Brighton Summit: Crack on – a quarter of total tickets already sold out

Brighton Summit: Crack on – a quarter of total tickets already sold out

Brighton Chamber has launched Brighton Summit, the seventh annual conference for everyone in and around Brighton who wants to evolve and grow their business. Super Earlybird tickets sold out in record time and a quarter of the total available tickets have already been snapped up for the event, due to be held on Friday 11 October.

The theme this year is ‘Crack on’. It’s all too easy to carry on doing things the same way you always have, to hesitate and make excuses for putting things off. It’s harder to drive forward, and, if necessary, make changes, especially in such uncertain times. But success in business often means overcoming your doubts, ignoring the “what ifs” and just cracking on and doing it.

What “it” is depends on you, your business and your aims. It might be radical or it might be subtle. It could mean taking risks; it could equally mean sticking to your principles. It could be about having a vision; it could be about focusing on people. You can fill in the blanks, but the Summit should give you the motivation to make it happen.

Whatever your interpretation, the determination to get on and make things happen is what makes a business stand out, survive and thrive.

This year’s Brighton Summit: Crack On, is about taking your business, or work, by the scruff of its neck, deciding what you want and going for it.

At the 2017 Brighton Summit, attendees faced uncertainty and ‘Embraced the Unknown’. Last year it was about exploring new ways of working and choosing to ‘Look Up’. In 2019 get inspired to Crack on, step up and get your business moving.

What is Brighton Summit?

Bringing together 400 businesses and entrepreneurs from the city’s diverse business community, it’s a day for strengthening relationships and forging new ones. You’ll get inspiring speakers, expert-led workshops and energising discussions, with plenty of time for networking built in at every turn.

Brighton Summit, which is hosted by Brighton Chamber, celebrates the spirit of our open-minded, quirky city which makes it such a dynamic region to live, work and do business in.

Who is Brighton Summit for?

Brighton Summit is for everyone in and around Brighton who wants to evolve and grow their business. Whether you’re a big business CEO, a not-for-profit, an entrepreneur or an employee, Brighton Summit is for you.

What will I get from Brighton Summit?

Fresh perspectives. New approaches and ways of working. Skills and techniques to help your company thrive. The tools, confidence and inspiration to do things differently. It’s a day for building connections, entertaining new ideas and leaving your comfort zone. It’s the most productive and beneficial day out of the office all year.

Book your place today: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/brighton-summit-crack-on-tickets-58435858225

Join our mailing list for updates: http://eepurl.com/dqRokr

500 employers have signed up to pay the Living Wage in Brighton

500 employers have signed up to pay the Living Wage in Brighton

This week the Brighton & Hove Living Wage campaign reached the milestone of 500 Living Wage employers in the city. The 500th employer to sign up was Emma Cleary, founder of Flexibility Matters. Emma said:

“We believe that in work and life a balance creates a happier, more engaged work force who not only like their work environment but are better retained, more engaged and more productive. Everyone wins! We were keen to join the Living Wage campaign because it is the right way to employ great people and ensure they stay with you. Employee engagement, work and life balance and being aware that you get better results from happier staff.”

To celebrate reaching 500 Living Wage employers in the city Brighton Chamber is hosting a special coffee morning at BrewDog on Wednesday 8 May, so if you're signed up to the campaign you can RSVP here. Meet other Living Wage employers and enjoy cakes from Infinity Foods.

Launched in 2012, the local Living Wage campaign provides an opportunity for employers to show their commitment to paying fair wages. The purpose of the campaign is to position the real Living Wage as the normal accepted minimum for wages in the city. We want everybody to be able to afford a good quality of life instead of just surviving.

Of the 500+ Living Wage employers currently signed up to the Brighton & Hove Living Wage campaign, over 60 sectors are represented. 53 employers are third sector organisations, 44 are retail businesses, 30 are media agencies and 19 are in the hospitality and catering sector. The biggest sector in the local Living Wage campaign is digital, with 65 digital employers signed up to the campaign.

