Post-16 Transport Policy Statement 2025 to 2026 & the proposed introduction of a Post-19 transport policy.

Each year local authorities are required to consult young people of sixth form age and their parents as well as other stakeholders on the Post-16 Transport Policy Statement before it is finalised.

The Post-16 Transport Policy Statement outlines the help that might be available through the Council, schools, colleges and transport operators to help young people of sixth form age and young adult learners aged 19+ who have an Education Health and Care Plan to get to school and college.

In addition, the consultation into the proposed introduction of a travel assistance policy for Post-19-year-olds with an Education, Health and Care plan aims to recognise SEND Post-19 learners as adults in education and identify necessary transport needs in line with Department for Education Guidance.

The aim of this consultation is to:

• Check that the Draft Post-16 Transport Policy Statement and Draft Travel assistance policy for post-19-year-olds with an Education, Health and Care plan related information is complete, clear and accurate.

• Seek the views of young adults, parents and other interested parties on the proposed Travel assistance policy for post-19-year-olds with an Education, Health and Care plan.

Will revised UK company size thresholds affect your business?

With the UK government revising company size thresholds from 6 April 2025, businesses should assess how these changes could impact their financial reporting and regulatory obligations.

While the revised rules will create a less onerous reporting environment for some businesses and reduce the number of businesses requiring statutory audits, there will likely be a greater onus placed on directors and managements when it comes to financial transparency, according to Sussex and South East accountancy firm, Carpenter Box.

The incoming definitions of company size will see the turnover threshold for micro companies with an average of 10 employees increase to £1m from £632k (gross assets increased to £500k from £316k); small companies will be defined as employing an average of 50 people or less, with a turnover of up to £15m, up from £10.2m (gross assets up to £7.5m from £5.1m); and medium companies will be newly defined as employing an average of 250 people or less, with a turnover threshold of up to £54m, from £36m (gross assets of £27m from £18m).

Carpenter Box Partner, Kristina Perry, commented: “The upcoming changes to UK company size thresholds will mark a significant shift in the regulatory landscape. For affected businesses, depending on their size, this will mean less onerous reporting, audit exemptions and simpler annual accounts. However, for some companies, this will place additional responsibilities on directors and management for financial transparency and accountability, which may require additional internal resource or specialist external support.”

To prepare for these changes, Carpenter Box recommends that businesses should initially assess whether the revised thresholds will change their size classification. They should also inform stakeholders of the changes and the steps being taken to maintain transparency and accountability. Finally, a consultation with their accountants or auditors will help smooth the path to the new regime.

If you need any assistance, please contact Carpenter Box on 01903 234094 or visit www.carpenterbox.com.

Notice of night works affecting Chapel Road and Richmond Road – trial hole excavations   

Hemiko will shortly be commencing nighttime excavation works which will affect Chapel Road and Richmond Road in Worthing between 10-14 March 2025 and 17–21 March 2025. We wanted to explain to you what the works will involve, why they are taking place, how you might be affected, and who you can speak to if you would like more information or want to provide feedback.

Who are Hemiko?

Hemiko are a heat networks investor, developer, and operator. We have been selected by Worthing Borough Council to develop the Worthing Heat Network, which is central to the council’s Climate Neutral Strategy. As part of developing the heat network, we will bring jobs, work experience, opportunities for local business, curriculum support, and economic growth to Worthing.

What works are taking place?

Hemiko will be digging trial holes on a small section of Chapel Road from 10 March to 14 March and on Richmond Road from 17 March to 21 March.

Digging trial holes involves removing and assessing small sections of road to ensure no unexpected utilities cables and pipework will be affected by future construction works. These holes will then be reinstated to their usual condition by the mornings of 14 March and 21 March respectively.

Works will be taking place at night, from 7pm – 5am, to minimise disruption. The areas of works will impact Chapel Road and Richmond Road.

What do these works mean for residents and businesses on the road, and those nearby?

To minimise disruption to the night-time economy, the works on each trial hole will be staggered. This will result in some changes to traffic management in these areas. There will be a three-way traffic system in place during the night works to allow safe passage of vehicles. The temporary lights will enable traffic to travel northbound and southbound on Chapel Road via a single lane.

