Gavin Stewart
BHEP Coordinates Business Covid-19 Response

The Brighton & Hove Economic Partnership is working with businesses to feed their concerns about the current situation back to Local and National Government

BHEP Coordinates Business Covid-19 Response

Royal Mail Launches Small Business Festive Competition

Royal Mail has launched a Christmas competition for small businesses across the UK

Christmas is a time for giving and during this festive season Royal Mail has four prizes on offer for small businesses

There are two ways you can get involved, each with the chance to win £1000: Share a photo of your festive shop window display or tell Royal Mail about the special festive communications you have planned for your customers

There will also be two runners up for each part of the competition, who will both win £500

The competition is running from Tuesday, 27th November – Sunday, 16th December

Royal Mail has opened six dedicated parcel sort centres and recruited an additional 23,000 temporary staff to support its seasonal operation and to deliver the best possible service to customers throughout the Christmas period

Royal Mail has launched a Christmas competition for small businesses across the UK.

Christmas is a time for giving and during this festive season Royal Mail has four prizes on offer for small businesses.

All UK small businesses are able to enter the competition and there are two ways to get involved, each with the chance to win £1000:

Share a photo of your festive shop window display with us.

Or, tell us about what special festive communications you have planned for your customers. This could be anything from direct mail, email, a social media campaign or any unique festive packaging!

There will also be two runners up for each part of the competition, who will both win £500.

UK small businesses should send competition entries by one of the following ways:

By uploading your photo or comment to Twitter or Instagram, including #RoyalMail and #smallbizfestivecompetition as well as your own username. Don’t forget to tag @RoyalMail on Twitter or @RoyalMailOfficial on Instagram

Via email: win@royalmail.com with the subject line Small Business Festive Competition

Royal Mail’s contact form: www.royalmail.com/small-business-saturday

Or direct message Royal Mail’s Facebook account with the hashtags #RoyalMail and #smallbizfestivecompetition

The competition opens at 10.00 on Tuesday, 27th November 2018 and closes at 23.59 on Sunday, 16th December 2018. All winners will be announced no later than the 21st December.

A spokesperson for Royal Mail said “We support the growth of each and every small business that we have the opportunity to work with and pride ourselves on being the most reliable business partner to all. We’re delighted to be providing small businesses with the chance to win special prizes through our festive competition.”

During the Christmas period in 2017, Royal Mail handled a staggering 149 million packages. This year, Royal Mail has opened six dedicated parcel sort centres and recruited an additional 23,000 temporary staff to support its seasonal operation. Over 1,100 Enquiry Offices will be open on Sunday 23rd December and they will all be open on Christmas Eve. These measures are about our commitment to deliver the best possible service to customers throughout the Christmas period.

The Big Debate: Do Brighton’s Businesses Give Back Enough?

The Big Debate: Do Brighton’s Businesses Give Back Enough?

100 businesses, charities and public sector managers attended the Brighton Chamber’s Big Debate, asking the question ‘Do Brighton’s Businesses Give Back Enough?’

In Brighton, there are a growing number of businesses involved in ‘giving back’.

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. But is it having enough impact?

Chair for the evening Richard Freeman, CEO always possible, launched the discussion and the panel of Sascha Koehler, General Manager at Hilton Brighton Metropole, Jo Crease, CEO at Brighton & Hove Impetus, Gavin Willis, MD at Search Seven and Tom Druitt, CEO at The Big Lemon explored the topic.

Discussions on each table were facilitated and shared throughout the evening with challenging questions around “sharing the love” and how to extend the conversation to include schools.

CEO of Brighton Chamber Sarah Springford said, “It was amazing to hear about the all the many ways that businesses and charities are working together in the city.”

Jo Crease spoke about volunteer work vs. paid – at Brighton & Hove Impetus, volunteers give 14000 hours of help per year yet 75% of their budget still needs to go on salaries. She said charity-business relationships are challenged by competition and longevity. It's about mutual benefit and mutual support, "there's a lot we can learn from each other."

Tom Druitt (The Big Lemon) said, "It was an obvious choice to set up as a social enterprise.” This model allows business to put their social purpose at the heart of what they do. Tom asked the businesses in the room to look for ways to make a positive social impact every day, not just making a load of money and giving some away (although that is good too).

Sascha Koehler (Hilton Brighton Metropole) said that charity work has benefited their company too - helping them to win awards for work they've done with local community and charities. Brighton is very lively for charity activity, more so than other places. "We owe this to the city, to give back."

Search Seven are proof that small agencies can put passion over profit, and still be successful whilst playing an active role in the community. Gavin made the point that you don’t have to be a big company to make a big difference. Following the event he said, “We never needed a business case to get involved, it’s our drive and dedication to support the community and build personal connections that has been the catalyst for our success.”

Improved communication, use of digital tools and networking the networks were all sited as key issues. Popular themes throughout the evening included the sharing of common goals, being clear about what you want (both businesses and charities) and the importance of having the right person leading on the partnership.

What next? Brighton Chamber and other organisations attending like Community Works and the Sussex Community Foundation are looking at how to work collaboratively to help to avoid duplication and develop relationships between businesses and charities to increase social impact in the city.

