Burning the Clocks launches Crowdfunder for 2018

Burning the Clocks launches Crowdfunder for 2018

Brighton charity, Same Sky, invites local support to keep the much-loved winter solstice event running

www.facebook.com/burningtheclocks/

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/burning-the-clocks-2018

Brighton charity Same Sky this week launches its crowdfunder for Burning the Clocks 2018, offering exclusive gifts in order to raise £5,000 and help secure the future of Burning the Clocks.

Taking place from 6.30pm on Friday 21 December 2018, the Burning the Clocks parade runs from New Road to the seafront, with around 2,000 participants and more than 20,000 onlookers.  

Depending on the size of their donation, crowdfunding investors will be rewarded with personalised lanterns, the privilege of lighting the event’s bonfire or a 3-course dinner for two at The Ivy in the Lanes.

For the third successive year, ARKA Original Funerals will support Burning the Clocks with ‘In Memory’ lanterns for those who have lost a loved one during the year. These packages, each worth £100, include a lantern workshop invitation, joining the parade and the reading of the chosen loved one’s name during the fireshow finale.

Local restaurant, The Chilli Pickle, is sponsoring the event, adding a donation of £1 to every table bill from 1 November until 21 December, which will go towards helping Same Sky reach their fundraising target for this year’s Burning the Clocks. Same Sky will also be partnering with childhood bereavement charity, Winston’s Wish, offering local young people a lantern-making workshop, so that they can join the parade and remember their loved ones in this special way.

Burning the Clocks receives no guaranteed funding and relies on fundraising and support from local business and the community to raise the costs needed to cover the event, which is in excess of £30,000. Anyone watching the parade is encouraged to put any spare cash into the donation buckets on the night to help fund the event and secure its future.

John Varah, Same Sky artistic director, said: “We’re bringing our crowdfunding initiative back for the sixth consecutive year, as it goes such a long way to keeping Burning the Clocks alive.

“Each year Same Sky relies on the generosity of the general public to make donations along the event route, as well as supporting our online crowdfunder. Our Winter Solstice parade has been an iconic part of Brighton’s calendar for more than two decades, but we rely on the support of local residents and sponsors to make it happen.

“We’ve had a bit of a turbulent year, having lost Same Sky’s home, our artistic studio – but this has made us even more determined to ensure the event remains a part of the city’s winter offering.”

The theme for Burning the Clocks 2018 is ‘Remembrance’. Event organisers Same Sky have created a large-scale lantern in the shape of a heart for this year’s event. This will be surrounded by smaller Remembrance hearts carried by procession-goers on the night of the parade.

As in previous years, Brighton residents can purchase lantern packs to take part in the parade (costing £30-£33, available from early November). Lantern packs contain materials, instructions and four wristbands for four people to take part in the parade. They will be available for purchase at Brighton Pavilion, HISBE supermarket in York Place, the Wood Store on Elder Place and Book Nook in Hove.

Local artist Graham Carter has generously created a new limited edition print for Burning the Clocks for the sixth year running. These are also on sale to raise funds, with 80 limited edition designs created around this year’s theme of ‘Remembrance’.

For more information on purchasing lantern packs and Graham Carter’s prints, visit Same Sky’s Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/SameSkyBtn/. Businesses and restaurants interested in getting involved with the event as a sponsor or participant should contact jasmine@samesky.co.uk.

Coast to Capital is Recruiting Senior Business Leaders to Help Deliver its Gatwick 360 Strategy

Coast to Capital is recruiting a new Board Director to bring further business sector skills and expertise onto its Board in order to help deliver its ambitious new strategy – Gatwick 360. It is also seeking to appoint members to its newly formed Skills 360 Board.

The Coast to Capital Board is comprised of a strong and passionate group of individuals bringing together regional business leaders alongside senior politicians and leaders from Universities and Further Education. It is a powerful voice of challenge and advocacy for the region and brings together a wealth of experience and expertise. There is a vacancy for a Board Director to bring specific finance skills and commercial expertise into the organisation, promoting a strong business ethos and commercial culture on the Board.

The Skills 360˚ Board has been set up to provide strategic direction and deliver the ‘Create Skills for the Future’ priority actions included in Gatwick 360 to boost the productivity of our economy by giving people the skills they need to secure and maintain high quality jobs. Members of the Skills 360 Board will identify the major skills and recruitment challenges faced by the region and identify solutions, including investment to deliver high quality skills education and training. There are vacancies for seven business sector representatives

Coast to Capital is committed to creating an inclusive organisation that promotes and values diversity. Applications are welcome from senior business figures from under-represented groups and female business leaders are encouraged to apply. We are looking for senior candidates and these roles would appeal to experienced leaders who can help to maximise the region’s potential and offer an exciting opportunity to someone who is committed to creating an environment where business can flourish.

The posts are unremunerated and applicants are expected to live and/or work in the region.

Tim Wates, Coast to Capital Chairman said:

“This is a very exciting time to join the Coast to Capital Board and we are looking for business leaders who are passionate about helping lead the region forward. The Government has confirmed that LEPs will play an important role in delivering the new Industrial Strategy and in driving economic growth in their local areas. Our ambitious new Strategic Economic Plan – Gatwick 360 - prioritises the most important issues facing our region, including skills, and as such, it is vital that we are led by senior business figures with the skills and expertise we need to meet the challenges and opportunities the future will bring.”

