Lime Pixel - Member Case Study

What do you do?

Limepixel is owned and run by Stacey Church and was established in 2009. I design and build websites that help your business to boost visibility and flourish online.

Having worked with many businesses (including a number of Chamber Members) across most sectors. From celebrants to physiotherapists and trades people to property investment companies. Just last year I designed and built a website for one of the UK’s biggest influencers with over 12 million followers, Simon Squibb.

It’s important to me to design and build websites with great foundations that can grow and flourish as the business does. After all websites are not just a bunch of stunning visuals and curly fonts. Websites must not only look good they have to function well and be optimised for Search.

Limepixel offers this across all of its website packages from the starter package, Lites Sites to its Flourish and Boost web packages that provide a few more bells and whistles.

Why did you join the Chamber?

I had heard good things about the Chamber. I had no hesitation in joining Worthing & Adur Chamber after speaking with Heidi and felt it would help my business to grow and be supported whilst building strong connections with the local business community. There’s a vibrancy to the Chamber Hubs networking events and numerous opportunities to collaborate and connect across its many events.

What’s your favourite thing about being a member?

It’s a friendly and welcoming atmosphere where you feel everyone strives to support and assist each other in finding the opportunities for grow our businesses. A community that advocates for each other for the benefit of all.

www.limepixel.co.uk

Changes to Business Food Waste

By the end of March, almost all businesses and organisations must have separate food waste and recycling collections in place.

The new rules form part of the government’s ‘Simpler Recycling’ plans, which were announced in 2023 to introduce a simpler, common-sense approach to recycling so people across England can recycle the same materials whether at home, work or school.

For businesses, the changes mean they must be recycling their kitchen leftovers and plate waste through a specialised food waste collection service by March 2025. Organisations with fewer than ten employees will have until March 2027 to comply with the new regulations.

Businesses are also expected to review what can and can’t be recycled to ensure that materials aren’t being misplaced in their bins.

The change could be a great way for local businesses to save some money, with both recycling and food waste collections being cheaper than general waste through our commercial waste service.

If you are an existing or new commercial waste customer and would like to know more about the changes and how we can help, please contact our commercial waste services team on 01273 263050 or email commercial.sales@adur-worthing.gov.uk.

For more information on our commercial food waste service, visit: www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/commercial-waste/food-waste/

Bird & Blend Tea Co. ranked as one of the fastest growing companies in Food & Drinks

Digital 100 celebrates brands that demonstrated exceptional digital growth in 2024.

Bird & Blend Tea Co., Sussex, has been named as one of the fastest growing companies in Food & Drinks category by Similarweb in the 2025 Digital 100, an annual ranking of the fastest-growing digital brands. Bird & Blend was recognised in the Digital 100 Report for the UK.

“Every year, the Digital 100 allows us to celebrate companies who are achieving tremendous growth within highly competitive sectors of the digital economy,” said Or Offer, CEO and founder of Similarweb. “The Digital 100 report is a powerful tool to help organizations understand and elevate their performance in the digital world. Congratulations to the winners!”

The annual Digital 100 ranking for 2025, released by the digital market intelligence experts at Similarweb (NYSE: SMWB), celebrates the companies that demonstrated the greatest digital growth over the past year – crowning a #1 Website, #1 App, and a cross-platform Digital Winner across industries.

Similarweb released rankings for the US, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, Australia, India, and Brazil. For the first time, the US and UK  editions of the Digital 100 provide an equal depth of coverage for the fastest growing mobile apps, as well as the fastest growing websites, in every category.

Methodology

The Digital 100 report for the UK identifies the fastest-growing digital brands based on Similarweb estimates of web traffic and app usage. Minimum criteria for the web visitors and app users were established for each market. Analysts manually filtered the statistical results to identify the most meaningful examples of digital business performance improvement. 

About Similarweb

Similarweb powers businesses to win their markets with Digital Data. By providing essential web and app data, analytics, and insights, we empower our users to discover business opportunities, identify competitive threats, optimize strategy, acquire the right customers, and increase monetization. Similarweb products are integrated into users' workflow, powered by advanced technology, and based on leading comprehensive Digital Data.

About Bird & Blend Tea Co. 

Bird & Blend Tea Co. is a British tea company that specialises in creating innovative, fun and delicious tea blends. With 25 (and counting) physical stores, a thriving global website and with a focus on quality, sustainability, and flavour, Bird & Blend has quickly become THE tea brand for tea enthusiasts.  

Please be aware as a result of construction works taking place on High Street, HGVs are no longer permitted on Chatsworth Road.

Hemiko wanted to explain to you why the road has been closed to HGVs, what diversion route has been put in place, how you or your business might be affected, and who you can speak to if you would like more information or want to provide feedback.

More information can be found here

You are welcome to contact Hemiko at any time at Worthing@Hemiko.com if you have any questions or concerns.”

