evolution and transformation

Founder, The Green People Company Ltd

It’s no secret that the pandemic hit the high street hard and when Charlotte Vøhtz, founder of the organic skin care brand Green People, saw empty retail spaces emerging in her local Horsham high street, she was determined that her first bricks and motor store would give back to the town that she and many of her HQ team call home.

Having operated in etail for almost 25 years, Vøhtz acknowledges that it was a brave move to invest in a physical store at a time when many high streets were struggling but any doubts were soon set aside when the store officially opened its doors in October 2021.

“As a business we evolve around our customer and their initial reaction to the store was fantastic”, says Vøhtz.

“Having an established online brand meant that we could merge our etail and retail words from the outset and publicise the store to existing shoppers. Localised maildrops and targeted PR and email campaigns helped us to create a local customer base in an instant.”

Within weeks of opening, the store has already established itself as a core part of the Green People brand journey and, to Vøhtz, opening the store is not only an example of brand evolution but also a tale of happy revelation.

“We discovered that around 60% of our store customers have shopped with us online before and on opening day, we had customers in store telling us they had supported us since the ‘90s and that they were so pleased that we had chosen to open a store on their doorstep.

“It is so rewarding to know that after 25 years of business, our local community still supports our mission to make organic skin care mainstream.”

Evolving the Green People brand into a high street name has long been an ambition of Vøhtz, who had dreamed of opening her first store for over 20 years. With her first store, she has demonstrated a masterclass in merging the etail and retail worlds.

The brand’s flagship store retains the organic expertise that Green People is known through Store Manager, Lily Beard, who previously worked on the customer care team of the brand’s etail arm and provides a bridge of consistency between the two domains.

To ensure that shopping in-store is just as rewarding as shopping online, store shoppers can earn loyalty points from their purchases if they are, or if they become, members of Green People’s Beauty Club. This gives etail and retail customers the chance to attain Green Points which can then be converted to shopping vouchers and redeemed either online or instore.

The store’s online social channels are also playing a part in the new store’s success. To attract customers to the store for their Christmas shopping, Green People worked with neighbouring stores to create an instagrammable community archway.

It is clear that brand consistency and community have been key to the latest stage of Green People’s evolution.

Its loyal customer base has proved pivotal for integrating the new store into Horsham’s high street but as Store Manager Lily explains, the new venture has given these customers the confidence to try something new whilst also helping Green People to reach a new customer base that’s seeking out personalised skin care.

“Some customers have shopped with us before and come into store knowing exactly what they need. They may come in for an old favourite but soon they’re testing out new products and embracing the chance to experience new customisable additions.

“For others, the store is a brand-new concept and we’ve noticed that customers are really keen to get to know our brand values before they buy. The scent of our Alexandra Kay Pure Essential Oil blends welcomes our customers in store and helps to create a calming shopping environment where there’s plenty of time to browse and ask questions before you buy.”

Keen to offer all their customers a bespoke shopping experience, Lily and her team are committed to offering experience, care and community.

In December, Green People sponsored the Piries Place Giving Tree, a community charity initiative to gift to those in need at Christmas. The store is also exploring opportunities to work with initiatives that reward Horsham residents for shopping on their local high street.

Green People’s retail store is located at 32 Carfax, Piries Place, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1EE and open Wednesday – Sunday. Visit: greenpeople.co.uk/horsham for more information online.

Are you an employer looking to increase company benefits for staff well-being or looking to help keep your team fitter and healthier? Wave Leisure Trust is here to help and offers savings on corporate memberships to help employers and their employees reach their health, fitness and wellbeing goals.‍

Wave Leisure Trust Limited is a charitable not-for-profit Trust, working to inspire active lifestyles through high quality, affordable and accessible health and fitness facilities. This year, workout as a team or as an individual with Wave’s corporate memberships.

The benefits for becoming more active outside of work hours has multiple physical and mental health benefits and can also help improve productivity at work1. Whether your goals are to feel fitter, feel stronger or even just to move more, Wave’s team of experts are on hand to help and encourage individuals to become more engaged in physical activity and to reach fitness goals this year.

The Corporate Memberships include unlimited gym, classes and swimming across all centres*, a free personal plan review every 10-12 weeks to help develop goals and track progress,14days advance booking rights via an online booking website and app and more. Plus, you can visit any of the sites at no extra cost. The choice is yours. There’s also the opportunity to build a bespoke package for you and your team. From workplace well-being workshops to personalised training sessions just for the team, find out how Wave Leisure Trust can help you and your team stay healthy this new year.

If you’d like to know more or want to arrange a visit to any of the facilities, please get in touch with the membership team by emailing memberships@waveleisure.co.uk or visit www.waveleisure.co.uk.