To make an application for the Board Director vacancy please send, by Monday 26 November, a full CV with a covering statement setting out how you believe you could fulfil the requirements of the key role to Katie Nurcombe, Head of Communications & Corporate Affairs at katie.nurcombe@coast2capital.org.uk.

For further information about the Skills 360 Board and how to apply please visit the Coast to Capital website or contact Claire Witz at claire.witz@coast2capital.org.uk. The deadline for applications is Monday 26.

Brighton & Hove ranked in top ten most healthy high streets in UK

RSPH has published a league table ranking 70 of Britain’s major towns and cities by the impact of their high streets on the public’s health and wellbeing.

The rankings, based on the prevalence of different types of businesses found in the towns’ main retail areas, see Grimsby rated as having the unhealthiest high street, with Edinburgh coming out as the healthiest. This ranking excludes London high streets, which have been ranked separately. See full top and bottom 10 below.

The league table features in the new RSPH report, Health on the High Street: Running on empty, which follows on from the announcement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer of a package of measures designed to reinvigorate the nation’s High Streets. This is a follow up report to the original RSPH Health on the High Street published in 2015, and assesses changes in British retail areas over the past three years.

The report updates the methodology used in 2015, to reflect the changing face of the British high street, adding off-licences and empty shops to the negative influences on health, and cafes and vape shops to the positive influences.

The top 10 “unhealthiest” British high streets were ranked as:

Grimsby

Walsall

Blackpool

Stoke-On-Trent

Sunderland

Northampton

Bolton

Wolverhampton

Huddersfield

Bradford

The top 10 “healthiest” British high streets were ranked as:

Edinburgh

Canterbury

Taunton

Shrewsbury

Cheltenham

York

Brighton & Hove

Eastbourne

Exeter

Cambridge

Average life expectancy for people living in areas with the top 10 healthiest high streets is two and a half years longer than for those in the 10 unhealthiest ranked areas.

Changes to British high streets that have influenced the rankings include:

A growth in the number of fast food shops by 4,000 between 2014 and 2017, especially in the most deprived areas, which now have five times more fast food shops than the most affluent areas;

The number of vape shops has doubled from 1,000 to 2,000 in the past three years;

The high street vacancy rate has increased from below 7% in 2007 to 11% in 2017.

RSPH is now calling for a range of measures to make British high streets more health-promoting, including:

The Treasury to review how businesses taxes are determined to ensure high street shops are not put at an unfair disadvantage compared to online retailers; RSPH polling suggests this is a measure which has widespread public backing with three quarters (75%) believing that business rates should not put high street retailers at an unfair advantage compared to online.

Facebook and Google to provide discounted advertising opportunities to independent health-promoting businesses.

Local authorities to make records on vacant commercial properties publicly accessible, supporting ‘meanwhile use’ of vacant shops to keep high streets vibrant.

All vape shops to ensure all customers who smoke are aware of their local stop smoking service.

Gavin Stewart, CEO of the Brighton City Centre Business Improvement District said, “This is a great recognition for the work we do every day to make Brighton city centre a better pace to live, work in and visit. The city has largely bucked the national trend in retail vacancy rates since the financial crisis in 2008 and our vibrant independent retail and leisure sector is second to none in the UK. We will continue to support our local business base to ensure that Brighton & Hove remains one of the top places to invest in the country; helping to create a distinctive, sustainable and now healthy city for years to come.”

Independent watchdog Transport Focus want to hear your views on the Brighton mainline improvement works

As the rail Brighton Main Line rail closures continue on, Transport Focus is keen to hear from users and partners on how they are doing. To get involved, click on this link which will take you to their short questionnaire. https://brightonmainlinesurvey.online-host.solutions/ASP/P012082/5.asp

Over the past two weeks the following improvements have been delivered:

• Haywards Heath Station – installation of conductor rail along the Ouse Valley area and signal changes completed

• Haywards Heath to Keymer Junction – signal head changes and signalling installation

• Keymer Junction to Plumpton – signal head changes completed

• Clayton Tunnel – track renewal 

• Patcham to Preston Park – signalling installation

• Streat Green  (Plumpton Racecourse) – Underbridge renewed

• Three Bridges to Balcombe Tunnel Junction – signal head changes

• Lewes to Newhaven – pre-testing ahead of the major work

• Cooksbridge – re-railing completed. 

To take part, please fill in this short survey by clicking on the link:
https://brightonmainlinesurvey.online-host.solutions/ASP/P012082/5.asp

Please remember the November weekend line closures on Saturday, 03 November, Saturday, 10 November and Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 November. 
 
See BrightonMainLine.co.uk for the latest news on the project and full calendar of closures.

Coast to Capital Seek Skills 360˚ Board Members

Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership is recruiting Senior Business Leaders to become members of the newly formed Skills 360˚ Board.

The purpose of the Skills 360˚ Board is to provide direction and strategic support for the delivery of our ambitious Strategic Economic Plan, Gatwick 360˚, specifically the actions within Priority 4: Create Skills for the Future, where we seek to boost the productivity of our economy by giving people the skills they need to secure and maintain high quality jobs.

