PR and styling workshop to help Brighton brands get noticed

PR and styling workshop to help Brighton brands get noticed

PR and product styling workshop aimed at independent brands and small businesses in Brighton

Wednesday 17th April 2019 6:30-9pm at The Projects, Brighton

In April, an interactive PR and product styling workshop is taking place in Brighton. It aims to help Brighton’s independent lifestyle brands do their PR in-house, gaining valuable press coverage with no agency fees.

The 2.5-hour workshop will be hosted by PR expert and This Is Publicity founder Jasmin Robertson, and award-winning interior stylist, journalist and blogger, Maxine Brady.

Attendees will receive expert advice on how to get their brand coverage, covering topics including press releases, pitching etiquette and product styling and photography.

Jasmin and Maxine have more than 30 years joint industry experience, working for both brands and media titles. They decided to launch this workshop when they noticed so many small brands struggling for exposure.

“Brighton is best known for its independent shops, start-ups and solo-preneurs, but most aren’t getting the recognition they deserve. We want to give them confidence and practical skills to pitch to media in ways that work.’ says Jasmin.

“Coverage can help drive sales and awareness, but when times are tough PR is often the first thing to get cut. We know so many small businesses who need support but simply cannot afford agency fees. Our workshop will help brands get to grips with running their own marketing at a fraction of the cost.”

Maxine added, “I’ve styled shoots and written for all the leading UK titles. Every day, I see so many small brands with great products making basic mistakes when talking to the press. We understand that small businesses owners are short on time and money and need simple marketing solutions. With our tips, I’m confident Brighton’s small brands can compete with the high street for exposure in the national press.”

To support the practical workshop content, a number of journalists and bloggers were asked to share their thoughts on how they like to be contacted by brands.

According to Jasmin, “Their comments highlight just how much the media land scape is changing and how brands need to adapt. It’s clear there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but there are still key criteria. We’re offering plenty of advice on how to nail the basics and develop those all-important relationships.”

The Style + Pitch workshop will take place from 6.30-9pm on Wednesday 17th April 2019 at The Projects, 8-9 Ship Street, Brighton, BN1 1AD.

Tickets cost £99.99 and are available to buy via Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/style-pitch-get-your-lifestyle-brand-noticed-by-editors-tickets-54560160910).

Barclays Announces £14bn Fund to Help Businesses Succeed After Brexit

https://home.barclays/news/2019/04/sme-lending-fund/

Barclays Bank has announced it is establishing a new £14 billion lending fund which forms part of an overarching initiative designed to help small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) ‘flourish’ after Brexit.

Focused on building SME resilience during uncertain times, the package of support includes:

• A £14 billion dedicated lending fund for those businesses that are deemed important to the UK economy (turnover of £0-£25 million).

• More than 100 SME Brexit clinics and seminars being run in local communities across the country.

• An established network of on-the-ground relationship management experts and industry specialists, based across the UK.

The bank says these initiatives are designed to help SMEs think about managing cash-flow and working capital, as well as exporting goods abroad, labour, supply chain management, and broader issues of preparedness.

This fund is intended for SMEs at several stages of growth and development. It includes a range of business lending services, including:

• Business loans, commercial mortgages and overdrafts up to £250,000 working capital.

• Cash flow funding for investment in growth, management buyouts and business acquisition.

• Loans for innovative businesses looking for growth funding, capital and environmental investment.

• Maximising government schemes like The Enterprise Finance Guarantee programme.

Launching the fund, Barclays Group CEO Jes Staley, said:

"Barclays stands ready to help local businesses in towns, cities and rural communities, up and down the country, during this period of uncertainty.

"Today’s £14bn fund, along with our broader package of support, shows our commitment to the local businesses that are the backbone of the UK economy – we are here to help them plan for the future and invest for growth."

Growthdeck to make EIS investment in Brighton based high fashion glasses and sunglasses brand Kirk & Kirk

Growthdeck to make EIS investment in high fashion glasses and sunglasses brand Kirk & Kirk

• Chief Designer’s designs have been worn by Elton John, Julia Roberts and U2

• Global eyewear market worth $117bn in 2017

Private equity investment firm Growthdeck has launched an EIS-qualifying investment opportunity in high fashion boutique glasses and sunglasses brand Kirk & Kirk.

