Four Students Awarded Coveted Scholarships by Brighton Technology Company
Four Students Awarded Coveted Scholarships by Brighton Technology Company
Brighton-based global technology company, Paxton, has announced its scholarship students for 2019.
As a sign of its commitment to investing in the local community and in young talent, the company has offered scholarships to four students from the University of Sussex and the University of Brighton.
They will each receive £10,000 towards their university fees, plus a three-month paid work placement at Paxton where they will take part in technology research projects that will form the final year project of their degree course.
The students are:
• Annabel Spain, studying Digital Media at the University of Brighton
• George Livas, Computer Science, University of Brighton
• Connie Went, Mathematics, University of Sussex
• Zoë Earnshaw, Physics, University of Sussex
Annabel, 20, from Peterborough, said: “I feel immensely proud. I’m looking forward to gaining experience of working with such a talented group of people and I’m sure the knowledge I will gain will aid my career.”
George, 19, from Kifisia, Athens, Greece, said: “I’m grateful for this opportunity to work alongside and learn from experts in the smart security industry. I’m looking forward to participating in technology research projects, to working in an innovative, forward-thinking environment and to learning new skills.”
Connie, 19, from Haywards Heath, said: “I genuinely couldn’t believe it! I will class this as one of the greatest achievements of my three years at uni. The scholarship will give me first hand experience in the tech industry, which will be great for teaching me further applications of my degree.”
Zoë, 20, from Shaftesbury, said: “I’m so proud. The scholarship seemed too good to be true, so I didn’t expect I’d have a chance. I’m looking forward to finding out more about my summer role and getting to know the other scholars.”
Congratulating the four, Adam Stroud, Paxton’s Chief Executive, said: “Following on from the successful debut of the Paxton Scholarship in 2018, we are delighted to have expanded further to award more scholarships, across both the University of Brighton and Sussex.
“During our open day, we played host to over 140 engineering, science and mathematics students. It was a pleasure to witness the level of talent and engagement among this group. It gives us great confidence in the talent pool of the future and re-enforces why Paxton wants to engage with the local community in this way.
“I would like to thank the universities for their considerable ongoing support of this scheme, Paxton employees for doing such a great job of representing their company, and all students who took the time to come and visit our head office building in Brighton.
“Finally, a huge congratulations to our 2019 scholars - Annabel, Connie, George and Zoë.”
Professor Stephen Shute, Pro-Vice-Chancellor at the University of Sussex, said: “The Paxton scholarship provides Sussex students with a great opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge and experience working with a leading UK firm.
“The financial support and practical guidance they’ll gain will contribute greatly towards their academic success. It is fantastic to see Sussex-based companies like Paxton recognising and rewarding talented students from the University of Sussex with such scholarships.”
Professor Debra Humphris, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Brighton, said: “We’re delighted that Annabel and George have been selected as two of the four Paxton scholars for 2019 and I’m confident they will make the most of this exciting opportunity. This ongoing partnership with Paxton gives our students invaluable experience of the realities of the workplace combined with leading technologies.”
L-R
Professor Debra Humphris, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Brighton
George Livas
Annabel Spain
Connie Went
Zoë Earnshaw
Professor Stephen Shute, Pro-Vice-Chancellor at the University of Sussex
Paxton CEO Adam Stroud
Sussex Chamber of Commerce Presents 'Better Business for All - Do YOU know your legal requirements and liabilities?'
Better Business for All - Do YOU know your legal requirements and liabilities?
Better Business for All (BBfA) is a programme that brings together businesses and regulators - to consider and change how local regulation is delivered and received. It involves the creation of groups in specific areas that then shape the way support is provided to businesses by local regulators.
Key objectives: The objectives are to provide advice and support to business, increase business awareness of regulatory officers, ensure effective co-ordination across regulatory services, simplify the local regulatory system and processes, and establish partnerships between regulatory services and local businesses. While BBfA is aimed at all businesses, the focus is on smaller businesses, as these generally need the most help to comply with the law.
Our confirmed guest speakers:
Barnaby Brown - Trading Standards - you will learn what approved training packages there are for restaurants, cafes and how to manage allergens.
Sam French - Sam's Kitchen - you will learn how to label your food packaging products and the legal requirements that you have to follow as a food business.
Andrew Gausden - East Sussex Fire and Rescue – you will find out what controls are required for takeaways restaurants, night time economy and outside events.
