Chamber Connect Issue 30

Welcome to Issue 30 of Chamber Connect

We’ve had an exciting start to 2024. Following a significant growth, the Chamber Hub now has a new home at Sussex County Football Association in Lancing. Our first event at the new venue welcomed over 70 attendees and was a huge success with some great feedback. Our events are continually selling out which is great to see so please do book on early to secure your places!

Looking ahead we’ve got some really exciting events coming up, some new collaborations and partnerships have been formed. First up we have the BetterBizFest on the 16th April which is shaping up to be an amazing day full of keynote speakers and expert sessions. More information on page 5.

Our AGM is on the 15th May at Ricardo. Once again this year the focus will be on celebrating our members alongside the necessary formalities. It’s always a well-attended event and an opportunity to meet our Executive Board, Ambassadors and Chamber Team.

Don’t forget to make use of the member to member offers. There are over 50 local businesses offering exclusive Member to Member discounts, free consultations, reduced sessions and much more. Just another way being a Chamber Member saves you money and supports your business.

Just a reminder the Chamber Team are always on hand to offer any support, signposting or to chat about your membership and the benefits. The more we get to know you the more we can support you.

Tracie Davey Chief Exec, Worthing & Adur Chamber

PUBLISHERS:

Worthing

Tel: 01903 203484

Chamber of Commerce

Info@worthingandadurchamber.co.uk

www.worthingandadurchamber.co.uk

CONNECT EDITORIAL TEAM:

Lauren Martin-Grieveson, Tracie Davey, Kelly O’Haire

Contact: info@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.

Ihope you’ve all had a fantastic start to 2024! At the Chamber we’ve already had several successful events and training workshops this year, for which we’ve had great feedback from our Members.

The January Chamber Networking Breakfast was well received and fully booked with a waiting list! I am positive that this will be the theme for our events this year with some exciting ones coming up as the year unfolds.

The Chamber welcomed 76 new Members last year and we had a retention rate of 84%, which is a true reflection of the impact the Chamber has on its Members. Joining the Chamber should be at the top of your list of things to consider when setting up a new business in Worthing and Adur. Like many of our Members, I joined when I started my business 15 years ago and like them, I can say it was one of the best things I did.

The Chamber is here to help you with all stages of your business journey and offers so much more than just networking. With promotional opportunities, business focused training, representation and signposting as well as bringing businesses across all industry sectors and sizes together. The role that the Chamber plays within the Worthing and Adur business community really is unique. The Team in the office are there to help you with information and support as your business develops, reinforced by a strong group of Executive Board Members and Ambassadors from the local business community. Together they are driven to see local businesses succeed.

This year I am sure we will see local businesses face challenges but more importantly opportunities that the changing market-place will present to the entrepreneurs who are the life blood of Worthing and Adur Chamber, we are here to support you on your journey.

Tony Hedger Chamber President

www.worthingandadurchamber.co.uk

BBetterBizFest

Are you ready to be your best business self?

etterBizFest is our annual event for the business community to come together, share ideas and learn from others in a fun and relaxed environment. There are keynote speakers to uplift you, workshops to inspire you and networking opportunities to connect you.

We’re all about cultivating a culture of positivity in business; set yourself the goal of leaving BetterBizFest feeling uplifted, inspired and motivated to take action with the skills you have learned throughout the day.

Date: Tuesday 16th April | Time: 9:00am - 3:30pm

Venue: Field Place Manor House & Barns, Worthing BN13 1NP

Cost: Members: £65 + VAT | Non-members: £95+ VAT

Ticket includes delicious buffet lunch, refreshments, 2 breakout sessions & 2 keynote speaker sessions.

Breakout Sessions

The breakout sessions are planned to offer a choice of workshops to inspire you, develop you, train you and push you out of your comfort zone leaving you top tips to take away and use in your plans.

Sessions include:

Confident Speaking Content Creation

Productivity

Get moving

Speculate to Accumulate – your guide to alternative funding and making it work for your business

Calm within Chaos: workshop on grounding techniques through breath and visualisation.

Keynote Speakers:

Fake Act it till you make it

Penina Shepherd, Founder of Acumen Business Law

Fake it till you make it is one of the greatest business concepts but also one of the most misunderstood concepts, often interpreted as manipulation and deceit.

In her talk Penina will show that the heart of the matter goes into understanding who are you faking it for? Who is your audience? Who’s doubting you? Is it the voice in your head saying “I’m not ready yet”? Is it just a fear that you may not be good enough?

She will unpick the misconception and delve deeper to get a true understanding of this approach and the great freedom it can provide if understood correctly.

www.acumenlaw.co.uk

Local Success Story & Green Business Champion

Andy Hepworth, Chairman and Founder of Hepworth & Co Brewery

Andy Hepworth started brewing in Reading almost directly after University. He moved to Horsham in 1980 and within five years became the youngest Head Brewer in the country, winning many awards.

Andy joined up with the key members of a brewing team Horsham and created Hepworths, an independent brewery aiming to build its own range of quality brands, while maintaining flexibility for contract work. Finance was built from pooled redundancy payments and contributions from family and friends. The Company was established in 2000 and started production in 2001; it is constantly expanding.

www.hepworthbrewery.co.uk

Better Business Show stand bookings now 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.

The Better Business Show is back and you need to be there! Having a stand on the day is a great way for you to show off what your business has to offer and make new contacts.

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

• Media pack to assist you with show promotion

Package C

4m x 3m stand

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

Standard Booking: £435 + VAT

• Pre-ordered lunch boxes

• Tea, filter coffee and water voucher

• Exhibitor name badges

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 x 2m stands for just £125 + VAT.

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

Advertisement rates

Showcase your business! Advertising in Chamber Connect Magazine is a great way to highlight your services and promote what you do. It can range from a quarter page to a double page spread.

Our price list is shown below:

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

For more information please email us directly on: lauren@worthingandadurchamber.co.uk

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

Call to Annual General Meeting

Join us for our annual celebration of the Chamber and its Members!

This year’s AGM will be in the form of an annual celebration of the Chamber and it’s members incorporating the formal AGM proceedings. We want this event to be a celebration of all members, the successes in our area and our achievements.

This event will be held on Wednesday 15th May at Ricardo in Shoreham.

As a Member, you are invited to attend the AGM and be a part of key Chamber decisions. 2024 is an important year for the Chamber with big growth plans and we’d love for you to be involved!

This year we will be including some fun awards to recognise members who have engaged in a variety of ways, these will be revealed on the night!

However, we need your help for one of these awards… we are looking for nominations for a member who has gone over and above. This could be a member who has made you feel welcome at an event, introduced you to a new client, supported you or your business in some way. We are open to suggestions, if you feel if someone is worthy of this award, please email lauren@ worthingandadurchamber.co.uk with a brief explanation.

The annual celebration is also a great opportunity to come along and meet with the local business community and get to know them over a drink and some snacks.

