Business Edge 57

Inside 4 business matters 10 ask the expert 11 skills and development 12 sustainable management 22 inspirational leaders 28 training and events 32 finance focus 36 new members 38 chamber campaigning

the magazine for sussex chamber of commerce members

October/November 2020

Restart, Rebuild, Renew

Sussex Chamber of Commerce

AS A CHAMBER MEMBER YOU’RE WELL CONNECTED

R OU S Y ORT SINES P P SU L BU A LOC

R E FF

O L IA

C E SP

199 0

- 2020

FREE DELIVERY

Floor Marking

● High tack floor labels - suitable for rough surfaces ● Faced with an anti-slip over laminate

See the full range at www.doubledot.co.uk

300 mm diameter £4.75 +vat each

SD09

SD03

SD05

SD10

SC01

SC02

SC03

SD07

SD06

SD04

SD12

SC04

SC05

SC06

SC07

SC08

SC09

2000mm x 150mm £16.50 +vat each SD11

650mm x 100mm £3.75 +vat each SD01

Vinyl Banners 3000 mm x 1000 mm £60.00 +vat each SD201

SD02

SD202

SD08

ESS...

N I S U B W E N GE? A N G I S D E NE

COMPLETE SIGN PACKAGE

PACKAGE PRICES FROM ONLY £600!

*

RIGID MOUNTED SIGNS*

X10

Exc. VAT

*Offer based on vehicle signs up to max 1000mm x 800mm.

Various rigid sign sizes available up to maximum 610mm x 450mm - mounted onto PVC board.

All vehicle and rigid signs - fully weatherproof.

Tel: 0 1

VEHICLE SIDES, FRONT AND REAR

444 2 3 Tel: 0 9534 1444 444 2 Tel: 0 239534 3953 1444 4 Tel: 0 2 1444 Tel: 0 39534 Tel: 0 239534 1444 1444 2 2395 T el: 01 39534 3 Tel: 0 1444 4 444 2 23 3

Tel: 0 1

Design and Artwork service available - please call to discuss

Tel: 0 9534 1444 239

534

9534

01273 492233 07788 722909

FITTED AT OUR PREMISES

info@doubledot.co.uk www.doubledot.co.uk

contents

june/july October/November 2019 business 2020 edge business edge

Sussex Chamber of Commerce

Welcome to our Business Edge magazine!

Restart, Rebuild, Renew

Sussex Chamber of Commerce currently represents over 1,000 member businesses. Membership of Sussex Chamber of Commerce offers access to invaluable business advice, money saving benefits, networking opportunities and provides a voice for businesses at a local, regional and national level. Business Edge is delivered free of charge to all Sussex Chamber of Commerce members as well as key business decision makers across the county. It has a circulation of 4,000 copies per issue.

Business Edge is a Sussex Chamber of Commerce publication.

If you have any stories you would like to tell us about or any comments please drop us an email at enquiries@

sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

SUSSEX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Unit 4, Victoria Business Centre, 43 Victoria Road, Burgess Hill RH15 9LR

PRODUCTION & DESIGN Distinctive Publishing 3rd Floor Tru Knit House, 9-11 Carliol Square, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 6UF Tel: 0191 5805990 www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk

ADVERTISING Angie Smith, Business Development Manager, Distinctive Publishing 3rd Floor Tru Knit House, 9-11 Carliol Square, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 6UF Tel: 0191 580 5472 angie.smith@distinctivepublishing.co.uk

FEATURE EDITOR Helen Compson helen.compson@distinctivegroup.co.uk

Over the next year, the British Chamber network will work together to create change focussed around three pillars: Restart (a phased reopening of the economy which was launched in May), Rebuild (building resilience for business and households), Renew (returning to prosperity and growth).

The network has set out a series of measures to help government take a “sharper approach” to restarting the UK economy. A successful restart demands bolder and more ambitious action as we face a difficult winter ahead. To avoid mass unemployment, significant levels of business failure and long-term economic scarring in our communities, we have called upon government to act now.

Local restrictions are the “single largest blockage” to restarting operations, as research suggests more than half of businesses see it as a key barrier. Further support is needed in the form of additional grant funding and wage support, not saddling firms with further debt.

Government should take every step possible to avoid damaging local and catastrophic national lockdowns and instead place the highest possible premium on alternative measures that maintain the economy and keep businesses open, such as rapid improvements to test and trace systems.

Businesses are not ready to face the triple threat of further lockdowns, an end to government support schemes and the end of the Brexit transition period.

Far more ambitious fiscal stimulus will be needed to deliver a full restart of the UK economy, including a reduction in the overall cost burden on firms to protect businesses and preserve as many jobs as possible. An 18-month expansion of the Employment Allowance from £4,000 to £20,000 and an increase to the threshold for National Insurance contributions from

Ana Christie

Chief Executive Sussex Chamber of Commerce

£8,788 to £12,500 would help businesses with prolonged cashflow difficulties. The latter could save businesses around £500 per job.

An improvement on the test and trace programme is needed so that it is quickly available to all who need it, results are returned quickly, and positive results tracked. Only then would businesses and consumers have the confidence that the disease can be properly managed without further crippling lockdowns.

Our business insight, coupled with our strong relationships with local and national governments, has enabled us to secure critical interventions that have protected jobs, maintained cashflow to business and shaped the government’s plans for restarting the economy. The British Chambers continue to shape government’s plans for recovery through regular engagement with the Business Secretary and other key government Ministers.

Sussex Chamber membership can help business growth and is here to support the business community restart, rebuild and renew.

E-BOOK www.issuu.com/distinctivepublishing

CONTENTS welcome business matters

DISCLAIMER Distinctive Publishing or Business Edge cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies that may occur, individual products or services advertised or late entries. No part of this publication may be reproduced or scanned without prior written permission of the publishers and Business Edge.

sustainable management ask the expert skills and development

3 4-6 8 10 11

member to member offers sustainable management

24-26

training and events

28-29

sustainable management

30-31

finance focus

32 35

sustainable management

12-13

kickstart scheme

sustainable management

18-19

new members

inspirational leaders

22

23

chamber campaigning

AS A CHAMBER MEMBER YOU’RE WELL CONNECTED

36-37 38

3

business matters

October/November june/july2020 2019 business edge

The LoveLocalJobs.com team are in the office and here to help!

Recruitment is picking up and we have more candidates searching and applying for job opportunities than ever. Candidates are more active than they have been all year with more being able to dedicate time to their job search.

Now is the time to post those roles and gather the CVs ready for your recruitment drive.

To stay committed to our local businesses, we are keeping our reduced rate open a little longer. We are currently offering 50% OFF all online job postings.

Allowing you the chance to advertise your roles at a fraction of the price.

You may not need to actively advertise a role right now? But, you can purchase the job posting credits NOW and save them for when you need them.

Contact us on info@lovelocaljobs.com or call us on 01273 651100 to purchase your credits.

The Employee Action Initiative Register now to receive a fully funded measurement of the psychological and emotional impact of Covid-19 on your workforce As a Chamber we fully understand that both our members and their employees need as much support as possible as the country tries to get back on its feet after the terrible impact of Covid-19 on both the national psychology as well as the economy.

Given the challenges of the last 4 months, particularly on Employees of UK SME’s, we are very proud to launch The Employee Action Initiative (EAI). The EAI is a collaborative and fully funded programme between Sussex Chamber, YouBecome, (experts in Employee Experience) and The Surrey Business School. This will also be supported indirectly by our Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEP’s), Coast to Capital and South East LEP, who will provide access to ERDF funding recently made available by the government.

The aim of the programme is to provide fully funded support to help our members measure the psychological and emotional impact of Covid-19 on their workforce and take the right actions to help their businesses moving forward. The

4

programme is focused on giving Sussex SMEs the right data and analysis so that they can make effective decisions. To qualify you must employ between 10 and 250 employees.

The value of this support is normally worth £5,000 but we have negotiated a special rate for Sussex Chamber members of £3,000 that can be fully funded through ERDF funding announced last week. Your business will receive a fully managed Employee Survey with expert analysis and advice. YouBecome will also benchmark your business against other local companies as well as other companies in your sector nationally. The programme will be managed by YouBecome, a member of the Chamber and a reputable company which has worked with numerous Chambers in the UK.

available to those that express their interest quickly. The feedback from current participants has been outstanding, so the demand will be extremely high. Please act quickly as we want as many of our proactive members to be able to take advantage of this excellent programme.

The first step will be to register your interest on the dedicated web page here: www.youbecome.com/eai/. On this page there are multiple video testimonials of companies that have been through the process explaining how useful it has been for them.

We would like as many Sussex Chamber members as possible to take advantage of this offer so please register your interest as quickly as possible to avoid disappointment.

You must act quickly as there are limited funds for Sussex.

There is £250,000 ear-marked for Coast to Capital and £627,000 for South East LEP. This programme can only be made

www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

tel: 01444 259 259

business matters

june/july October/November december/january 2019 business 2018 2020 edge business business edge edge

Communication Communication Communication The humble word “Communication” is made up of thirteen-letters, unlucky for some but not when you use it effectively. It can send messages of love, hate, confusion, action and all manner of things that can complicate or make clear a situation that determines results.

James McLaren-Rowe Managing Director Amadeus

At Amadeus, James McLaren-Rowe has structured his business over the past 26yrs to focus on the power of that thirteenletter word. By managing the contact with Customers and Suppliers and establishing the varying needs and approaches to Demand and Supply, Customers and Suppliers feel reassured that their supplies are taken care of with positive results.

The Office Supplies industry is fickle by its own nature and you are only as good as your last delivery as are the Suppliers.

Therefore, it is increasingly important to monitor, assess and keep simple the processes that keep your business running. Overcomplicated procedures and systems are only as good as your weakest link in the supply chain.

Given that marketplaces are increasingly leaning towards online purchasing and emails, talking and managing

communications seems to be an almost avoided approach in the office. The good old tradition of talking by picking up the phone and discussing the needs of all Customers and Suppliers is paramount to the success of all Businesses in this most challenging of times. An email can be interpreted in completely the wrong way and the message can be misunderstood which could lose you both the deal and the Customer. On the plus side of emails, covering your tracks with a paper trail is as equally important and should always be used to confirm details.

By diversifying over the last 26 years into services of Storage (Business and Self), Office Furniture, Janitorial supplies and traditional Stationery, Amadeus have had to adapt and focus on an ever-changing Market Place.

“We have listened to our Customers and looked at what avenues can be taken to make the regular supply of goods easier for the end user. Ordering patterns, Call-off systems, managed supply rota’s that reduce the Carbon footprint of deliveries and more must be taken into consideration when planning

“We have listened to our Customers and looked at what avenues can be taken to make the regular supply of goods easier for the end user. ”

for the future. ” Mark Brasier, Business Development Manager, Amadeus.

Office supplies is a necessary part of the day to day running of all types of business from Schools to Corporate establishments. Making sure that the Buyer/Facilities manager or whoever orders the “Stationery” receives the service and back up that their internal Customers demand, is fundamental to the continuation of a business relationship.

Strong and sustainable procedures within your systems and supply chain, a reliable infostructure through an intuitive back office system and intelligent KPI’s will always work, but talking and discussing with Colleagues, Customers and Suppliers will always triumph when that feedback is put into action.

An example of talking with our Customers: Amadeus listened and established the desire for a more environmentally focused product range of Office Supplies for their Customers. By communicating with its Suppliers and showing a path to the future, various recycled and Biodegradable Office products are now available. The first Biodegradable Toner Cartridges have now been produced and are being pushed out to the market as a result of that thirteenletter word.

Next time you go to ping over an email, pick up the phone instead you may be surprised!

Amadeus “Keep it Local” www.amstat.co.uk

AS A CHAMBER MEMBER YOU’RE WELL CONNECTED

5

business matters

October/November june/july2020 2019 business edge

From survival to growth The British Chambers of Commerce has called for “swift, substantial and immediate action” to bolster the economy, as its Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) - the UK’s largest independent survey of business sentiment and a leading indicator of UK GDP growth - found that UK economic conditions deteriorated at an unprecedented rate in the second quarter of 2020.

Key findings: Eleven of the 14 key service sector QES indicators fell to their lowest level in the survey’s 31-year history The percentage balance of firms reporting increased domestic and export sales is substantially lower than the worst quarter of the 2008-09 recession Indicators for longer-term business performance have dropped to record lows The results of this bellwether survey of 7,700 firms, employing over 580,000 people across the UK, illustrate the full impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the UK economy.

How to avoid your electronics getting held up with missing documents!

Offering training, support and consultancy for all your requirements concerning dangerous goods, Dan Gravenor brings us his regular column of fresh insight.

Dan Gravenor MD DG Solutions

You have probably heard of Lithium Batteries, and perhaps you may think of the endless stories of laptop fires, exploding hoverboards or mobile phones that burst into flames.

It’s all true. Lithium Batteries have a bad reputation and poorly designed or poorly manufactured batteries pose very real and concerning risks, especially in transport. A battery that is liable to explode or burst into flames is a terrifying thought in any situation, but especially in the hold of an aircraft, or on a ship in the middle of the ocean.

The Dangerous Goods industry have been working to try and solve this issue and one of the measures implemented to help solve this issue is to ensure every battery type has been rigorously tested to prove that it will not cause a fire, or worse. This testing is detailed by the

6

Spending on infrastructure projects is often the ‘go to’ measure for Governments trying to pump-prime an economy. The last four months have emphasised that a super-fast and stable technology infrastructure is key to future growth.

Rapid 5G roll-out is a must, whoever provides the hardware.