George Square Financial Management Monthly Review. In Conjunction with Albemarle Street Partners.

Central Banks Implement Historic Rate Cuts

December witnessed major central banks reducing interest rates, marking the most significant policy easing since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, and Sweden's Riksbank each reduced rates by 25 basis points, while Switzerland and Canada implemented 50 basis point cuts. Emerging markets followed suit, with Turkey cutting rates by 250 basis points. These actions culminated in a total of 825 basis points in cuts for 2024, the largest annual easing in 15 years. However, the accompanying communications from central banks remained notably hawkish, suggesting less scope for future rate cuts than markets had anticipated. This created a paradox where economic strength became a headwind for markets, as it implied higher-for-longer future interest rates and increased pressure on governments managing substantial deficit spending. 

The Santa Rally That Wasn’t

The traditional end-of-year stock market rally failed to materialise in December as investors grappled with the implications of President-elect Trump's early cabinet picks and policy signals. His nomination of several prominent Wall Street figures suggested a push toward financial deregulation, while his continued tough stance on China rattled global markets. The S&P 500 pulled back from its November highs, with technology stocks particularly affected. However, energy and defence sectors showed surprising resilience, as markets began pricing in the likelihood of increased military spending and a more fossil fuel-friendly administration.

Bank of Japan’s Historic Move

After maintaining negative interest rates for nearly a decade, the Bank of Japan announced plans to move rates back into positive territory by early 2025. This marks a historic shift in global monetary policy, potentially ending the era of negative rates in major economies. The yen strengthened sharply on the news, causing ripples through Asian markets and forcing many global investors to reassess their currency positions. The move suggests growing confidence in Japan's ability to maintain inflation at sustainable levels, though questions remain about the impact on its massive government debt burden.

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

Chamber members broker international deal 

Chamber members David Macdonald, a local Chartered Accountant whose practice is The Martlet Partnership in Yeoman Gate, Worthing and Carmen Calvo, a dual qualified Spanish and British lawyer with her own practice in Worthing, have negotiated a collaboration agreement between two leading national and international organisations.

David is also a director of UK200Group, the UK’s leading professional services group of independent quality assured accountancy and law firms. The UK200Group has an international outreach of AGN International, a leading worldwide association of independent firms representing 520 offices in 70 countries in tax audit and advisory.

Carmen Calvo is the British representative of Iurisgal, the first and only global network of independent law firms whose main spoken language is Spanish. Iurisgal is represented in more than 50 countries and, although the principal language is Spanish, all of the members are also fluent in English. The collaboration agreement allows members of both associations to liaise with each other in the knowledge that all member firms are subject to quality assurance procedures.

For UK200 members, it gives an outlet for the law member firms to engage with professional firms throughout the world should any of their clients have a need for legal services in other countries and complements the arrangement already in place with AGN International.

Pictured are David Macdonald (left), Carmen Calvo (centre) together With Declan Swan CEO of UK200Group.

Shake off the January Blues at Hill Barn Golf Club

We've got the perfect offer for you and your mates ready to shake off those January blues and get the golfing season started

Just gather a group of 8 or more and enjoy;

• Brunch followed by golf
• 18 Holes of Golf from 10.30 am
• Available Monday - Thursday in January & February

Email or call Jo via jo.ayling@chichestergolf.com | 01243 978851

Worthing RUNFEST 2025 – GWCA Official event partner

Worthing Runfest 2025 consists of three brilliant events, Worthing Runfest 10K, Worthing Half Marathon, and the Worthing Family Run all taking place on Sunday, 4th May 2025.

Each race starts and finishes next to the famous Worthing Pier, right on the doorstep of our Worthing town centre office. The then after-party fun moves into Steyne Gardens. Each race will take place on fully closed roads that are as flat as a pancake, making them the perfect place to go for a new PB. Check out the Worthing 10k 2025 course or Worthing half 2025 course.

Make sure to book your entry in early – don’t leave it too late!

Worthing Half Marathon at 9:30am

Worthing Runfest 10K at 11:10am

Worthing Family Run at 12:30pm

This is a fantastic opportunity for GWCA to show their support to the local community and organisations. GWCA staff will be taking part with all sponsorship monies raised going to The Sussex Snowdrop Trust, keep an eye out on our LinkedIn and Facebook pages for a donation link via JustGiving. 

South East businesses accounted for 11% of UK administrations in 2024, analysis reveals

South East businesses accounted for 11% of administrations in 2024 – the third highest region in the UK – according to analysis by Sussex law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter.

More than 1,700 UK businesses, 186 of which came from the South East, filed for administration last year – marking a 28% and 5% increase compared to 2022 and 2023 respectively.

Retail, construction, hospitality, manufacturing and real estate were the worst-hit sectors for the second year in a row, collectively accounting for 55% of the 1,718 administrations.