The bus stop directly outside Worthing Library on Richmond Road will remain in operation throughout the duration of the excavation works. During the daytime, trench links will be installed over the trial holes, which will act as road plates and allow Hemiko to reopen the roads for all traffic.

Hemiko will be working hard to keep disruption to an absolute minimum – we are working closely with West Sussex County Council and Worthing Borough Council to coordinate our works.

Health, safety and accessibility

The health and safety of local residents and our staff is a top priority. We will be installing safety fencing around the site, to keep everyone safe. We have undertaken health and safety assessments of the works and will continue to do these throughout.

If you are a resident of the road with accessibility requirements or vulnerability, please let us know on 01903 337364 or by emailing us and we would be happy to meet with you to discuss your needs, and ensure safe access is always available to your property or place of work.

Thank you – and who to talk to if you’d like more information or to provide feedback

We know that no one likes disruption on their streets. We will be working very hard to minimise the disruption as much as possible. Thank you for your cooperation whilst we complete these essential works.

If you have any concerns and would like to speak to one of the local team, you can reach us on 01903 337364 or by emailing worthing@hemiko.com. Further details on how to contact us are accessible on our website, https://hemiko.com/contact-us, or by scanning this QR code.

You can also feel free to speak to staff when you see them on site.

Notice of works affecting Worthing Promenade – 3-day trial hole excavation

As part of developing a heat network, it is sometimes necessary to dig trial holes to ensure no unexpected utilities cables and pipework will be affected by future works. In this instance, Hemiko will be carrying out limited works on Worthing Promenade from 10-12 March 2025.

What works are taking place on Worthing Promenade?

Excavation works will be taking place on two small sections of Worthing Promenade between Monday 10 March and Wednesday 12 March 2025. The works will take place between 8am and 7pm, and will involve digging two trial holes, which are small sections of road that must be removed and assessed by our staff. These holes will then be reinstated to their usual condition by the morning of 13 March 2025. One set of works will take place directly adjacent to K66 Surf Shop, whilst the other will take place near Tree House Timber on Worthing Promenade.

A small area of the Promenade will be cordoned off during the excavation works, which will leave slightly less space for pedestrians and cyclists on the path. Whilst access to the Promenade will be unaffected, we encourage cyclists to dismount when passing the works areas and for pedestrians to remain mindful of one another. There will be no change to the operation or opening hours of the K66 Surf shop or any other businesses on Beach Parade during the works.

Hemiko will be working hard to keep disruption to an absolute minimum – we are working closely with West Sussex County Council and Worthing Borough Council to coordinate our works.

Health, safety and accessibility

The health and safety of local residents and our staff is a top priority. We will be installing safety fencing around the site, to keep everyone safe. We have undertaken health and safety assessments of the works and will continue to do these throughout.

If you are a resident of the road with accessibility requirements or vulnerability, please let us know on 01903 337364 or by emailing us and we would be happy to meet with you to discuss your needs, and ensure safe access is always available to your property or place of work.

Thank you – and who to talk to if you’d like more information or to provide feedback

We know that no one likes disruption on their streets. We will be working very hard to minimise the disruption as much as possible. Thank you for your cooperation whilst we complete these essential works.

If you have any concerns and would like to speak to one of the local team, you can reach us on 01903 337364 or by emailing worthing@hemiko.com. Further details on how to contact us are accessible on our website, https://hemiko.com/contact-us, 

You can also feel free to speak to staff when you see them on site.

Turbulent times for markets and the world

George Square Financial Management in Conjunction with Albemarle Street Partners

A measured response is needed to react to emerging economic trends that are not yet clear.

When President Donald Trump began his second term, he was clear that he would move fast and hard on his agenda. He has not disappointed his supporters. Recent weeks have been dominated by the implementation of new tariffs, often announced, temporarily paused, and then re-announced at break-neck speed. In addition, his decision to largely withdraw from US support for Ukraine and even threaten the principles of Nato mutual defence in the mind of European leaders, has led to a broad reassessment of the framework required for national security across the West. These actions, of course, come with consequences for the market. The challenge for investment managers is to determine whether the recent economic data driving market movements signals a fundamental shift in the economy or merely a temporary reaction to policy changes.