What Governments here and around the world can’t so easily generate is business and consumer confidence. The confidence for business to think, act and invest beyond immediate survival and the confidence for consumers to venture out and spend. That remains the growth x-factor and just at the moment, unsurprisingly, is more elusive than ever.

United Nations and is known as the UN 38.3 Test.

The UN 38.3 test covers eight areas of battery performance and safety, and as of January 2020 a summary of this test must be made available to all parties in the supply chain. This is required as batteries that haven’t passed this test cannot legally be transported internationally.

The results of the Quarterly Economic Survey can be found here: https://www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk/ policy-representation/quarterly-economic-surveyresults

EDITOR’S APOLOGY

Our sincere apologies to our Chairman, Rob Clare.

The result is that if you have batteries in your supply chain, you need to ensure that you have copies of these Summary documents. Should these not be available, your shipment can be stopped, returned or referred on for investigation.

This is a correction to the previous issue of Business Edge where an erroneous commentary was used instead of Rob Clare’s actual column, now printed here. To read Rob’s latest column for our October-November issue, please turn to the back page.

How do you avoid this issue? If you ship products of any description, be sure that you check whether any of your products contain Lithium Batteries and if so, make sure you have the UN38.3 Test Summary Document to hand, you may just be asked for it very soon!

While the digital version of our previous issue was subsequently updated it is important to note that Business Edge is a publication of legal deposit with a copy of the printed version collected by the British Library.

Rob Clare

At DG Solutions we provide comprehensive support for all aspects of international trade involving dangerous goods, as a Premier Member of Sussex Chamber, we are here to help.

www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

UK Government has provided almost £200bn of support to the economy, some of it smart and targeted and some of it a case of throwing out measures and seeing what sticks, like ‘eat out to help out’. We now need to move from survival to a growth mindset.

Chairman Sussex Chamber of Commerce

tel: 01444 259 259

business advertorial matters

june/july October/November december/january 2019 business 2018 2020 edge business business edge edge

Gatwick Airport station upgrade on target Station on track to be transformed despite Covid19 pandemic Despite the impact of Covid19, the vital Gatwick Airport station £150m upgrade project met its first major milestone on 17 May 2020. Platform 7 was successfully taken out of use to enable the start of the main works, while other platforms remained open. Over the coming months work will start in earnest to build a new station concourse above platforms 5, 6, 7 as a brand new entrance into the airport.

In 2019 the station was used by more than 21 million passengers, up from 14 million in 2010.

Gatwick Airport rail station was opened by British Rail in May 1958

A recent passenger survey carried out

by Network Rail and project partners showed that 89.5% of respondents were supportive of the upgrade.

A partnership approach The upgrade is being managed by Network Rail in partnership with the Department for Transport and Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR). Gatwick Airport Ltd and Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership are co-funding the project with £37 million and £10 million respectively. The work is being delivered by Costain.

Maintaining reliable train services during the works GTR, the train company that operates Gatwick Express, Thameslink and Southern services are operating a dedicated timetable during the project. While work is underway, there are sixteen trains per hour in each direction through the station for the majority of the day, two fewer than could otherwise run.

CGI of platforms 5 and 6 and escalators, which will lead to a new passenger concourse and entrance into the Airport

A new accessible ramp will be installed on platform 7, for use in emergencies/ fire escape.

Why is the upgrade going ahead given the Covid19 pandemic?

The benefits: The upgrade is due to complete in 2023 and it will deliver a station that befits Gatwick’s status as a gateway to the UK. Commuters, leisure travellers and air passengers will see their journeys transformed, as they benefit from improved accessibility and more space than ever before in a modern, expanded station: Eight new escalators, five new lifts and four new stairways will be installed to support passengers with reduced mobility, the elderly and those travelling with a pushchair or luggage.

Platforms 5 and 6 will be widened to reduce crowding and improve accessibility.

The existing station concourse will be refurbished and a second, new concourse will be built above platforms 5, 6, 7, which will double the size of the concourse area.

A new, relocated accommodation building will be built for Gatwick Airport staff.

In these exceptional circumstances, the project team and partners have worked hard to achieve the right balance of keeping all workers safe, avoiding spreading the Coronavirus and meeting passengers’ needs.

Although the impact of Covid19 has been devastating the project team realised very early that the reduced passenger numbers gave us the opportunity to re-sequence and re-plan our works.

The project team have worked closely with all our stakeholders and Costain have been particularly innovative in finding ways of bringing forward key elements of the programme.

This means we are starting stage 2 of the building work on the 1st November, two months ahead of the original schedule. The project team have also started enabling work on platforms 3 and 4, removing the canopy in preparation for the construction of a new lift and stairway to the existing station concourse.

How are you protecting workers on the construction site?

To ensure workers are safe and protected from Covid19, every single site activity has been carefully risk assessed to ensure it is fully compliant with the regulations on social distancing and guidance by Build UK and Public Health England.

An industry first Covid19 site compliance plan, which is regularly reviewed and updated, was put together and implemented. The plan covers all aspects of operating on site, including welfare and office facilities.

John Philbin, construction manager, said: “The site team’s Covid mitigation planning has been exceptional and has included the provision of individual welfare units on site for each operative, a full time cleaner and the re-planning of tasks to ensure social distancing can be achieved.”

For more information about the Gatwick station upgrade visit www.networkrail. co.uk/gatwick or contact the project’s communication manager, Veronika Karailieva at veronika.karailieva@networkrail.co.uk

AS A CHAMBER MEMBER YOU’RE WELL CONNECTED

7

sustainable management

October/November june/july2020 2019 business edge

Sustainable Employment Ixion Holdings is an Ofsted Outstanding national provider of accredited training solutions offering many funded courses in various sectors.

What is sustainable employment?

Sustainable employment is a working engagement between an employer and employee that supports people to stay in work and progress in their role.

As a ‘Grade 1’ Ofsted national training provider, enabling full potential and equipping teams with the skills to be effective in their roles is what we do. We help workforces develop from entry level pre-employment training all the way up to management/executive development.

Impact of Managers Managers are crucial to success in any role, both for the teams they manage and the impact they have on a business.

Bad management can lead to high staff turnover which is costly to a business and can result in low staff morale. Several bad managers can be incredibly costly for your business. Managers are often promoted for being skilled at their day-to-day job – not necessarily for their management skills.

Martin Johnson

Take a look at some statistics:

Head of Service - Learning and Skills National Accounts

58% of people trust strangers more than their own boss (Harvard Business Review) 51% of managers are disengaged with their job, with a further 14% actively disengaged (Gallup) 3 out of 4 employees report their boss is the worst and most stressful part of their job (Inc) These highlight just some feelings that employees have about their managers, impacting down through an organisation it highlights the need to invest in your people.

Sustainable Employment and Management Managers of people are key to your organisation – good managers will ensure their team/department is operating effectively resulting in higher productivity, quality output and effectively contributing to business growth through higher profitability. Staff that are engaged and motivated means they won’t be looking to move on, so there no loss of time or money on recruiting new staff and less absenteeism.

Workforces are composed of unique individuals, and a good manager will identify individual strengths within a team and seek to maximise these, whilst simultaneously identifying weaknesses and counteracting these.

8

What makes a great manager?

Gallup finds that great managers have the following talents: They motivate every single employee to take action and engage employees with a compelling mission and vision.

They have the assertiveness to drive outcomes and the ability to overcome adversity and resistance.

They create a culture of clear accountability.

They build relationships that create trust, open dialogue, and full transparency.

They make decisions based on productivity, not politics.

Upskilling Managers Apprenticeships are a great way to upskill managers. For example, our Level 5 Operations/Departmental Manager apprenticeship includes the study of interpersonal excellence, managing people, building relationships and self-awareness.

Our Level 3 Team Leader/Supervisor apprenticeship includes developing skills and knowledge in leading and managing people, building relationships and communication as well as selfmanagement.

www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

Current staff develop management skills through traineeships and apprenticeships Traineeships and apprenticeships offer a cost-effective way to recruit and retain new staff, but they also provide the opportunity for current staff to develop skills in mentoring, training and management. A natural progression for staff would then be a management or team leader apprenticeship to further embed these skills and create a positive learning culture.

Government Incentives for Apprenticeships If you’re looking to hire a new manager, have you considered hiring a manager as an apprentice? Until the 31st January 2021, the Government is paying incentives to businesses that take on new apprentices to support the economic recovery of the UK. An apprenticeship is an ideal opportunity to ensure your staff are building skills relevant to their role and to your business.

To find out more about the full range of courses, management and beyond, please visit www.ixionholdings.com.

tel: 01444 259 259

business advertorial matters

june/july October/November december/january 2019 business 2018 2020 edge business business edge edge

Supplier of electro-technical Smart building services to the construction, commercial and property management sectors, using the latest available digital technology and Internet of Things (IOT) Established in 1997 by Managing Director Phil Cottrell following a management buyout of a telecommunications and structured cabling systems division of a large electrical contractor, GCL Building Technologies stands out from the crowd.

As Phil says, in providing clients with smart home and intelligent building management solutions, “GCL is an innovative partner that departs from outmoded methods of building construction and maintenance by constantly identifying and embracing new technologies”.

“As such, we provide clients with a single source of expertise to deliver Smart IntraStructure services, which replaces the need to use multiple suppliers and ensures a joined-up approach to installations.”

The company serves the construction, commercial and property management sectors nationwide and helping clients achieve their environmental goals is all part of the package.

which affect our sleep/wake pattern through the release of melatonin”.

“The non-flicker circadian lighting system we install, mimics what the sun is doing in the sky, which helps create a natural rhythm to the day, which is known to support good mental health” said Tracey.

“The system is also very economical in terms of energy, labour and running costs too – installing it can result in massive cost savings for clients with a multiple property portfolio.”

GCL can also provide holistic solutions for offices, integrating the business management and communications systems into a unified whole.

GCL specialises in retro-fit electrical, infrastructure, cabling, smart systems, M&E and energy efficient lighting, working with consultants and end users in both the pre-build stage of construction and with building services’ contractors on site.

From the lighting to the digital monitoring of occupancy detection and daylight sensing systems to the automated entry systems complete with accompanying CCTV, its highly experienced, highly skilled team has the solutions.

Sales Development Officer Tracey McRobert said: “The convergence of applications, devices, and solutions onto a single Intra-Structure helps reduce the capital investment, support costs, and ongoing maintenance and operational costs”.

“We have a very talented team of qualified electricians with exemplary cabling and electrical skills,” she said. “Between them, they have long experience in providing building system solutions and overseeing commercial-scale projects.”

“GCL installs technology to migrate existing investments into an open, inclusive platform which enables monitoring and control of a wide variety of building systems as if they were all operating as a seamless, homogeneous resource.”

“Using the latest available technology, GCL ensures each of these critical elements of an existing or new workspace are connected to help you improve the performance of your buildings and importantly, the wellbeing and productivity of the people within them.”

The list includes specialist electrical infrastructures such as data centres, with the requirement for generators, uninterrupted power supplies, mains and sub main supplies, and the additional earthing requirements for IT equipment.

Switch gear, control panels, general wiring, trunkings/conduits, lighting, display lighting, daylight sensing and control, modular wiring and busbars are all grist to the mill.

An excellent illustration of the latter is the LED circadian lighting system GCL can offer clients as Southern Regional Partner of manufacturer, Integrated System Technologies (IST) Ltd.

GCL also uses Smart Structured cabling and Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology to install integrated energy monitoring systems and energy efficient lighting systems, which in some instances have reduced clients’ energy usage by up to 80%.

“We spend up to 90% of our time indoors and thus are profoundly affected by artificial light, which can disrupt the body’s natural rhythm. Throughout the day the intensity and colour of natural light is changing. Our eyes detect these changes,

Internet Connectivity is a big deal in the modern office environment. Employees will almost certainly expect a quality business Wi-Fi network to connect their devices to.

Visitors will also expect this as they would expect to be offered a cup of coffee. A well

designed and secure Wi-Fi network is vital and installed by the GCL professionals.

Making architects and those both commissioning new buildings and the refurbishment of the already established, aware of the possibilities is key to incorporating GCL’s high-end solutions into the design budget.

“GCL delivers a professional service, on time and to budget and, as anybody who knows GCL will testify, the technology will always be the latest, most efficient and effective available” said Tracey.

The network is now truly the fourth utility. It must be operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week, whether anyone is in the office or not. Maintenance opportunities are shorter than ever before as reliability, availability and security become paramount. Delivering all the critical information that will require monitoring, maintenance and protection of assets, employees and data is, in effect, now intrinsically weaved into the role of the IT department. GCL will provide the Structured Cabling, sustainability and infrastructure solutions to facilitate this.

“GCL is about making commercial and residential property portfolios smarter and sustainable and to that end, Phil always has one eye on the future.” m: 07801 568 659 e: TraceyM@gcl.uk.com w: www.gcl.uk.com

AS A CHAMBER MEMBER YOU’RE WELL CONNECTED

9

ask the expert

October/November june/july2020 2019 business edge

Data is the new oil: Is your customer engine slick, or are you running on empty?

Carlene Jackson CEO Cloud9 Insight

15th of October marks the final ‘Get To Know Your Customers Day’ of 2020, but it’s often all-too-easy for businesses to become isolated from their consumers. Data may sound dry, but the information you have on your customers is your most precious asset: it’s time to stop storing data, and start using it.

Know thy customer By taking the time to get to know your customers, you can better identify the trends that affect their decisions. For instance, I’m a supermarket shopper, but the real end user for a lot of my purchases is my environmentally-conscious teenage daughter. When we work our way around the shop, she’ll be throwing items out of the trolley if she disagrees with the packaging or key ingredients. Pasta wrapped in plastic and not cardboard? Gone. Anything with palm oil? No thank you! Businesses are going to have to innovate if they want to keep the business of these emerging endusers.

