Worthing & Adur Chamber Connect issue 1

Issue 1 2017

INSIDE:

THE OFFICIAL SHOW GUIDE Better Business Show

THEO PAPHITIS Exclusive Q&A

Flat Pack Lancing

IKEA ON THE WAY?

Gill Fielding

Secrets of a Millionaire

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Welcome

WELCOME FROM THE CHAMBER PRESIDENT

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“Welcome to a brand new scene!

A new partnership between the Chamber and The Platinum Publishing Group to produce the chambers first issue of CONNECT. How do you the reader and businessperson fit into this? How do you become part of it?

Nothing could be easier. Just read the magazine. It’s learning without tears or pain.

What is the most important thing that you do?

The Answer: Communicate and thereby Connect.

The Chamber is the local Voice of business for the Coast between Arun and Portslade. A voice carries only as far as its volume.

Connect will carry it further than ever. Learn about new business, new trends, new opportunities, new profiles and new people in our area. You may profit straight away. You will profit as you add to your contact list, your introductions, your networks, your skills.

If you own a large company, you want to know about training and up-skilling for your employees, how best to recruit, engage apprentices and employ consultants.

It’s all in these pages - plus membership of the Chamber, which will give you 360 degree coverage of the business scene.

Don’t miss out, read and then pass on the message“There’s a new power on the scene. Listen up” Connect!

Peter Bennett, President of Worthing & Adur Chamber of Commerce 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

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AT A GLANCE 4 5 6 7 8 12 13 14 16 19 22 24 25 38 40 43 44 48 50 52 54 57 58

Patron - Gill Fielding Join the Chamber Ikea in Lancing The Greater Brighton Debate Worthing & Adur Council Bennett Griffin Carpenter Box NatWest Theo Paphitis Warnes Projects JSPC Ask for the Moon BETTER BUSINESS SHOWGUIDE Pixel by Pixel Northbrook College MoGio’VA Business Travel - Barcelona Uniglobe Motoring Brighton Motor Show Events Diary Business Navigator Spotlight on Momentum

Head Designer: Amanda Spicer Travel Editor: Rose Dykins Sub Editor: Kate Morton Food Editor: Amanda Menahem Photographer: Sarah Walker-Bennett Accounts: Julia Trevett Chamber Editorial Team: Tracie Davey, Kelly O’Haire, Clive Spring, Peter Noone, Tina Tilley contact: info@worthingandadurchamber.co.uk 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. Worthing and Adur CONNECT magazine is published and owned G R O U

by The Platinum Publishing Group.

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Patron’s Column

The secrets of a local millionaire Gill Fielding, patron of Worthing & Adur Chamber of Commerce, reveals the four key elements of a successful business

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have now been in business for almost 40 years and I can divide those 40 years almost exactly into two: the first 20 years (the Dark Ages) where I was working as a chartered accountant, firstly with PricewaterhouseCoopers, where I spent all my time watching and auditing other people’s businesses. I must have reviewed a couple of hundred businesses in that time but in retrospect I think I learned very little.

The second half of those 40 years (the Age of Enlightenment!) have been spent owning and managing my own businesses, and I now have six trading businesses all in the financial services sector. Obviously because I have six businesses I am not particularly active in any of them nowadays, but all of them were started from the ground floor with my own ’sweat equity’, and I have grown those businesses through good times and bad.

“The ability to sell the product to an unconnected, independent person is the first step.”

Looking back over the entire 40 years, I realise that I have identified four key areas to any business, irrespective of its market sector or size: Firstly, is the sale! Now this might seem blindingly obvious but in the early days many people get this wrong. They insist on trying to sell the thing that they have created, or manufactured and probably love, rather than the thing that the customer actually wants.

It can be heart breaking to realise that customers do not necessarily like or love the same things as you do, but very rarely will any customer feel the passion for your product in the same way. Market research here is fundamental. It need not be sophisticated but just the ability to sell the product to an unconnected, independent person is the first step.

Secondly, is the actual process of creating, storing

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and dispatching the product to its ultimate venue. This tends to be the easy bit for most people.

Thirdly, is the reporting of everything that you do and this can be everything from the VAT and returns to HMRC, to formal management accounts and the production of KPIs. Although this may sound quite onerous, my belief is that the main purpose of any reporting has to be to provide the necessary management information to the business leader, enabling them to better drive the business rather than to produce copious returns for a government department. Any production of government required paperwork has to be purely a by-product of the business.

Fourthly, and perhaps the most important part of any business, is its leadership and this is most efficiently and effectively done if the leader has quality management information from his or her reporting function. Quality data enables a business leader to make all the crucial decisions with confidence.

It’s also important to recognise that we can’t be good at everything. Once we do this we can work on our weaker areas and improve them. Organisations like our Chamber of Commerce can be extremely useful in providing support, training and development. Don’t just be a member – get involved!

Chamber Membership

Why Join? …

Why Wouldn’t you?

Asks Tina Tilley, Chief Executive of Worthing & Adur Chamber of Commerce Be Represented - A well-established organisation welcoming involvement from its members. The Chamber represents a strong voice within Worthing and Adur and further afield representing the interests of local business on many committees, councils and business working groups.

Be Connected - Networking events are very well attended and regularly attract both new and established businesses, with a choice of events to suit all schedules. These include free, open networking sessions, to more formal breakfast and lunch. For all the current events visit www.worthingandadurchamber.co.uk Be Developed - Peer to Peer Mentoring with likeminded business people all keen to share expertise, willing to learn from and support each other. Facilitated by the Chambers’ experienced team and run over 12 months, the results are extremely worthwhile.

Be Trained - Wise Up2 training opens the doors for members and non-members alike to ‘bite-size training’ across a whole plethora of subjects. These short courses are limited in size to ensure all delegates take away as much knowledge as possible.

Be Promoted – There are many options to raise your profile including through sponsorship, working groups, member to member offers and specialist workshops.

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he Worthing and Adur Chamber of Commerce is a vibrant and friendly organisation attracting both large and small businesses to network and share best practice.

Be Supported - Membership is diverse, ranging from sole traders through to medium and large organisations allowing members to benefit from sharing information, knowledge and business opportunities.

The Chamber also leads the latest Coast to Capital Business Navigator project which signposts businesses to the best grants and funding options available.

Tina Tilley says “life at the Chamber is never dull, and our wide and varied membership ensures that we continually strive to be the best we can be, and to provide the very best for our members”.

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Regeneration

Flat Pack Lancing

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new IKEA store is part of the regeneration plans at New Monks Farm in Lancing. The proposals will see the site developed into a strategic employment and housing growth centre. The proposed development will add £11.5m GVA to the Adur economy each year in addition to £2.7m of public sector receipts.

In line with Adur District Council’s emerging Local Plan, once completed the site will provide 600 new homes, 30% of which will be affordable and a new IKEA store that will create 430 full-time and part-time jobs.

It is estimated that over 80% of these jobs will be taken up by local people. IKEA is an exemplar ‘living wage’ employer and are committed to working with the local community and business forums through its Corporate Social Responsibility programmes. The new homes will be delivered by CALA, a premium national house builder for over 40 years.

The regeneration of New Monks Farm will also see the development of a new single form entry primary school serviced site with expansion space, the relocation and expansion of the Gypsy and Travellers site from 12 to 16 pitches and a new 28-hectare Country Park with new ecology habitats, cycle and walking pathways.

A new transport junction on the A27 will also open up access for new commercial development and up to 450 new jobs at Shoreham Airport, which will help secure the long term future of the airport.

Following public and stakeholder consultations in late

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January 2017, a planning application will be submitted in late February / early March and, if approved, development will begin in the Autumn. The new IKEA store is planned to be open by the Autumn of 2019.

Martin Perry, Director of New Monks Farm Development said: “The regeneration of our site will significantly deliver Adur District Council’s economic growth aspirations. We are delighted with the support we have received to date, and have worked closely in partnership with the local Council over the past 18 months to bring forward a scheme that will provide much needed new homes and jobs for local people.

At the same time, our investment in a range of drainage infrastructure solutions will ensure that our development and surrounding neighbourhoods are protected for years to come.”

Combining Resources

The Case for Greater Brighton

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orthing and Adur has always had its own unique character and identity, so the concept of joining up with our neighbours to be part of Greater Brighton is anathema to many.

However, combining as a united region for purely economic advantages makes perfect sense. The Greater Brighton Economic Board explains why it is so beneficial to Worthing, Shoreham and the rest of our locale:

An intelligent approach for an intelligent economy The Greater Brighton Economic Board has a clear vision for the City Region - to become the most successful economy in the South East connected with London. This is particularly apt when you consider that the City Region triangle (Worthing - Newhaven - East Grinstead) points directly to the Capital.

Growing from the City Deal of 2014, the role of Greater Brighton Economic Board is to coordinate innovative economic policy, activity and investment focused on increasing productivity across the City Region as a functional economic area, creating places for enterprise to locate and grow, for families to live, work and learn and where transport networks keep people and business moving.

With this in mind, there are seven key areas of focus that the Economic Board sees as critical to increasing productivity: • Transport

• Growth sites and public assets • Housing delivery • Enterprise • Skills • Digital • Arts, Culture and Heritage In addition to using a creative approach to tackling these issues, the Economic Board is also determined to attract significant national funding for key projects into the City Region. Projects such as the rejuvenation of Montague Place in Worthing and the Adur Tidal Walls project have been local success stories, with millions of pounds of investment attracted to date.

2017 will be a busy year for the Economic Board as it continues to progress its ambitious vision.

Their new website - www.greaterbrighton.com will be updated with the latest news as it happens, representing the perfect way to follow the developing story of an increasingly, productive and prosperous City Region.

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Worthing Council

Development Going Swimmingly

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he former Aquarena swimming pool is set for a major redevelopment after Worthing Borough Council’s Planning Committee approved plans, which will see new homes and commercial buildings built a stone’s throw from Worthing town centre.

Plans submitted by Roffey Homes to redevelop the derelict seafront site include a significant boost for the town’s housing need, providing 141 residential apartments of which 42 will be affordable housing.

Alongside the apartment blocks will be new commercial space and a beach facing cafe. The designs also incorporate an iconic tower surrounded by both private and public open space, as well as 172 resident’s parking spaces and 51 public car parking spaces.

The beneficial impact on the town’s local economy was welcomed by Cllr Bryan Turner, Executive Member for Regeneration at Worthing Borough Council: “This is a fantastic boost for Worthing’s economy, and hopefully this exciting regeneration will act as a catalyst to bring forward development on other sites across the town. Whilst we have taken very seriously the concerns that residents have voiced, by building on brownfield sites like this one we can ensure that other much valued green spaces can be protected.

“The new commercial space will give businesses a prime opportunity to thrive in an area already made very popular by the seafront and Splashpoint swimming pool. It shows great confidence in our town that the

ambitions set out in our Investment Prospectus and InvestAW website are starting to deliver.”