If you pay all your employees over 18 at least £9 per hour you can join the campaign today! It's free to sign up and only takes a minute. Find out more at:

https://www.livingwagebrighton.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/BrightonLivingWage

http://twitter.com/bhlivingwage

Shoreham Port begin recruitment for new CEO

You can download the Person Specification, Job advert and Application form with these links.

Shoreham Port is a highly commercial Trust Port on the South coast of England, steeped in history and firmly rooted at the heart of the community it serves. We aim to be the preferred south coast port for short-sea traffic, marine-related projects and landlord of an extensive commercial estate including specialist sites. The Port is a key local and regional economic driver, employing 120 staff directly, with 1,600 jobs across its footprint.

We have undergone significant growth in recent years and remain on track with the Port Masterplan which has many exciting projects in the pipeline. Last year, around 1,500 commercial shipping movements and over 2 million tonnes of cargo were handled. In addition, we have over 100 tenants in a variety of businesses, generating a combined turnover of c£14m.

We are looking for a Chief Executive who will continue to drive growth, change, innovation and improvement, whilst building and developing effective relationships with our highly valued customers and stakeholders.

As well as senior leadership experience, you need to have outstanding communication skills and be able to represent the Port at the highest levels across the maritime sector, influencing the national maritime landscape and helping to shape the wider supply chain.

Candidates will need to bring a collaborative leadership style, which is positive and upbeat, conducive to inspiring and motivating our staff to successfully deliver our mission and strategy.

Working at Shoreham Port, within the thriving ports sector offers an enticing career opportunity, where an entrepreneurial flair, commercial and financial acumen, inclusive leadership and superb communication skills are highly sought-after.

If you consider you have the qualities, experience and vision that we are looking for, then we would very much like to hear from you. Full details of the role, including the job description and application form are on our website – www.shoreham-port.co.uk/jobs

THE 2019 BRIGHTON AND HOVE BUSINESS AWARDS DEADLINE ONLY 5 WEEKS AWAY

BRIGHTON AND HOVE BUSINESS AWARDS 2019

Celebrating fourteen years in 2019, the Brighton and Hove Business Awards are supported by the city’s leading organisations and are firmly established as a benchmark for excellence in today’s competitive business environment.

Each business can enter up to a maximum of three categories and the entry fee is £50 plus vat per entry.

Entry Deadline: May 8th

Shortlist Announced: June 24th

Ceremony: July 25th

For entry and sponsorship enquiries, email brighton@platinumpublishing.co.uk

BTN BikeShare celebrates 1 million miles of cycling and arrival of new bikes

BTN BikeShare celebrates 1 million miles of cycling and arrival of new bikes

Riders, who have collectively cycled over 1 million miles, to benefit from 120 new bikes arriving this month

BTN BikeShare today announces that the scheme is further expanding, with 120 new bikes rolling out in the coming weeks. This development is in direct response to customer demand, meaning that more bikes will be available to the scheme’s growing user base.

The award-winning scheme, sponsored by American Express and Life Natural Spring Water, has seen upwards of 69,000 users making over 560,000 trips since it launched in September 2017. Together, users have now ridden over 1 million miles – announced on the bike share’s social channels last week.

Further hubs have already been installed in the west of the city, on Preston Street, Connaught Road and Portland Road, including a ‘virtual hub’ outside Portslade train station. The most recent hub was added just last week and services Rottingdean, a much-requested location. Additional sites are planned for later this year, with the aim to reach even more members of the community who will benefit from bike sharing.

Tim Caswell, MD of Hourbike, the company operating the scheme, said: “We’re thrilled to be expanding BTN BikeShare and hope that it will encourage even more people to cycle in and around Brighton & Hove. Thanks to the ongoing support from Brighton & Hove City Council we will have an additional 120 bikes in circulation, allowing us to service even more residents, commuters and visitors without impacting the availability of the bikes elsewhere in the city.”