This is why getting to grips with your data is so important – those who understand their customer data (and gain accurate insights into what the market wants) are in a powerful position. You already have this precious commodity in your possession; your existing customer data.

Ditch the spreadsheet Many businesses start their sales efforts with a simple list. Often, this is a spreadsheet containing names, contact

10

details and maybe space for a date when the customer was last spoken to. It’s a straightforward method, but it’s not a sustainable approach in the long-term.

In every old sales spreadsheet, there are bound to be a few hidden nuggets of gold that could transform a business, if only its owners knew about them. A lead that’s been unforgivably ignored, a conversation that wasn’t fulfilled, a call back that wasn’t made.

The data on spreadsheets is incomplete and only really meaningful to those who added it. But, as the days pass by, memories fade, employees move on and opportunities are lost.

Many businesses also have active accounts that could be worked far more profitably if only they explored the available options.

When a customer has bought from you once, they are many times more likely than a new prospect to buy from you again. People buy from people - but only from people who get in touch and ask for the business.

Many businesses have silos of data held by different departments. The first step towards oiling your customer data engine is to consolidate this into one master set. For most organisations, a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, is a good starting point. CRM provides a central place to store your customer and prospect data, track customer interactions, and share those insights with colleagues.

Get personal Once your data is consolidated, the next stage is to leverage data analytics tools, which can be used by even your leasttechnical team members to drill down into your customer data. Data leads to greater insight into the things that consumers really want, and can mean companies get smarter with their initiatives.

Using the insights gathered from your data allows you to tailor your communications to customers. An up-to-date CRM will mean your messaging is targeted and relevant to your audience. Channels such as email newsletters, social media posts, and online communities are a great way to keep you front of mind, and your loyal customers engaged.

In this new world, businesses need to embrace their customer data and find opportunities to engage meaningfully with them. Consumers want to be treated as individuals, and those that do this will be the ones to succeed.

Carlene Jackson is the CEO of Cloud9 Insight – a Microsoft Gold Partner specialising in Dynamics 365 CRM systems.

Cloud9 has provided cloud CRM to over 700 businesses in the UK, operating from offices in Brighton’s Preston Park.

Carlene is often featured in the media for her expertise on data, including segments on BBC Global TV, BBC Sussex Radio, and The Times.

“In this new world, businesses need to embrace their customer data and find opportunities to engage meaningfully with them. Consumers want to be treated as individuals, and those that do this will be the ones to succeed.”

www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

tel: 01444 259 259

june/july October/November december/january 2019 business 2018 2020 edge business business edge edge

skills and business development matters

Reece lights the way with career path that makes the grade in STEM A young Brighton manager is stepping up as a company ambassador to highlight the career opportunities in technology at a leading East Sussex-based international business.

Reece Mills Production Control Manager Hanover Displays

Reece Mills, aged 24, is a model example of the opportunities that are available for STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) at Hanover, based in Lewes, which has a global reputation for high technology passenger information systems for the public transport sector.

Specialising in LED display technology, audiovisual passenger information, automatic vehicle positioning, geo-localisation and fleet management, the company employs over 200 people in Lewes, as well as almost 100 additional staff across the globe.

Since its launch in 1985, it has enjoyed sustained growth to become a global business, with subsidiaries in continental Europe, North America and Australia, and partnering agents in other overseas territories throughout the world.

of thinking ahead, planning and problem solving.

by high levels of quality, reliability and customer service.

“There’s a huge sense of achievement and that’s a really nice feeling, as opposed to just turning up each day to do a job.

Together with its headquarters and production facility in Lewes, the company also has a further manufacturing site in Illinois in the US.

“As an apprentice, I gained a thorough grounding in the workings of the company, and I was really drawn to the people and processes.

“I was offered a production controller role and took up more management aspects and responsibilities and now I manage 20 staff.”

As part of his training at Hanover, Reece completed a HNC in Manufacturing Engineering at Crawley College, West Sussex.

He added: “At Hanover we have a great story to tell.

Both sites produce more than 45,000 units annually across the product range, shipping to customers in over 75 countries throughout the world for a client list that includes transport authorities, fleet operators, and vehicle manufacturers.

Recently, Hanover has invested in the latest collaborative ‘cobot’ systems at Lewes, to deliver significant benefits for its clients specifying destination display technology.

To maintain its market-leading position, Hanover relies on attracting and retaining a dynamic workforce with a STEM background from across the region.

“Across our industry, the impact of what we can do to help our customers is widely recognised and we are strong at service and support.

Collaborative robots are designed to work alongside teams, interacting with humans in a shared space, differing from traditional robots, which are designed to operate without human interaction and contact.

Now Reece - who joined as an apprentice following A levels in electronics, graphics and physics - is one of a number of people in the company telling his career story on the Hanover website, newsletter and publicity material, to help get the message across.

“It’s been an incredible journey for me so far and, in the future, I’d be very keen to work in production in other countries, working with these customer-focused values and continuing to raise the bar.”

At Hanover, they are delivering pinpoint accuracy in the testing of processor and power supply boards, produced as part of the company’s state-of-the-art destination display systems.

Hanover’s Operations Manager, Sean Winter has led the installation process.

“After A levels I decided university was not for me. I wanted more of a vocational approach and once I started at Hanover, I could see the opportunities straight away.

Sean Winter, Operations Manager said: “Talented people like Reece are absolutely key to our company’s success and we are delighted he is sharing his experience at Hanover to support us in the search for new talent, and to promote the value of STEM learning in the East Sussex area.”

“It is amazing how much technology goes into what we do and there’s a good deal

Customers in over 75 countries worldwide use a range of Hanover’s products, attracted

Reece said: “I joined Hanover as an 18-yearold and have never looked back.

He said: “The cobots provide exceptional reliability, and a fast turnaround for orders.

“There has also been a positive benefit for our staff, who have been freed up to operate in roles which bring even more innovation and support to the business.”

AS A CHAMBER MEMBER YOU’RE WELL CONNECTED

11

business matters sustainable management

October/November august/september december/january june/july2020 2019 2018 business edge

Building Sustainable Prosperity South East Local Enterprise Partnership Chair, Chris Brodie explains how the partnership and local area are working together to tackle the impact of COVID – 19 and support businesses and the wider economy to recover.

Christian Brodie Chair South East LEP

For the South East Local Enterprise Partnership, our focus has always been helping the local business community in any way that we can, whether it is through dayto-day, operational business advice from our Growth Hub, a fierce dedication to bolstering skills in our region through our skills remit and our Digital Skills Partnership, or more targeted approaches with repurposed funding streams, as has been the case since COVID-19 hit.

The South East LEP is built upon local needs, we are led by local decision-making from our Federated Boards, which are made up of local councillors, businesspeople and educators. Our Federated Board for East Sussex is Team East Sussex (TES); this is a group of very proactive, experienced members who work hard to ensure that our actions accurately reflect local needs and that both capital and revenue monies are invested in a way that will benefit communities the most. TES’s Economic Recovery Plan has been created to clearly lay out its aim: to build sustainable prosperity for East Sussex’s businesses and communities. These local area plans form the basis of the South East LEP’s actions, steering us to concentrate on the issues that truly matter to local areas.

The South East LEP recently became the recipient of the largest share of the Government’s £900 million Getting Building Fund, securing an £85 million pot to kick off shovel-ready projects and provide a welcome – and speedy – boost to the local economy. Thanks to TES, eight projects across East Sussex made the South East LEP’s final list of Getting Building Fund allocations, totalling more than £11 million in capital, ready to be injected into the local economy and bring about real change for the surrounding areas within the next 18 months.

Some examples of successful projects are: The Fast Track Business Solutions project for the Hastings manufacturing sector has secured £3.5 million in Getting Building Funding to address the town’s immediate need for modern manufacturing space. In Eastbourne, £1.6 million has been earmarked for the restoration of the historic Winter Garden pavilion to support the town’s yearround visitor economy.

The UTC Maritime and Sustainable Technology Hub project in Newhaven has secured £1.3 million to convert the former UTC@harbourside building into an

12

education-led skills training centre with commercial workspace for SMEs specialising in the marine sector.

And Lewes and Wealden districts, alongside the rest of East Sussex, will benefit from £2.5million for the Riding Sunbeams Solar Railways project, which will create the world’s first megawatt scale solar farm directly powering the current railways and develop a route to market for this model.

The South East LEP and East Sussex in particular has a strong track record of delivery and we have seen some great projects invested in from our Local Growth Fund and Growing Places Funds in the past, including the redevelopment of Devonshire Park, and more recently Fishermans Quay in Eastbourne. Details of these previous projects can be found at southeastlep.com/ projects-map.

Supporting local businesses The South East LEP has been working closely with our Growth Hub partners, Chambers of Commerce, FSB, Universities and our Local Authorities to support the regional business community since this

www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

pandemic began. We have called on local businesses to share their views through our impact and recovery surveys. We have encouraged local businesses to access free advice on funding options, grants, and other business support in what has been trying times from our East Sussex Growth Hub. Business East Sussex has a repository of coronavirus-related information including financial information, general business support, sector-specific guidance, webinars and training.

The South East LEP’s Board recently supported a £2 million COVID-19 Skills Fund; a £2.4 million COVID-19 SME Business Support Fund; and £1 million to extend SELEP’s existing Sector Support Fund programme to 2022. Further details of how to access these pots will be available soon.

We believe that the measures we have taken over 2020 so far will help the economy in Sussex and wider South East remain strong even during these trying times, but will also give our businesses the tools to not just survive the coming months, but to thrive and flourish against an entirely changed economic landscape.

tel: 01444 259 259

june/july 2019 business October/November 2020 edge business edge

sustainable management

East Sussex Economy Recovery Plan Unprecedented is sure to be the third most used word of 2020 after Covid and coronavirus, as it describes like no other the impact of Covid-19. The pandemic has brought turmoil to every part of the world.

Graham Peters

Chair of Team East Sussex Federated Board South East LEP

During lockdown a few businesses have prospered and grown rapidly, others have emerged relatively unscathed. But some have been devastated, and may never return to their previous ‘normal’. We must now grasp the opportunity to prepare for a different future.

During the pandemic, Team East Sussex, the board made up of representatives from business, local authorities, social enterprises and education, tasked to drive growth in East Sussex and which represents it at the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP), has examined what can be done to ensure East Sussex moves forward strongly with optimism as a place to live and work, and a location to visit.

East Sussex Reset is the result of intensive dialogue with over 50 partner organisations, from council members and colleges to industry leaders and small businesses. It summarises the issues we have to address, the changes we should make and the resources we can access.

We want to share this and ensure business is part of the dialogue that shapes the future of our great county.

We identified six missions to support the economy and livelihoods. Each one goes beyond recovery to reset opportunities for businesses, employers and employees, while improving the infrastructure and environment.

As an introduction, the missions are as follows:

Mission 1: Thinking local, acting local We believe it is important to rethink how we can benefit by being locally minded.

This gives businesses the opportunity to turn recovery into growth and build investment in the local economy.

Mission 2: Building skills, creating jobs Recognising the likely impact on the economy of high unemployment, particularly amongst young people, we urgently need to retain our local skills,

support employment and grow an agile and skilled workforce.

Mission 3: Fast-forwarding business The service and retail economy is vital to East Sussex, particularly the creative and cultural sector, as well as the leisure, hospitality and tourism industries. We aim to get these businesses back on their feet and people back into work.

Mission 4: Better places, fuller lives We can improve lives and places by taking steps to encourage local engagement and diversity. We need to shape our County for a sustainable and resilient future.

Mission 5: Cleaner energy, greener transport We want to make sure our reset takes account of the drive towards a low-carbon, circular economy. We are planning

ways in which clean energy technologies and de-carbonisation projects can be accelerated.

Mission 6: The future is digital We believe that now is the time to capitalise and grow digital connectivity to support transformation of business and the local economy.

East Sussex Reset shows how we can seize the opportunity for long-term change and build a stronger, more sustainable, more inclusive and more resilient future, in partnership with those in a position to effect change. The initiatives are positive and relevant to every business, organisation and enterprise and will flex as further effects of change are observed.

Ours is a beautiful, agile county, awake to the challenges, poised for growth and ready for us all to move forward with confidence.

The East Sussex Economy Recovery Report is available at https://www. eastsussex.gov.uk/business/eastsussex/ selep/tes/eserp

AS A CHAMBER MEMBER YOU’RE WELL CONNECTED

13

business support

October/November june/july2020 2019 business edge

Welcome to the World’s Largest Tech Experiment?

As we round the corner towards the end of 2020, I usually like to spend this part of the year reflecting on the previous 12 months and making plans for the next. …well, there’s certainly been a lot to reflect on this year. And many of the plans we’re making come with an awful lot of caveats and question marks.

COVID-19 has provided us all with enough emotional and mental strain to last a lifetime.

From a business point of view, everyone has run a gauntlet of money worries, staffing concerns, and changing practices.

I started thinking about the steep learning curve and rushed preparations we all faced with shifting to a predominantly remote (and often reduced) workforce. It has been the world’s largest experiment in the ability of businesses (and schools and everything) to adopt new technology and swiftly adapt to a changing landscape.

So what have we learned from this experiment? What worked? What didn’t?

And what do we do with that information?

What worked for us as a team?

As a tech company that offers a cloud based solution, we were already pretty well placed to transition our whole team out of the office.