* Excludes access to Eastbourne Sports Park and East Grinstead Sports Club. To find out more about accessing corporate membership here please contact

1 www.‍livestrong.‍com/article/422836-how-doesexercise-improve-work-productivity

*Excludes access to Eastbourne Sports Park and East Grinstead Sports Club.

The collaboration follows the successful official launch of County Business Clubs at the i360 in Brighton last November.‍ But the story didn’t start there.‍.‍.‍

Like many new business ventures, this one was spurred by an existing product and customer base - and a real desire to transform how businesses in Sussex connect with each other, collaborate and grow.

It started with successful print and digital product the Sussex Business Times, a brand that has been synonymous with and at the heart of the regional B2B landscape for well over four decades. The magazine represents and provides a voice for those working across multiple business-tobusiness sectors. But, as the nature of business - not just in Sussex but nationally and internationally - constantly evolves, its owners decided to significantly expand their offer to include a community-based membership platform.

The platform was launched at arguably one of the toughest periods in modern British history - May 2020 - to support all local firms. For many, it couldn’t have come at a better time. As well as delivering a unique business ecosystem designed to support a range of needs - no matter what that need is or where it falls in a commercial journey - it provides a huge range of benefits. They include online networking, which was a particular godsend when local events were shelved due to the pandemic, in-person events and workshops, and huge savings on a wide range of products.

In addition, the platform has its own marketplace which allows members to literally set up shop and sell to other members at a discounted price.

Co-founder and director of County Business Clubs Sussex, Sam Thomas has welcomed the new partnership. He said: “Sussex Chamber of Commerce commands huge respect in the local business community and the ultimate goal of this collaboration is to bring maximum benefits to both sets of members. Together we have created a great offering for Sussex businesses.”

Sam, who is also managing director of Sussex Business Times, is passionate about bringing more businesses together. He said: “The partnership with Sussex Chamber of Commerce will help us connect more people in business, increase the number of collaborations and make a positive contribution towards business growth in Sussex.”

He says Chamber members will derive tangible benefits.

“To introduce Chamber members to our platform, we are offering a three-month Premium Membership for free,” he explains. “To facilitate this, we have developed a dedicated sign-in page. As well as making it easy for Chamber members to join, they can see exactly what they are getting for free and for how long.

Co-founder, County Business Clubs

“All our Premium Members have access to Discovery Calls, with a platform expert on hand to ensure everyone gets the most out of their membership.”

Sam adds: “All our Premium Members can use their membership card to redeem discounts on exclusive offers. We literally have dozens every week - so much so I’ve often joked that it’s always Black Friday on our platform. Current offers include generous discounts on hotel stays, gym memberships, wellness brands, designer clothing and more.

“The aim is to ensure all our members can save at least what their membership costs them.”

Other benefits of the platform include:

Ability to create a personal profile

A premium content hub, which includes articles, videos and podcasts

Forum access

Networking

Access to the exclusive County Business Clubs marketplace

Events

Chamber members-only group and forum

Access to a range of training providers So, what happens at the end of the free three-month trial?

Chamber members can join at a reduced rate of £9.99 a month (normally £14.99) or retain a free membership with limited access to premium features. There will be reduced fees for Business Plus Membership - £19.99 per months instead of the normal £29.99.

Sam says networking and collaborations are important values for County Business Clubs Sussex. “Working in partnership is at the core of our ethos. It is why we offer cross promotion to members in the Sussex Business Times. We want our members to not just share what they do with other members but reach as wide an audience as possible. And, of course, a relevant audience. We go beyond print and ensure our members’ features appear online too and are promoted across multiple social media channels.

“For us, it is about amplifying the message and promoting what our members do as well as bringing them closer together as a business community.

“At the same time, the Chamber provides expertise on a wide range of business issues including green sustainability, training and trading overseas, and we want to raise awareness and promote what it does to our members and in the magazine. We also recognise the importance of Sussex Chamber Business Awards, the Chambers’ work with veterans and the lead it has taken on wellbeing and mental health.”

One of the things County Business Clubs is particularly proud of is its Growth Hub which currently includes a Business Academy and Jobs Portal. Upcoming features include crowdfunding and freelance elements.

In addition, it is poised to launch an app.

Existing collaborations include partnerships with Best of British Events, Acumen Business Convention, Freedom Works, and Brighton and Hove Business Show with more set to be announced later this year.

Want to build your business contacts and get much more at the same time? Visit cbcsussexcommunity.co.uk/register/

no-trial/ to sign up for a trial Premium Membership or find out more.

The Sherrards Academy is our learning and development platform incorporating a full range of employment law and HR related training courses. Our UK Employment Law course has been designed for people managers and HR professionals looking to acquire or reinforce their knowledge of UK employment legislation. From those already established in the industry or individuals starting out, delegates really benefit from the interactive content and structure of the course.