The formalities are always dealt with swiftly, there will be summaries from the current President and Chief Exec of the Chamber.

We will be introducing the Executive Board for 2023/2024. The Executive Board consists of a team of volunteers who give their time and expertise to support and guide the Chamber in line with the strategic plan. Each Executive Committee member has their own specialist area to oversee, which usually includes a Working Group. These Working Groups are also made up of volunteers who meet on a regular basis with the aim of delivering the Chamber’s goals and vision.

The Chamber welcomes volunteers for any of the groups and would encourage you to get in touch if you’d like to get involved.

To book to come along to the AGM or to find out more visit www.worthingandadurchamber.co.uk/ chamber-events

Year end tax review and planning ahead for 2024-25

With the end of the tax year looming, Stuart Noakes, Partner and Head of Tax at Carpenter Box summarises 2023-24 and sets out what you need to know about the tax landscape (as currently known) over the next 12 months.

2023 has been a lot more stable, politically and economically, than 2022. Rather than the multiple fiscal events of the latter, there has been a single Budget plus an Autumn Statement.

However, with a pre-election Budget due on 6th March, we wait to see whether there will be major changes announced for 2024/25, particularly tax cuts. Any such changes may affect end of year planning for 2023/24. For example, it may turn out to be advantageous to delay receiving income such as bonuses or dividends until next tax year, if they would be taxed at lower rates (perhaps because the government decides to unfreeze thresholds).

National Insurance and Income Tax

Almost all the thresholds for both National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and income tax have been frozen until April 2028. With inflation still well above the 2% target, this freeze will pull a lot of earners into the higher tax bands as their salaries or business profits rise; this also has a knock-on effect on the amount of personal savings allowance (PSA) available to set against income such as interest, where rates have of course risen significantly in the last year or so. Income within the PSA is taxed at a nil rate.

Once into the 40% band, the PSA is cut from £1,000 to £500 per year; it disappears completely for anyone who pays income tax at 45%, which applies when income exceeds £125,140.

What to expect from April 2024:

• Dividends: The dividend allowance will be cut to £500 from 6 April 2024, having been £1,000 for 2023/24. This means more dividend income will be taxable each year, although the tax rates applicable to dividends are not changing in 2024/25.

• Capital Gains Tax: The annual exempt amount (AEA) for capital gains tax will be halved from £6,000 to £3,000 in 2024/25. The combination of the allowance cuts and threshold freezes will affect the tax and NICs payable by directors and shareholders of family companies.

• NLW and NMW: All employers need to budget for increases in the rates of National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage from 1 April 2024.

Between now and the end of the tax year (5 April 2024) is a good time to assess whether you have claimed all the relevant allowances and are as well defended against high tax charges as you can be. Please check with us before finalising any big financial decisions, just in case the tax treatment has changed after publication.

Year end action points:

• Consider taking action to reduce taxable income, particularly where income falls just above one of the thresholds. There are various options to achieve this, including pension contributions and Gift Aid donations.

• Saving for retirement should always be considered as part of the year end tax planning process. Contributions within the annual allowance (AA) to pension funds attract relief at your marginal rate of tax. Review the availability of any unused pension allowance for the 2020/21 tax year, as this will expire on 5 April 2024.

• The AEA cannot be carried forward or transferred to a spouse, so where possible aim to make disposals before 6 April 2024 to utilise this year’s AEA, particularly as the amount of the exemption will decrease from this date.

How we can help

We recommend you undertake an annual review of your financial affairs, in order to check that you are not paying more tax than you need to and to see whether any structures you set up in the past are still appropriate.

If you would like more detailed one-to-one advice, get in touch with one of our friendly advisers on 01903 234094 or visit www.carpenterbox.com

How can you get involved in local school, St Oscar Romero Catholic School?

Phil Dean, the Extended Learning Leader at St Romero’s talks about how businesses can get involved in developing careers and employability skills in the future generations.

We are all acutely aware of the huge need to reskill the workforce to handle the ever changing working world so what a great place to start. So here are my access points for you to consider (Please do pop me an email to discuss further pdean@stromeros.co.uk)

Access

If you have never worked with us before or have never worked with Year 7 to 11 (11 to 16 year olds) these are the offers:

• Anything is Possible workshops (days and times to suit you) - every student has at least 5 of these workshops from a huge array of industry sectors. Inspiring Hearts & Minds and a great way for them to find out about the Labour Market Information.

• Careers Fair events - Set up a stall showing your industry and training/apprenticeship offers.

• Assemblies to Year groups - Industry information/ skills/personal journeys

• 1st July to 5th July - Year 10 Work Experience Partnership

If you have worked with us before or have experience working in schools these are the offers:

• Development of student mentoring

• Department links bringing curriculum learning to the Real World!

• 14th March - Year 8 Build and BakeEntrepreneur day

• 25th April - Year 10 Mock Interview session 8am to 12noon or sections of.

Collaborator

If you have worked with us before and you would like to develop new activities and concepts these are the offers:

• Open for general discussion. All of our Extended Learning activities have come from these discussions.

You may or may not be aware that we are opening a Sixth form September 2024 so we will be looking for Collaborators to support the Industry relevant Work Experience program and other post 16/18 activities.

Please email me on pdean@stromeros.co.uk to chat further or have a chat with Claire Ellis (JJ&H) our amazing Enterprise Advisor at the next Networking event.

Top tips to help you hire the perfect candidate

Hiring your first employee is an exciting step. You are no longer alone and can benefit from another brain and an extra pair of hands.

Here are some key tips from Paul at HighBarHR to ensure that you are successful:

Direct or outsource?

Growing a business is unpredictable. Adaptability is key. Freelancers give you access to expertise without the long-term commitment of a direct employee. Independent suppliers provide exceptional service without the multiyear tie-in of the large providers.

Robust employment contract

Consider the clauses you need included. Is your intellectual property or confidential information protected? Does the notice period give you enough time to recruit a replacement? Do you need a non-compete clause to prevent an employee from working for a competitor (if you do, make it as specific as possible, generic non-compete clauses are hard to enforce).

Interview properly

Take the time to conduct a robust interview process because managing the wrong hire takes much longer. Adding another assessor to the process will help spot things you do not and interviewing more than one person provides a valuable benchmark. Some people interview well but may not be as strong technically. Therefore assessing the technical skills they need is a good idea.

Hire for attitude

Your first hires are likely to be involved in many business activities beyond the initial role you envisaged. Therefore, hiring flexible self-starters is as important as having the right skills and experience. If you’re not sure exactly what the role will end up doing, saying so in the job advert will help filter out those who are not suited to it.

Be flexible

Flexible working means more than just working from home. Offering flexible hours or days can help you attract a wider talent pool. With competition for talent high, offering more flexibility can help you compete with much bigger companies.

Add diversity

Hiring individuals with different backgrounds and experiences increases the pool of knowledge your business can draw from. This improves both your adaptability and decision-making.

