Coast to Capital ESF Call Launch Event - Wednesday 16 October

Invitation: Coast to Capital ESF Call Launch Event - Wednesday 16 October

Coast to Capital LEP are hosting an event to launch two new ESF Direct calls, worth a total £4 million ESF on Wednesday 16 October between 10.00am and 1.00pm at Longley Building, Crawley College, College Road, Crawley RH10 1NR.

Digital Skills

• £2 million ESF, Investment Priorities 2.1 and 2.2

• Under this Call we aim to fund projects that will support SME’s to identify digital training needs, and provide training for employees to develop their digital skills.

• More details on the Call will be available in the Call specification, which is due to be published w/c 7 October 2019.

Skills for the Mature Workforce

• £2 million ESF, Investment Priority 2.1

• Under this Call we aim to fund projects that will support the careers of older workers in Coast to Capital through a variety of activities and provision.

• More details on the Call will be available in the Call specification, which is due to be published w/c 14 October 2019.

More information can be found on the Coast to Capital website, where links to the Call specifications will be available once published.

The event will be an opportunity for prospective applicants to hear more about the Direct Calls, ask eligibility and match funding questions, make contact with potential partners and develop project ideas.

An agenda for the day will be circulated to all confirmed delegates closer to the event date.

To register, please click here.

First HIV-themed bus for Brighton & Hove

First HIV-themed bus for Brighton & Hove

One of only a handful of HIV-themed public buses in the world, and the only one in Brighton & Hove, will be launched this weekend (Saturday 5 October).

Brighton & Hove Buses, the city’s Martin Fisher Foundation and local illustrator Daniel Locke worked together to design and wrap a bus to encourage people to have an HIV test and get treatment if they need it, while tackling some of the myths and stigma that still surround HIV.

The bus is named after Professor Martin Fisher, an outstanding international leader in the field of HIV research and patient care, who built a world-class service in Brighton and was widely loved and respected. Martin sadly died in 2015.

The panels inside the bus talk about Martin’s life, recent advances in HIV treatment and the Foundation’s campaign to boost HIV testing rates and decrease stigma. The bus is emblazoned with purple Queen of the Night tulips, Martin’s favourite flower.

Martin Fisher Foundation Trustee Dr Gill Dean said: “This bus will ensure positive messages about HIV are seen by all, every day throughout Brighton & Hove. This bus is an eye-catching public message with the aim of stopping the stigma surrounding people living with HIV, as well as encouraging people to get tested. What we really want to get across to people is that HIV isn’t scary anymore!”

It’s a message close to Brighton & Hove Buses’ Managing Director Martin Harris’ heart. In 1988 he broke new ground when he wrote one of the first myth-busting AIDS and HIV factsheets in the transport industry to counter the misinformation being spread by the national press at the time.

Martin said the new bus was a continuation of this effort to highlight inaccurate information still out there around HIV, while acknowledging the significant progress made in patient care and treatment.

Martin said: “This new bus is testament to Martin Fisher’s amazing determination and his incredible success in transforming patient care for people living with HIV. I know the people he helped remember him as someone that kept on fighting for them, even when they were too exhausted to fight for themselves.

“We’re proud to be part of the Martin Fisher Foundation’s campaign to encourage people to get tested, get treated and live well. Nobody should feel marginalised or alone with HIV.”

You’re invited to the Professor Martin Fisher bus launch

When: 1pm to 3pm on Saturday 5 October at The Plaza, by the Peace Statue, Hove Lawns

1-2pm: Join us and other local HIV charities

2pm: First bus tour leaves the Peace Statue and sets off on a short seafront tour, guided by artist Dan Locke

2.45pm: Second bus tour leaves the Peace Statue and follows the same route

The Martin Fisher Foundation was founded in 2015 to take forward Martin’s work by promoting his ethos of treating people living with HIV with dignity, compassion and respect. The charity’s vision is to eliminate new HIV cases within a generation, by increasing HIV testing, improving knowledge of HIV, increasing availability PrEP and reducing HIV stigma in Brighton and Hove.

For further information, or to book a place on the bus, please contact Sarah Evans sarah@themartinfisherfoundation.org or 07792 389 157

Small Business Saturday - Brighton Exhibition on Thurs 28th November - exhibition stalls available

Small Business Saturday Bus comes to Brighton

28th November - exhibition stalls available

Thursday 28th November sees the return of the Small Business Saturday bus, only this year it will be pitched up outside the Jubilee Library. The Council are offering 15 exhibition tables that accompany the bus, for businesses to come and promote themselves on the Thursday between 10am – 2pm.