Everything we did was already cloud based, from our phones to our CRM, so no one was reliant on their actual work PC. Many companies who’d never been interested in using cloud services suddenly found themselves in a race to get signed up, set up, and trained up on them.

That shift from in-office software to cloud services that has been happening over the last decade suddenly ramped up. The market analyst firm Canalys have found that investment in cloud services climbed by 31% in Q2 across the globe!

Some companies were also suddenly faced with a question of the security of how people were accessing all of this business data.

People who never heard of or expressed interest in using VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) were scrambling to get set up… and get their team using them reliably.

Similar to our heavy use of cloud technologies, our previous commitment to the security of our infrastructure and general practices gave us a real edge in our transition to remote working.

Any member of our team that had possibly even considered maybe working from home on an occasional basis was already set up.

They’d completed our security requirements for BYOD (bring your own device) and now just had to find a corner of their home to set up.

This meant that when the word came to move out of the office and into lockdown, we only had a small group of people who needed to get their computers set up.

And our whole network was already secure, so they could access it without worry.

14

As a business we were lucky. We had already jumped on the cloud bandwagon and taken the necessary steps to ensure the security of remote access. So when lockdown hit, it was just a matter of changing where we were sitting.

adopted video calls to have these longer conversations.

…at least when it came to the tools we needed to do our jobs.

Now inevitably, those longer “work” conversations often ended with a digression into a more general chit chat. But it would have done that in the office too and I personally think that made a real difference to rebuilding the community feel of our team.

What didn’t work for us?

Well…what now?

The first thing we found when we went into lockdown was a loss in that old team spirit and comradery. We all missed those incidental chats we had in the kitchen or across our desks. People felt isolated.

It’s going to be a long time before the world is “back to normal.” And there’s no way to know what other big changes might be coming our way. You can’t always predict these things, but you can help to protect yourself from business changes.

We also found that our awareness of what was going on in our own team and in other departments was reduced. Because we didn’t hear our sales team on the phone, we didn’t always know how busy they were or get familiar with the names of new customers.

We didn’t hear the training or support calls, so couldn’t lend a hand and send over a tip to one of our colleagues.

In short, our ability to support each other suddenly disappeared and we all felt the lack.

Now we already had a service that would allow us to video call, but we’d never really needed it before. Or at least not often.

Like so many companies, though, that changed fast!

A recent article from the Financial Times (dated 19 July), found that a certain video conferencing service that shall remain nameless (let’s call it Boom) found that use of their services increased by a factor of 20.

That’s 20 times more video calls than before anyone had heard of Coronavirus.

I’ve always said that spending the time to draw up plans for business continuity is important. But in this instance, our discussions about people working from home due to adverse weather meant that we had already thought about VPNs and video calling.

Taking the time to imagine and plan for possible interruptions to your business is the best way to ensure you’re prepared for something you didn’t imagine. My mistake was not thinking about how this would affect our emotion wellbeing, because I never saw that kind of interruption lasting more than a day or two.

But you can believe I’m going back to our plans and thinking about it now.

Graham Anderson, is the CEO and founder of OpenCRM, one of the UK’s leading customer relationship management systems.

We introduced a morning Tea & Toast session before the start of the day. Instead of just chatting or calling to discuss something, we

www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

tel: 01444 259 259

advertorial

june/july 2019 business October/November 2020 edge business edge

E-commerce: Why retailers need to adapt and move online Businesses and retail shops adopting e-commerce increase their sales and reach new customers.

Look no further than 2020’s global pandemic and you’ll see that the businesses that flourished were the ones that adapted by taking their businesses online. For many, the lockdown was a wake-up call. Being forced to provide online services or change business models completely, enabled brands to still meet customer demands and keep business running with little impact.

3 ways to improve e-comms for your business Besides, pandemic aside, online shopping is easier and more convenient for the majority of people, and why wouldn’t you want that for your customers? Here are some simple tips to help you move your business online and what you need to do to improve your e-commerce.

1. Build or update your website Building a website can seem daunting. But, to be frank, having a website is the single best thing you can do for your e-comms.

Your website is your flagship store and will be the place that customers and clients will look for.

It sounds obvious, but your website must work. Have you ever tried to find something on a website, only to meet broken links, pages that don’t load – or even worse – and have out of date or wrong information?

You wouldn’t make a customer go through hurdles to get to your physical shop to buy something, so why would you do it to them online?

A successful website must look amazing and be easy to use. You need to provide interesting and useful content for your customers that gives them all the information they need.

Your website needs features that let you update your stock, prices and delivery times easily, but it also needs to allow you to keep in touch with your customers. A good ‘contact us’ or ‘about’ page will do wonders for your brand.

Lastly, people expect professionalism. Make sure that your website is free of spelling errors, typos and wrong information. Links must work properly and lead to useful pages in order to convert visitors into buyers.

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is massively underestimated. Yet without it, your customers won’t be able to find your website when they use a search engine, like Bing or Google. SEO is the tool for helping your website and business to stay ahead of the competition and rank among the first results in search engines.

Have you ever searched for “SEO tips” and seen that Google delivers some 195,000,000 results in less than a second?

The page at the number spot has been optimised, meaning that it ticks all the boxes Google looks for and recommends to you, the searcher, that this is the best source to meet your needs, based on your search term.

Optimising for SEO ranges from using relevant keywords, using relevant and useful headers and images, site speeds, redirects and usability. You can read more about the importance of SEO here.

3. Use Social Media to interact with your customers

2. Optimise your website and make sure you’re seen

If you’re not already, start using social media. Your customers will expect you to be on the likes of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Like a website, a social media presence makes you more trustworthy.

It also gives you another way to sell your products and services through their e-commerce features.

You’ve built that amazing website. Now what?

It’s important to remember that you don’t need to be on every social platform; just

The more professional your website looks, the more trustworthy your company will appear and makes people more comfortable purchasing from you.

the ones where your customers are. For example, for most B2C companies, their audience will be on Facebook. Knowing this means that you can make estimated predictions about what they want to see, and tailor your content accordingly.

Understanding where customers ‘hang out’ online also opens up opportunities for social media advertising, which lets you specifically target certain customers and redirect traffic to your website.

The main thing to remember with social media is to keep your content visual, engaging, and always provide a link to your website so that customers can access it for more information.

Implementing your e-comms To improve your business’ e-commerce, you must get a good working website that has been optimised for SEO and start using social media to help build brand awareness. The key to good e-comms is simplicity; make the buyer’s journey as easy as possible. Whether it’s finding you among your competitors or making a sale on your website, strive to make it the best for your customers and you won’t go wrong.

Get in touch Advance Online helps you build the perfect website for your business.

Call Advance Online on 0845 625 0225, or email on help@advanceonline.co.uk today.

AS A CHAMBER MEMBER YOU’RE WELL CONNECTED

15

business support

October/November june/july2020 2019 business edge

Password re-use still poses a big threat Millions of Microsoft users have been using log-on credentials that could be known by cybercriminals. A big part of the problem has been the re-use of passwords which has made it much easier for hackers to unlock users’ accounts.

The software giant analysed a database of more than three billion leaked credentials pooled from multiple sources, including public and law enforcement data. It found that 44 million active accounts were at risk.

This threat was identified between January and March 2019.

Where Microsoft found leaked credentials among its consumer customers, it forced a password reset. No additional action was required. For enterprise customers, Microsoft alerted the administrator at each organisation so that a credential reset could be enforced.

Globally, data breaches are known to have exposed a total of around 4.1 billion records in the first six months of 2019 alone, so Microsoft’s analysis only reinforces the point that there’s plenty of credential data floating about that could, possibly, be traded by cybercriminals.

Weak passwords And while weak and obvious passwords – such as 12345678 – are still a big part of the problem, even complex passwords aren’t totally safe. They might pass Microsoft’s checks, but there’s no way of knowing if the user has re-used the password in other places.

Hackers can take a leaked password and use it in an attempt to gain access to other accounts used by an individual. It could be any access point in the user’s online activities. A password used for social media activities or gaming might very well be the same as that used for a highly sensitive database within your company.

There’s now a growing range of services being made available to help protect organisations from combatting the problem.

For instance, Microsoft now provides Azure AD Password Protection to enterprise users, and Google has also offered Chrome users an extension that detects username/ password combinations that have been compromised due to breaches.

The IT industry as a whole is urging everyone to use multi-factor authentication.

Gary Jowett, from Computer & Network Consultants in Brighton, said: “Using a username and single password is generally being phased out as it’s inherently unsafe.

Multi-factor authentication is currently the safest way to minimise security breaches.

It’s now made much more convenient with most people possessing a mobile device for receiving verification codes to match up

IMAGINE HAVING ACCESS TO ALL THE BEST IT SERVICES.

with other credentials. But this shouldn’t be a cause for complacency. Your employees still need to keep on updating their log-on credentials and making sure they don’t share this information with other people.

And your company’s security still needs to be regularly reviewed and updated because cybercriminals will, inevitably, find new ways to break into your network.”

ISO 9001:2015 & ISO 27001:2013 Certified

24

CNC provide the most comprehensive range of IT services in the South East including: – IT Support & Outsourcing

– Hosted Phones & Mobiles

– Internet Connectivity

– Security Services

– Installation & Infrastructure

– Cloud & Hosting

– IT Hardware & Software

– Disaster Recovery

– Cloud e-Mail Archiving

– Apple Support

– Mobile & Remote Access

– Virtualisation

– Off-Site Data Backup

– Office 365 & Azure

We would love to talk to you and offer a Complimentary systems & security check-up with no obligations to use our services.

— 01273 386 333 — sales@cnc-ltd.co.uk — www.cnc-ltd.co.uk

16

www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

tel: 01444 259 259

advertorial

june/july 2019 business October/November 2020 edge business edge

Practical Compliance: Leadership & Management Investopedia defines leadership as “the capacity of a company’s management to set and achieve challenging goals, take fast and decisive action when needed, outperform the competition and inspire others to perform at the highest level they can.”

All laudable aspirations, but how can and does good leadership make a positive difference to a business, and what is the difference between Leadership and Management?

The Cambridge English Dictionary defines management as “the control and organisation of something” which could be tasks and/or people.

In simple terms, leadership includes setting corporate objectives and inspiring others to perform at the highest level to help the organisation achieve them. Management includes arranging resources to ensure tasks are completed to time and to quality to meet those objectives.

The leaders of a business, be it the Board or Senior Leadership Team set the tone for the organisation. Tone from the top is a phrase that goes in and out of use and is often linked to the culture of the business.

How does this relate to the elements of the definition?

Set and achieve challenging goals: all commercial enterprises need to set targets and budgets to make a profit. These are set by the senior leadership team and communicated to the business in such a way that the business is prepared to work to achieve them.

Take fast and decisive action: expect the unexpected is a truism, as 2020 has demonstrated. Leaders need to be able to react to circumstances and adjust targets if the environment changes. If there is evidence of wrongdoing by a member of staff it is for the leadership team to take immediate and decisive action to ensure the business knows such behaviour is unacceptable.

Inspire others to perform at the highest level: true leaders inspire their people to push themselves to achieve at the highest level.

True leaders inspire the business to achieve as a group more than they can as individuals, managers identify the tasks required to achieve the goals the leadership team has set. Businesses need both leaders and managers and in smaller organisations these can be the same individuals.

How can we help Compliance Matters UK Limited offers cost effective and practical guidance. Contact us on 07768 422 213 or email ian@compliancematters.co.uk to discuss any needs you may have.

Outperform the competition: whilst it may not always be possible to outperform the competition, your leadership should be mindful of how firms in your sector are doing and any innovation that may give them a competitive edge.

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT TAX RELIEF SPECIALISTS

GET YOUR CASH FROM HMRC

Call COODEN TAX CONSULTING NOW!

Validate your claim,

No Win No Fee

Call us on: 01424 225 345

@CoodenConsults

Office 8

Charter House

email us on: info@coodentaxconsulting.co.uk

www.coodentaxconsulting.co.uk

43 St Leonards Road

Bexhill on Sea

East Sussex TN40 1JA

Cooden half page February22 2016.indd 1

AS A CHAMBER MEMBER YOU’RE WELL CONNECTED

22/02/2016 17:41

17

business matters sustainable management

October/November august/september december/january june/july2020 2019 2018 business edge

Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership: Supporting economic recovery Chief Executive, Jonathan Sharrock explains the role that the Coast to Capital LEP is taking to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 by working with government to agree a new deal for the local economy.

Jonathan Sharrock Chief Executive, Coast to Capital

that our area’s economy could shrink by somewhere from 12% to 17%, from a total value of £58 billion prior to COVID-19

Getting Building Fund

Peer Networks

We are working closely with government to agree a Getting Building Fund investment of £19.2 million for the Coast to Capital area.

Coast to Capital is a unique partnership of Local Authority, University, Further Education and high profile business leaders who come together to collaborate with diverse ideas and passion for the region.

Together, our team and Board helps to promote local economic growth by influencing policy-decisions, supporting local businesses and investing in key infrastructure projects from a number of funding programmes including a £300 million Local Growth Fund portfolio.

We’re placing an even greater focus on social mobility and our new Chair, Julie Kapsalis has a really strong commitment to equality and diversity. By collaborating with key partners across the region, we are driving sustainable economic recovery to help achieve our vision to be fantastic place to live, grow and succeed.

The impact of COVID-19

18

At the heart of the programme is a proposal to create a new innovation centre in Crawley, bringing together major innovation led businesses, building on the existing strengths of Crawley based technology industries.

The establishment of a new school of nursing and allied health provision at the University of Chichester will help meet the NHS’s needs in tackling the challenges of COVID-19.

Peer Networks is a national peer-to-peer networking programme for small business leaders that want to grow and develop their organisation for future success.

