WORTHING CONNECT - ISSUE 3

Issue 3 2017

WORTHING & ADUR

The new plans

BUSINESS AWARDS LAUNCH

Chris Coopey is elected

TIME TO FIX THE A27 PLATINUM PUBLISHING

GROUP

Meet The President

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

Welcome

Meet your new Chamber Editor!

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elcome to the third issue of our Chamber Connect magazine. I am really pleased and proud to have been asked to be the Chamber Editor of the magazine. I’ve been involved with it from the start and it’s been great to receive all the positive feedback and ideas from you about the magazine over the past two issues. Please keep them coming!

So what can I bring the magazine as Editor? I have over 20 years’ experience working in marketing and PR and have produced many publications over those years.

My mantra for Connect is that it is ‘for the members’, so anything that is either relevant or beneficial to you will be included. We cast our net wide to glean this information but if you know of something that you think should be in the magazine then just let us know.

You can email info@worthingandadurchamber.co.uk I’d love to hear from you!

Thanks and and enjoy the issue.

Kelly PUBLISHERS Maarten Hoffmann maarten@platinumbusinessmagazine.com Ian Trevett ian@platinumbusinessmagazine.com THE PLATINUM PUBLISHING GROUP Tel: 07966 244046 Tel: 07989 970804 Mail: info@platinumbusinessmagazine.com Web: www.platinumbusinessmagazine.com Chamber Editorial Team: Tracie Davey, Kelly O’Haire, Clive Spring, Peter Noone, Tina Tilley Contact: info@worthingandadurchamber.co.uk Photography: www.bloomfieldigital.co.uk

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AT A GLANCE 4 5 6 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 18 20 23 24 28 29 30 34 35 36 38 39 40 41 42 44 46

Meet the Exec Committee Chris Coopey - New President Adur & Worthing Business Awards Did You Know Discover Worthing Adur Local Plan Apprenticeships Bennett Griffin Warnes Projects Pixel by Pixel Time to Fix the A27 Northbrook Metropolitan College Carpenter Box Business Travel - Dublin Pensions Arts & Culture Motoring Mentoring Training Meet the Buyers CSR Business Navigator A Year in the Life Join the Chamber Events Diary Sphere Office Space Spotlight on Chantler Kent

ADVERTISING and SPONSORSHIP Lesley Alcock Business Development Director Tel: 07767 613707 Mail: lesley@platinumbusinessmagazine.com Head Designer: Amanda Harrington Travel Editor: Rose Dykins Sub Editor: Kate Morton Food Editor: Amanda Menahem 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 by The Platinum Publishing Group.

PLATINUM PUBLISHING G R O U P

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The Executive Committee

Meet the Committee Every year at the AGM the Worthing & Adur Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee is elected.

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he exec committee are all volunteers who give up their time and expertise to support and guide the Chamber for the year ahead. Each exec member has their own specialist area to oversee and a working group which also consists entirely of volunteers. They are always looking for more volunteers so if you are interested in getting more involved let us know! Email tracie@worthingandadurchamber. co.uk for more information.

We also have Ambassadors to support the Chamber, look out for their feature in our next edition.

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THE EXEC COMMITTEE FOR 2017/18 ARE: Chris Coopey - President MHA Carpenter Box

Alastair Vickers – Treasurer Consultant

VICE PRESIDENTS

Sheryl Tipton - Events Tipton Marketing

Julian Cioffi - Adur Fitzhugh Gates Solicitors Karen Simporis – Charity & CSR Henry House Hydrotherapy Tony Hedger –Membership A&T Business Associates Peter Webb – SME Engagement ETI Ltd

Kelly O’Haire - Digital & Comms Ask for the Moon Keith Gallis - Special Projects Seagull Travel Jonathan Nulty – Special Projects Opening Soon Restaurant Chay Took - Membership Kreston Reeves

Chamber President

A New Era Chris Coopey is our new President

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fter 14 years of dedicated leadership from Peter Bennett, Worthing and Adur Chamber is entering a new era with a new President, Chris Coopey, who brings new ideas and exciting prospects.

Chris is well known and highly respected in the local business community and will be a huge asset to the Chamber.

Chris is a Partner and Practice Director at accountancy firm, MHA Carpenter Box, and previously served on the Chamber Executive Committee for a number of years. Chris takes the helm from Peter with a focus on helping the Chamber and its members to meet the strategic challenges facing the area.

At the AGM he introduced himself to the attendees through some slides outlining his varied career path so far. Although a solicitor by profession, not many knew he had previously qualified as a mechanical engineer before becoming a telecoms engineer.

He also served in the Royal Signals Regiment as a reservist and loved climbing telephone poles!

You will be hearing from Chris on a regular basis, here is a taste of what’s to come in Chris’s own words: “Having the great honour of becoming the new President of the Worthing and Adur Chamber of Commerce, it is worth setting out my views of the Chris and Peter

role and the responsibilities that I hope to shoulder.

“The chamber is blessed with a dynamic and resourceful CEO in the form of Tina Tilley. The Executive which supports her and me, have between them a vast array of talents, experience and President Chris Coopey sound business sense. I’m happily confident that the bedrock of the chamber which includes events, training, mentoring and socials is well catered for. The chamber has also a fine history of supporting charities and good causes around our area. So what then, you may ask, should be the role of the President?

“Well for me, the role of the President will be very much around supporting the businesses of Worthing & Adur by becoming involved in the many forums and initiatives that can have a positive effect on the growth, profitability and sustainability of businesses located in our part of the south coast.

“I’m looking forward to leading the Worthing and Adur Chamber. We have some world class businesses on our patch who employ thousands of people locally and help make the chamber what it is. I’ll do my best to raise the profile of Worthing & Adur as a business destination and fight for the support from local and central government that these great businesses deserve.”

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Business Awards

The Adur and Worthing Business Awards The awards organised by businesses for businesses

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he Adur and Worthing business awards are moving on apace! We are delighted that for the ďŹ rst time in the 10 year history every single category is sponsored and we are so grateful to the businesses who are sponsoring and supporting the awards.

We had a fantastic evening at our launch event in the beautiful Southern Pavilion on Worthing Pier with over 60 people attending to ďŹ nd out about the categories and what needs to be done to win an award.

A panel of previous winners, Phil Duckett from Southern Pavilion, Michaela Meredith from Bespoke You and Ivan Lyons from Investment Solutions shared their experiences of the Business Awards and their top tips. They all agreed that just by entering the awards, the application process alone makes you look at your business, your performance and involves all your sta.

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Business Awards

Attendees were encouraged to use the nomination process to shout about their business and achievements. Winner or not, you should be there to celebrate the night!

Businesses are invited to enter up to 3 categories out of the eighteen separate categories, all designed to recognise successes and achievements across various industries. Entering or nominating a business couldn’t be easier - simply complete the relevant online form at www.awbawards.com and select the ‘Enter/Nominate’ tab The judging panel is led by local business figures who themselves, bring a wealth of industry knowledge to the awards. Entries can be submitted

now and winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony held at The Pavilion Theatre, Worthing on Friday 10th November 2017.

Winning an award will…

• Showcase your business to customers and suppliers • Provide credibility and status, opening doors to new customers and suppliers • Pave the way for considerable press coverage, otherwise perhaps out of reach.

• Attract possible partners or investors • Help you focus on your business issues. This in turn increases your bottom line

SPONSORS

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Business Awards

Guidelines to help you with your entry • Be clear and concise • Read the entry criteria properly • Understand the category you are entering and tailor your information to suit • Evidence everything you state • Be innovative • Pinpoint changes that have improved profit, customer base, costs, etc.

• Check your entry before submission and get someone else to read it too • Ensure that you meet the deadline date!

Did we mention to check your entry… read the criteria thoroughly and then go back and read it again!

Good Luck with your entry to this business event of the year!

If you would like to book for the event or want more details on the Business Awards please visit www.awbawards.com

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Did you Know?

Did you Know?

Did you know that Worthing Borough Council now has the youngest mayor in the country? Alex Harman, Conservative Councillor for Selden Ward, is only 23! He says; “Many people have asked if I’m too young to be Mayor, but I say no. Worthing is changing a great deal and it’s time the Council changed with it.

I hope to bring a new energy to the role and am really looking forward to the year ahead.” We’re certainly hoping to see Mayor Harman at a Chamber event very soon!

So long Tina and Suzy. Over the last few years,

Tina

Suzy

the Chamber has benefitted a great deal from the input of two particular members of Council staff regularly attending our Executive Committee meetings. Tina Barker and Suzy Bastable have been brilliant Chamber supporters, so we’re sorry to say that they are both moving on to pastures new. We know the rest of the Chamber membership joins us in saying thank you so much for all you’ve done for us over the years and wishing them both the very best for the future.

Electronic Temperature Instruments Ltd is delighted to receive its third Queens Award in five years. On receiving the news of the award, Peter Webb MBE, Managing Director of Electronic Temperature Instruments Ltd commented: “I feel immensely proud and honoured to have received the Queens Award for Enterprise for a third time. I am lucky to have such a dedicated and supportive workforce, and without their hard work and commitment this honour would not have been possible. By keeping our manufacturing and Research & Development in the UK we have been able to support our local economy whilst successfully continuing to grow the business.”