Of the proposed apartments, 30% have been allocated for affordable housing. This comprises of 20 units for social rent and 22 shared ownership units. Cllr Heather Mercer, Executive Member for Customer Services at Worthing Borough Council, highlighted the value of providing this new housing: “I’m delighted to see a development of this importance coming forward with the promise of significant affordable housing. With rising house prices making it harder for younger and first time buyers to get on the housing ladder, it’s crucial that large scale developments like this deliver on providing appropriate housing to help meet this demand.”

For the more information on Aquarena and the proposed scheme, visit www.adur-worthing.gov.uk.

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Business Support

A LEAP forward for local businesses A new grant scheme for small businesses and apprenticeships is being introduced

by Adur & Worthing Councils, offering grants of up to £2.5K until the end of September 2017.

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art of a West Sussex-wide scheme, known as the Local Enterprise and Apprenticeship Platform (LEAP), there is approximately £71,000 available for businesses located in Adur and a similar amount for businesses based in Worthing.

The scheme recognises the vital role that small businesses play in the local economy and the particular difficulties that micro businesses (those with up to 10 employees) can face in accessing funds to help them grow and take on staff. Small businesses (up to 50 employees) can face similar difficulties when looking to take on an apprentice or provide apprenticeship opportunities for existing staff, and these are the type of businesses this scheme is designed to help.

The scheme is being delivered by the Adur & Worthing Business Partnership, and businesses will be on the Awards Panel, helping to decide which applications are successful.

Eligible businesses can apply online or submit a hard copy of the application form. Full details, including

application forms and guidance notes can be found at www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/ Andrew Swayne, Chairman of the Adur & Worthing Business Partnership, said: “The Adur & Worthing Business Partnership brings together businesses in Adur & Worthing and works with partner agencies to support and grow the local economy. Our priorities include supporting small businesses and increasing the number of local apprenticeship and development opportunities, so I am delighted that the Partnership has the opportunity to work with the Councils on this scheme and that a number of our members are involved in the Grant Panel.”

Cllr Bryan Turner, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, commented: “The Councils recognise that smaller sized businesses make a huge impact to Worthing and Adur, and have become the backbone of our local economy. It’s important that by working closely with partner organisations, like the Adur & Worthing Business Partnership, we’re able to design a scheme that can utilise available funding and contribute to businesses that will highly benefit from the grant.”

The ideas align with the Councils’ recently adopted strategy, Platforms for our Places. One of the core values is supporting the financial economy. By offering this funding, the scheme will help foster business growth and increase apprenticeship provision.

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Legal News

21st Century Offices for Bennett Griffin

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xpanding law firm, Bennett Griffin, has relocated to modern new offices in the centre of Worthing at 1 Liverpool Gardens. The move sees the firm investing in improved facilities that better meet the needs of its growing client base whilst also seeking to attract the best lawyers to its talented team.

The firm had been a fixture on Warwick Street since the 1930’s, but it had outgrown its pre-war offices and needed smart, new premises to meet the 21st century needs of its clients. Its bright new open plan offices, spacious client suite and generous meeting spaces have all been carefully designed to be both comfortable and functional.

Stephen Hollamby, Managing Partner of Bennett Griffin said, “It was exciting to design a new office from scratch, to begin with a blank sheet of paper and think ‘What do we need?’ Here was an opportunity to look at how we could design our surroundings, to reconsider the way that we work and to make the improvements that might have been inconceivable in our old offices.

“Our new offices are light and

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welcoming; the layout and the furnishings now feel like a modern law firm. Importantly we have the space to grow our talented team to support our expanding firm, for the benefit of the businesses of Worthing and the surrounding areas.

“We’re investing in the future whilst holding firmly to our core values of providing the best possible service and advice to our clients.”

“We’re investing in the future whilst holding firmly to our core values of providing the best possible service and advice to our clients. Those values along with our care and commitment are the cornerstone of everything we do.”

The Bennett Griffin Commercial, Residential and Commercial Property, Family, Personal Injury and Dispute Resolution teams have made the move to 1 Liverpool Gardens, Worthing. Bennett Griffin will continue to provide its Wills, Trusts and Probate and Care, Capacity and Court of Protection services from its Ferring office at 11 Sea Lane.

All phone numbers and email addresses have remained the same. www.bennettgriffin.co.uk 01903 229999

Accountancy News

Say hello to MHA Carpenter Box

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t’s both exciting and a privilege for us to be a Premier Partner supporting Worthing & Adur Chamber Connect – this fabulous new magazine!

We’re also very excited to announce that as of January 2017, Carpenter Box has started to trade as MHA Carpenter Box. We helped to found our national association MHA back in 2010; since then it has gone from strength to strength. Although it’s a small change, our new name allows us to demonstrate that whilst we are an independent firm, we have a massive national resource at our finger tips.

Our new brand identity also reflects the way in which our business has developed over the past few years.

For the first time we have included the words ‘Business Advisers’ as a descriptor. Our mission is to help our clients increase their profitability by giving great business advice, whether that is around tax, corporate finance, accountancy or audit or indeed any other of the skillsets within our business.

The refresh of our branding is then more of a catch up than a departure. The new logo just means that what you see is what you get!

So what is MHA? MHA is an association of some of the best independent regional UK accountancy firms. Founded in 2010, the concept works on the principle that the member firms knowledge and resource share at every level. Being part of MHA therefore gives our clients a totally scalable solution, from 50 locations across England, Scotland and Wales; MHA Carpenter Box is capable of delivering advice and support whatever the size of the client or whatever the sector or speciality.

Having trained in accountancy he went on to specialise in tax, so is both a Chartered Accountant and a Chartered Tax Adviser.

“Our mission is to help our clients increase their profitability by giving great business advice”

Despite his youthful looks, Dan’s career already spans 14 years. He will provide advice to clients in a wide range of businesses, with a particular focus on specialist VAT advice – one of the most complex areas of taxation.

Dan looks for tax planning opportunities, helping clients to become tax-efficient. His wide experience around accountancy and tax means that he can combine both sides, to give businesses really joined up advice.

Dan joins the team Well-known local tax adviser Dan Hobbs has recently joined the team at MHA Carpenter Box. Dan has been appointed as an Associate in our Tax Services Group.

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Cyber Crime

Don’t let your business be a victim of fraud!

By Daryl Gayler, Regional Director, Corporate & Commercial Banking, RBS Almost six million fraud and cyber crimes were committed last year, according to the Office for National Statistics’ Crime Survey for England and Wales*.

In this article, NatWest’s Daryl Gayler highlights some of the most common cyber scams and the simple steps you can take to protect your business.

What could falling victim to fraud mean for your business?

• A financial loss that could lead to pressure on cashflow • An adverse impact on morale within your business • Lack of confidence with your suppliers/customers • Regulatory issues, especially where clients monies are impacted In addition to computer viruses, the frauds primarily affecting business customers at present are as follows:

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‘Bogus Boss’ or CEO Fraud - A payment request, usually urgent and/or one-off, is received by one of your finance team, purporting to come from a senior person within your organisation (email addresses can easily be spoofed). The recipient assumes the instruction is genuine and pays the requested sum to the beneficiary account quoted in the email.

You must: • Ensure that you and your staff challenge and question what is received - do not take things at ‘face value’

Cyber Crime • Contact the sender of the email independently to verify the request • Not use any contact details within the request Invoice Redirection Fraud – Fraudsters pose as a supplier, sending a fake but realistic email or letter which claims that their bank details have changed. You are tricked in to updating the sort code and account number you have on file for that supplier, meaning that the next payment you make will go to the fraudster’s account instead.

You must: • Be vigilant - challenge and question any amendments to account details

dealing with payments

• Contact the supplier independently to verify the request

• Regularly reconcile bank statements and other accounts to help uncover irregularities

• Not use any contact details within the request

Summary

“Businesses from all sectors and of all sizes have been targeted by the scams outlined in this article, so please remain vigilant at all times.”

Overpayment Fraud – A new customer places their first order with you, for say £5k. Payment is made direct in to your bank account for a much larger sum, say £50k, using a counterfeit cheque. An urgent request is then received to send back the £45k overpayment. You make the refund using an immediate electronic transfer, but then the cheque bounces, leaving you out of pocket.

You must: • Undertake due diligence on any new customer • Check to see if the payment has cleared – victims are lead to believe the cheque is actually an electronic payment • Be wary of pressure to make the refund – the fraudster knows the cheque will be returned Insider Fraud – an employee with access to internal financial systems or banking services exploits their privileged access and knowledge to steal from the company. You must: • Ensure you have a robust pre and post-employment screening process • Have clear segregation of duties, particularly for staff

Financial fraud increased by a quarter to £399.5 million in the first six months of 2016^.

Businesses from all sectors and of all sizes have been targeted by the scams outlined in this article, so please remain vigilant at all times.

Banks’ security systems continue to prevent the majority of fraud attempts, but employees who use online banking services and other financial products on behalf of their employers also have a key part to play in the battle against cybercrime.

Further information can be obtained from the following sources: Little Book of big scams business edition – www.met. police.uk/docs/little_book_big_scams_business_edition. pdf Action fraud - The national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre -www.actionfraud.police.uk/

NatWest Security Centre - www.natwest.com/ security

References / sources: * Crime Survey for England & Wales - http://www.bbc. co.uk/news/uk-36854413 ^ Financial Fraud Action UK - https://www. financialfraudaction.org.uk/news/2016/10/12/scamsand-online-attacks-drive-fraud-increase-figures-show/

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Interview

Q & A… With Theo Paphitis The entrepreneur, owner of Ryman, Boux Avenue and Robert Dyas, and former ‘Dragon’ shares his tips for success How much did your upbringing influence your entrepreneurial spirit?

“My upbringing had a huge effect on my work ethic and my entrepreneurial spirit. My family are Cypriot and both my Father and Grandfather worked on the British bases there. When the British government granted independence to Cyprus, all those who worked for them were given a British passport, and this became their greatest asset.

“We moved to Manchester when I was seven, before eventually moving to London. After my parents divorced my brother and I were raised by my mum in a council flat and were often left to our own devices, which really helped later in life, as we had faith in our own abilities and were never afraid to make decisions.

“There wasn’t any extra cash so I never had pocket money. I think this is what inspired me to go out and get a job in my early teens, I worked in a Wimpy Bar and delivered cab company cards for a bit of money. I realised what you could have if you worked hard.”

What advice would you give to a small business or a start-up?

“Always stack the cards in your favour, and reduce the

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risks. My business success relies on a risk to reward ratio. You have to be honest with yourself. I have had numerous people say that “everyone thinks my idea is fantastic”, but it is so important not to delude yourself.

Learn to understand your competition, do your research and always take advice.

“You will not have a million pound business over night. You start small and work your way up. Not everyone is entrepreneurial and faking it can be a long, frustrating road. Not everyone is a premiership football player…some are Sunday league – but that doesn’t mean they don’t love what they do just as much!”

Do you miss Dragons Den? “Leaving the Den was a decision I did not take lightly.

It was a wonderful experience and a lot of fun but I had started up Boux Avenue, over five years ago now, and it seemed like the right time to leave and concentrate on growing my own businesses. It is something I look back on with great fondness but all good things eventually come to an end. I’m still in touch with lots of the dragons, and Peter Jones and I co-own Red Letter Days together.”

