Chamber Connect Magazine Issue 31

BETTER BUSINESS SHOW

Don’t miss out on exhibiting at the best B2B expo in the area

ADUR & WORTHING

BUSINESS AWARDS

Entries now open!

TOP TIPS INSIDE

On recruitment, SEO & getting more active

www.carpenterbox.com

www.adur-worthing.gov.uk

www.nsure.co.uk

www.bennett-griffin.co.uk

Welcome to Issue 31 of Chamber Connect

It’s always a rewarding time reflecting on the AGM and the year’s successes, and this year was no exception. On pages 4 & 5 there’s an overview of the AGM, the year’s achievements and the President’s column.

We are swiftly heading towards the Better Business Show again – date for your diary 19th September, that’s one not to be missed, if you want to exhibit make sure you book now and benefit from the early bird offer. More details on pages 6 & 7.

As always, we have a few great ‘Top Tips’ articles in this issue, we hope you will find these useful for your business.

If any businesses are thinking about taking their first steps in to office space then we’d recommend having a look at the Sphere Business Centre. One of the businesses has grown during their time at the Sphere and has now left to move into a bigger space and will hopefully grow their business further. This has left a couple of office spaces at the Sphere which are rarely available. It’s a unique offer as the Chamber Office is based in the Sphere and the team offer free business support to help you grow and develop your business. If you’d like to come and have a look at the space available give the team a call. You can read more on page 14.

We look forward to seeing you at some future events.

Tracie Davey Chief Exec, Worthing & Adur Chamber

Worthing and Adur

Tel: 01903 203484

Info@worthingandadurchamber.co.uk www.worthingandadurchamber.co.uk

Chamber Event Photography: www.tonygrahamphotography.co.uk

The President’s Column

Tony Hedger, Director of A&T Business Associates and President of Worthing and Adur Chamber.

As I write this article, we are racing towards the half way point of 2024. The last 6 months have seen a great range of events, which have been well attended by Members and Non-Members alike. I am looking forward to the upcoming events including the Networking Breakfast with an update from Catherine Howe, Chief Exec of Adur & Worthing Councils.

The second BetterBizfest was well attended and a great event, the speakers and breakout workshops were outstanding and I am sure next year’s BetterBizFest will be even bigger and better.

The Chamber AGM was entertaining and not too dry! We made sure this event celebrated our Members and the Chamber, with our second year of Chamber Awards proving to be a great success.

We have seen a change to the fantastic board of Executive Members and I would like to thank Debbie Ross, Keith Gallis and Simon Pilbeam for all of their hard work and support over the years.

Sheryl Tipton and Claire Ellis have both been nominated to be Vice Presidents and I am pleased to see them both taking on the role. I look forward to the support they will give to both myself, the Executive Board and the Team, who do the hard work of making sure we have a fantastic Chamber.

We have also said goodbye to our longest standing Executive Board Member, Alastair Vickers who stepped down having dedicated 32 years to the Chamber. His retirement is well deserved but I know he will be deeply missed. Although knowing Alistair I’m sure we will see him at the odd event or two!

The Team in the office are working hard to ensure that the Better Business Show will be as successful as last year and I am sure that attendance will be up on what is one of the best events of this type in Sussex.

Tony Hedger Chamber President

www.worthingandadurchamber.co.uk

Chamber AGM

On Wednesday 15th May at the Innovation Centre at Ricardo in Shoreham, the Chamber hosted its 86th Annual General Meeting. This event highlighted the Chamber’s achievements over the past year as well as showcased Chamber Members, all of who contribute to the successes of the Chamber.

Chamber President, Tony Hedger gave an update on the past year’s successes followed by Treasurer, Chay Took. Chamber Chief Exec, Tracie Davey, talked about plans for the future, and presented an overview of the past year’s achievements. The evening was all about celebrating being in business, growing a business, navigating through challenging times, employing staff, giving back, supporting the next generation, and ultimately enjoying the successes that all of that can bring. Supporting members and the business community is the driver for everything the Chamber does, every decision made and every plan dared to think of! Finally there were a few fun Member Awards all pictured below:

Serial Networker – Tom Price

Referral Champion – Justin Howard

Selfie Queen – Vicki Etherington

Member’s Choice – Emma Waterer

A huge thank you to everyone who came and to all of our members who are the reason our business community is thriving.

Photos by Tony Graham Photography

Better Business Show

Thursday 19th September | 10am – 3pm | Worthing Leisure Centre

s businesses we are constantly looking at ways to make our business stronger, clearer and more profitable.

The Better Business Show is the perfect place to showcase your business to potential customers and gain invaluable contacts.

Better Business Show 2024

Package A

2m x 2m stand

Early Bird Booking: £265 + VAT (Book before 15th June to secure Early Bird rate)

Standard Booking: £295 +VAT

Package B

3m x 2m stand

Early Bird Booking: £315 + VAT (Book before 15th June to secure Early Bird rate)

Standard Booking: £355 + VAT

All stand packages include:

• Support and pre event updates

• Pre and post show social media promotion

• Listing in printed show guide

• Listing on the online exhibitor list

• Links to your website and social media

• Electric supply - please request on booking form

• Media pack to assist you with show promotion

• Pre-ordered lunch boxes

• Tea, filter coffee and water voucher

• Exhibitor name badges

Package C

4m x 2m stand

Early Bird Booking: £405 + VAT (Book before 15th June to secure Early Bird rate)

Standard Booking: £435 + VAT

Start-Up Stands

We have a limited number of heavily subsidised stands allocated for startup businesses, who are in their first 18 months of trading. We are able to offer these 2m stands for just £125 + VAT.

If you would like to book one of these stands email lauren@ worthingandadurchamber.co.uk

Bennett Griffin: Expanding from Worthing across West Sussex

As you know, Bennett Griffin proudly serves the Worthing community. We have been honoured to foster strong relationships and build a reputation for excellence in legal services for many years.

Our success across the district has paved the way for exciting growth opportunities in West Sussex.

As a result, we are delighted to announce that in addition to our established office in Liverpool Gardens, Bennett Griffin is expanding its presence with a new office in Chichester.

This expansion allows us to extend our professional legal support to more clients within the region, reaffirming our commitment to accessibility and community-focused legal solutions.

Why Chichester?

Choosing Chichester for our new office location reflects our strategic vision to enhance our accessibility and deepen our connections within West Sussex.

Known for its rich history and dynamic community, Chichester offers an ideal backdrop for Bennett Griffin to expand its service offerings, ranging from Dispute Resolution to Property Law.

This move allows us to bring our comprehensive legal expertise closer to our clients and communities, reinforcing our commitment to community integration and professional excellence.

Our ongoing commitment to Worthing

As we embark on this exciting new chapter in Chichester, we wish to reassure our valued clients and the community in Worthing that our office there remains a vital part of our operations.

Worthing is where our roots lie deep, and it is your unwavering support that has fuelled our growth and enabled this expansion.

We remain dedicated to serving the Worthing and Adur community with the same level of professionalism and legal expertise that you have come to expect from us.

For any enquiries or to discuss your legal needs, please do not hesitate to contact our Worthing office.

We are here to assist you – today, tomorrow, and beyond.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 01903 229999 or email info@bennett-griffin.co.uk

A new chapter of service and excellence

The opening of our Chichester office marks a new chapter in Bennett Griffin’s story.

It reinforces our role as the leading solicitors firm in West Sussex, dedicated to upholding high standards of service, professionalism, and legal expertise.

We are immensely proud of this expansion and look forward to welcoming you if you wish to visit us in Chichester.

www.bennettgriffin.co.uk

Celebrating brilliant businesses in the heart of Adur & Worthing

Get ready to celebrate business excellence once again as the Adur & Worthing Business Awards return for their 16th year!