Being a member of the Skills 360˚ Board offers the opportunity to influence the way in which we create skills for the future in the Coast to Capital area. We are at a time of significant change in the UK as we move towards our exit of the European Union. This along with an ageing population and rapid advances in technology mean the skills debate is urgent and requires an innovative approach more so than ever before.

Your membership of the Skills 360˚ Board will involve you in policy and decision making at a regional level, helping to shape our negotiation of a Local Industrial Strategy with Government. You will support us to identify the major skills and recruitment challenges we currently face and to be a part of the solution. Your networks and influence will bring us the recognition and investment we need to deliver high quality skills education and training in the Coast to Capital area.

The Skills 360˚ Board will be made up of predominantly business sector representatives, the Chief Executive Officer of Coast to Capital and two representatives from the education sector.

We are therefore looking to recruit seven senior leaders, CEOs, Chairs, Directors or owner managers to represent the views and interests of private businesses, to support understanding of the skills needs of businesses and to identify where investment is needed.

We would particularly welcome applications from scaling businesses that are typically those exhibiting 20% year on year growth in either turnover or job creation. Coast to Capital is committed to creating an inclusive organisation that promotes and values diversity. Applications are welcome from senior business figures from under-represented groups and female business leaders are encouraged to apply. We are looking for senior candidates and these roles would appeal to experienced leaders who can help to maximise the region’s potential and offer an exciting opportunity to someone who is committed to creating an environment where business can flourish.

We are grateful for the support and expertise of Nick Juba, CEO of Greater Brighton Metropolitan College and Coast to Capital Board member, in establishing the Skills 360˚ Board.

Further information on how to apply to become a board member can be found on the Coast to Capital website.

Gatwick Airport Masterplan Consultation Launched

Gatwick Airport Ltd has recently launched a new Draft Master Plan to support growth of the Airport across the next 5 years and then rolling out to 15 years.

The Draft Plan sets out three growth scenarios and includes detail on how it will address infrastructure, the economy, the environment and the passenger experience.

The three scenarios are:

1. Utilising the single runway, growing through use of technology, larger aircraft and more intensive operations

2. Utilising the existing standby runway within the existing land footprint

3. Continuing to safeguard land for an additional wide space runway, if Government Policy requires it

The Consultation on the Draft Plan will run until the 10th January 2019 with an online form to complete.  This 12-page Summary of the Draft Master Plan summarises the key elements.

Tech Nation Rising Stars applications close in less than two weeks

There are just under two weeks to apply for Rising Stars, the UK’s newest and most exciting pitch competition. 

Designed with ambitious tech entrepreneurs in mind, Rising Stars is on a mission to find the UK’s most promising early-stage start-ups and take them to the next level. This your opportunity to connect your start-up with mentors, investors and influencers, and significantly raise the profile of your business.

 APPLY NOW > or for more information, click here.

 (Applications close at midnight on 4 November 2018)

The prize package

The carefully crafted prize package is designed to amplify your early-stage startup. Winners will benefit from:

• 1-2-1 mentoring with a high profile mentor

• Facilitated introductions to investors and corporates

• Bespoke PR campaign

• 1-2-1 BDODrive Accelerate session focused on unlocking your growth potential and identifying the tangible steps you need to take

• Financial contribution towards a conference of your choice

• Pitch training and coaching

• Networking opportunities with investors, heads of accelerators, entrepreneurs and corporate leaders

Who are they looking for?

• Your tech business must have been going 1-3 years

• UK HQ

• Seed to pre-Series A funding stage

• At least one active client or pilot

Most importantly, they are looking for exciting companies that have the desire and ambition to scale their business.

Consultation announced on ‘transformational’ plan to remove Britain’s worst railway bottleneck and provide a step-change in reliability

People across the south east of England will be able to have their say on proposals for a major railway upgrade to improve punctuality, speed up journey times and enable more trains to run on one of the country’s busiest main lines.

To find out more about the proposals, and to respond, click here.

Valley Gardens phase 3 Consultation now open

Now that construction of the first two phases, from St Peter’s Church to Edward Street, is underway.  The city council is now developing a design option for the third phase, covering the area around the Old Steine down to the Palace Pier roundabout. The consultation is now open, to Take part in the consultation Use the online consultation portal.

The consultation is open until 25 November 2018

Valley Gardens Phase 3 Q&A’s

Taxis

What routes will taxis be able to take?

Taxis will have access to the proposed bus lane to the south west of the Old Steine. Therefore, they will be able to access North Street and St James’s Street as they do at present. They will also be able to use this area to turn.

What will the impact on journey times be?

Impacts on general traffic journey times are expected to be limited. Traffic flow was a consideration in the selection of the current proposal. Traffic modelling showed that it operated the best of all the design options that were shortlisted.

Will the taxi rank remain?

Potentially some of the parking spaces could be allocated for use by taxis as is the case at the moment.

The area may become subject to a red route as per Phase 1&2 – to  be determined and finalised at the detailed design stage and all changes to parking and loading restrictions will be subject to a separate public consultation.

How will the project be funded?