The bus has moved to the Library this year to help support the launch of its new Business & IP Centre for start-up entrepreneurs and small business, in early 2020. This initiative will support entrepreneurs, sole traders and small and medium sized enterprises in the area.

The British Library Business & IP Centre (BIPC) National Network provides entrepreneurs and SMEs with free access to databases, market research and journals worth thousands of pounds. The new centre will be based on the Upper Floor of Jubilee Library. Working with the Council’s Economic Development team and local business support organisations, the centre will offer a programme of free and low-cost workshops on a range of business topics.

If you would like to apply for a stall, there will be no charge but the stall must be manned between 10am to 2pm, then email Economic.Development@brighton-hove.gov.uk

Simon Cowell named patron of Design Brighton

Simon Cowell named patron of Design Brighton

Simon Cowell has been appointed as Founding Patron of Design Brighton, a festival aiming to celebrate urban design and play a positive part in the rejuvenation of the region.

It may sound rather different to life on the BGT or X Factor set but, in fact, property is close to the Cowell family’s heart, and they hail from the Sussex village of Ovingdean, part of the city of Brighton & Hove.

Simon’s brother John is co-founder of Design Brighton alongside Sophie Law-Smith, while his father Eric was involved in the original development of Brighton Marina, which celebrates its 40th anniversary next year.

Simon said: “Brighton holds a very important place within our family because of my Mum and Dad and the time they lived in Brighton. It has always been a special place for me and my family as they absolutely loved living here! So, I’m obviously thrilled to be involved with Design Brighton.”

Design Brighton will take place from 1-4 April 2020 and is billed as more than just a festival.

It will bring together experts, enthusiasts, educationalists, professionals and businesses who all play a vital role in the design of the urban environment.

With support from the Brighton and Hove City Council and the University of Brighton, it has also launched a partnership scheme with events throughout the year.

Co-founder John Cowell added: “It’s fantastic to have Simon on board, which will really boost the profile of the festival.

“As a family we’ve always been involved in property development and design – and I’m not just talking about judge’s houses!

“Design Brighton is a chance to put something back into an area which means a lot to us all.

“Brighton is a special place with so much potential. Our vision is to create a leading design week celebrating the built environment of the region and to promote its global reputation as a city which has design and diversity at its core.”

Brighton & Hove business and coworking community wins two national awards

Brighton & Hove business and coworking community wins two national awards

Brighton & Hove’s largest independent business and coworking community, PLATF9RM, has won two national awards at the Global Coworking Unconference Conference (GCUC).

PLATF9RM won the top award for Best Community Programme, while Best Designed Coworking Space under 10,000 sq ft went to its newly opened ground floor venue in Hove Town Hall.

Announcing the Community Programme award the judges praised PLATF9RM for creating a community that reaches beyond its walls, as well as supporting its members. For example co-creating events with art, culture, education and third sector communities within the city, as well as the more obvious but vital business networks. In recent months these events have been as diverse as workshops with Channel 4 commissioners, fine dining pop-ups and parenting support groups, while last weekend PLATF9RM hosted a conference including a talk from the VP of Twitter Bruce Daisley.

With more than 800 members and two sites across the city - one in Tower Point and one in Hove Town Hall - many of PLATF9RM's events are open to the public as well as members.

In keeping with PLATF9RM’s commitment to bringing unused or unloved buildings back to life, its renovation of the undercroft below Hove Town Hall which opened this Spring won the under 10,000 sq. foot design award. In collaboration with We Like Today, PLATF9RM’s adaptive reuse of the space was recognised for reviving the grandeur and soft-brutalist features of the original building’s 1970s design. Renovations included ripping out false ceilings to expose the original shuttered concrete and lifting the ceilings back to double height. This is contrasted against modern fixtures and bold colour combinations.

This previously vacant area of Hove Town Hall opened its doors in March 2019 and is now the company’s first venue with areas open to the public including a cafe and bar.

Accepting the two awards, CEO and Founder of PLATF9RM Seb Royle said:

“When we started out, it was important to me that we embedded ourselves into the existing community, rather than just creating our own. Before designing anything we met with all sorts of people and everything we’ve built reflects this understanding of our city. We’ve worked so hard to build the PLATF9RM community, so it’s amazing to be recognised for this by the best in the industry. None of this could have been achieved without our incredible team, and of course the members that make PLATF9RM what it is, so a huge thank you to all of them. We’re very lucky to be part of something that continues to grow and take on a life of its own.”

Tim Devitt, Producer of GCUC UK commented:

“PLATF9RM’s entries stood out for the commitment they have made to creating an environment and community that benefits member’s day to day lives and reflects the needs of the surrounding area. PLATF9RM has also made fantastic use of an old unloved building and brought it back to life which came up in the Judges discussion.