With the social scene and dining market changing rapidly, a local restaurant has taken advantage of what they did best and mixed it up with some edgy unique new trends with their new champagne lounge sponsored by Pommery Champagne.

Where is it? Food restaurant, not just for life, a way of life.

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Adur & Worthing Councils

A tourism plan to put Worthing back on the map

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ust launched, Discover Worthing is a brand new website aimed at boosting visitor numbers and urging people to look again at what Worthing has to offer.

The aim is to build on the town’s already successful tourism industry, which attracts more than four million visitors a year, and brings £138 million into the local economy.

Discover Worthing’s emphasis is on showing visitors, old and new, that the town is much more than a traditional UK beach resort. An increase in the number of younger people living in the town means that independent businesses are thriving, while Worthing is fast becoming a regional hub for the arts and culture.

A host of summer events are already planned by the council, including: • Summer of Circus Festival • The return of StreetVelodrome on 1st and 2nd July • A summer bike hire scheme, due to launch at the end of June In addition to providing information on upcoming attractions and events, the new website includes blog posts from local people with ideas and inspiration for visitors to make the most of their stay.

For those keen to get outdoors, there’s also cycle and running routes created by residents who have first-hand experience of the best places locally.

Among the highlights listed are: • Rachael’s Cissbury Trail Run • Andy’s bike ride to the Shack and back • Foody Worthing - 11 of the best spots to eat and drink in town

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The website has already received positive comments from the town’s business community.

Anthony Dickinson, manager of St Paul’s community hub in Chapel Road, said: “It’s so exciting to finally have a website that shows off all the great things that are going on in and around the town.”

Anne Williams, director of Worthing Accommodation, the town’s only self-catering apartment provider, said: “We think Discover Worthing is a really exciting development for tourism.

Bringing the website up to date reflects the diverse and exciting offer available to our tourists. Worthing has such a contemporary and unique offer and the website really starts to celebrate that.” www.discoverworthing.uk

Adur & Worthing Councils

Positive step forward for Adur Local Plan

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blueprint to guide development in Adur, aimed at building hundreds of homes while protecting the environment, has taken another step forward.

More than 1,000 people have had their say in the drawing up of the Adur Local Plan. Adur District Council used these comments to help produce a blueprint aimed at balancing the need to build new homes and employment space, while protecting the environment.

After submitting it to Whitehall, last month the government-appointed Planning Inspector produced his preliminary findings which supported much of the work so far.

Adur District Council is consulting on the changes recommended by the inspector. The consultation runs until July 26th and it is anticipated that the Local Plan will be approved and fully adopted by the end of this year.

Martin Randall, Adur & Worthing Councils’ Director for the Economy, said: “It’s always tricky to get the balance right when it comes to development. I’m pleased that the inspector has recognised the local authority’s commitment to supporting the creation of new homes and workplaces, while protecting the special and unique environment across the Adur District.”

The Local Plan will be used by the council’s planning team to guide development across the area until 2032. Key targets in the plan include building approximately 3,700 homes and a minimum of 41,000 square metres of employment-generating floor space.

development apart from the sites already proposed by the plan. This means sites such as the Shoreham Gateway, near the A27 flyover; Mill Hill in Shoreham; and Old Salts Farm and New Salts Farm, both in Lancing, are not earmarked as areas to build on.

While the plan has not been officially adopted yet, it has some weight in guiding decisions made by the local authority’s planning department.

James Appleton, Adur and Worthing Councils’ Head of Planning and Development said: “It is very positive to hear that the Planning Inspector has supported the council’s future strategy for meeting development needs. Although a number of modifications have been recommended to address issues raised by the inspector and other interested parties at the Examination in Public, the overall approach to accommodating extra homes and jobs has been endorsed. Consultation on the main modifications to the plan will be undertaken during the summer so that the inspector can complete his final report, and the council can hopefully move to adopt the plan later in the year.”

Within the letter sent this week, inspector David Hogger recommended a number of alterations to the Local Plan, however, the inspector’s modifications did not propose the allocation of any other land for

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Apprenticeships

Combining Work and Study The University of Chichester’s Andrew Adams on a way to study without incurring a huge debt Degree Apprenticeships Degree Apprenticeships enable students to combine work and study. They ensure that apprentices are equipped with the knowledge and experience required by employers, now and in the future, by providing them with a balance of academic learning and on-the-job practical training. The University of Chichester offers two programmes; the Digital and Technical Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship and the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship. Both programmes enable employers to upskill and motivate existing employees and recruit high-quality, talented apprentices that are trained in the way business works.

The University has been approached by a number of final year college students who are keen to pursue Degree Apprenticeship programmes and who are looking to identify suitable roles with local employers.

Paying the Levy?

Why not consider an Apprenticeship Degree option.

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The Apprenticeship Levy came into effect in the UK in April 2017 for employers with an annual paybill in excess of £3m. The levy is 0.5% of their paybill which is collected monthly by HMRC through PAYE and held in the employer’s online digital account.

The employer can use funds in their account to pay for apprentice training and assessment for either existing staff or new recruits that spend at least 50% of their working time in England. They can only use levy funds up to the maximum funding band for each specific apprenticeship and if the costs go over the funding limit must pay the difference. Only providers on the Register of Approved Training Providers can deliver apprenticeships which must be approved Standards or Frameworks.

For more information contact Andrew Adams, University of Chichester A.Adams@chi.ac.uk

Planning Ahead

Preparing for a Digital Afterlife Planning for a digital afterlife is becoming increasingly important; especially when the digital asset in question has a monetary value rather than a sentimental value. By Lucy Nevill

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he definition of a digital asset is broad, including all content, accounts and files created and stored on line or on digital devices such as computers and smart phones. Examples of digital assets include: online bank accounts, trading sites such as eBay, internet payment sites such as PayPal, online gaming accounts such as Xbox live and online social media sites, such as Facebook, Instagram and Flickr. Digital devices such as computers, tablets and phones are also considered as digital assets.

It is therefore imperative that you are clear on how you would like each asset to be dealt with after death. Social media profiles such as Facebook or Instagram, can be either frozen and turned into an on-line memorial for friends and family, or taken off-line. Emails may either be kept for the family or deleted as they may contain sensitive information.

What would you like to happen to your photos stored on-line? Perhaps you would like them to be downloaded and printed out for certain beneficiaries.

It is likely that you access your digital assets using a variety of devices, phones, laptops, desktops etc.

These should be identified and listed in an inventory often referred to as a digital assets log.

things. The files on a device are also part of your digital estate and can be shared with many people.

Therefore beneficiaries of that device and the digital files on that device could in fact be two different people.

Once the digital log is prepared you will need to ensure that your Will reflects your final wishes in respect of each digital asset. If on death, your estate will consist of valuable digital assets it may be advisable that you also appoint a more technologically savvy person to assist the executor in handling digital assets. This person would be known as your Digital Executor.

When administering an estate it is crucial an Internet Service Providers (ISP) terms and conditions are reviewed and this is where your executors may benefit from seeking legal advice. Even if an executor is aware of the digital asset and potentially the required passwords, it is still up for debate whether the executor has the right to access these accounts.

The ISP’s terms and conditions should be reviewed and are usually instructive on whether the service prohibits the sharing of login information. Some services make exceptions for executors and attorneys but it is important to always check.

For more information please contact our specialist Will solicitors, Lucy Nevill or Gema West on 01903 706994

Once you have listed all your devices you should try to note against it the content in particular, focusing on any device through which they access any digital asset with value, such as internet banking.

Please also consider not only the device but the digital files on that device. These are two separate

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Interior Design

Designed for Learning Case Study How Worthing College enhanced the learning environment

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hen Worthing College moved into its current premises, it found itself in a completely open-plan environment designed for its former use as a call centre rather than an educational facility. This presented a challenge right from the off: an open-plan set-up, with the noise and potential distractions that go with it, is not conducive to learning.

A solution presented itself when the Worthing College Vice-Principal visited the Sphere Business Centre in Worthing. He was struck by the look and feel of the glass partitioning and straight away knew that this was the answer.

Worthing College instructed local firm Warnes Projects, which had designed and fitted out the Sphere interior, to install its glass partitioning. There was no need to consider other alternatives: Warnes Projects is one of the few suppliers of this glass partitioning.

“We’ve had a positive reaction from students who see the enhancements are first and foremost for their benefit.”

But fitting out a business premises is different to working in an educational environment, as Jo Tarleton, Worthing College Facilities Manager, explains: “In education, on-site works such as this must happen during college holidays and contractors must complete on time. This is non-negotiable as we can’t disrupt the learning environment. The team at Warnes Projects got this right from the start. They

understood the constraints and knew exactly what they were doing. Importantly, they communicated with us continually.

“Also, educational budgets are notoriously tight so when we commit to investments like this we need to spend every pound efficiently. It’s important that any work we do is future proof. The partitions that Warnes Projects fitted are completely modular, which will save us money in the future – if we want to change things around in a couple of years we can just take them down and put them up somewhere else.”