The majority (£6m) of the cost would be funded by a central government pot of money called the LGF (Local Growth Fund). The council needs to successfully bid for this funding through the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership specifically for a transport project.

The remainder of the funding (£1.25m) would come from the council’s Local Transport Plan budget and local contributions.

The award of this funding will be subject to the outcome of the public consultation and the council preparing a successful business case.

If the local community and the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership do not support the project overall then the money is likely to be awarded to another area of the region and the project will not go ahead.

Walking

How will walking routes be improved?

The proposals provide more direct walking routes to and from the seafront, The Lanes and St James’s Street. Crossings will also be better aligned to make it easier and quicker for pedestrians to cross.

What crossings will be installed?

New signalised crossings will be installed at St James’s Street and the seafront. These are designed to be more direct than at present and also provide crossings on all sides of the junctions.

The closure of the north western section of the Old Steine would mean traffic signals are no longer required at the Castle Square (North Street) junction.

Will a level surface be provided?

The main carriageways and main sections of cycling tracks will be separated from pedestrian areas by a kerb. All crossing points will have dropped kerbs and tactile paving.

Public and Green Space

How much new public space will be created?

Approximately 8,800 m2 of new public space will be created. Much of this will be in the area between the Royal Pavilion and the war memorial; however, new spaces will be created throughout, including next to the Royal Albion hotel and Brighton Palace Pier.

What will the new public space be used for?

The spaces will provide more opportunities for people to gather, sit and spend time, particularly in areas congested with pedestrians and visitors at the moment, such as next to the pier.

The new spaces will also provide further opportunities for events to take place.

Will events still be able to take place?

Yes. It is also anticipated that the proposals will improve the area for existing events and make it easier for people to reach them.

What will happen to Steine Gardens and the War Memorial?

The proposals currently include no changes to the existing green spaces. If the project progresses then plans for new planting in the Steine gardens may be considered and additional areas of green space may be delivered in the new areas of public space proposed.

Will any trees need to be cut down?

The plans do not require trees to be removed. In addition, there will be opportunities to plant up to 30 new trees throughout the Old Steine area.

Cycling

What will the proposals provide for cyclists?

The proposals include a two-way cycle lane between Marlborough Place and the seafront. This is designed to close the missing link in the cycle network and provide a safer and more inviting environment for people to cycle in.

Will the seafront cycle route be improved?

No changes are planned to the east and west of the scheme area. However, it is anticipated that the creation of additional public space next to the pier will reduce congestion in this location.

How much cycle parking will be provided?

The number of cycle stands will be confirmed at the detailed design stages. However, the design provides significant opportunities to provide additional public cycle parking where this is needed.

Will new Bike Share stands be provided?

There are no plans for additional Bike Share hubs at this stage. However, there will be space to add additional stands to the existing hub and the council will work with the operator to ensure sufficient capacity is provided in this location.

Buses

Will the bus routes change?

All existing bus routes will continue to be able to use the Old Steine as they do at present. The only change will be that northbound buses will run to the east of the war memorial rather than the west.

Where will I catch my bus?

Bus stops will be provided in similar locations to where they are at the moment.

The current stop H (east of the war memorial) will be removed with westbound buses instead stopping to the south on St James’s Street or in Castle Square (North Street).

Buses stopping adjacent to the Royal Pavilion will instead stop in Castle Square.

Why are you reducing the number of bus stops?

More space than required is currently dedicated to bus stops or bus layover areas. We have identified opportunities to consolidate some of these so services are not split across so many stops.

What will the impact on bus journey times be?

Traffic modelling has indicated that there will not be an overall adverse impact on bus journey times or significant impact on individual routes.

What facilities will be provided at the bus stops?

As a minimum, bus stops will have accessible kerbs and it is anticipated that the majority will have shelters and real time information.

What will happen to the old bus shelters next to the Royal Pavilion?

These shelters are listed and will be retained. We are asking people what they would like to see done with them as part of the public consultation. Any future proposals will be subject to further consultation and planning consent.

What will happen to Pool Valley coach station?

The entrance to the coach station will remain where it is and National Express coaches will be able to access it as they do at present.

Cars

Where will general traffic go?

Traffic will continue to be able to travel north and south along the A23 as it does at the moment. However, the main difference is that general traffic will be in a dual-carriageway on the eastern side of the Old Steine rather than in the current gyratory system.

How will I access Madeira Drive?

It is proposed that Madeira Drive will be made one-way entry only. Vehicles will be able to exit via Dukes Mound.

Will I still be able to access my private parking space?

An access road will be retained on the south west side of the Old Steine meaning that all existing private car parks will continue to be accessible. Vehicle access to properties will retained where a legal access is provided at present.

How much public car parking will be provided?

The proposals will reduce the current number of car parking spaces from 49 to approximately 30. The final number of spaces will be determined at the detailed design stage. It is intended that sufficient parking for residents will be retained where this is provided at present.

Will disabled parking and doctors’ parking be retained?

Yes. It is intended to at least retain the specially designated bays that are available at present. The final designation of parking bays, including whether any additional disabled parking is added, will be determined at the detailed design stage. The design will be enhanced to ensure that accessible parking bays are provided.