Following the official launch and with a fresh new look, the spotlight is set to shine on the region’s finest businesses and the remarkable individuals behind them. Year after year, these awards have become synonymous with excellence, innovation, and resilience within our local business community, and we can’t wait to start the search and uncover this year’s industry leaders and trailblazers.

Celebrate

Local businesses serve as the backbone of our community, providing vital goods and services, generating employment opportunities, and driving economic growth and prosperity. From groundbreaking start-ups to well-established enterprises with a rich legacy, these awards provide a unique platform to honour and acknowledge businesses across all industries, showcasing the vibrant tapestry of our local economy. Whether your focus is on sustainability, innovation, or community engagement, there’s an award category tailored to celebrate your accomplishments.

Peter Webb MBE DL – Vice Chairman of the AWBA Organising Committee said: “The Adur & Worthing Business Awards celebrates all sectors and industries, providing a perfect stage for businesses to raise their profile, engage their staff and applaud their achievements. Our region boasts a multitude of

outstanding companies worthy of recognition, and I would encourage all local businesses to enter the awards and share their inspiring stories and remarkable journeys.”

The awards are FREE TO ENTER, so, seize the moment and put your business forward for an Adur & Worthing Business Award this year! Businesses have until 13th September 2024 to submit their applications via the AWBA website –www.awbawards.com

Winners will take to the stage at our glittering awards dinner on Friday 8th November at the Pavilion, Worthing. Tickets for this event will be on sale following the official shortlist announcement on Friday 4th October. Secure your tickets early to avoid disappointment, as the event has sold out quickly in previous years.

Adur & Worthing Business Awards

Remember, you can enter your own organisation or consider nominating a client or one of your favourite businesses. Explore all 19 categories below and get involved today!

Award Categories:

• Start-Up

• Small Business

• Medium Business

• Large Business

• Business Personality

• Manufacturing and Engineering

• Young Achiever

• Customer Service

• Hospitality, Tourism, and Leisure

• Innovation

• Sustainable Business

• Retailer

• Best Food

• Best Drink

• Training and Development

• Building and Construction

• Business in the Community

• Outstanding Contribution to Business

• Overall Business www.awbawards.com

Entries Open 4th June

Many of our readers choose to place an advert within our publication, it’s a good way to showcase your services and contact details. It can range from a quarter page to a double page spread. Our price list is shown below:

Back Cover

Double Page Spread

Please supply your advert as 300dpi PDF format preferably with 3mm bleed for a full page or double page spread advert. Any questions please email lauren@worthingandadurchamber.co.uk

Please supply half page advert as 300dpi PDF format measuring 150mm x 105mm

Top tips for employers to conduct effective interviews

Interviewing is as much about assessing whether a candidate is the right fit for your role as it is about them evaluating your company.

It also acts as a branding exercise so it’s essential to handle every interaction thoughtfully. You will need to adjust this process according to the level of the role you are interviewing for.

Invitation

When inviting people for an interview, be clear and helpful. Provide the job description, your address and details for navigating tricky locations, clarify the interview structure (for true EDI consider sending them a copy of questions in advance) and duration to set proper expectations.

Atmosphere

Create a welcoming environment, offer a drink and initiate friendly, informal conversation. Consider your seating arrangement to avoid barriers; sitting at a corner rather than directly across can feel less confrontational.

Questions

Focus on core values and necessary skills. Ask for specific examples, such as how they’ve handled previous challenges or led significant projects. Active listening is vital – pay attention not just to the answers but also to how they’re delivered as this can reveal a lot about the person.

Bias

Keep your process structured and consistent to minimise unconscious bias, with at least two people

interviewing as this will ensure a fair and inclusive selection process. This not only helps identify the best people but also enhances the equity of your interviews.

Clarity

Finish by inviting questions from the interviewee and outline the next steps in the hiring process. Transparency encourages trust and maintains a professional image of your business.

Feedback

After interviews, asking for feedback can be invaluable. A simple online form can suffice. This demonstrates your commitment to improvement and shows that you value their experience.

People Finding Consultancy will become fully immersed in your business to understand its mission, vision, values, and people. We offer fully managed recruitment, candidate sourcing, and bespoke solutions that are tailored to fit the needs of your business. By investing our time to find the right people, we not only ensure a perfect fit but also eliminate the hidden costs associated with recruitment. This allows you to focus on building your business while we handle the complexities of staffing.

Email address: sam@peoplefindingconsultancy.com www.peoplefindingconsultancy.com

Flexible office spaces available to let at the Sphere Business Centre

Power up at the Sphere!

The Sphere is a business centre and flexible working space set up by Worthing & Adur Chamber, GB Met College and Adur & Worthing Council for start-ups and small businesses looking to take their first steps of growth. As businesses expand and move to larger premises, space within the Sphere becomes available to small and growing businesses.

The Sphere is different to other co-working spaces in that it offers a collaborative working environment that encourages growth. Businesses located in the Sphere have the unique opportunity to access the support offered by the Chamber who are located on site.

The Sphere offers users the following:

Free high-speed broadband and superfast Wi-Fi

Free parking

Private meeting room – free to book

Secure and maintained facilities

Breakout areas

Discounted full colour photocopier (A4 and A3)

Professional environment

Access to networking events and business support from Worthing & Adur Chamber

Subsidised membership to the Chamber for the first year

Subsidised refectory and Starbucks

Free tea and coffee.

No other workspace in Worthing offers such a comprehensive package of business benefits. The Sphere is conveniently located in Broadwater - about a mile north of Worthing town centre - making it easily accessible from the A24, A27 and A259. A 15-minute walk from Worthing train station and located near major bus routes

Please contact the Chamber office to arrange a visit on 01903 203484 or email lauren@worthingandadurchamber.co.uk www.spherebusinesscentre.co.uk

SEO (without the scary stuff)

Let’s face it, we can all be guilty of using jargon to demonstrate our subject matter expertise. This is ever present in the world of SEO – a topic shrouded in complexity and mystery.

This leads to SEO being seen as, well... kinda scary. Technical terms, traffic light priorities, and this year’s latest theories are thrust in front of us without the practical guidance we need to become more visible organically.

That’s why I’m sharing some best practice tips to improve your chances of being seen in the search engine results pages (SERPs).

1. Go Local

46% of all Google Searches are looking for local businesses, so review your Google Business Profile.

Make sure your business is verified, optimise your business description with relevant keywords, make sure the information is up to date, get more Google reviews, and post regularly.

2. Keywords

Keyword research is a vitally important component in any SEO strategy. We need to understand how users look for our products / services online so that we can craft content that matches their search intent.

https://ahrefs.com/free-seo-tools is a tool that lets you enter a keyword to discover other keyword ideas, their respective average monthly search volumes and related questions.

3. Tailor Your Content

Unique, original content is the backbone of SEO. Avoid copying your competitors, and don’t duplicate your content across pages - this can work against you.

Once you’ve identified the keywords / phrases you want to target, optimise your on-page content to incorporate these keywords. However, make your language natural.

4. Compel your audience

Audiences have short attention spans - we need to capture their interest in a couple of seconds. Great meta titles and page descriptions can work hard for you.

Title tags and meta descriptions appear in the search results and tell audiences what your page is about. Most websites will allow you to update your meta information, so optimise your page title tags and descriptions with your primary and secondary keywords where possible. Use active language to inspire click through. Summarise the main benefits.

5. Links for success

Improving your internal and external linking structure is one of the easiest and most effective tips on the list. Google is very fond of logical, user friendly site structures and information hierarchies.

Internal links point to other pages on your site, and external links point to 3rd party websites. Make it easy for users to find related content on their journey by adding relevant links to your pages.