We have seen evidence of weakening in the US economy. This has come through weak jobs reports and evidence of softening business and consumer sentiment. This can hardly be surprising. The action to reduce the size of the US state by the new Department for Government Efficiency effectively puts 15% of the US workforce on notice that their jobs are at risk, not to mention the millions of jobs associated with US government contracts. Major industry leaders are battling to understand how to cope with tariffs that are of course paid by the importers of goods into the United States, not the exporters. Whilst President Trump shows some willingness to adapt, for example pausing tariffs on automakers for a month on 5th March, triggering a brief market rally, this is hardly a basis for long-term business planning. The markets have responded in three keyways.

Firstly, expectations of US interest rate cuts have built from around one this year to three. This is a significant move and suggests the bond market believes that the risk of a slowdown has grown significantly. Secondly, the US market, as measured by the S&P 500, has fallen by 4.4% over the three months to 5 March. Meanwhile the MSCI Europe index has rallied 8.56% and the FTSE 100 by 5.46%. This sharp divergence reflects the view that Europe will need to spend a huge amount of money on its own defence, reinforced by Germany’s decision to back away from its spending restrictions. This provides contracts for European businesses and generally boosts the economy. For UK investors, the falls in the US market have been exacerbated by a fall in the dollar. Turbulent times for markets and the world Market Volatility Commentary March 2025 Market Volatility Commentary / March 2025 The question of course is how should one best respond to these changes? At the moment, it is not entirely clear. The evidence we have seen is real of a weakening in the US and indeed a commensurate increase in European economic expectations. Yet the evidence is only short-lived and built on shaky ground. To be confident that this change is real and not transitory, we believe more data is needed. There are seasonal factors that can often depress these data points at this time of year. After all, European confidence could be undermined in a heartbeat by new aggressive tariffs on the EU which have at times been promised by President Trump; when these tariffs come, they seem to come with little notice or market preparation. Equally, the US market could adapt to the uncertainty of the new president and backed by strong ongoing corporate profits and falling interest rates choose to look through some of these issues.

One key boost would be a public comment from the Federal Reserve affirming it is willing to cut rates as economic data softens. When deciding how to respond to these situations, we are guided by some key principles.

Firstly, we should never be intransigent. If the facts change then portfolios should change.

Secondly, news and particularly loud news should not in itself lead to knee-jerk reactions. We use a range of tried and tested market signals to reinforce our own analysis about when to make changes in portfolios.

Thirdly, we are mindful that rapid reactions to short-term data can so often simply whip-saw investors, taking initial pain without allowing the bounce back that can often follow. Rash reactions rarely work. One of these signals revolves around the strength of the stock market.

We will as always continue to monitor markets and communicate regularly with our investment management colleagues

The content of this material is a marketing communication, and not independent investment research. As such, the legal and regulatory requirements in relation to independent investment research do not apply to this material and it is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of its dissemination. The material is for general information purposes only (whether or not it states any opinions). It does not consider your personal circumstances or objectives. Nothing in this material is (or should be considered to be) legal, financial, investment or other advice on which reliance should be placed. No opinion given in the material constitutes a recommendation by George Square Financial Management that any particular investment, security, transaction, or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. Although the information set out in this marketing communication is obtained from sources believed to be reliable George Square Financial Management make any guarantee as to its accuracy or completeness. George Square Financial Management shall not be responsible for any loss that you may incur, either directly or indirectly, arising from any investment based on any information contained herein.. George Square Financial Management is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

Newman Business Solutions celebrates 45 Years of Excellence!

About Newman Business Solutions
Founded in 1980 Newman Business Solutions has been providing expert services in Print Management, IT Support, Telecoms, Dictation, AV Displays. Over the past four and a half decades, they’ve become a trusted partner for businesses in West Sussex and beyond, offering personalised solutions that have helped countless organizations streamline their operations and achieve success.