The CSR Forum who sponsored the event will be meeting in January to take forward a number of the issues raised. Watch this space and contact Brighton Chamber to get involved.

To hear about more events and discussions happening like this in the city – here’s a link to sign-up to our e-updates http://eepurl.com/dqRokr

BARCLAYS BACKS NEXT GENERATION TO BOOST BRITAIN’S FARMS

BARCLAYS BACKS NEXT GENERATION TO BOOST BRITAIN’S FARMS

  • Number of farmers aged over 65 in the UK has increased 70 per cent in last decade

  • Just six per cent of millennials in the South East view farming as a desirable career, despite over half saying they want to work outdoors

  • Barclays teams up with TV presenter, former JLS boyband star and now successful Kent based turkey farmer JB Gill to encourage farmers to plan for their farm’s future and inspire under-30s to consider a career in agriculture

Barclays has today launched #FarmtheFuture, a nationwide campaign encouraging farmers to plan for their future and tell young people about the benefits of a career in agriculture, as new data reveals that Britain’s farming population is ageing rapidly.

The bank has teamed up with TV presenter and former JLS boyband star JB Gill, who has swapped pop stardom for a rural life of turkey and pig farming in Westerham, Kent, to show the younger generation that farming could be their perfect career.

The number of British farmers aged over 65 has increased by 70 per cent in the last decade, while the proportion of under-25s running farms has dropped by two thirds (63 per cent) over the same period. The average age of the British farmer is now 55.5 years old, with almost four in ten (38 per cent) aged 65 or over.1

Just six per cent of the 18-30 year olds in the South East surveyed by Barclays said they would view farming and agriculture as a desirable career, despite the job meeting many of the criteria young people look for in employment.

Over three quarters of millennials (76 per cent) in the South East said staying physically fit and healthy while working was important to them and over half (58 per cent) said they would like to work with animals.

A lack of understanding and a perceived lack of resources appear to be the key things putting young people off a career in farming. Over half (59 per cent) believed they wouldn’t be able to afford to become a farmer, while 48 per cent thought they needed to inherit land.

While many farm businesses traditionally pass down through families, farmers with no direct succession are now exploring alternative options, including share farming agreements. These allow new entrants to farm in partnership with the farm owner with much less capital required than starting out alone their share of the business can grow over time through profit share.

JB Gill, TV presenter and former JLS boyband star, said: “There’s a lot of misconceptions among young people about what a career in agriculture really means. It’s hard, physical work so it keeps you fit, you get to work with animals, you’re your own boss and you can keep up with the trends by posting everything on Instagram for everyone else to see.

“The farming community is really welcoming, providing newcomers with knowledge on everything from tending to animals to financial advice. You don’t need to have your own land to work in agriculture, there are many options from farm management through to the service industries and I would encourage anyone interested to give it some serious consideration – it’s a life like no other!”

Mark Suthern, national head of agriculture at Barclays, said: “Barclays has over one hundred and fifty agriculture relationship managers working the length and breadth of the UK to support businesses within their local communities and help them plan for the future.

“Every industry needs new talent to innovate and look to new markets, and the next generation will be vital as the sector strives to boost productivity and drive growth.

“British farmers have proven time and again their ability to diversify, innovate, and weather tricky economic conditions, so the skill and experiences the older generation can bring are vital. But the next generation need to learn the skills to carry businesses forward in the future. The best place to make your first enquiry on a road to a farming career is your local agricultural college or university.”

Find out more at barclays.co.uk/agriculture

Abode Living in Brighton stars in Visa’s Christmas campaign to support the High Street

Abode Living in Brighton stars in Visa’s Christmas campaign to support the High Street

•              Visa turns the spotlight on 100 independent retailers across the UK, as part of its campaign to encourage the nation to visit their local High Street this Christmas

•              Abode Living is one of 11 retailers from Brighton, Portsmouth & Southampton that feature in Visa’s festive campaign

•              An advert highlighting the independent retailer will be displayed on Upper Lewes Road in Brighton, from 19th November

Brighton, 22 November 2018: Visa, the world’s leader in digital payments, is turning the spotlight on 100 independent retailers across the UK through billboards and social media advertising in the run-up to Christmas, including 11 retailers in Brighton, Portsmouth & Southampton.

One of the independents featuring in Visa’s festive campaign is Abode Living in Brighton. The shop provides a range of uniquely curated interior accessories and is renowned for its independent and distinctive style.

Phillippa Brereton, co-owner of Abode Living says:

“We absolutely love the atmosphere in Brighton, it is such a unique city in that it is so supportive of independent businesses – something which not only creates a strong business community but also a loyal supportive customer base.”

Visa is switching the focus of the traditional format of a Christmas marketing campaign, from what people are buying or who they are buying for to where they are buying, encouraging shoppers to support their high streets, independent retailers and local communities this year.

The festive campaign features the real shopkeepers who are the heroes of Britain’s high streets. Eleven independent retailers from Southampton, Portsmouth & Brighton will feature on billboards in their local area and in social media advertising as part of Visa’s campaign.

Research, commissioned by Visa, shows that four out of five (81%) shoppers would miss the high street if it was no longer there [1]. The Christmas campaign builds on Visa’s sponsorship of the Great British High Street Awards 2018, the winners of which were announced last week. 