The people who work at Worthing College may be

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Interior Design experts at running a college but they won’t necessarily know what questions to ask when it comes to projects like this. It’s often too late to ask once the work is finished so it helps when someone who does know is prepared to do that thinking for you. This is just the kind of added-value service that Worthing College received from Warnes Projects.

“Stephen Hobbs at Warnes answered questions and pre-empted problems we didn’t even know we had,” Jo Tarleton explains. “The first thing he said was, ‘I can save you money.’ All through the installation he did this by ensuring that the work didn’t just solve today’s problem but future problems we might have too.”

So have the changes made a difference? “Definitely,” says Anne Pithie, Marketing and Events Manager.

“We’ve had a positive reaction from students who see the enhancements are first and foremost for their benefit. The changes fit a college environment while, at the same time, being unobtrusive.”

And how would they sum up Warnes Projects as a company? Jo and Anne are in agreement, “They’re a great team. They not only understood what we were asking them to do but also, just as important, what we should be asking them to do. They were conscious of our budget constraints at all times and they kept us informed. We can’t recommend them enough; the people at Warnes Projects know what they’re doing and understand their customers.” warnesprojects.co.uk Tel: 01243 558570

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Adding Value

Revenge of the department stores Shopping is no longer enough, says Chris Painter, Managing Director of PixelbyPixel

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orget the Clone Wars and the Jedi Knights. A much fiercer battle is emerging across Britain’s retail landscape. Department stores are striking back against online giants such as Amazon and Asos. Real-world retailers are adding bells, whistles and foot spas to their offerings in a whirling Dynorod of feverish creativity.

Debenhams is typical. No longer is it enough to sell fluffy fascinators for Aunty Margaret’s trip to Cheltenham Races. Oh no.

Debenhams stores now come adorned with beauty treatments, restaurants and Prosecco bars, in the hope that Aunty Madge will hang around. But House of Fraser and John Lewis kicked off the trend, with yoga studios, spas and champagne bars.

It’s all been sparked off by panic in the US, where more than 3,500 stores are set to shut up shop for good in the next few weeks.

And not just any shops, either. Big boys such as Sears, Macy’s and JC Penney are all reeling from the rise in ecommerce, a blow heavier than an uppercut from Anthony Joshua that has left US shopping malls deserted.

In the UK, department stores are quaking in their cut-price Ugg boots, desperate to avoid a similar fate.

Already this year Marks and Spencer has announced that it’s to close six shops. Retailers now want people to make shopping a day out. So what next?

Rollercoaster rides and petting zoos?

Richard Hyman, an independent retail analyst, says, “These shops have to follow their customers.

Just sitting there and being the department stores of three or four decades ago isn’t going to get them anywhere.”

John Lewis is looking to ‘reinvent’ the department store by offering bikini waxes and introducing opticians, travel agents, spas and extra restaurants.

New boss Paula Nickolds says, “Our brand is our secret weapon. We need to offer customers things you can only get from John Lewis.”

House of Fraser has cut back on the number of brands it sells. Now, it’s focusing on a core shopper known as ‘Jo’. Jo’s a graduate who earns two or three times the national average and has children. Unlucky, then, if you’re called Susan.

Lucky Jo will be feted with yoga studios, wellbeing centres and restaurants. And, in Manchester and Belfast, with champagne bars, presumably so she’ll get so tipsy that she might even buy something.

Debenhams, meanwhile, is making its beauty floor ‘social-media friendly’. Customers are being encouraged to share in-store pictures on Instagram.

Chief Executive Sergio Bucher says, “Customers who eat with us or use services visit our stores three times more often than those that don’t.”

Tel: 01903 244274 pixelbypixel.co.uk

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Transport

DIVIDE AND CONQUER The continuing challenge that is the A27

What’s at the top of our new President’s agenda to help businesses in our area? You won’t be surprised to learn it’s the A27.

Chris tells us why it has to be top of his list.

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he A27 is one of the issues that has dogged the economic well-being of the area over several decades and, sadly, the solution seems as far away now as ever.

Of course there are proposals afoot, and there is also alleged to be a pot of money. Unfortunately, as the experience over at Chichester shows (they have lost their A27 funding), the money is not guaranteed and more to the point, it’s nowhere near enough.

Put very bluntly, I believe that the cost benefit model that central government has used to calculate what should be set aside for the scheme is massively

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flawed. I understand that the pot for the Worthing, Sompting and Lancing section of the road is around a maximum figure of £100 million, whereas figures that I have seen suggest that a bypass might cost in excess of £800 million and a tunnel over £1.4 billion – so the difference is immense.

The consequence of this massive under budgeting is that we will not get a scheme that will solve the problem, we’ll just get a scheme that tinkers at the margins.

In my view, central government has compounded the felony of under budgeting by hiding behind the mask of localism. Local people are being asked to make some highly contentious choices with regard to the nature of the scheme and thus the road layout they would like. The consequence of this type of ‘localism’ is that it understandably sets groups of people against each other and becomes destructive to decision-making because no consensus is ever likely to be reached. Simply put, it’s called divide and conquer.

Transport As we have seen in Chichester, the result for the Worthing scheme may be that government says ‘because you can’t agree amongst yourselves, the budget is withdrawn and the scheme is dead in the water’ - and it becomes our fault!

As the A27 is a major and strategic trunk road which, for a good part of its length, is the only major east west route across southern England below the M25, it is a national issue, and one that the government should be dealing with as a matter of priority.

“The consequence of this massive under budgeting is that we will not get a scheme that will solve the problem, we’ll just get a scheme that tinkers at the margins.”

The Treasury, led by Highways England, should come up with a properly funded scheme for either a bypass or a tunnel. Worthing and Adur needs a properly planned and executed solution to a problem that has been a brake on the coastal West Sussex economy for decades.

Despite our local economy being pretty buoyant and unemployment being better than the national average, it shouldn’t mask the fact that we can do much better.

It cannot be overstated how much of an economic benefit would be brought to the whole of the coastal south-east if we can persuade government to rethink this and provide a properly funded and long term solution to the A27, which by any objective measurement, must be one of the worst performing roads in the country. To continue to kick the can down this shockingly congested road does a disservice both to the economic wellbeing of the local area as well as to the whole of the South East.

Our new government, whatever its eventual hue, needs to look to the long-term prosperity of the golden goose that is the south-east economy and come up with a solution that addresses the problem of a major strategic English trunk route that is clearly not fit for purpose.

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Northbrook Metropolitan College NCFE Level 3 Unit Qualification: Understanding Customers & Customer Retention

This short course qualification is designed for adults (19+) who are currently employed but seeking to improve their customer service skills and understand the impact this will have on customer retention.

Areas Covered Include

Course Duration

> Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

To meet funding regulations this course must be completed within 4 weeks and by no later than 31st July 2017.

> Customer retention > The measurement of customer satisfaction

Eligibility Course Delivery The programme is delivered on a distance learning basis i.e. no college attendance through the completion of a workbook.

You will be allocated and supported by an assessor from industry throughout the programme from induction to completion.

For further information, or enrolment, please contact Business Solutions on:  (01903) 273 732  business.solutions@nbcol.ac.uk  www.northbrook.ac.uk/BusinessSolutions  Business Solutions, Northbrook MET, 17 Liverpool Gardens, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 1RY

> Aged 19+ > Company you are employed by has less than 250 employees

Price > This course is fully funded i.e. no charge, providing the course is completed.

Northbrook Metropolitan College

Investing in Customer Service

By Paul Trew, Commercial Training Manager at Northbrook MET.

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n today’s fast-moving business world, the quality of customer service is one of the few variables that can help a company stand out from the competition.

Just think for one moment of a recent experience you have had. It may have been in a restaurant, a shop, a hotel, a flight. How was that experience for you?

We expect first class service when we spend our money and when we don’t get it we complain, and rightly so. It is said that a happy customer will tell at least five people of their experience, and that an unhappy one will tell at least 20. Good news travels fast, and bad news even faster!

✑ Microsoft “…We consider our mission statement a promise to our customers.”

When was the last time you reviewed your mission statement? Does it include the word “customer”? If it doesn’t, now might be a good time to re-think and re-write it.

When was the last time you reviewed your staff training?

Consider the following benefits to your business by investing in customer service training: • Added value for the customer • Higher customer retention

So how does your customer service compare?

• Competitive edge

Only by putting customers first can you begin to develop a culture within your organisation which places the customer at the centre of everything you do.

• Decreased customer complaints

Your products and services should always be designed to satisfy the requirements of the customer.

Many mission statements are written from the company’s perspective, often setting a general goal of becoming the “best” in their particular field.

Employees are rightly confused as to where they then fit in to that overall vision. The really successful companies include the customer in the mission statement. Consider the following examples: ✑ IKEA “Our business idea is based on a partnership with the customer.”

• Increased sales • More recommendations from satisfied customers • Higher staff motivation, engagement and morale • Improved employee communication For a limited period of time, Northbrook Metropolitan College can offer a short qualification designed to improve employee customer service skills, and understand the impact this will have on customer retention.