Brighton-based Kirk & Kirk produces a distinctive range of luxury glasses and sunglasses. Chief Designer Karen Kirk’s designs have been worn by Elton John, Julia Roberts, U2 and Oasis, amongst others. The glasses worn by Gary Oldman in the Batman films were also designed by her and Prue Leith wore a number of Kirk & Kirk frames on the recent series of The Great British Bake Off.

Kirk & Kirk’s frames are handmade in France using a specialist high-grade acrylic sourced from Italy, which is lightweight and has a distinct colour palette.

The company is seeking £1.07m in funding. The business has grown organically since it was founded in 2013 and funding will be used to launch an online-only retail collection, design a new collection for 2020, and updating the company’s IT infrastructure.

Kirk & Kirk has increased sales by 43% over the year to £752,800 (year-end July 31st), from £525,400 in 2016/17.

Growthdeck says turnover is projected to reach £1.3m in 2019/20 and £6.8m in 2022/23.

The global eyewear market amounted to $117bn in 2017 and is expected to reach $182.4bn by 2023, reflecting the growing demand for premium products. This is part of a broader trend as consumers increasingly move towards innovative fashion styles as opposed to traditional ones.

Gary Robins, Head of Business Development at Growthdeck, says: “Kirk & Kirk is building up a substantial following and has proved its ability to achieve premium pricing for its products.”

At present, wholesale sales to a network of high-end independent opticians account for 90% of turnover. Online sales account for a small proportion of turnover but volumes are expected to rise following investment in the e-commerce platform.

As with all Growthdeck investments, exit plans are clearly laid out, with a trade sale exit targeted in 2022. The target exit offers investors’ the prospect 9.2 times money when initial EIS income tax relief is taken into account.

Kirk & Kirk was founded by:

• Karen Kirk, Co-Founder and Designer, is an award-winning designer responsible for the design of all ranges. Karen has been designing since co-founding Kirk Originals with Jason in 1992. Prior to this, Karen held design roles at Saatchi & Saatchi

• Jason Kirk, Co-Founder and MD, oversees operations and is responsible for the manufacturing and sales functions of the business. Jason co-founded Kirk Originals with Karen in 1992. Prior to this, Jason was a marketing consultant at L’Oreal UK

Karen and Jason Kirk previously founded Kirk Originals in 1992. They exited in 2013 to found Kirk & Kirk.

Growthdeck is a private investor network offering tax-efficient private equity investments in growth businesses to high net worth and sophisticated investors. Growthdeck was founded by a highly experienced team, including private equity veteran Gary Robins, formerly of 3i, Hotbed and Rockpool, along with James Wrighton, a digital marketing specialist who has developed digital channels for financial institutions including Barclays, Coutts, UBS and Credit Suisse.

Growthdeck has previously completed successful fundraises for growth businesses including boutique gin brand Pinkster, and high-end gym chain One Rebel. Previously Gary has led investments in fast-growth companies such as:

• The Hoxton, the boutique hotel in Shoreditch

• Gymbox, the specialist London gym business

Gary Robins adds: “Turnover is built on sales to an extremely solid network of independent opticians who are increasingly seeking eyewear ranges that stand out to consumers. There is also significant capacity for growth in online sales which management is looking to develop.”

“The exit for this investment could be a trade sale to a competitor or to a private equity house, with any buyer likely to be attracted by the strong brand and global sales profile of Kirk & Kirk.”

The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) is an investment scheme which allows private investors to make tax savings by investing in growth businesses. The EIS allows investors to:

• Invest up to £1million per annum

• Reclaim 30% of the cost of investment against their income tax bill

• To not pay Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on any gains realised after three years

• Claim further income tax relief should an investment result in any form of loss

• Defer capital gains tax due on the sale of another asset by re-investing the gain in an EIS-qualifying company

• Save inheritance tax on any EIS-qualifying shares held for over two years

ENDS

About Growthdeck

Growthdeck offers equity investments in new and more established UK businesses to Sophisticated and High Net Worth Investors, with minimum investment of £5,000.