Leigh George - Allergy UK - Leigh will highlight what controls are needed to ensure that all final products are completely free of a particular allergen. This includes checking that all ingredients and packing materials do not contain certain allergens.
Joanna Hunter – Piglets Pantry Ltd – Joanna will focus on allergens from a Food Producer’s point of view, their challenges and how they handle the food chain process.
Please book your place online or by calling the office on 01444 259259.
Light buffet breakfast will be available.
There is FREE car parking available at this venue.
FSB Brighton & Hove Business Reception 2019
Brighton & Hove Business Reception 2019
Supporting National Apprenticeship Week
The FSB (Federation of Small Businesses) is sponsoring the Brighton and Hove Apprenticeship Graduation Event in support of National Apprenticeship Week 2019, with special guest Peter Kyle MP. This annual week-long celebration of apprenticeships brings the whole apprenticeship community together to celebrate the impact of apprenticeships on individuals, employers and the economy and will seek to encourage even more people to choose apprenticeships as a fast-track to a great career.
Prior to the graduation ceremony FSB, together with the Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, are hosting a business reception to which you are warmly invited.
If you employ, or are considering employing, an apprentice in the Greater Brighton and Hove area this networking event is for you. At the Business Reception you will meet local businesses that have recruited apprentices, find out about available funding and how you can access further help and support. Peter Kyle MP will also be speaking.
The business reception at the Amex Community Stadium, the home of Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club, will be held in the Mayo Wynne Baxter Lounge from 5.30pm, and will include refreshments in the company of our VIP guests. Following this reception join us for drinks and canapés with the apprentices before making our way into the main auditorium for the graduation ceremony. This ceremony will celebrate Brighton and Hove apprentices and will include inspirational speakers from across the County. For more information and to register for the graduation ceremony itself, view this page.
Please attend and participate to show your support for this message and the apprenticeship agenda in general.
Agenda:
5.30pm Registration and VIP business reception
6.30pm Apprentices and guests arrive
7pm Apprenticeship Graduation Ceremony begins
Car parking is freely available at the stadium and entry is via the West Stand. It is essential to book your place for this celebratory event.
To book your place, click here, or for other enquiries please contact alexandra.douglas@fsb.org.uk.
Love Local Jobs invite you to the 'Maximising your Current and Future Talent Breakfast Club'
Attend the Maximising your Current and Future Talent Breakfast Club.
LoveLocalJobs.com are hosting an engaging and thought provoking Breakfast Club at Hotel du Vin, Brighton on Friday 5th April (8:30am – 12:30pm).
What to expect on the day:
• This ground-breaking event is designed to give you the tools you need to step away from short-term tactical management of people and tasks, and shift your focus to longer-term strategic leadership and cultural development
• The Skills Farm will deliver two in-depth sessions to help you to ensure you are preparing your team for high performance
• LoveLocalJobs.com will deliver a session that highlights how you can give members of your team the opportunity to develop in areas outside of their day to day responsibilities, based on successful case studies
Select here to learn more about the event and to book your place. Please note that there are limited places available and facilitated for you at a much reduced cost courtesy of our corporate partner Search Consultancy:
Partner rate: £25 (inc. VAT), to claim your discount code, please reply to this email
Non Partner Rate: £35 (inc. VAT)
Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is supporting businesses to help navigate the UK’s exit from the European Union
Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is supporting businesses to help navigate the UK’s exit from the European Union.
Given the uncertainty being experienced by businesses across the region the Coast to Capital Growth Hub is helping businesses by offering a range of resources including signposting to Government and LEP guidance, running events including business clinics and 1-2-1s, and plans for a helpline.
Government decisions and actions will make a significant difference to the impact that Brexit has on businesses and the Coast to Capital Board has identified a number of areas of concern for local businesses which were set out in an open letter to the Rt Hon Greg Clarke MP as Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. These include the EU workforce on which our area relies, widespread uncertainty about the UK's future relationship with international partners and a number of wider economic trends in the region, where the uncertainties of Brexit risk exacerbating separate issues.
Central Government are interested in hearing your views and we have been asked to share feedback on behalf of the businesses in the Coast to Capital area. We will be collecting responses in a number of ways but if you have any thoughts you would like to share please email contact@coast2capital.org.uk.