Jon Kennett is a digital problem solver and Agency Director at Bozboz in Brighton, who specialise in creating, optimising and supporting B2B and eCommerce experiences for brands and consumers.

“Our mission is simple – to make websites work harder for everyone”. Find out more at www.bozboz.co.uk

Launch of business support for businesses located in Adur and Worthing

Adur & Worthing Councils are pleased to announce the launch of the Business Support Programme, having invested over £470,000 to help local businesses with a series of new support measures.

The business support package has been developed in partnership with local businesses and organisations and will include a mix of one-to-one support, workshops and grants that aim to help boost growth.

Designed specifically for businesses in Adur and Worthing, the package of support will encourage start-ups, help employers train their staff in leadership and management, provide advice on innovation, sustainability and carbon reduction measures, and help link businesses more closely with the community.

Adur and Worthing Councils have partnered with Freedom Works, the University of Brighton and the universities’ Clean Growth UK team to deliver the support. Using knowledgeable, impactful, local organisations to deliver the programme was an important part of the tender process and ensures those delivering the programmes have a sound understanding of the local business eco system and requirements of the area.

Businesses will be able to attend a number of information sessions throughout the summer and beyond to meet the teams delivering the support and better understand the support on offer and how it might help their business.

The support programme will run from May 2024 until December 2025 and will be paid for with money from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund awarded by central government, Section 106 contributions from developers and pooled business rates as part of a national retention scheme. As well as mentoring and workshops, match-funding grants could be available for eligible businesses to apply for.

The comprehensive package will help fill the gap left by Sussex-wide programmes that have come to an end including the Business Hothouse programme run by the University of Chichester and the Low Carbon Across the South and East (LoCASE) scheme, paid for by the European Regional Development fund.

To register your interest, visit: www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/businesses/supportand-funding/business-support-programme/

BUSINESS SUPPORT

My business, My story

In this issue we talk to

Naomi Roberts, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Flare Audio

When did you start your business and how has it changed?

We founded Flare in 2007 and we started life as a loudspeaker designer and PA hire company. We provided PA for concerts, tours and festivals and installed our unique loudspeakers into cinemas like Olympic in Barnes and Selfridges Cinema in London.

Our main focus was to reduce as much distortion as possible in the sound that we hear – believing that the less distortion in sound the better for our ears and the more effortless it is to listen.

Passionate about developing meaningful technologies that can be used by the many not the few, we managed to miniaturise our designs into in-ear consumer products to improve everyone’s relationship with sound and we developed a range of earphones, earplugs and most recently in-ear inserts that reduce stress from sound (Calmer®).

How did you grow your business?

Initially we launched our first consumer products using crowdfunding campaigns as a way to scale carefully, gauge an interest in our products and find a new consumer audience. We’ve raised over £2.5 million with four successful crowdfund campaigns. This gave us a huge new audience for our products and the ability to grow and scale.

We’re no stranger to the rollercoaster that is running your own business and we have always innovated our way out of tricky times. Our most potent product development was Calmer. Calmer is a completely new and unique health and wellbeing product that reduce the stress from noise. Unlike all other earplugs Calmer are completely hollow so they don’t block sound or make you feel isolated. We’ve sold over 2 million pairs of Calmer since the launch during lockdown and we ship them to over 186 countries.

What challenges have you faced?

We are a company that loves to innovate and disrupt – and that comes hand in hand with challenges!

There have been so many challenges over the years – all of which have helped build our resilience muscle and made us more adept at being nimble and innovative.

One of our biggest challenges came with the early success of our second crowdfund campaign. Success is wonderful but it came at a cost – we had the challenge of working out how we (a team of just six at the time) would manage the

logistics of manufacturing, packing, shipping and corresponding to a ready-made audience of over 40,000 customers. We’d come from a very different D2B world and had no experience of this nor a rulebook to follow. It was a huge challenge – we made some mistakes, learnt from them and improved. It’s been an essential part of our journey and although incredibly stressful and testing at times one we’d never change as it helped us to grow and develop as individuals and as a team.

Is there a particular project of which you are most proud?

None of us anticipated the success of our product Calmer. They are a small non-electric in-ear device made from comfortable, soft silicone and they work by changing the internal shape of our ears so that sound reflects more accurately. This makes triggering noises much less annoying.

Since launch we discovered from customer feedback that Calmer® have been extremely helpful for anyone with sensitive hearing especially autistic and neurodivergent people. This has led to a huge learning curve for us and a shift in our advertising. We’ve learned a great deal about the importance

of inclusivity and diversity in advertising and we’ve been overwhelmed with the feedback we have received from our customers.

Comments like: “Flare Calmer has changed my life.” And “Until I got Calmer I didn’t realise how much I suffered. So long story short, Flare, thank you for changing my life for better.” mean the absolute world to us and motivate us to do more and do better.

What’s one piece of business advice you would tell your younger self?

One piece of business advice is so hard! There’s so much I’d say… but mostly I would say to fear less.

Part of fearing less is trying to ignore any feelings of Imposter Syndrome. It’s not real, don’t feed it.

There’s a freedom in surrendering to possibilities and there is more joy than you can ever imagine in doing something that helps others. Don’t apologise for taking up space – there’s room for everyone.

And always be kind.

Email address: naomi@flareaudio.com

Phone number: 01903 761000 www.flareaudio.com

Being more active at work

Pam Gordon, owner of Rise Littlehampton & Worthing (seated sports activities) is a new member of the Worthing & Adur Chamber and recently ran a seated sports sessions for the attendees of #BetterBizFest with feedback being ‘’most amazing business workshop session’’, ‘’I

was amazed at how competitive I got’’ and ‘’most exercise I’ve done in the day in years!’’

We were founded on the principle of staying active and social whilst maintaining physical well-being. Here are some small pieces of advice that we might suggest to those businesspeople or employees working at home. The starting point is to look at the advice below and try to be consistent with one thing as it forms habit and routine and then becomes less of a chore.

Plan movement breaks

Think about your day and try to fit in short breaks – whether you stand up, stretch, or even do some quick seated exercises. This can help prevent stiffness and improve circulation.

Set up an ergonomic workspace

Really look at your home office setup as bad posture creates future problems so this might include investing in a supportive chair, adjusting the height of the desk and monitor, and using ergonomic accessories like wrist or footrests.

Promote active meetings

All stand up for virtual meetings, encouraging participants to walk around while on calls. This not only breaks up long periods of sitting but can also stimulate creativity and productivity.

www.rise.life 5 1 2 3 4

Are there virtual workout options for owner/employees?

Can you participate in or offer employees online resources or virtual classes tailored to individuals working from home.

Get outside

Whether taking your coffee/tea outside or getting a short walk in at lunchtime or afterwork it just breaks up the day or offers a goal and a bookend to the start or end of the working day.

Book a Rise Littlehampton & Worthing corporate session – we run corporate seated sports sessions which could be a wonderful way of bringing a team together for a social. We know many workplaces have people across all different age groups, interests, and abilities so a business or training meeting that ends with a fun gentle physical activity can get people seeing their colleagues is different ways and create a more inclusive and healthier team.

Did you

Did You Know?

Kelly O’Haire looks at some of the interesting things going on in Adur and Worthing from the past, present and future!

Low carbon heating pioneers

Worthing Borough Council has launched an ambitious project that aims to offer climate-friendly heating to all of its homes and buildings by 2050. The scheme will be based from Worthing High Street and has received £500 million of investment from developer Hemiko.