The company offers a comprehensive service to investors, including detailed upfront due diligence on all investee businesses, post-investment monitoring and reporting and a strong focus on achieving an exit for investors. Its focus is on long-term business viability: companies must have strong management, realistic business plans and operate in growth sectors. The majority of its investment opportunities will be eligible for tax breaks under the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) or Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS).

This article is for information and discussion purposes only and does not form a recommendation to invest or otherwise. The value of an investment may fall. Your capital is at risk. The investments referred to in this article may not be suitable for all investors, and if in doubt, an investor should seek advice from a qualified investment adviser.

Coast to Capital's latest newsletter out now

The latest Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership roundup has some great regional insight - including:

• Cleaner energy strategy

• The future of towns and cities

• Board moves

• Manor Royal BID gets a new entrance

• Spotlight on Brexit

To download your copy, click here.

Getting A Kick Out Of Helping Brighton & Hove’s Young Homeless

Getting A Kick Out Of Helping Brighton & Hove’s Young Homeless

Brighton based Digital Marketing agency ThoughtShift is hosting a 5-a-side football tournament to raise funds for local homelessness charity, The Clock Tower Sanctuary, on Thursday 18th April.

Brighton has the second highest homeless population in England, and the number continues to rise each year. A large number of homeless are young people under 25 who have fallen into this situation through no fault of their own; typically they come from broken or dysfunctional homes, have experienced neglect or abuse, or are suffering with behavioural or mental problems that have made family life unmanageable. Last year over 1000 young people sought help from Brighton & Hove Council for homelessness, a worrying 40% increase in the last 2 years.

The ThoughtShift Charity Shield is in its second year and is the brain child of the company’s Talent & Culture Director, Heather Mbarek and Managing Director AJ Coutts, as part of its wellbeing programme.

Speaking about the forthcoming event in April, Heather commented “ThoughtShift is a forward-thinking digital marketing agency in which the happiness of our clients and team is a guiding principle. We feel that as a local business we have a responsibility to extend this ethos to our great city by giving something back. What better way to do this than support the area’s young and vulnerable by getting the local business community together for a charity football tournament, raise some money for an incredible local charity and have some fun at the same time.”

Speaking on behalf of The Clocktower Sanctuary, Development Manager Katya Borowski said “We are thrilled to once again have the support of ThoughShift. Worryingly, the age of our clients is getting younger – last year 21% of our new clients were 17-and 18-year olds, that’s an 11% increase on the year before. Our help, and your support is needed now more than ever. Events like this are a great way of getting likeminded businesses together to raise awareness and support for such an important cause.”

The event is being held at Dorothy Stringer School on the afternoon of Thursday 18th April from 1.30pm and will be umpired by FA official referees. Local businesses are invited to get involved and put forward a team towards what should be a memorable event for this amazing cause. There will be trophies for the winning team, the runner up and Man/ Woman of the Match.

Last years winners, Plus Accounting will be defending their title against both previous participants and teams new to the tournament this year including RocketMill, Trusted Housesitters, NatWest Accelerator, Futrli, Seed Publicity, ABN AMRO, Inshur and iCrossing. Vicky King of Plus Accounting commented “As the inaugural winner of the ThoughtShift Charity Shield, the team are eagerly awaiting their chance to retain the title! It was a great event last year and the impact it had on the office atmosphere was amazing, with the added bonus of supporting a brilliant local charity. We are ready to go again and face the other teams in the competition - we have even splashed out some new kits!”

Rowena Heal of RocketMill said “RocketMill participated in this event in 2018 and the team loved it. Those who took part really enjoyed the afternoon and everyone in the office was glued to Twitter, keeping an eye on the score and cheering/booing in the right places! We think it’s great that ThoughtShift has facilitated an event that brings businesses together and raises money for a great cause. We’re excited to be a part of it again in 2019!”

For more details or to or sponsor the ThoughtShift Charity Football Tournament, contact Heather Mbarek on 01273 006 099 or e-mail heather@thoughtshift.co.uk

East Sussex County Council release regional transport newsletter

The Easy Sussex County Council Newsletter 'Connections' is full of news and views from Transport for the South East.

Click here if you are interested in contributing to the Freight/Logistics Survey – deadline 31/3? If not, there's still lots to see with articles on:

Developing a transport strategy

Your views on freight & logistics challenges

Securing statutory status by 2020

RAIL: Response to Williams Review

ROADS: Top ten investment schemes to be submitted this summer

Click here to view.