Delivered locally by the Coast to Capital Growth Hub, the programme creates diverse cohort groups of individuals to collaboratively work through common business issues. Through interactive action learning, this enables the discussion of challenges and provides valuable feedback to implement practical solutions to overcome them.

Business Recovery Grants

Supporting Local Businesses Since the beginning of lockdown in March, we have provided emergency guidance across our area through meaningful coaching and advice discussions with local businesses. Our highly dedicated Growth Hub team, have triaged hundreds of enquiries, each facing unique challenges.

The impact of COVID-19 has proven to be particularly targeted on our areas of economic strength, meaning that our economy appears to be among the worst affected in the country. Restrictions on air travel and the long-term restructuring of the aviation sector will profoundly impact our area, whilst social distancing and enforced closures have dramatically. affected the leisure, retail, hospitality and tourism sectors.

The support we offer is free, impartial and government backed which has put us at the forefront of diagnosing business needs and signposting to reputable sources of information. This is supported by our network of experts (Growth Champions) and links to central government and the business support community, enabling us to provide some of the best guidance in the UK. We are proud that 93% of businesses surveyed reported that they were very satisfied with the service they received.

Based on official scenarios from the Office for Budget Responsibility, we are estimating

As we look towards economic recovery, we have launched programmes and

www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

funding opportunities to support local businesses which include our Peer Networks programme and Business Recovery Grants.

The £2.1 million grant scheme, ‘Business Recovery Grants’ has been launched to provide businesses in West Sussex, Brighton & Hove, East Surrey, Croydon, or Lewes District with funding of between £10,000 and £170,000 (for projects of £20,000 to £340,000).

The programme will provide up to 50% of an expansion project for organisations that can demonstrate a clear link to COVID-19 recovery and growth.

The Growth Hub website is regularly maintained with links to partner support and government information.

Keep up to date with the latest news, information and events on Twitter @ c2cGrowthHub and subscribe to the newsletter. To speak to a Growth Advisor, complete our Request Form online at c2cbusiness.org.uk.

tel: 01444 259 259

june/july 2019 business October/November 2020 edge business edge

sustainable management

Helping the West Sussex economy emerge from the Coronavirus pandemic West Sussex County Council is committed to doing all we can to sustain and grow the West Sussex economy, a role that is more important than ever as we respond to the widespread impact of COVID-19 on our businesses, jobs and residents.

Bob Lanzer

West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member Economy and Corporate Resources

Along with other public sector organisations, we have played our part in responding to the crisis, including developing a local COVID-19 outbreak plan with guidance for businesses; and the launch of Keep West Sussex Safe, which encourages the county to stay alert and follow Government guidelines to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. It’s vital that everyone follows the guidelines to give the county the best opportunity to avoid the need for any local lockdown restrictions.

But like many businesses, we are now looking ahead. So what can we, as a county council, do to support the West Sussex economy and businesses in the coming months and years? We will adopt an Economy Reset Plan by the end of the year – a framework which highlights where we consider we can best contribute, ranging from employment and skills initiatives such as providing businesses with funding for apprenticeships through our levy pot; to doing what we can to support Crawley, the wider Gatwick Diamond economy and the businesses and people affected by the impact of COVID-19 on aviation; to taking action to accelerate the adoption and application of digital technology by small and medium sized enterprises.

A partnership approach is vital – we have to work together to support the economy and look at where we can add best value.

So we are working closely with key partners including the West Sussex district and borough councils, the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership, business organisations such as the Sussex Chamber, and the education sector.

We already have some exciting projects providing a welcome boost to the local economy. Work has completed on a new creative and collaborative workspace in Bognor Regis railway station developed by the County Council – The Track. Town Square Spaces has been appointed to operate this hub and link with the local community to support creative and digital start-ups, freelancers and entrepreneurs with workspace, networking, meeting rooms and ultrafast fibre connection.

We’re also partway through the procurement process to appoint a development partner to work alongside the County Council and successfully deliver Horsham Enterprise Park – comprising high quality mixed-use commercial and residential development on the former Novartis Pharmaceuticals site in Parsonage Road, Horsham, to bring a significant boost to Horsham and the wider area.

And together with our district and borough council partners, we have six Growth Deals underway across West Sussex. These five-year tailor-made deals identify specific priority projects and are aimed to promote local economic growth, including new homes and new jobs, and attract and bring together investment. Current examples include the Eastern Gateway project in Crawley, improving public realm and connectivity and significant development and infrastructure in Burgess Hill.

High quality digital infrastructure is essential to the county’s economic growth, and no more so than now given the challenges we face in light of COVID-19. We are investing in a number of projects to help provide this countywide. For example, our Rural Gigabit Voucher Scheme is enabling rural SMEs and homes to benefit from the fastest and most reliable broadband connectivity, giving people the freedom to live and work more flexibly.

Many of our projects have received Local Growth Funding from the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership, providing a welcome boost for West Sussex, and we will continue to prioritise seeking available

funding from a range of sources to support our priorities.

We continue to use our access to Government to impress upon Ministers the significant local economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, on Gatwick, the wider supply chain and horticulture and the need for Government to respond urgently.

Through hosting the countywide Experience West Sussex Partnership, we are working with our partners to support the county’s tourism and accommodation providers to put West Sussex on the map as a place to visit nationally and internationally.

We welcomed Oliver Dowden, the Secretary of State for Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, in August to meet with West Sussex sector figures and hear firsthand about the impact of Covid-19 on tourism and the ways government could help the industry in the coming months.

We will be progressing new activities in the coming months around skills, digital adoption, and business innovation and support. It’s clear that our county’s economy, business and skills ‘reset journey’ will be complex, multi-faceted and take time. As a council we are committed to playing our full part in addressing the challenges we face and taking opportunities to boost economic activity.

To find out more, visit www. businesswestsussex.co.uk or email business. support@westsussex.gov.uk To find out more about Keep West Sussex Safe visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/ coronavirus

AS A CHAMBER MEMBER YOU’RE WELL CONNECTED

19

advertorial

October/November june/july2020 2019 business edge

Are you looking for an effective, efficient and fast way to safely reopen after the pandemic caused by Covid-19 East Sussex based company, LED-UK Lighting ltd have introduced a new range of UV-C lights, to combat, not only Covid-19 but all known common germs, viruses and pathogens.

UV-C light, A Solution for Disinfecting Dentists Surgeries Against Covid-19 As restrictions surrounding Covid-19 are being lifted, dentists are now being allowed to resume operations. However, due to the nature of its operational procedures, special precautions must be taken to prevent cross contamination and infections due to the mist especially during fillings and extractions. Unfortunately, this means an hour’s downtime in between patients as the dentist’s operational room must be thoroughly disinfected.

UV-C light has been used to disinfect operating theatres for over 70 years. It is a common method of conducting specialised disinfection mainly in medical facilities and food processing plants.

Led-UK Lighting Ltd, in association with EcoLight LED has developed the OCTA UV-System, a robot which uses UV-C light to disinfect medical facilities such as the dentist’s operating room or surgery. The process takes under three minutes. This means that in between patients, a dentist

can thoroughly disinfect his surgery in under five minutes as opposed to one hour.

The OCTA UV-System is used to disinfect surfaces, the air and water. High-energy particles of UV-C rays penetrates the cell membrane of the pathogen whether it is on surfaces or in the air. As a result of the absorption of particles by DNA / RNA cell proteins, their structure is permanently damaged. This process is irreversible, which means that from that moment onward, the pathogen cannot survive or reproduce.

The process is responsible for the elimination and neutralization of 99.99% of microorganisms, including pathogenic pathogens.

UV-C light is part of ultraviolet radiation with a wavelength of 200 to 280 nm (specified in PN-90 / E-01005).

Covid-19 has changed the way we live, work and socialise. Businesses need to re-think how they operate and follow the recommended guidelines for the prevention.

The use of UV-C lighting in your business will save you time, cut down on the use

of harmful chemicals, which is better for the planet, leading to a reduction in their environmental impact and helping businesses achieve their ecological and sustainability goals. But more importantly, it will reassure your customers and staff that they are entering a safe and sterile environment.

Information on the full range of UV-C systems and the one mentioned above, including copies of all the certifications and approvals is available from LED-UK Lighting Ltd, 01424 222200, www.led-uk.co.uk or steve@led-uk.co.uk

In Partnership with:

UV-C Light Disinfection Technology Advanced Health Care & Well-being Industry Disinfection Solution Non-contact air and surface disinfection Confidence Speed & Precision

OCTA UV-SYSTEM Robot UV-C

LED-UK Lighting Ltd Tel: 01424 222200 Email: steve@led-uk.co.uk www.led-uk.co.uk

20

www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

tel: 01444 259 259

business advertorial matters

june/july december/january October/November 2019 business 2018 2020 edge business business edge edge

Industrial Specialist LED Lighting – Warehouse, Retail and Logistics Centres High and Low Bay Multi-Level Racking and Mezzanine Lighting Solutions

LED Lighting is one of the most efficient ways for a business to reduce energy consumption and operational costs, along with reducing environmental impact.

Electricity bills for warehouses and industrial units are typically high due to the long operational hours and high wattage of older style lamps which have been installed.

Switching to a LED Lighting system will reduce the bill by 71% in most cases, sometimes higher.

lighting through to custom elements like communication, sound, and security. All elements of the QIS are pre-manufactured and prepared prior to installation. All elements of the QIS are pre-manufactured and prepared prior to installation and come with a 7 year warranty and working life of 100,000 hours.

Minimum light level required

The universal nature of the QIS really supports its application within logistic mezzanine functions, making ease of lighting aisles, corridor, and open spaces within a single, coherent system extremely effective.

The lux level of any warehouse and industrial unit must be a minimum of 200, according to the Health and Safety Executive Lighting Booklet. If a workplace accident were to occur and your lighting is below that level, you will not be protected and risk facing prosecution.

Quick Installation System (QIS) – High to low bay and mezzanine solutions The LED QIS is a modular solution designed for quick and intuitive installation, whilst incorporating the latest technologies from intelligent control systems, emergency

Key features Multi-functional

Versatility The greatest benefit of choosing our QIS is its versatility. The lighting concept can be changed at any stage and be adapted to the requirements of the building throughout its lifetime.

The QIS is dedicated to projects with high technical requirements and where time of implementation is key. The potential and ease of this system has been appreciated many times by customers and contractors by its unlimited configuration possibilities.

LED-UK Lighting Ltd offer a full turnkey solution from survey to supply, install and commissioning.

To find out more and contact LED-UK, please visit https://www.led-uk.co.uk/contact/ Tel: 01424 222200, Email: steve@led-uk.co.uk www.led-uk.co.uk

MEES – does your building comply?

What is it? lntroduced by the Energy Efficiency.

(Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015, the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards - or MEES for short - makes it unlawful from the 1 April 2018 to grant a lease or permit a lease renewal of a property with an EPC rating of F or G. As a result of this, the landlord is required to carry out works to improve the rating to an E or above, and possibly at their own cost to let the premises.

What does it affect?

The Regulation determines that a commercial or non-domestic teased premise within the private rented sector will apply to MEES. Further to guidance provided by the Department for Business, Energy & lndustrial Strategy released in February 2017 a leased commercial Listed Building will apply under MEES subject to the necessary improvement works not impeding the fundamental characteristic of the building.

Why should I know about it? lgnoring this Regulation will prove to be extremely costly. The penalties for breaching the legislation include fines from f5,000 or 10o/o of the rateable valuable up to a maximum of 8150,000 applicable per non- compliance. ln the event of a substantial breach, the non-compliance could be subject to an additional publication penalty. These penalties will be enforced by the Local Weights and Measures Authority for their area.

AS A CHAMBER MEMBER YOU’RE WELL CONNECTED

21

inspirational leaders

October/November june/july2020 2019 business edge

The company tailoring IT systems for the smaller frame From the day he launched Intelligent Performance in 2004, Steve Thompson has been determined to provide SMEs with the type of service usually reserved for big companies.

By Helen Compson From the day he launched Intelligent Performance in 2004, Steve Thompson has been determined to provide SMEs with the type of service usually reserved for big companies.

At the time he was working for a large IT reseller, but he knew he could better serve clients of his own.

“I felt there was an awful lot of lip service paid to SMEs, but no one had a real proposition for them,” he said.

“While large enterprises were catered for, because they were spending enough money to make sure a manufacturer thought them worth investing in, your 20 to 30 employee businesses were being hung out to dry.

“They were being told ‘this PC or server would work’ and being asked to pay for systems designed for 200plus users.

“I thought there was a big opportunity there, due to the number of small to medium size enterprises across my home patch of South London, Surrey, Sussex and Kent, to ask them what they really wanted – and then provide it.”

Based in Crawley in the shadow of Gatwick Airport, Intelligent Performance took off from a serviced office on the nearby Manor Royal industrial park.

“I started off with a desk and one engineer on board,” he said. “There were around 40 other businesses in the building and before long, I was chief salesman, engineer and coffee maker every time someone had an IT issue.

“I ended up supporting 30 or so of the businesses and the building itself on behalf of the owners.”

Personable and approachable – he prides himself on speaking plain English rather than in zeros and ones – his own journey as an SME has given him the ability to understand and empathise with his peers.

Steve Thompson Founder Intelligent Performance

when their systems weren’t working – at the point of failure,” he said.

“But we need to be in earlier than that, to stop the system failing in the first place.”

By then, Steve had a new business partner in the shape of Nick Simmonds and together they changed Intelligent Performance into a more proactive enterprise driven by support contracts.