Tim Wates, Coast to Capital Chairman said:
“Coast to Capital remains vigilant and fully focused on supporting businesses to navigate Brexit. As a strategic and constructive partner we are keen to work closely with Government to address the concerns raised by businesses in the area. This is alongside our work to agree a Local Industrial
Brighton trailblazers Paxton Named One of the Best Places to Work – Again!
Paxton Named One of the Best Places to Work – Again!
Paxton is one of the best companies to work for in the UK – it’s official.
The company ranks 91 in The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work for 2019 list, announced last night at an awards ceremony. It’s the second year running it has made it onto the high-profile list.
Paxton was also the only security manufacturing company in the UK to appear.
The ranking was based on glowing feedback from staff, who rated Paxton highly in areas including leadership, team culture and giving something back.
Adam Stroud, Paxton’s Chief Executive, said: “We’re so happy to be in the Sunday Times Best Companies to Work For list for the second year running. This is a huge achievement and we’re incredibly proud.
It’s the people that make Paxton such a fantastic place to work and they are the reason for our continued success.
“With teams in 12 locations across the world, it’s important to foster a sense of community - but key to that is staff wellbeing and engagement.
“We always listen to our staff and, thanks to their feedback, have been able to introduce a whole host of initiatives to help them thrive. This not only allows our teams reach their full potential, it also means we can attract the best and brightest talent.
“But while we’re delighted to again be recognised as one of the best companies to work for, we’ll always ask our staff if we can do better and will be introducing more initiatives in the year ahead. We’re excited about the future and becoming an even better place to work.”
The Sunday Times Best Companies to Work For list is compiled using feedback from staff surveys conducted independently by Best Companies.
Paxton’s survey highlights included:
• 94% agree the company encourages charitable events
• 92% of staff believe they can make a valuable contribution to the success of the company
• 87% feel proud to work for Paxton
Paxton was founded in Lewes in 1985 and has seen a rapid expansion in recent years. Employing over 300 people globally, it develops all products at its state-of-the-art technology centre in Brighton, manufactures all products at its factory in Eastbourne and exports to more than 60 countries.
It strives to be an employer of choice and offers benefits such free breakfasts, healthy snacks and drinks, private healthcare, a modern working environment with the latest technology, fully supported career progression and training, flexible working and family-friendly policies.
Help for charities and social enterprises looking at crowdfunding
Help for charities and social enterprises looking at crowdfunding
Brighton Chamber has teamed up with Crowdfunder to host a session on crowdfunding aimed at charities and social enterprises wanting to start raising funds in this way and wanting to know what a successful campaign looks like.
The session is on Wednesday 13 March and will focus on rewards-based crowdfunding – what it is, how you can use it to raise funds and grow your network, and the tips and tricks to creating a successful campaign for your charity or social enterprise.
Crowdfunding is creating social, economical and community-led impacts across the UK, not only allowing communities and charities to raise funds, but also raising awareness and support to help make great ideas happen.
The session is led by Jason Nuttall from Crowdfunder. Jason has spent several years securing grants and contracts for charities and social enterprises, and at Crowdfunder he now develops partnerships with match funders.
Crowdfunder’s mission is to tackle society’s challenges by making ideas happen, and is the UK’s #1 community crowdfunding platform, having raised over £58million for projects across the UK.
Jason Nuttall said “Crowdfunding has a range of benefits for charities and social enterprises, of course it's a great way of raising funds, but it also provides an opportunity to learn new skills, reach new audiences and grow networks. We have some great examples of local organisations which have used crowdfunding effectively, and I'm looking forward to supporting more Brighton & Hove organisations to follow in their footsteps.”
During this session, two local projects - Simon from Stoneham Bakehouse and Jess from Brighton & Hove Food Partnership – will speak about their experience using crowdfunding.
Attendees will take part in some interactive exercises to really get to grips with creating a crowdfunding project, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions. There will also be an exciting opportunity to win £1000 towards your first crowdfunding campaign, supported by CriSeren Foundation.
Book now and take the first step towards your crowdfunding project!
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/crowdfunding-for-charities-and-social-enterprises-tickets-55515141282
To make sure you don’t miss the Chamber’s next event, join the mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/dqRokr
Photo thanks to Simon Callaghan photography
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Apprenticeships boost for city
Apprenticeships boost for city
Employers in Brighton & Hove can now bid for funding allocated to the council to boost take-up of apprenticeships in the city.
Following government reforms of the national funding system, councils are now allowed to transfer their apprenticeship levy funds to other organisations.