Gatwick Airpoirt and DIT Launch International Trade Fair Competition

Competition to win £2000 towards flights, hotel and entry to an international trade fair

https://www.gatwickairport.com/trademissions

Gatwick contributes £5.3bn to the economy and - like the airport - local businesses and SMEs are vital engines that help to drive the region’s economy.

To help support local businesses, they spend around £135 million directly with local and regional suppliers each year because the airport actively focuses on supporting and improving opportunities for local business to supply the airport.

A large proportion of Gatwick’s goods and services are procured through long term framework contracts, so they can form strong partnerships and many of these partners are locally based. They work closely with all of their partners to encourage and develop a strong and sustainable local supply chain.

To provide further support to local businesses, Gatwick has embarked on a partnership with the Department of International Trade (DiT). The mark the start of this partnership they have launched a competition to offer three local SMEs the chance to apply to visit an international trade fair relevant to their sector.

An SME is a company with fewer than 250 employees and which has either (a) an annual turnover not exceeding £40m or (b) an annual balance-sheet total not exceeding £34m.

If you are an SME in Sussex, Kent, Surrey and Croydon then now's your chance to enter the competition to win flights and a hotel for two people to attend a trade show of your choice*, including the cost of airfares and contributions towards accommodation and/or exhibition fees.

You simply need to choose from the list of trade shows and tell us why your company would benefit from attending the trade fair in 150 words or less. What have you got to lose?

Trade fairs

Below are just a few of the upcoming international trade fairs.

Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair

Where: Hong Kong, 27-30 April 2019

The Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair's mission is to explore opportunities for Hong Kong companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and connect them with business partners around the world.

International Defence Industry Fair

Where: Istanbul 30 April - 3 May 2019

The International Defence Industry Fair provides the opportunity to follow up on technological developments in industry as well as build international collaboration in supply programs.

HOFEX

Where: Hong Kong 7-10 May 2019

HOFEX is Asia’s Leading Food & Hospitality Tradeshow brings the most comprehensive selection of Food & Drinks, Hospitality Equipment & Supplies products to Asia.

International Contemporary Furniture Fair

Where: New York, 19-22 May 2019

ICFF offers an unparalleled opportunity to view innovative furniture design trends as well as interactive, educational programming led by some of industry's top leading designers and icons.

EVS32

Where: Lyon, 20-22 May 2019

EVS is the leading international electric mobility show, exploring vehicle battery technology, modes of transport, charging facilities and public policy.

CineGear

Where: Los Angeles, 31 May-1 June 2019

Cine Gear Expo is the premier event for the technology, entertainment and media industry with dedicated specialists from all major department in media attending.

Greentech

Where: Amsterdam, 10-16 June 2019

GreenTech Amsterdam is the place to be if you're a professional in the horticulture industry, where you can make profitable business relationships, exchange ideas and learn all about the latest in horticulture technology.

Pitti Imagine Uomo Summer

Where: Florence 12-15 June 2019

Pitti Immagine Uomo Summer aims to create clear and stimulating relationships in the worldwide fashion industry involving the exhibitors, their collections and the buyers and public, by offering information, and knowledge.

Paris Airshow

Where: Paris 17-23 June

The Paris Airshow will bring together all the players in this global industry around the latest technological innovations.

Cannes Lions

Where: Cannes, 17-21 June 2019

Cannes Lions explores the value of creativity in branded communications: from product and service development to the creative strategy, execution and impact.

ITMA

Where: Barcelona, 20-27 June 2019

ITMA is the trendsetting textile and garment technology platform where the industry converges every four years to explore fresh ideas, effective solutions and collaborative partnerships for business growth.

Summer Fancy Food

Where: New York, 23-25 June 2019

The Summer Fancy Food Show is the largest specialty food industry event in North America, and the premier showcase for industry innovation.

Laserworld of Photonics

Where: Munich, 24-27 June 2019

The world's leading Trade Fair with Congress for Photonics Components, Systems and Applications.

ChemSpec Europe

Where: Basel, 26-27 June 2019

Chemspec Europe brings together experts, scientists, managers and thought-leaders to discuss the latest market trends in technology, business opportunities and reglutory issues.