“Co-working communities are thriving across the country and it’s great to see independent businesses like PLATF9RM raising standards and ultimately improving people’s working lives.”

The 2020 FDM everywoman in Technology Awards are open for nominations

A Decade of Celebrating the Achievements of Women in Technology

The 2020 FDM everywoman in Technology Awards are open for nominations

Now in their tenth year, the annual FDM everywoman in Technology Awards have opened for nominations for 2020. This year’s awards will support FDM’s and everywoman’s mission to “Achieve, Elevate and Inspire”, by shining a spotlight on the tech industry’s most exceptional talent, from the UK and beyond. The awards provide an opportunity for companies and individuals to put forward candidates for categories celebrating all stages of the career journey and entries are open until 7 October 2019.

Over the 10 years, 350 incredible women in the tech industry from school students to CEO level have been recognised, by everywoman for their performance in this constantly evolving sector, from companies such as American Express, IBM and Google.

Currently only 7% of female students take computer science A-level, just half of girls that study IT & Tech subjects go on to a work in the field1 and only 16% of females have had technology suggested to them as a career2. Further research carried out by everywoman found that a lack of role models for young girls is a significant factor in the gender imbalance in the technology industry3. In 2018 women only made up 12.6% of board members in the tech sector, compared to a 30% female representation achieved by FTSE 100 businesses4. These findings demonstrate how the role that the awards play inpromoting the tech industry as a whole and the individual achievements of women within the sector is more important than ever before.

The FDM everywoman in Technology Awards, will showcase the successes of women at all stages in the industry, both inspiring the next generation of young female talent, and recognising the work of the women who have dedicated their careers to tech. Previous winners have included women creating lifesaving technology, as well as those designing programmes to develop the digital and coding skills of children. These include Mahek Vara, Founder and CEO at Code Camp, Emily Brooke, Founder and CEO at Blaze and Eleni Antoniadouu, Co-Founder of Transplants without Donors.

Entries are open to entrepreneurs, new industry entrants and senior leaders. Entries are free and can be completed here.

The 2020 FDM everywoman in Technology Awards are free to enter and the categories are:

• Academic Award - sponsored by Lloyds Banking Group - This is awarded to a woman inacademia who has made an outstanding contribution to technology and science and whose work has made or has the potential to make a significant long-term impact in STEM. This could include using technology to enhance and support research and teaching, achieving technological breakthroughs or leveraging one’s position to significantly encourage more talent into stem subjects

• One to Watch Award - sponsored by Computacenter - This is awarded to a girl aged 11-18 who is actively encouraging girls to study STEM subjects at school-level or making waves in the tech space. This award seeks to identify young game-changers and is open to inspirational students

• Apprentice Award - This is awarded to a young woman apprentice who is a game-changer and is excelling in her early career

• Rising Star Award - sponsored by T-Systems - This is awarded to a woman aged 26 or under who is excelling in her technology career, making a valuable contribution to her organisation

• Digital Star - sponsored by CGI - This is awarded to a woman who is excelling in a digital role. This could include innovative digital content, social media, web development or developing online solutions

• Software Engineer Award - sponsored by RBS - Awarded to a woman who has made a significant difference to the art of software engineering. She has built something new, shifted the art of the possible and is moving the profession forward

• Team Leader Award – sponsored by American Express - This is awarded to a woman whose team leadership has greatly contributed to the organisation’s success. She is leading a team of up to 100 employees

• Entrepreneur Award - This is awarded to an owner/operator of a technology business whose vision and talent will inspire others to start their own technology-related venture (trading for a minimum of 24 months)

• Innovator Award - This is awarded to a woman designing, developing, researching, implementing or being exceptionally creative with technology in an unconventional and innovative way

• Leader Award - sponsored by BP - This will be awarded to the woman operating in a senior technology role within her organisation. She will be making a contribution to the strategic direction of the business. She is leading a team of over 100 employees

• International Inspiration Award - This is awarded to an individual, male or female, for their active commitment to encouraging, advancing, sponsoring or championing the progress of women working in technology. They are based outside of the UK

• Male Agent of Change Award - This is awarded to a male agent of change for their active commitment to encouraging, advancing, sponsoring or championing the progress of women working in technology

The 2020 FDM everywoman in Technology Awards ceremony will take place on 4 March 2020.

Maxine Benson MBE, Co-Founder of everywoman comments: “We are very excited to launch the tenth everywoman in Technology Awards and looking back at the winners we’ve seen over the past decade is something everywoman feels very proud of. The partnership between FDM and everywoman continues to engage, advance and retain exceptional female talent in tech. The fast growth of this sector offers extraordinary and exciting opportunities for women and these Awards should be used as a platform to leverage the role models that are needed to attract the finest female talent of the future.”