You are very active on twitter, is the Small Business Sunday (#SBS) project still ongoing?

“Twitter is a great way for me to interact with small businesses.

The competition runs between 5.00-7.30pm every Sunday and six winners are given a

Interview like ours are about to see an overall increase instead of a decrease in their rates bill in the next 12 months.

I would like to see a more balanced approach something that will help rather than hinder businesses.

It is an archaic system that is being used in an ever changing, modern business world.”

boost every week via a retweet to my followers, and becoming part of the #SBS network. It is a free boost for them and Small Business Sunday (#SBS) is now in its sixth year, with over 1900 #SBS winners so far. I have had some businesses who have tripled in size in the space of a year, grown their twitter following and gained entrepreneurial confidence as a result.

“The sense of community amongst the winners is incredible and this is particularly evident at the annual #SBS winners event. It is their opportunity to build upon the boost, network, learn and help their business.

It is their network to make of what they will.”

You have spoken of a perfect storm for retail ‘within bricks and mortar’, with the low pound, internet competition and high business rates. Is the High Street doomed?

“The concept of “bricks and clicks” makes for a successful business. There has never been a more exciting time for retail and this is due to the irrevocable change e-commerce has given the industry. The potential is huge! This does not mean the high street is over but a combination of the two is a winning combination.”

You have also spoken about the problem ahead with business rate reform. How would you like to see business rates decided to protect retailers?

“The facts are that footfall and activity on our high streets and town centres are in decline but businesses

You have combined Boux Avenue, Ryman Stationery and Robert Dyas into one retail brand. They seem unlikely bedfellows. How has the unified branding helped with the growth and management of very different markets?

“They are all stand-out brands in their own right.

Robert Dyas and Ryman are rich in heritage and Boux Avenue is a vibrant fashion brand that is leading in its marketplace. In November last year I completed the acquisition of the iconic London Graphic Centre, the leading supplier of material to the art and design community, adding a fourth business to my portfolio.

The unification of the brands under the Theo Paphitis Retail Group has been a great success and there are many ways that they all compliment each other and many employees work across all four brands.”

Aside from the three big retail chains, are there any other business which you are actively involved in?

“I am chairman of MB Partners, a boutique sports management agency as sport is a huge passion of mine.

As many people know, I was Chairman of Millwall for 8 years and I have a long-standing love of F1 too. Working with MB Partners gives me an opportunity to pursue this interest. Alongside this I also co-own Red Letter Days which sells experiences, anything from sky diving to spa days for consumers and businesses! “

What plans do you have for the three retail chains?

“In the last two years we have invested heavily into building and modernising our infrastructure. In particular, we have contracted a new warehouse and distribution facility in Hemel Hempstead and also developed new websites for Robert Dyas and Ryman, to meet the ever-changing world of meet the everchanging world of retail and ecommerce. We are

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Interview looking to do the same for Boux Avenue this year.”

Was taking Millwall to the FA Cup Final your greatest achievement!?

“Millwall getting into the FA Cup final against Manchester United was certainly a day in a million, and not a day goes by when I don’t reflect on my time at Millwall. There were good times and challenging times, but I’ll never forget Wembley, the semi-final or the final. These were all dreams and ambitions, that as a kid you wouldn’t have dreamt you’d be part of.

Certainly one to remember.”

Can you tell us more about The Paphitis Charitable Trust “The Paphitis Charitable Trust distributes fees from TV appearances, speeches and my book to causes close to my heart, especially children’s charities. Funds received are then distributed by a panel of trustees to a variety of registered charities.

“I typically like to assist smaller UK charities that have difficulty in gaining funds from other organisations and I’m pleased to donate to many different ones every year.”

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Now you are successful and money is not an issue, what drives you to keep going?

“I am inspired by many things in my life, from friends and family to my businesses and the people I work with.

I love working, and to not work would be to stand still and in retail, is you’re standing still you’re dead in the water and that’s not what’s going to get me out of bed in the morning. Retail is vibrant, passionate and, of course, particularly challenging at the moment, and I wouldn’t want to miss out on what’s coming next.”

Finally, where do you see the UK economy going in 2017 (Trump, Brexit…)?

“The shock of Brexit was definitely felt, but there have been lots of positive signs since and we need to remember that. In recent weeks we have seen many important countries, including the US, being very positive about trade deals with the UK after Brexit, suggesting it may not be as bad as the ‘fire and brimstone’ scenario we’ve been warned about. We need to look at the opportunities and build on those, not wallow in the predictions of doom and gloom, as that isn’t going to get us anywhere. Britain is open for business and we need to remember that.”

Interview

Designs on Worthing Warnes Projects Limited are based in Ford, but until recently were best known for their commercial fit-outs and refurbishment projects in London. Joining the Chamber and entering the Adur & Worthing Business Awards changed all that.

Working on local projects is a whole new experience, as Stephen Hobbs, Managing Director, explains to Ian Trevett

O

ne of the lessons we have learned in producing business magazines in the South East is that you never stop discovering hugely successful companies that operate locally, yet you are totally unaware of. Warnes Projects Limited is one such company, and it appears that they are going on the same journey of discovery.

When Warnes first started out, they won some great projects in Battersea, and through word of mouth, they inherited more work in the capital. The company had always wanted to source local work as well, but the

London contracts kept them constantly busy.

It was joining Worthing & Adur Chamber of Commerce that changed this dynamic. “I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first went to a meeting,” says Stephen Hobbs, MD of Warnes Projects Limited. “I thought, probably incorrectly, it would just be like a business club but it’s not. It’s about meeting likeminded people. We have made some great contacts, and Marc Sagoo, our Head of Design, is working with two Chamber members at the moment on one of our projects in London.

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Interview So, what is it that Warnes actually do?

“We did the Better Business Show last year and that was amazing. We had about 360 cards and we’ve had strong enquiries. We’ve quoted for projects locally for companies that we didn’t even know existed – and, more importantly, didn’t know us. So it worked very well. For instance, we’re doing a lot of work for Northbrook and Worthing College. And, of course, we worked with the Chamber in designing and fitting-out the Sphere.

“After about a year, the Chamber said, “Have you thought about going in for the Business Awards?” We put in our application and we won Small Business of the Year, which was a real shock to us.

“Everything changed. We started getting enquiries and winning work locally. Although we’ve always been a local business, we haven’t been a local company, and now we are a local company.

“We are set-up to take on even bigger challenges. We want to be known as more of a player in the fit-out market.“ “When we won was probably the best company day of my life. You always enter because you want to win, but it was so unexpected. What it did for us as a company and everybody who works here was worth more than any projects we may win. It was a proper boost! All the guys who work in London and everybody who works here celebrated: “We won it! The team have won it.”

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“We do office and warehouse refurbishment,” says Stephen. “Essentially we’re a project management firm, so pretty much anything within the construction industry. We don’t really do ground-up building but anything within the industry we can project manage. We do warehouse conversions; for instance we might take a 10,000 square foot warehouse and convert it into two smaller warehouses, and we’ll refurb it back for the client.

“We do office refurbishments for clients and Marc will space plan and we give them design options. We’ll space plan it, design it, we’ll bring in our mechanical and electrical engineers, and we’ll manage the fitting out.

Effectively, we are there from design to completion.”

“Although we’ve always been a local business, we haven’t been a local company, and now we are a local company.”

The name of the company was a bit of a mystery, as no-one in the company seems to have a surname of Warne…

“I started Warnes Projects with my business partner, Ed Davies. The name Warnes came from the fact that we met when we both worked in the Warnes Hotel in Worthing. He was a chef and I worked in the restaurant.

“We won a contract in Battersea, who was a client I had previously work with, and straight after the developer gave us another project. We then looked at working with another company who wanted a project done and suddenly we were Warnes. We were working in the back bedroom of my house. We grew and grew and grew to the point where we were working on plans on the floor in the back bedroom and we rented a little office down in the town.

“Through necessity we had to move on and found this

Interview space in Ford. There were still only three of us. Carolyn, my wife, was doing all the paperwork and the books and me and Ed were running around all over the place.

Then Tracy Verga came on board and started doing contract work for me in London; Marc came and joined us; and now we’re nearly 11 employees strong (one is part-time).”

“We’re growing very quickly. We had a very good year last year. We’ve been sitting here seeing the business change, watching the enquiry level change. One area we are looking to grow is to take on bigger projects.

Our commissions are getting bigger, and we are setup to take on even bigger challenges. We want to be known as more of a player in the fit-out market.

“One of our biggest projects at Great Dover Street in London, ended up being a £2.4m project, but the way it worked was we had one project there, which led to another and so on. It was a project of five smaller projects made up of one of £600,000, another of £350,000 and so on. I want the company to be seen as being able to manage a £3 million project, as a single-

tender. We win the projects on merit and each one leads to a bigger one.”

As the projects get more ambitious, it has created a growing pain that Stephen hadn’t anticipated.

“I became aware that we were becoming set up to manage larger projects, which was a natural growing process. We have always worked on large and small projects, and we have built up great relationships with our clients of all sizes. So we can continue giving a bespoke service to different size companies, who have different requirements, we are developing a small works division. We will be promoting the new division, as we value these commissions very highly.

“As we grow, we have to adapt accordingly, but it is a good issue to have. In a year’s time I would like people to have even more of an awareness locally of Warnes, but it has been an amazing 18 months.” www.warnesprojects.co.uk Tel: 01243 558570

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Information Technology

A High Tech Sussex based entrepreneur James Stoner, founder of JSPC computers, has built his company up to become one of the leading IT services firms in the South East IT specialist credits as his mentor, the late Dr Peter Harborow, who inspired him to believe that forging his own enterprise was possible.

“I left home when I was 16 and a lot happened to me in the space of a few years after that - including meeting my wife Shelley at 19, we had our first child at 23 and I started the business all around that time. I was working at a local primary school as an IT technician and I felt that the local education authority was not supportive enough, so I realised there was a niche market for setting up a computer services business,” explained James.

He added: “That was 15 years ago and we now have 25 staff working with hundreds of schools and businesses across Sussex, Hampshire and Surrey, as well as assisting one firm with its expansion overseas in Jordan.”

M

aking the company’s team feel like family is at the heart of James Stoner’s refreshingly down to earth approach to his ICT service business.

The West Sussex based entrepreneur has come a long way in just over a decade since setting up his venture, JSPC Computer Services, in his spare time whilst working for a local primary school.

Though he’s claimed a series of regional accolades for his own achievements and seen his company gain awards over the past few years, he is in no danger of letting such successes go to his head in a hurry.

There has undoubtedly been plenty of hard graft in building an enterprise providing computer services to schools and businesses across Sussex, Surrey and Kent that is now turning over around £4 million a year.

The two great motivating forces in his life have been his wife Shelley, who James explained has supported him every step of the way. So too has the man the

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The company has grown substantially over the years experiencing many significant breakthroughs. James and the team at JSPC stay constantly up-to-date with the latest technology to ensure that their clients benefit from the best the technological world has to offer. The company are a cloud reseller for Microsoft Office 365, rolling the new cloud services out to businesses and schools throughout the South.