Alternatively for a comprehensive bespoke customer service programme, please call for an appointment with a Specialist Skills Advisor.

For further information, please contact Northbrook MET: Tel: 01903 273732 Email: business.solutions@nbcol.ac.uk

✑ Intel “Delight our customers, employees, and shareholders by relentlessly delivering the platform and technology advancements that become essential to the way we work and live.”

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Issue 1 2017

Issue 2 2017

INSIDE:

Farewell Mr Chamber

THE OFFICIAL SHOW GUIDE Better Business Show

Peter Bennett steps down as President

THEO PAPHITIS

ADUR & WORTHING BUSINESS AWARDS

The big dates for 2017

BETTER BUSINESS SHOW

Flat Pack Lancing

HONG KONG

Business in the City of Life

IKEA ON THE WAY?

Gill Fielding

PLATINUM PUBLISHING

GROUP

The photos and highlights

Exclusive Q&A

Secrets of a Millionaire

PLATINUM PUBLISHING

G R O U P

Worthing Connect Magazine is THE voice for business in Worthing & Adur and beyond.

Each issue is delivered to the desks of CEOs, MDs and Owner-Managers across the area, including EVERY member of the Chamber It is also distributed to key public pick-up points across Worthing & Adur.

Issue 3 2017

Your business can reach this influential audience of decision-makers - and all members of the Chamber benefit from significant discounts.

Meet The President Chris Coopey is elected

To find out more contact Lesley Alcock by phone (07767 613707) or by email lesley@platinumbusinessmagazine.com

Next Issue is published on 15th August and has a two-month shelf life.

The copy deadline is 23rd July.

DISCOVER WORTHING A new Tourism Plan

PLATINUM PUBLISHING

GROUP

TIME TO FIX THE A27

Taxation

The Countdown has started: Making Tax Digital - Some Questions & Answers

H

MRC’s vision for the future is that all dealings with tax payers and agents will be digital – in other words via the cloud.

Appropriately enough, this massive initiative is called Making Tax Digital or MTD. With thousands of clients likely to be affected by the move to the new regime of quarterly reporting, MHA Carpenter Box has put together a Q&A to help businesses start on the right track on the road to MTD.

What is HMRC proposing?

Making tax digital is a complete change to the way businesses currently report their income and expenditure to the tax authorities. Here’s what it entails: • Keeping digital records: Businesses and landlords will be required to maintain their records digitally on apps or software that is compatible with the HMRC interfaces.

• Quarterly reporting with a year-end declaration: Businesses and landlords will have to submit information on-line on a quarterly basis as well as make an end of year declaration through their digital software. The information will be summary information rather than on a transaction basis.

• Voluntary pay as you go: Businesses will be able to ‘opt in’ to a pay as you go system for the payment of their taxes.

So when does the revolution start?

April 2018. Small businesses may not be affected until April 2019, but for larger businesses and landlords with a turnover of in excess of £150,000, the start date will be April 2018.

Who will be affected?

• Unincorporated businesses and landlords with gross income over £10,000 p.a.

• Partnerships including LLPs • Limited companies

What will you have to do?

Use software or apps to keep your business records and provide regular (at least quarterly) updates of information to HMRC. These updates will be a summary of income and expenditure only – individual transactions will not be shown.

What do you need to do now?

A taxpayers’ main priority should be to start thinking about implementing a cloud accounting system if they do not currently have one in place. It is possible to do this from whatever form your record keeping is currently in and, of course, as cloud heroes, MHA Carpenter Box will be really happy to help you get on your way.

Our award winning team can hold your hand every step of the way as you make the leap into the cloud.

Our friendly team of tax and business advisers can help you choose the best cloud accounting product that suits your business needs.

If you want to keep up with our regular updates around MTD, keep an eye on our dedicated Making Tax Digital page: www.carpenterbox.com/making-tax-digital

• Exemptions: Businesses and landlords with gross income of less than £10,000 p.a., charities, community amateur sports clubs and the ‘digitally excluded’ will be exempt from tax digitalisation.

23

Travel - Dublin

Shake hands in...

DUBLIN

The Irish capital is attracting attention from financial firms weighing up their post-Brexit options, and there are plenty of reasons why.

Rose Dykins reports.

I

t’s my first visit to Dublin in ten years, and the circumstances are very different from last time.

As a student, I flew over on a Ryanair fight for the price of 1p (plus taxes) and spent a weekend barhopping around the cobbled streets in the Temple Bar area. This time, I dart between cosy cafés to escape the sheets of icy rain and warm up with steaming pots of tea. I take in the Dublin Writers’ Museum, the James Joyce Centre and the surprisingly enlightening National Leprechaun Museum for a holistic understanding of Ireland’s storytelling and literary culture, reflected in Dublin’s UNESCO City of Literature status.

I pour over the intricate letters of the 4th century Books of Kells, adorned with serpents, birds and

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golden Celtic knots, before basking in the spiritual serenity of Trinity College Library. All in all, a much more sedate visit, that leaves me with an appreciation of Dublin beyond ‘the craic’ and the creamy homebrewed Guinness (it just doesn’t taste the same on this side of the Irish Sea…).

Ireland’s contribution to international culture is undeniable. The legacy of its literary, musical and historical heroes is woven into the fabric of its capital city, which generates a sparky, inspiring atmosphere for hosting MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and events).

Central Dublin’s charming Georgian architecture and small size are both appealing attributes for hosting large-scale conferences. In terms of hotel

Travel - Dublin Convention Centre Dublin

stock, the city may not have an abundance of new properties, but instead, its 20,000 rooms are continually being refreshed. “Every one of our hotels has gone through some sort of refurbishment programme over the past few years,” says Sam Johnston, Manager of the Dublin Convention Bureau.

“And the convention centre is just under seven years old, but it looks as if it opened yesterday”.

Nestled in the heart of Dublin Docklands, Convention Centre Dublin’s semi-cylindrical glass facade offers views of the green hills beyond the city limits. Its cutting-edge design and facilities, including a 2,000-seat auditorium, 4,500 sqm of exhibition space and 22 meeting rooms, earned it the accolade of the ‘World’s Best Overseas Conference Venue’ at the 2015 C&IT Awards. And, last year, Dublin hosted some 150 conferences (including heavyweights such as the International Air Transport Association’s AGM in June) totalling approximately €67 million for Ireland’s economy.

When it comes to business, Dublin has spent time building on its strengths and cultivating growth in certain sectors, including fintech, aviation leasing and support services (law and accountancy firms). Facebook’s European HQ is here – the 12.5 percent corporate tax rate no doubt

an attraction. Situated along Dublin Docklands, the company is based in a Daniel Libeskind designed building, fitted out with Frank Gehry interiors, said to reflect a “work-in-progress atmosphere”.

“When it comes to business, Dublin has spent time building on its strengths and cultivating growth in certain sectors, including fintech, aviation leasing and support services.”

Dublin International airport is only a short hop away for continental passengers, and its connectivity

Dublin Landings

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Travel - Dublin are able to secure with the EU, the better for Ireland’s economy.

Temple Bar area to more than 179 destinations is a huge pull factor for business travel. “We connect to all the major European hubs, then you land at Dublin airport and you’re in the city in 15-20 minutes,” says Johnston.

“So we’re easy to reach for Europe-based travellers, and they won’t need to take too many days out of their schedule”.

A year on since Britain voted for Brexit, it’s still difficult to move beyond speculation as to what leaving the European Union will mean for the Emerald Isle, although a hard Brexit would be disruptive. When the Northern Irish border becomes the only land border between the European Union and the UK (depending on Scotland’s decision to hold another referendum for independence) there has been talk of Britain potentially introducing its own immigration controls to Irish airports – already met with outrage by Irish citizens, as the current open barrier not only benefits those who work and live on opposite sides of the border, but plays a part in protecting the peace after decades of conflict.

“Ireland’s contribution to international culture is undeniable. The legacy of its literary, musical and historical heroes is woven into the fabric of its capital city… ” Regarding trade, the UK is Ireland’s third biggest export destination, accounting for 12% of total exports after the US (22%) and Belgium (13%). Meanwhile, Britain is Ireland’s largest importer, responsible for 28% of total imports. At the time of going to press, the ‘snap’ general election was still one month away. Whoever the prime minister is after June 8th, the better trade deal they

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On the other hand, certain financial companies are reportedly sizing up Dublin for their new postBrexit European headquarters, including Barclays and Standard Chartered PLC, and in August, a survey from Price Waterhouse Cooper placed Dublin second after London among Europe’s most appealing financial centres. According to a joint report by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland, property agents have seen a 30% increase in the number of enquiries from UK firms looking to relocate and protect their access to the single market.

At the same time, in March, Ireland issued a formal complaint to the European Commission, stating that other EU cities weren’t playing fair in the scramble to attract financial firms spooked by Brexit – Eoghan Murphy, Ireland’s Financial Services Minister was reported as saying that certain cities were being “very aggressive in trying to win business”. He added that rather than “brass-plating”, Dublin expects “the mind and management of the entity” to be in Ireland.

