcome these committed people to our leadership and management teams. We are extremely proud of all our promoted staff as they represent our growth and success.”

Photo caption:

L-R: Alex Chidwick, Paula Nurse, David Taylor, Angela Norris, Meghan Clark, Mark Northam, Andrew Neuman.

Electric Storm Youth Celebrates 18 Years of Empowering Young People

Electric Storm Youth, a community-rooted charity dedicated to supporting young people, today announced a significant milestone: 18 years of providing crucial support and guidance to youth in Sompting, Lancing, and the surrounding areas. What began as a strong, local vision has evolved into a trusted charity, having a lasting impact on countless young lives.

Since the very beginning, Electric Storm Youth has been committed to improving the lives of local young people through personal and social development. The charity offers a diverse range of services, including mental health support, recreational activities, young carer support, and youth-led initiatives. Providing safe spaces, mentoring, and essential guidance to thousands of young people, ensuring they feel seen, heard, and empowered.

The charity is celebrating a number of proud achievements as it marks this special anniversary:

● 18 Years of Service: Providing continuous youth work, mentoring, and community engagement through mid-week, day, evening, and weekend hours.

● Fundraising Success: The charity's retail shop has successfully raised over £300,000 with all proceeds directly funding youth services.

● Community Impact: The organisation supports over 150 young people a year through its various programs and has built lifelong relationships with young people, families, schools, and partners.

"This charity has always been about helping young people thrive," said Marion Peskett, Chair of Trustees. "I’m proud of how we’ve evolved and excited for a future that welcomes everyone, just as they are."

As it celebrates the past, Electric Storm Youth is firmly focused on the future. Under new leadership, the charity is evolving into an agile and responsive organisation, ready to meet the changing needs of young people and the communities it serves. CEO Karen Jefford said “As we celebrate this huge milestone, we’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to our team, trustees, volunteers, funders, retail champions, partners, and of course, our community. You’ve been part of every step, and we can’t wait to continue this journey together.”

For more information, please visit https://www.electricstormyouth.co.uk/.

Turning Tides Harvest Food Appeal 2025

Turning Tides supports over 1000 local people experiencing homelessness every year – and this number is rising.  The charity provides food and refreshment all year round – for people who are rough sleeping, in temporary accommodation and those who are housed in our residential projects.

This time of year, Harvest, has always been a period of giving and sharing, bringing communities together. Could you, or your organisation, give breakfast a boost, lunchtime a lift or make supper special?

Please give what you can. Every item will make a big difference. If you’re unable to support with collecting goods, we can accept supermarket Gift Cards and also online supermarket orders direct to our central donations hub. 

Address and opening hours are:

Unit 2, Dominion Trade Centre, Dominion Way West, Worthing, BN14 8NT (opposite Screwfix)
Opening times: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday – 9am to 12.30pm 

Let us know if you can take part in our Harvest Food Appeal 2025 by emailing donations@turning-tides.org.uk with your name, contact details and organisation, and we’ll get back to you! If you prefer to call to discuss details please telephone: 01903 680740 Ext 248

Post-breach: Navigating security after a cyber attack

The recent cyber attacks on major UK retail brands may have faded from headlines, but for affected organisations, the real work begins after the crisis. The post-breach phase marks a critical transition, from active threat response to rebuilding and strengthening systems, processes, and culture.

What is post-breach?

Following attacks on retailers like Marks & Spencer, Harrods, and the Co-op, which saw disruptions and financial losses, the visible symptoms may have subsided. However, behind the scenes, these companies entered a vital stage of analysis and transformation. The breach, likely involving ransomware and supply chain compromise, highlighted a need for organisations to evolve their cyber defences.

Post-breach is not the moment when systems are simply brought back online. It’s the point when an organisation begins to make informed, strategic decisions grounded in a clearer understanding of vulnerabilities and risk. A heightened state of awareness follows, as businesses become more attuned to network behaviour, access patterns, and potential red flags. This awareness must transition from short-term vigilance to long-term monitoring and learning.

Recovery isn’t the finish line

Lasting improvements come from rethinking processes, verifying backups, prioritising critical systems, and preventing recurrence. Communication is also vital – internally, staff need clarity; externally, messages must be timely, transparent, and in line with legal obligations. The tone should reflect confidence and accountability to maintain trust.

Structured “lessons learned” sessions should be prioritised to capture technical issues, leadership decisions, and operational gaps. These insights inform better preparation for the future, supported by ongoing tabletop exercises that test and refine response strategies.