Induction

Now you have the right person, set them up to succeed. Think about who they need to meet and what they need to know. Use this to plan out their first few weeks in the business.

HighBarHR provides modern people expertise to ambitious organisations. We provide the support you need to ensure employees help supercharge your growth rather than bogging you down in ‘people issues’. Whether through consultancy, fractional support or retained services, we can provide expertise in a way that suits your business.

Website: www.spherebusinesscentre.co.uk

Email: paul@highbarhr.co.uk

Tel no: 07895999970

How cyber secure are you?

Mike Carr from 2tela recently offered his services to the Chamber Team to undertake a Cyber Security Assessment.

Mike met the Chamber Team for an initial evaluation meeting running through a comprehensive set of questions to assess the current processes and controls in place within the Chamber. The assessment is based upon National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) small business guidelines.

The Chamber Team found this process incredibly valuable for recognising potential risk areas including with third party providers which has enabled the Team to strengthen policies and processes going forwards. Mike is brilliant at guiding you through, putting you at ease and recommending solutions to risk areas.

The whole process was not as daunting as expected, and certainly makes you realise how each system you use impacts your whole cyber security and can have a knock-on effect. Mike took plenty of time to explain everything step by step in an easy to understand and supportive way.

The output of the assessment was a cyber strategy document that you can use to implement areas of improvement and its relevant priority.

Tracie Davey, Chief Executive of Worthing & Adur Chamber commented “I would highly recommend businesses to undertake a cyber assessment. As a business it really helps you to understand what you’re getting right and inevitably any areas that may need a tweak or a new process put in place. We feel as a Team better informed and better prepared on all things cyber.”

If you would like to discuss a cyber security assessment with Mike you can email hello@2tela.co.uk or call 01903 947780.

www.2tela.co.uk

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

Bennett Griffin & The Legal 500: What it means for our clients

With 2024 in full swing, the team at Bennett Griffin have some very exciting news. The Commercial Property Team have been listed in the Legal 500.

This is a tremendous honour for us and an accomplishment that we believe reflects the commercial property work we have done over the last few years. But what does this mean for the people that matter: our clients? This short article explains more about the Legal 500 and why Bennett Griffin’s inclusion is good news for the people we work for.

What is The Legal 500?

The Legal 500 is a prominent and widely recognised legal directory that annually publishes rankings and reviews of top law firms and individual lawyers across various jurisdictions and practice areas.

Established in 1987, it is considered a trusted resource for individuals and businesses seeking legal representation.

The primary objective of The Legal 500 is to provide clients with an independent and comprehensive guide to the legal market.

How does The Legal 500 select law firms and solicitors?

The Legal 500 employs a rigorous and comprehensive research process to select and rank law firms and solicitors.

The methodology is designed to ensure that the rankings are based on merit, reflecting the actual capabilities and performance of legal professionals.

The key steps in The Legal 500’s selection process include:

Client feedback:

Researchers from The Legal 500 conduct interviews with a firm’s clients to gather feedback on the quality of service they received. Client testimonials and references are crucial in evaluating a law firm’s performance and client satisfaction.

Peer reviews:

The directory seeks input from peers within the legal industry, including other lawyers and professionals.

Peer reviews provide insights into a law firm’s reputation within the legal community and contribute to assessing the firm’s standing in the market.

Notable cases and transactions:

The Legal 500 examines the complexity and significance of the cases or transactions handled by a law firm.

Firms are evaluated based on the impact and success of their work, showcasing their expertise and effectiveness in addressing legal challenges.

The combination of client feedback, peer reviews, and in-depth analysis ensures that The Legal 500 rankings are independent, impartial, and reflective of a law firm’s capabilities. Achieving recognition in The Legal 500 is a significant accomplishment, as it demonstrates a firm’s commitment to delivering highquality legal services and its standing as a leader in the legal industry.

What does being in The Legal 500 mean for our clients?

The inclusion of Bennett Griffin’s commercial property team in The Legal 500 holds several important implications for our commercial property clients, such as:

• Recognition of Excellence, Expertise and Credibility

The Legal 500 is a respected and independent authority in the legal industry. Being listed in this directory attests to Bennett Griffin’s expertise and credibility in commercial real estate.

Our clients can have confidence and take pride in the quality of legal services provided by a firm recognised by The Legal 500.It reinforces the trust clients can place in our services.

• Quality Assurance

The rigorous research process involves evaluating a law firm’s track record, client feedback, and peer reviews. Our presence in The Legal 500 reflects a commitment to delivering high-quality legal solutions and meeting the needs of our clients effectively.

• Continued Commitment to Excellence

Inclusion in The Legal 500 is not just a one-time acknowledgement; it signifies a continued commitment to excellence.

Bennett Griffin’s presence in the directory reflects an ongoing dedication to delivering top-tier legal services, ensuring that clients receive the best possible representation.

Summary

In conclusion, The Legal 500 is a mark of distinction and assurance for our clients. It underscores Bennett Griffin’s commitment to excellence, expertise, and client satisfaction.

Clients can trust that they are partnering with a law firm independently recognised for its outstanding contributions to the legal profession. It’s a real honour for us to be included in the directory, and we look forward to continuing our recognised legal services in the new year.

www.bennett-griffin.co.uk

My business, My story

In this issue we talk to Alice, Director of EDGE Tea & Coffee

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

Over 40 years ago we, at Edge Tea & Coffee, embarked on a mission to redefine the meaning of coffee and tea. Back when “sustainable” meant little to most and the internet was non-existent, we focused on introducing the joy of loose leaf tea and later added filter coffee in the ‘80s. For three decades, our offerings were exclusively for the trade. However, in 2015, responding to public demand for speciality-grade coffee and teas, we began selling directly to consumers. Now, with a thriving Café, Roastery Shop, and Online Store, we celebrate the global love for freshly roasted coffees and premium loose leaf teas.

How did you grow your business?

Through close collaboration with both suppliers and customers, we protect and develop a robust supply chain, delivering exactly what our customers desire. With 40 years of expertise, we’ve forged enduring relationships with coffee and tea partners, offering exceptional brews at reasonable prices. Our commitment to innovation extends to a popular onsite refillery, promoting sustainability by eliminating packaging and providing cost savings- we want to make it easy for our customers to be sustainable! This eco-friendly approach also extends to our trade customers, such as offices, hotels, and cafes, where we deliver large tubs with zero packaging, ensuring both convenience and savings for them.

What challenges have you faced?

Aside from the challenges posed by Covid, managing a business as a working mother of four presented its own hurdles, essentially juggling two roles.

The substantial scaling of the business occurred after my youngest son finished school.

During the pandemic, our rural location allowed us to stay open, and we adapted by creating the ‘EdgeMart’ in front of the roastery, selling local products alongside our tea and coffee range. Now, as a vertically integrated business, we produce and sell our own products through various channels, including in-store, online, from our café, and other cafes.