For Brighton & Hove this means funding will be available to support employers to take on new apprentices and develop existing employees.
The council’s apprenticeships team will allocate the funding based on the bids received twice a year. The deadline for applying for the next round of funding is the end of March.
Eligible employers will fall into one of the following categories:
• Businesses and other organisations
• The voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector
• Schools in the city that do not pay into the council’s apprenticeship levy.
Employers who apply for apprenticeship funding will be expected to actively support the aims of Brighton & Hove’s City Employment & Skills Plan.
The council is committed to working in partnership with local employers to boost take-up.
To find out more:
• visit https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/jobs/apprenticeships/apply-levy-transfer-funding
• Email apprenticeships@brighton-hove.gov.uk
• Phone 01273 291281
*Book Now* Sustainable Business Partnership Tour of Waste House
Join the Sustainable Business Partnership CIC in Brighton on Wednesday 10th April for a Sustainability Tour of the Waste House. Built in 2014 as a University of Brighton project, the Waste House was Europe's first permanent public building to be made almost entirely from waste material sourced from households and construction sites. The Waste House acts as a 'living laboratory' for ecological architectural design and delegates will get to see first-hand how 'waste' materials destined for landfill can be re-purposed on this behind-the-scenes tour led by Cat Fletcher of Freegle.
This event is part of the Utilise Plus programme and is fully-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). As such, only those from eligible organisations can attend. Utilise Plus supports small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to reduce their costs and Greenhouse Gas emissions by saving energy.
Local Employers Boost Students' Job + Interview Skills
Local Employers Boost Students' Job + Interview Skills
As part of whole school Enterprise Day on March 13th leading local businesses and organisations will be coming in to help BACA students build their understanding of the world of work and confidence in jobs interviews.
To date representatives from Southern Water, Uber, Sussex University, Shoreham Port Authority, iCrossing, ThoughtShift, Rix And Kay Solicitors, Martin Searle Solicitors, History Heroes, Level Up Nutrition, The Good Business Club and Albion In The Community have signed up for a special day's events, which will include mock job interviews for our Year 9 students.
James Collett, Vice Principal and Academy Lead on Enterprise and Entrepreneurship said: "The chance to experience real interviews with business professionals from a wider range of organisation is absolutely invaluable for our students. It boosts confidence and can give an insight into career opportunities they may not have been aware of or thought they could achieve. We are so grateful to the business people who have already agreed to give their time on the 13th to help our young people, but we are still keen to sign-up some more."
If you could help, or know someone who would be interested in doing so, please contact James Collett at the Academy via email jcollett@baca-uk.co.uk.
https://www.baca-uk.org.uk/News/Local-Employers-Boost-Students-Job-Interview-Skill/
Brighton entrepreneur opens luxury jewellery shop
Brighton entrepreneur opens luxury jewellery shop
Luxury jewellery shop, The Crop, has opened its doors in the North Laine area of Brighton with the support of a five-figure funding package from NatWest.
Entrepreneur and jeweller Kerry Huff has used £50,000 of finance from NatWest, alongside a personal investment of more than £150,000 to acquire a 10-year lease for the Sydney Street premises and complete an extensive retail fit out.
Funding from NatWest has enabled Kerry to undertake an extensive refurbishment programme, which includes bespoke fixtures and furnishings, as well as ensure the retail outlet is fully stocked. She has also created two therapy rooms on the first floor that will be hired out to holistic therapists for treatments such as homeopathy, acupuncture and reflexology, creating additional business revenue and fitting with the ethos of the business.
The Crop stocks elegant, handmade jewellery, as well as a selection of other bespoke products, including homewares, art and books. Kerry has used her 20 years’ experience in the jewellery industry to identify exclusive brands that offer high-end products for her customers. She will run the shop alongside a team of four staff and once The Crop is established, she hopes to offer commissions to design and make bespoke pieces for customers.
Kerry said: “As a trained jeweller, I have always wanted to combine my in-depth knowledge of the jewellery industry with my understanding of the design and production process, to launch my own business and open a store stocking individual and luxury pieces. The space showcases talented designers and makers, where the focus is on originality and craftmanship and for me is about creative communities and valuing the talent and process that goes into making beautiful products. As a business we also strive to be ethically responsible.
“Thanks to the funding from NatWest, I have been able to translate the vision into reality, creating a relaxing, welcoming, inclusive space where customers are free to browse and enjoy the shop. I look forward to showcasing my unique products and offering something different to Brighton’s North Laine community.”