Now, an automated alert will let them know if a client’s system isn’t operating as it should and an engineer will be swiftly dispatched to nip the problem in the bud.

“There is no sales pressure from us, though,” he said. “People can buy their equipment from us, purchase a service contract or both.

It has also sharpened his focus in terms of the services needed.

“We aren’t tied to, say, just Microsoft either.

We are a solutions provider and will work with whatever system a client might already have, be that Sage or anything else.

“As Intelligent Performance grew, it became apparent people were contacting us if and

“If we need to bring in other people to meet the needs of a new customer, we will do that.”

“There is an almost guilty assumption in IT that if you want to have an email system, it should be Microsoft 365 and if you want to have a server you should turn to the Cloud.”

22

www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

When it came to actually installing a system from scratch for a client, it was an infallible truth that the more tailored it was, the better the fit.

Steve said: “There is an almost guilty assumption in IT that if you want to have an email system, it should be Microsoft 365 and if you want to have a server you should turn to the Cloud.

“Both are very viable solutions for perhaps 99% of companies, but the smaller one-man bands and SMEs are still not getting the right level of consultancy they need – they are having to fit in with how larger companies do business.

“They too need to outsource that element of their business, to get the bespoke system they need.”

The tailored-suit and, indeed, ready access to the tailor had become all the more prized during the pandemic.

Maintaining data security as staff moved out of the office and into their own homes had been crucial, and the source of many an urgent telephone call.

“We have invested heavily in Microsoft, to the point we can now build a ‘solution in a box’,” he said. “We can provide clients with, among other things, a voice-activated Microsoft telephone system an employee can use to work from home. No business can afford to be caught in breach of GDPR.”

tel: 01444 259 259

member to business member matters offers

june/july October/November december/january 2019 business 2018 2020 edge business business edge edge

Spotlight on Member to Member offers Being a chamber member can save your business money in many unexpected ways.

Many of our members offer great benefits for fellow members of the chamber. If you are a member and you haven’t yet made a Member to Member offer why not login to our website portal and create your own!

You can find the current list of Member to Member offers on our website at: www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk/membership/member-to-member-offers Here’s a highlighted selection of these offers:

Warnes Projects

Ballard Chalmers

LED-UK Lighting

Need to make changes to your existing office layout to adhere to COVID-19 guidance and do not know where to start? Our team will visit your office and discuss what’s important to your business, monitor and assess your current layout, how the staff interact with the space and show you where you can make improvements to the existing space while following new guidelines for social distancing.

We are pleased to offer a 15% discount on an SQL Server Health Check to Sussex Chamber members. If your database or applications are slowing down or you have upgraded your hardware and not seen an improvement in speed, a health check is recommended to catch problems before they evolve into something bigger.

Save up to 71% on your energy bill, reduce your carbon emissions and get a fast return of investment by upgrading your lighting system to LED. We help design, supply and install a bespoke LED Lighting System tailored to your business and offer a ‘FREE’ site survey of your premises, which includes an Energy Savings Report.

For more information, contact Andrew on 01342 410223 or ballardchalmers.com/contact/

Email: steve@led-uk.co.uk or call 01424 222200 www.led-uk.co.uk

Linguicity Training

Purple Cow

Having the right workforce skills is a multiplier of business growth. Linguicity Training provides tailored short courses that give your employees practical, future-proof technology skills. We are pleased to offer a free skills gap assessment for members of the Sussex Chamber. Not off-the-shelf, our approach is tailored to your priorities, from onboarding IT support staff to upskilling team leaders and management. www. linguicity.co.uk

Purple Cow Office Supplies offer a free audit on your annual office supplies budget. If you become a client through the results of that audit and refer us on you will qualify for an additional 20% from your next order. With fast delivery, affordable prices and personal service Purple Cow really is your one-stop shop for all your office stationery.

ETI – Electronic Temperature Instruments

Please call 01243 558570 or email info@warnesprojects.co.uk

Linguicity Training TAILORED COURSES FOR IT & DIGITAL

The IR Forehead thermometer is ideal for checking the temperature of people in offices, shops, warehouses, schools, restaurants etc., and can also be used at home for family members.

Call Sheridan on 07981 031954 or sheridan@linguicity.co.uk

Contact Ruth on 08081229080 or ruth@purplecow.uk.com. Alternatively apply online for an account at https:// www.purplecow.uk.com

If any Chamber member would like to buy an IR Forehead Thermometer you can do so via the ETI website and take advantage of an exclusive 25% discount using this members special discount code CHAM-25. https://thermometer.co.uk/ medical-thermometers/1375-noncontact-forehead-thermometer.html

The Language Guru

Wealden Wordsmith

DG Solutions

We help businesses and their employees with any language need, for work purposes or as an employee benefit.

Lessons can be on a one-to-one basis or in a group, remotely or face-to-face.

Teaching employees a life skill such as a language helps businesses keep teams engaged and productive. We are offering a free consultation as well as a free language level assessment for all members.

Covid-19 has turned life upside down.

Are you concerned about the tone of your messaging? Do you need to refresh your digital presence? I provide a professional copywriting service for SMEs and charities. I can help you stand out from the crowd and provide the creative content you need. I am pleased to offer a free consultation to Chamber Members, plus an exclusive 15% discount on my normal rate.

For any more information contact Carole Jacquet on 07814 975362 or carole@thelanguageguru.co.uk

Call Chris on 07854 129732 chris@wealdenwordsmith.co.uk www.wealdenwordsmith.co.uk

Do you ship or store any Dangerous Goods? Chemicals, Fertilisers, Adhesives, Paints, Cleaning Products, Electronics, Batteries and many more items are Dangerous Goods and there are a number of regulations that you must adhere to. For Sussex Chamber of Commerce Members ONLY, we are offering one compliance audit for your Sussex facility. Our Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor will come to your site, conduct an audit and follow up with a full report on your current status.

To Book: enquiries@dangerous-goods. co.uk Voucher Code: SC541

AS A CHAMBER MEMBER YOU’RE WELL CONNECTED

23

business matters sustainable management

October/November august/september december/january june/july2020 2019 2018 business edge

Funding Available for West Sussex Businesses to Join Energy Innovation Project Businesses in West Sussex are invited to join a cutting edge ÂŁ31m project to install clean technologies on their sites: helping save money, generate revenue, and reduce their carbon footprint.

Matthew Lumsden

Connected Energy CEO and Chair of the SmartHubs Steering Committee

What is the project?

SmartHubs is essentially about getting local people and businesses in and around West Sussex involved in benefitting from real life, low carbon energy innovation. It harnesses the expertise of world leading UK cleantech innovators to help reduce energy costs, carbon emissions and improve air quality.

Business and organisations can access transformative systems at a substantial discount as the project is 35% funded by Innovate UK, helping to accelerate the wider use of cutting-edge sustainable technologies, in some instances 100% funding is available.

What does the project involve?

The project will install and provide smart

24

management of solar panels, electric vehicle chargers, domestic air source heating, commercial marine source heat, and domestic and commercial energy storage in and around West Sussex.

The project will integrate and optimise these systems to provide a range of efficiency, financial and environmental benefits to residents and commercial organisations. West Sussex County Council are supporting deployment of all assets within the county to support their carbon goals and commitment to renewables.

SmartHubs will monitor how the assets perform and establish how to generate best value from the overall system.

Ultimately the project will provide guidance on how similar smart energy systems can be replicated on a UK-wide scale

How can I get involved?

energy and carbon costs, SmartHubs can design a solution that meets their needs.

Larger energy storage systems are available for sites with average half hourly usage greater than 150 kWh, or if sites have peak loads they want to manage, and are operational on winter evenings when electricity is most expensive, then an energy storage system can be configured to support their requirements.

Smaller systems are also available for sites and businesses who are interested in receiving a photovoltaic system with smart energy storage, under an innovative energy service agreement.

Subject to a feasibility study SmartHubs can offer 35% funding on a system, and in some instances fully fund installation.

Visit www.smarthubs-ws.com for more information.

For businesses and public sector organisations looking to charge a fleet of EVs, generate renewable energy on site, reduce peak loads or simply reduce their

www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

tel: 01444 259 259

june/july 2019 business October/November 2020 edge business edge

sustainable management

Greener construction is good for the economy as well as the planet With Covid-19 having such a severe economic impact, it is essential that businesses get back on their feet as soon as possible.

Mike Hedges

Director Beard Construction

Construction has been one of the hardest-hit sectors of the economy, so the Government’s focus on building in recent weeks – including the Prime Minister’s call for the industry to ‘build, build, build’ – is extremely welcome.

We are clear, though, that this should not come at the expense of people’s health and wellbeing: it is incumbent on contractors to ensure that all their sites and back-offices are completely safe to operate, for all their staff, subcontractors, and any members of the public who come into close contact.

Equally, the understandable desire to get building again should not lead to cutting corners, either on build quality, or on environmental standards.

The impact of construction on the built environment is there for all to see, but the effect on the wider natural environment is just as important, and needs to be closely managed. The industry has been making great strides on sustainability in recent years and it is vital that this should not be lost in the haste to get back to work.

Before Covid-19, the debate about how we could all reduce our environmental impact was one of the hottest political issues.

Although attention is currently focused elsewhere, this pressure is not going to recede. Indeed, there is now legislation requiring industry to be net-zero for greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This may seem some time off – but businesses that do not take action now, will find themselves in five or ten years’ time struggling to catch up.

At Beard, we believe we are facing up to the scale of the challenge – with a dedicated team of environmental champions working across the organisation to share best practice and promote greener ways of working.

We have set ambitious targets to reduce the use of gas and electricity in our office locations – and are currently exceeding those targets. In our Guildford office alone, between 80% and 90% of the energy we use is generated through a ground source heat pump. We have also installed LED lighting and motion sensors so that lighting is not left on unnecessarily: a small change but one which makes a significant difference.

The work we undertake is all within an hour of our offices, which minimises travel time and associated emissions. We pay car allowances based on emissions, which incentivises colleagues to make smarter choices about their vehicles and how they use them. Local suppliers, within five miles of the site, provide 80% of the materials we source directly. This benefits the local economy, as well as limiting the ‘road miles’ involved.

On-site, as well as complying strictly to all anti-pollution laws, we ensure that we divert more than 98% of waste away from landfill.

“Before Covid-19, the debate about how we could all reduce our environmental impact was one of the hottest political issues. Although attention is currently focused elsewhere, this pressure is not going to recede.”

This involves sorting materials on-site where we have space and, if not, sending it to a waste transfer site which then processes it appropriately.

We also source all the timber we use sustainably, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), and we have entered into a partnership with Community Wood Recycling (CWR), a social enterprise which ensures that all the wood from our sites is reused or recycled. In the last financial year, this partnership led to 105 tonnes of timber being recycled, with a further 29 tonnes reused and more than 8 tonnes processed into firewood for local homes and businesses.

This is a labour-intensive activity, and through CWR, it provides a wide range of disadvantaged people – including those recovering from substance abuse or from mental-health issues, people with learning difficulties and ex-offenders – with a way to build their confidence and self-esteem. They are able to learn new skills, helping them to overcome barriers to finding employment.

We know we still have a long way to go to reduce our environmental impact further.

But we hope to show that ecological damage is not an unavoidable by-product of economic growth, and that in fact ‘greening’ construction will bring tangible economic benefits, both locally and nationally.

AS A CHAMBER MEMBER YOU’RE WELL CONNECTED

25

sustainable management

October/November 2020 business edge

Adelphi named Most Sustainable Manufacturer at the Corp Today Magazine Global Business Awards 2020 The Adelphi Group of Companies has been named the UK’s most sustainable packaging/process machinery manufacturer, by the Corp Today Magazine Global Business Awards 2020.

Rachel Morgan

Marketing Adelphi Manufacturing

drive of everyday recycling awareness among staff, taking our recycling of cardboard above 95% every month.

The Adelphi Group exchange offcuts of stainless steel at the local scrapyard, and work with a local recycling company called Shredded Neat, to recycle waste cardboard and plastic.

Sustainability concerns are at the heart of Adelphi’s values: the Group pledges to “support the local economy and the natural environment, operate with integrity and deliver on commitments”. The Adelphi team recognises the responsibility of businesses to proactively integrate sustainable practices, from sourcing components, to innovating how products are made and packaged for customers.

Initiatives include: One of the Adelphi Group’s most popular products, the Apollo II liquid viewer, has recently had a packaging upgrade to sustainably sourced foam, made from polyethylene resin which is derived from renewable sugarcane-based feedstock (pictured).

Only biodegradable coolant is used when machining product components.

The polishing compound used to buff metal is certified free from animal fats.

Plastic cups were swapped for paper cups in all water coolers and for all hot drinks, and Adelphi have had a conscious

26

The Adelphi Group’s eco-friendly production facility ‘The Friary’ was unveiled in 2017, and it has significantly reduced the Group’s environmental footprint. Excess electricity is generated at a rate of 3% per month by solar panels, and two rainwater harvesting tanks save an average of 12,000 litres of water per month. Whilst work was underway on The Friary, an old artesian well was uncovered, which was excavated, re-lined and recommissioned. This, along with the harvested rainwater, now serves all the buildings at the Adelphi Group site with water for cleaning and machine testing.

The Friary increased Adelphi’s machine build production area from 270.9 square metres to 951 square metres, meaning that more parts than ever can now be built in-house, reducing the carbon footprint of deliveries.

The Adelphi Group of Companies is also a member of the Sustainable Business Partnership, and staff regularly organise and participate in eco-awareness events, including Beach Cleans and more. Managing Director Chris Wilson says that “COVID-19

www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

has given us insight into the possibility of a cleaner and greener world. Everyone has a role to play, to ensure that the positive effects continue, as we work towards a greener new normal. This award is a fitting reflection of the commitment to sustainability initiatives shown by all at the Adelphi Group of Companies.”