The final parking restrictions would then be subject to a separate public consultation as part of the Traffic Regulation Order process.

Motorcycles

Will the proposals be an improvement for motorcyclists?

The designs are intended to address some of the common causes of collisions, particularly at the pier roundabout which will be replaced by a signalised junction.

Will motorcycle parking be retained?

Yes, motorcycle parking will be provided. The final location of this will be determined at the detailed design stage.

FREE EXHIBITION SPACE TO CELEBRATE SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY 2018

The Small Business Saturday Bus Tour is returning again to Brighton on Thursday 22nd November 2018 to support and promote small businesses as part of the national campaign. The bus will be located in Ship Street in front of the Ivy between 10am – 2pm.

Following from the success of last year’s event  same as last year, there are 20 exhibition spaces available to businesses to use to promote themselves. Anyone who is interested in taking a pitch should register on the Small Business Saturday UK website and create a My Small Business account then pre book via the Bus Tour section (see attached press release for website link) and they will send you details.

There is also a free mentoring programme available to small businesses, however these must be pre booked, again via the Bus Tour section of the My Small Business Account.

The

Small Business Saturday UK, the nationwide campaign to support and promote the UK’s 5.7 million small businesses, has announced it will tour the country to spotlight and support the nation’s top growth businesses.

Now in its sixth year, the Small Business Saturday campaign bus will travel over 3000 miles across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, visiting 30 locations over 25 days.

Launching on Thursday 25 October in Blackburn, the Small Business Saturday UK campaign team will pull into towns across the country, offering free mentoring sessions to small businesses, including mentors from bus tour supporter Xero's network of small business accountants, plus many more.

Up to 20 small businesses per stop can apply to be a ‘Business On Board’. They will be given space to exhibit their business to the passing public and will be profiled across the campaign’s social media channels. Forty lucky small businesses will also win the chance to have their logo featured on the Small Business Saturday bus, via a social media competition.

With an aim to shine a spotlight on the UK’s top small businesses, the campaign will feature its special ‘Blue Sofa’ interview series, where small businesses, entrepreneurs and leading local figures can share their stories about their business or local area, to a Facebook live audience.

Michelle Ovens MBE, Director, Small Business Saturday, said:

“From Birkenhead to Belfast, Glasgow to Carmarthen, The Small Business Saturday bus will travel the country to celebrate the UK’s fantastic growing businesses and shine a spotlight on their success. This tour is a way for us to give back to businesses at the heart of communities – celebrating them, championing them and providing a listening ear and a chance for mentoring. The tour is not just open to businesses, it’s open to everyone – every individual who can take a moment to appreciate the far-reaching impact small businesses have on their community.’

The Small Business Saturday Bus Tour is an important part of the official countdown to Small Business Saturday, taking place on 1 December 2018. It follows the recent launch of the UK’s Small Biz 100 – a daily celebration of 2018’s top small businesses from across the UK.

The bus tour will reach the following towns and cities:

·         Thursday 25th October, Blackburn

·         Friday 26th October, Birkenhead

·         Monday 29th October, Newcastle

·         Tuesday 30th October, Perth

o    Inverclyde (short stop)

·         Wednesday 31st October Glasgow

o    Kilmarnock (short stop)

·         Thursday 1st November, Armagh

·         Friday 2nd November, Belfast

·         Monday 5th November, Leeds

o    Southwell (short stop)

·         Tuesday 6th November, Bury St Edmunds

·         Wednesday 7th November, Colchester

·         Thursday 8th November, Northampton

o    Milton Keynes (short stop)

·         Friday 9th November, Burton on Trent

·         Monday 12th November, Loughborough

·         Tuesday 13th November, Birmingham

·         Wednesday 14th November, Leominster

·         Thursday 15th November, Carmarthen

o    Pontypridd (short stop)

·         Friday 16th November, Cardiff

·         Monday 19th November, Truro

·         Tuesday 20th November, Bristol

·         Wednesday 21st November, Christchurch

·         Thursday 22nd November, Brighton

·         Friday 23rd November, Tunbridge Wells

·         Monday 26th November, Slough

·         Tuesday 27th November, St Albans

·         Wednesday 28th November, Hammersmith

Small businesses can book mentoring sessions during the bus tour via the Small Business Saturday website.

Mentoring is an important and valued source of support for small businesses in their local communities. Recent research from peak b revealed that small businesses play a pivotal role as employers and change-makers in the local communities, with many small business owners stepping up to mentor others and 28% offering training for the wider community.

Now in its sixth year Small Business Saturday is the UK's most successful small business campaign, which last year saw an estimated £748m spent with small businesses across the UK on Small Business Saturday.

A grassroots, not-for-profit campaign, Small Business Saturday was originally founded by American Express in the U.S. in 2010. American Express remains the principal supporter of the campaign in the UK, as part of its on-going commitment to encourage consumers to shop small.

The Big Debate: 'Do Brighton's businesses give back enough?'

In Brighton, there are a growing number of businesses involved in ‘giving back’ to their local community. And often, the scale of their contribution is significant compared to their core business activity.

Most people who think about corporate and social responsibility (CSR) normally think "big business". These days, however, the concept of CSR is breaking out beyond the walls of big corporates.