You can watch Visa's first ever UK Christmas TV advert featuring nine real shopkeepers - including a butcher, baker, bookseller and a florist - here.  Singing along to Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You, the advert invites the nation to visit their local high street this Christmas. The local billboards and social media advertising are an extension of Visa’s Christmas campaign.

Adrian Farina, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Europe at Visa commented:

“We know high streets up and down the country are a special place for communities to come together – especially at Christmas time. As payments technology continues to evolve, Visa has an ongoing commitment to high streets and to the retailers and consumers on them who are looking to engage in seamless and secure commerce.

“We’re thrilled to be featuring 100 independent retailers nationwide on billboards in their local area and on social media in the run-up to Christmas. We hope the nation will join us in supporting their local High Street and the independent retailers that make them so special.”

[1] Commissioned by Visa, the research was conducted by 3Gem between 26 April and 8 May 2018 and surveyed 2,000 consumers and 750 independent high street retailers across the UK.

Address: 32 Kensington Gardens
Website: http://www.abodeliving.co.uk
Phone: 01273 621116
Opening Times: Mon-Fri: 10:30am-5:30pm; Sat: 10:30am-6pm; Sun: 11:30am-4:30pm

Independent retail hit by a loss of -1,554 units in first six months of 2018

Independent retail hit by a loss of -1,554 units in first six months of 2018.

Data released today by the British Independent Retailers Association (bira) and the Local Data Company (LDC) shows that independent retailers opened significantly more shops in H1 2018 than in the same period last year. However, a record number of stores were closed over the same period. This resulted in a total decline of -1,554 independent shops (-0.5%) - a significant decline from the increase of +762 shops (+0.27%) seen in H1 2017. The net loss of -695 units located on high streets alone was the main driver of this decline. Independent units categorised as ‘Service Retail' (including retailers such as barbers, hairdressers and dry cleaners) was the only category to see growth, with a net increase of +104 units in H1 2018. 

Chain retailers (brands with more than 4 stores) have also remained in decline with a net loss of -2,848 shops (-1.36%) in H1 2018 across GB, which compares to -659 shops (-0.33%) in H1 2017. 

Key information 

  • Independents account for 65% of all retail and leisure units in Great Britain, the same as H1 2017.

  • In H1 2018 a total of 32,234 independents either opened (15,340) or closed (16,894), 14.8% up on H1 2017 where 28,076 opened (14,419) or closed (13,657).

  • The comparison goods retail category (non-perishable goods such as clothes, books and homewares) saw a net change of -1.63% in H1 2018 (-0.74% in H1 2017). This is a net decrease of -1,394 units, significantly higher than the -596 net change recorded in H1 2017.

  • Numbers of independent leisure units (including restaurants, cafes, bookmakers & entertainment) stayed the same in H1 2018 with no net change (0.00%) compared to a +0.55% increase in H1 2017. In H1 2018 there was a no change in the number of units (4,761 openings and 4,761 closures), versus a net increase in units of +475 net change in H1 2017.

  • The convenience retail category (bakers, butchers, food shops, & supermarkets) saw a net decline of -264 units (-0.86%) in H1 2018 versus a small increase of +24 units (+0.08%) in H1 2017.

  • Service retail (health & beauty, financial services, tattoo parlours and estate agents) was the only category of independents to see an increase in H1 2018 of +104 units (+0.10% versus +0.94% in H1 2017).

  • Key growth sectors have been barbers, beauty salons, tobacconists/e-cigarette shops, and Mobile phones. (see table 1 for more detail)

  • Sectors in decline include estate agents, newsagents, women’s clothing shops, and fashion shops. (see table 2 for more detail)

  • Vegan restaurants (+32%) and Vaping/Tobacconists (+6.7%) have increased the most as a percentage of their total units

  • The West Midlands showed the greatest increase of independents at +117 units (+0.49%) in H1 2018, versus +194 units (+0.93%) in H1 2017

  • Yorkshire & the Humber and Greater London saw the greatest decline of independents at -494 units (-1.64%) and -276 units (-0.40%) respectively

  • Portobello Road in London has the accolade of having the highest percentage of independents at 95% (based on locations with 50+ total units) overtaking Sparkhill in Birmingham (2nd) which was the top location in H1 2017

  • Ellenbrook is the town with the lowest percentage of independents at only 19%, against a GB average of 65% (based on locations with 50+ units)

  • Wider analysis of location types (analysis of location types by high streets, shopping centres and retail parks) shows that high streets saw a dramatic decline of -695 units in H1 2018. This represented a -0.41% net decrease in units.

  • Shopping centres saw a similar pattern in H1 2018 with a decline of -1.55% (versus +0.67% in H1 2017). Retail parks was the only location type to see growth in units of +1.48% (versus +3.41% in H1 2017) however this location type only accounts for 0.2% of all independents across GB.