Customers share Chris’ enthusiasm: “Both Adelphi and Eve Taylor have environmental considerations at the heart of their ethos. We discovered that both our companies even use the same biodegradable starch packaging peanuts, for posting products!”

~ Eve Taylor (London) Ltd, Aromatherapy Skincare Manufacturer “Adelphi’s values match LittlePod’s perfectly – they really care”.

LittlePod, Real Vanilla Manufacturer

Although there is often a negative perception of the manufacturing industry in terms of its environmental impact, many companies including Adelphi are leading the charge to a greener future.

Every initiative will count to help the UK meet its target of climate neutrality by 2050 – all businesses are called upon to reduce pollution and waste, recycle and reuse materials, and moderate emissions in their processes.

tel: 01444 259 259

business advertorial matters

february/march 20192020 October/November business business edgeedge

Have some Reindeer Fun this December!

Throughout these challenging times, you have been an amazing support to your local children’s hospice, Chestnut Tree House. We know how difficult it has been for everyone, particularly for businesses. So, let us look forward and celebrate Christmas together!

This December, why don’t you grab your antlers and have some Reindeer Fun? Whether you want to Run, Cycle, Row, Ramble, or come up with your own challenge, Chestnut Tree House will provide everything you need for your Reindeer Fun event, including free reindeer antlers and red noses for everyone taking part, online materials and helpful hints and tips.

Taking part in Reindeer Fun is a fantastic way to boost staff morale, attract positive PR, fulfil your corporate and social responsibility and much more! Whilst spreading the festive cheer at your workplace, your fantastic fundraising will be making the world of difference to local children with life-shortening conditions and their families. Helping them live life to the full and, when the time comes, say goodbye in the way they want.

Are you ready to get your colleagues together and spread some festive cheer?

What Reindeer activity will you take on this year? To sign up, visit www.chestnut-treehouse.org.uk/reindeer-fun

Ch estn ut Tree Hou se R ein deer Fu n!

Grab your antlers this December and hold your very own Reindeer Fun challenge for Chestnut Tree House! y

c

b

b

c

b

c

c

For more information: 07795 353796 www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/reindeer-fun

b

c

Plus free antlers and red noses for everyone taking part!

b

c

c

Have some festive fun with your colleagues

A great way to boost staff morale

b c

c b

Registered charity number: 256789

AS A CHAMBER MEMBER YOU’RE WELL CONNECTED

27

training and events

October/November 2020 business edge

Training and Events Diary Customs Declaration E-learning Training The Chamber of Commerce network has partnered with some of the leading industry experts to launch brand new Customs Declarations Training designed to prepare businesses and trade professionals for the future of trade.

The way we trade with the EU is about to change, introducing the need for forms and processes not previously required. Up-skilled people are the key to continued training success once the UK leaves the EU.

Course content is based on the following topics: Introduction to Trade

Export and import controls Reliefs Preferences

Business Responsibilities

Customs simplified procedures – explanation of procedures and benefits

The Customs Declarations Training programme delivers flexible, bite-sized e-learning modules, classroom courses, and virtual classroom sessions.

Export process

Grant funding: Visit our website (training) to obtain applications for HMRC training funding.

Classification – determining the use of commodity codes

Course pre-requisites: there are no prerequisites for this course.

Using Customs Procedure Codes – use of appropriate CPCs

Import process Valuation – explanation of the main methods and their application

Assessment: no formal exam will be taken however delegates will get to complete simulated forms to ensure they can complete simple customs declarations correctly.

Registering Interest: To register interest please email info@sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

Funded & Accredited Virtual Training Working in close partnership with Sussex Chambers of Commerce, East Sussex College Group have developed a suite of qualifications to support business to change and adapt by developing skills in 4 key areas; Digital Skills, LEAN Management, Equality & Diversity and Mental Health Advocacy in the workplace:

Level 2 Certificate in Digital Skills for WorkBecome qualified in the use of the latest digital applications used in the workplace including Microsoft Teams, Onefile/Dropbox, Instagram, Linked In etc. understanding best practice and how to use the evolving technology in a GDPR compliant way across your organisation.

and continuous professional development process.

Level 2 Certificate in Lean Organisation Management TechniquesThis Certificate is aimed at team leaders and project managers wanting to improve business performance through continuous professional development of employees and their skill set. Learners will develop an understanding of lean organisation techniques in business, develop their knowledge and understanding of business improvement tools and techniques and understand what makes and effective team including how to handle conflict.

Level 2 Certificate Mental Health First Aid and Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace-

Level 2 Certificate in Equality and DiversityQualify your staff with an accredited certificate to ensure equality and diversity is embedded in your strategic planning

28

Raise your employees’ knowledge and awareness of the different types of mental health problems and

www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

their prevalence, as well as understanding individuals with these conditions in order to care for and interact with them..

Using an intuitive online platform with optional 1:1 support from tutors via video conferencing we are providing a Government funded training package to give your staff the skills and resilience to meet the challenges of recovery.

Use the promotional code SUSSEXCHAMBERS1 to access any of these 4 courses free of charge for yourself or your staff while funding is available.

To enrol go to escg.theskillsnetwork.com and follow the application process. You will need to complete a short maths and English assessment and be asked some short questions about how the course will benefit you.

If you would like more information please contact: sussexskillssolutions@escg.ac.uk

tel: 01444 259 259

training and events

june/july 2019 business October/November 2020 edge business edge

Training Courses Gold & Premier members - You can now use your credit pots to pay for training Customs Declarations Customs Declaration E-learning Training

FREE Various

7th December

Incoterms® 2020 (PM)

Management & Leadership Skills Unshakeable Confidence - Virtual Training (One to One)

FREE Level 2 Certificate Mental Health First Aid and Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace

Unshakeable Confidence - Virtual training (Group session)

FREE Level 2 Certificate in Equality and Diversity

Personal Development & Communication Skills

FREE Level 2 Certificate in Digital Skills for Work

20th October

Confident & Effective Communication Skills Virtual training (session 1 of 2)

21st October

Confident & Effective Communication Skills Virtual training (session 2 of 2)

17th November

Confident & Effective Communication Skills Virtual training (session 1 of 2)

18th October

Confident & Effective Communication Skills Virtual training (session 1 of 2)

FREE Level 2 Certificate in Lean Organisation Management Techniques

International Trade 12th October

A Foundation Course in Importing

4th November

Customs Declaration Training (Live)

9th November

Using Documentary Letters of Credit, Drafts & Bills

11th November

Becoming an Authorised Economic Operator

Sales & Customer Service

20th November

Classification of Goods Using Tariff Codes (AM)

14th October

Selling Skills for Results - Virtual training

30th November

Exporting - Understanding the Paperwork

5th November

Selling Skills for Results - Virtual training

7th December

Inward Processing Relief (IPR) (AM)

1st December

Great Customer Service

Events Virtual Events 6th October

Construction Forum - The Importance of a Talented and Diverse Workforce

Nick James – Partnerships Director – The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB)

16th October

Future Fit - Improving business efficiencies workshop - Session 1

Business & Office Planning - FREE for ALL delegates

20th October

Business Webinar - A Route to Expand into Overseas Markets

Mike Foster – SPB Business Support - Members: £15 + vat, Non-members: £20 + vat

22nd October

Future Fit - Improving business efficiencies workshop - Session 2

Financial Session - FREE for ALL delegates

4th November

Future Fit - Improving business efficiencies workshop - Session 3

Health & Well Being Session - FREE for ALL delegates

2nd December

Christmas Sussex Social

Members only - £5.00 per delegate - We look forward joining you for our festive event

British Chamber of Commerce - Customs Webinars - FREE for all members 16th October

Countdown to Change - Chamber Customs Series Webinar 2: 75 days to go

11th November

Countdown to Change - Chamber Customs Series Webinar 3: 50 days to go

1st December

Countdown to Change - Chamber Customs Series Webinar 4: 30 days to go

Highly informed speakers provided by the British Chambers of Commerce New content of each of these webinars - invaluable for logistics and export teams Find out how to be prepared for the changes coming in the new year No limit on the number of delegates you can book FREE for all members - £15 + vat for non-members

Non-Members’ Events Every Tuesday (with Richard) Every Thursday (with James)

These informal meetings include a short presentation, a Q&A session and some networking time too. Sussex Chamber is proud to be at the heart of Sussex, providing businesses with the opportunities they need to help grow the local economy, develop their employees and the future workforce, to discover new global markets and influence key decision makers within government.

Zoom events FREE to attend Non-members ONLY

To book your FREE place, please book online or call the office on 01444 259259

For more information or to see our 2020 Calendar visit our website www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk to book please call us on 01444 259 259.

AS A CHAMBER MEMBER YOU’RE WELL CONNECTED

29

sustainable management

October/November 2020 business edge

Are your foundations in place to thrive after COVID? Commercial Optimisation is a professional implementer of the EOS model & system….a proven way to business success. Here, Co-founder Andrew Stevens explains how to reset your business.

Think back to how your business was running at the start of 2020. Chances are you were following your business plan (3 out of 4 UK businesses use a plan), and you were growing and flourishing.

But in April, just as you thought you couldn’t do anything wrong, the world stopped. Suddenly you were facing some very different challenges – for many, the main goal became survival. Today, you’re probably trying to work out how you can find success in the post-lockdown world.

Facing up to these new challenges may require you to reset the foundations of your business. Every day, I talk to entrepreneurs about how they can get more from their business, and for me, it comes down to three areas – people, planet and profit. Let’s look at these in more detail.

People In challenging times, it’s never been more important to have the right people in the right seats. You need people who buy into your vision and values, and they have to be capable of doing the job that you give them. This is one of the six components of the EOS Model used by Commercial Optimisation, which I help entrepreneurs to implement in their business.

You might find that some roles that you had in your company pre-COVID are no longer needed. On the other hand, there may be a whole raft of new functions you need to create. You need to take a detached, birds-eye view of your business and evaluate what you need to move forward.

Planet Resetting your foundations gives you the opportunity to reassess your priorities. You may have a new vision for your company - one completely different from when you started out. Now is the time to bring it to life.

Many businesses are refocusing to become more sustainable, creating roles to monitor environmental impact. Also, in the wake of the pandemic, many companies are becoming more people-focused, implementing flexible working schemes and being more deliberate about diversity and inclusion. Does your business need a new vision?

30

Andrew Stevens

Co-Founder Commercial Optimisation

Profit If you have seen your profits plummet since the COVID crisis, with little sign of recovery, you need to make adjustments to get back on track. Start with the basics – is there a demand for what you do now?

Next, look at your forecasts. Are you anywhere close to where you need to be?

The secret to moving back into profitability is having a good plan and sticking to it. In EOS, which we use at Commercial Optimisation, we talk a lot about planning. We believe any business can find success by creating a strategy around six key components. What are they? You’ll have to get in touch with me to find out.

Are you ready?

To understand what your company needs, it’s vital to take time out. That means working on your business rather than working in your business. A proven system like EOS can help you systemise your

www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

company, so you can switch to the new normal faster and more smoothly.

When you run a business, you face 136 challenges at the same time! Today it’s the aftermath of a pandemic, but it could easily be a recession, a new competitor or a change of regulation. What’s important is that you have a framework that everyone understands, and a plan you can stick to.

When you can control your response to any change in your business, when you and your employees can switch seamlessly from one mindset to another (growth to survival, for example), we call it business readiness.

If you don’t have business readiness, you can’t achieve it by tinkering around the edges. You need to make fundamental changes to your foundations. However, there are people who have done it before and know what to do. Let Commercial Optimisation show you the way.

tel: 01444 259 259

October/November 2020 business edge

sustainable management

The dichotomy of sustainable housing growth Is it possible to double the number of new homes built annually while causing no environmental harm?

William Mackveley

General Manager of Wastewater Solutions & Onsite Treatment Works, Severn Trent Connect.

steel solutions are often inferior and more costly than natural solutions.

Severn Trent Connect work with many of the Garden Villages, large developments and mixed-use sites which include schools, care homes etc. across the country including the Sussex region. We provide solutions for developers facing problems with the wastewater utility service; namely a lack of available local capacity. We always welcome conversations to explore potential solutions for our clients.

My view point is from surface water and foul water management. Over the years at Severn Trent Connect we’ve seen a move away from capturing surface waters and combining them with sewage for processing at a local wastewater treatment works (WwTW) to separate collection, attenuation in underground systems and release back to the environment. More recently I’m pleased to see an increase in the number of planners and developers interested in using more natural systems such as ponds and wetlands, which not only effectively manage surface waters but also provide additional habitats for local wildlife and boosts local amenity too.

Housebuilding targets

Local infrastructure solutions

House prices have nearly tripled since 2000, pushing home ownership out of reach for many. The UK Government’s response is an ambitious housing growth strategy, calling for 300,000 newly built homes per year. While housing delivery rates have significantly increased over the past decade, they will need to almost double to meet the Government’s aspirations.

Biodiversity and sustainability Biodiversity and environmental improvements don’t occur by chance at large developments; they must become the very foundation of planning and design. It should be recognised that concrete and

Maybe surprising to many, one factor slowing down housing delivery is availability of local wastewater treatment capacity.

Many large developments are thwarted by the very long lead times for a connection into the local sewerage system, in some instances by more than five years.

Perhaps there is a case for more localised treatment systems; Severn Trent Connect can design at the community level, where site-specific matters can be taken into consideration. For example, such systems might supplement flows to marginal watercourses or provide educational experiences to local schools.