“I think that it is probably among the things that people need the most some help from others who have been a success and can show them that it can be done.”

It has not always been plain sailing against a tough economic backdrop over the past few years. There have been a number of challenges in maintaining and developing the business, yet according to the amiable MD, the tests that they’ve encountered have all added to the overall satisfaction in seeing it succeed.

Information Technology Perhaps one of the business’s most impressive moves has been partnering with Exa Education. This collaboration means that JSPC now offer competitive and effective school broadband packages as well as a range of other specialist ICT services to over 200 schools.

While James remains focused on the management side of the business, he is fully prepared to be hands on.

The office, based in Sompting, West Sussex, is typically a hive of activity responding to as many as 100 call-outs each day.

Working closely with so many schools and businesses means that the team has to be ready to tackle a range of technical issues on a daily basis. JSPC are renowned for offering a full ICT technical support package, they take care of everything from installing servers and fixing hardware, to day-to-day tech maintenance, training services and everything in-between.

“I’m enjoying my job more than I’ve ever done. Every member of staff I have is like family to me. Finding the right people is always one of the hardest challenges, our staff turnover is extremely low, which hopefully shows that I must be doing something right. Two senior members, Tony Dorey and Simon Williams have been with me for a long time in particular and have been really important to the development of the business.”

“Playing an active role within the community is something that is especially important to the company.”

In his opinion, having a sense of mutual trust within the team is fundamental to its operation. From witnessing the buzz surrounding the firm’s offices, it is clear the team has plenty on its hands in dealing with customer requests, but the sense of positivity from within the company has clearly been bolstered by a policy of investing in staff training.

been especially rewarding in providing practical advice.

“I love being a mentor and am helping several people at the moment. I think that it is probably among the things that people need the most - some help from others who have been a success and can show them that it can be done.”

Playing an active role within the community is something that is especially important to the company.

This includes contributing to the Love Your Hospital campaign to gain funds for Worthing Hospital and supporting the Worthing-based Atlantic Splash team in its bid to row across the Atlantic to raise money for the British Heart Foundation and Great Ormond Street Hospital.

As for James’ own company, JSPC’s fortunes appear in fine form and the firm’s future looks very bright, thanks to a dedicated team and the enthusiasm of its Director.

To find out more about JSPC Computer Services visit www.jspc.co.uk or call 01903 767122.

The company has its own internal development programme and its MD has shown willingness to bringing in new blood to the business through engaging with apprenticeship initiatives through the National Apprenticeship Service.

In addition, James has also become a business mentor for emerging enterprises in Sussex, which he felt had

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Social Media

The Social Column Learning to love LinkedIn by Kelly O’Haire, Ask for the Moon Make sure you have a customised URL on your profile.

When you sign up for LinkedIn it will generate a profile number for you that you can change to be your name (or close to it). Simply go into ‘edit profile’ and click on the settings icon in the grey line under your picture, this will take you to your public profile page where you can change your profile name to suit your personal brand. The beauty of this is that you can then use this link on your email signature, your business cards, your website… and be discovered!

Get your job title right. Exciting sounding titles are great to a point, but in the world of search terms they need to be relevant to what you do. It’s no use being the ‘plate spinner extraordinaire’ if you’re actually the Managing Director. How will people find you?

W

hen asked to write for Chamber Connect magazine, I thought it might be helpful to put together a short series of articles focussing on how social media can be practically used in day to day working life.

Although Facebook is still the largest social platform with over 1.7 billion active global users (active means those who log-in at least once a month), I thought it best to start with the platform that was specifically developed for professionals – LinkedIn. In the UK over four out of five professionals have a LinkedIn account, amounting to some 20+ million users.

But it’s true that many don’t use it to its full potential so what can be done?

Top Three Profile Basics Use a clear picture of your face in your profile. Not you on holiday, not you doing your hobby, not you behind a camera (photographers are the worst!) and definitely not you in fancy dress! Ask yourself, how do want to be recognised when they actually meet you?

Do you really want to be thought of in your speedos?

Er, no.

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Finally do try to keep your profile up to date. Think of it as your living CV. I had to point out to a senior fundraiser recently that her old job details were on her profile, ‘no wonder I’ve not heard much from LinkedIn recently’ she said! kelly@askforthemoon.co.uk w. www.askforthemoon.co.uk

#betterbiz2017

2017 SHOW GUIDE

Worthing Assembly Hall 2nd February • 10am to 4pm www.worthingandadurchamber.co.uk SUPPORTED BY

MAIN SPONSOR

Come and see us at stand A35 BMW | MINI Business Partnership BMW 118i SPORT 5-DOOR SPORTS HATCH

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If you manage a fleet of fewer than 50 company cars, the award winning BMW I MINI Business Partnership has been designed specifically for you. The full range of BMW and MINI models are available to order, along with compelling contract hire rates and comprehensive service and maintenance packages.

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Visit our brand new state of the art retailer in Rustington, to view the latest range of BMWs and MINIs. For more information please contact Local Business Development Manager, Bob Andrews, on 01903 25957 or email bandrews@chandlers-bmw.co.uk.

CHANDLERS WORTHING Manor Retail Park, Rustington, Littlehampton, West Sussex BN16 3FH 01903 259572 www.chandlers-bmw.co.uk

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(Plus initial rental*) Official Fuel Economy Figures for the BMW Range: Urban 13.8-72.4mpg (20.5-3.9l/100km). Extra Urban 30.4-91.3mpg (9.3-3.1l/100km). Combined 21.1-470.8mpg (13.4-0.06l/100km). CO2 Emissions 325-0g/km. Official Fuel Economy Figures for the MINI 3-door Hatch Range: Urban 31.0-72.4 mpg (9.1-3.9 l/100km). Extra Urban 54.3-91.1 mpg (5.2-3.1 l/100km). Combined 42.2-83.1 mpg (6.7-3.4 l/100km). CO2 Emissions 155-89. Figures are obtained in a standardised test cycle. They are intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not be representative of what a user achieves under usual driving conditions.

Chandlers Worthing is a credit broker. *Business users only. Plus £1,612.44, and £1,238.40 initial rental (respectively). Price shown excludes VAT at 20% and is for a 36 month Business Contract Hire agreement for a BMW 118i Sport 5-Door Sports Hatch, with a contract mileage of 18,000 miles and excess mileage charge of 6.64p per mile, and a MINI Cooper 3-Door Hatch, with a contract mileage of 18,000 miles and excess mileage charge of 4.74p per mile Applies to new vehicles ordered between 1 JANUARY 2017 and 31 MARCH 2017 and registered by 30 JUNE 2017 (subject to availability). At the end of your agreement you must return the vehicle. Excess mileage, vehicle condition and other charges may be payable. Hire available subject to status to UK residents aged 18 or over. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Terms and conditions apply. Offer may be varied, withdrawn or extended at any time. Hire provided by BMW Financial Services (GB) Limited, Summit ONE, Summit Avenue, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 0FB. Group 1 Automotive Limited trading as Chandlers Worthing, commonly introduce customers to BMW Financial Services, for which we may receive payment if you enter into an agreement with them. This introduction does not amount to independent financial advice.

Worthing’s modern flexible working space Ideal for start-ups or growing businesses, the Sphere will ensure your business can develop to the next level ... ✓ Latest Technology ✓ Innovative Design ✓ Flexible Working Areas ✓ Private Office Space ✓ Meeting Areas ✓ Hot Desking ✓ Collaborative Working ✓ Business Support and Advice

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WELCOME Welcome to the 2017 Better Business Show. Back by popular demand after the great success of last year. This years show is once again packed with useful information relevant to all business owners of all sizes. There is a packed itinerary of keynote speakers, two talks from Google and a selection of experts sharing their top tips. Over 90 exhibitors creating a great opportunity for you to meet and support the local business community. As you know, we love to ‘Buy Local’.

Thanks must go to the Adur and Worthing Business Partnership (AWBP) who for the last 5 years have supported the show and helped it grow to what it is now and Adur and Worthing Council who provide the venue, parking and all their expertise. This year we also need to thank our main sponsor Chandlers BMW and Mini, who are proud to be associated with the show this year and raised awareness of their new high tech premises in Rustington. If you haven’t visited it you should!

Finally a big thank you to all those people who are too many to name but all know who they are who have generously given their time and expertise freely. The show would not be the success it is without you.

We hope you enjoy your day Tina Tilley and Team Worthing and Adur Chamber

Zone 1 • Keynote Speakers Schedule The Keynote speakers will be in Zone 1 – please arrive 10 minutes before the start of the talk.

Google – Tell Your Story online

10.45am

The first step towards making the most of the internet is to show off the best of your business online. Make your website shine, on computers and mobile devices, develop rich content, and learn about the importance of measuring success with analytics.

Keynote Speaker – Shaa Wasmund

11.45am

Shaa Wasmund award winning businesswoman now MBE will be sharing how she’s had her most successful and happiest 2 years in business yet including how to make money from the skills, expertise and knowledge that you already have, growing your lists with zero marketing budget and much more.

Google – Reach New Customers Online 1.15pm

Take the next step and make your business more visible online so that new customers can find you. Understand the cornerstones of digital marketing, and learn how to use online marketing tools to reach prospective customers.

Keynote Speaker – Darren Gearing 2.15pm

Darren Gearing an international deluxe hotelier from TV show ‘Hotel in the Clouds’ will be sharing his time spent working for a Asian group out of Hong Kong, then relocating back to the UK and opening the Hotel at the Shard. How did the transition process work changing from working in a corporate environment to now working for ones self.

Keynote Speaker – Gillian Fielding 3.15pm

Patron of Worthing and Adur Chamber of Commerce Gill will talk about businesses needing to adapt in relationship to the changes in the local demographics along with the impacts of brexit and the current economic climate.

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BETTER BUSINESS SHOW 2017 KEYNOTE SPEAKERS Shaa Wasmund MBE – 11.45am Shaa Wasmund MBE is one of Britain’s most highly regarded female entrepreneurs and was named in early 2016 by The Sunday Times as one of the Top 20 Most Influential Entrepreneurs in the UK. She is an international best selling author and award winning businesswoman, who the Institute of Directors voted one of the most connected women in Britain. Her first book, Stop Talking, Start Doing was the #1 Best Selling Business Book in the UK for 14 months in a row, breaking all records. Whilst at University, she became the world’s only licensed female boxing promoter, working alongside Don King. Shaa then started working with Sir James Dyson and helped build Dyson into one of the most recognised brand names in the world.

In 2015 she received an MBE (Member of The British Empire) Award from the Queen for her “services to business and entrepreneurship”.

Shaa will be sharing how she’s had her most successful and happiest 2 years in business yet!

Shaa will talk about how to: • Make Money From The Skills, Expertise and Knowledge You Already Have • Grow Your List With Zero Marketing Budget • Build predictable, recurring online revenue of £5k a month • Grow an audience of raving fans and repeat buyers • Create, market and sell online courses to monetise your audience • Automate your business to run itself and make money around the clock • To build a business to live life on your terms and totally smash 2017!