Comments from recent delegates include “It was clear and fact based and even for those with many years of experience, new information was there to pick up on.” and “The training delivery, comprehensive notes and portal were all very useful and to have direct access to an experienced employment law solicitor really made the course come to life.”

The course is delivered live via Zoom by one of our employment law solicitors with assignments and engaging learning content available 24/7 via the Academy website. The course is certified by the CPD Certification Service as conforming to continuing professional development principles. On successful completion of the 8 modules delegates can record 8 CPD hours and will receive a completion certificate. The 8 modules covered in the UK Employment Law course are delivered in one hour, bite-sized webinars over a four-week period, with assignments completed after each webinar. The entire course is designed to fit in with the day to day demands of working in HR and people management and the 8 employment law modules covered are listed below.

Webinar 1 Unfair Dismissals Discrimination and Harassment

Webinar 3 Performance Management and Capability Short and Long-Term Sickness Absence

Webinar 2 Flexible Working Redundancy

Webinar 4 Flexible Working Redundancy

To find out more about the UK Employment Law Course, dates of the next cohort and costs please send an email to academy@sherrardslaw.com or visit www.sherrardsacademy.com

Sherrards is a leading specialist employment law firm, providing employment law advisory services, HR consultancy and employment related training to clients throughout the UK. The Sherrards Academy is a learning and development platform incorporating a full range of online employment law and HR related training courses. The Sherrards Academy UK Employment Law Course has been designed for people managers and HR professionals looking to acquire or reinforce their knowledge of UK employment law legislation. The course blends direct contact with an experienced, specialist employment law solicitor with engaging learning content, accessed 24/7 via the Academy website.

Our UK Employment Law Course is certified by the CPD Certification Service as conforming to continuing professional development principles, and delegates who complete the course can record 8 CPD hours.

Sherrards

4 Albourne Court, Henfield Road, Albourne West Sussex BN6 9DB Tel: 01273 834120 email: academy@sherrardslaw.com www.sherrardsacademy.com

So, what should you do with your old equipment? The first thing is to back up all your data. Sign out of all your online accounts, unpair it from any Bluetooth devices, etc, mouse, keyboard, wireless display. And then erase your computer’s hard drive.

By doing this, all your data will be removed, you will be taking your computer-ware back to the original state in which you bought it, clear of everything. Imagine, if you were to throw out your old computers, out onto a skip, and think job done. Computer hackers will often check rubbish tips for old computers. So as a matter of best practice, at CNC we would always suggest removing the hard drive completely.

The great thing about Windows 11, & 10, is the factory restore function. It’s a simple enough process to remove everything. Pop into the Start menu, type in reset, and press ‘Reset this PC’. You’ll be offered, ‘Remove everything. Press and you’re done.

Many of us are familiar with WEEE Waste rules, but it’s always good to remind oneself.

There are all sorts of rare earth materials in your old computer waste that we can save. So, if you decide to get rid of your old technology, find out where it’s being sent. Sometimes it can just end up ignominiously in a landfill site, which is not good at all, as hazardous materials can leak out into the soil. Or worse, some companies have been known to send it on to a developing nation, where children are employed to pick through the bones of potentially hazardous materials to extract valuable materials, like gold.

It’s a good thing to recycle your old computer tech. Processing one ton of rare earth metals can produce nearly 2,000 tons of toxic waste. So, recycling your old kit ethically is a good way to reduce the number of new minerals being mined today.

CNC provide the most comprehensive range of IT services in the South East including:

We would love to talk to you and offer a Complimentary systems & security check-up with no obligations to use our services.

– IT Support & Outsourcing – Internet Connectivity – Installation & Infrastructure – IT Hardware & Software – Cloud e-Mail Archiving – Mobile & Remote Access – Off-Site Data Backup – Hosted Phones & Mobiles – Security Services – Cloud & Hosting – Disaster Recovery – Apple Support – Virtualisation – Office 365 & Azure ISO 9001:2015 & ISO 27001:2013 Certified

1996—2021

Fully furnished, fully equipped and none of the overhead burden, these are the most obvious benefits to taking serviced office space.‍ The choice to move out of your home office or garage into an office is often an exciting, yet daunting, moment for a small or fledgling organisation.‍

If you’re thinking about taking serviced office space, there are many options on the market. From functional four walls through to hipster bar style locations there are many choices for you. When weighing up options it’s important to consider the working environment that’s right for you and your organisation’s strategic goals.

Here’s why you should consider an office at The Hub

Running a business – large or small – can often be a lonely experience. You’re responsible for generating ideas, marketing, production and paying the bills so it can feel overwhelming. As your business expands it becomes vital to grow your network.

In a shared office space like The Hub at Roffey Park Institute, a small business will rub shoulders with other business owners and potential partners who can help brainstorm new ideas or learn from their successes and failures. You’ll work alongside like-minded entrepreneurs all with the same goal of growing a successful business. The communal spaces are designed to enable you to mingle to create an innovative, inspiring place to do business.