Sheila Flavell, Chief Operating Officer of FDM Group comments: “It’s incredibly exciting to celebrate the 10th anniversary of these important awards which celebrate the achievements of women in the technology sector. This milestone underlines the hard work and persistence of so many people in the IT industry and sets a great example for the next generation of female talent. We are very proud to support this important event and provide a platform for the female tech innovators and entrepreneurs who have gone above and beyond in their respective organisations.”

11th October: Start-Up Day at Business & IP Centre Brighton & Hove

British Library Opens Business & Intellectual Property Centre in Brighton & Hove

British Library Opens Business & Intellectual Property Centre in Brighton & Hove

The British Library operates a large Business and Intellectual Property Centre and has grown 13 Network Centres across the UK.

What is a Business and IP Centre and what does it do?

The British Library Business & IP Centre National Network provides entrepreneurs and SMEs across the UK with free access to databases, market research, journals, directories and reports worth thousands of pounds. Each library within the network has an allocated space within the library set up to provide services and resources for business.

There is a programme of free and low-cost events and workshops on a range of topics including business planning, marketing and intellectual property. The service includes support from library staff and business experts able to signpost and offer advice services to business.

For further information visit: https://www.bl.uk/business-and-ip-centre

About the Business & IP Centre at Jubilee Library

Brighton & Hove City Council has been successful in being chosen to set up a Business & Intellectual Property Centre at Jubilee Library. The BIPC will be a place where the Council’s Economic Development Team will invite partners to deliver workshops and 1:1 help to support entrepreneurs, inventors and small and medium enterprises.

Where will the Business & IP Centre be based?

The Centre will be based at Jubilee Library in central Brighton.

It is envisaged the BIPC will house the following:

• Business and Intellectual Property Information including leaflets

• Business and market research databases accessible on library PCs

- Mint UK (Company Information Database

- COBRA (general business reference database)

- A market research database (to be chosen)

• Business books

• Two glass pods for clinics.

What will it offer?

The new BIPC will host events where entrepreneurs can come together to network and attend workshops, 1:1 clinics and networking events run by local delivery partners and the British Library.

The library will commit to delivering some workshops such as Business Information and Introduction to Intellectual Property. The space will be set up for business use.

Timescales

We are currently in a pilot phase and working towards an official launch in April 2020.

Consultation launched on the biggest piece of research undertaken to date into the economy and potential of the Coast to Capital area

Coast to Capital has launched a consultation on the economic profile of the area which is the biggest piece of research undertaken to date into the economy and the area’s potential.

This analysis will inform Coast to Capital’s Local Industrial Strategy which will be negotiated with government early next year and, when published, will prioritise intervention and investment in the local area. This is in addition to the £300 million that Coast to Capital has already invested into a wide range of projects to regenerate our towns and cities.

It is vital that the economic profile accurately reflects the diverse nature of the Coast to Capital economy and can demonstrate to Government the area’s strengths and opportunities for economic growth. It is informed by updated data sets and five specific research studies on urban centres; skills and the labour market; commercial property; innovation ecosystems and digital connectivity.

The Economic Profile was presented to around 150 stakeholders and partners at the Coast to Capital AGM in Epsom, Surrey at the beginning of September. At the event, the audience heard that our highly diverse towns and cities have a range of needs and opportunities including high quality business space, affordable housing, comprehensive full fibre coverage and investment in natural capital.

Jonathan Sharrock, Chief Executive at Coast to Capital said:

“We are encouraging businesses, public sector and education sector organisations, and individuals to review the findings and conclusions in the Economic Profile and identify if there is anything that can be added to strengthen the evidence. Responses to the consultation will help shape the priorities that we will bring forward to Government.”

The deadline to respond is 31 October 2019 and for more information about how to respond to the consultation, please visit our website coast2capital.org.uk/lis-consultation. To find out more about the Local Industrial Strategy visit coast2capital.org.uk/lis

GALVANISE BH : Volunteers Needed : Help end rough sleeping in Brighton & Hove

Galvanise is a community group of volunteers who want to help end rough sleeping in our city (and beyond) by actually finding out the views and experiences of those who are homeless and using that information to stimulate discussion & ideas about ways to end rough sleeping.

In 2017 we ran a ‘Connections Week’ where local volunteers connected with rough sleepers and conducted anonymous surveys. The the information gathered at that time has since been used to influence policy and practice, as well as been used for successful grant funding for rough sleepers.