Shaa’s purpose is to help as many people as possible, build businesses they love and which deliver them what she says is her most valuable asset: FREEDOM.

Darren Gearing – 2.15pm Up until very recently Darren was an international deluxe Hotelier whose career spanned extended periods in the UK, USA and Asia working for the Marriott and award winning Shangri-La Hotel groups. Most recently he was based at the Shangri-La at the Shard as Executive Vice President where he oversaw 16 hotels globally, all including the development and opening of this Iconic London Hotel as depicted in the TV show “The Hotel in the Clouds”.

Darren is a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality.

A native of Sussex, he now has entrepreneurial interests in a Sussex based plant hire business, in Worthing’s Beach House and Corner House pubs and an active Hotel consultancy with large investors. For the immediate future Darren will assist his partners in growing these businesses in London and the South East, they are actively seeking further “opportunities” in Sussex.

Darren will talk about his time spent working for a Asian group out of Hong Kong, then relocating back to the UK and opening the Hotel at the Shard. How did the transition process work changing from working in a corporate environment to now working for ones self.

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Gillian Fielding – 3.15pm Gill Fielding is an international motivational speaker, businesswoman, presenter and author. Despite being born into a poor family in the East End of London with humble beginnings, she is now a self-made multi millionaire who enjoys the fruits of financial success as much as sharing her knowledge on wealth creation, financial education and investing skills to help others succeed. Gill amassed her wealth with land & property, stocks and business investments. She owns and co-owns a variety of businesses today including The Wealth Company and is a published author.

Gill was featured on ‘Secret Millionaire’ for Channel 4 and was a business expert on The Apprentice – You’re Fired show. She has been a financial commentator for the BBC, ITV and CNBC as well as appearing in a variety of other TV shows around the world. She is currently a financial expert for the BBC and hosts a monthly phone-in for BBC radio.

In her career, Gill has held many high profile positions in business life including Citicorp, being the Chief Executive of a financial services group specialising in tax free savings vehicles, was the Chair of a Unit Trust Trade Association, Director on the board of an ethical Unit Trust (with Lord Brian Rix) and was an adviser to the Inland Revenue on tax free savings.

Patron of Worthing and Adur Chamber of Commerce Gill will talk about businesses needing to adapt in relationship to the changes in the local demographics along with the impacts of brexit and the current economic climate.

10.45am Tell Your Story Online Gain practical tips on how to harness the power of the web and show off the best of your business online. Learn how to make your website shine on all devices, develop rich content, boost your presence on with social media and understand the importance of measuring success with analytics.

We’ll cover the following: • Build a consumer friendly website and make it shine across all devices.

• Learn how to gain consumer insights and measure success.

• Boost your social presence and tell your story through content

1.15pm Reach New Customers Online Take the next step and make your business more visible online so that new customers can find you. Understand the cornerstones of digital marketing and the importance of search, and learn how to use online marketing tools to reach prospective customers.

We’ll cover the following: • Help your website be found through online search • Manage your businesses presence on Google • Understand the benefits of online advertising

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FLOOR PLAN

The Keynote speakers will be in Zone 1 – please arrive 10 minutes before the start of the talk.

Schedule for the day

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10.45am

Google – Tell Your Story online

11.45am

Keynote Speaker – Shaa Wasmund

1.15pm

Google – Reach New Customers Online

2.15pm

Keynote Speaker – Darren Gearing

3.15pm

Keynote Speaker – Gillian Fielding

Expert Zone – These are drop in sessions running every 30 minutes through the day on the stage area.

Food and drink is available including: Wraps Sandwiches Cold Snacks Deli Specials Cash bar available Teas and coees

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EXHIBITORS

R64 5 Rings Telecom A23 Active IT R67 Adur & Worthing Council R66 Adur & Worthing Business Partnership A30 Albion in the Community R65 Ardington Hotel A13 Ask for the Moon A53 Avantguard Security A41 Basepoint A26 Bennett Griffin A24 Bloomfield Digital A22/R68 Business Navigator A54 Carpenter Box A35 Chandlers BMW & MINI Worthing A5 Conxdigital A56 Crawford Davis R91 Darlington Court Care Home R82 DeScribe Translations R92 Easylet R76 Empire Printworks A40 Energy Procurement Specialist R74 Enterprise Frist A49 ETI A31 Event Travel A48 Federation of Small Businesses A37 Fine Cut Group A52 Fine Marketing A47 First Payment Merchant Services R87 Helping You Invest A15 Henry House Hydrotherapy A25 Here & Now Magazine A61 Higgidy A60 Hillingar / My Team Safe A27 Holidays and Homes A14 IEP Financial A59 Invader Security R78 Jenny Lynden A20 Kreston Reeves R83 Micawber Lettings Ltd A6 Mocha Furniture A10 Momentum Business Support A9 Monk Marketing R84 More Radio R70 Mumpreneurs

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A44 A45 A18 A58 A55 A17 A42 A19 A28 A46 A57 A43 A12 A21 R71 A50 A39 R90 R73 A29 R72 R81 R88 A38 A7 F5 R77 R89 A32 R85 A11 A16 R80 A8 A51 A25 R75 R89 R86 R79 F3 A36

Nsure Nevalee Business Solutions Northbrook College PEP the Printers Pixel by Pixel Platinum Business Magazine Rabbit Group Ricardo Rock IT recycling Shoreham Port SmartPA Southern Pavilion Sphere Business Centre Spicer International Sussex Business Times Sussex Performance Centre Sussex Transport The Colour Ministry The County Group Toast Promotional Products Unleashed Utility Warehouse Vice Puddings Wannops Warnes Projects West Sussex Fire & Rescue Whitehead-Ross Education and Consulting Worthing Independent Networking Winner Plant Hire Worthing Accommodation Worthing and Adur Chamber of Commerce Worthing and Adur Fund Worthing Business Circle Worthing Coaches Worthing College Worthing Direct Leaflet Distribution Worthing Herald Worthing Independent Networking Worthing Journal Worthing Rugby Club Worthing Theatres Yoohoo Creative

EXPERT ZONE ‘Start Up’s’ Session with Enterprise First

10.30am

Enterprise First help support small businesses in the early years of trading providing advice, training, and access to finance through Virgin Start Up Loans and mentoring. We deliver the government funded, “Start & Grow” programme.

11.00am

Amanda will talk about the forthcoming Business Growth Grant & LEADER grant, currently open. She’ll impart some valuable tips on how to apply, and what to consider to win grant funding.

Be Grant Ready with Business Navigator Team

Jenny Lynden – Creating a Healthy & Happy Workplace 11.30am

How to promote productivity and a happy and healthy workplace for people with trades backgrounds, management experience, senior leaders and entrepreneurs via a webinar programme.

Crowd Funding with Tony Hedger, A&T Business Associates 12.00pm

Peer to Peer and Crowdfunding are fast becoming the most popular way to finance a business. How do they work, what are the advantages and disadvantages, of using them both as a business and an individual.

Social Media with Kelly O’Haire, Ask for the Moon 12.30pm

Kelly has over 10 years experience working in social media and digital. She will be discussing the top trends for social media in 2017 and offering some practical tips that you can take away and actually use in practise.

Legal Entity with Business Navigator Team 1.00pm

Kerry will deliver this seminar with Ryan Davies. They’ll talk about the types of legal status you can choose. whilst outlining some of the pros & cons for each of the more popular legal entities.

Marketing with Sheryl Tipton, Tipton Marketing 1.30pm

2.00pm

2.30pm

How do you plan your 2017 marketing so that you reach your target audience, stay ahead of your competition and know where and how to promote yourself? Come and find out more! www.tiptonmarketing.co.uk.

Adur & Worthing Council Procurement Team

The Procurement team will talk about registering for and accessing the contracts finder and tenders on the council website, the procurement process, tendering tips and compliance.

SEO with Shake it Up Creative

Learn about the core elements of Local SEO; being seen within ‘nearby’ results, what to do if you work from home and how local SEO links with your customer service plan.

Websites - Ant Tyler, Adur Design 3.00pm

Ant is a professional web designer and will take you through a journey of the modern business website covering the latest technologies and top tips including your audience, user experience, navigation and mobile responsive designs.

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PREMIER PARTNERS FINE CUT The Fine Cut Group is a multi-service manufacturing company, with specialist divisions in advanced industrial print, engraving and engineering solutions. With continual investment in the latest technology, a highly skilled workforce of craftsmen, and by drawing upon our experience of more than thirty prosperous years, we’re proud to be one of the UK’s finest & most advanced print and engraving manufacturers today. www.finecut.co.uk • facebook.com/FineCutGroup • twitter.com/FineCutGroup

HIGGIDY Based in Shoreham-by-Sea, Higgidy is passionate about making pies (as well as quiches and sausage rolls too). They carefully bake in small batches, using the same ingredients you’d use in your own kitchen at home and finish everything they make by hand.

Since Camilla baked the first pie in her own kitchen back in 2003, Higgidy has grown from a small start-up to a 24-hour business that employs more than 280 people and with plans for some major building expansion the company is set to turnover more than £28 million this year.

www.higgidy.co.uk • facebook.com/higgidy • twitter.com/higgidy

ELECTRONIC TEMPERATURE INSTRUMENTS LTD Electronic Temperature Instruments Ltd (ETI) is the UK’s leader in the manufacture and design of thermometers and temperature probes. In 2014 they won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade for the second time in three years. Based in Worthing, West Sussex, ETI has a comprehensive, global network of distributors and in addition to manufacturing thermometers and probes, ETI has an in-house UKAS accredited calibration laboratories for both temperature and humidity.

ETI look forward to sharing their success at this exciting event and will be showcasing a range of products including the UK’s bestselling food thermometer, the SuperFast Thermapen. www. thermometer.co.uk • facebook.com/etiltd • twitter.com/etiltd

SHOREHAM PORT ‘Shoreham Port is a thriving commercial Port on the South Coast of England. Our mission is to provide a first class service to our customers and stakeholders and to continue to develop our excellent infrastructure and facilities to meet their requirements, in a commercially economic and efficient way. We provide a full range of marine services and also have an extensive commercial property portfolio to let.

Our vision is to become the preferred south coast port for short sea traffic and marine related projects as well as landlord for specialist sites; whilst being at the heart of the community and a key local economy driver’. www.shoreham-port.co.uk • facebook.com/shorehamportauthority twitter.com/shoreham_port

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RICARDO Ricardo is a global engineering and strategic, technical and environmental consultancy business with a value chain that includes the niche manufacture and assembly of high-performance products. Our ambition is to be the world’s preeminent brand in the development and application of solutions to meet the challenges in the transportation, energy and scarce resource sectors.

Our 100 years of commitment to research and development empowers Ricardo’s team of over 2,700 professional engineers, consultants, scientists and support staff to deliver class-leading and innovative products and services for the benefit of our customers, which include the world’s major transportation original equipment manufacturers and operators, supply chain organisations, energy companies, financial institutions and government agencies.

www.ricardo.com • twitter.com/ricardomedia

SUSSEX TRANSPORT National Road Haulage, Contract Lifting & Warehousing.