Finance broker Jon Rooke-Allden at A & T Business Associates introduced Kerry to Heather Roberts, NatWest Relationship Manager, to support her with starting her first business.
Heather said: “Kerry is incredibly passionate about the business she has created and that is evident in her immaculately finished shop and the high-end products she stocks. With the funding we have provided, Kerry has been able to complete the crucial finishing touches to the store and we wish her every success as she welcomes customers over the coming months.”
SPEAKING A SHARED LANGUAGE
SPEAKING A SHARED LANGUAGE
Planning the future of skills training in business
10am-1pm // Thursday 28th February
AMEX Community Stadium, Brighton
Providing enough skilled people to fill job vacancies is getting critically hard.
The training and technical skills providers in the South East often find it a challenge to keep up with emerging technologies and changing needs of industry.
The Sussex Council of Training Providers is hosting an informal TeachToo mini-conference this month, in partnership with the Association of Colleges and The Education & Training Foundation.
We want to celebrate innovation in technical training and explore new ways of approaching co-design, co-delivery and dual-professionalism between industry practitioners and training providers.
Worried about the post-Brexit workforce? T Levels? Apprenticeships? Spending the Levy?
• Hear some amazing examples of how the relationships between training providers and employers are transforming the workforce and the bottom line with innovative projects
• Learn about the TeachToo framework - and how colleges and businesses are revolutionising training programmes around the UK
• Get practical tools to help kick-start new ideas and get your experienced staff involved in mentoring and assessment
• Listen to examples of innovation in Sussex that could help you think about your approach to designing training
• Meet like-minded professionals who are rethinking approaches to designing work placements, training courses and staff development
________________________________________
SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERS:
Wendy Martin - Head of Stansted Airport College - on site-based engineering and aeronautical training
Emily Langler - HR Executive at Ideal Networks - on how Sussex technology companies and training providers can be more imaginative when co-designing work-based learning
James Maltby, Learning Technology Manager at Plumpton College - on virtual reality co-design with employers
Cerian Ayres, Head of Technical Education at ETF - on the national picture around employer/provider curriculum co-design
+ MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED
________________________________________
WHO IS THIS FOR?
From business
• CEOs / COOs / MDs
• HR managers
• Learning & development officials
• Line managers
• Department heads
From education
• Curriculum leads
• Senior leadership team
• Specialist tutors and assessors
• Careers advisers
The International Women's Day Pop-up Breakfast with Brighton Chamber and Lewes FC
The International Women's Day Pop-up Breakfast with Brighton Chamber and Lewes FC
Karen Dobres was never ambivalent about football – in fact, she hated it.
So how was it that she came to be so actively involved in the beautiful game?
A former model, manager and counsellor, Karen is not a typical football club press officer. But then Lewes is not a typical football club. Owned by the community, it’s the first UK club to pay its male and female players equally.
At Brighton Chamber’s special International Women’s Day Pop-up Breakfast, she’ll be talking about the history of the club and of women’s football, and her own football journey.
“It actually annoys me that we're having to battle for equality in football or any other business. To not be discriminated against for your innate characteristics is a basic human right, and I'm - carefully - angry about fighting for it! I'm looking forward to explaining why, given the opportunity, there is no reason that women's football can't reach the same heights as men's.” – Karen Dobres.
Join the Chamber on Wednesday 6 March for a delicious Bagelman breakfast at PLATF9RM, and hear how both Karen and Lewes FC are working hard to even the playing field for women.
Book your place here
You can join Brighton Chamber’s mailing list here
Brighton and Hove Business Reception – for organisations interested in finding out how apprenticeships can grow your business.
Brighton and Hove Business Reception – for organisations interested in finding out how apprenticeships can grow your business.
Thursday 7th March
17.30-18.30pm
Amex Stadium
Brighton
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and South East Apprenticeship Ambassador Network warmly invites you to attend a Business Reception focused on apprenticeships. If you employ, or are considering employing, an apprentice in the Greater Brighton and Hove area this networking event is for you. SME’s are the stalwart of apprenticeships, of the 101,860 unique employer apprenticeship starts in 2016/17, 77% were small employers with less than 49 staff. At the Business Reception you will meet local businesses that have recruited apprentices, find out about available funding and how you can access further help and support. Attendees will also be able to stay for the city Apprenticeship Graduation.