It seems that Dublin is not content with merely playing host to financial firms leaving London, and instead, any arriving companies will need to fully integrate into its business ecosystem.

Wander down to Docklands – the sleek modernity of its architecture redolent of Canary Wharf – and you’ll see a number of cranes poised to add to Dublin’s already impressive infrastructure. Recently, plans were approved for a €700 million development, Dublin Landings. Covering more than two hectares, it will encompass five office buildings, 273 apartments and retail space when it opens in 2020. From here, about halfway towards the Temple Bar Area, another mega project is underway. Tara House will become the tallest building in Dublin at 88 metreshigh, housing a 110-room hotel, a five storey viewing podium and a top floor restaurant and bar. The intention is for it to act as a “landmark gateway” between Dublin’s historic centre and the modernism of Docklands.

Dublin’s heritage may be rich, but its future is also looking prosperous. If in the financial firms do choose to relocate to the Irish capital, a smorgasbord of immaculate new facilities and a business-friendly climate will be ready and waiting to receive them.

Travel - Dublin

TOP PLACES FOR A MEETING/EVENT

➠ POWERSCOURT HOTEL Situated in Wicklow - 45 minutes from Dublin - this striking crescent-shaped hotel sits within a verdant estate owned by the Slazenger family. Part of Marriott International’s Autograph Collection, the elegant 194 room property shares it surrounds with two championship golf courses and Ireland’s highest waterfall. powerscourthotel.com

GUINNESS STOREHOUSE The home of the ebony nectar would make a memorable event venue. The entire building can be hired for 2,000 guests, and for banquets, it’s possible to arrange for a menu made entirely with Guinness ingredients. guinnessstorehouse.com

CROKE PARK

➠ ➠

For a unique team building activity, organise a game of Gaelic football at Croke Park – the national stadium for Gaelic games which also has its own conference centre. crokepark.ie

TEELING WHISKEY DISTILLERY This operational factory offers industrial chic event space, with the option to arrange tours and tasting sessions. teelingwhiskey.com

➠ 27

Pensions

Workplace Pensions Do you know your responsibilities as an employer?

By Mark Robinson, Financial Planner for Antrams Financial Services

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uto enrolment has now worked its way down to the smaller companies and between now and 5th April 2018 it is estimated that 950,000 small companies will be establishing a workplace pension scheme. Small business owners view this as quite an administrative hassle which tends to be put off until the last minute.

However, this needn’t be the case, by working with an accountants or a financial services company the burden can be removed and a fully compliant workplace pension scheme can be established.

When establishing your workplace pension, you need to consider the following: 1.

Do you know your staging date? As an employer, it is your duty to know your staging date, this can found under the ‘Duties Checker’ on The Pensions Regulator (TPR) website.

2.

Do you employ at least one member of staff? It’s irrelevant as to whether the employed member of staff would qualify as an eligible job holder, you would still need to establish a workplace pension scheme.

3.

Is the solution easy to set up, maintain, simple to use, accessible to employees and works with your payroll system? By achieving these things you will save both time and money

4.

Is it cost effective? Make sure you’re not paying more than you need to and ensure that you are aware of the costs involved in setting up and maintaining the scheme.

5.

Do you understand the cost of monthly contributions?

Up to the 5th April 2018

1% employer, 1% employee*

6th April 2018-5th April 2019

2% employer, 3% employee*

6th April 2019 onwards

3% employer, 5% employee*.

* Employee contributions shown gross Finally, as an employer, there is a legal requirement for you to complete The Pension Regulator declaration five months after your staging date and there is also a legal requirement on employers, trustees, managers and providers to keep certain records for six years to enable them to prove that they have complied with their duties.

Chamber member Mark Robinson, Financial Planner for Antrams Financial Services will be running an information session on workplace pensions. A date will be announced soon on the chamber website.

Email tracie@worthingandadurchamber.co.uk to reserve a space

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Arts & Culture

In Tune with Worthing Superstar Violinist Nicola Benedetti enjoys Worthing’s acoustically fine venue

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orthing Symphony Orchestra has been part of the town’s music scene since 1926. Made up of professional players, it is THE professional Orchestra of West Sussex. Under the leadership of principal conductor John Gibbons, the Orchestra attracts world-class soloists and performs world-class music right on our doorstep, coupled with the perfect acoustics of the Assembly Hall, this means that classical music lovers in our part of the world are truly blessed. The Assembly Hall has long been recognised by the sound engineers of BBC Radio 2’s Friday Night is Music Night as having one of the finest acoustics in the country, and musicians enjoy working together in its special ambience.

Worthing Symphony Orchestra’s 91st season opens on Monday July 10th with an evening concert featuring NICOLA BENEDETTI, one of the most sought after violinists of her generation. Nicola plays Shostakovich’s magnificent 1st Violin Concerto, which she recorded and released last year on Decca Classics, to great critical acclaim.

Nicola has been a Worthing regular since her success in winning BBC Young Musician of the Year as a 16-year-old back in 2004.

She has often said how much she enjoys playing with a professional orchestra in such an acoustically fine venue as the Assembly Hall. Nicola has always held a special place in the hearts of WSO players and the Assembly Hall audiences who have watched her career scale the heights of international superstardom.

This July 10th concert features another superstar – Worthing’s Wurlitzer – the largest organ

console in Europe. The combination of full orchestra and mighty Wurlitzer is a sound and sight to behold.

When you add a world-famous violinist to the mix, this sublime opening concert promises a fitting start to what is shaping up to be WSO’s most spectacular season yet.

Ticket prices and programmes available now on the WSO website www.worthingsymphony.co.uk

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Motoring

TESLA MODEL X

by Motoring Editor: Maarten Hoffmann

T

depends on how heavy you are with your right foot, but unlike a dinosaur fuelled car, it will take longer to charge than it takes to fill with fuel.

The X would be regarded as an SUV but comes complete with aspects of all other model sectors. It has 4-wheel drive due to the electric power being fed to all wheels, it will house up to seven passengers and hits 60mph in 4.8 seconds. Order the P100D with the ‘ludicrous speed’ update and you will hit 60 in 2.8 seconds, which puts it up there with Ferrari and McLaren. And there is no engine, no fuel tank, so servicing and no petrol costs!

But that really is the only trade off. If at home, then pop it on charge and it will be ready to go every morning and if on the road, then the computer will tell you where the nearest charge point is and it takes 20 minutes for a half charge and a little less than an hour for a full charge. Therefore it just takes a little planning. Allow time to grab a coffee or send some e-mails and you will be good to go but if you are on the road for business and plans change, then this becomes an issue as there is no engine in the car to get you out of trouble.

he long-awaited second Tesla model is here following Tesla’s mission to change the world and l would not bet a penny against them achieving exactly that.

So many facets of this car are unique that it would take too long to list them but one of the stand-out features would have to be the falcon wing rear doors that make entry as easy as possible and is a little bit of theatre every time you open them. We all suspected that jokers in a car park would park close enough to stop them opening but they don’t open as you expect.

They essentially open in two parts whereby the top section cantilevers in if it senses an obstruction and it is a very very clever piece of kit.

That old chestnut ‘range anxiety’ raises its ugly head here and is what has stopped electric cars really taking over. The least expensive option would be the 60D with a range of 220 miles or step up to the 75D and you will achieve 259 miles. This, like a petrol car,

TECH STUFF Model tested: 90D Power unit: 90kWh Dual Motor Power: 417bhp eqv.

Performance: 0-60mph 4.8 seconds Top speed: 155mph Price from: £89,300

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The elephant in the room is the price. The 75D is £71,900, the shorter range 60D is £64,100 and then up the list to the 90D at £89,300 and the range topping P90D comes in at around £100,000. There is no doubt it is a revolutionary peek into the future but this price will, l am afraid, be a barrier for many.

The killer car will be the Model 3 when it arrives as it is aimed at the mass market and, in the US, it will come in at $35,000 (£27,000). In my mind, there is absolutely no doubt whatsoever that this car will sweep the planet and oh how our grandchildren will giggle in horrified amazement at the stories of how we used to pump fossil fuel into a hole at the back of our cars. The future is here.

Motoring

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FERRARI 488 SPIDER

he UK has a love affair with convertibles resulting in over half of the 488 sales being drop tops.

The 488 GTB has received a fair amount of stick for the lack of acceptable noise emanating from the tail pipes, so the big question with this car is whether folding away the solid roof improves the treat for the ears. And, if so, is it worth an extra £20,000?

The way the 488 Spider accelerates provides a visceral thrill of pure performance. As the revs rise the engine’s soundtrack, almost inaudible at idle, builds from a base tone and as the revs reach 3,500 it takes on a harder edge and becomes much louder and menacing.

Admittedly, the high-rev shriek of the previous V8s has gone, but this isn’t a poor substitute, and once the turbos are really spinning it’s hard work keeping it going by selecting the next of the seven speeds in the seamless, twin-clutch paddle-shift gearbox.

