Brighton based director to speak at South East Construction Expo 2018

 Brighton-based Director of Passiv Pod Clive Bonny will lead the way on the future of UK construction industry, as speaker at South East Construction Expo 2018 on 13th September.

The topics Clive will discuss focus around the crisis in UK construction and changes that could be made from using timber to improve quality and reduce costs as well as how to successfully engage in joint ventures and raise alternative finance for new projects.

South East Construction Expo 2018 will be held in Sussex for the first time in September at the South of England Event Centre in Ardingly.

The trade show, founded ten years ago and previously held in Kent, will showcase the region’s largest range of construction products and services and is a ‘must visit’ for anyone whose business deals in development, property and construction.

Carole Black from South East Construction Expo said, “Sussex really is leading the way with its exciting construction projects in Brighton & Hove and across East and West Sussex, so it is great to be able to hold the South East Construction Expo 2018 here.

“The UK’s construction output stands at more than £110 billion per annum, accounts for ten per cent of employment and will continue to be a key driver in our prosperity over the coming years. We are committed to continuing to support this fast-moving industry with a leading conference and exhibition enabling sponsors, exhibitors and delegates to build lasting business relationships.”

New for 2018 will be the ‘Construction Village’, which will accommodate exhibits of any size both inside and out – offering the ultimate in flexibility for exhibitors and demonstrators. It *will take this event to a totally new dimension and make it one of the most exciting Construction Events in the UK.

 The event offers free Meet the Buyer appointments with the top construction companies in the country, great exhibitor packages, brilliant networking opportunities, high quality CPD approved workshops, plus the latest news on projects and developments across the UK.

An exciting list of speakers and panel discussions will cover every aspect of what is important to the industry right now, with Wayne Hemingway MBE from the Design Council, Kevin Byrne founder of Checkatrade and Anne Timpany from On Tap Plumbers speaking at the BIG networking breakfast and the entertaining Gyles Brandreth hosting the BIG construction dinner. Many more speakers and attractions are yet to be announced.

Delegates can sign up for free entry and Meet the Buyer appointments at www.constructionexpouk.co.uk and there are still sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities available. Twitter @ConstructExpo

South East Construction Expo 2018 will take place at South of England Event Centre, Ardingly, Haywards Heath, Thursday 13 September 8.30 am - 4.30 pm.

Queen's Award Nominations are now open for 2019

The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are for outstanding achievement by UK businesses in the categories of:

• international trade

• sustainable development

• promoting opportunity through social mobility

• innovation

The 2018 winners included timNexus Ltd who are based in Brighton. 

About 88% of all QAEs go to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).  They can result in a terrific boost to profile and the resultant business.  Companies do not need to go through one of the consultancies that say "we will get you one for a fee".  In fact it is better if they do not as such applications can sometimes be seen by the recipients as formulaic.  

The application form is simple and the QAE office will offer support over the phone. Any company with two or more employees that is registered in the UK and pays UK tax can apply.  

This link will give you all the details :-

https://www.gov.uk/queens-awards-for-enterprise

£10 Million Energy Entrepreneurs Fund - Phase 7 Open for SME Bids - Deadline Imminent

The seventh phase of the Government's Energy Entrepreneurs Fund is open to applications, with £10 million available for allocation.

Administered by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), the Fund is designed to support the UK businesses operating in the green energy sector to propose low carbon ideas of the future.

The Fund will provide financial assistance to businesses in order to help them develop and demonstrate state of the art technologies, products and processes in the areas of energy efficiency, power generation, and heat and electricity storage. Businesses will also be able to access support from experts on how to bring their products to market.

A total of £10 million is available for projects in phase 7, with up to £1 million available for projects up to £250,000.

Up to £1 million of the £10 million available grant funding will be ring fenced for smaller projects with a total value up to £250,000. The remaining funding will be used to fund projects with a total value greater than £250,000.

The EEF is open to applications for innovative technology development and demonstration projects in the areas of energy efficiency, power generation, heat and electricity storage.

Expressions of Interest are now being accepted until 1pm on 3 August 2018. The deadline for full applications will be 1pm on 14 September 2018.