Galvanise are running another ‘Connections Week’ this year, with shifts in the week beginning Sun 13th October. During this week volunteers will once again go out and speak with their homeless neighbours and conduct surveys. Our hope is that we can use this information again to influence and stimulate further meaningful discussion and action towards ending homelessness.

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!

We are asking anyone who is interested in finding out more about ending homelessness in Brighton & Hove, about Galvanise & about how to get involved in Connections Week to join us at one of the informal information & training sessions over the next couple of weeks.

Thursday 26 Sept - 6PM at THE OLD MARKET, HOVE

Saturday 28 Sept - 9AM at THE OLD MARKET, HOVE

Thursday 03 Oct - 6PM at YHA HOSTEL, OLD STEINE, BRIGHTON

Friday 04 Oct - 6PM at YHA HOSTEL, OLD STEINE, BRIGHTON

Monday 07 Oct - 6PM at YHA HOSTEL, OLD STEINE, BRIGHTON

People can sign up to attend at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/galvanisebh-training-for-connections-week-volunteers-tickets-72088274971

HSBC UK Announces £14 Billion Loan Fund for UK SMEs

HSBC UK Announces £14 Billion Loan Fund for UK SMEs

HSBC UK has announced a £14 billion lending fund to support the UK’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The bank’s dedicated SME Fund has increased by £2 billion, following a £12 billion package of support in 2018.

The increase in funding this year reflects HSBC’s commitment to supporting businesses through economic uncertainty. Since launching the SME Loan Fund in 2014, HSBC has committed more than £60 billion to UK SMEs to help businesses innovate, evolve and grow.

Ensuring the Fund remains UK-wide in its support of ambitious companies, it will be split and allocated to specific regions across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

For those companies exploring opportunities overseas, a ring-fenced pot for international businesses, which forms part of the overall offer, has been doubled to £2 billion this year.

The initiative is available to UK businesses with a turnover of up to £350 million. Applicants do not need to be an HSBC customer to apply.

Amanda Murphy, Head of Commercial Banking at HSBC UK, said:

"Our SME Fund will help companies seize new opportunities for growth at home and overseas.

"We’ve always supported ambitious businesses, and we see it as our responsibility to be there for our customers whether conditions are benign or challenging.

"This year’s Fund is therefore part of a broader range of initiatives that we have in place to support British business as they navigate Brexit in a fast-changing world."

Applications can be made at any time.

‘Angel of Brighton’ artist to create new mural for Edward Street Quarter

‘Angel of Brighton’ artist to create new mural for Edward Street Quarter

A local artist has been selected to paint a huge mural on an exterior wall at Edward Street Quarter, the mixed-use development coming to the former AMEX-house site in central Brighton.

Project developers First Base and the city council have commissioned classically trained painter Cosmo Sarson to deliver a vibrant addition to Brighton’s thriving street art scene.

37 artists put themselves forward for the job, but Cosmo was set apart by his experience creating large-scale urban artworks and his distinctive style – dubbed ‘classic with a twist.’

Cosmo, who lives in Hanover, is perhaps best known to Brightonians for his hand painted ‘Angel of Brighton’ mural. The three-story fresco, which depicted a winged woman rising from the ashes against a glittering gold background, became a bit of a local landmark in the North Laine last year.

Cosmo hopes to recreate the Angel’s success with this next installation, commenting: “I’m over the moon to have got the job, especially because I live just a stone’s throw from the site. I love Kemptown’s eclectic vibe and am really looking forward to creating an iconic landmark inspired by the neighbourhood’s fishing heritage.”

Steve Eccles, Project Director at First Base, commented, “We’re so pleased to be working with Cosmo on this public art installation. He took an unexpected approach to the brief and presented a contemporary, delightfully Brighton design which will brilliantly welcome visitors to Edward Street Quarter.”.

Cosmo was internationally celebrated in 2013 for his giant mural of ‘Breakdancing Jesus’ which he painted opposite Banksy’s iconic ‘Mild, Mild West’ in Bristol.

As a freelance scenic artist, Cosmo’s artwork can also be spotted in blockbuster films including Dumbo, The Favourite, The Avengers – Age of Ultron, Guardians of the Galaxy, Tomb Raider, and the new James Bond film currently in production.

For more information about Edward Street Quarter, please visit edwardstreetquarter.com.

ENTRIES OPEN FOR SUSSEX FOOD & DRINK AWARDS 2020

ENTRIES OPEN FOR SUSSEX FOOD & DRINK AWARDS 2020

Entries officially opened for the Sussex Food and Drink Awards 2020 on Tuesday 24 September, with over 100 Sussex food and drink business leaders gathering at a launch event held at The Cider Tap in Bolney, West Sussex.