New Just Text Giving Number announced to help ensure donations to the homless help most

The successful campaign to encourage the pubic and businesses to give to homeless charities rather than the street community has just announced a change to the numbers.

The JustTextGiving number will change as of 1st April to text 19UMCC 3,5,10 or 20 to 70085 for a £3,£5,£10 or £20 donation. 

To find out more, click on this link to view the latest info.

SINC Event: Panel of experts to advise SMEs on the impacts of Brexit, “deal or no deal”.

We now know that the UK won't be leaving the EU on March 29th. The deadline may have been extended to April 12th but it's still unclear what will happen. Whatever the outcome, it will impact on SMEs so we're holding a special Knowledge Hub with a panel of experts to help you to plan a secure future for your business.

Speakers include:

Internalysis - Interanalysis' TradeSift software is designed to enable robust and consistent analysis of trade data and trade policy choices. The team, through their work with the UK Trade Policy Observatory, have been advising parliament throughout the Brexit negotiations.

FermionX - FermionX are an electronic manufacturing company with over 30 years experience and with vast expertise in managing international supply chains.

Lewis Silkin LLP - Lewis Silkin are a commercial law firm that specialise in immigration. They advise UK businesses that employ EU staff on the implications of Brexit.

There will be an opportunity for Q&A with all our speakers as well as Ian Purseglove from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/knowledge-hub-practical-planning-for-businesses-post-brexit-tickets-58426401941

SHOREHAM PORT PREPARES FOR CHANGE IN LEADERSHIP

SHOREHAM PORT PREPARES FOR CHANGE IN LEADERSHIP

After a decade of service at Shoreham Port, Rodney Lunn the Chief Executive has decided that he intends to leave the Port at the end of the year. This creates a rare opportunity for new leadership at Shoreham Port. Rodney will remain in his current position until December, allowing ample time for a successor to be appointed.

During his tenure, Shoreham Port has seen a 75% growth in revenue from £8 million to £14 million, through a focussed diversification of business and a relentless drive for continuous improvement. Last year, around 1,500 commercial shipping movements and over 2 million tonnes of cargo were handled.

Additionally, the Port now has a thriving tenant community with over 100 businesses and 1,500 jobs across its estate. The Port Masterplan remains on track with strategic land purchases and development of key sites, for example the Lady Bee Enterprise Centre, a new commercial estate on an area of reclaimed land near the lock gates will be completed in May 2019.

Rodney’s mantra has always been that the Port may not be the biggest Port in country, but will strive to be the best. This has meant hiring the best staff and training everyone to deliver a first class service to their customers. As a Trust Port, building relationships with the Port’s eclectic mix of stakeholders and delivering meaningful community partnerships has also been a priority for Rodney.

Amber Foster, Chair of Shoreham Port said “Rodney has taken the Port from strength to strength and will be greatly missed. He has made a tremendous contribution to Shoreham Port, to its stakeholders and to the Port sector as a whole. Thanks to his leadership, we are well on the way to delivering the Masterplan, the Port’s relationship with its stakeholders has been transformed and he leaves us in a position ready to move onto our next stage of development. It’s a legacy of which he should be very proud. Rodney will leave Shoreham Port in a very strong position for the next Chief Executive to capitalise on for the future. The Board and I would like to thank him for this and we wish him well with his future endeavours.”

Rodney Lunn said “It has been a great privilege to be the Chief Executive of Shoreham Port over the past decade, and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with an enthusiastic and committed team. We have achieved great success together, however, I believe the time is now right to step aside and hand the baton over to a new leader, to ensure new ideas and fresh perspectives are brought to the Port. We have 120 fantastic staff members and I am confident that the Port will continue to thrive and remain a key local and regional economic driver.”

The Chief Executive vacancy will be advertised from the beginning of April on the Port’s website – www.shoreham-port.co.uk/jobs

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