Regionally, Greater London led the way with 23% of the filings, followed by the North West (14%) and the South East (11%), data from The Gazette Official Public Record has revealed.

With administrations approaching pre-Covid levels (1,794), an insolvency and restructuring expert has warned that ongoing tough trading conditions, rising geopolitical tensions and new tax burdens could tip even more businesses into financial distress.

Nick Stockley, dispute resolution partner at Mayo Wynne Baxter, said: “In 2025, businesses across the UK will face an increasingly challenging environment, with a perfect storm of factors threatening to push more companies toward financial difficulty.

“Prolonged periods of difficult trading, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions and the impact of new tax burdens introduced in the latest budget, will intensify the pressures many businesses are already grappling with.

“The increase in national insurance contributions, coupled with the lower threshold for payments, will stretch cash flows for companies that are already operating on razor-thin margins.

“Labour-intensive sectors, such as retail, hospitality and construction are particularly vulnerable as they often struggle to absorb rising overheads and additional costs.

“In addition to these financial pressures, many businesses are still dealing with the aftermath of the pandemic, inflationary costs and supply chain disruptions, which have left them more fragile and less able to weather the storm.

“As we saw in 2024, sectors like retail, hospitality and manufacturing were hit hardest, and there is a real risk that without targeted support, more businesses will be forced to make difficult decisions, including cost-cutting measures, layoffs or even closure.

“These pressures are only compounded by the uncertainty in the global economy, which has already led to weakened consumer confidence and subdued spending. While many experts predict a potential easing of inflation in 2025, the overall landscape remains unpredictable.

“It is crucial businesses do not bury their heads in the sand and ignore the signs of distress. Proactively assessing financial health, engaging with advisors early and taking steps to mitigate risks will be vital in navigating these turbulent times.

“Our advice remains consistent: seeking professional advice as soon as financial challenges become apparent opens up more options and can dramatically increase the chances of survival in what will likely be another tough year ahead.”

For more information visit: https://www.mayowynnebaxter.co.uk/

Sussex Bay - Innovators chosen to develop projects that connect people and nature: funding and support win

Sussex Bay is a regional project, in-between Chichester to Kent and everything in-between, 100 miles of coast for over 1 million residents.  Funded without public funds and hosted in Adur & Worthing Councils in local government, we are all about giving nature and people opportunities to thrive.

As part of our Blue Natural Capital Lab and network, late last year, Sussex Bay was selected as one of three location partners by the Connected Places Catapult, the UK’s innovation  accelerator, with businesses able to apply for funding and support to deliver projects in Sussex Bay that connect people to nature. Today we can announce that 12 companies will receive specialist design support and funding as they develop their ideas to improve people’s connection with nature, with 4 of them working in Sussex Bay.

"Sussex Bay is delighted to be a national location partner for the government's innovation agency, bringing this much needed funding to 4 companies designing and delivering cutting-edge projects that connect people to nature in our part of the world.  Soon, we'll be announcing a free event scheduled for the last week of March 2025 where anyone interested can see for themselves the progress the projects are making and get involved: radical collaboration in action".  Dean Spears, Head of Sussex Bay.

Each organisation is set to receive up to £50,000 to develop their solution alongside a trial plan. In addition to funding, each project will receive support from a specialised design consultancy, the Catapults’ technical team and from Sussex Bay as a location partner. 

Sussex Bay is one of three location partners, and is helping with the theme: Space-enabled information for a thriving world – Led by Satellite Applications Catapult. 

“At the Satellite Applications Catapult we support space companies to develop solutions that meet user needs. Rapid advances in satellite technology bring new ‘powered by space-enabled data’ applications that can help us understand and solve a range of environmental challenges”.  Catherine Greene, Head of User Centred Design at Satellite Applications Catapult

Organisations selected:

Optimal Cities
Offering a geospatial platform to support urban planners and Government bodies making planning decisions around the planting of vegetation – specifically with land planning, connection with volunteer groups, funding, management and monitoring the growth of natural assets.

Data Dynamics
An AI-powered decision support system that combines Earth observation data with ground-based sensors and advanced modelling techniques to identify tree species and monitor tree health. This can support proactive management of forestry, and offer early identification and response to disease outbreaks.

Map Impact
Providing reporting tools for clear and concise environmental decision-making with a particular focus on biodiversity reporting, helping local authorities and planners understand, plan and monitor the effectiveness of nature recovery programmes.

REWILD Life
The Nature of Things project from REWILD Life aims to connect people to nature through an AI-powered chatbot, converting biologging and environmental data into real-time, interactive experiences.  The company wants local communities to engage and interact with their local river and species, such as birds, to understand more and play a part in their recovery.

For details of the other 8 organisations across 2 other location partners: https://cp.catapult.org.uk