BBC Sussex radio presenter Danny Pike hosted the event, introducing all the categories now open for food and drink businesses across the county to enter at www.sussexfoodawards.biz

Set in the beautiful orchards of Old Mill Apple Farm, The Cider Tap hosted dozens of restaurateurs, butchers, farmers’ market organisers, food producers, shop keepers, brewers and vintners from the far reaches of East Sussex, West Sussex and Brighton & Hove.

The Sussex Food & Drink Awards started 14 years ago and annually receives over 300 business entries and last year attracted over 18,000 public votes, demonstrating the strength of local support for eating and buying local. The scheme is run by Natural Partnerships Community Interest Company (CIC), co-directed by Hilary Knight of the Sussex Food & Drink Network, a specialist consultant for local food businesses; and Paula Seager, Managing Director of Natural PR Ltd, a leading Sussex PR and community relations firm.

Said Hilary Knight, “We believe that buying local food and drink is the environmentally responsible choice for everyone, reducing food miles, waste and packaging, as well as helping to sustain the local economy. Through these unique awards and other projects including www.southdownsfood.org, it is our aim to help residents and visitors to the region find out about our fantastic artisan produce, as well as where to buy and enjoy it in Sussex.”

Crucial to the awards’ continued success is the sponsors, without whom the awards could simply not exist. Loyal supporters include Blakes Foods, Harvey’s Brewery, Horsham District Foodies, RP Meats Wholesale Ltd, Southern Co-op, SRC-Time, Natural PR and Sussex Food & Drink Network. New on board for 2020 is Lloyds Bank Cardnet who will be sponsoring the Sussex Eating Experience of the Year category. Working alongside Natural Partnerships CIC, the panel of expert judges is chaired by prominent Sussex farmer and Nuffield Scholar, William Goodwin.

Said Paula Seager, “We are absolutely thrilled to announce our sponsors for the Sussex Food and Drink Awards 2020 and we are looking forward to another bumper crop of entries, public votes and support.

“It’s a privilege to run these prestigious awards and as we enter our 14th year, it’s just incredible to see the Sussex food and drink revolution thrive and our county now proudly boasts some of the most-loved British brands in the UK. Our continued aim is to throw the spotlight on the very best in Sussex and encourage more and more people to discover and explore local markets, food shops and places to eat where they can sample excellent local produce.”

Entries are open until the 24 October for Sussex Food Producer of the Year, sponsored by Southern Co-op, Sussex Farmers’ Market of the Year sponsored by Harvey’s Brewery, Sussex Butcher of the Year sponsored by RP Meats Wholesale Ltd, Sussex Eating Experience of the Year sponsored by Lloyds Bank Cardnet, Sussex Food Shop of the Year sponsored by Sussex Food & Drink Network and Sussex Drink Producer of the Year sponsored by Natural PR. The top ten in each of these categories will then be announced and opened for public voting in November.

Entries for Sussex Newcomer of the Year, sponsored by SRC-Time; Sussex Young Chef of the Year, sponsored by Blakes Foods and Young Sussex Farmer of the Year, sponsored by Natural Partnerships CIC in association with Farmers Weekly close slightly later on 3 January 2020.

The popular finals day for Sussex Street Food of the Year will be held in Horsham Carfax on Sunday 27 October from 10am until 4pm. Sponsors of this category, Horsham District Foodies supported by Food Rocks, will be organising the competition and exciting market day with live music, where the public can vote for their favourite to win.

As well as earning the huge respect and recognition that these awards now carry, the three Grand Finalists in each category will be invited to attend a BAFTA-style ceremony on 29 April 2020 at the Amex Stadium, where the winners will be revealed and guests will enjoy a seven-course Sussex produce banquet, hosted by awards patron Sally Gunnell OBE and Danny Pike from BBC Sussex.

Entries are open now at www.sussexfoodawards.biz

Tap on, Tap Off with Brighton & Hove Bus Company

Tap on, Tap Off with Brighton & Hove Bus Company

Contactless payments have just got even easier for Brighton & Hove Buses’ passengers with the introduction of Tap On, Tap Off starting from today (Wednesday, 25 September).

Contactless payments began in Autumn last year but now they’re even more convenient.

Adult passengers just need to tap their bank cards or phones on the ticket machine reader when boarding and tap off on the exit reader when they get off. There’s no need to buy a paper ticket from the driver or to tell the driver where you’re going.

Commercial Director Nick Hill said: “We’re always looking for ways to make it easier for people to catch the bus and Tap On, Tap Off is a natural part of that. It should also speed up boarding and keep buses moving.”

There’s no need to register or sign up and it’s the same price as buying a paper ticket on the bus. The cost of the journey is automatically calculated and charged to passengers’ bank accounts by the end of the day. People can track their journeys and fares history using our Contactless Customer Portal.