The 488 Spider can arrive at corners at astonishing speed, but the chassis and brakes are more than up to the job. In conjunction with magnetic dampers, which provided a remarkably smooth ride on some rubbish road surfaces, the Spider has the latest version of Ferrari’s side-slip control (SSC), which stiffens or relaxes the dampers to maximise grip.

This set-up works in tandem with the car’s electronic brain that also constantly adjusts the stability and

traction control systems as well as the electronic differential. It sounds complicated, and the processing power to achieve it is mighty, but the end result is an amazingly grippy and adjustable car that goes precisely where you point it. Turn the wheel some more and the front end simply tracks and goes round, while there’s incredible stability at the rear as the tyres simply grip rather than try to slide wide and deviate from the chosen line.

It’s such an accomplished car that I find it a shame that some observers have commented on the noise it makes. True, the engine sound isn’t as compelling as the previous, 458’s, but Ferrari, along with everyone else, has been forced into turbocharging if it’s to achieve ever greater power while satisfying the demonic emissions regulations.

The 488 Spider has got sufficient V8 bite and bark to satisfy most people, so it really isn’t a deal-breaker. And when such prodigious performance is available, that’s more than adequate compensation.

Like it or not, turbocharging is here to stay at Ferrari and the 488 Spider is a glorious way to usher in a new era of the company’s mid-engined V8 cars. More than the coupé, the Spider can be anything you want it to be – barnstorming sports car or refined cruiser, and anything in between. If you have the means to buy a £200,000-plus car, the extra over the GTB is money well spent.

TECHNICAL STUFF Model tested: 488 GTB Spider Engine: 3.9-litre V8 Turbo Power: 660bhp Performance: 0-62mph 3 seconds Top speed: 203mph Economy: 25mpg combined Price: £204,000

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Motoring

MASERATI GHIBLI

M

aserati conjures up images of Sofia Loren being whisked around the South of France by Carlo Ponti, scarf blowing in the wind and a La Dolce Vita soundtrack. The first Ghibli was born in 1966 and was as beautiful a sports car as any produced. Ghibli actually means a dry hot wind blowing across the Libyan desert. And now it’s back.

Now l have to say, with slight horror in my voice, that the Ghibli sitting on my drive is a diesel! Sacrilege or smart – we will see. Your engine choices are the 3.0-litre V6 275bhp turbodiesel, 3.0-litre petrol offering 325bhp and the monster 404bhp twin-turbo. For extra bragging rights down the pub, the engines were developed by Ferrari.

No longer intended to be a supercar of the few, this incarnation of the evocative name has full intentions to take on the Germans at their own game in the large luxury car market. That is a very brave decision as the Germans have held sway over this sector for a very long time and they are a very efficient and dominant force.

Inside you are greeted with superb grain leather seats, frameless glass in the doors and a great 8.5in screen that’s a breeze to use. Due to the rakish sting, there is not a huge amount of space in the back but with the front seats electrically adjusted, all will fit without much discomfort. Having had enough of the digital age, l am

32

Motoring delighted to see the real clock sitting atop the dash and the only small gripe l have is the auto gear lever. It is far too easy to grab the wrong gear and rather than becoming intuitive, it takes a tad of concentration to get it right but aside from that, this is a very nice place to be indeed. It should also be said that the 8-speed ZF gearbox is seamless and faultless. It comes with the obligatory paddles and here they are huge and enable you to really yank on them without fear of your fingers slipping or missing that gear.

“This reincarnation of this evocative name has full intentions to take on the Germans at their own game” The standard kit is as expected with climate control, rain-sensing wipers, proximity sensors everywhere and a great Bowers & Wilkins audio system and the boot, whilst a slightly odd shape, is cavernous. It also offers Apple CarPlay and Android auto and various AUX connections.

The suspension offers great ride quality and with a 50:50 weight distribution, it really allows you to throw it around with confidence. Weighting in around twotonnes, it is a significant achievement that it corners pretty much flat and sudden direction changes don’t unsettle it and it offers great grip. This might well be the result of the decision to avoid electric steering and plump for servo-assisted hydraulic steering with offers a

great connection to the road.

I would like more of a throaty roar from the tail pipes but pop it into Sport, and if does offer a satisfying deep grumble that overcomes the diesel rattle. And then we come to the price. With a starting price of £49,620, it is quite unbelievable that you can be driving a Maserati for less than 50 grand.

And then we come to the Germans. The Ghibli will have to go up against the likes of the Mercedes E-Class, Audi A6 and BMW 5-series and that’s a trio that have pretty much locked out the sector. The Jaguar XF has edged its nose in there but this is a terrifying sector to enter. The Ghibli makes a good fist of it, better in some areas and not as good in others but there is one screaming fact that cannot be avoided. When you pull into the company car park, awash with German metal, you will be driving something special, something unique and something with an Italian character all its own. You will be driving a Maserati and that my friends, will trump everything in the car park.

TECH STUFF Model tested: Maserati Ghibli Diesel Engine: 3.0-litre turbodiesel Power: 275bhp Performance: 0-60mph 6.4 seconds Top speed: 155mph Economy: 47.9mpg combined Price from: £48,620

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Mentoring

Peer Group Power

S

ince 2012, Worthing and Adur Chamber of Commerce has been offering highly successful peer-to-peer mentoring group programmes to over 60 members and is planning its next group.

What is Peer Mentoring?

Peer Mentoring Groups consist of 8-12 business owners from different business areas who are willing to learn from and support each other by sharing their expertise and varied skill sets in a confidential environment. All the programmes have at their core the concept of Action Learning – this is ‘learning by doing’, focusing on group members’ real business challenges and identifying practical actions they can take to solve them. An experienced facilitator guides the group and holds members accountable.

What are the benefits?

• Thinking time to work on (rather than in) the business • The opportunity to explore challenges in a confidential environment • A diverse pool of wisdom and expertise to draw on • A unique blend of challenge and support from peers • Ideas for new products and services • The content of each meeting is determined exclusively by members themselves • Six bespoke workshops as identified and requested by the group

How will Peer Mentoring help me?

• For both start up and established businesses that are looking to grow and develop.

• Each member has two scheduled time-slots for introducing their business to the group and reviewing their progress • Monthly opportunities to present a business challenge for Action Learning sessions.

• Commitment to meet for three hours once a month over the course of a year.

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• Exclusive opportunity to talk in a confidential situation with a group of your peers.

How do you join a group?

If you would like to apply to join a group please email an expression of interest with a brief history of yourself and your business to info@worthingandadurchamber.co.uk. Tina or Jacqui will then make contact with you to discuss the programme in more detail.

What do people say about the programme?

Helen Vane – Go Gecko “This for me was the follow on from a brilliant 12 week start up business programme also through the chamber. I have to say it has been fantastic. I have met 8 enthusiastic and credible business people who I consider to be a crucial part of my business moving forward. We can talk about anything within a safe and confidential environment, which is expertly facilitated so we don’t go wandering off track !! I really look forward to working on my business once a month and hearing about everyone’s successes and challenges as a group. I value the support I have and consider it to be a non negotiable three hours a month to take a deep breath before carrying on!”

Steve Hobbs - Warnes “I have made some very tough but important decisions that I would have probably put off without the support of the group.”

Training

New WiseUp2 programme launched

A

s business people we are all experts in our chosen field. However there are many important business areas that you may not be knowledgeable about.

What do attendees say?

How can you improve your knowledge? You could spend days researching the Internet or reading books or you could simply and quickly learn from an expert.

This is why Worthing and Adur Chamber developed its WiseUp2 workshops. At just £35 a session for Chamber members and £75 for non members it’s a very cost effective option.

• Taking time to think outside of the usual routine - I had forgotten the importance

• Focused session lasting two-to-three hours on a specific subject.

• Led by professional trainers who are experts in their field.

• Small group of up to eight delegates guaranteeing a personalised session • Interactive session to aid learning and allows the delegates to exchange ideas For more details and to book your place visit www.worthingandadurchamber.co.uk

• I learnt a lot and the trainer was inspirational • Excellent!

• Not long enough - it was so good!!

TRAINING DIARY 6 Steps to Business Growth Trainer: Andrew Abaza, Action Coach Date: Thursday 29th June 9.30am - 12.30pm

A little bit of Marketing can go a long way Trainer: Sheryl Tipton, Tipton Marketing Date: Wednesday 5th July 9.30am - 12.30pm

LinkedIn or left out?

Trainer: Kelly O’Haire, Ask for the Moon Date: Tuesday 11th July 9.30am - 12.30pm

Be Excel-lent Trainer: Jane Hames, Glide Training Date: Tuesday 18th July 9.30am - 12.30pm

EXCEL TIPS Here’s a teaser of just a few of the many top tips Jane Hames from Glide Training will be including in her Be Excel-lent session on Tuesday 18th July…

In Excel there are lots of tips and techniques that make working with it quicker and easier. Whether you’re a new user or an advanced user, here are a few of my top tips to help you: • Do you find Excel annoying when you type a number that starts with a zero and the zero disappears? Precede with an apostrophe and the zero remains. Great for account numbers, sort codes and phone numbers!