Click to view further information about this news alert

IUK Launches Open Grant Funding Competition: Round Two

Innovate UK (IUK) is the UK's innovation agency and, as part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), works with people, companies and partner organisations to de-risk, enable and support innovation, and promote UK economic growth.

IUK’s vision is to help the UK economy grow over and above other nations by inspiring and supporting pioneering UK businesses to create the industries of the future. The Open Grant Funding Competition is designed to help businesses develop cutting-edge ideas for innovative new products and services that could have an economic impact on the UK economy.

This competition is open to the best ideas or concepts with a view to commercialisation. These can come from any area of technology, science or engineering, including arts, design, media or creative industries. Proposals can fit into, or be outside of, one or more of the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund areas.

Projects can focus on disruptive and game-changing ideas in any sector of the economy. They can be of various kinds, from small feasibility studies to longer industrial research or experimental development projects. Priority will be given to proposals that are likely to lead to sustainable gains in productivity or access to new overseas markets through export-led business growth.

IUK has allocated up to £20 million to fund innovation projects through grants in this Open competition. IUK expects projects to range in size between £25,000 and £2 million and for them to last between 6 and 36 months.

To lead a project, applicants must be a UK-based business of any size or a research and technology organisation (RTO). The project must be undertaken in, and exploit results from, the UK. Applicants may work alone or in collaboration with others (businesses, research base and third sector).

The competition is now open with a deadline for applications of midday on 12 September 2018.

Click to view further information about this news alert

Brighton Business Zone Launched for Liberal Democrats Conference

Brighton again is hosting Liberal Democrats Autumn Conference. This year they are introducing something new and exciting. The idea will showcase Brighton as a great place to host events, visit and experience what Brighton has to offer. They would love local businesses to participate and be part of it.

Exhibiting at the Liberal Democrats Conference is an unmissable opportunity to engage their 4500 attendees between Friday 14th and Tuesday 18th September. The Exhibition is at the heart of conference and is held in the official Conference venue - The Brighton Centre.

Brighton Business Zone: you will have an opportunity to showcase your product, store or service while attendees are in town.  Exhibition is valuable for all type of local businesses because it allows face-to-face engagement and offer a great opportunity to networking.

Exhibiting at the conference is one of the most cost-effective ways for your company to reach competent audience.

For more information, check out the leaflet here or contact Daiva Kisler on daiva.kisler@libdems.org.uk or 020 7227 1233. Or take a look at the website.

Brighton & Hove City Council Consults on Licencing Policy

The council, as  licensing authority, is carrying out a consultation exercise as part of a interim review of its Statement of Licensing Policy (SoLP), looking specifically at extending the Special Stress Area and reviewing the Matrix approach in relation to café bars. We will be consulting for 8 weeks from 23rd July 2018. I would be grateful to receive your comments, any suggested amendments or improvements and your reasons for recommending any changes by no later than 17th September 2018.

The policy reflects national legislation and guidance and demonstrates how responsible authorities will operate at a local level.

The council would like local stakeholders, residents and members of the public as well as statutory consultees and “responsible authorities” to have their say about the proposed policy.

Special Stress Area

The Council, supported by Police Licensing, and local ward Councillor are proposing to extend the Special stress Area (SSA) ref. 3.2 of the SoLP)) to cover Central Hove, to extend from the west side of Holland Road northwards/ intersection with the North side of Lansdowne Road, going westwards along Eaton Road/Blatchington Road to the junction and then south along Sackville Road down to the seafront (see link for map of proposed extension).

The SSA is defined as an area of concern to be monitored for levels of public nuisance and anti social behaviour (ASB). Applications in the SSA are expected to have a robust operating schedule with appropriate conditions. Unlike the CIZ there is no presumption of refusal. This proposal reflects the number of licensed premises in Church Road Hove, concerns which have been raised by residents and local Councillor in relation to the area, and the evidence from Public Health framework document. The proposal would also be consistent with the current SSA that acts as a buffer to the Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ).

 Question 1. Do you agree with the proposal to extend the SSA into Central Hove?