Sussex Transport supply a comprehensive range of road haulage, contract lifting, warehousing and logistics services aimed at removing your transport and logistics headaches.

Our head office is based in Lancing, and we provide a professional UK wide road haulage and logistics service for transportation, logistics and distribution requirements, from small parcels to large loads.

“Our aim is complete customer satisfaction, we listen to what our customer wants and then we deliver the service they require” Damian Pulford, Managing Director www.sussextransport.com • facebook.com/SussexTransport twitter.com/SussexTransport

RABBIT GROUP Rabbit Waste Management Ltd, best known as the family run, local company Rabbit Skips - but now also becoming famed for both Rabbit & Dowling Plant & Diggers and Rabbit Demolition.

Rabbit, now established for nearly 30 years, focus’s on providing an efficient, cost effective, professional and friendly service to both businesses and householders, which ever part of the business you chose.

Rabbit are based in Lancing where we have our waste processing facility and state of the art Waste to Energy plant which, after processing, turns your waste into Green Electricity - which is then fed directly into the National Grid helping us to send less than 1% of waste to landfill.

To find out more call 01903 762020. www.rabbitgroup.co.uk • facebook.com/RabbitGroup twitter.com/RabbitGroup

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SUPPORTED BY Worthing and Adur Chamber is a leading light in the local business community. Established for almost 100 years, it works with, and on behalf of, businesses of all sizes across a large area that roughly ranges from Southwick across to Littlehampton and up to Steyning and Storrington and currently has around 400 member businesses.

The Chamber takes its role as ‘the business voice’ for the local area very seriously and as such, sits on many different local committees and boards. This ensures that local businesses have their say when it comes to things like change and investment in the area.

If your business needs support, training, promotion, development, representation, or simply some friendly networking events, then Worthing and Adur Chamber is the place to come. Membership rates start from less than £100 for smaller businesses. Join today, it will be one of the best business decisions you make all year!

Adur & Worthing Business Partnership (AWBP) brings together businesses and organisations that have a shared interest in supporting and growing the local economy by working to improve the support, infrastructure and skills base needed to help businesses of all size succeed and prosper.

The Partnership also plays an important role in representing the interests of business, and acting as a ‘voice for Adur & Worthing businesses’ at regional and national level.

Of particular note is the role played by the Partnership on the Greater Brighton Economic Board and its endorsement of funding bids to support regeneration.

One of AWBP’s local priorities is to support start-up and small businesses by raising aspiration and providing a supportive business environment; including access to premises, knowledge and skills.

The Partnership is supporting the Better Business Show, organised by the Worthing & Adur Chamber of Commerce, which allows businesses access to a wide range of information, support and inspiration to help them succeed.

With thanks to the following show supporters:

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Show Guide design: yoohoocreative.com

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E-Commerce

What will be big in e-commerce in 2017?

by Chris Painter, Managing Director of Pixel by Pixel

S

o, that was 2016. Great, wasn’t it? OK, that might be overstating things. It was, er, instructive.

But one thing 2016 was good for was the growth of e-commerce. That’s set to continue in 2017, and we think next year’s big thing will be content.

Watch out for even more blogs, articles, podcasts and videos. What’s behind the phenomenon? Well, we believe that retailers like a bit of repeat business. We’re perceptive like that.

That means building a relationship with buyers.

Rather than having a mucky one-night stand. That way, they cease to compete on price and instead compete on the overall experience.

So here are five ways we might see e-commerce change next year.

1. Watch out for video Recent research by high-foreheaded men in white coats has concluded that millennials prefer watching YouTube to standard TV. Well, we saw last year’s Apprentice candidates and we can’t blame them.

More intriguingly, three-quarters of them enjoy watching videos made by brands and big companies.

This translates to: millennials love content marketing.

Let’s get making videos.

2. Smartphone-savvy formats

Internet use used to be solely on giant computers the size of Belgium. No longer. Most web browsing now takes place on phones. Experts reckon up to 75% of Internet use next year will be on mobiles.

If you’re a typical person, and I think you are, you’ll spend three hours a day on your device.

The New Year’s Resolution here must be to focus on mobile-friendly content formats.

3. More investment in content Online marketers are investing more in content development and promotion. In fact, nearly twothirds of marketers questioned in a marketing study thought their content marketing was more successful than a year ago.

This improvement in confidence in content marketing should mean more of it getting done in 2017. That means more investment. Here at Pixel

by Pixel, we like that. Would you like to place your marketing budget into our bank account?

4. Relationships If you’re consistently nice to someone, they’re more likely to be your friend. This assertion of staggering genius is what lies behind the new relationshipbuilding ethos of modern ecommerce.

What we can expect is drip-feeding. That will probably mean story-based episodes on YouTube. In 2017, entertainment is key.

5. Artificial Intelligence This year, content marketers began to mess about with machine-generated content. This isn’t yet a full-blown thing, but it was enough of one to be discussed at big marketing conferences attended by ‘thought-leaders’ in pink cravats.

This sort of artificial intelligence could take the shape of automated translation, personalised content experiences or predicting what to write about.

Watch out, world. You have been warned.

www.pixelbypixel.co.uk

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Northbrook College – Open for Business Room Hire – prices from £10 per hour Northbrook College is dedicated to meeting the needs of the business community and is now offering a range of rooms for hire.

Whether you need a space for client meetings, new business presentations or interviews we can accommodate your needs on a small or large scale basis, one-off or regular hire available.

For more information please contact: commercial.services@nbcol.ac.uk or 01903 273 016

Promotional Feature

Commercial Sense Paul Trew, Centre Manger at The Centre for Leadership, on how Northbrook is building partnerships with the local business community

S

ince the launch of The Centre for Leadership in November 2015, Northbrook Commercial Services has increased its commercial offering to clients across Sussex.

for start-ups based at Northbrook’s Broadwater site.

Both organisations are demonstrating a clear message that this is somewhere where you can come along and do business.

We now offer over 20 leadership and management one and two-day workshops aimed at encouraging employees to develop, adapt, change and grow, enabling them to increasingly contribute to the success of their organisation.

We believe that we can inspire and motivate your employees to excel in the workplace, achieving their goals and your vision.

“Excellent trainer – really enjoyed the 2 days”

SW, GSK Worthing (Train the Trainer)

“85% of your financial success is due to your personality and ability to communicate, negotiate, and lead.

Shockingly, only 15% is due to technical knowledge”.

Carnegie Institute of Technology.

“Useful and enjoyable session, thank you!”

SB, VW Heritage (Customer Service)

We rely on feedback not only from the delegates on the workshops themselves but also from their organisations which allows us to constantly review the course content to make sure it delivers the maximum impact possible. It is vital for companies to measure the impact of training on their organisation in order to obtain a positive return on investment.

Our Commercial Room Hire team is dedicated to meeting the needs of the business community and is now offering a range of rooms for hire. Whether you need space for company training, meetings or presentations we can accommodate your needs on a small or large scale basis. For further information please email one of the team at commercial.services@ nbcol.ac.uk

Our workshops are designed by professionals, are relevant to your business, and flexible in their delivery.

We believe that we deliver great training.

If you would like to find out how we can work with your organisation please contact: Paul Trew Centre Manager The Centre for Leadership Broadwater Road Worthing BN14 8HJ Tel: 01903 273723 Email: p.trew@nbcol.ac.uk

We’ve been working with the Worthing & Adur Chamber of Commerce as a strategic partner for over nine years. Our close working relationship has continued to develop with the successful opening of The Sphere Business Centre, a new Innovation Centre

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Direct Debit Processing Donor Development Campaign Planning Marketing Resources

www.charityline.org.uk

Call us on: 0800 368 9701 or email: info@charityline.org.uk

Promotional Feature

Ship-shape for Business Is your business sinking under the weight of the burden of business? asks Monica Rossi of MoGio’VA, the Virtual Assistant company

S

ailing your business into calm waters is not an easy voyage. That’s why many businesses don’t make it out of the choppier seas, and some don’t even make it beyond the harbour.

Starting a business isn’t just about launching a boat and hoping for the best: you need good winds, navigational tools, a balanced load, and most of all, a reliable crew.

The day-to-day administrative burden can seem like a mountain to climb, when all you want to do is concentrate on what you do best – improve your business, make money and deliver to your customers.

Time is money, and if you’re spending loads of time on essential but mundane tasks which don’t add to your business, it’s time that won’t translate into money.

That’s where the crew at MoGio’VA provide an essential service, and you won’t have the added costs of staffing, such as holiday and sickness pay and pension contributions.

We will take the stress away with our vast range of customisable services, including: • CRM management • Data research and data sourcing • Secretarial/PA services • Processing financial records • Social media management • Project support • Language translation Anything, in fact, that you’d be happy to hand over so you can concentrate on keeping your ship at the front of the fleet.

Why risk sinking when you could be the first to conquer new horizons?

Give MoGio’VA a call today and give your business a deserved boost. www.mogiova.com | info@mogiova.com +44 7712 585 299/1273 931 555 |

43

Travel - Barcelona

Shake hands in...

BARCELONA

Ideas flow freely in the Catalan capital, thanks to its legacy of great thinkers and a ‘fail faster’ state-of-mind, reports Rose Dykins.

Each issue Rose will be bringing you her exclusive MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events) guide to major world destinations

B

arcelona’s architecture oozes with individuality.

The stately buildings running alongside its wide, grid-like streets and avenues of dappled plane trees are punctuated with fantastical neo-gothic structures, each one with a legion of hook-nosed gargoyles peering down at me.

Rambling through Parc de la Ciutadella, I spy chartreuse canaries flitting between the Mediterranean flora, their colour popping against an uncharacteristically pale sky (everyone I meet jokes that I’ve brought the British weather with me). The waterfall monument, crowned with a golden statue of Aurora in a horse-drawn chariot, and flowing with vivid blue water, holds my attention for some time. This is easily trumped, however, by the eye-popping Sagrada Familia, designed by Catalan Modernist architect Antoni Gaudi.

It’s still surrounded by cranes, despite its construction

44

beginning in 1882. By the time the surreal, swirling Catholic church is finally completed in 2026 – the centenary of Gaudi’s death – it will have taken longer to build than the Great Pyramid of Giza, but I’m definitely witnessing another Wonder of the World in the making.

I head back towards the Old Town to meet with Belgian entrepreneur Mark Mekki, founder of travel experience curation and technology company, Ode to Joy (library.odetojoy.life). He shows me the sweeping views from the terrace of his rooftop office. Putting my awe to one side for the moment, I ask him about Barcelona’s business climate.

“We moved here for the lifestyle,” he says.

“What I found was an enormous ecosystem of entrepreneurship. It’s becoming one of the start-up hubs of Europe – of the world, even. It’s a very friendly

Travel - Barcelona Sagrada Familia

Parc de la Ciutadella

city to come into as an entrepreneur, very low-risk, with a lot of potential for funding and making contacts.