Top 10 independent business openings by retail category

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Table 1. Highest numbers of independent units opened by business type in H1 2018 across GB (Source: LDC) 

Top 10 independent business closures by retail category

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Table 2. Highest numbers of independent units closed by business type in H1 2018 across GB (Source: LDC)

National and regional net variations of independents 

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Table 3. Net percentage change (openings minus closures) of independent units by region in H1 2018 across GB (Source: LDC) 

Top 10 independent towns (50+ units)

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Table 4. Towns with the greatest percentage of independent retailers (Source: LDC)

Bottom 10 independent towns (+50 units)

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Table 5. Towns with the lowest percentage of independent retailers (Source: LDC)

Change in numbers of independents by location type

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Table 6. Net change by location type for Independents across 2,700 in and out of town GB locations (Source: LDC)

Further comment from Lucy Stainton: 

Lucy Stainton, Senior Relationship Manager, Local Data Company commented:

“There is no doubt 2018 has already shown itself to be a particularly transformative year for the UK retail market. The shake-up across the physical landscape is impacting chains and independents alike. Businesses in all corners of the industry are having to look very closely at their current model and assess its relevance in an era of unprecedented consumer change. It is not all bad news for independent businesses though, if we look to the leisure sector, which has fallen into sharp decline for the first time in the first half of 2018, this has been driven entirely by a fall in chain outlets. Independents on the other hand have been able to take advantage of the consumer’s increased search for uniqueness.” 

Andrew Goodacre, CEO, British Independent Retailers Association (bira), said

“This report perfectly illustrates the problems for independent retail businesses. Despite more businesses opening, we have seen more closing resulting in a net loss from the high street. bira have been saying for a long time that independent retailers need support from local and national governments. The recent budget announcements regarding a rates reduction and the setting up of a high street fund are very welcome and we hope it is not too late to provide a lifeline to these important businesses.” 

Note: The total number of independent businesses covered in this research across GB was 310,080

Brighton and Hove to become a Sharing City

Brighton and Hove to become a Sharing City

The launch of Brighton and Hove Sharing City will take place on Tuesday 27 November 2018 at the Latest Music Bar.

Created by social enterprise, The People Who Share, and locally supported by Brighton and Hove Circular, this initiative aims to help build a more caring, inclusive, smart city, ready to face the challenges of the future.

Brighton and Hove will join over 80 cities around the world - including Amsterdam, Seoul, San Francisco and most recently, Norwich and Leeds in the UK, who are adopting the Sharing City concept. Based on the idea that our most pressing challenges including wealth, inequality, social isolation and climate resilience have the potential to be offset by the efficient and equitable sharing of vital resources with each other, the Sharing City movement is gaining momentum.

Benita Matofska, founder of The People Who Share, says: “The Brighton and Hove Sharing City launch, will bring people together across our wonderful city to discover, experience and celebrate the city’s sharing culture and help build a more caring, inclusive, sustainable, sharing economy. Sharing Cities are connected, smart cities, ready to take on the challenges of the future. Through sharing resources, we can achieve that.”

David Greenfield of Circular Brighton, says: "Circular Brighton and Hove (CB&H) are delighted to be part of Brighton and Hove Sharing City because we believe that sharing resources, be it people, food, clothing, goods or cars is key to building a circular economy in our city, creating social, environmental and economic value."

Brighton and Hove Sharing City launch event promises a shared experience to remember with a host of inspiring talks, activities, networking and entertainment including: The Dulcetones community choir, singer-songwriter Rifka Ravena, spoken word by Gramski, skiffle band Shonky Tonk, a community sing-a-long led by Sarah Tohill, crowd comedy with Gerry Thompson, citizen innovation - a chance to have your say and co-create, Tech Takeback - bring your old gadgets and give them a new lease of life.

Share Table in support of Brighton Voices in Exile, Give and Get with Cat Fletcher from Freegle, Conversation Corner with Alice Reeves from BelongCon and a bring-and-share potluck feast.

There’ll be talks by Ian Davey and Mila Brazzi of BikeShareBTN, a sneak preview slideshow of Generation Share by visual storyteller Sophie Sheinwald, insights by David Greenfield from Circular Brighton and Hove, plus guest speaker, visitor and lifelong sharer, Tom Llewellyn from the USA’s Shareable.net, co-editor of Sharing Cities: Activating the Urban Commons.

For more information and to book a free ticket, please visit: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/brighton-and-hove-sharing-city-tickets-51448085609.

 

Free offers, discounts and a Free Prize Draw but can you guess who from?

‘Free offers, discounts and a Free Prize Draw but can you guess who from?

Here’s a message from East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service that might surprise you and could get you some free gifts too. Here’s what they’ve got to say.

‘Hi from East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (ESFRS). Yes, we’re all about the safety but that doesn’t mean we want to wrap people in cotton wool and never let them go out. We want to help ensure that everyone in the area has great nights out – and in – but safely.

To prove it, we’ve joined forces with many local organisations to offer you all kinds of freebies, vouchers, discounts and a free monthly prize draw to help you have fun.

All you have to do is sign up to join Brighton Tribe and agree to receive occasional messages from ESFRS – but don’t worry, we won’t bombard you!

Just go to Brighton Tribe, complete the short form and wait for the offers to arrive. You can also forward this link to a friend and they can benefit from the rewards as well.

So, sign up to Brighton Tribe today.