Matrix approach in relation to café bars

The second proposal is regarding the café bar category as described in 3.3.3 of the SoLP and categorised in the matrix (see link to current SoLP where the matrix is shown on page 16).

The Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy (SoLP) (paragraph 3.3.3) states:

 Café Bars - the licensing authority may be prepared to look favourably upon an application for the grant of a licence, subject to the following conditions that will prevent the premises becoming a public house.

·         The sale of intoxicating liquor and other beverages shall be waiter/waitress service for consumption by persons seated at tables.

·         Substantial food shall be available at all times. 

It is suggested that the term “café bars” to define this category of premises is misleading. Officers suggest the term “café” is more appropriate as essentially we are not talking about bars but small food led cafes or delis where alcohol is not the primary activity and the venues do not open late. It is also suggested adding notes to the matrix that this category is defined as “small food led establishments”.

The Annual report shows an increase in café bars granted 2017/18 but a big decrease in pubs/clubs. There are considerably more pubs and restaurants in the City compared to café bars.  As of March 2018 there were 323 Pubs, bars & nightclubs, 297 Restaurants and 89 café bars. Please see link to Licensing Committee Report

Concern has been raised about the increase in café bars granted in the CIZ. Resident’s representations to licensing panels have highlighted issues of saturation of licensing premises in the CIZ, particularly the North Laine area, leading to an increase in public nuisance and Members have raised their concerns.

Therefore, it has been agreed to consult on whether to reduce the hours of café bars in the CIZ from the current 11.30pm to earlier in the evening.

 Question 2

i)       Do you agree to the change of name from “café/bars” to “café” (notes to Matrix to be amended to “small food led establishment”)?

ii)     Do you agree with the proposal to reduced hours for café/bar category in CIZ to earlier in the evening?

If you do agree, what time do you consider would be appropriate and why?

This information can also be found on-line on the Council’s Portal https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/solp-consultation.

Please submit your response either on-line to ehl.safety@brighton-hove.gov.uk, or to the Environmental Health & Licensing team, 2nd Floor, Bartholomew House, Brighton BN1 1JE.

Privacy Notice (Consent)

The Council is the data controller for purposes of the EU General Data Protection Regulation and any UK legislation supplementary to this. The Council is registered as a data controller with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) under registration number Z5840053.

Brighton and Hove City Council are committed to protecting your personal information. As a data controller we have a responsibility to make sure you know why and how your personal information is being collected in accordance with relevant data protection law.

Why we are processing your data

·         We are collecting your data for the purpose of informing the Brighton & Hove Licensing Authority’s Statement of Licensing Policy.

·         We have a legal basis for collecting this data and any special category data under Explicit Consent and you will be required to provided consent below.

·         Personal data from individuals responding as residents or visitors will not be shared with any other third party without you being informed.

·         Data from individuals responding as a representative of an organisation or as a stakeholder may be shared with the Licensing Committee members and will be available as a public document on the internet.

·         We will hold your data until Brighton & Hove Licensing Authority’s Statement of Licensing Policy has been agreed by the council’s Licensing Committee.

Your information rights

·         You have rights around the information we hold on you, further information on your rights are available on our website.

Further information

·         If you would like to discuss this further please contact our Information Governance Team on 01273 295959 or data.protection@brighton-hove.gov.uk

·         BHCC’s Data Protection Officer may be contacted on gdpr@brighton-hove.gov.uk

Coast to Capital LEP Launch Strategic Economic Plan

The Coast to Capital Local Economic Partnership has launched its plan for economic prosperity for the region.  

The vision by 2030 is for the towns and cities in the Coast to Capital area to be known around the world as fantastic places to live, to grow and succeed and for the area to become the most dynamic non-city region in England, centred around a highly successful Gatwick Airport.

