South East Dance announces all-women dance programme for 2020

South East Dance announces all-women dance programme for 2020

Part of the launch programme for South East Dance’s new home for dance, The Dance Space, 20:20 Vision aims to address long-standing gender imbalances in dance

https://southeastdance.org.uk/blog/5050-dance-programming-debate-is-it-time-for-quotas/

In the week when we celebrate International Women’s Day, Brighton-based dance organisation, South East Dance, has announced it is to dedicate its inaugural programme in the city’s new home for dance, The Dance Space, exclusively to women and non-binary dance artists.

Entitled ‘20:20 Vision’, the body of work will feature 20 unique performances from 20 choreographers and producers, all of whom identify as women or non-binary artists.

In the past 19 years, there has been just one female commission for the main stage at the Royal Ballet. Meanwhile, only five of the 16 associates at Sadler’s Wells are women. With 20:20 Vision, South East Dance aims to challenge the long-standing imbalance in the dance sector towards white cis-male choreographers in the sector.

Local artists will be represented by Artistic Director of aerial dance theatre company Gravity & Levity, Lindsey Butcher; and award-winning live artist and Emeritus Professor in Visual Performance at the University of Brighton, Liz Aggiss. Known for her Punk aesthetic and music hall performance style, Aggiss will take to the stage with a special performance – ‘The President’s Wife is Still Dancing’ featuring an extract from her new solo work ‘Crone Alone’.

Gravity & Levity will perform an aerial piece, ‘Why’, tethered to the exterior of The Dance Space in a taste of what’s to come from the building’s ongoing public programme. Choreographed by Fin Walker in 2004 for dancers Lee Clayden and Lindsey Butcher, ‘Why’ will be re-created, re-scored by composer Ben Park and re-imagined for the new South East Dance building and performed by the original creative cast as a marking of a collective 60 years of crafting and creative practice.

Spanish-born choreographer and lecturer, Eva Recacha will also feature, in addition to Janine Harrington, a dance artist whose work explores movement and technology, and who is currently receiving professional development support from South East Dance.

The news was announced at a debate on the future of dance programming, hosted by South East Dance’s Artistic Director Cath James. Part of a series of events celebrating International Women’s Day, 50:50 Dance Programming was held at the Brighton Dome on Tuesday evening. It focused on overcoming gender-imbalance in the dance industry and asked whether quotas – in terms of programming, commissioning and leadership – could help refocus the spotlight on those who identify as women or non-binary choreographers.

Cath James, Artistic Director South East Dance, comments:

“With the opening of The Dance Space, and the launch of 20:20 Vision, comes increased focus on South East Dance’s mission to push the boundaries of dance, challenge the status quo and perceptions of what dance is, who makes it, what it can achieve and who it’s for. The programme gives women and non-binary choreographers a much-needed platform.

“Unfortunately, gender discrimination continues to run deep in the arts world. Women and non-binary choreographers are simply not given the same opportunity and recognition as male-identifying artists. With 20:20 Vision, we will challenge the status quo to showcase a powerful body of work from unique and talented women and non-binary artists.”

Lindsey Butcher, Artistic Director Gravity & Levity, adds:

“Gravity & Levity are thrilled to be presenting ‘Why’ as part of 20:20 Vision. We will be applying a decade and a half of experience and knowledge to this recreation and alongside that, more mature bodies. We are excited to be sharing the resulting piece, not only as a celebration of female creatives and an active reflection on creative practice, but also as a visible presence of an older generation of artists.”

The full programme will be announced later this year.

Gatwick announce competition to help SME exports

Gatwick Airport has launched a competition with the Department for International Trade to give local businesses the chance to attend international trade exhibitions – helping them grow internationally and support local job creation.

SMEs headquartered in Surrey, Sussex, Kent and Croydon can take part by explaining in 150 words how their business will develop by attending trade exhibitions through the Gatwick Trade Fairs webpage (www.gatwickairport.com/trademissions).

Thanks to a new Gatwick partnership, the Department of International Trade will also be offering support to the winners to help them maximise the opportunities at the show they choose to attend.

International Trade Secretary and President of the Board of Trade Dr Liam Fox MP said: “Businesses of all sizes should remember that there is a world beyond Europe and there will be a time beyond Brexit. This competition, which we have launched with Gatwick Airport, will help SMEs who may not have the time or resources to realise the opportunities of international expansion and exporting.