Pitti Imagine Bimbo Summer

Where: Florence 28 June - 2 July 2019

Pitti Immagine Bimbo is the key international fashion industry fair for the kids’ hemisphere. It has become an unmissable event for buyers from the top department stores, boutiques, concept stores and the e-commerce sites.

FOOD WASTE TO COMMUNITY ENERGY IN BRIGHTON & HOVE

FOOD WASTE TO COMMUNITY ENERGY IN BRIGHTON & HOVE

Brighton and Hove has lots of hotels, restaurants and pubs, and our local businesses produce large amounts of food waste which is simply thrown away. This is a lost opportunity – why not use this important resource to generate low cost gas for our local community?

BHESCo is partnering with Brighton Paper Round to collect 35,000 tonnes of food and agricultural waste each year to supply biogas for approximately 10,000 homes.

Generating low cost, low-carbon energy will improve the quality of life of those unable to afford current fuel costs as well as contributing to a more sustainable future for Brighton and Hove.

We're holding an event for all of our stakeholders in March to explain how and why your business should get involved. The event is aimed at:

Restaurants, hotels, pubs, fast-food outlets, supermarkets and other shops that produce food waste

Food and drink manufacturers

Food and drink wholesalers

Event organisers

Social enterprises and local groups

Local authorities

Waste collection and waste management companies

If you're involved with a business in the local area and would like to donate waste food to this unique community initiative then come along to our meeting to discover how and why you should get involved.

More info on our dedicated project page: https://bhesco.co.uk/food-waste

BRASS MONKEY TO OPEN SECOND BRIGHTON STORE AT REDEVCO’S HANNINGTONS ESTATE

BRASS MONKEY TO OPEN SECOND BRIGHTON STORE AT REDEVCO’S HANNINGTONS ESTATE

Independent artisan ice cream maker Brass Monkey is teaming up with micro roasters Pharmacie and opening a second Brighton store within Hanningtons Lane.

Brass Monkey’s existing Kensington Gardens store, within the North Laine, has a very loyal following and customers can’t seem to get enough of its organic ice creams, cakes and drinks. The choice of ice-cream flavours changes regularly, but expect cardamon, saffron and rosewater, sweet masala chai and dark chocolate sorbet, rather than the more traditional offer.

Brass Monkey has signed a 5 year lease on 8 Hanningtons Lane, comprising 324 sq ft. The shop has a prominent position within the heart of the new Lane, opposite the Gingerman Restaurant Group’s The Flint House restaurant. It will have outdoor seating and provide a slightly more extensive menu.

Joint owner of Brass Monkey Phil Wood comments, “Andrew Foulds of Redevco walked into the shop one day and loved our ice-cream so much, he persuaded us to come and have a look at the plans for Hanningtons Estate.

Once we had seen the designs for Hanningtons Lane and this unit in particular, we were completely sold! A second store wasn’t yet on our agenda, but this is too good an opportunity to miss and by working with Pharmacie, we hope to offer something really special and unique within the Lanes. I am genuinely excited about being part of Brighton’s new creative retail quarter.”

Pharmacie is an independent environmentally conscious micro-roaster based in Brighton and Hove. The brand currently opens its doors at Cambridge Gardens in Hove to customers only on a Saturday, but also has pop ups and sells its coffee wholesale and online throughout the week.

Work is due to be completed on Hanningtons Lane, which sits behind North Street, in April. Brass Monkey will be fitting out over the coming weeks and hope to be open by May. The Flint House is also opening its doors in April.

For more information visit www.hanningtonsestate.com.

Andrew Foulds, Portfolio Director at Redevco comments, “Brass Monkey is exactly the type of retailer we hoped to attract to Hanningtons Lane. We could have let this unit to national coffee chains 10 x over, but that is not what this

scheme, is about. We are looking to curate a carefully blended mix of tenants, including many independents, which complement the exciting mix of retail already found in the Lanes. We held a retailer day last week, so brands could see the Lane taking shape for the very first time. Some exciting conversations have come out of this and we hope to announce some more new names very soon.”

KLM Retail and GCW advise Redevco.