The event takes place in National Apprenticeship Week. This annual week-long celebration of apprenticeships brings the whole apprenticeship community together to celebrate the impact of apprenticeships on individuals, employers and the economy and will seek to encourage even more people to choose apprenticeships as a fast-track to a great career
Click here for more information and to register for the reception.
*Event Alert* Prosperity Through Innovation – Driving Growth Across Our Coastal Region
Prosperity Through Innovation –
Driving Growth Across Our Coastal Region
Thursday 7th March 2019.
Centenary Innovation Centre / Ricardo’s, Shoreham Airport / BN43 5FG
4pm – 7pm with refreshments provided
An opportunity to promote our coastal region; from high-speed digital connectivity to unlocking development sites, our speakers will outline the different creative strategies and technological advances that have the potential to deliver economic growth in the area. Our speakers include:
• David Joy, Chief Executive at London and Continental Railways Ltd with vast experience of working with Local Authorities to bring forward economic growth and development
• Martin Kemp, City Fibre who are transforming the digital infrastructure along the coast
• Lawrence Wright, Head of Innovation at Willmott Dixon will look at building for the future and addressing the sectors future challenges
• Dr Lucy Greenwood, Savills will give an overview of the coastal regions housing market and the trends likely to affect the area in the future.
Time is running short and spaces are limited so please click here to register via Eventbrite
If you haven't already registered, this is a reminder for the coastal region's business leaders event:
A little bit about our organising partners:
• The Coastal West Sussex Partnership is a business led partnership bringing together senior leaders from industry, education and the public sector to take action and use its individual and collective talents to make a difference in the local economy.
• The Greater Brighton Economic Board is the overarching, legally constituted body behind the growth of the Greater Brighton City Region.
• Willmott Dixon is a privately-owned contracting and interior fit-out group. Founded in 1852, we create value for customers, stakeholders and communities by working in a sustainable and responsible way to shape the built environment and make a positive impact to society's well-being.
City Council Publishes Homeless Support for Businesses
Brighton & Hove City Council has published a guide for businesses to give them expert advice on how to support members of the homeless community.
In it you’ll find contact details for local agencies along with details on teh Make Change Count campaign.
Hove Station Neighbourhood Forum Newsletter
The Hove Station Neighbourhood Forum has published its latest newsletter. In it you'll find an update on the Hove Gardens development, upcoming events and members AGM.
Hove Gardens finally gets go-ahead
Hove Gardens finally gets go-ahead
Local developers Matsim have just won their appeal against the Council’s July 2017 refusal of their Hove Gardens Project. A government Planning Inspector has approved the high density redevelopment of the former Furniture Village warehouse to provide 186 apartments, 1,300 sq.m. of offices and 230 sq.m. of shops.
This £70m investment will kick-start the transformation of one of the most run-down areas of Hove. From Fonthill Road east, a re-surfaced Conway Street will be landscaped, lined with shops and offices and ‘traffic calmed’ to make a pedestrian/cycle friendly route to the substantially improved steps up to Goldstone Villas – a huge improvement for nearby residents and people walking through the area from Poets Corner.
The Planning Committee turned it down for one reason only - a deficit of 12 ‘affordable’ homes. The project provided 35 ‘affordable’ housing units (19%) whereas their independent valuation expert said it could provide 47 (25%). Readers with long memories may recall that the Argus reported planning chair Julie Cattell’s comment that the scheme was almost perfect but ‘with a little bit missing’ (22.06.17 Regeneration chance lost with flats refusal).
It appears that the Committee wrongly assumed that Matsim would revise the scheme to close this gap, rather than appeal. Instead Matsim secured planning approvals for 40,000 sq.m offices and then appealed. These approvals significantly increased the value of the site and therefore land costs, alongside increased construction costs. These increased costs only partially offset the estimated higher sales figures due to house price rises since July 2017.
Thus the Inspector agreed with Matsim that the project was now only viable with 19 affordable units - 10%. Moreover, he also had to take account of the fact that the Council could no longer demonstrate a 5 year supply of land for house-building. But he did impose a ‘review mechanism’ to ensure additional ‘affordable’ units will be provided if actual costs and sales produce a surplus.