“The DIT stands ready to help companies export. I encourage local businesses to get in touch with us to learn more about what we can do to help you make the transition from local to global.”

Oxford Economics found that Gatwick was an important enabler of trade with £7.5 billion of international goods passing through Gatwick in 2017 in business that supported 113,800 UK jobs. Such trade is enabled directly by the transport of cargo within the belly holds of flights – particularly through the airports 66-strong long haul route network.

Guy Stephenson, Chief Commercial Officer, Gatwick Airport said; “SMEs are an important cog in the economic ecosystem of the South East and we recognise the many challenges they face. By supporting local enterprises to attend international trade shows we hope to provide them with an important step up that will help them to develop and grow their business for the future.

“We hope to keep working closely with the Department for International Trade to see how else we might support local business going forward.”

To enter, click here.

GRAND FINALISTS REVEALED IN SUSSEX FOOD AND DRINK AWARDS 2019

GRAND FINALISTS REVEALED IN SUSSEX FOOD AND DRINK AWARDS 2019

The Grand Finalists in the Sussex Food & Drink Awards 2019 have been revealed this week following an intensive eight-month judging process, supported by a record 18,000 public votes.

These inspirational Sussex food and drink heroes can now look forward to an exciting night of celebrations at ‘the Sussex Foodie event of the year’, the spectacular Sussex Food & Drink Awards Banquet on May 15 2019 at the Amex Stadium in Falmer, hosted by awards patron Sally Gunnell OBE and BBC’s Danny Pike, where the winners will be revealed and receive their trophies.

Sussex farmer and Nuffield scholar, William Goodwin, who is chairman of the judges, said: “Over the last decade, Sussex has really earned its place as one of the leading counties in the UK for producing superb food and drink and this year’s Grand Finalists line up offers an impressive range of first class, diverse businesses from across the county.

“The competition continues to get tougher year on year and the Grand Finalists announced so far, 21 from West Sussex, three from East Sussex and three from Brighton & Hove, should feel immensely proud at making it through to this final stage in the competition.”

Young Sussex Farmer of the Year category, sponsored by the South of England Agricultural Society in association with Farmers Weekly magazine, received a record number of entries from across the region. The final three who have made it through include 27-year-old cider maker, Rachel Knowles from Trenchmore Farm in Cowfold; 31-year-old farm director and dairy herd manager, Kate Lywood from Marshalls Farm in Kirdford; and 23-year-old Stephen Rusling, an arable and contracting manager from Holmsted Farm in Haywards Heath.

The Society worked with two volunteer judges, Richard Butterfield from Brinsbury Campus at Chichester College and local farmer, Jeremy Burdett, who thoroughly enjoyed the process of seeking out the most outstanding three young farming candidates, aged 35 years or younger, working within food or drink production in agriculture, horticulture or viticulture in Sussex.

The hotly contended Sussex Young Chef of the Year cook off takes place next week and the six chefs competing this year are Lucas Fielding from The Cat Inn in West Hoathly, Dan Ibbotson from etch. in Brighton & Hove, Ben Lippett from 64 Degress in Brighton & Hove, Isabella Racagna from Farmer, Butcher, Chef in Goodwood, Charlie Simmons from Rathfinny Tasting Room in Alfriston and Ben Welfare from The Preston Park Tavern in Brighton & Hove.

Lead judge is nationally acclaimed chef and Great British Menu Winner, Matt Gillan from Electro Pirate who will be accompanied by George Blogg from Gravetye Manor near East Grinstead, Tristan Mason from Restaurant Tristan in Horsham, Daniel Clifford from the renowned two Michelin star Midsummer House in Cambridge and Fran Villani, Food Blogger and designer in Brighton. Sponsor and former restaurateur Adrian Burr from Blakes Foods will join the judging panel and all are excited to see who will win this coveted title for 2019.

All 30 Grand Finalists will be invited to join over 350 leaders in the food, drink and farming industry at the awards banquet on May 15 to discover who will be crowned overall winner of Young Sussex Farmer, food producer, drink producer, young chef, farmers market, food shop, butcher, eating experience, street food and newcomer of the year.