A Legacy of Innovation and Service
What sets Newman Business Solutions apart is their commitment to not just meeting but exceeding client expectations. From innovative products to their exceptional customer service, they have built a reputation for delivering reliable, cutting-edge solutions in their specific industry.

Milestone Achievements
The past 45 years have been filled with remarkable achievements. Some highlights include:

• Expanding their services to keep up with the cutting edge, fast paced technology
• Successfully serving clients in legal, healthcare, education, construction and many more industries
• Earning a reputation as one of the leading print management businesses in the region

A Community-Focused Approach
Newman Business Solutions has always believed in supporting the local community. Their involvement in many activities, local partnerships and events reflects their dedication to giving back and building strong local ties. Whether it’s through sponsoring local events or providing support for small businesses, they’ve made an indelible impact in West Sussex and the surrounding areas.

Looking to the Future
As they celebrate this impressive 45-year milestone, Newman Business Solutions is focused on the future, continuing to evolve with the changing needs of businesses. Their vision is clear: to remain at the forefront of business solutions by embracing new technologies and keeping their customer service excellence as the cornerstone of their operations.

Here’s to another 45 years of growth, innovation, and community service! 
www.newmanbs.co.uk

Securing Microsoft Copilot: How to Maintain Governance and Protect Your Data

Since its release in 2024, Microsoft Copilot has significantly impacted business IT. While it offers substantial productivity gains, it requires careful planning, proactive management, and effective user training to mitigate risks related to data protection and governance.

The Governance Challenge

Research shows that 75% of users incorporate AI in their workflows, with 78% using personal tools instead of company-approved solutions. This creates a “shadow IT” environment, where IT teams struggle to monitor tools and prevent data breaches. This is especially concerning when confidential data, like company names, is shared unknowingly.

While corporate AI tools, like Microsoft Copilot, help reduce some of these issues, they bring their own concerns. Copilot operates within an organisation’s environment and surfaces data based on individual permissions, streamlining workflows. However, without proper governance, it can expose sensitive information, especially in large enterprises that rely on obscurity for security.

AI, like Copilot, lacks human discretion. For example, Copilot might surface potentially harmful links or attachments in emails, which a human could avoid but could unknowingly compromise a device. Therefore, securing Copilot deployments with proper controls is crucial to preventing data leaks and cyber risks.

Immediate Protection Measures

Microsoft 365 Business Premium provides several tools to secure Copilot. These include:

• Microsoft Entra ID P1: Enables multi-factor authentication (MFA) to prevent unauthorised access and safeguards data from accidental breaches by preventing user input from training the model.
• Microsoft Intune P1: Offers mobile device management (MDM) to protect business data and prevents leaks via unauthorised apps or screenshots.
• Microsoft Defender for Business: Provides next-gen antivirus protection and real-time cyber threat detection.
• Microsoft Defender for Office 365 P1: Secures emails and collaboration tools with technologies like Safe Links and Safe Attachments to mitigate cyber threats.
• Microsoft Purview: Allows for manual classification of sensitive data, helping to control what Copilot can access, ensuring governance at the data level.

Outside Business Premium, organisations can enable Restricted SharePoint Search to limit Copilot’s access to specific folders, though this feature will soon be removed.

Advanced Security Architecture

Microsoft Purview’s P2 license enhances security with automatic detection and labeling of sensitive information, reducing manual oversight. Copilot integrates with Purview, ensuring that sensitive files are properly flagged, preventing accidental data exposure.

Additionally, SharePoint Advanced Management helps manage permissions and enforce conditional access policies, protecting data from both accidental exposure and insider threats.

Conclusion

Deploying Microsoft 365 Copilot requires robust security measures. Whether you're just starting or retroactively securing data, we can help you with Copilot Optimisation Assessments to ensure proper governance and data protection. 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.