Another great feature is that the ticket price is automatically capped at the cost of a bus day ticket, no matter how many Brighton & Hove Buses’ services passengers catch.

It means passengers won’t pay more than the cost of either a citySAVER or networkSAVER ticket, depending on the area travelled in. Passengers will need to use the same card or device to pay on each bus they travel on, though.

You can use Tap On, Tap Off across our Metrobus services in Sussex, Kent and Surrey too. If you travel on Brighton & Hove Buses and Metrobus services on the same day, the cost will be capped at the best value day ticket: the Metrovoyager.

Nick said: “This means you get the best value fare without having to ask for it, or even know about it. That’s especially good news for visitors and occasional bus users.”

How it works

• Board the bus and place bank card or device on the ticket machine reader at the front of the bus, wait for the beep and the screen will say ‘accepted’.

• When leaving the bus, tap off at the exit reader. These are on the left by the double doors on those buses that have them, or on the left at the front of buses without double doors.

• That’s it!

For more detailed instructions and other information, please visit Brighton & Hove Buses: https://www.buses.co.uk/contactless or Metrobus: https://contactless.metrobus.co.uk/

Government add more dates to their Brexit Readiness Events - Brighton 1st Oct

For more information click here.

Free Business Brexit Bootcamps Announced by Sussex Chamber of Commerce

Businesses are encouraged to consider their contingency planning and carry out a business risk assessment to consider the impact on their business if they were to lose any customers, suppliers, or the impact on EU employees, trade, data regulation, VAT, etc.

Summary:

• 7th Oct – Venue: Field Place, Worthing. 2.30pm to 5.00pm

• 14th Oct – Venue: East Sussex National, Uckfield. 3pm to 5.30pm

• 18th Oct – Venue: The Sussex Exchange Hastings. 1.30pm to 5.00pm

• 21st Oct – Venue: Freedom Works Manor Royal. 2pm to 5pm

• 29th Oct – Venue: The Mercure, Brighton. 2.00pm to 5.00pm

There will be experts on hand as well as the Brexit Checklist to help provide some guidance .

Further information can be found at: www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

Government announce e-bike grants to get your business moving

Helping local businesses with sustainable transport solutions

Does your business deliver goods across the city? Are you under pressure to make deliveries on time? Do you want your company to be seen as reliable? Now might be a good time to consider using an electric cargo bike for deliveries. E-cargo bikes can be used to deliver a wide range of goods, such as flowers and food or packages.

To help you purchase the right type of e-cargo bike, the Department for Transport has a grant that can contribute towards 20% of new e-cargo bike up a maximum of £1,000 per bike.

This fund aims to support the adoption of e-cargo bikes which offers an active and sustainable solution for urban deliveries, door to door.

For more information visit: https://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/transport/freight-and-retrofit/ecargo-bike-grant-fund

For support, email: transport.projects@brighton-hove.gov.uk

To apply now, visit: https://dftecargobikeapplication.est.org.uk/

Discover the wonders of the future at Brighton festival

Discover the wonders of the future at Brighton festival

A free festival that will peer into the weird and wonderful technologies of the future that will change our lives has been welcomed by Greater Brighton chiefs.

Brighton WonderFest will set out to show us how we will live in the future, how our health will be treated, where we will live, how we might travel, what our homes will look like and what jobs we might have.

A range of pioneers from the world of science, technology, engineering and the arts are expected to exhibit at the event to be held at Brighton Racecourse on October 26.

WonderFest grew out of the week-long British Science Festival hosted by the Universities of Brighton and Sussex in 2017. From there a charity called Curiosity Sussex was established with the aim of inspiring audiences through exciting science, technology and engineering events.

Organiser Dr Katy Petherick, from the University of Sussex, said: “We want to break down the barrier that sometimes exists between people and science by making it accessible, relevant and exciting.

“We hope Brighton Wonderfest gives people a fascinating day out and, who knows, maybe inspires some to want to contribute to creating our future.”

Chairman of Greater Brighton, Cllr Daniel Humphreys, said: “I’m delighted Curiosity Sussex have been able to reinvent the festival and keep interest going. Businesses and enterprises with science, engineering and technology at their heart are vital to the Greater Brighton region. We clearly need more young people interested in these subjects so anything that can inspire them is very welcome.”

Brighton WonderFest takes place at Brighton Racecourse on Saturday October 26 and is completely free to attend. The event opens at 10am for a quieter hour before opening to all at 11am. There are limited exhibitor spaces left and Curiosity Sussex are currently looking for volunteers to help on the day.