UK Homeowners stay put for nearly two decades, choosing to improve not move, reveals Barclays Mortgages

The 2018 Barclays Home Improvement Report has found that the average Brit now stays in their property for 19 years before moving, and regularly updates their home in this time

Homeowners in the South East spend an average of 17.4 years in a property

Over half (54 per cent) of UK homeowners choose to make improvements to their current homes rather than move to a new property

Woodchip wallpaper, mirrored ceilings and carpeted bathrooms are considered the biggest décor faux pas, while bi-fold external doors are highly desired

Property expert, Phil Spencer has teamed up with Barclays Mortgages to highlight the current trends in home improvements and how the majority of homeowners prefer to home-improve rather than move in 2018.

Barclays Mortgages has today released its 2018 Home Improvement Report. Looking at the Nation’s attitudes towards renovations, the report has revealed that Brits are now staying in their property for nearly two decades, with the majority of homeowners (54 per cent) saying they would rather improve their current home than move to a new one.

Homeowners in the South East spend an average of 17.4 years in a property, well below the national average of 18.7 years and four years less than people in Wales.

Improvement trends:

The most popular improvements to make are fitting new carpets (35 per cent), installing a new kitchen (31 per cent) and landscaping the garden (29 per cent). The most desired home improvements are bi-fold doors into the garden (30 per cent), smart home tech (26 per cent) and a spa bathroom (20 per cent).

The report also revealed the biggest home improvement faux pas, with woodchip wallpaper (60 per cent) considered the biggest property turn off.

Property churn rate:

In fact, data produced for the report in conjunction with property analytics business Hometrack found that the average person in the UK stays put for 19 years1. The figures show that those in Wales are the least likely to move property regularly, with the average homeowner staying put for nearly 23 years. However, those in Scotland are the quickest movers, upping sticks after an average of almost 15 years.

Reasons to improve:

The new research found that the main reason for people choosing to improve their home is to make their property reflect their personal taste (48 per cent), but one in four (25 per cent) stated that their main motivation was to increase the value of their property.

With a continually challenging property market, it is perhaps not surprising that money is a key driver for homeowners. In fact, over a quarter (28 per cent) of those surveyed by Barclays Mortgages said that whilst they did want to move, they have had to improve their current home because they cannot afford to do so.

The report also found that social media is having an increasingly large impact on people’s approach to updating their property – particularly in the younger age groups. For example, four in ten (43 per cent) 23 - 34-year olds surveyed stated that they had been inspired to improve their home from what they have seen on social media. While 15 per cent admitted to improving a room specifically to post on their social channels.

No matter what the motivation, the new report highlights how committed homeowners are doing up their homes. In fact, a huge 79 per cent of homeowners have made home improvements in the past two years, and 73 per cent want to make improvements in the next 12 months.

TV property expert Phil Spencer, official spokesperson of the Barclays Mortgages Home Improvement Report, comments: “There has long been an appetite for home improvements in the UK, and with so many of us now staying in our properties for such a long time, it is clear that our homes are so much more than just bricks and mortar – they are a space for us to relax and enjoy times with our loved ones, so it is important to make them fit for purpose.

“It is also really interesting to see how social media is impacting on our attitude to home improvements. It’s clear that the likes of Instagram and Pinterest are really inspiring particularly the younger generation and I’m sure this is partly contributing to the changing interior tastes. I would encourage anyone looking to update their home to take inspiration where they can, but always think about the long-term – ask yourself how something will look in 3, 5, 10 years before committing your time and money.”

Hannah Bernard, Head of Mortgages at Barclays said: “The Barclays Mortgages Home Improvement Report highlights a strong appetite among homeowners to make improvements. We understand that there are many motivations for updating your home, from simply wanting to make your home better reflect your own tastes to adding more space for a growing family.”

For further information, visit: https://www.barclays.co.uk/moments/improving-your-home/

Brighton Technology Company Open Their Doors to University and Brighton Students

Brighton Technology Company Open Their Doors to University and Brighton Students

On 9th November, Paxton welcomed students to their state-of-the-art Paxton Technology Centre to showcase what’s on offer from the 2019 Paxton Scholarship programme. Over 140 enthusiastic students attended the scholarship open day, where they discussed the Paxton’s latest products with Paxton's technology experts in engineering, research and product design. The students enjoyed hands-on product demonstrations and discovered their potential career opportunities with the company.

Samson Mwita, student at University of Sussex, said: “I think it’s great that Paxton are offering students this opportunity and guidance with their studying. It seems like a fun exciting company to work for and hearing about the company’s journey directly from the CEO was really inspiring.”

Paxton, who design and manufacture security systems, launched the Paxton Scholarship in 2017. They now offer students studying engineering and product design related courses, the opportunity to win one of four scholarship places each worth £10,000, plus a 3-month paid work placement from July 2019. As part of the scholarship, they will participate in current technology research projects at Paxton, that will form the final year project of their degree course.

2018 Paxton scholar Laurence Budd, BSc Computer Science student at University of Brighton, said: “I am working on an idea for a new internal app and I’ll be testing some CCTV cameras too. I can happily say I’m thrilled to be working here at Paxton and I’m loving working on the projects I’ve been given.”