Whether it’s being a governor at their kids' school, fundraising for a close-to-their-heart charity, mentoring other businesses, volunteering expertise or providing work experience opportunities – it all counts towards creating a huge bank of support which benefits our economy in so many ways.  

So, what is driving this movement? How do business owners and their employees get involved in these non-cash making activities? What are the results of this social conscience and desire to share skills and experience for good? Does it help the businesses who are doing it and make for happier employees? Can we map what’s happening and work out how to build on? Indeed, can we even quantify its impact?
 

With funding cuts affecting public sector organisations and reducing support services, and the same cuts hitting charities and the community sector, it is more important than ever to find ways to fill these gaps. We know a lot of businesses are giving back and many more are thinking about it. How can we support these businesses who, together, make an important and vital contribution to the city?

Here in Brighton there is something good going on, but is it the job of business and are they doing enough?

Join our panel to answer these questions at the Big Debate on 20 November, 4:30pm-7pm at the MET.
 

Our panel includes:

Sascha Koeler, General Manager at Hilton Brighton Metropole
Jo Crease, CEO at Brighton & Hove Impetus
Fiona Martin, Director and Head of Employment Law at Martin Searle Solicitors
 

Our chair:

Richard Freeman, CEO always possible

To book click here.

Coast to Capital Funding call Promoting Research and Innovation now live

The latest ERDF call from the Coast to Capital LEP is now live: Promoting business investment in research and innovation.

- developing links and synergies between enterprises, research and development centres and the Higher Education sector, in particular promoting investment in product and service development, technology transfer, social innovation, ecoinnovation, public service applications, demand stimulation, networking, clusters and open innovation through smart specialisation

- supporting technological and applied research, pilot lines, early product validation actions, advance manufacturing capabilities and first production, in particular in key enabling technologies and diffusion of general purpose technologies

For more information or to apply, click here.

Valley Gardens moves forward

The latest newsletter from Dyer & Butler has been published. To find out more about the current progress in the Valley Gardens Project, click here.

Sustainable Business Partnership Networking Breakfast Announced

Sustainable Business Partnership Networking Breakfast Announced

Join the Sustainable Business Partnership CIC in Brighton for a Business Networking Breakfast on 18th December.

These events are a great way to build your energy-saving knowledge by hearing from expert speakers, being inspired by real-life case studies, and networking with others over a pastry and coffee! Hear from expert speakers on the theme of ‘sustainable construction’, including Mischa Hewitt of Earthwise Construction, Alaric Wood of Avensys, and John and Charlotte Smith of Cityzen. 

Find out more and book today!

‘Digital Marketing & Social Media’ Why your Social Media Needs to have a Purpose

‘Digital Marketing & Social Media’ Why your Social Media Needs to have a Purpose

Gatwick Diamond Meet the Buyers 2018 announce the sixth of the educational seminars.

Venue: Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club, Forest Row, RH18 5JR

Date:     Wednesday 31st October 2018

Time:    09:30 -12:30

Places are limited, so please click here to register - BOOK NOW

I’LL BE THERE FOR YOU – WHY FRIENDS ARE THE NEW FAMILY FOR NEARLY TWO-THIRDS OF BRIGHTONIANS

More than half (54 per cent) of Brightonians claim to have more online friends now than they did five years ago, with the average person today boasting 554 virtual mates. Yet even in the ‘Golden Age’ of social media, we can count close, ‘real-life’ friendships on just one hand – with only four ‘true and close’ pals in our inner circle.

These figures were released in new research from Pingit – the app that allows for fast, easy payments between friends and family with just a mobile number – that provides a ‘state of the nation’ report on modern British relationships.

The findings reveal two-thirds (67 per cent) of us across Brighton trust our closest friends more than our own relatives and more than a third (37%) say their best buddies are more likely than family to cheer them up in hard times.

A Brighton friend in need is a friend indeed, with over half (61 per cent) saying they would ‘drop everything’ to help a mate. 54 per cent claim they’d be happy to have a friend couch surf at their place indefinitely, 40 per cent would tell a white lie and 13 percent would tell a whopper. But it’s not just furniture and half-truths that are shared – a quarter (26 per cent) would take it a step further and donate a kidney to their cherished Brighton chums.

Many of us are also ‘banking’ on the financial generosity of our friends. More than half (55 per cent) would give a pal their last £10 and in flush times, they’ve offered a lot more – the maximum amount Brighton chums have loaned their buddies is, on average, £3,000.

Finances play a role when getting together with the gang, too. A third of us (34 per cent) struggle to find an activity that works within everyone’s budget, whilst 7 per cent admit that splitting the bill is a challenge.

Pingit released the findings to highlight how the app, which offers instant, easy payments and features such as bill-splitting capabilities, can help us spend less time sorting our spending and more time bonding with our buddies.

According to the study about friendship groups, the most appreciated person within the Brighton ensemble is the ‘shoulder to cry on’ (51 per cent) followed by ‘the organiser’ (23 per cent) – who initiates social events, finds the best deals and splits the bill afterwards and ‘the joker’ friend who lightens the mood (14 per cent).