For further details go to https://www.brightonwonderfest.com/.

Future Proof Your Business with Love Local Jobs

Following LLJs successful breakfast club, they are launching their third in the series. Jointhem and learn how to future-proof your company.

About this Event:

Breakfast Club Three - Future-proof Your Business

Join Love Local Jobs on the 3rd October 8:30am at Hotel du Vin for the quarterly LoveLocalJobs.com breakfast club in partnership with The Skills Farm and Search Consultancy .

*** Please note: This event is designed only for those who lead or manage teams. ***

With change around every corner, it’s essential that leaders block time-out to think and act strategically. This is what you can expect from Breakfast Club Three:

We’ll start with a structure for Stating Your Expectations, perfect for offloading tasks, whilst motivating and ensuring that others take ownership of the work you are delegating.

Next, we’ll share with you our invaluable Succession Planning model. Use it to delegate longer term projects and ensure you have a fully capable and respected successor ‘waiting in the wings’ for when you need to move up and on.

Finally, you’ll learn what it takes to be a Strategic Leader - we’ll explore Strategic Thinking, Strategic Planning and Strategic Influence - to ensure that you can see around corners and get your team, department or company ready for what’s coming.

We look forward to seeing you all there and if you have any questions, please contact Elena at elena@lovelocaljobs.com.

LoveLocalJobs.com has an award winning family of regional job boards in Sussex and Surrey. It works proactively to link businesses, universities, colleges and schools, public sector, charities and community groups and other organisations to create and promote local employment opportunities in the South East, whilst also providing much needed careers, information, advice and guidance to local businesses and job-seekers alike.

The Skills Farm deliver outstanding training all over the world to companies including Apple, IBM and Deloitte. They understand that that thought-provoking learning and networking experiences hugely influence individuals which is why we want to share this experience with as many mid to senior level managers and leaders as possible.

Search Consultancy has become one of the UK's leading recruitment consultancies who place people at all levels across a wide range of commercial and industry sectors. They handle the recruitment process for some of the UK's top businesses and are the sole requirement suppliers for many major organisations.

Click here to book.

Plus X Brighton launches sustainable Disruptors competition

Product designers win chance to bring their sustainable idea to market

To be a disruptor is to create a product, service, or way of doing things which displaces the existing market leaders and eventually replaces them at the helm of the sector. Disruptors are generally entrepreneurs, outsiders, and idealists rather than industry insiders or market specialists.

Ahead of its official launch in January 2020, Plus X Brighton has launched a Disruptors competition seeking local entrepreneurial talent in the field of sustainable product design and the circular economy.

Mat Hunter, co-CEO at Plus X, said, “Plus X Brighton champions innovation and invention which is why we are launching our first ever Disruptors competition. Whether you think of yourself as an entrepreneur and innovator, or just an optimist and challenger, an artist, maker or simply a person with a good idea who wants to make a positive change, we are seeking Brighton’s most inventive minds!"

“With unthinkable volumes of waste from the products we use, we are looking for ideas that encourage us to behave in a more considered, circular and eco-friendly way. Have you got what it takes to disrupt the market with an innovative and revolutionary invention? If so, we want to hear from you.”

The winner will receive six months free desk space, access to workshops with specialist equipment and a placement on the Plus X mentorship programme at their state of the art new innovation hub located at Preston Barracks, Lewes Road to help develop their idea and bring it to market.

Four shortlisted candidates will be invited to present their sustainable idea to a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style panel of specialists from the fields of product design, eco brands, tech and finance on 12th November.

The esteemed panel of judges includes Mat Hunter, co-CEO of Plus X, whose career started in Silicon Valley with IDEO, then Chief Design Officer at the Design Council followed by being MD at the Central Research Laboratory in London; Holly Price, University Relationships Manager from Santander; and Marija Butkovic, founder and CEO of Women of Wearables and former co-founder of Kisha Smart Umbrella.

Jonathan Sharrock, Chief Executive of Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership, which contributed £7.7 million from their Local Growth Fund to help create Plus X Brighton, said:

“We are excited to be supporting this transformational project which will create a thriving space for local businesses, bringing tangible benefits to the local community and the city as a whole.”

Local business leaders are also invited to register to participate in the audience at the competition evening on November 12, which will be held at Unbarred Brewery & Tap Room with beer and pizza included!

Olga Hopton, MD of Plus X Brighton said, “As well as showcasing Brighton’s most innovative and inventive talent, this will be a fantastic networking opportunity for local business and partners, so we welcome as many audience guests as possible to attend”.

To enter the competition or to register to attend the Disruptors event, visit hub.plusx.space/disruptors

The closing date for competitor entries is 3rd November 2019.