• Press Ctrl and Home on the keyboard to go back to cell A1.

• Press the Home key to go to the beginning of the row.

• If you see ##### in a column, it just means that the column is not wide enough.

• If you get in a muddle when building or editing a formula, press the Esc key to cancel the formula.

• Use Ctrl Page Up and Ctrl Page Down to move between sheet tabs.

• Use the Numeric Keypad for + - / * and Enter. It will save you having to hunt the keyboard for the mathematical signs used in formulas.

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18th October 2017 THE ARORA HOTEL, CRAWLEY

Don’t just Meet the Buyers get yourself connected The Gatwick Diamond Meet the Buyers Programme brings together Buyers and Suppliers to help each other grow their businesses.

For Buyers, you will have the opportunity to meet new Suppliers of the products and services you need as well as explore ways to solve your procurement issues.

For Suppliers, you will be able to access the kind of businesses you simply cannot reach elsewhere, with face to face meetings with their procurement professionals.

From June 2017, there will be a programme of free Seminars to help you understand how to engage with Public Sector and large businesses that are seeking new suppliers as well as improve your general sales processes.

t: 01293 813889

e: info@gatwickdiamondmeetthebuyers.com

www.GatwickDiamondMeettheBuyers.com

Sponsored by GROUP

PLATINUM PUBLISHING

@GDMeettheBuyers

Meet the Buyers

Sellers! Meet the Buyers!

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ow in its 17th year, Gatwick Diamond Meet the Buyers brings local, regional and national buyers together with local businesses in the region.

Worthing and Adur Chamber is proud to be a partner in the event, which creates new business for those that take part • Over £22.5m of business is estimated to have been created since 2010 • In 2017, there will be more than 2,000 sales meetings at the Meet the Buyers event in October Gatwick Diamond Meet the Buyers is free for buying organisations and we will provide you with everything you need to make a success of the day In previous years, Meet the Buyers has focussed on Construction and Infrastructure. These sectors are still important and will be represented in 2017, but we are looking to create more opportunities in other sectors For 2017, we will introduce five separate Zones to reflect different business needs and types in the Region.

These Zones are: • Business Services - to include Professional, Financial, Digital, Educational

• International Business • Construction and Infrastructure

Get Involved 1.

Register for Meet the Buyers on the website as a supplier by completing the form & returning to sally@gatwickdiamondmeetthebuyers.com

2.

See who is going to be there and their needs

3.

Submit your relevant products and services

4.

We will match you with the relevant Buyers

5.

Use your dedicated appointments to get yourself connected with the types of Buyers you want to do business with

What does it cost?

If your business is located within the Gatwick Diamond Region, then the cost has been subsidised by the Sponsors and is £125 +Vat per delegate Worthing and Adur Chamber is a Supporting Partner of this event and as a member you will get the preferential discounted rate of £125 +Vat per delegate (saving of £100) For more information and to register please go to www.gatwickdiamondmeetthebuyers.com or contact the organisers info@gatwickdiamondmeetthebuyers.com

• Manufacturing and Innovation • Public Sector and Utilities

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Corporate Social Responsibility

Join us in taking Forward Steps!

Following on from our article in the last issue, the Chamber is delighted to announce that the official launch event for the Forward Steps CSR programme will be held on Friday 21st July at Heene Community Centre.

C

orporate Social Responsibility – known as CSR - can be a hugely beneficial part of any business, increasing brand awareness, helping to motivate and retrain staff and creating trust.

Business Connector for Business in the Community, Jon Stroud, is helping the Chamber to spread the word about our new Forward Steps programme and says, “I have seen first hand many times, just how beneficial even a small amount of CSR activity can be. When any company gets involved as the programme matches the requests up to the businesses, without them having to weed out lots of irrelevant requests first. Precious business time is saved and on the flip-side, no hopes are dashed in the process too. It really is a win-win.”

So how does Forward Steps work?

Businesses sign up to the programme through our website, www.forwardsteps.org.uk. They can be very specific in what they have to offer (NB: we are not asking for offers of money here) it can be anything from leftover pallets at your factory, to a meeting room one morning a week, to staff time for volunteering, to mentoring, training – you name it! Your provider offers are anonymously listed in different categories.

Only once we have enough businesses signed up will we launch to the local community. Those in need do not have to be charities, they can be any local community group that have a genuine need for help.

They then search the offers and click on the relevant ones.

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The business receives a notification that someone is interested in your offer. Only when the request is accepted does the person in need find out who the supplier is.

It really is that simple!

Do please come to our launch event to find out more. Or you can sign up now and still come to the launch event! If you’d like to get a bit more involved and be part of the Chamber CSR group then please email tracie@worthingandadurchamber.co.uk

Help for Business

Grants for Growth GRANTS can be a low risk form of finance What are grants?

A grant is an investment in your business, but unlike a traditional investment, a grant does not need to be re-paid. Grants are often viewed as: cash in kind, a subsidy, or even a gift in kind.

They are ‘opportunistic’ but may not fund certain types of projects, types or stages of business, but if you are eligible to apply, it is free money.

Most grants are matched funded, meaning the business is also required to contribute to the overall cost of the project.

Publicly funded schemes are designed to encourage new and growing businesses. To stimulate growth and ultimately create jobs. To help achieve this the government makes available a portion of money to encourage enterprise through business grants.

Reasons to apply for a business grant.

Access to finance is important for growth and productivity. Grants will ease cash flow pressures and investment helps achieve a sustainable business.

Often grants will unleash projects your business may not otherwise afford. Unleashing a new project can help achieve growth or generate new revenue streams. Grants contribute to expansion plans - boost innovation, which in turn helps your business grow.

Grants make your investment and your working capital go further.

What sort of grants are available?

Small business enabler grants tend to invest in projects like: web design, marketing materials, training & specialist consultancy support and are easy to apply for.

The Adur and Worthing Small Business Grant is still available, (at time of going press) but apply soon, as the demand is high. The grant offers a maximum matched funded contribution of £2,500, available to local micro businesses (of up to 10 employees). For example, if you want to purchase equipment that

costs £1,500, you can apply for £750 from the grant fund and source the additional £750 needed from your own funds. You must be able to demonstrate how the project will impact growth, help generate revenue or improve productivity or efficiencies.

Larger grant contributions of £10k plus, impose stricter criteria. They are often for capital Investment projects, such as: New equipment, premises & transport. The funder will ask for supporting evidence how the investment will impact growth and new employment opportunities.

There is a substantial grant designed for rural businesses wanting to diversify or make a capital investment. Available to rural businesses who trade mostly across the South Downs, from £2,500 to £75,000. This grant is a 40% matched funded contribution.

Where do I go to source a grant for my business?

Business Navigator is a government funded business support service that is free and impartial for businesses to use.

To find out more, call your Business Support Navigator, Ryan Davies: 0800 977 4146 E: Info@c2cbusiness.org.uk or search our web site. www.c2cbusiness.org.uk

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Profile

A Year in the Life…

Harmony at Home Business name: Harmony at Home Children’s Boutique Owner: Claire Fisher Location: Warwick Street, Worthing.

Number of employees: Two part-time staff

When and why did you start the business?

I’ve been in business for just over two years and in Worthing since January this year. My ultimate aim was to have my business where I live and we jumped at the chance when a premises became available.

I was looking for a new challenge, something new and exciting. And I can safely say it has been and continues to be all of those things!

How have you grown your business or your client base?

We’ve been steadily growing our online presence and our Warwick Street premises now gives us the benefit of having a dedicated wrapping and packing area where we can process our online orders. This will be invaluable at Christmas whilst giving us the opportunity to expand our online sales further. We also have access to a higher footfall and increased in-store sales.

What challenges have you faced in the past year?

Being in the retail sector is a huge challenge in itself. Personally though, the biggest challenge has been moving the entire contents of the shop to Worthing. We did all the work ourselves and over the Christmas period - my children and family were very understanding! Our biggest challenge now is spreading the word and marketing ourselves on a very small budget.

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Where have you found support or help for your business?

I couldn’t do any of this without the support of my family. From a business point of the view, the Chamber has been really helpful. I’ve now been to networking meetings, workshops and the AGM and I’ve found them all hugely beneficial. It’s fantastic to meet other business people, all facing similar challenges and experiences, and learning about what their businesses might have to offer. Also, I probably wouldn’t have thought of accessing small business grants before joining the Chamber.

What are your plans for the year ahead?

To continue the growth of our online sales and develop our brand awareness in Worthing. We get amazing feedback from customers so we just need to tap into that and continue with what we are good at - exceptional customer service and strong product knowledge - whilst offering unique, personalised children’s gifts, toys and clothes.

What is your ultimate goal for the business?

To increase sales to enable me to take on more staff so that I can spend more time on the business. I love meeting our customers but less time on the shop floor will enable me to develop both my staff and my business.

Membership Benefits

Membership Benefits

D

o you make the most of your Chamber membership? Or, if you’re not a member, have you thought about the value that membership of the Chamber - and the inherent benefits - can provide you and your business?