Commenting on the open day, Adam Stroud, Paxton’s Chief Executive, said: “I am delighted that Paxton has been able to attract so many students to our open day. All our visitors were able to see first-hand some of the technologies we use, and chat with staff about what it’s like having a career at Paxton.

“Our partnerships with both University of Brighton and Sussex are going from strength to strength. The Paxton Scholarship is an initiative that we intend to build on each year. This year, we have four scholarship places to award and I can already tell that it’s, once again, going to be a difficult decision.”

George Livas, student at University of Brighton, said: “The scholarship open day was fantastic. The facilities at Paxton are amazing and all of the staff were lovely and polite. I really enjoyed the presentation from the CEO and talking to the product developers.

For further information about the company and the variety of job opportunities Paxton are recruiting for, please visit http://paxton.info/3690

UK faces employability skills gap as nearly 54% of adults in the South East lack the full set of core transferable skills

UK faces employability skills gap as nearly 54% of adults in the South East lack the full set of core transferable skills

·         54 per cent of adults in the South East failed to demonstrate all the core employability skills needed for the future world of work: proactivity, adaptability, leadership, creativity, resilience, communication and problem solving

·         A third of employers aren’t planning to offer training in these skills in the near future, meaning people will need to take control of their own lifelong learning

·         To help address the problem, Barclays will be extending its LifeSkills programme to the whole of the UK workforce, aiming to help 10 million people by the end of 2022

The South East is facing a significant skills gap as the public fail to demonstrate core employability skills, such as leadership and creativity, a major new study from Barclays LifeSkills can reveal.

The report, “How employable is the UK?”, which surveyed and tested over 10,000 16-65 year olds, 600 employers and 500 educators from across the UK, found that more than half (57 per cent) of over 16s are failing to demonstrate all the employability skills needed to succeed in the future workplace. In the South East this figure falls to 54 per cent, 3 per cent lower than the UK average.

These skills are crucial in preparing the UK for a world of work where, due to the speed of change, we are unable to accurately predict what the jobs of the future will look like and what technical skills will be needed. The seven employability skills are what humans are best at – they cannot be replicated by robots and will become even more valuable in the future, as global patterns of work change and automation, freelance working patterns and the average working age all increase.

The study showed that traditional sources of these skills, like in-work training and formal education, are not currently set-up to tackle the employability skills gap. Despite the majority (79 per cent) of UK employers rating the skills as important to their industry in the next ten years, a third (34 per cent) do not plan to offer any training in the near future. Research among teachers from across the UK revealed that 22 per cent don’t think their institution is effective in developing employability skills for pupils, with just 6 per cent feeling that their students are fully prepared with these skills when leaving the school gates.

The report highlights that, if we are to be successful in addressing this employability skills gap, educators, businesses and the Government must work more closely together. There is a clear need to raise awareness of the importance of these skills and increase the support available to people of all ages – ultimately helping the UK to thrive in the working world of tomorrow.

 

PEOPLE IN THE SOUTH EAST OVER CONFIDENT IN THEIR SKILLS

Respondents from the South East showed that they were over confident across the seven employability skills. 18 per cent of people in the South East had a confidence gap, with a mismatch between their high self-assessed skill levels and the reality of their test results. In comparison, 24 per cent of Londoners had a confidence gap, the highest skills confidence gap of any region.

GENERATION GAPS

The research findings showed Millennials as the lowest performing age group, with just 4 in 10 (39 per cent) of 25-34 year olds able to display all of the core skills. This generation risks being overtaken in the increasingly competitive employment landscape by the younger Gen Z (16-24 year olds), a slightly greater proportion of whom (41 per cent) can demonstrate all seven key skills, despite only just having entered the workforce. Across younger respondents however, the study found high levels of over confidence when matching actual abilities to how they rated themselves, showing the need for ongoing support in building skills.

In comparison, almost half (47 per cent) of Baby Boomers (51-65 year olds) had the full range of employability skills but rated far lower in their self-confidence, meaning those who are working later into life may need support in using their strong skillsets to their full advantage.

GENDER DIFFERENCES

For every skill, women outperformed men, with 46 per cent of women able to demonstrate they had all seven skills, compared to just 39 per cent of men. Despite this gap, men were much more likely than women to be highly confident in their own skills, particularly when it came to adaptability (19 per cent of men compared to 14 per cent of women).

Ashok Vaswani, CEO of Barclays UK, said: “Today’s findings show the importance of lifelong learning, whatever your age or chosen career path. I firmly believe that education should not stop at the school gates – businesses, educators and the Government all have a role to play.

“We need to work together to agree a core set of transferable employability skills, giving people of all ages the tools needed to upskill and ultimately creating a competitive workforce that will support the UK economy.

“That is why Barclays is backing the UK by announcing the expansion of our LifeSkills programme to all ages – by the end of 2022 we’re committing to helping 10 million adults build the employability skills they need to succeed in the future workplace.”

Does your business care for the carers?

Does your business care for the carers? How you can support your staff carers.

Supporting your staff carers will reduce sick leave, improve morale and increase staff

retention.

Becoming a more carer friendly employer can be as simple as displaying a Carers

Hub poster, encouraging a conversation about caring or acknowledging a staff

member needs 10 minutes quiet time to call their cared-for.

Contact us for a chat, free training, free resources and free EFC membership, so we

can help you support your staff.