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

Shifting to direct consumer sales prompted a transformative shift in our mindset. Repurposing old farm buildings with recycled materials like wooden pallets, hessian sacks, and redundant metal poles, we crafted our café and outdoor spaces. This eco-friendly approach not only aligns with our values but has also proven successful as our business has doubled in both turnover and size in the past 5 years. Today, Edge Tea & Coffee boasts a dedicated team of over 20 people, a testament to our commitment to sustainable practices and the thriving demand for our products.

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

As business owners, our intense passion for the company may clash with differing perspectives. It’s crucial not to take setbacks personally when things deviate from plans, especially if you’ve acted in good faith. Occasionally, people may not show interest in your products or services, and it’s essential not to internalize it. Understand that business dynamics vary, and not every interaction is a personal reflection. Stay resilient, adaptable, and focused on continuous growth, recognizing that diverse responses are part of the entrepreneurial journey.

Email address: hello@edgcumbes.co.uk

Phone number: 01243 555775

www.edgcumbes.co.uk

DDeclutter your mind

Ever feel like your brain is a chaotic mess? You’re not alone… In a world filled with constant noise and distractions, finding that inner peace can feel like trying to find your keys in a messy room.

ecluttering your mind is way more than just tidying up your thoughts. It’s about kicking out the mental junk that comes from stress, worries, and all those pesky distractions. Just like cleaning up your room, decluttering your mind gives you the mental space to breathe. And the bonus? It brings mental clarity, focus, and a positive attitude to tackle life’s curveballs.

Seven tricks to declutter your mind:

1. To do lists. Our mind holds onto all those ‘don’t forget to do’ and ‘must just’... having a clear organisational system (project management systems or good old pen and paper) gets it out of your brain. Creating clear actions allows us to ‘close loops’ and therefore switch off easier.

2. Life’s a crazy rollercoaster, but figuring out what really matters to you is like holding the map. Take a moment to think about what brings you joy, and make sure your to-do list lines up with your goals. Aligning your life to your identity is really important and keeps us on track. Have a look at your values for some inspiration about what is important to you.

3. Ever heard of gratitude journals? Take a few minutes daily to jot down what you’re thankful for/ create a mantra/ positive affirmation/ word of the day/ week… or do a weekly review and sum up. Find something that works for you.

4. Saying “no” is a superpower. Set those healthy boundaries and guard your ‘me time’.

Decluttering your mind is like hitting the reset button for your life. It’s a journey, not a sprint, so be patient with yourself.

5. A clutter-free space equals a clutter-free mind. Get rid of the unnecessary stuff whether that’s physical or on computers, drives, emails etc, organise like a pro, and see how your thoughts start to declutter too.

6. LET IT GO! Let go of those grudges, past mistakes, and all the unnecessary baggage. It’s like a mental detox!

7. Introduce habits that keep you present such as Mindfulness or Breathwork. These are like a supercharge reset for your mind. It’s all about living in the moment without stressing about the past or future. Try meditation, find your calm space, close your eyes, and take a deep breath. It’s like a spa day for your thoughts! This can be as little as 2 minutes! At Inspire You, we get it! Our team of therapists and coaches help you declutter and reach your full potential. Whether you’re battling stress, seeking purpose, or just want to level up your wellbeing, we can help! We offer a power hour at £149 where we can help you work out what to focus on for the year. (10% off for Chamber members quote CODE CHAMBER24).

www.inspire-you.co.uk

Rise in Google with these 5 SEO quick wins

Check that pages or products are within 2-3 clicks of the homepage and utilise internal linking.

A developer isn’t always needed for search engine optimisation tasks, even ChatGPT can write schema microdata markup now! On the content side of things, it’s all about quality over frequency and you certainly don’t want to be putting fully AI generated articles up on your website. Follow the tips above and if you still need help, we’re here.

www.shakeitupcreative.com

Check for and fix broken links (link analysis tools are available via sites such as The HOTH or Moz).

Look for new target key phrases or content opportunities using Google search features ‘People Also Ask’ and ‘Related Searches’.

Check that URLs, page titles and page content all include the target key phrase for that page.

Use Google Analytics to check which pages receive no traffic at all (for 6mths or more) and either improve or remove!

Let’s Go! Net Zero

Duncan Anderson, CEO of South Downs Leisure and Green Business Champion talks about the Let’s Go! Net Zero initiative.

Let’s Go Net Zero is a campaign to encourage small businesses in West Sussex to get started on a sustainability journey. As a Green Business Champion, my role is to share practical examples, my own personal story, and talk about some of what South Downs Leisure are working towards or have achieved already.

I want to raise awareness about good examples taking place across West Sussex and help businesses to get moving on sustainability, this could be via.

• Talking at events that I attend as a Green Business Champion.

• Sustainable tips suitable for small businesses just starting out.

• Share the benefits I have experienced by embracing sustainability.

I became the founder CEO of South Downs Leisure in 2015, we currently have 9 leisure facilities in West Sussex between Worthing and Brighton. We employ

over 400 staff and have a turnover of £10m, whilst providing health and wellbeing services for local people and supporting good causes.

My moral compass is very much in the community and helping others, but to do this successfully, in most cases you need a business model that manages the balance of People, Planet and Profit. The Triple Bottom Line.

In 2022 we launched our first Sustainability strategy which has a focus on the triple bottom line. This was a four-year strategy with a vision that goes beyond this period to make our centres carbon net zero by 2040. It should be said that it has been the team at South Downs Leisure, and not the strategy that has made an incredible impact. Our strategy is the guide, but we have changed the culture in a positive way, to one that is focused on doing the right thing for our environment and people.

I have a passion around helping the environment and biodiversity. If everyone was to make small changes to help the biodiversity in their garden, local woods, rivers, sea, shrub land or even their allotment, then we would see a positive change in our lifetime. Small actions by many people, will create big impacts!

#letgonetzero_ws

www.letsgonetzero.net

Did you know?

Did You Know?

Following on from the Chamber’s ‘Night at the Museum’ event, Kelly O’Haire takes a look at the remarkable story of how the building came to be in this Did You Know special.

Did you know that Worthing’s Museum was originally built as the library? There’s a big clue over the front door of the place, but not many people look up and read carved stone masonry these days!

In 1897, ‘Worthing library’ was a dilapidated house stacked with books on the corner of Richmond Road and Chapel Road and assistant librarian, Marian Frost, was fed up with it. She started looking for ways to fund a new library.

When, in 1902, billionaire steel magnate and philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie, announced a plan to fund new libraries in English towns, Marian wrote to him, asking him to pay for a purpose-built public library in Worthing. Carnegie refused however, because ‘the town already has a library’.

Marian was undeterred and, despite criticism from some individuals who accused her of ‘exceeding her authority’, she wrote back to America, this time meticulously detailing reasons why the current library was completely inadequate and why Carnegie should change his mind. This time, her powers of persuasion paid off.