To book tickets for the 2019 awards banquet and celebrate the very best in Sussex food and drink visit www.sussexfoodawards.biz

The 2019 Grand Finalists, strictly in alphabetical order, are:

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

Goodwood Home Farm, Goodwood, West Sussex

Jengers Craft Bakery, Billingshurst, West Sussex

Real Patisserie, Brighton & Hove

Sussex Drink Producer of the Year, sponsored by Natural PR

Bolney Wine Estate, Bolney, West Sussex

Brighton Gin, Brighton & Hove

Langham Brewery, Lodsworth, West Sussex

Young Sussex Farmer of the Year, sponsored by The South of England Agricultural Society in association with Farmers Weekly magazine

Rachel Knowles, Trenchmore Farm, Cowfold, West Sussex

Kate Lywood, Marshalls Farm, Kirdford, West Sussex

Stephen Rusling, Holmsted Farm, Haywards Heath, West Sussex

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

Chichester Farmers Market, West Sussex

Lewes Farmers Market, Cliffe Precinct, East Sussex

Shoreham Farmers Market, West Sussex

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

Cowdray Farm Shop, Midhurst, West Sussex

Jeremy’s Two, Cowfold, West Sussex

Stansted Park Farm Shop, Stansted Park, West Sussex

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

Cottenham’s of Lindfield, Lindfield, West Sussex

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

The Butcher and Deli, Rustington, West Sussex

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

etch. by Steven Edwards, Brighton & Hove

Farmer, Butcher, Chef, Goodwood, West Sussex

The Parsons Table, Arundel, West Sussex

Sussex Newcomer of the Year, sponsored by SRC-Time

Lorama Foods, Bosham, West Sussex

Skylark Cafe Restaurant, Eastbourne, East Sussex

Pollyanna’s Kitchen, West Chiltington, West Sussex

Sussex Street Food of the Year, sponsored by Horsham District Foodies supported by Food Rocks

Garlic Wood Events, Shipley, West Sussex

Mann and Moore, Horsham, West Sussex

The BBQ Project, St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex

Coast to Capital Launch Brexit Week to support regional businesses

Coast to Capital Launch Brexit Week to support regional businesses

The Coast to Capital Growth Hub is holding a Brexit Week where there will be scheduled 1 to 1 clinics for businesses to come and discuss Brexit concerns with our Account Managers.

In addition, outside specialists are available on selective days to add support and insight with regards to International Trade Issues, Tax implications and the impact of Brexit on commercial contracts.

These Clinics are taking place on Tuesday 18th, Wednesday 19th and Thursday 20th of March in:

• Chichester at Freedom Works,

• Croydon SINC and

• Brighton NatWest Accelerator

There are only 10 appointments available each day so if your business is interested in finding out more or booking an appointment, please call the Growth Hub on 01403 333840 or visit http://www.c2cbusiness.org.uk/event/1552953600/brexit-week.html

Next Generation: free start-up course for young entrepreneurs aged 16-30

Next Generation: free start-up course for young entrepreneurs aged 16-30.

These free courses from Next Generation are for aspiring entrepreneurs aged 16-30, dreaming about starting their own business, developing an existing business idea, or setting up a side-hustle.

The free course will run in London, Brighton, Birmingham, Manchester, Reading and Cardiff in Q1 and Q2. Find out more about Next Generation courses and course content here.

Testimonials from previous workshop attendees:

‘We attended the workshop and as a result we have launched our business! The workshops certainly

empower young start-ups and inspire businesses like us to dream big.’ Joe Taylo - EJ events

‘I loved the workshops, they empowered me to talk confidently to others about my business. I learnt so

much from Henry and heard from many inspiring speakers too. I left the workshops feeling happy,

inspired and energised. I would recommend the workshops to anyone aged 16-30 who want to start

something!’ Amy Hopson – Mindful Makes.

Sign up here.

Local School Students in Brighton Become Role Models

Local School Students in Brighton Become Role Models

Local year 9 students learnt how to be role models for younger students as part of an on-going programme to improve their confidence and resilience. Students, aged between 13 and 14, are taking part in the inspirational Be the Change programme, which is happening for the first time in Brighton.

The students were encouraged to become positive role models and were taught that by working together they can have a positive influence and impact in their respective schools and communities. Overall the conference helps the young people to develop life skills and create positive cycles. The year 9 students were also taken by surprise and were joined by local primary school students for them to mentor at the Brighton Racecourse on Friday, March 1.