To achieve that, there are eight economic priorities

Priority 1: Deliver prosperous urban centres

Priority 2: Develop business infrastructure and support

Priority 3: Invest in sustainable growth

Priority 4: Create skills for the future

Priority 5: Pioneer innovation in core strengths

Priority 6: Promote better transport and mobility

Priority 7: Improve digital network capability

Priority 8: Build a strong national and international identity

To download the strategy click here (pdf doc) 

City Council Consults on Gambling Policy

As part of the statutory requirement to review BHCC Gambling Statement of Principles every 3 years, BHCC is reviewing the policy with some minor amendments, including changing the date and removing out of date information.  BHCC will be consulting for 8 weeks from 23 July 2018.

Brighton & Hove’s gambling policies and practices have been highlighted by the Gambling Commission as an examples of good practice, in particular the work and links developed with Public Health to tackle gambling related harm. 

As a result of the comprehensive review in 2016, where Licensing Officers, in conjunction with colleagues from the Public Health analyst team re-wrote the Gambling Statement of Principles, it is not proposed that this statutory review will incorporate any major changes.

The following changes around increasing awareness of mental health issues and concerns about the use of privacy booths have been identified:

·         Operators should make information publicly available via leaflets, etc about organisations that can provide advice and support, both in relation to gambling itself, to debt and mental wellbeing, e.g. GamCare, Gamblers Anonymous, Gordon House Association, National Debtline, local Citizens Advice Bureaux, Samaritans and independent advice agencies (para.12.7 of revised policy).

·         Mental health is of particular concern locally.  When compared with our benchmark partners Brighton and Hove has the highest percentage of patients with long term mental health problems, and also the highest percentage of patients with depression and anxiety (para.13.13 of revised policy).

·         Facilities for gambling must only be offered in a manner which provides for appropriate supervision of those facilities by staff at all times.  The Licensing Authority has concerns that the use of gaming machines in privacy booths may prevent adequate supervision and protection of vulnerable persons and problem gamblers.  The Licensing Authority seeks to discourage the use of privacy screens (para.21.6 of revised policy).

The Council as a licensing authority would like to take this opportunity to exercise its duty to consult with you prior to determining and producing the revised statement.  Please find attached a link to the revised policy, with above paragraphs inserted, which sets out our approach to our functions, and how we will meet the objectives of the Gambling Act, of keeping crime out of gambling, ensuring it is fair and open, and protecting children and vulnerable people

BHCC invite your comments, any suggested amendments or improvements and your reasons for recommending any changes by no later than 17th September 2018.

This information can also be found on-line on the Council’s Portal  https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/gambling-policy-consultation.

 Please submit your response either on-line to ehl.safety@brighton-hove.gov.uk, or to the Environmental Health & Licensing team, 2nd Floor, Bartholomew House, Brighton BN1 1JE.

Privacy Notice (Consent)

The Council is the data controller for purposes of the EU General Data Protection Regulation and any UK legislation supplementary to this. The Council is registered as a data controller with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) under registration number Z5840053.

Brighton and Hove City Council are committed to protecting your personal information. As a data controller we have a responsibility to make sure you know why and how your personal information is being collected in accordance with relevant data protection law.

Why we are processing your data

·         We are collecting your data for the purpose of informing the Brighton & Hove Licensing Authority’s Gambling Policy (Statement of Principles).

·         We have a legal basis for collecting this data and any special category data under Explicit Consent and you will be required to provided consent below.

·         Personal data from individuals responding as residents or visitors will not be shared with any other third party without you being informed.

·         Data from individuals responding as a representative of an organisation or as a stakeholder may be shared with the Licensing Committee members and will be available as a public document on the internet.

·         We will hold your data until Brighton & Hove Licensing Authority’s Gambling Policy (Statement of Principles) has been agreed by the council’s Licensing Committee.

Your information rights

·         You have rights around the information we hold on you, further information on your rights are available on our website.

Further information

·         If you would like to discuss this further please contact our Information Governance Team on 01273 295959 or data.protection@brighton-hove.gov.uk

·         BHCC’s Data Protection Officer may be contacted on gdpr@brighton-hove.gov.uk

Fashion Re:Boot comes to Brighton

Calling all fashion and interiors obsessives to buy, sell and gather

This month, for the very first time, the popular preloved and ethical fashion event Fashion Re:Boot comes to Brighton. On Thursday 26th July, high-end bargain hunters will descend on the iconic The Grand Hotel to buy direct from bloggers, journalists, stylists and brands.