There are many ways in which you can make your Chamber membership pay for itself, and here’s just a few of them: • NETWORKING - it’s what we (and you!) do best. But, of course, you do have to take part to experience the benefits. It’s not just direct business leads you can create but beneficial partnerships with other like-minded business professionals.

For example, Clive Spring from Yoohoo Creative and Peter Wood from Eat Food Love Food met at our free Chamber Hub, and they’re now working together on a new joint venture.

• PROMOTION - you’re looking at our newest, and possibly most visible, communication channel right now. We’ve lots of opportunities for members to tell us about their business, offer advice and specialist knowledge or just feature on our Spotted page. You can be the subject of one of our regular pieces (like the Spotlight or A Year in the Life of) or come to us with your own ideas. We’ll even help you write it! One feature in Connect magazine could well justify the cost of your membership many times over.

• TRAINING - Coming up over the next few months are our popular WiseUp2 workshops: bite-sized training sessions led by experts, and at extremely competitive rates. Attendance is not limited to just you; if you’ve a colleague who you’d like to send along, we’d love to welcome them! We’ll be offering learning in topics such as social media, tax, HR issues, Excel, time management and a whole lot more. Perfect for your team’s continuing professional development.

• SUPPORT - we love nothing more than recommending our members to other members, external businesses and the public, whether you want a supplier or someone with a certain expertise or experience. Add to that our increasingly popular peer-to-peer mentoring scheme (see page 34) and you’ve got a ready-to-go support system that business owners, or those at the top, often miss out on.

These are just a few of the ways that you can tap into the excellent benefits that the Chamber offers, and really get great value for money from your membership.

If you’d like to discuss any of these opportunities with us, do drop us a line at info@worthingandadurchamber.co.uk

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Events

Chamber Diary Networking is a large part of the Chamber, and we are very proud to offer a varied programme of events throughout the year for our Members and guests alike.

W

ith the summer hopefully upon us, our programme of events starts to take advantage of longer days and (fingers crossed) sunnier weather!

Networking is a large part of what we do and we are pleased to welcome our Members and their guests alike.

This summer we’re looking forward to our annual Chamber social, speed networking with other Chambers and Worthing Theatres’ Summer of Circus to name but a few! Do take a moment to have a look online and book yourself in, it’s always lovely to see new and existing members alike and the more people that attend, the more chance there is of making those good connections!

REGULAR EVENTS Networking Breakfasts & Lunches Held on the third Friday of the month as a Breakfast or Lunch. Our more formal event with a keynote speaker such as local MP’s, council leaders and officers, county councillors, local business leaders

It’s vital you plan your networking however, to maximise your value from it. Make sure you arrive in plenty of time, with a suitable number of business cards to exchange and be sure to let us know if there is someone particular you would like an introduction to – that’s what we’re here for! Don’t be afraid of starting up a conversation with someone new, chances are they are hesitant too, and do take time to get to know people as some great business opportunities have been developed from those attending our events.

With that in mind, whichever events you attend, take time to follow up with those new contacts, and do get involved as much as you can - we’re always interested to hear our members feedback and look forward to welcoming you soon.

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.

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

Chamber Chat 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

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Non-Members welcomed...

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

Events

DIARY DATES 11th July Summer Social Another flagship and well attended event. This year the Summer Social will be held at Worthing Golf Club with a Hog Roast and welcome drink! Come rain or shine this is sure to be an evening of fun and great value. This social event is relaxed and friendly and always enjoyable.

14th July, 11th August and 15th September Chamber Hub Free, fast paced and lively, our informal networking event is widely popular with around 30 businesses joining us each time. Book now and meet other local businesses and hear two spotlight presentations along with all the Chamber gossip!

Free parking on site.

21st July Networking Breakfast Corporate Social Responsibility – known as CSR - can be a hugely beneficial part of any business, increasing brand awareness, helping to motivate and retrain staff and creating trust. Join us at this networking breakfast to find out more about Corporate Social Responsibility, what it means to businesses and how you can maximise the PR and marketing opportunities. There will of course be plenty of opportunity for networking and making key contacts.

2nd August Speed Networking with the neighbours!

Another fast paced event, with the opportunity to meet over 60 businesses in a speed networking format. It’s one of our favourites and this year we join forces with Bognor Regis Chamber, Brighton Chamber, Chichester Chamber and Sussex Chamber offering you the chance to meet completely new businesses.

22nd September Networking Breakfast with an update from Rampion Windfarm This networking breakfast will be an update from Rampion Windfarm. Come along and meet other local business owners, and establish your connections.

So, whichever you prefer, head over to the website www.worthingandadurchamber.co.uk and book in for some of events today; you won’t be disappointed. We look forward to seeing you there.

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Office Space

Are you looking for office space in Worthing?

A

s many of you may know, last year the Chamber Team moved to its all new, fresh modern offices at Sphere Business Centre in Broadwater. Since then, we have built up a lovely little community in our hub of small and growing business offices and now one of them is becoming available for you to join us!

If you are looking for office space for your small growing team in a convenient Worthing location - our 2 person office may be just right for you.

Summer Madness! Special offer for new clients Pay for July, September and October, get August FREE! Two desk dedicated office: from £350 per month One desk in office: £200 per month *Terms and conditions apply

www.spherebusinesscentre.co.uk

This monthly cost includes the following • A professional business premises and postal address • Daily post collection and posting of stamped / franked mail • Dedicated swipe access (Monday – Friday 8:00am – 6:00pm)

• Individual secure network connection • Lockers, Dedicated lockable drawers, Lockable cabinet in the office • Subsidised gym membership at onsite Nuffield Health Gym - just £20 a month • Free unlimited tea and coffee

• Free Dedicated on site parking spaces

• Subsidised Canteen (we recommend the £2.95 full English breakfast & 20% cheaper Starbucks, yum!)

• Use of the Centre's meeting room

• Printing & copying facilities (extra cost)

• Use of communal breakout areas

• Dedicated VOIP phone (extra cost)

• On site business support from Worthing and Adur Chamber of Commerce • Access to our Virtual Office Service package • High speed broadband & WiFi

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For more information or to book a tour please contact the Sphere Business Centre on 01903 681001 or by email office@spherebusinesscentre.co.uk

Office space

Power Up at the Sphere with other flexible working opportunities including: Hot Desking

Hotdesking at the Sphere entitles you to an unassigned desk in our main open plan area.

This option is great for co-working and collaborative working opportunities or just simply getting out of your home office for the day!

Dedicated Desks

Sphere’s Dedicated Desk option enables you to choose your own desk in our open plan area for at least 3 days or more.

This option will allow you to have a bit more privacy with lockable cabinets / lockers.

Want to give Hot Desking a go?

Dedicated desks are

Come along to a free

just £150 per month.

#tTryitTuesday session

Meeting Room Hire

Sphere offers a convenient location for you to hold your meetings.

With excellent high speed WiFi & broadband, free tea & coffee, computer and screen for presentations, look no further than the Sphere for your meetings!

Full day hire (9am - 5pm) £30.00 Half day hire (9am - 1pm) £15.00

Award-winning pest control services

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Spotlight

SPOTLIGHT ON…

Sarah Grinnell, Independent Financial Advisor at Chantler Kent Investments What does your business do?

We are a friendly, professional advisory firm that looks to work with you to find out what your financial goals are for now and for the future. We look to develop a long term working relationship with clients, as life does tend to throw up its challenges, and plans will change throughout a client’s lifetime. It’s not just about looking at one area but the client’s whole financial well-being.

When did you start the business and why?

Chantler Kent Investments started 23 years ago and I joined in May 2016. I have known Chantler Kent for over 20 years and believe them to be an ethical employer and provide sound financial advice. I am able to be based at home in Worthing and work within a team of Financial Advisers throughout Kent and Sussex.

What have been your biggest challenges?

My biggest challenge has been having to start again from scratch developing my own clients.

It is common practice between financial adviser companies that you cannot take clients with you when you leave so, after four years of working with one company, it’s been back to square one.

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

I joined the Chamber to be able to network within Worthing and have the opportunity to meet like-minded people. The Chamber provides invaluable support. I am currently part of a Peer to Peer mentoring group which is really proving to be challenging in terms of looking at how I do business and are perceived. It’s been great to share things honestly with the other members.

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

Worthing and Adur has a lot to offer but sometimes there isn’t a great deal of publicity. I have made connections with some amazing people through the Chamber and social media. We have a lot to shout about. In terms of networking it would be great to have some promotion for women in business. There’s a lot of us out there. For the local area, it goes without saying that the road network needs improvement but funds are an issue. It would also be nice to see Worthing developing its social scene.

Marketing & Fulfilment Services

FREE data audit Contact us now to receive details of our special offer and see how we can get more out of your marketing budget!

Call us on

01444 231400

or email: sales@novadirectmail.co.uk

www.novadirectmail.co.uk

Passionate about your business

Our services vices include: Audit and advisory Accountancy and bookkeeping Tax returns and planning Wealth management

Contact us: 01903 234094 info@carpenterbox.com www.carpenterbox.com