There’s still a perception about Spain and Catalonia that red tape will be an issue, but actually it’s fairly simple now.”

“For meetings and conferences, Barcelona’s innovative streak makes it an obvious choice for holding international tech and digital events.”

What else makes Barcelona so conducive to starting up a new business? “There are a lot of incubators, and there’s a lot of free or cheap office space – the amount of co-working space in Barcelona is only second to Berlin and San Francisco, I believe,” Mekki reveals.

“However, it’s more about the mentality than the infrastructure, which is grounded in the fact that Spain, and Catalonia in particular, was hit hardest by the recession, so people had to go out and try different things. This mentality crept in - you have nothing to lose, so try something crazy and see if it sticks. People are coming up with these ideas, and venture capitalists are saying: ‘that could work worldwide, let’s give you a million euros and just roll with it.’”

For meetings and conferences, Barcelona’s innovative streak makes it an obvious choice for holding international tech and digital events. For example, the city is the annual host of the Mobile World Congress – the world’s largest gathering for the mobile industry– and will stage the Smart City Expo World Congress this month. Last year, the Catalan capital was named the second-most popular city for meetings in the world, having hosted 182 meetings in 2014, with 127,469 participants – it was pipped to the post only by Paris.

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Travel - Barcelona The Gothic Quarter

And, there is no shortage of interesting, creative company incentives to reward employees with. For example, local experience provider, CoCoA (cocoa. network) runs an Inspirational Hubs programme.

It allows corporate groups to visit Barcelona’s surrounding farms and vineyards to partake in agricultural activities, meeting with locals and taking in an authentic aspect of Catalan life. It’s also possible to treat football fans with a VIP tour of Camp Nou

stadium, the home ground of Barcelona FC – Ode to Joy can even arrange a private dinner on the actual pitch.

For me, the best way to experience Barcelona is on foot, with my neck permanently craned upwards, whether I’m winding my way through the narrow alleyways of its Old Town, or stumbling upon yet another architectural remnant from the brilliant creatives that have made this city what it is today.

MADE IN BARCELONA

Five ingenious innovations from Barcelona-based start-ups Wallapop – A secondhand marketplace app that allows users to buy and sell items by connecting with people in their neighbourhood. It has attracted €150 million of investment and has been downloaded around 25 million times.

Kantox – A foreign exchange platform, Kantox enables peer-to-peer trading, and alerts users of the best trading times. It has handled more than a million transactions since it was founded five years ago.

Smadex – Creates and distributes mobile advertising for companies. Last year, its monthly revenue rose to €300,000.

Kompyte – An intelligence platform that gives marketing teams real-time information about competitors’ latest moves.

Trip4Real – Recently purchased by Airbnb, Trip4real is a Barcelona-based booking company that connects travellers with local activities and experiences in more than 70 European cities.

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Travel - Barcelona

TOP FOUR EVENT SPACES CCIB Covering 100,000 sqm, with the capacity to welcome 15,000 delegates, the clean lines of this convention centre cut a sharp silhouette on the seafront district of Diagonal Mar.

➠ CATALAN HISTORY MUSEUM The museum’s rooftop terrace overlooks boats bobbing in Barcelona’s old port from one side and staggering city views from the other. It has space for 600 guests.

➠

FUNDACIO JOAN MIRO Set on Montjuic hill, the galleries of this contemporary art institute pop with bold colours and thought-provoking sculptures. These can be hired for events; other spaces include an 180-capacity auditorium and a cypress garden.

➠

CASA BATLLO A dream-like Gaudi building in the middle of the city, this unique building’s roof looks like it’s crafted from a dragon’s skin, while its balconies resemble sharks’ jaws. For a banquet to remember, hire the magical Noble Floor.

➠

47

Travel

ROBOT WARS Lost in Dubai should be a thing of the past

by John Burroughes Managing Director, Uniglobe Preferred Travel

W

e all know the proverbial saying about buses coming along at once, and so it was last week that prolific forces managed to converge numerous important travel related events in the same week, in different parts of the world. The net result of this was that I found myself talking to a lost business traveller (Brian) in Dubai airport while my son Andrew, found himself at the Amadeus Innovation Centre in Nice talking to a robot.

Let me explain. I was in Dubai to meet with owners of travel businesses from many different countries to discuss the future of travel distribution, which is a particularly hot topic in our industry at present,

48

especially with the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Virtual Personal Assistant (VPA).

Now we are all used to Apple’s Siri and Amazon Echo, we in the travel industry are preparing to welcome Amadeus’s Pepper and even Hitachi’s EMIEW3 robot, (note the French give a fluffy name, the Japanese a serial number). It wasn’t that long ago that we were explaining to business travellers what this new-fangled item called an e-ticket was!

So first to Japan where at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, Hitachi are trialling a project with their EMIEW3 robot, which is performing a range of functions such as giving directions, answering travel related questions and actually taking travellers to the locations they

Travel make your trip truly unique.

Before you think that all of this is a bit far-fetched, Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Amadeus, Samsung and Apple all have major AI test projects currently running and the global stakes have never been higher, as we have just seen with the withdrawal of Samsung’s Galaxy Note 7, which is expected to cost the company £4.4bn this year alone.

are seeking within the airport. Robots are also being trialled in Japanese hotels.

Here I would like you to picture the massive queues one used to have to join at an airport to check-in, nowadays you can go to a terminal, tap your details in and move swiftly on. Instead of waiting behind the people that are trying to check-in on the wrong day, or arguing about an upgrade, how about a robot to assist you at check-in or at checkout? Whilst on the subject of upgrades, with a robot, surely all we would need is an upgrade code, as opposed to being eyed up and down by the hotel clerk to see if we appeared worthy of one.

In addition to the airport, a hotel is trialling a robot that stores and retrieves your luggage, and robots that deliver your suitcases to your room - no more embarrassing moments where the bellhop hovers in the doorway whilst you fumble for some token of your gratitude. Pepper on the other hand is being groomed (well, programmed) to work by rechargeable battery and as a human, a.k.a. a travel consultant. The idea is you visit a travel agency, you see that the travel consultants are busy and all of a sudden you hear a ‘friendly voice from a cute little robot’ (Amadeus’s words not mine). It greets you saying: “hello, let me show you some pictures,” if you see a picture you like just smile, you join in and away you go - your profile is already being built from a series of pictures and questions. Integrated within the software is complexed artificial intelligent algorithms that are trawling through billions of news articles embedded within the robot, sorry Pepper.

Pepper is simultaneously linking your profile which it created through your dialogue with external destination profiles. After displaying a shortlist of suggested destinations, Pepper transfers all of this information to the travel consultant’s desktop, (travel consultant is a human, at the moment) where they refine your destination choice and aim to add value to

Someone who is particularly interesting is a man called Dag Kittlaus. He was behind the development of Apple’s Siri, the digital assistant bought by Apple in 2010. He left Apple in 2012 and began working on a new more advanced AI project called Viv, which was in turn purchased by Samsung last week. The stated aim of Viv is to “breathe life into inanimate objects.”

“The AI revolution is not just around the corner, it’s already looking and learning from us” The fine line between technical genius and falling off the wafer thin electronic tightrope, has never been more publicly displayed as in the last few weeks with the above loss for Samsung. Set this against the launch of Apple’s iPhone 7, which contains something they are calling ‘image signal processor’ (ISP) which is capable of performing as many as 100 billion operations in just 25 milliseconds, the AI revolution is not just around the corner, it’s already looking and learning from us!

So back to Brian, the lost business traveller I encountered in Dubai. Brian is a marine engineer and travels to all parts of the globe at very short notice to fix ships and machines. His skill set is much sought after and doesn’t come cheap, yet the reason he was wandering around Dubai airport was the travel company he was using had not informed him which hotel they had booked him into, they hadn’t even sent him an email itinerary, yet alone one that he could access online. Now dear Brian being a considerate soul, was waiting for a suitable time difference between him and the UK before waking up said agent.

If ever there was a cost to a company or person where even a sliver of the above technology could have added to a better personal experience, here is an example.

If you’d like to know more, please contact me on John@Uniglobepreferred.co.uk

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Motoring

JOHN COOPER WORKS MINI

by Motoring Editor, Maarten Hoffmann

I

t seems to be hot hatch month for this issue but if they send em, l will drive em.

This 228 bhp JCW model is the fasted Mini ever produced. It reminds me a tad of an old Wood & Picket 1275cc Mini l had back in the day. It was fast, furious and an absolute hoot to dart around London. The quick Minis have always been fun as with good power attached to such a tiny frame, fun was always going to be the order of the day. 30 years later, we have the Works and it certainly, well, works!

It’s a great engine with a rich baritone sound emanating from the central fat twin pipes and you need that noise as with the tiny rev counter, the exhaust note tells you when to change up. This little rocket will hit 62mph in around 6 seconds and will roar onto 153 mph.

The crackle from the exhaust is a little like a box of Rice Krispies being shot at with a Purdy 12-gauge.

The new 330mm Brembo brakes do their job well with special intake vents in the cars face flooding them with air and they are impressively progressive and although the ride is a little firm, there are optional adaptive dampers that you would be well advised to select especially is you plump for the larger 18 inch rims.

A new electronic front diff sends the power to where it is needed and assists in avoiding the toque steer that causes the horrid front wheel scrabble as you try to get

50

off the line, and with 228 horses to contend with, it’s just as well.

You do have to play around with the drive settings to get away from the hard ride at the same time as avoiding the skittish behaviour and this is best achieved by popping the dampers into their soft mode and the engine into Sport. You are then rewarded with a decent ride and a peppy engine that seems to be just right.

The starting price is fair but there are many options that you should really have and that can push the price north of £30,000 and then we are stepping into Focus RS and Audi S1 territory. Although there are many reasons to chose the other models mentioned the Mini gets by on the one thing that cannot be created if it’s not already there - and that is character.

The Mini has a hyperactive personality all its own and is quite unique and if that’s your thing, this is the hot hatch for you.

TECHNICAL STUFF Model tested: John Cooper Works Mini Engine: 1998 cc, 4 cylinder, turbo-charged Power: 228 bhp Performance: 0-62 mph 6.1 seconds Top Speed: 153 mph Economy: 49.6 combined Price from: £23,155.00

Motoring

FOCUS RS

by Motoring Editor, Maarten Hoffmann

S

ince l grew up and put on long trousers, l have not been a great fan of the hot hatch, with all that front wheel scrabble and horrible oversteer.

But l think that is all about to change since Ford sent me the new Focus RS and then had to prise my hot sweaty hands off the wheel when they came to collect it.

It is remarkable.

First the steering. Direct is not the word for it as just the slightest hand movement sends the nose exactly where you want it. Although that can become a problem if you are not paying attention, as with a bump in the road, your hands will inevitably move and then that bus coming the other way slightly weakens your resolve to live another day, but hell it was fun.

The engine is divine with great pull all the way through the range and with a small car and 350bhp - you get the idea. 62 mph arrives in 4.7 seconds and with all-wheel drive, it goes like greased lighting and corners on rails. There are a few cars in this sector that could keep up such as the Merc AMG45, Golf R and Honda Type R but if they ain’t got AWD, this will take them in the corners every time.