The Hove Station Neighbourhood Forum supported Matsim at the appeal for the same reasons we supported the original application. We are in the final stages of a five year process of preparing a statutory Neighbourhood Plan which aims to give the local community a real say in the large-scale regeneration of our area as set out in the 2014 City Plan. Our Plan has a target of 40% ‘affordable’ units, But for this uniquely located project a significantly lower level is acceptable because it will ‘kick-start’ the delivery of the Plan’s vision of a new Hove Station Quarter, whereas Matsim’s alternative of refurbishing the big shed would be entirely the wrong use for this key site. Moreover, as it is a unique project it does not create a precedent. The Neighbourhood Plan will require subsequent phases of the Conway Street redevelopment to deliver much higher proportions of affordable housing – not least on council owned land.
In his report the Inspector agreed with the Forum’s key arguments
‘….being the first scheme to come forward I acknowledge that the proposed development could in effect kick-start this process of the wider regeneration of this area..’ and ‘…would result in an improvement to the character and appearance of the area against the existing situation. I attach considerable weight and importance to these benefits’
His decision is a game-changer. It paves the way for an innovative move beyond a ‘business as usual’ approach of dealing with development on a project by project basis. The challenge now is for the Council, private landowners and the Forum to work collectively to the deliver the redevelopment of the whole Conway Street area, in a process which brings a fair share of benefits to local residents.
RECORD-BREAKING YEAR FOR SUSSEX FOOD AND DRINK AWARDS
RECORD-BREAKING YEAR FOR SUSSEX FOOD AND DRINK AWARDS
Over 200 Sussex businesses have entered this year’s Sussex Food and Drink Awards and with over 18,000 public votes, 3,000 more than last year, it is another record-breaking year for this prestigious awards scheme.
The countdown is now on for Sussex Food and Drink Awards banquet on 15th May 2019 at the Amex Stadium in Falmer. The panel of expert judges, chaired by prominent Sussex farmer and Nuffield Scholar, William Goodwin, is now carrying out the last stages of judging and three Grand Finalists in each of the ten categories will be announced early in March.
Olympic gold medalist and patron to the awards, Sally Gunnell OBE, will host the banquet in May with Danny Pike of BBC Sussex, where winners will be revealed and receive their coveted trophies. Guests will be treated to a wonderful ‘Sussex bubbly and Harvey’s ale reception’, supported by NFU Mutual Pulborough, followed by a stunning seven-course banquet created by Amex Stadium head chef, David Crawford and his team, using superb Sussex ingredients.
Organisers are urging people to book their tickets early for what is renowned as the Sussex Foodie event of the year’ at www.sussexfoodawards.biz for this lively awards ceremony and come and celebrate with 400 leaders in the food, drink and farming industry in the county.
Guests will be the first to know who is crowned Sussex Butcher of the Year, sponsored by RP Meats Wholesale Ltd; Sussex Food Producer of the Year, sponsored by Southern Co-op; Sussex Drink Producer of the Year, sponsored by Natural PR; Sussex Farmers’ Market of the Year, sponsored by Harvey’s Brewery; Sussex Food Shop of the Year, sponsored by Sussex Food & Drink Network; Sussex Eating Experience of the Year, sponsored by Natural Partnerships CIC; Young Sussex Farmer of the Year, sponsored by the South of England Agricultural Society in association with Farmers Weekly; Sussex Newcomer of the Year, sponsored by SRC-Time; and Sussex Young Chef of the Year, sponsored by Blakes Foods.
Now in its 13th year, the Sussex Food and Drink Awards is run by Natural Partnerships Community Interest Company (CIC), co-directed by Hilary Knight of the Sussex Food & Drink Network, specialist consultant for local food businesses; and Paula Seager, Managing Director of Natural PR Ltd, a leading Sussex PR and community relations firm.
They believe that buying local food and drink is the environmentally responsible choice for everyone, reducing food miles, waste and packaging, as well as helping to sustain the local economy. Through these unique awards and other projects including www.southdownsfood.org, they are helping residents and visitors to the region to find out about dozens of fantastic artisan producers, as well as where to buy and enjoy local produce.
Said Hilary Knight, co-director of Natural Partnerships CIC, “We are absolutely thrilled that so many businesses, both familiar and new, have engaged with the awards again this year and to have received over 18,000 votes from the public makes us very proud and excited about the future. We keep beating record figures year on year and the quality of the entries demonstrates the superb innovation in Sussex food and drink and is testament to the recognition and value that is placed on winning these awards.”
Book your spot now for the 2019 awards banquet and come and celebrate the very best in Sussex food and drink at www.sussexfoodawards.biz