Organised by LoveLocalJobs.com in partnership with Graham Moore of metamoorephosis, the programme has more than 40 volunteers from local businesses and the public sector acting as business guides helping young people fulfil their potential and improve their life chances. Be the Change focuses on happiness, confidence, hope, relationships and employability by identifying and removing barriers to success, encouraging self-belief and raising aspirations. Over the course of the school year the students work with the business volunteers at inspirational conferences, one-to-one mentoring sessions and workplace visits.

This year’s programme would not be possible without support from this year’s sponsors: Sussex Police, Brandwatch, American Express, Legal and General, Focus Group and Brighton & Hove City Council.

Graham, who expertly led the delivery on the day said: “Our vision is for every young person to have raised hope and confidence, to have the chance to develop life skills and create positive cycles that will prepare them for life. Working with the younger children brings out the positive role model in our students. It promotes qualities such as leadership, team working and a sense of responsibility to those around them, especially younger and more vulnerable people. This activity also offers a great chance for the younger students to develop their confidence and experience of being around secondary school students in preparation for moving into higher education.”

David Reynolds, CFO of headline sponsor Brandwatch said: "As soon as we heard about the Be The Change programme we wanted to get involved. It has been great to work with some really inspiring school children across Brighton on building their confidence and creating aspirations for the future. A truly great initiative and we are proud to be part of it."

The secondary schools involved in this year’s programme are: Blatchington Mill, PACA, Varndean, Hove Park, Kings School, Longhill High School, Cardinal Newman and Dorothy Stringer. Year 6 primary school students took part in the Stepping Up activity from Downs Junior School.

‘SLEEP SAFE’ CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE AT RISK OF HOMELESSNESS

‘SLEEP SAFE’ CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE AT RISK OF HOMELESSNESS

Local homeless charity Sussex Nightstop are marking their 10-year anniversary by launching their ‘Sleep Safe’ campaign. The campaign will raise awareness of the many young people in Sussex at risk of homelessness, often as young as 16 years old.

With rates of homelessness on the increase, young people are particularly vulnerable to becoming homeless, especially when family breakdown is involved.

Research points to as many as one in five young people finding themselves in the unpredictable and risky situation of sofa-surfing and of these, roughly half will have sofa-surfed for more than a month.

Government data for 2017 illustrates Brighton had the second highest level of recorded rough sleepers in the country after Westminster. At 178 individuals, this represents a 24% increase on the previous year. Six percent of these people were under 26 years old.

Sleeping rough and other temporary living arrangements have a considerable and chronic negative effect. More than half of young people involved in 2017 research by homelessness charity De Paul UK said that not having a stable place to live had damaged their mental or emotional health, and the majority said that their physical wellbeing had suffered. Nearly half said that temporary living had had a negative impact on their relationships and more than four in 10 said it had damaged their education or their ability to find or keep work.

However, Sussex Nightstop provides a safety net for these young people, preventing them from becoming homeless. The charity matches vulnerable young people (aged 16-25) with volunteer hosts who put them up in their spare room, on a night-by-night basis. This gives the young person a safe space to resolve their housing problems, so they don’t risk spiralling into long-term homelessness or the dangers of rough sleeping.

The ‘Sleep Safe’ campaign is urging people to help alleviate this often-hidden problem of youth homelessness by supporting Sussex Nightstop’s work. The ‘Sleep Safe’ campaign will also raise £10,000 towards developing and delivering our services to young people including the recruitment and training of more volunteer hosts.

Sussex Nightstop are calling on commercial organisations and the Sussex community to get behind their fundraising campaign and help them in their ambition to have a safe bed available on every night of the week.

The work Sussex Nightstop does with vulnerable young people has already had very tangible results during their 10 years of operation:

• Since the project began, they have received 750 referrals of young people and matched 3000 bed nights to 345 young people.

• 45% of young people accessing Nightstop are in work or learning.

• 90% of young people using the Sussex Nightstop service go on to secure safer, more suitable housing.

Sussex Nightstop Executive Director Alison Marino said: “I am delighted to be celebrating our 10 year anniversary. The achievements accomplished through the efforts of our local volunteers and the Sussex Nightstop team cannot be underestimated.