Clearly impressed by his correspondent’s persistence, Carnegie agreed to pay £6,200 towards the cost of a new library if;

• The borough council provided a site free of charge

• The council levied a free-library rate, which would raise £500 a year towards the project’s upkeep.

• 90 per cent of the labour employed on the building came from among the unemployed, ‘as the council got a grant from the Unemployment Grant Commission for this’.

While Andrew Carnegie’s funds got the project off the ground, they only covered half the cost. In fact, it was discovered that Worthing’s first mayor, Alderman Alfred Cortis, anonymously paid for half of the Chapel Road building after he died in 1912.

The new building was officially opened in December 1908 and Carnegie visited Worthing in May 1909, when he received the Freedom of the Borough in thanks for his contribution. In a gracious acceptance speech, he described Worthing as ‘an enchanted land’. He also met Marian Frost for the first time on that day – all previous contact had been by letter!

Marian Frost and her Worthing library team 1910

Re-Discover Highdown Gardens in 2024

People of Worthing still refer to Highdown as the secret gem of the town, the place to

escape, feel safe and reconnect to the natural world.

At this time of the year, the gardens slowly awaken with a myriad of snowdrops, the first of many wonderful Spring bulb displays to awaken your senses.

Along with these ‘perce neige’ (snow piercers), a new year starts in the gardens, with the promise of more beauties and connections. From the growing world of our wonderful plants to the one of our growing community of partners, and volunteers, we relentlessly foster botanical and cultural ambitions for the gardens.

We plot, plan, propagate, prune and plant. Every day, our busy team of 7 full-time staff and 60 volunteers, commit to excellence.

Would you like to experience Highdown Gardens in a unique way?

Highdown The Venue for your meeting needs

As a business, you now have the opportunity to support this local valuable asset whilst meeting your ‘entrepreneurial needs’. From an away day for your team’s wellbeing and general cohesion to the hopes to ‘seal a deal’, thank or impress a client, Highdown Gardens is the ideal venue.

Our Meetings Package is hassle free, we will have everything ready to ensure you’ll have a great time on the day.

From £50 you can benefit from:

• Comfortable and well equipped meeting room with south facing sea glimpses terrace

• Inspiring and calm surrounding filled with birds, mature trees and rare flowers

• Free parking

You can then customise your day with:

• Guided tour of the gardens

• Lunch delivered on site

• Refreshments

• Stationery

• Team building activity

All proceeds go back to the maintenance of the gardens for generations to come.

Volunteering your time

Perhaps you may have a little more to give? Why not consider volunteering a little of your precious time with financial, retail and marketing advice to help shape up the running of our pop up shop. You would join our Friends of Highdown’s wonderful team and make an incredible difference to the gardens present and future.

If you want to receive a seasonal update of the gardens, make sure you sign up to our mailing list by simply submitting your email at the bottom of our website.

Donations to the Trust

The trust cannot accept sponsorship, but donations are welcome: these can be money or in kindness. For example, some of the current priorities are, building a shelter to welcome our volunteers and a new pergola for Stern’s original Wedding Day rose as well as booking tree work to open up areas of the gardens to protect our most precious plants.

We are also looking for nature & gardens second hand-books!

Email: highdown.gardens@adur-worthing.gov.uk

Website: www.adur-worthing.gov.uk

Spotlight on: Jones Coffee Co.

Jones Coffee Co. owners Katie and Ben tell us about their coffee shop and what they do.

What’s your ‘elevator pitch’ ?

We are an independent, family-run, ethically-minded coffee shop, proudly established in Worthing. We aim to serve the best coffee and simple, quality food in a friendly and welcoming environment.

Alongside our coffee we serve delicious hot chocolates (vegan available), teas, soft drinks, seasonal specials, and a range of food options including fresh pastries, delicious brownies, blondies and cakes, and lunches including our sourdough toasties – with a wide selection of vegan and free-from options.

What’s the best part about your job?

We love meeting the wide variety of people who visit our shop and being able to offer a space that caters for so many, whether it’s individuals visiting for some time out, local business people coming in for a meeting, friends having a group meet-up, parents and littles ones, and so many more. Also, the wonderful local suppliers we work with, many of whom are individuals or small businesses. We always enjoy seeing people come into the shop and receive a warm welcome from our wonderful team.

Who is your dream client?

We see all those who visit our shop as our guests, whether they’re grabbing-and-going or sitting for a while. We appreciate everyone who pops in and so we have no dream customer as such – anyone who visits and enjoys their experience makes us very grateful!

How are you developing your business this year?

We’re always working on new products and seasonal specials that we introduce alongside our core menu and focus on the best coffee. We’ll be looking at that for Easter, Summer and other occasions. We will continue working with our partners including the Chamber of Commerce and other groups that are all doing great things for businesses and individuals in our community. We will continue to establish ourselves within the community and offer a welcoming place to go for a great cup of coffee and some tasty food.

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

Without copping out of this one too much, we’re not ones to look that far ahead, so who knows what the future may hold! We want to focus on doing the best we can and staying true to our core offering, our values and what we can offer the local community, and hopefully this will all be something that can continue to be recognised.

Website: www.jonescoffee.org

Email: hello@jonescoffee.org

Are you talking to me?

Business communication is not easy. We asked Kelly O’Haire from Constructive Marketing to share some insights on how we can get it right.

When we hear from new clients that they ‘tried things that didn’t work’. We always ask them, ‘Why?’ We then discover that the business didn’t know its target audience well enough to know how to communicate with them.

Know your audience

Very often, businesses who say marketing hasn’t worked for them have simply approached it ‘blindly’. They haven’t looked at who their audience is and therefore they don’t know who they’re talking to. If that’s the case, how can they expect to be saying the right things?

So many make the mistake of just doing things because ‘everyone else is’ and then becoming disheartened when it doesn’t work. Understanding your audience is crucial to being able to invest in the right marketing efforts.

How to understand your audience

It’s important to establish 3 key factors

• Why existing customers choose to buy from you

• What sets you apart from others in their mind

• How they would like to hear from you

For bigger businesses with a research budget, running questionnaires and focus groups can be effective but costly. For smaller business budgets, there are free tools such as Google Forms that can be used. Asking questions via social media channels can also provide valuable feedback, just prepare for extreme honesty! Also, examining competitor output can offer insights as a more objective view can be taken on what’s working at a different business.

If this leaves you feeling overwhelmed, then there is lots of constructive help out there, including from us! The main thing is to make a start and focus that communication so that it actually works.

Kelly O’Haire, Constructive Marketing Socials: werconstructive Website: www.constructivemarketing.co.uk Tel no: 01903 686858

Does your business need Cyber Insurance?

‘It could be you’ may now be the familiar catchphrase as to your chances of being lucky, but ‘it will be you’ is probably far more likely when it comes to the chances of a cyber-attack on your business.