Cyber insurance is another key post-breach consideration. Insurers assess response effectiveness and preparedness. Organisations that can demonstrate strong recovery protocols, backup strategies, and documented learnings are better positioned to negotiate favourable terms and retain coverage.

Final thoughts

Ultimately, post-breach is not about closure – it’s about continuous improvement. Regularly revisiting insights, updating incident response plans, and adapting to evolving threats must become part of organisational DNA. Every department, from IT to leadership, plays a role in maintaining this security culture and handled correctly, the post-breach phase becomes a turning point.

The post-breach stage of a cyber attack sits at the crossroads of IT security and cyber security. At FluidOne we want you to be comprehensively secured against cyber threats. That is why we not only offer our own IT security solutions, but we also have our own dedicated cyber centre of excellence – CSA Cyber – providing consultancy, Offensive Security, and Managed Security solutions.

For more information, you can reach us through https://www.fluidone.com/contact, call us at 01273 384100 or email us at brighton@fluidone.com to get in touch with our experts today to find out how we can help empower your business.

Worthing College / The Sand Project collaboration

We’re inviting sponsors to support a meaningful new initiative in collaboration with The Sand Project, which empowers young people aged 16–25 with EHCPs (Education, Health and Care Plans) through real-world learning.

This project will offer Sand learners, with a keen interest in agriculture and grounds maintenance, valuable work experience on-site at Worthing College. They’ll help care for and maintain key outdoor areas, including the rugby pitch, courts, and former forest school zone — gaining skills in land management, teamwork, and self-led work that could support future employment or business ventures.

To support this project we are asking for sponsorship where the funds will be used to purchase tools and essentials needed to support this learner’s placement and improve the overall quality of the playing surfaces and grounds.

While this does not fund the rugby team directly, the improved pitch benefits all learners and college sports teams.

By sponsoring this exciting project, you'll not only be supporting a meaningful learning opportunity—but also gaining valuable exposure and benefits for your business or personal brand, including:

• ·       Bronze – £250 - 2 slots available

✅ Company logo on the Worthing College 2025/2026 rugby shirt (arm)
✅ Your brand seen at college-level matches. The team plays at the highest level in the country.

• ·       Silver – £500 - 1 slot available.

✅ Company logo on the back of the rugby shirt
✅ Name featured on the college’s sports-related social media posts
✅ One free official match shirt

• ·       Pitch-Side Banner – £300
  ✅ Your branded banner displayed around the pitch at all home games
  ✅ High visibility for attendees and social media coverage

Date/Time/Venue/Cost:

• ·       Project starts Autumn Term 2025
• ·       Worthing College Campus Grounds, Worthing
• ·       Sponsorship tiers as listed above

Link for more info / contact details:
DM us or contact m.rugman@worthing.ac.uk

Harness technologies, refine core systems and boost efficiency for competitive advantage

Local manufacturers will hear expert tips on harnessing and integrating technology and building a future-ready business at next month’s morning meeting of METALL, the forum for manufacturing, engineering and technology businesses in Sussex and Surrey.

At the event (at Cottesmore Hotel Golf & Country Club, Pease Pottage, on 11 September) businesses will hear from Steve Morris, SME Support Expert, Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) who will cover:

• ·       Real-world case studies of successful technology adoption in businesses
• ·       Integrating new technologies into existing systems and processes
• ·       Practical insights to guide confident, strategic technology decisions
• ·       How to access grants and funding to support digital transformation

The MTC is the Government-funded independent entity tasked with assisting businesses to make these decisions based on their individual circumstances and needs. With over 25 years of international manufacturing and consulting experience, Steve leads the SME manufacturing support services at MTC, focusing on start-ups, scale-ups, large programmes, grant funding, partnerships, and supply chain strategy.

Tony Summers, Partner and Head of Manufacturing at Carpenter Box commented: “Ensuring your business remains successful in a changing marketplace means identifying and integrating the best of the new available technologies, among other factors. But when there is a multitude of new technologies arriving, how do you choose the ones that truly transform your business, and make sure you back the VHS over the Betamax? This upcoming METALL event is a valuable opportunity for local manufacturers to hear from one of the UK’s leading experts on supercharging their competitive advantage.”

To find out more or to register for the event, visit www.metall.org.uk/events

METALL is sponsored by sector specialists Carpenter Box, DMH Stallard and NatWest.

www.carpenterbox.com