For more information, contact:

Charly Snell, charlotte.snell@thecarerscentre.org / 01273 746222

Gatwick Announce Public Exhibitions on Development Plans

Gatwick Airport has launched its draft master plan for consultation (https://www.gatwickairport.com/business-community/growing-gatwick/long-term-plans/). The draft master plan sets out proposals for the airport’s ongoing development and sustainable growth. It explains how Gatwick Airport can meet the increasing demand for air travel and provide Britain with enhanced global connectivity. This draft master plan is also a direct response to the Government’s recent call for UK airports to look at ‘making best use of their existing runways’ and how Gatwick could grow across three scenarios for runway development.

Gatwick Airport are keen to hear the views of local communities, partners and stakeholders. A 12-week public consultation is now live and includes six public exhibitions in the local area, which will help inform the publication of the final master plan early next year. Consultation closes at 5pm on 10 January 2019 and can be completed online by following this link.

Public exhibitions will also be held at the following dates and locations:

HORSHAM

Date: Saturday 3 November

Time: 15:30-19:30

Location: The Barn, Causeway, Horsham, RH12 1HE

CROYDON

Date: Thursday 8 November

Time: 15:30-19:30

Location: Centrale Shopping Centre, Croydon, CR0 1TY

 

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Date: Saturday 10 November

Time: 11:00-17:00

Location: Royal Victoria Place Shopping Centre, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2SS

 

BRIGHTON

Date: Monday 12 November

Time: 14:30-18:30

Location: Churchill Square Shopping Centre, Western Road, Brighton, BN1 2RG

 

CRAWLEY

Date: Saturday 17 November

Time: 11:00-17:00

Location: County Mall Shopping Centre, Crawley, RH10 1FG

 

HORLEY

Date: Saturday 24 November

Time: 15:30-19:30

Location: Horley Leisure Centre, Anderson Way, Horley RH6 8SP

 

Brighton & Hove economy stable post Brexit says latest UK Powerhouse report

Brighton & Hove economy stable post Brexit says latest UK Powerhouse report

The latest report from thinktank UK Powerhouse takes a unique look across the UK, analysing closely the nuances and varying impacts of Brexit across the UK’s diverse regions - as well as the opportunities available to them as they adapt.

Brighton and Hove currently sits at 12 in the UK rankings for growth, beating Manchester, Edinburgh and even London. Post Brexit, the report outlines some big winners and losers, but Brighton & Hove remains unchanged and still comfortably in the top 20. To find our more, click here.

Key Findings

  • In Q2 2019, Cambridge will top the Powerhouse table for GVA growth.

  • Farming and agribusiness in the UK will lose significant subsidies from the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy, with particular impact in the South of England, Northern Ireland and Wales.

  • Foreign Direct Investment to the UK may be reduced in the short term.

  • The services sector can adapt to Brexit quickly, if it makes use of its global links outside of the EU.

  • After Brexit, Manchester and Leeds will provide opportunities for growth in the knowledge-intensive business services sector.

  • In the event of an even more devalued pound, cities such as London could see more visits from tourists.

Local Data Company Publish Quarterly Report on UK Store Closures

Local Data Company Publish Quarterly Report on UK Store Closures

The latest report from LDC highlights some shocking figures, laying bare the current state of play in the uk retail and leisure sectors. The report includes insight on:

  • Analysis on structural changes made to retail stock in H1 2018.

  • Data on vacancy rate changes split by region and retail location type.

  • Openings and closures trend data across retail categories and business type (multiple or independent).

  • A review of changes in LDC Health Index Scores.

  • A review of the fastest growing retailers and international brands opening stores in the UK.

  • A review of M&A activity and a look at the brands who have made strategic partnerships in order to compete in today's challenging market.

  • Commentary from some of the UK's top brands.

Click here to download your copy of the report.

VOTING NOW OPEN FOR SUSSEX FOOD AND DRINK AWARDS 2019

VOTING NOW OPEN FOR SUSSEX FOOD AND DRINK AWARDS 2019

Food and drink lovers across the county will be voting in their thousands over the next two months to ensure their favourite food and drink heroes have their chance to reach the grand finals in this year’s Sussex Food and Drink Awards.

The top ten finalists were announced this week for Sussex Food Producer of the Year sponsored by Southern Co-op; Sussex Farmers Market of the Year sponsored by Harvey’s Brewery; Sussex Butcher of the Year sponsored by RP Meats Wholesale Ltd; Sussex Food Shop of the Year sponsored by Sussex Food & Drink Network; Sussex Drink Producer of the Year sponsored by Natural PR; and Sussex Eating Experience of the Year sponsored by Natural Partnerships CIC.

Sussex is blessed with a wealth of amazing food and drink producers and over the last 13 years the Sussex Food and Drink Awards have helped enormously to support and boost local farmers, food and drink producers and the outlets that use and sell this superb local fare.

A record 15,000 votes were received for the Sussex Food and Drink Awards last year and the expert judging panel, chaired by local dairy farmer and Nuffield Scholar, William Goodwin, is hoping that even more people will vote for their favourite to win at www.sussexfoodawards.biz by 17 January 2019.