The number of cyber-attacks is now so huge it’s a bit like our national debt, too big to process. One cyber insurer recently quoted that their ‘honeypot’ security sensors (sacrificial computer systems intended to attract cyber-attacks, effectively a decoy) had an average of 17 million attacks a day!

Suffice it to say that your business is probably under consistent, if not constant, attack and there is a good chance a cyber-criminal will be having a go while you are reading this. Fortunately, firewalls and other IT security are usually sufficient to deal with most attacks, most of the time. However, there is a parallel with anti-terrorism defences and the infamous IRA statement following the Brighton Bombing in 1984that they ‘only have to be lucky once, you need to be lucky all the time’.

Many smaller businesses may feel that it is generally bigger businesses that are targeted but whilst attacks on big business are the ones more likely to hit the headlines, smaller businesses are now being targeted

because they are generally less well protected and therefore more vulnerable. Simply put, the cybercriminals have a better chance of getting lucky.

Even when I was writing this article I received an email from a caravan organisation about a cyber incident that closed their website for 5 days and that my membership data may have been compromised. They have now had to issue 9 updates on the situation, and it is a timely reminder that as we progress into 2024, cyber-attacks, especially ransomware, are likely to be one of the main risks faced by many businesses and probably more likely to occur than what in the past was considered a conventional insurance claim for a fire, storm or a physical break-in.

IT security is obviously the main defence against cyberattacks, but Cyber Insurance should now be a must have for most companies as it only takes one momentary flaw in your defences for the cyber criminals to get lucky. That could be a glitch following a software update, a computer patch not being installed in time or more frequently, the protection of older legacy or little used software or systems are not updated. The trend

to remote working has also given the criminals greater opportunity, but the main vulnerability is generally that you are reliant on your staff doing the right thing, or more to the point not doing the wrong thing. It is estimated that 75% of successful attacks are due to human error and the irony here is this is where ‘it could be you’ does ring true.

Cyber incidents are not necessarily just inconvenient, downtime costs money, as does putting things right particularly where there is a data breach. If so, forensic investigations are likely to be necessary, as are legal requirements to inform those affected as well as the regulator and if credit card information is involved there can also be fines levied by the credit card companies.

One of the biggest benefits of having cyber insurance, especially for smaller companies without an in-house IT specialist, is having access to IT expertise when a security breach occurs. Most Cyber insurance policies come with a 24/7 helpline so you are not on your own

when having to make snap decisions, such as whether to pay a ransomware demand or not.

Despite the risk, it is estimated only 10% of small and medium sized businesses have cyber insurance. That may in part be due to an underestimation of the risk by some companies or a lack of awareness of the insurance cover available.

The Cyber Insurance market has been somewhat turbulent in recent years with the increase in the number and cost of claims during the pandemic causing an increase in premiums. However, it is now more settled with a variety of levels of cover available to suit most budgets. It really should now be considered as an essential rather than luxury insurance cover and can provide valuable protection for your business. Though cover does vary from insurer to insurer, as does the price, so take advice from an insurance broker.

www.nsureinsurance.co.uk

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

NEW

DAVISON CE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

Founded over 200 years ago, Davison C.E High School for Girls now, as it did then, seeks to provide a secure Christian environment where our girls may flourish and grow.

We see education as the key to unlocking the future potential of all our young learners and truly believe Davison offers this education to our girls within a caring and supportive ethos, underpinned by strong Christian values.

www.davison.w-sussex.sch.uk

HELEN L STEPHENS

A Life Without anxiety and overwhelm is in Reach. I’m an Emotional Health Coach for parents whether 1st or 5th child. I support you with tools, techniques & a listening ear, for a positive supported mental wellbeing. Its a simple and effective way to navigate your journey from now, leaving you feeling calm, connected and prepared for anything the future brings. www.helenstephensehc.com

HENRY ADAMS LETTINGS

Property services with proper service. Henry Adams are your property partners in Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire. Together, our people bring local knowledge, know-how and a ‘can do’ attitude like no other agency. Whether you want to buy, sell, let, rent, develop, invest or simply plan your next move – we’ll listen to what matters to you and make it happen.

We are proud to have won the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award for the second consecutive year.

www.henryadams.co.uk/estate-and-lettingsagents/storrington

JANET WEBB CONSULTING

A learning & development consultant, helping businesses support, coach and develop their staff. Management development, presentation skills, customer service training, creative problem solving skills.

My main focus is supporting employees who have been promoted into management roles, where it’s all new. I can also help with a variety of other staff and personal development.

www.janetwebbconsulting.co.uk/

PHOENIX SYSTEMS

A leading independent workplace interiors company. We are dedicated to our industry expertise, flexible design approach, and our unparalleled added value.

We are a close-knit group with diverse knowledge and skills, which allows us to be a unique, dynamic team providing a wide range of services. We design & deliver bespoke fit out and refurbishment projects, offering market leading expertise in mezzanine floors, ceilings & partitions, racking & storage.

www.phoenix-sys.co.uk/

PRO-ACTIONS

My purpose is to help SMEs achieve profitable growth, navigate through tricky situations and install a sense of work-life balance.

We pride ourselves on giving you the help you need to work out what you want from your business and then help you make it happen. Because we work with all sectors and different types of business, we can tailor our engagement to your specific needs and budget.

www.pro-actions.com

SUSSEX YOUTH THEATRE

The main philosophy of SYT is to learn professional skills in a focused and disciplined manner within a happy, supportive family atmosphere. Whether you love to act, sing, work backstage or just have a passion for putting a production together, then SYT is for you. For ages 6-18. Our venues are situated in Shoreham, Worthing, Pulborough, East Preston, Littlehampton and Ferring. We also offer a LAMDA Acting exam course where students can take exams at our privately registered centre. www.sussexyouththeatre.co.uk

RENEWING

A GREENER ALTERNATIVE

A Greener Alternative design, install and service renewable heating systems. We are experts in ground and air source heat pumps, biomass heating through wood pellet, wood chip and log, MVHR, solar, underfloor and skirting heating and state of the art gas, oil and electric boilers. Established 10 years ago and based in Sussex, we are proud to have plenty of experience from installations in domestic and commercial projects to servicing and maintaining appliances. www.agreeneralternative.co.uk/

A&T BUSINESS ASSOCIATES

Commercial Finance Broker & Business Consultant. Specialises in funding SMEs using a range of options to get the correct funding in place. Business start ups and funding them. Business planning for start ups and established businesses. business development and strategic planning. We can help any business raise finance. We are fully independent and have whole market access to all high street lenders as well as specialist lenders.

www.atbusinessassociates.co.uk

AMANDA READMAN FINANCIAL PLANNING

A Financial Adviser operating around Worthing and Adur districts covering all areas of financial services from retirement planning, to investment, to protection for you and your family. james.turner@sjpp.co.uk

ANDY’S ANGELS

The purpose of Andy’s Angels is to provide a grief play café which will be a safe space for children and their families to go to while they are navigating their way through their own grief journey after losing a loved one.