Heat networks use a centralised source of heat and pipe it to nearby buildings where it is used to heat rooms and water. According to the council, this will be the cheapest and most efficient way to decarbonise the town’s buildings. Sophie Cox, Worthing’s cabinet member for climate emergency, said, “The Worthing heat network is an exciting development in our transition to low carbon heating and an important milestone in our mission to be a carbon neutral council by 2030 and a net-zero borough by 2045.” For more information visit www.hemiko.com/worthing/

New wild swimming spots designated in Worthing

There’s been a lot in the news about seawater quality recently, so it’s really good to hear that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs recently announced its decision to designate the sea off Goring Beach and Beach House Grounds as bathing waters.

This means the seawater at both sites will be regularly tested for harmful bacteria - a move which will help the town achieve cleaner and healthier coastal waters. The Environment Agency will monitor the water to identify sources of pollution and help hold those responsible to account.

Worthing now has three designated bathing waters, with the new locations supplementing the existing Heene Road site. So, what are you waiting for? Get your cozzie on!

Adur is home to the oldest secular building in Britain

Yes, the Marlipins Museum on Shoreham High Street dates back nearly 1000 years to the 12th century and is thought to be the oldest complete non-religious building still in use in Britain! The famous checked flint wall on the front of the building is a bit younger though, dating from the late 13th century. The word Marlipins is thought to derive from an ancient word to do with taxes and was first recorded in the (still existing) deeds that date back to 1347 as ‘Malduppine’.

Now a museum highlighting the maritime heritage of Shoreham, you can visit between 11am and 3pm every Thursday to Saturday from now until November. https://sussexpast.co.uk/attraction/marlipins-museum/

A Gap due to a lack of GAP!

It is probably no surprise that a recent Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) review identified shortcomings in how some motor insurers value vehicles that are written off in an accident or are stolen.

The surprise maybe that it has taken the FCA (and their predecessor) 20 years to come to the conclusion that some insurers deliberately put forward a lower than fair offer and only increase the offer if a claimant complains. That was the main finding of the review.

Whilst I agree this is hardly a shock, as a broker I would tend to fall back on the old adage that as with most things in life ‘you get what you pay for’, insurance being no exception. My experience over the years is that most mainstream insurers do generally offer fair valuations without being pushed.

However, even with a fair offer there is often the perception of a vehicle being undervalued and perhaps write off values are akin to divorce settlements.

When a vehicle is written off most motor policies pay its ‘market value’ but as explained below this can leave a policyholder out of pocket, often because of the limitations of the second hand vehicle market rather than the insurer. Interestingly the FCA review did not report on this aspect.

Claimants often struggle to find the same model of similar age, condition etc and the replacement vehicle involves ‘betterment’ (newer or better) but

at a greater cost. Another problem is where a lot of money has recently been spent on an older vehicle to keep a ‘good runner’ on the road but the expense retains rather than enhances the market value which may well be less than what was spent. ‘Extras’ such as trackers, signwriting and internal shelving can also be expensive to install on a replacement vehicle but again do not necessarily enhance the value. This can be a complication, although most insurers are reasonable and take these features into account.

The other main issue is with leased or financed vehicles, where due to the rapid depreciation of many vehicles, the outstanding finance can regularly be more than the write off market value.

Solutions to these issues are available including ‘Agreed Value’ policies, although these are generally only for classic or specialist vehicles, and many insurers offer a ‘new car replacement’ provision for nearly new cars (normally less than a year old). For leased and financed vehicles, Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) policies provide a ‘top up’ for any difference between an insurer’s write off value and any outstanding finance, and in recent years, GAP was also available for vehicles owned outright, to protect against the extra cost of replacing a vehicle, as mentioned above.

Nsure Insurance

However, GAP insurance has been widely mis-sold (in the sense of being overpriced when sold by motor dealers and finance companies) and back in 2015 the FCA introduced regulations to clean up the sale of GAP when part of a finance deal. Unfortunately, these regulations haven’t worked as the FCA have recently temporarily suspended the sale of GAP insurance because of concerns as to whether policies offer ‘fair value’. Policies sold through insurance brokers were not initially affected, but a number of insurers have also been told to suspend sales and at present there is very little GAP cover available.

The fact that some insurers have been deliberately undervaluing written off vehicles cannot be a justification for the need for GAP insurance, however the timing of the GAP suspension so shortly after the FCA write off value review is unfortunate having led to the restriction of what can be a fairly priced valuable insurance product. However, GAP is probably

in ‘the last chance saloon’ and faces a permanent ban if there is further mis-selling, ironically leaving a ‘gap’ as to insurance coverage available for the ‘gap’ between write off values and outstanding finance or betterment costs.

That said, the insurance market will evolve, many years ago home and business contents insurers got around the indemnity/market value issue by introducing ‘new for old’ policies to avoid policyholders being out of pocket when having no real alternative but to buy new when replacing damaged items. It is difficult to see the motor insurance market following suit given the availability of second hand vehicles but a hybrid version, perhaps ‘a bit newer for old ’ could be a possibility, although increased claims costs will obviously have to be reflected in increased premiums. That may not go down so well.

www.nsureinsurance.co.uk

Spotlight on: Brooklands Cafe

Brand new Brooklands Cafe in Brooklands Pleasure Park, Sompting, Lancing.

What’s your ‘elevator pitch’?

Our business has been firmly established on the making of the very best coffee. Our Brazilian blend of Robusta and Arabica beans has customers returning from far and wide. In our new home at Brooklands we have been able to team up with some of the best local providers to further our offering, from fresh baked patisserie to local cheeses and meats.

What’s the best part about your job?

We are a community cafe and we are driven to engage with as many of our customers as possible. It brings us a great deal of happiness and self worth to meet so many people firstly as customers and ending as friends.

Who is your dream client?

Our doors are open to everyone. We love all our dog walking customers and their four legged friends, so many busy people from the Lancing Business Park on their lunch breaks to all local members of the community.

How are you developing your business this year?

After a hugely successful first six months we are about to open our outside kiosk to both ease the busy queues and to increase sales. We are now able to start planning events and outdoor activities which is something we are very excited about. Friday night socials, Saturday morning yoga, quiz nights, music and much more.

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

It is our intention to open further such community based cafes within the greater Worthing area. We have a great team working with us which we will expand and create further job opportunities and increase local commerce.

Tel: 07789 778 848

Email: info@brooklandscafe.com

BDon’t go it alone

Tracie Davey, Chief Executive of Worthing and Adur Chamber shares some thoughts and tips for starting out in business.

eing a business owner can be a lonely place especially when you are starting out. At the beginning it can be so overwhelming being all things to all people. I can speak from firsthand experience, when I opened my shop back in 2002, I tried to do everything myself, it took me way too long to realise that some things just weren’t in my skill set. Then you have some pretty tough decisions to make, do you pay someone to do that for you? However, the time it saves for you to do the ‘stuff’ you are really good at can pay off immeasurably.

Here are a few of my top tips for not going it alone:

Build your team

You may think ‘but I can’t afford a team right now’ but your team can also be those around you that you already trust. Maybe you have family or friends who are in business who can share their knowledge and expertise, who would be happy to be ‘on your team’. There are always people out there who are happy to help, be a listening ear.

Create a network

Connecting with likeminded people is probably one of the most important things you can do. You will meet business owners who are going through (or have gone through) exactly the same as you are right now. Every business owner will go through similar challenges, have days where they could happily chuck it all in and have days where they’d never look back. Being part of that business community is invaluable. There are so many supportive networks out there, not just in person but also many virtual networks that you can tap into.

Share your expertise

People buy people, what better way to raise your profile than sharing your expertise. Think about how you might be able to tap into business networks and offer mini workshops, expert sessions, and share some top tips on social media.

Don’t be a jack of all trades

Be a master at what you are really good at, the very reason you started the business in the first place. You’ll never be an expert at every skill that’s needed to run a business but, there are people out there who are experts in the area’s you aren’t. And guess what… there are people out there who need what you are brilliant at!!!