“However, there is more work for us to do. We see first-hand the increasing and deepening challenges that young people face with regard to securing a safe and stable place to live. We need to continue to be there for them. We have tasked ourselves in providing a service that supports a range of different needs and we want to develop our volunteer host pool, both in numbers and skills. All of this will enable us to reach more people and move towards our goal of offering a safe bed night every night.

“The Sleep Safe campaign– the messages it spreads and the funds it raises – will help us towards our goal. People have real concern for this issue and on behalf of Sussex Nightstop I offer encouragement and thanks for supporting our campaign.”

A young person who has used Sussex Nightstop’s service said: “Thanks to you guys I achieved the impossible, I’m now living in Central Brighton. You gave me the strength to fight. Thank you so much for giving me a unique look into your family and home.”

One of Sussex Nightstop’s volunteer hosts, Liz, said: “Most of us are concerned about the growing plight of young people who cannot rely on having somewhere to sleep every night. Being able to offer them a warm welcome, a hot meal, and a bed so that they feel safe is such a rewarding yet easy thing to do. As hosts we’ve seen ourselves the positive difference Sussex Nightstop makes to the young people who have stayed with us. We hope the Sleep Safe campaign will help Nightstop to continue to be there for young people when they need it most.”

People who want to support Sussex Nightstop’s work can do this by donating to the ‘Sleep Safe’ campaign, by becoming a volunteer host, fundraising for us or by simply spreading the word about youth homelessness.

If you think you can help Sussex Nightstop raise £10,000 in their tenth-year visit: www.sussexnightstop.org.uk

*Event* Helping food businesses to ditch pointless plastic

Helping food businesses to ditch pointless plastic

Please note, this event is for food-serving businesses (restaurants, cafes, takeaways, hotels, schools, workplaces, venues, events, festivals), waste experts and sustainability managers. We know there is a lot of interest around plastics generally but tickets are limited so we ask that food businesses have access to the tickets first. Thank you!

Brighton & Hove Food Partnership and Brighton & Hove City Council are running this event to bring together food-serving businesses from across Brighton, Hove and beyond to address the pressing issue of reducing single-use plastics (SUPs). This will be a place for providing useful information and inspiration for businesses. We would like all businesses to feel welcome, from those that are just starting out to those that are plastic-free. There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for all types of business or event, but there are a few key things that most businesses can do to make a significant difference by following the waste mantra: Remove and Reduce, Promote Reuse, and Recycle.

We have two excellent guest speakers and then you'll have the opportunity to hear from five businesses about their journey in reducing plastic. There will be lots of opportunity for discussions and networking with other businesses and plastics experts. Plus, we will have a number of stalls where you can meet the suppliers, hear about local environmental campaigns and discover more about waste collections and composting.

Guest speaker: Claire Potter

We are excited to present Claire Potter, award-winning sustainable and circular economy designer with a passion and expertise around ocean plastics. Claire will help set the scene, share why it’s important to be taking action and talk us through what is being done already to tackle this important issue, including the campaign that she founded, Plastic Free Pledge.

Guest speaker: Cat Fletcher

Cat is a local hero and resource goddess. Founder of Freegle (with 2.6 million members), Reuse Manager for Brighton & Hove City Council and the driving force behind the award-winning Waste House and the City Reuse Depot. Cat can clear up any confusions over compostable vs biodegradable, address whether there is any such thing as the ‘best plastic’ and tackle what you should be doing with that Vegware you’ve invested in.

Discussion groups will focus on five key areas:

1) Deposit Return Schemes (return, recycle, reuse)

2) Promoting Bring Your Own (cup, lunchbox, water bottle, bag)

3) Disposables (cups, cutlery, straws, sachets, stirrers, containers)

4) Packaging and bags

5) Group buying across city or region (reducing cost of buying ethical disposables)

This event is open to all food serving businesses: restaurants, cafes, takeaways, hotels, venues, workplaces, schools, hospitals, colleges, universities and retailers. Plus, event organisers for big outdoor events/festivals, Procurement Officers, Facilities Managers, Sustainability / Environmental Managers and waste experts.

Places will fill up fast and are limited, so please book on today.

Thank you to Sodexo Prestige at Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club for hosting this event .

To book a place, click here.

New campaign highlights dangers of social media for road users

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.

https://www.paxton.co.uk

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.

Find out more and book your place today!

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.”