As grief has no time limit neither does our grief play café, anyone can access our sessions regardless of how long their loved one has been gone.

www.andysangels.org.uk/

BALD DESIGNS

Probably the best bald graphic design agency based in Worthing and the south coast, supporting all local businesses with their brand identity, brochures, exhibition materials, marketing, SquareSpace websites and corporate reporting requirements.

Since January 2017, I have worked with over 40 local businesses sharing my knowledge and helping those local businesses to achieve their very best, through their logo, design and marketing materials.

www.balddesigns.com

CARE FOR VETERANS

Care for Veterans (formerly The Queen Alexandra Hospital Home) was established in 1919 to care for those soldiers returning from World War I with life-changing disabilities. For over 100 years, we have provided long term nursing care, rehabilitation, respite and award-winning end of life care to disabled ex-Servicemen and women from the RAF, Army, Royal Navy and auxiliary services.

www.careforveterans.org.uk

CARPENTER BOX

You expect accountants to know what they are talking about, so other than perhaps price you might think that there is little to choose between them. But it’s what we can add that makes us so different. We want to help your business succeed. Put simply, we want to help you make more profit and pay less tax! Can our friendly team deliver what you need? Talk to us, we’ll listen to you and chances are, we’ll have a solution that not only helps you comply, but also improves your bottom line!

www.carpenterbox.com

RENEWING

EGALITE CARE

We provide supported living services for younger adults with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, mental health and autism.

Egalité was founded in 2007 by our family, to support a small group of young adults. Over the years we have grown to offer this same level of family based care to many more people. As nurses and social workers, who had worked in the health and social care over many years, we had a clear vision. We aspired to enable people to live their best lives.

www.egalitecare.com

FLUX PIERCING

We are one of the longest-running purely piercing studios in the UK.

In May 2001, we set out with one goal in mind. Create a safe and inclusive space for everyone to get the piercings they wanted, in a professional and sterile environment. Two decades on, we’re still putting every effort into meeting and exceeding that goal.

Our top priority remains unchanged. Meet the individual needs of every client while providing the best care possible. We maintain an immaculate, sterile studio filled with the latest technology. www.fluxpiercing.co.uk

FREEDOM WORKS

Modern & fresh co-working & collaborative office rental in the heart of Worthing. From 1 man bands to 6 person offices, Worthing’s newest and latest flexible working environment to help you grow. Freedom Works offers ‘open plan’ and ‘private offices’ aimed at individuals and companies who want to work in a flexible and creative environment with like minded folk.

www.freedomworks.space

GUILD CARE

Supporting people and their families in and around Worthing through our wide range of services including our three care homes. As a charity, we aim to reduce isolation and social stigma among older people, those living with dementia and people with learning disabilities.

Our vision is all people in need of care live fulfilling, safe and secure lives and we will achieve our vision by ensuring our support and services are accessible effective, and lovingly delivered.

www.guildcare.org

GWCA SOLICITORS

GWCA Solicitors provide legal services for individuals and businesses, with offices in Arundel, Broadwater, Goring, Hove, Lancing, Rustington, Steyning and Worthing. Our team of solicitors provide sound and unbiased advice and will work with you to overcome your problems, protect your interests and to profit from new opportunities. Our solicitors will do their utmost to accommodate your needs and will visit you at your home or workplace if you wish.

www.gwca.co.uk

HILL BARN GOLF CLUB

Conveniently located just off the A-24 near Worthing, Hill Barn Golf Club is a spectacular 75year old course designed by the legendary Fred Hawtree who designed Royal Birkdale.

The Club has a long and enviable history having hosted many professional tournaments and offers stunning views over the seaside town of Worthing and the English Channel. The Club is a family-run affair, owned by Richard and Sally Haygarth, and is known for its friendly, welcoming, and relaxed atmosphere.

www.hillbarngolf.com

HR DEPT

The HR Dept provides outsourced HR services to SMEs. We do everything an in-house HR Dept would do but at a fraction of the cost. The team enjoy really getting to know and understand our clients’ businesses. Our clients include accountants, insurance brokers, retail businesses, pubs and hotels, builders, garages and manufacturing businesses. We will review your existing employment contract and handbook or policies for free. We like to tell business owners what they can do, not what they can’t. The HR Dept - preventing people problems.

www.hrdept.co.uk/sussex-by-the-sea

INGRID SPORTS MASSAGE

Female Sportsmassage therapist based in West-Worthing with over 20 years experience as a mental health worker. Well aware of the importance of physical wellbeing with relation to good mental health. She holds a Level 4 qualification in Sports massage therapy.

Sports massage is designed to assist correcting problems and to treat dysfunctions occurring within the soft tissue of the body. It aims to either relieve pain and ease such conditions as back pain. Sports massage and Soft tissue treatment can also help with the rehabilitation of injuries/ Sports injuries.

www.sportsmassage-worthing.co.uk

INSIDE PUBLICATIONS

Inside are a family of 7 publications that deliver your community through the letterbox every month. They are free to the reader and act as a springboard for the community through 7 local editions and funded by advertising. Our advertising and door-to-door distribution is a costeffective way for local businesses large or small to promote their brand.

Remember, brand awareness is all about repetition, make your brand a household name with us!

www.insidepublications.ltd

JONES COFFEE

Jones Coffee Co. are an independent, family-run coffee shop on Chapel Road, Worthing. We’re all about the best coffee and amazing, simple food within a welcoming and relaxing local space. We’re family-run and proudly established in Worthing. We’re dog-friendly, too!

Our aim is always to give you an excellent service and we do this through caring about our guests, our environmental impact, and where our products come from. Pop in next time you’re passing!

www.jonescoffee.org

LES ALDEN FOUNDATION

Les Alden Foundation was set up during the Covid emergency in 2020, to support residents of Worthing in financial difficulties. We are named in honour of Les Alden, who received the MBE in recognition of his tireless work for the community. Our first project was the Worthing Food Foundation which grew out of the Covid Support Team. That was quickly followed by Worthing Uniform Centre. Both are run entirely by local volunteers and supported by a combination of grants and donations, either in kind or financial. www.lesaldenfoundation.org.uk

LQS HEALTHCARE SERVICES

We provide quality Home care to clients within their own homes. All our staff are dependable and adapt to Clients’ changing needs. You can count on us to provide quality, caring and compassionate care to allow you to live an independent life within your own home.

www.lqshealthcareservices.co.uk

MAYO WYNNE BAXTER

Life can throw all sorts at you, some good and some not so good. When it does, we are here to help. We think we are a little different to other law firms; not only are we good at getting things done for our clients, we are also friendly, lovely people too. We have specialist solicitors in most areas of the law which means we can get the outcomes you need and when you need them even during these difficult times.

www.mayowynnebaxter.co.uk

RENEWING

MILLER PARRIS SOLICITORS

Miller Parris is a long established and friendly law firm in Broadwater, Worthing. Our experienced legal professionals provide advice on a wide range of personal and business legal matters.