If you want to find out more visit www.worthingandadurchamber.co.uk

The

Electric car tax considerations for companies

government is aiming to encourage the use of electric car vehicle ownership to reduce the damaging impact of CO2 emissions on the environment. As part of their strategy, the government offer favourable tax treatment for the purchase and running of electric cars instead of conventional petrol and diesel vehicles.

By Andrew Neuman, Tax Director at Carpenter Box

Tax relief on car purchases

Companies are able to claim tax relief, via capital allowances, on assets purchased. Some assets qualify for 100% capital allowances in the year of purchase under the Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) or First Year Allowances (FYA). Traditionally, cars do not qualify for either of these allowances and tax relief is received at either 18% or 6% of the cost price per year, on a reducing balance basis.

Under current tax legislation, until 1 April 2025 (5 April 2025 for the self-employed and partnerships) the purchase of a brand new electric (zero emission) car, will qualify for full tax relief as a FYA. Cars with CO2 emissions not exceeding 50g/km will be eligible for Writing Down Allowances (WDA) at the main rate (18%) while such cars with CO2 emissions exceeding 50g/km will be eligible for WDAs at the special rate (6%).

Assets qualifying for FYA do not reduce a business’s AIA entitlement which makes a FYA claim particularly attractive, especially when the AIA can be utilised for other qualifying plant and machinery purchased during the year.

The full cost price of the car will be deducted from the business’s taxable profit in the year of purchase. This will save Corporation Tax for your company at their marginal tax rate between 19% to 25% or at the marginal rate of 20%, 40% or 45% if you are selfemployed.

Self-employed car tax

Private use of a vehicle which you use in your business will reduce the amount of capital allowances that can be claimed, by the business, on the cost of the vehicle. Likewise, the running costs of a car will also be reduced by the proportion of time that it is used privately.

A travel log is recommended to record your business and non-business use of the vehicle to support your claim for tax relief.

Company car tax

Purchasing and owning a car via a company attracts a benefit in kind on the employee who has private use of the car. The company car tax calculation is based on the CO2 emissions and the list price of the car when new (including options).

As an extreme example, a high emissions sports car would attract a benefit in kind at a maximum percentage of 37%. This percentage is applied to the list price of the car when new – say £50,000 - giving a benefit in kind of £18,500. The employee is then liable to pay tax on this benefit at their marginal rate of tax of 20%, 40% or 45%. This would result in a personal tax liability for every year the car is owned by the company and used by the employee.

The company would also have to pay Class 1A National Insurance Contributions on the benefit in kind, at 13.8%.

Further to the Autumn 2022 budget, it was announced that the benefit in kind rates for zero-emissions electric vehicles would remain frozen at 2% through till 2024/25, however from 2025/26 this will raise to 3%, to 4% in 2026/27 and 5% in 2027/28. From April 2025, zero-emission vehicles will lose their vehicle excise duty exemption.

If you were to opt to purchase the vehicle personally, you would need to fund this from personal cash reserves or take out personal finance. If you are a shareholder in the company concerned, it could be possible to take a dividend from the company to acquire the vehicle. The amount of dividend taken to purchase the car personally would be taxed at your marginal rate of tax of 8.75%, 33.75% or 39.35%. Depending on the cost of the car, the overall level of the dividend required could potentially reduce, or eliminate, your tax-free personal allowance.

Electric charging points

The cost of a brand-new electric charging point, incurred before 31 March 2025 also qualifies for full capital allowances tax relief as a first year allowance (FYA), saving the company Corporation Tax at their marginal tax rate between 19% to 25%.

For a company employee there is no personal benefit in kind charge for a parking space, or the use of charging point provided to you at the workplace. This is regardless of private use, which is different to the treatment of CO2 emitting cars which are subject to additional benefit in kinds taxable on the employee (and subject to Class 1A National Insurance) for private use of fuel paid for by the employer. Should the employer pay to have a charging point installed at an employee’s home:

• If the car concerned is the employee’s personally owned car, then a benefit in kind would arise, equivalent to the cost to the employer of providing the charge point (including any VAT).

• If the car concerned is a company car, no benefit in kind will arise in relation to the provision of the charge point.

The company may qualify for a grant towards the purchase and installation of an electric car chargepoint at work under the voucher-based Workplace Charging Scheme.

In addition, you may also be able to receive a grant towards the cost of a smart charge point installed at your home.

How we can help

There are currently a number of tax reliefs available for the purchase and use of electric and low emission vehicles, which make them an attractive option to acquire through a business However, the timing of purchases can have a considerable impact on the amount of relief available.

If you are interested in finding out more, please get in touch with us on 01903 234094 or visit www.carpenterbox.com

We’d like to welcome our new chamber members and thank the renewing members for their continued support!

NEW

BOHUNT SCHOOL, WORTHING

A purpose built, modern and innovative Academy school opened in September 2015 to Year 7 and 8, and has since grown into a vibrant and successful 11-16 comprehensive school in the heart of the Worthing community, where all our young people and staff genuinely enjoy, respect and achieve. As part of the Bohunt Education Trust we deliver a shared vision where the highest expectations, opportunities and innovative teaching combine to develop young people who are ‘game changers’.

www.bohunttrust.co.uk/schools/bohunt-schoolworthing

BOZ BOZ

We are a web design and development agency whose expertise lies in designing remarkable experiences for brands and consumers. Collaborating with business leaders, marketers, technical stakeholders and creative directors, we nurture ideas into designs and transform designs into award-winning web experiences. www.bozboz.co.uk

BRAND NEST

At Brand Nest, we help businesses of all sizes achieve their goals through affordable creative services. Our extensive experience and personal approach are what set us apart from other agencies. Brand Nest do branding, websites, videos and graphics. www.brandnest.co.uk

BUBBLELIFE

BubbleLife provides liquid soap, bath, and shower (SBS) products without the plastic packaging, reducing spillage, waste, and the environmental footprint caused by more traditional liquid SBS products. www.bubblelife.co.uk

DURRINGTON HIGH SCHOOL

We are a large mixed comprehensive secondary school in Worthing. We promote a values led curriculum with Kindness, Aspiration, Perseverance and Pride as our focus. We are keen to bring local businesses into our school through a number of different routes. These can be large group assemblies, classroom visits, careers fair style events and targeted workshops. www.durringtonhighschool.co.uk

ES DEBT COLLECTION

I am a practising Solicitor who provides a one stop shop to recover any outstanding debts.

I will be your point of contact at all times and will take your matter from initial contact with the debtor through to a Court hearing if necessary, to ensure the best outcome for you . www.esdebtcollection.co.uk

FERRING COUNTRY CENTRE

Ferring Country Centre’s mission is to equip , adults with learning disabilities with life skills and work experience to fulfil their potential and play a meaningful role in society. The charity provides a Day Service for adults with learning disabilities and has a number of facilities open to the public including Rangers Café, a Riding School, Dales Farm and a Garden Centre. www.ferringcountrycentre.org

FIRST AID SAVVY

As a First Aid trainer, I want you to enjoy learning how to be savvy with First Aid. I create interesting activities and engage in lively discussion to find out about your particular typical workplace risks so the training is relevant and generates confidence. My aim is to not only to deliver the syllabus and meet the required learning outcomes, as set out by the HSE, but to do it without boring you to sleep or killing you with ‘death by powerpoint’. www.firstaidsavvy.co.uk

New & Renewing

FLARE AUDIO

Flare Audio is an exciting audio technology company focussed on designing products to improve everyones relationship with sound. Based in Lancing, West Sussex Flare started life in 2010 as a loudspeaker manufacturer providing our own brand of PA for concerts, tours and festivals, our main focus was to reduce as much distortion as possible in the sound that we hear. www.flareaudio.com