And it’s old friends that are the best for Brighton. The research shows that we’ve been knocking around with the same set of loyal mates for an average of 17 years. Those who constitute our friends for life are work colleagues (30 per cent), secondary school buddies (29 per cent), followed by those you have met through other friends (24 per cent).

Darren Foulds, Managing Director of Pingit, said: “Even in this golden age of social media, it’s interesting to see many of us consider only a handful of people our closest and most trusted friends. Our research indicates we’d do almost anything for them, but given the busy lives we lead now, it’s no surprise that getting together can sometimes be challenging.

“The rising popularity of meals out, trips together and sharing other experiences means sorting the finances is an inevitable part of modern friendship. Apps like Pingit can help to take away the headache of worrying about the budget, so you can focus on more quality time with your ‘inner circle’.”

Psychologist Honey Langcaster-James, who specialises in analysing group behaviour, said: “The research from Pingit shows just how aware we are that different friends take on different roles within a friendship circle, and crucially, it reveals which of those roles are valued the most.

“Psychological studies have shown that believing you have a reliable and dependable social support network is good for your health – it can even increase your ability to heal and prolong your lifespan. It’s entirely plausible that the dependable friend who you’ve always turned to for support during times of need, could one day save your life just by saying ‘I’ll be there for you’!”

Brighton Chamber Publish Full Summit Rundown

Brighton Summit – your guide to the big day

It’s just under two weeks to go until this year’s Brighton Summit on 12 October. Brighton Summit is a conference that brings together our city’s diverse business community for a day of inspiring talks, practical workshops and new experiences.

This year’s theme is Look Up. Look Up means finding opportunities where others see problems. It means engaging with the world – next door, the next community, over the sea – not closing ourselves off.

Brighton Chamber has curated a brilliant line-up to help you get a fresh perspective on your business. With over 360+ attendees, Brighton Summit 2018 is a day well spent away from the office.

Three keynote speakers

Claire Mason Founder and CEO of the award-winning Man Bites Dog and her session ‘Look Up, scale up!’

Misha Glenny global expert and author of McMafia will answer the questions ‘How the hell did we get here? And how do we get out!’

Katherine Courtney former CEO of UK Space Agency in 2017 will share how she was ‘Bitten by the Space Bug’

Five expert workshops

What does it mean to lead a 21st century business? Led by Nicole Bradfield.
Powerful and purposeful storytelling for businesses Led by Sam Knowles.
The secret of getting your price right  Led by Julia Chanteray.
How to navigate the MarTech maze Led by James Dempster.
Problem thinking, problem solving Led by Chrissy Totty.

Four speaker sessions

Stephen Boobyer CEO at circular economy and tech business World of Books.

Andy Winter CEO of Brighton Housing Trust.

Rosy and Ed  from Lewes FC.

Neil Gibb consultant, writer, speaker and social advocate.

Eight Event Horizon hours - inspiring sessions that will challenge your perspective, change your view or make you look anew.

Where will the rhythm take you?

The big knowledge share networking session

Come and be herd

vrLAB

Find the magic in the mundane

Believe that

Mix, blend and taste

The Lego® Serious Play® Challenge: 3D modelling to evoke new ideas

Explore the full programme at http://brightonsummit.com/

Passengers reminded to check ahead for weekend closures on the Brighton Main Line in October

Weekend rail passengers are reminded to check before travelling on the southern part of the Brighton Main Line in October as work to improve one of the least reliable parts of the South East’s rail network steps up in intensity.

Network Rail engineers are carrying out the first major overhaul of the railway between Three Bridges and Brighton in more than thirty years.

The work includes upgrades to track, signalling and tunnel drainage which will lead to fewer delays owing to equipment faults or problems caused by flooding inside Victorian tunnels.

The £67m Brighton Main Line Improvement Project is part of a wider £300m programme to improve the reliability of some of the busiest and most congested lines in the South East, including the recently expanded Thameslink network.

The line will be closed between Three Bridges and Brighton and Three Bridges and Lewes on all four weekends in October while teams of engineers work inside the tunnels at Balcombe and Clayton.

Paul Harwood, Network Rail’s director of South East route investment, said: “We want to make the least reliable part of our network better for passengers and our work to upgrade the southern end of the Brighton Main Line is now well underway.   

“We know there’s never a good time to close the railway, which is why we’re working closely with our train operator partners to keep disruption to passengers to an absolute minimum. I’d advise passengers to keep an eye out for the information that’s available to them in stations and online and plan ahead if travelling at weekends in October.”

Keith Jipps, Govia Thameslink Railway’s Infrastructure Director, said: “Network Rail’s works to upgrade the Brighton Main Line really are vital for us to continue to improve our service and we appreciate many of our passengers who use the railway at the weekends will be inconvenienced.

“I’d remind travellers that Brighton and surrounding towns remain open for business and there will be an extensive bus replacement service and trains running via the longer route through Littlehampton.”

Brighton business leader wins national award

Darren Fell, CEO and Founder of Brighton-based accountancy firm Crunch, has won the Practice Pioneer of the Year award at this year’s Accounting Excellence Awards.

This national award celebrates service innovators, marketing strategists, technology gurus and inspirational leaders in the accounting industry.