More than 20 Re:Boot events have taken place across the country in the last year, in cities including Ipswich, Oxford, Manchester and Dublin. At Brighton Fashion Re:Boot, homewares make their debut and will be available to buy alongside coveted fashion items.

There will be between 20-30 stalls, with 15 local bloggers already confirmed including Hannah Crosskey, Atosa Nikkah (My Bubba & Me), Maxine Brady (We Love Home Blog) and Jasmin Robertson (Brick Dust Baby). 

Fashion Re:Boot is the brainchild of fashion editor Erica Davies and magazine editor Ciara Elliott. Set up as a way of finding a use for the excess high‐end fashion Erica and Ciara were receiving, it’s taken the imagination of women around the country. 

Erica Davies, who has notched up over 100K Instagram followers says: “Fashion Re:Boot is an ethical and sustainable fashion and interiors marketplace run by bloggers for bloggers, and anyone who wants to grab a bargain. It’s a pre-loved sale, a way of decluttering your wardrobe, refreshing your look, boosting your confidence and making the most of your money all at the same time. What’s not to love?!”

So if you love clothes, homewares, car boot sales and ebay, or just fancy the idea of meeting the people you follow on Instagram, this is the event for you. 

Whether buying or selling, or simply getting together for a fun evening out, entry is £5. The first 100 through the door will receive a free drink from the event sponsors, Adnams. Food and drink will be available to buy on the evening, and the organisers have some extra fashion surprises in store too. 

See the Fashion Re:Boot Instagram and Facebook for more information. Local blogger Deborah Simpson Boston is co-hosting the event.

Pitches for fashion or homeware brands/stores are £25 with discounted stalls for Brighton bloggers.

Book a stall or buy a ticket here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/fashionreboot/179464/

Fashion Re:Boot Brighton, Thursday 26 July 5.30-10pm at The Grand Brighton, 97-99 Kings Rd, Brighton BN1 2FW.

Planned closures of the Brighton Mainline in October 2018 and February 2019

Network Rail had agreed with Govia Thameslink Railway, which operates Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express services, to close the lines between Three Bridges and Brighton and Three Bridges and Lewes for two nine-day periods coinciding with the October 2018 and February 2019 school half-terms, in addition to a number of weekend closures.

The improvement work – part of a £300m government-funded improvement programme to boost reliability for passengers on the Brighton Main Line and other key routes in the South East – will now be carried out in just one nine-day closure from 16-24 February 2019, subject to the rail industry’s usual assurance reviews. The supporting 15 weekend closures between September 2018 and May 2019 will go ahead unchanged. Some elements of the work as originally planned will now be deferred until the next five-year funding period, starting in April 2019.

Network Rail has taken the decision to revise the main body of work in consultation with the Department for Transport and Govia Thameslink Railway. Passengers now have more time to plan ahead before the weekday closures in February next year, while allowing the rail industry to focus its immediate efforts on embedding the interim timetable from this Sunday, 15 July and delivering a more dependable service.

During the line closures, no trains will run between Three Bridges and Brighton or between Three Bridges and Lewes. Rail replacement buses will be in operation, as well as diverted train service between London and Brighton via Littlehampton. Passengers should allow considerably more time for their journeys during these periods. While we understand these revisions to the plan will incur disruption to stakeholders and customers, we believe it will enable sufficient time to work with our partners, GTR, to deliver a robust alternative travel plan and ticketing arrangements. The planned dates are outlined below:

The programme of works will involve:

• Stemming leaks into the tunnels and improving drainage
• Upgrading or replacing the third rail power system and signalling
• Replacing track and sets of points, which enable trains to switch between tracks
• Replacing fencing and improving security to deter trespassers.

It will improve reliability on the Brighton Mainline significantly reducing delays for passengers travelling between London and the south coast.

We look forward to continued engagement with you to ensure that your business, employees and customers can plan ahead. We remain committed to making you fully aware of the impact on journeys and alternative transport arrangements as they are confirmed to us.