Kreston Reeves wins South East Dealmakers Award

Kreston Reeves is thrilled to be named the ‘Transaction Services Team of the Year’ at the prestigious South East Dealmakers Awards. This accolade highlights our team’s exceptional ability to facilitate the most exciting deals through comprehensive due diligence, valuations, and transaction services advice.

The judges chose the team due to its outstanding performance over the past year. This award crowns a fabulous year for the team with 11 deals and a 20% increase in transaction volume year-on-year. This is a result of the team’s client-centric approach, proactive and enthusiastic team, comprehensive support, and strong global connections.

Kreston Reeves is also proud of its Corporate Tax advisory team, who advised on Deal of the Year (£10m-£40m). Working closely with a brilliant group of advisers acting for Tribeca Technology Holdings, they advised on the tax aspects of the sale for the vendor and company to deliver the best results for the client. Their combined efforts facilitated the sale of Tribeca Technology Holdings’ entire issued share capital to Abacus Group.

The awards ceremony, held on Thursday, 27 February, in Guildford, celebrated the South East’s best corporate financiers, accountants, bankers, funders, lawyers, and M&A professionals. 

We were also shortlisted for Private Equity/Venture Capital Deal of the Year, Deal of the Year (sub £10m), Deal of the Year (£10m-£40m) and Corporate Finance Advisory Team of the Year.

Andrew Griggs, Senior Partner and Head of International commented: “Congratulations to the whole team here at Kreston Reeves. These awards include some prestigious firms, and we are thrilled to be recognised for our team’s achievements in the industry. It is truly amazing to see our efforts acknowledged and a testament to the breadth of deal experience that our team has had throughout the last 12 months to have been nominated as finalists in so many other award categories. The team’s dedication to client care is reflected in these results.”

Craig Dallender, Head of Transaction Services, added: “This past year has been exceptional for our team, marked by several interesting and high-profile deals that have showcased our expertise and dedication. Being highlighted in the industry through this award is a great honour and a testament to the hard work and commitment of our entire team. Our full-service offering, supported by the close collaboration with our Corporate Tax and Valuations teams, has been a key factor in our success. We are incredibly proud of our achievements and look forward to another successful year, continuing to deliver outstanding results for our clients.”

Link to details of all the winners and nominees can be found here.

UK Internal Market Act 2020 review and consultation

The consultation period ends on 3 April, please participate before the deadline.

Businesses can provide their input by following this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/uk-internal-market-act-2020-review-and-consultation .

Douglas Alexander, Minister for Trade Policy & Economic Security at the Department for Business and Trade, launched a review and public consultation about the UK Internal Market Act on 23 January 2025.  

A well-functioning internal market within the UK is important for economic growth and shared prosperity. The Act ensures that businesses and consumers can sell and purchase products across the whole country, and that people can freely work in any part of our country. Without such legislation, unnecessary regulatory costs and barriers could emerge between England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. 

 We want to find the right balance between devolved government decision-making on regulation and avoiding the creation of unnecessary costs and barriers for businesses.  We also appreciate that businesses need certainty and clarity to operate smoothly across the UK and to make important investment decisions.  

That is why the UK Government is taking this opportunity to conduct this review. We want to hear your views about what is and what is not working well about the UK Internal Market Act, so that we can quickly decide on next steps to make processes work better.  

The consultation ends on 3 April and can be found following this link:  https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/uk-internal-market-act-2020-review-and-consultation.

Our South Downs: Business Community Event

Does your business operate in or close to the South Downs National Park? Join us for a business community event at the majestic Tottington Manor, tucked right in the heart of The Downs near Edburton.

You’ll have a chance to;

• ·      Feed into the priorities for the South Downs National Park for the next five years
• ·      Green Business Champion - Adam Huttly, Founder of Red Inc stationary will be sharing insights about how his micro-business has disrupted his entire sector by leading with sustainability.
• ·      Network with other businesses over lunch.
• ·      Get outdoors! Post-event – you’re welcome to join us for a short, informal walk and talk to Tottington Woods (weather depending – please bring outdoor clothing if you would like to join us)

When: 19th March – 10:30am–14:00pm

Where: Tottington Manor, Edburton Road, BN5 9LJ