UK’S NUMBER 1 SCALLOP PORT WELCOMES HOME REGISTERED VESSEL

UK’S NUMBER 1 SCALLOP PORT WELCOMES HOME REGISTERED VESSEL

The fishing vessel ‘Flowing Stream’ has recently chosen a new home at Shoreham Port following a significant refit that began in the spring of 2018. Originally built in the year 2000, the vessel was flagged in from Belgium where it was previously registered to be renovated and renewed to bring it up to new vessel standards. Flowing Stream will join a long line of fishing vessels registered at Shoreham Port that date back to the 13th Century.

Flowing Stream is one of the many scalloping vessels that regularly land in the Port each year, with the Marine Management Organisation’s recently published report revealing that in 2018, 18% of scallops landed in the UK by UK fishing vessels were landed at Shoreham Port, making it the number one scallop Port in the UK. Shoreham Port has seen an influx of scallop landings in the last three years, with an overall landing increase of 37% since 2016 and a catch of 5,817 tonnes of scallops in 2018.

The vessel refit took between eight and nine months and included equipment updates to match health and safety requirements, as well as improvements to crew accommodations and welfare. The trawler is owned by one of the UK’s leading shellfish companies, Macduff, who specialise in processing wild scallops, langoustines, crabs and whelks.

Flowing stream has a gross tonnage of 385 and will continue to trawl for scallops, predominantly fishing in the Eastern English Channel near Shoreham. Trips typically last around a week, with seven to eight crew members on board, but the refitted vessel can accommodate up to nine crew members. Other areas the trawler may travel to include Plymouth, Scarborough, and Scotland.

George West, Head of Fleet Operations at Macduff Shellfish commented “Shoreham has always been a Port which we have long been associated with, but we felt a need to show a greater presence in the community. Throughout the year we rely on local contractors and businesses to keep our vessels operating and our crews serviced properly. Registering a vessel under the Shoreham banner seemed a natural step to improving what is already a mutually beneficial, long lasting relationship.”

Julian Seaman, Harbour Master at Shoreham Port commented “We are very pleased that Macduff have chosen Shoreham as Flowing Stream’s home registered Port and look forward to continue to welcome the vessel in the coming years.”

High growth businesses with an alternative approach to finance: 3 April

High growth businesses with an alternative approach to finance, 3 April

Brighton Chamber’s next event in the series for High Growth businesses is The real fundamentals of finance!

It’s on Wednesday 3 April at Barclays Eagle Labs.

One of the signals that you’re on the path to high growth is when you suddenly start to find business finance sexy. Not all aspects, granted, but this session and its highly experienced panelists will help you understand the areas of focus that will help you fly into the future.

Panellists are:

• Seb Royle, Founder of PLATF9RM

• Hannah Dawson, Founder and CEO at Futrli

• David Biggs, CFO Farewill

• Jonathan Grant, Partner at DMH Stallard

Asking the questions will be Si Conroy from Scarlet Monday

We’ll be discussing:

• Finance for all: It’s when all the members of your team start to embrace the financial fundamentals that you know things are starting to shift

• Sales and finance: Seemingly strange bedfellows, when you get a finance team that can talk the language of sales and then take it to the next level, all manner of magic can happen

• What’s key? Those who have ‘been there and got the t-shirt’ know that the real fundamentals of finance that matter aren’t necessarily what you’d expect

• Looking to sell your business? Gain an understanding of what drives valuations.

• Crystal balls and binoculars: Cash is king for a reason. Without it your business does. Get insights on the importance of future-gazing and forecasting.

Find out more and book your tickets here

Photograph thanks to Simon Callaghan photography. Thanks to the event sponsors Plus Accounting and Barclays Eagle Labs

Brighton & Hove Planning Authority Publish Newsletter

Keeping you up to date with all the latest planning news, click on this link for more detail on:

• The interim Statement of Consultation for the draft City Plan Part 2 (CPP2)

• Shoreham Harbour Joint Area Action Plan (JAAP)

• Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)

• Waste and Minerals Local Plan Review

• Urban Design Framework Supplementary Planning Document (UDF SPD)

• Conway Street Industrial Area Masterplan SPD

• Design Guide for Extensions and Alterations Supplementary Planning Document

• Sustainable Urban Drainage SPD

• 2018 Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment Update

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.