Many satisfied customers, from individuals to large businesses, show how happy they are with our service by instructing us regularly and we are also proud of the number of clients who come to us through word-of-mouth recommendations.

www.millerparris.co.uk

MINT DESIGN STUDIO

For businesses and professionals who want to impress, inform and attract customers with a well designed website, distinctive branding and impressive promotional materials.

We deliver a full website design and technical development service, creating brand new or improving existing sites. We are expert and experienced branding designers; we create logos, icons and even write slogans. We offer a graphic design and print broker service for promotional materials such as business cards, brochures, roller banners, press advertising and booklets.

www.mintdesign.studio

PILBEAM CONSTRUCTION

Pilbeam Construction started as a family firm of building contractors back in 1955. Since then, we’ve grown into a 40-strong team who design, build and manage multi-million pound projects within the residential, commercial, health & care, education and heritage sectors across Sussex and the South East.

We pride ourselves in providing a personal service and a collaborative, proactive approach throughout – from the Directors right through to the site team.

www.pilbeamconstruction.co.uk

PYROBAN

Pyroban is a worldwide company offering explosion protection solutions for the materials handling industry, oil and gas applications and any business operating with hazardous areas Designed and manufactured in the UK using 50 years of experience to deliver flexible, reliable low cost of ownership solutions that meet the individual demands of equipment packagers and engine distributors.

www.pyroban.com

SHEAR ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

Our mission is to translate your dream into reality. It all starts by listening, then finding thoughtful ways to inspire, create, and enhance your way of living. We ensure that you are listened to at all times while simplifying the technical challenges of Architecture. Our skilled design planners specialise in eco-friendly design solutions that seamlessly integrate innovations and sustainable building practices and more besides.

www.sheararchitecturaldesign.co.uk

SJM ELECTRICAL SERVICES

SJM Electrical Services Ltd are your trusted, multi award winning family run electrical company situated in the heart of Worthing West Sussex. We specialise in all aspects of electrical work in the commercial, domestic and industrial sectors. Our services range from reactive maintenance, landlord compliance, through to new builds sites, high end renovations and installing electrical car charging points.

www.sjmelectricalservices.co.uk

ST OSCAR ROMEROS CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Our aim is simple, we want to be the best school in the country. This means that we can ‘hand on heart’ say that our students get a better deal than if they attended another school. As a Catholic School, St Oscar Romero’s is founded on Gospel values. We provide a nurturing environment of love, respect and discipline, where every individual is highly valued and our care and concern for others is central to our mission.

www.stromeros.co.uk

New & Renewing

UNIVERSITY OF CHICHESTER

Our mission is to provide outstanding education, advance knowledge and benefit the world. Our vision is to achieve national and international recognition for the excellence of our teaching, research and innovation. As the only university in West Sussex, we recognise the economic, social and cultural importance of ‘place’ and the need to meet both local and global challenges.

www.chi.ac.uk

VICKI LUISA

Bespoke, unique, exclusive jewellery made just for you. Designs that are truly one off, from fine sterling silver Egyptian style pendants, necklaces to glass pieces.

“Vicki has a fabulous eye for detail. Her unique style and design gives each piece of jewellery a distinct look and feel. The fine silver leaf pieces are so special and give a lasting memory of a living and grown piece of nature. These are totally unique and never to be repeated.”

www.vickiluisa.com

WOODSTOCK DAY NURSERY

Day Nursery open all 52 weeks Monday to Friday 7.30am to 6pm, for up to 44 children per session, aged between 6 weeks and 5 years.

Situated close to Worthing beach in a detached house with a large, safe garden.

Highly qualified team of practitioners, including 4 early years teachers. Home cooked meals. Extra activities include beach explorers, milentos, streetdance and regular visits from a local artist.

www.nestledownchildcare.co.uk

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

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 forwards.

Chamber Hub

Thursday 7th March | 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.

Speed Networking

Wednesday 27th March | 9:30am – 11:30am

Venue: Worthing Football Club, Woodside Road, Worthing

Price: Members: £10 + VAT | Non-Members: £15 + VAT

Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to expand your business connections! Speed Networking is a simple way to rapidly grow your connections and meet as many new business people as you can in two hours!

Structured networking in a fun and friendly way!

Networking Breakfast with Tim Loughton MP

Friday 26th April | 7:30am – 9:00am

Venue: Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham

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

This is your chance to hear from Tim Loughton MP who will be joining us to give an update on the current situation both locally and nationally. It is a timely update and as always, Tim will give an overview of Government plans.

Kindly sponsored by Pro-Actions

Learn from the experts and improve your knowledge with the Chamber’s Commercial Training Programme

Masterclass: Level 2 Qualification in the principles of Team Leading (VRQ)

Date: Tuesday 7th May | Tuesday 21st May | Tuesday 4th June | Tuesday 18th June I Time: 9:30am - 12:30pm

Venue: Sphere Business Centre, GB MET College, Broadwater Road, Worthing BN14 8HJ

Cost: Members: £140 + VAT (£35 + VAT per session)

Non-Members: £260 + VAT (£65 + VAT per session)

Worthing and Adur Chamber in conjunction with Chichester College Group are pleased to offer this qualification delivered over 4 classroom based workshops with 3 hours per session. The course will provide guidance and support to a small group of likeminded individuals all wanting to understand more about Leadership and Management in a friendly and supported environment.

A great opportunity for either yourself or your staff to upskill.

The course will cover:

• Principles of team leading, business structures and environment and communicating work-related information

• Understanding how to deliver customer service and resolve problems

• Understand how to develop working relationships with colleagues

• Introduction to Coaching

• Introduction to Mentoring

• Understanding personal development

Benefits:

• Achieve a nationally recognised Level 2 qualification

• Further your personal and professional development

• Understand the importance of clear communication

Session One – Tuesday 7th May

We will look at different leadership styles, team dynamics, conflict within a team, look at different stakeholders both internal and external within an organisation, implementing change within a team and communication techniques.

Session Two – Tuesday 21st May

Successfully leading a team requires certain skills, we will consider your own skills and consider resources and opportunities to support your development.

Session Three – Tuesday 4th June

We will cover customer service and how to resolve problems and look at developing relationships with customers.

We will identify the difference between customers’ wants, needs, expectations and satisfaction, delivering a brand promise, customer service problems and their causes.

Session Four – Tuesday 18th June

In this workshop you will learn about coaching and mentoring, including the benefits and uses within the workplace, we will explore different coaching and mentoring models and the role that learning styles play in the process.

For more information or to book visit: www.worthingandadurchamber.co.uk/chamber-training-academy

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.

• 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

• 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.

Promoting & supporting local business BUSINESS

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