Darren founded Crunch in 2009 and has led the company’s transition from an online accountant into an all-encompassing service that aims to simplify the lives of self-employed people.

In addition to marking Darren’s achievements at Crunch, building a £9.4million turnover business which grew by 18% last year, this win recognises his work supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs through partnering with the Albridge Academy and running community platform Crunch Chorus.

The awards ceremony took place in London’s InterContinental Hotel and was hosted by Countdown’s Rachel Riley.

On winning the award, Darren said: “The world of accounting has changed dramatically since I set up Crunch, but at its heart is great customer service and value for small businesses. We started out as a bit of an outsider doing things differently by combining technology with the insight that chartered accountants bring, so it’s brilliant to be recognised by our peers like this.

“This award is a testament to the hard work of everyone at Crunch. Our team has now grown to 185 employees and we now look after more than 10,500 clients. I‘m really proud of how we’ve worked together to grow the company and help so many small businesses to thrive.”

UK FOOD RETAILERS FACE £9.3BN NO-DEAL BREXIT BILL

·         Failing to reach a Brexit deal could cost food retailers and their supply chain £9.3 billion, according to a new Barclays Corporate Banking report

·         A no-deal, Brexit model would create an average tariff of 27% for food and drink supply chains

·         With grocery margins typically around 3–5%, additional cost is likely to end up being passed on to consumers

As Brexit negotiations continue, a new report shows retailers could face additional tariffs totalling £9.3bn per year for food and drink products imported from the EU if a settlement isn’t reached. The new Barclays report, Scale, Disruption and Brexit – a new dawn for UK food supply chains? shows that in a no-deal Brexit, food retailers would be affected by a new average tariff of 27% on food and drink goods entering from the EU, significantly more than the 3-4% levy that would hit non-food products.  Additionally, every consignment of goods from the EU will require a customs declaration which starts at a minimum of £50.

Last year, the UK imported £48bn worth of food and drink, approximately 40% of the total UK market. Of these, 71% originating from within the EU entered the UK free of customs duties and other trade costs. While a free trade deal or the Chequers option, would help the food industry avoid tariffs and related duties, a no-deal Brexit could mean significantly higher costs for retailers and consumers.

Ian Gilmartin, Head of Retail at Barclays Corporate Banking, comments: “The food and drink industry is one of the country’s most important sectors, employing millions of people across the UK.  For the good of both UK business and consumers, the potential impact on our producers and grocery retailers should be front and centre of Brexit negotiations.

“Some products would avoid tariffs, even in a no-deal scenario, but for most goods the effect of an increased tariff burden would be extremely damaging, and cheaper goods would be the hardest hit.  71% of our imported food and drink comes from the EU, and 60% of our exports go to the EU. A positive agreement on trade is essential if we are to protect UK exporters and avoid significant price rises for UK consumers.”

The cost of a no-deal Brexit

Food retailers are waiting to see whether a ‘Brexit deal’ can be reached that keeps costs down for the sector. A full customs union, for example, would maintain the current tariff-free trade enjoyed by the UK and the EU but would limit the UK’s ability to trade unilaterally with other countries.  A free trade agreement (FTA) would be likely to minimise the amount and cost of new tariffs imposed on trade. Though an FTA would still require extra fees from logistics, such as customs declarations, it would also free the UK to make other trade deals.

However, a no-deal Brexit would impose significant costs on food retailers, with varying tariffs for different types of products. For example, the Barclays report shows that fully processed food and drink products, such as orange juice, will attract the highest tariff rate of 31% compared to 29.5% for semi-processed food and drink such as white sugar, and 9.7% for primary products and raw materials like bananas.

Beyond such category based surcharges, some products also attract ‘specific duties’, which are tariffs levied on a per unit basis; that is, by weight or volume. The Barclays report shows specific duties disproportionately target certain products including meat, cereal, olive oil, wine and sugar-based foods. By their nature, these tariffs place a higher burden on lower-value transactions.

Hardest hit will be those products that attract both a category tariff as well as a specific duty tariff, such as frozen beef with a specific duty of 298%. Common cooking products also face steep duties including beef cuts at 101%, cream at 81% and garlic at 71%.

Further costs could also mount under a hard Brexit.  In addition to customs declarations, comes the burden of complying with stringent EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) regulations, which could be the equivalent of paying an extra 8% in duty tax on EU food and drink imports.

Backdrop to Brexit

While Brexit is currently the most pressing issue for food retailers, wider consumer trends are also providing new challenges and opportunities. As the pace of life becomes busier, shoppers are visiting stores more often, with trips up 14.3% from 2013 to 2018, but buying less per visit, with average spend down 8.5% during the same period². According to the Barclays report, the convenience sector has been growing at an above-average rate, at 10% over the past four years compared to 7.1% for the industry – and is now worth £40bn³. Likewise, the online food market has grown by an average of 12% since 2010⁴.

At the same time, as wider economic upheaval has pinched household budgets, consumers have turned to discount food retail outlets such as Aldi and Lidl, leading to the ‘Big Four’ facing a nearly 10% decline in market share since 2011. With many food retailers already struggling to adapt to a changing British market, Brexit negotiations could be adding an extra layer of uncertainty.