GEORGIE BOND COACHING

I work with local entrepreneurs and small business owners to help them recognise and embrace their intrinsic value, understand their unique strengths, and navigate the challenges of running a business with confidence. My approach is purpose-led, creating a space for clients to explore their potential, helping them to identify their true passions and align their actions with their deepest values, so they achieve meaningful and sustainable success. www.georgiebond.coach

HELD CONSULTANCY

Helping small businesses improve their sales and retention by optimising their customer experience and customer journey. www.heldconsultancy.com

HOME & COMPANY

Home & Company is a local company providing high-quality home help and home care in Brighton & Hove, Worthing and Lewes. www.homeandcompany.co.uk

MORRIS GROOMING MIRACLES

City and guilds qualified dog groomer offer 1-2-1 appointment allow cage free grooming I offer a desensitisation service to help the most reactive dogs to be groomed as stress free as possible I also offer dog walking and pet sitting . www.morrisgroomingmiracles.co.uk

NORTHSTAR IT

We have been providing business IT support services for 20 years, focusing on supporting businesses in and around East and West Sussex. We provide fixed price contract based IT Support to businesses between 5 and 100 users. www.northstarit.co.uk

NOT JUST TRAVEL

Independent travel agent - helping people plan and book the holiday they deserve. www.therussells.notjusttravel.com

PENINSULA

With us, on your side, it’s like having your own HR team at a fraction of the cost. For a small business to navigate that maze is next to impossible without the right help. Our services go beyond employment and HR to cover health and safety management, insurance, employee wellbeing, and much more besides. www.peninsula-uk.com

QED SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT

QED is a development company focused on the transformation of brownfield sites through traditional urban regeneration and meanwhile time-based projects. www.qedproperty.com

RADANKS & DYNAMIC SILENCE

Our team is committed to helping you enhance your interpersonal skills and develop the tools you need to thrive in an ever-changing world. Whether you’re looking to improve your communication abilities, build stronger relationships, or boost your confidence, we have the expertise and resources to support you every step of the way. www.dynamicsilence.com/services

REED RECRUITMENT AGENCY

Since 1960 Reed has pioneered specialist recruitment, sourcing knowledgeable, skilled professionals for jobs across the UK. Our experts recruit across 20 sectors, so whether you are looking to hire your next head of finance, or urgently require supply teachers, we can help you. www.reed.com

RISE LITTLEHAMPTON & WORTHING

At Rise, we transform people’s confidence, as well as their mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing, by adapting games and sports to an individual’s physical ability or cognitive capacity, no matter what their environment. www.rise.life

TOTTINGTON MANOR

Situated on the edge of the South Downs National Park, surrounded by Hillsides and Farmland, Tottington Manor is a restaurant, events, meetings and Hotel venue. Our Terra Restaurant is open 7 days per week with a menu created from fresh Sussex ingredients and a great selection of Sussex Wines.

www.tottingtonmanor.co.uk

TURNERS BARBERSHOP

Turner’s Barbershop was established in 2021. The goal is simple: Good haircuts and good service. Hair has no gender so everyone is welcome. We hope to see you soon! www.turnersbarbershop.co.uk

TURNING TIDES

The largest provider of homelessness services to single adults in West Sussex. We support people at every stage of their journey, and with close to 40 different projects run by experienced staff and volunteers, we ensure each person has a tailored plan that works for them. www.turning-tides.org.uk

WEST SUSSEX MIND

We have been working for over 50 years to help the community with its mental health and wellbeing. Its important to us that anyone in West Sussex can access support, which includes outreach and social activities. www.westsussexmind.org

WORTHING TOWN CENTRE INTIATIVE

The Worthing Town Centre Business Improvement District is a business led and funded organisation with the vision that the Town Centre is clean, safe and vibrant and where businesses thrive and people regularly visit. www.worthingtowncentre.co.uk

RENEWING

6 4 G

6 4 G Ltd opened it’s doors in 2014. Providing a holistic approach to credit risk management for businesses, especially those that do not have the human resource to handle this internally. Or, for businesses that prefer to outsource these areas, ensuring you are protected against bad debts. www.64gltd.com

AD FUELS

Specialist biogas road haulage provider. Delivering a cleaner, greener future for road transport, marine and industry. AD Fuels is a leading independent road haulage provider of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquified Carbon Dioxide (LCO2) and both Compressed and Liquified Hydrogen (LH2 & CH2). www.adfuels.co.uk

AVANTGUARD SECURITY

Established in 2009, Avantguard is run by hands-on managers with extensive experience in the security industry. Providing services including keyholding & alarm response, mobile security patrols, premises lockdowns & unlocks, lone worker escort services, vacant property inspections and security guards. www.avantguardsecurity.co.uk

AYRES BRIGHT VICKERS

We are a firm of Chartered Accountants based in West Sussex supporting the needs of clients throughout Sussex and the South. However, our client base is UK-wide. Our high-quality accountancy and taxation services will save you time, stress and hassle. We’ll submit your accounts on time, preparing them to the highest possible standards to keep your business 100% compliant, aboveboard and within the UK’s ever-changing tax laws. www.ayresbrightvickers.co.uk

New & Renewing

RENEWING

BOXX STORAGE

Boxx Storage operates four storage facilities for domestic and commercial customers across Southern England in Worthing, Shoreham, Burgess Hill and Bicester. Each storage facility has the benefit of digital key pad entry, CCTV throughout and offers a range of individually alarmed storage areas together with a limited number of external drive-up units which are available at competitive, all-inclusive rates.

www.boxx-storage.com/worthing-storage

BRIGHT EYE BUSINESS CONSULTING

I am a business woman, entrepreneur and non-executive director. Over my career I’ve developed hundreds of business plans across a multitude of different industry sectors, helping clients to gain funding from banks or investors, get accepted for tenancies, secure visas and for many other purposes.

E: newtonpl@gmail.com

BROWNS NATURAL PET STORE

An award winning specialist destination store in West Sussex. We’re a company inspired by all things natural, offering a holistic and healthy approach to your pets well-being. We specialise in natural feeding and our fully trained expert staff are on hand to give one on one advice to best suit you and your pet’s needs. www.brownsnaturalpetstore.co.uk

CHICHESTER COLLEGE GROUP

We have a clear purpose, ‘changing lives through learning’, and we do this through the work of our colleges and commercial businesses including Anglia Examinations and First Steps Childcare. We strive to provide a responsive resource for employers seeking to develop their workforce and recruit apprentices and offer a wide range of training programmes and bespoke solutions to employees.

www.chigroup.ac.uk

CLOUD 4 SURE

Nestled in the heart of the digital era, Cloud 4 Sure Ltd emerges as a beacon of innovation, a pioneering Managed Service Provider (MSP) dedicated to redefining the boundaries of cloud computing. Our journey began with a vision: to craft an ecosystem where businesses could thrive, unshackled from the constraints of traditional IT infrastructure.

www.cloud4sure.co.uk

CONSULTING WITH KERR

Executive / ADHD Coach | Business Mentor |

Non-Exec Director. I wear many hats within one business and that’s because I’m Neurodivergent and love to explore new ideas so my toolkit of skills and experience is extensive. www.consultingwithkerr.com

DEBBIE STEVENS WELLBEING

Debbie Stevens is a qualified Reflexologist. We offer a range of professionally organised pampering and wellbeing events covering both workplace wellbeing solutions for companies and employers, plus private wellbeing packages for groups and individuals. www.debbiestevenswellbeing.co.uk

DESTRIER VA SERVICES

We offer various admin support services including database maintenance, online research, venue finding and coordination, writing/editing presentations, data input, and creative marketing brief writing.

