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ISSUE 1
WELCOME TO ACES MAGAZINE from our chief executive Christina Ewbank Welcome to the launch issue of ACES Magazine, brought to you by the Alliance of Chambers in East Sussex (ACES) and Platinum Publishing Group. This magazine will keep you informed on what is happening in business in East Sussex, showcase the positive enterprise culture we have in the county and help you overcome barriers to business. If you are a member of your local Town Chamber or the FSB you are automatically a member of ACES. This gives you access to 4,000 members across East Sussex and 15,000 employees. It also gives you a loud voice with central, regional and local government to make sure East Sussex is a great place to do business. When ACES started in 2011, fewer than 3% of East Sussex businesses had access to high speed Broadband. Having recognised the need for connectivity we worked closely with East Sussex County Council (ESCC) and BT and we are pleased to confirm that 96% of the County now have access to high speed Broadband and we continue to work with BT to bring Broadband to the remaining 4%. We are also working with ESCC to close “mobile not spots�
PUBLISHERS Maarten Hoffmann maarten@platinumbusinessmagazine.com Ian Trevett ian@platinumbusinessmagazine.com THE PLATINUM PUBLISHING GROUP Number 3, 30 Bedford Square, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 2PL Tel: 07966 244046 Tel: 07989 970804 Mail: info@platinumbusinessmagazine.com Web: www.platinumbusinessmagazine.com ADVERTISING and SPONSORSHIP Lesley Alcock Business Development Director Tel: 07767 613707 Mail: lesley@platinumbusinessmagazine.com
so that business people can use their mobile phones in rural business locations across East Sussex. The road and rail infrastructure is taking longer to improve but we are working with ESCC on the A27 between Lewes and Polegate and lobbying MPs and Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling about Southern Rail. We are also keen to improve the A21 to Hastings and the A22 north of Hailsham along with rail links across Sussex. We are working actively with Skills East Sussex to ensure college leavers are work ready and to help fill the skills shortages in construction, engineering, manufacturing and digital technologies. And finally we are introducing ACES Magazine to help promote East Sussex as a great place to work along with all the incredible businesses located here.
On behalf of the Alliance of Chambers in East Sussex Head Designer: Amanda Spicer Travel Editor: Rose Dykins Sub Editor: Kate Morton Food Editor: Amanda Menahem Photographer: Sarah Walker-Bennett Accounts: Julia Trevett All rights reserved. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions relating to advertising or editorial. The publisher reserves the right to change or amend any competitions or prizes offered. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from the publisher. No responsibility is taken for unsolicited materials or the return of these materials whilst in transit. ACESussex Magazine is published by The Platinum Publishing Group.
PLATINUM PUBLISHING G R O U P
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The ACES members
9
Best4Biz - The Awards
10
ACES News
12
Amber Rudd
18
Rix & Kay
20
Legal News
22
Autumn Statement - The Verdicts
24
Interview - Tim Cobb
26
Best4Biz - The Conference
28
Recruitment
30
Business Consulting
31
Lotus Labels
32
Travel - Holland
36
Interview - David Mellor
38
Carrot Events
40
Uckfield Awards
42
Brufords - The Art of Rolex
44
Why BIDS work
46
Nova Direct
48
Photography
50
Lets Do Business
52
Sussex Skills Solutions
54
Neva Consultants
56
Motoring
60
The High Speed Lawyer
61
Wine Masterclass
62
The Sussex Ox
64
Hydro Hotel
66
Business Expo Preview
68
Hastings Chamber
70
Hot Air Balloon Festival
71
Events Diary
72
Anger Management
74
IOD
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