Said William Goodwin, “We are delighted to see that the quality in this competition remains consistently high with yet another impressive line up of finalists this year.  The festive season is the perfect time of year for everyone to get out and about and sample the wonderful products from these amazing Sussex food and drink businesses and to vote for their favourites to win.  The public vote is a vital part of the judging process in these unique awards.  It only takes a minute or two and can really make all the difference.” 

Entries remain open until 17 January 2019 for Young Sussex Farmer of the Year category, sponsored by the South of England Agricultural Society in association with Farmers Weekly, as well as Sussex Newcomer of the Year, sponsored by SRC-Time and Sussex Young Chef of the Year, sponsored by Blakes Foods. 

As well as earning the huge respect and recognition that these awards now carry, Grand Finalists from all ten categories will be invited to attend a BAFTA-style ceremony on 15 May 2019 at the Amex Stadium in Brighton, where the winners will be revealed and 400 guests will enjoy a seven-course Sussex produce banquet, hosted by awards patron Sally Gunnell OBE and Danny Pike from BBC Sussex. 

For more information and to vote for your favourites visit www.sussexfoodawards.biz

Sussex Food and Drink Awards 2019 Finalists:

Sussex Food Producer of the Year, sponsored by Southern Co-op

Alsop & Walker, Five Ashes, East Sussex

Beal’s Farm Charcuterie, North Chailey, East Sussex

Goodwood Home Farm, Goodwood, West Sussex

Jengers Craft Bakery, Billingshurst, West Sussex

Lorama Foods, Chichester, West Sussex

Noble and Stace Chocolatiers, Easebourne, West Sussex

Real Patisserie, Brighton & Hove

Sussex Ice Cream Company, Littlehampton, West Sussex

Perfectly Preserved, Worthing, West Sussex

Weald Smokery, Flimwell, East Sussex

Sussex Drink Producer of the Year, sponsored by Natural PR

Bedlam Brewery, Plumpton Green, East Sussex

Bignose & Beardy, Framfield, East Sussex

Bolney Wine Estate, Bolney, West Sussex

Brighton Gin, Brighton & Hove

Dark Star Brewing Company, Partridge Green, West Sussex

Hepworth & Co Brewers Ltd, Pulborough, West Sussex

Langham Brewery, Lodsworth, West Sussex

Ridgeview Estate Winery, Ditchling Common, East Sussex

Tom Cat Spirits, Crowborough, East Sussex

Wobblegate, Bolney, West Sussex

Sussex Food Shop of the Year, sponsored by Sussex Food and Drink Network

Cowdray Farm Shop, Easebourne, West Sussex

Crates Local Produce, Horsham, West Sussex

Eggs to Apples, Hurst Green, East Sussex

Jeremy’s Two, Cowfold, West Sussex

Lodsworth Larder, Lodsworth, West Sussex

Milland Village Stores and Cafe, Milland, West Sussex

New House Farm Shop, Horsham, West Sussex

Perryhill Orchards Farm Shop, Hartfield, East Sussex

Stansted Park Farm Shop, Stansted Park, West Sussex

The Fresh Fish Shop, Haywards Heath, West Sussex

Sussex Butcher of the Year, sponsored by RP Meats Wholesale Ltd

A C Coughtrey Butchers, Pulborough, West Sussex

Archers of Westfield, Westfield, East Sussex

Barfields Butchers, Brighton & Hove

Cottenhams of Lindfield, Lindfield, West Sussex

Garlic Wood Farm (online), Shipley, West Sussex

Goodwood Home Farm, Goodwood, West Sussex

May’s Farmers and Butchers, Lewes, East Sussex

Michael Courtney Butchers, Midhurst, West Sussex

S K Hutchings Family Butchers and Graziers, Partridge Green, West Sussex

The Butcher and Deli, Rustington, West Sussex

Sussex Farmers Market of the Year, sponsored by Harvey’s Brewery

Chichester Farmers Market, West Sussex

Florence Road Market, Brighton & Hove

Forest Row Village Market, East Sussex

Lewes Farmers Market, Cliffe Precinct, East Sussex

Pulborough Farmers Market, West Sussex

Shoreham Farmers Market, West Sussex

Steyning Farmers Market, West Sussex

Sussex Eating Experience of the Year, sponsored by Natural Partnerships CIC

etch., Brighton & Hove

Farmer, Butcher, Chef, Goodwood, West Sussex

Rathfinny Tasting Room, Alfriston, East Sussex

The Crabtree, Lower Beeding, West Sussex

The Dining Room, Worthing, West Sussex

The Earl of March, Lavant, West Sussex

The Milk Churn, Rudgwick, West Sussex

The Parsons Table, Arundel, West Sussex

The Richmond Arms, West Ashling, West Sussex

Wingrove House, Alfriston, East Sussex

Government launches support for businesses to hire more apprentices

Government launches support for businesses to hire more apprentices

You may be surprised to know that of the 101,860 unique employer apprenticeship starts in 2016/17, 77% were small employers with less than 49 staff.  

4 in 5 businesses employing an apprentice would recommend it to others too, so if you want to find out how you can grow your business through apprenticeships and support the hire an apprentice campaign, complete this form or contact the National Careers Service on 08000 150 600.