E: carol@destriervaservices.co.uk

EMPIRE CONSTRUCTION GROUP

The Empire Group is an award-winning land and property development company with a highly experienced team working across both disciplines mainly across the South of England. Over the years we have successfully developed many properties and helped owners secure the maximum potential for www.theempiregroup.co.uk

RENEWING

EXPERT VIRTUAL ASSISTANT SERVICES

We are here to be an extra pair of hands for your business to help save you time, money and stress. We are here to get all those jobs done that you just don’t have time for, don’t have the staff to do it or simply don’t know how to do yourself. With us, you only pay for the work that gets done! www.expertvaservices.co.uk

FIZZ CREATIONS

Here at Fizz our aim is to design fun, innovative and quality lead products. We are constantly pushing the boundaries of our design and concepts to provide a fresh look within the gift industry. We are always forward thinking with our ideas, exploring new technologies as well as giving classic gifts a modern twist. www.fizzcreations.com

GB ELECTRONICS

We offer a comprehensive range of electronic manufacturing services, including embedded firmware development, manufacturing solutions, tech sales, PCB prototyping and component sourcing. While providing our clients with a full product design and manufacture service, in optimal time and cost. www.gbelectronics.com

GEMINI PRINT GROUP

Your total print solutions partner. We are more than just a printer! Whatever your print related requirements are, we have a team dedicated to understanding your exact needs and can offer a tailored and bespoke solution for any business opportunity. www.gemini-print.co.uk

GOGECKO

We help businesses recruit people who stay. We connect people to growing Sussex-based companies who want to build teams with the right foundations. GoGecko develops relationships with organisations and job seekers in multiple industries so the match fits everyone. www.gogecko.org.uk

HARGREAVES

We have built and retain over 2 million square feet of Commercial property offering high specification space in all sectors and specialising in offices, logistics, retail warehouse, industrial and trade counter premises. In addition, we have a portfolio of 100 residential units let and managed by our own in-house team.

www.hargreaves.co.uk

ICKLE PICKLES CHILDREN’S CHARITY

Ickle Pickles are the smallest and sickest babies who need intensive care in neonatal units. There are over 90,000 babies born sick or prematurely in the UK every year. One in thirteen babies are born prematurely.

www.icklepickles.org

JUPPS CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

We are a firm of chartered accountants who provide accountancy, taxation, bookkeeping and payroll services to small and medium sized businesses.

www.juppsaccountants.co.uk

KRESTON REEVES

More than accountants, business and wealth advisers. In a continually evolving world we help businesses, not for profit organisations, private individuals and families embrace change through trusted advice, support and guidance. www.krestonreeves.com

KRONA

DESIGN

Providing architectural drafting services for both residential and commercial projects offering the following. Measured site survey, planning applications and building regulations, architectural drawing packages and 3D visualisations. www.kronadesign.co.uk

MARLOWE MARKETING

We help service businesses win the clients they want with an amazing digital brand. By integrating a customer focused content marketing approach with SEO and digital marketing best practice, we’ll create tailored strategies for your business that deliver the audience you want.

www.marlowemarketing.com

New & Renewing

RENEWING

MCMILLAN WEALTH CONSULTANTS

Our trusted team of wealth management consultants can provide you with advice across all areas of wealth management, including financial planning, investment planning, tax and estate, pension planning and retirement, protection and later life, mortgages and access to specialist banking and corporate planning and employee benefits. www.mcmillanconsultants.co.uk

ML SERVICES

We specialise in IT consultancy and Managed Service Provider (MSP) solutions, helping businesses in Worthing and the surrounding areas thrive. With a focus on customer satisfaction and a proven track record, I deliver high-quality IT solutions at affordable rates.

www.mlservices.org.uk

MONETAIRE ACCOUNTANTS

We are a small, local practice offering accountancy, taxation and related business advice to small businesses. www.monetaire.co.uk

MORE RADIO

We’re an independent community radio station that is now the only one of its kind. We have 5 x Transmitters across the County of Sussex including one in Worthing. More Radio is part of Totalsensemedia group based out of our offices and studio in Burgess Hill we offer the 3 most popular points of media in Radio, Online and Print. www.moreradio.online

MORGAN FILMS

Video Marketing & Production Services. Our mission is to get your message on the most powerful marketing medium... video. Powerful because it is proven to be the best way to attract people to your brand and convert them into customers.

www.morgan-films.com

NORDELL

British Plastics Manufacturing & Design refinement. Injection Moulding and other complimentary services. Nordell is one of the UK’s leading independent Plastics Manufacturing and Design refinement companies. We offer a comprehensive range of Dedicated Services to complement our core Plastic Injection moulding manufacturing business. www.nordell.co.uk

PAINE MANWARING

Professional, Highly Experienced Plumbers, Electricians, Heating Engineers and Merchants in West Sussex. Paine Manwaring is dedicated to providing a full range of high quality plumbing, heating and electrical services to customers, domestic and commercial, across Worthing and Chichester and throughout Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire. For your peace of mind we are Gas Safe, ECA, Trustmark and HVCA registered too. www.painemanwaring.com

POST-OP NURSE

Are you or someone you know, having surgery? Are you on a waiting list for an operation?

Do you want to recover safely and with confidence?

Post-Op Nurse understands how dauting and challenging surgery can be and is here to support you, bridging the gap from hospital to home. www.postopnurse.co.uk

ROPETACKLE ARTS CENTRE

Ropetackle Arts Centre is a purpose built community-run arts venue that attracts some of the biggest and best performing arts events in the UK. Situated in the heart of Shoreham, West Sussex, our goal is to stage events for all tastes and all budgets for the good folk of Adur and beyond.

www.ropetacklecentre.co.uk

RENEWING

SHAKE IT UP CREATIVE

Shake It Up Creative exists to help demystify marketing and champion creative communications. With a strong local reputation, proven results and a Chartered Marketer at the helm, we can be your marketing and website team, working externally but right here to provide support whenever your business needs it. We are a flexible, reliable and experienced company ready to make you look magnificent whilst helping you to find your customers.

www.ShakeItUpCreative.com

SME ADVISOR

At affordable value and with nothing too small, we enable business owners and business leaders achieve their commercial goals with our expert HR, Leadership Development and Health & Safety guidance.

www.smeadvisor.co.uk

SPRATT & SON

Chartered Surveyors & Estate Agents. We have a proven track record and pride ourselves on being equipped to deal with all types of client, ranging from private individuals to public companies and Local Authorities. We have vast experience of dealing with all kinds of property from single buy-to-let investments to full mixed portfolios and block management. www.sprattandson.co.uk

STANFORD LEGAL

We are a multi-award winning Estate Planning Legal Services business locally based in Worthing. Our MD, Paul Stanford, is a full Member of both STEP and the Society of Will Writers - all our work is fully insured. Competitively priced, yet professional tailored advice explained in an easy to understand manner. We specialise in advising clients on wills, lasting power of attorneys, trusts, probate and estate planning legal services.

www.stanfordlegal.co.uk

SURGICAL SENSE

Our consultancy services focus on our clients most critical needs in the health care space. With over 50 years’ experience we have a wide knowledge of the market and can support customers with sales, marketing , company introductions, export, overseas exhibitions, mergers and acquisitions, import regulations (red tape) to GCC, headhunting and much more.

www.surgicalsense.co.uk

SUSSEX COUNTY FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

The Sussex County Football Association, also known as the Sussex County FA, was formed on the 23 September 1882 and is affiliated to The Football Association (The FA) as the governing body of football in the county of Sussex, England. With nearly 500 clubs and 38,000 diverse players of all ages and abilities playing in the county, the Sussex County FA is proud to support football for all.