Cashflow is always tight for a small business and the advantage of a serviced office is knowing how much it is going to cost each month. And, of course, it reduces the need to make that significant commitment to purchase an office building. But there’s a serviced office and then there’s The Hub at Roffey Park Institute where you don’t just get four walls and a desk. In addition to the office space, broadband and utilities you would expect, we also include access to our 40 acres of grounds, swimming pool, gym, and lounge area as part of your monthly payment. And you’ll also get a full reception service and free parking making your working environment a high-quality experience from start to finish.

Running a business means juggling a lot of tasks. Your office space doesn’t need to be one. At The Hub we have a hospitality team providing a highquality service so you can focus on what matters. Whether you need the coffee machine topped up or help with an IT issue, there’s someone available to assist.

From the business address, location, the curb appeal of the building and the welcome at reception are all important details to get right for your company’s image. Your office is part of your brand so finding the right location that offers the right impression of your business is vital. From arriving in the morning, welcoming visitors through to signing off at night, what’s the experience like?

At The Hub at Roffey Park Institute our reception team are the first people you see when you arrive, and the last to wish you farewell. They are an experienced team, passionate about good customer service and you can be confident that they will welcome your visitors and manage your messages in quickly and efficiently.

Another consideration is whether any office is flexible and able to help with changing needs. At Roffey Park Institute we have a range of meeting and conference rooms for all requirements. From conducting interviews, running a focus group, or holding a conference, there’s a space for you at competitive rates.

Join The Hub at Roffey Park Institute and connect with others.

Located near Horsham, West Sussex, Roffey Park is easily reached from the M23, Gatwick Airport and fast trains from London and the South Coast.

Fully equipped, private office space with great facilities, we look after everything to ensure you can focus on what you do best – running your business. Our Innovation Hub is designed to become a thriving community for businesses, start-ups and entrepreneurs: • 20 offices for 1 to 5 people • Equipped with office furniture and superfast broadband • Free parking and fully-staffed Reception Service • Free access to leisure facilities • One monthly fee for all the essentials

Thinking of taking on a new apprentice? Chichester College Group can help. With over 60 years’ experience providing apprenticeships, we can help you find the perfect fit.

CityCoast Centre has an established reputation as an impressive venue, hosting high-end music and corporate events. We have flexible and modern spaces that will be perfect for your event, no matter the size or function. With bespoke pricing packages available, we are confident that we can provide exactly what you need. Our team are the ones who make the biggest difference - knowledgeable, helpful and passionate about excellence - they will be on hand before, during and after your event to make sure everything runs smoothly. We love nothing better than working with you to make sure your meeting or event is a success.

Contact us: CityCoast Centre, North Street Portslade, East Sussex BN41 1DG 01273 433433 judith@citycoastcentre.co.uk citycoastcentre.co.uk

Specialist apprenticeship training provider, Intelligencia Training have been announced as finalists in the forthcoming FE Week & AELP AAC Apprenticeship Awards with winners being announced at the FE Week Annual Apprenticeship Conference taking place in Birmingham on 21-22nd March.‍

The awards, now in their fifth year, are a celebration of the very best in apprenticeship delivery and provide welldeserved recognition for the people, teams and organisations that make excellent apprenticeships happen. A recordbreaking 370 entries were received from training providers, colleges, universities and employers and we can now reveal the worthy finalists going forward to the national awards ceremony in March.

Shane Mann, Managing Director of FE Week’s publisher Lsect, said: “We have once again been blown away by the quality of nominations and especially of this year’s finalists.

Nick Atkinson, Commercial Director at Intelligencia Training said: “This is a huge accolade for us and testament to the fantastic work that our highly skilled teams have carried out during the last year. Intelligencia have been at the forefront of Protective Services apprenticeship provision, actively involved in supporting Trailblazer Groups developing both Intelligence Analysis and Counter Fraud Investigation apprenticeship Standards. Over the last year Intelligencia Training has not only ensured effective continuity of often intensive apprenticeships in Intelligence Analysis and Fraud Investigation, but facilitated a significant increase in the volume of apprentices on programme, adapting programmes to very specific employer needs across both public and private sector organisations. Whilst the pandemic continues to apply operational pressure to many of our investigative and intelligence services, the development of a widely adopted and respected curriculum has supported the growth of analytical and investigative capability within the UK, reducing the burden on existing systems. Our effective delivery of higher apprenticeships within the Protective Services sector has significantly increased the educational opportunities available for apprentices within a sector more traditionally associated with apprenticeships at a lower level and they continue to be very well received from within the multiple sectors in which we operate. We are very proud of our relationships with our employer clients and the support we receive, this is testament to our continued success.”

You can read more about Intelligencia Training and their engaging apprenticeship standards at www.intelligenciatraining.com