Over 3000 folk ordered it without even seeing it and at £30,000 it’s not cheap but l also know of a few people who have ordered two - one to drive and one to put into storage as they feel sure it will be a future classic. They are not wrong.

The Signature RS Recaro seats hold you like glue, it’s as easy to drive at full chat as in traffic and it has a real, honest to god 6-speed manual gearbox. You

recall that stick we used to have on the left hand side of most fast cars before some twit came up with flappy paddles?

The 2.3 litre turbo-charged engine is derived, but considerably developed from, the engine in the Mustang but there the comparison stops. Switches in the cockpit change the engine mode with sport, track, drift and launch control. Sorry, drift? Not sure who on earth is paying £30,000 for a car with the intention of drifting it but it certainly does work as the black marks all over the A23 Pease Pottage roundabout can attest. New tyres please.

The RS is as close as you can come to a road ready Group B rally car and it screams at you to drive it fast. I am nothing if not totally obedient and l did what it told me to do. The Focus RS is a game changer in the hot hatch market and in my fantasy seven car garage (one for each day of the week) there would certainly be a place for it.

TECHNICAL STUFF Model tested: Focus RS Turbo Engine: 2.3-litre turbo Power: 350 bhp Performance: 0-62 mph 4.7 seconds Top Speed: 167 mph Economy: 29.7 mpg combined Price: £30,000

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The Leasing Zone

The Car Care Zone

The Classic Motors Zone

The Innovation Zone

The Leasing Zone. As contract hire, leasing and fleet management become increasingly prominent in the motor industry the way in which people fund their vehicles is changing. To find out more about these options and how you could benefit, be sure to visit this zone.

The Car Care Zone. If you are looking at ways in which to maintain your vehicle, both mechanically and aesthetically, then this is the zone for you. From dent removal and paint shop work to oil and lubricant specialists this will be an enjoyable and educational visit.

The Classic Motors Zone. For a step back in time and a dose of nostalgia this zone offers the classic car lover a variety of models to view and Falmer Classics will be conducting a classic car auction on the day. Watch this space for details of beautiful classic cars that you can buy and take home.

The Innovation Zone. Motors are not just for petrol heads as manufacturers continually advance technology to produce more efficient and effective vehicles, the future is set to be very different for motorists. For a fascinating glimpse into the future, visit the Innovation Zone.

The Family Zone

The Family Zone. The Motor Show is family friendly and you can be sure to see a huge variety of activities for small kids and big kids alike! From active simulators to advice on family vehicles, this zone is not to be missed.

The Motorcycle Zone

The Motorcycle Zone. For the lover of two wheeled transportation this zone is a must. Whether you are interested in learning how to ride, road safety, the latest equipment or new deals on bikes, you will find all your answers in this zone.

The Test Drive Zone

The Test Drive Zone. Unlike other motor events and shows, visitors will have the option to test drive the latest vehicles. If you have a vehicle you would like to test drive keep updated with all motor show news.

The Motorsports Zone. As motorsports continually battle to edge seconds off lap times, improve engines and The generate more and more divisions, Motorsports the motor show will bring you bang Zone you to date with what is happening and the headline sponsor, Mobil 1, will be presenting their Formula 1 simulator to enable visitors to get a taste of the fastest sport in the world.

The Go Karting Zone

The Go Karting Zone. QLeisure, also known as Brighton Karting, will be offering kart rides for visitors to test their driving skills. Karts will be available for both adults and children and a few prizes may even be up for grabs.

www.brightonandhovemotorshow.com

We are delighted to announce that Mobil 1 will be the headline sponsor for the Brighton & Hove Motorshow. Not only will they be offering a unique insight into their involvement in performance and motorsports vehicles but they will also be demonstrating their exciting Formula 1 simulator – the closest visitors will ever get to understanding what it’s like to drive one of the fastest cars in the world.

The Motorshow is growing so fast we can barely keep pace and this event will be the most exciting motorshow ever to have been mounted in the South East.

Pre-registered tickets are free but you must register here: www.brightonandhovemotorshow.com

EXHIBITORS

SPONSORS HEADLINE SPONSOR

CHANDLERS

EXCLUSIVE MEDIA SPONSOR AND OFFICIAL EVENT PROGRAMME PUBLISHER BRIGHTON | HAILSHAM WORTHING

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Events Diary

In The Diary Your next big client could be at one of our Networking Events!

O

ur Business Networking Events in Worthing and Adur are informal, fun, dynamic and incredibly well attended.

If you want to tap straight into the heart of the West Sussex business community meet the business owners and decision makers face to face, you really can’t afford

to miss these events.

Members enjoy at least one FREE networking event a month. Places are limited so BOOK NOW to secure your place at one of these exciting events!

To book visit www.worthingandadurchamber.co.uk

REGULAR EVENTS Networking Breakfasts & Lunches

Chamber Chat

Held on the third Friday of every month either as a Breakfast or Lunch. This is our most formal event with a keynote speaker such as local MP’s, council leaders and officers, county councillors, local business leaders.

Held on the first Wednesday of the month and is in the evening. Includes inspirational visits, a free mini workshop on a variety of topics such as social media, PR, sales and marketing, followed by networking. Free to members.

Chamber Hub A completely informal event totally dedicated to networking. Held in Shoreham this is an opportunity to meet members and non members in a relaxed and welcoming environment. If you are new to networking this is a great place to start! Free monthly networking

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Meet the Chamber Event - Getting to Know You Once a quarter we run a ‘Meet the Chamber’ event.

Come along and find out how you can make the most of your membership and find out the work we do in the background to support local business and enterprise.

Events Diary

DIARY DATES February 10th – 12.30pm

March 24th – 7.30am

Chamber Hub Free Networking

Networking Breakfast Could you use a small Business Grant or an Apprentice subsidy?

February 17th – 7.30am Networking Breakfast Planning Update with James Appleton Head of Growth, Adur and Worthing Council

April 5th – 5.00pm

March 8th – 5.30pm

April 21st – 12.30pm

Members Only Event – Tour of Chandlers BMW & Mini’s new site at Rustington

Chamber Hub Free Networking

March 17th - 12.30pm

Networking Breakfast Go Digital update from Paul Brewer Director for Digital & Resources, Adur & Worthing Council

Chamber Hub Free Networking

New Member Welcome event and Free Networking

April 28th – 7.30am

Non-Members If you have never been a member of the Chamber you are welcome to book and join us as a guest at three of our events. After this, you will need join the Chamber to enjoy the benefits of membership. To join the Chamber, visit www.worthingandadurchamber.co.uk

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DIRECTORY Bloomfield Digital

Fitzhugh Gates

Bloomfield Digital can create a premium quality, 360° virtual tour of your business powered by the Google Street View Technology

Fitzhugh Gates, Solicitors and Notary, is one of the longest established legal practices in the area.

www.bloomfieldigital.co.uk

www.fitzhugh.co.uk 01273 461381

07771 666648

BBA Couriers We operate a comprehensive fleet of vehicles for all types of courier and transport requirement.

Advertise here for £45 / issue.

Contact 01903 203484 or email tracie@worthingandadurchamber.co.uk

www.bbacouriers.co.uk 01444 239933

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Award-winning pest control services

Business Navigator

Signposting to Support Make use of the free Coast to Capital’s Business Navigator Growth Hub

C

oast to Capital’s Business Navigator Growth Hub is a free service that signposts all businesses to the vital support that helps business owners achieve their objectives and growth.

Your local Business Navigators are Amanda Geel and Ryan Davies, who cover the Worthing, Coastal and Rural West Sussex areas. They can research potential funding options, help you find a business mentor/advisor, assist with recruitment, find support for website development, and much more.

“The referrals made have assisted with the planning of my business and accessing finance.”

Testimonial Sultan Caliskan of Academy International Management Ltd in Worthing, writes: “Ryan’s information and approach to linking me with organisations put me in a position to act and discover what I need to be considering and the support I am eligible for.

Speak to Amanda or Ryan at one of the local events or exhibitions. Or contact them on the free 0800 977 4146 phone number or visit www.c2cbusiness.org.uk

“The Navigator service has been very helpful. Always asking about my progress and trying to find a solution and/or ways to support me and my company.

Amanda Geel

Ryan Davies

Coming Soon! Free Business Clinics From the end of January 2017, Amanda Geel will be holding free information, guidance & support clinics in conjunction with Worthing & Adur Chamber of Commerce at the Sphere Business Centre.

These sessions will focus on discussing your business needs whether it is access to finance, new routes to markets or training and development. Please contact Tracie Davey to book your free hour with Amanda.

T: 01903 203 484 E: tracie@worthingandadurchamber.co.uk

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Spotlight

SPOTLIGHT ON…

MOMENTUM Business Support Chamber member Mikki Harris is the Managing Director of MOMENTUM Business Support, providing flexible virtual office support for SMEs. Mikki is also part of the Chamber’s Membership Committee.

What does MOMENTUM Business Support do?

When did you join the Chamber and what motivated you to join?

We make running, developing and growing a company easier! By having a team of experienced, skilled and knowledgeable staff available for business owners to call upon when needed. We work remotely and have a unique billing system that means we only charge for each minute of time worked – no rounding up! We provide a wide array of support services including; PA and Administration, Digital Marketing, Finance, HR, Project and Event Management – and everything in between!

I’ve always been an avid networker and believe people buy from people. I joined the Worthing Chamber for its networking events and really felt the benefit of being part of an organisation that genuinely cares and supports the local business market. They have great members with a wealth of knowledge and experience, who are always keen to offer advice and support. The Chamber works closely with the local councils and governing bodies, it’s really helpful to have access to events and information about significant changes in the area.

When did you start the business and why?

I started MOMENTUM in January 2013. As my career experience grew through small, medium and ultimately corporate companies, my husband and several of our family and friends would often ask me for support or advice. They were looking for ideas on office based process improvements, general administrative support and often people management issues. It made me realise that no matter the size of the business, the fundamentals of running one are the same, and that there was a real need for SMEs to have the same level of access to skilled and knowledgeable support staff, but at a more affordable rate.

What have been your biggest challenges?

Like all small businesses, growth and cash-flow are definitely right up there. More uniquely, the biggest challenge we have when we meet potential new clients, is convincing them that we’re not the same as the previous company they outsourced to, we won’t let them down. We genuinely care and have the experience and expertise to support them fully.

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What would you most like to see improved about Worthing and Adur?

I’d really like to see the long awaited, long anticipated overhaul of the Teville Gate area. It’s such an eyesore and is a dreadful first entrance to the town when visitors arrive. Worthing is attracting more and more great investors who are developing the area, but with the ‘main entrance’ left looking dilapidated, it’s hard to see past that first impression.

With you‌ and your business

01903 229999

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www.bennettgriffin.co.uk

Worthing office: 1 Liverpool Gardens, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 1TF Ferring office: 11 Sea Lane, Ferring, West Sussex, BN12 5DR

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