www.sussexfa.com

TAD ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES

Offering a local freelance book-keeping service at your place or mine. Weekly, monthly or just quarterly whichever solution is more convenient for your business. Allowing you to get on with growing your business. Fully proficient in popular accounting software, Ftax, Quickbooks, Sage and accredited and specialise in Xero. www.tadkeepingbooks.co.uk

THE BRAND SURGERY

I’m Vicky Vaughan (FCIM FInstLM) and I am a Creative Chartered Marketer specialising in branding, rebrands and brand refreshes with a difference – my client’s brands all have brand soul and shine from the inside out. I am also known as Brand Soul Coach.

www.thebrandsurgery.co.uk

THE HANDRAIL PEOPLE

The Handrail People design, fabricate and install bespoke outdoor handrails, balustrades and grab rails. We can also supply these products nationwide, ready for you or your preferred contractor to fit if that’s your preference. www.thehandrailpeople.co.uk

New & Renewing

RENEWING

THE MARTLET PARTNERSHIP

The Martlet Partnership LLP is a thriving and rapidly growing Worthing based firm of Chartered Accountants serving the local business community in all aspects of their day to day business and taxation affairs. We are members of the UK200 Group, a nationwide association of qualified accountants and solicitors, and also have a global reach through our international network IAPA and our founder partner, David Macdonald, who speaks four other European languages fluently and has extensive experience of business practice of SME’s and fellow professionals abroad. www.martletpartnership.com

WORKAID - ALDINGBOURNE TRUST

Supporting people in West Sussex who have lifelong disabilities to access employment in their local communities, and support employers in all industries to feel confident and empowered to recruit diverse workforces. www.supportedemploymentwestsussex.org

WORKWEAR VILLAGE

Workwear Village is an innovative embroidery and heat press company that delivers quality, customised clothing for all your needs. We provide our customers with stylish and functional products, excellent customer service and deliver a fast turnaround. www.workwearvillage.com

WORTHING HIGH SCHOOL

Worthing High School has a Careers and Employability provision that we are very proud of. Every aspect of the provision is ably supported by our local and global Business Partners. Every year events are held that require support that benefit the student’s aspirations and ambitions.

www.worthinghigh.net/home

YOOHOO CREATIVE

Branding & logos, advertising design for print and online, websites, video and graphic animations, brochures, catalogues, stationery, direct mail, exhibition systems and banners, magazines and POS material are among the media we work with, and all are created to be functionally beautiful, uniquely innovative and always remembered. www.yoohoocreative.com

Join Worthing & Adur Chamber now!

We are here to promote, support and connect our members, who are a diverse mix of large and small businesses all with the same aim – to succeed.

There are so many benefits to being a member, whether you want to raise your profile, accelerate your business growth, connect with your business community or simply just be part of it. The Chamber's purpose is to support businesses, big or small to ensure and encourage success.

To find out more visit www.worthingandadurchamber.co.uk

Be C ONNE C TED

Upcoming Chamber Events

Come and join us at our vibrant events and let us take the hard work out of networking. Build your connections, collaborate and drive your business forward.

Chamber Hub

Thursday 13th June | 12:30pm – 2:00pm

Venue: Sussex County Football Association, Culver Road, Lancing

Free to attend

Join fellow members for our popular Chamber Hub networking session.

This is a relaxed and informal networking session where you can meet like-minded businesses and build on your connections.

Networking Breakfast with an update from Catherine Howe, Chief Exec of Adur & Worthing Councils

Friday 21st June | 7:30am – 9:00am

Venue: Worthing Golf Club, Links Road, Worthing

Price: Members: £16 + VAT | Non-Members: £21 + VAT

Catherine Howe, Chief Executive of Adur & Worthing Councils will be joining us to give an update and share her plans and vision for the future.

Walk & Talk

Tuesday 25th June | 10:00am – 11:30am

Starting point: The Refreshment Rooms in High Salvington

Free to attend

Get walking! Now the weather is picking up, we are hosting another walk & talk event!

Georgie Bond from Georgie Bond Coaching will be leading the walk, enabling us all to take sometime away from our desks with likeminded individuals.

Join us for a beautiful walk, surrounded by nature - all whilst making connections with the local business people in your community!

To book please visit: www.worthingandadurchamber.co.uk/chamber-events

Kindly sponsored by Blue Billboard

Kindly sponsored by GWCA Solicitors

Upcoming events

First Friday

Friday 5th July | 12:30pm – 2:00pm

Venue: The Ardington Hotel, Steyne Gardens, Worthing Free to attend

Join local businesses for a free networking event!

First Friday is a networking event which is held on the First Friday of each month. These networking events have been going since 2009 are a great opportunity to meet with your local business community,

These events are organised by Tony Hedger from A&T Business Associates. and co-promoted by Worthing & Adur Chamber.

Chamber Connections: networking with Brighton, Chichester and Worthing & Adur

Thursday 1st August | 10:00am – 12:00pm

Venue: Exhibition Hall, Worthing College, Sanditon Way, Worthing

Price: Members: £16 + VAT | Non-Members: £21 + VAT

Networking is all about finding a like-minded community to connect and collaborate with to help you grow your business.

So, in the spirit of collaboration and building your network, Brighton, Chichester and Worthing & Adur Chambers are teaming up for a morning of good conversations and structured speed networking.

Come along as we combine networks to help your business connect across Sussex.

Better Business Show

Thursday 19th September | 10am - 3pm

Venue: Worthing Leisure Centre

Stand bookings open! As businesses we are constantly looking at ways to make our business stronger, clearer and more profitable. The Better Business Show is the perfect place to showcase your business to potential customers and gain invaluable contacts. Exhibition stands start from as little as £245 + VAT

For more information on stand packages please visit: www.worthingandadurchamber.co.uk/exhibit-at-BB24

Kindly sponsored by bennett griffin

Why join Worthing & Adur Chamber?

We’re all about positively promoting, supporting and connecting local businesses.

We are here to promote, support and connect our members, who are a diverse mix of large and small businesses all with the same aim – to succeed.

There are so many benefits to being a member, whether you want to raise your profile, accelerate your business growth, connect with your business community or simply just be part of it. The Chamber’s purpose is to support businesses, big or small to ensure and encourage success.

Be C ONNE C TED

• Great choice of quality business networking and social events

• Member to member introductions

• Annual headline events including the Better Business Show, AGM & Chamber Summit

• Exclusive member only events

• Promotion of members events

• Topical forums - have your say

• Promotion of member offers

• Save money with member to member offers

• Chamber member logo to download and display

• Corporate rate for FIT4 membership to all chamber members details here

• Leadership opportunities as an Ambassador, Executive Committee member or on a working group

• Digital marketing opportunities via Chamber website, social media and e-news

• Sponsorship opportunities for events, website and business enews

• Promotional opportunities in Chamber Connect Magazine

• Member listing on the Chamber website and member links

• Access to LinkedIn group

• Annual social media shoutouts

• Business advice and information including funding

• Quarterly Chamber Connect magazine

• Be part of the local business community

• Access to local authorities and Government

Join the Chamber

• Access to preferential rates on Chamber Academy training workshops

• Opportunity to deliver training session in your specialist area

• Share your expertise with a growing group of local professionals

• Exclusive Peer Mentoring programme to develop your business

• Set business aims with a annual business workshop

It was a no brainer to become a Chamber member when I started my business!

Worthing & Adur Chamber have been nothing short of fantastic. The communications, training, events and opportunities that are on offer have been supercharged in both quantity and quality.

The Chamber offers an excellent opportunity to keep up to date with current and local issues, find out about the local and national grants and changes that affect businesses.