We’ve seen that localised solutions can have a lower total carbon input compared with

connection into distant centralised systems, further enhanced by running on renewable electricity and not relying on chemical additives in the treatment process.

Incumbent companies submit their fiveyearly business plans to Ofwat detailing how they will increase capacity for growth.

Unfortunately, large additional demand occurring outside of the business planning cycle usually waits for inclusion into the next planning cycle; adding up to five years to the wait. If capacity is unavailable, an onsite Severn Trent Connect wastewater treatment plant is a solution Doubling the number of new homes delivered each year while causing no environmental harm requires in part a new approach for surface and wastewater management. Local treatment plants such as ours which deploy the best available technology, producing effluents of the highest quality can help. In some sensitive locations, this approach could unlock previously undevelopable land.

The call to arms Our call to arms is two factored. Firstly, developers, engineers and local authorities should strongly consider planning their developments around blue/green infrastructure as this has the real potential to improve biodiversity, amenity and may lower total costs. Secondly, planning authorities should give priority to those developments where sustainability has been put at the heart of the design.

AS A CHAMBER MEMBER YOU’RE WELL CONNECTED

31

finance focus

October/November 2020 business edge

Launching your new product can be more of finance boost than you think

A product launch is always a fantastic opportunity for a company to celebrate their success.

However, this year it’s a bit different, you won’t be doing a hard launch on a stage at a fantastic business exhibition with 100s of your potential customers in front of you.

You are going to have a soft launch in a magazine that your customers will read and hope that the phone rings.

But this year you’ve read this article in this magazine, and instead of following in the footsteps of a significant number of your peers and competitors, or indeed your own business last year, you’ve realized that your product launch also represents the point at which a significant failure arises often without anyone really noticing, or even worse caring. This year you’re going to do something different, you’re going to pick up the phone and have a conversation about Research and Development Tax Credits with an expert.

It’s one of those, “unknown, unknown” moments that exist everywhere in business, but after being around for 20 years Research and Development Tax Credits should no longer be one of them, but it is, despite a plethora of “experts” popping up all over the space, shouting about it to accountants and to businesses alike. Alas, thousands of businesses continue to miss their right to claim this most generous of tax reliefs.

We are but one of those experts, but we do have some substance behind our claims, we’ve been operating for 7 years now (out birthday was 1st September) and have supported nearly 200 companies to claim more than £16m in R&D Tax Credits claims.

But back to your new product, it’s taken you a while to get from concept to launch, along

32

the way you’ve had Eureka moments and more abject failures than perhaps you would care to mention in polite company. You’ve and you’re team have no doubt had several more ideas during the same time period and may be one or two of them are still going through the product development process (despite everything Covid threw at you in 2020) and your hoping to launch it in 2021 to a live audience.

Well the good news is those failures are great news for your cashflow, they clearly weren’t at the time, but they are now. “Why” do I hear you ask? Well, normally your failure would go hand in hand with a scientific or technological challenge that you were trying to overcome. After all, we don’t set out to fail, it just seems to happen naturally!

Something that you thought would be straightforward, turned out to be a massive obstacle in your path to success.

We celebrate your failure as much, perhaps more than we celebrate your success.

It sounds strange and we are in no way some sort of strange voyeur watching your business with a voodoo doll and giving it a prick every now and again just to see what happens. We celebrate your failure because we know that the failure while difficult in the short term, will open up the opportunity for you to claim Research and Development Tax Credits, whether you are paying tax or not they can boost your cashflow.

to launch a new product that is worse than what you already have, or than the market already has) The advance has to be achieved by overcoming some form of scientific or technological challenge (the only way to overcome these is by learning and adapting through failure) The solution to the challenge cannot be readily deducible by a competent professional operating in the field.

If you look back through your new product development, you’ll no doubt see it littered with failures and the one or two products that do make it to the point of launch didn’t get there by some fluke, they got there through overcoming every single technical or scientific challenge you were presented with.

Now you just have one final hurdle to get over, and that hurdle is of your own making, you just have to talk to an expert to confirm that you can claim. Go on, dare you, go to your browser, type in www.calendly.com/ simon-bulteel, or if you are reading the online version click on the link. Book a Find Out in Fifteen Minutes discovery section with our Director, Simon Bulteel and start your next journey, we promise it will be worth it, just to know, for sure! Speak to you soon.

The over-riding fundamentals for a successful claim for R&D Tax Relief are: There has to be a project (developing a new/improved product) There has to be an advance in science or technology (you probably aren’t going

www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

tel: 01444 259 259

advertorial

October/November 2020 business edge

Break through the noise Digital marketing shouldn’t be scary. At Be Everywhere, we understand how complex today’s marketing landscape is portrayed, which is why we thrive on helping our customers to find their digital voice.

Our services provide an effective solution to growing your brand online, helping you to reach and engage with audiences both genuine and relevant to your business.

Strategy By thoroughly profiling your business, we implement a bespoke digital marketing strategy, clarifying the objectives, messaging, channels and audiences of your campaign.

Social Media Across a range of social media channels, we strategically help your brand to promote itself and build engagement, influence and trust with relevant audiences.

Design We create eye-catching visual campaigns consistent with your branding to help you stand out from the crowd and from your

competitors and build memorable brand awareness.

Content Marketing From social media messaging to blogging and press releases, we replicate your brands tone of voice and research your industry to create compelling and targeted content.

Email Marketing We help you to directly reach and engage with your target audience and customers through email marketing campaigns, that are both tactical and GDPR compliant

Analytics From content performance to audience and engagement, our analytics give you and your business a deeper insight into your activity and helps to strategise digital growth.

"Working with Be Everywhere has assisted us in taking a more strategic and holistic approach to communications across our social media channels."

Testimonials "A testament to a great media package that I can't fault! A heartfelt thanks from my team."

"I would happily recommend them to anyone wanting to get more exposure through social media."

“They are proactive, full of great creative ideas and are always there when I need them."

Let us help your business find its digital voice. Get in touch for an informal and informative chat – info@be-everywhere.co.uk 0191 850 5990 or visit www.be-everywhere.co.uk

AS A CHAMBER MEMBER YOU’RE WELL CONNECTED

33

SUPPORTING THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19

WE TAKE YOUR IDEA FROM CONCEPT TO CREATION

WSMPLASTICS.CO.UK

kickstart scheme

October/November 2020 business edge

The Kickstart scheme The Kickstart scheme is a £2 billion fund designed to create hundreds of thousands of high quality, 6-month work placements for young people aged 16-24, who are claiming Universal Credit.

As the Government launches its Kickstart scheme, aimed at helping young people into work, the Sussex Chamber of Commerce and the British Chamber network are working together to support businesses to maximise the benefits of the scheme.

The Government’s Kickstart scheme is designed to help young people whose dreams, careers and ideal jobs have been affected by COVID-19.

“At a time when cashflow is tight, this fully funded scheme will help employers bring young people into the workplace and develop new talent for the future.” - BCC Head of People Policy Jane Gratton

How the Scheme works The Government will fund 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours per week, plus associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic enrollment contributions. £1,500 is also available per placement to support and train the young person.

This means that for any business, of any size and operating in any sector who is looking to create quality jobs for young people can apply to create new 6-month job placements and support the next generation through the early stages of their career to develop skills and experience.

Who can apply for funding Any organisation, regardless of size, can apply for funding.

The job placements created with Kickstart funding must be new jobs. They must not:

replace existing or planned vacancies cause existing employees or contractors to lose or reduce their employment The roles you are applying for must be:

How to apply If you’re creating more than 30 job placements

a minimum of 25 hours per week, for 6 months

If your organisation is creating more than 30 job placements as part of the Kickstart Scheme, you can submit your application directly.

paid at least the National Minimum Wage for their age group

Start your application here:

should not require people to undertake extensive training before they begin the job placement Each application should include how you will help the participants to develop their skills and experience, including: support to look for long-term work, including career advice and setting goals support with CV and interview preparations supporting the participant with basic skills, such as attendance, timekeeping and teamwork Once a job placement is created, it can be taken up by a second person once the first successful applicant has completed their 6-month term.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/applyfor-a-grant-through-the-kickstartscheme If you’re creating fewer than 30 job placements If your organisation is creating fewer than 30 job placements, we can help you do this, as you are not eligible to able to apply directly. We are collating businesses for DWP/Government, bringing them together for those who want to do less than 30 placements.

Register your interest on our website and we will get back to you with further information. https://www. sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk/ Young-Chamber/Kickstart-Scheme Please note any business can apply.

There is no requirement to be a Sussex Chamber member.

The guidance is still being updated by Department for Work and Pensions, and therefore the criteria requirements may change, so refer always to our website.

AS A CHAMBER MEMBER YOU’RE WELL CONNECTED

35

business new members matters

October/November august/september december/january june/july2020 2019 2018 business edge

Welcome to Sussex Chamber of Commerce Membership of Sussex Chamber of Commerce can help you increase profits, get the best from your people and find new clients. Also, it saves you money, gets your voice heard and puts you in contact with even more businesses.

Brewin Dolphin 23 Mallard Gardens, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH17 5NS

Buffalo Bills

Connected Energy

Eastbourne Road, Halland, Lewes, East Sussex, BN8 6PW

The Core Science Central, Bath Lane, Newcastle Helix, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE4 5TF

www.buffalobills-halland.co.uk www.brewin.co.uk 07704 455556 Brewin Dolphin are one of the UK’s leading wealth managers. Founded in 1762, we are here to help you achieve your ambitions through expert, personalised financial planning and investment management advice.

Tex Mex Restaurant - We serve hearty American and Tex Mex dishes offering from delicious sticky wings and ribs to signature steaks & hearty sides,

07961 562727

Will is based in West Sussex and specialises in helping SMEs and business owners achieve their long-term goals.

Conference facilities - We offer Conference/ meeting rooms for functions Ample parking onsite free parking

Connected Energy’s battery storage systems, made with second-life battery packs, provide organisations with many benefits, including helping with electricity demand and reducing energy bills. Harnessing the circular economy to provide industrial scale energy storage its systems maximise the value of already committed natural resources, supporting the decarbonisation of the grid.

Cloud9 Insight

enablingCommunications

Hygiene Chemicals Ltd

6th Floor Park Centre, 177 Preston Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 6AG

336 Kingsway, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 4LW

www.cloud9insight.com

www.ecomms.uk

Unit 9, Downsbrook Trading Estate Southdownview Way, Worthing.

West Sussex, BN14 8NQ

01273 921510

07485 296635

Award-winning Microsoft Gold Partner, specialising in Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement (CRM) software.

Enabling Communications provide all the business communications tools you need to connect and collaborate with your customers, suppliers and employees. In partnership with BT for broadband and VoIP, EE for mobile 4G and 5G and HubSpot for CRM, our solutions bundles are designed to uplift your business performance!

By simplifying the technology adoption journey, Cloud9 supports SMEs throughout all stages: Design and implementation of tailor-made systems, in-depth training for all users, ongoing support (simple break-fix to complete systems optimisations).

Rooms - Our American style Motel offers newly refurbished bedrooms

Be empowered to grow and scale your business with Microsoft cloud technology.

36

www.c-e-int.com

01825 840456

www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

www.hygienechemicals.co.uk 01903 210222 Hygiene Chemicals Limited are providers of Chemical, Paper, Janitorial and Disposable products with outstanding service to our customers. This together with our fully trained hygiene sales managers to provide you, our customer, with a dedicated service and total back-up.

The Company was formed in April 1996 and is based in Worthing, West Sussex for both administration, warehousing and national distribution for our customers.

tel: 01444 259 259

business new members matters

june/july October/November august/september december/january 2019 business 2018 2018 2020 edge business business business edge edge edge

LED-UK Lighting Ltd

Wealden Wordsmith

6 Elm Grove, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN22 9NW

Beechcroft, Luxford Lane, Crowborough, East Sussex, TN6 2PE

01424 222200

www.wealdenwordsmith.co.uk

www.led-uk.co.uk

07854 129732

LED-UK can help your commercial property to switch to LED Lighting

Wealden Wordsmith offers a professional copywriting service for SMEs and charities.

The art of persuasion begins with good quality copy, which tells your story and engages with your audience.

Save up to 71% on your energy bill, reduce your carbon emissions and get a fast return of investment by upgrading your lighting system to LED. We design, supply and install a bespoke Lighting System tailored to your business.

Drop me a line if you want to stand out from the crowd and need creative content to promote your business.

Never a better time to join There has never been a better time to become a member of Sussex Chamber of Commerce. In our rapidly changing business landscape you need to keep aware of all the developments and initiatives resulting from Covid-19, and all that is changing with BREXIT. We are here to help.

Membership provides many benefits and in these challenging times we have seen huge spikes in the use of many key membership services. One of the most used of our services has been the employment law support through our QUEST HR & Legal support services. That support was significantly augmented to cover questions arising from furlough and all the newer initiatives recently announced.

We’ve also seen a growing demand for training and as a member you’ll receive significant discounts when developing your staff with Sussex Chamber. You’ll also notice we now offer many courses that are fully funded.

If you are dealing with Europe and have never considered chamber membership –

now is that time. We strongly recommend zooming in to our series of truly authoritative and informed events to prepare for customs declarations and UKEU trade, brought to you by the British Chambers of Commerce and free for all members.

Let’s not forget our other events, we are still running about 70 events a year, virtually of course, covering a variety of timely subjects. Investing in your marketing during these times is the smart move for all successful businesses.

Becoming a member you’ll find many opportunities to leverage our website to promote your message, with our Business Directory, Member to Member offers and our Latest News blog – which is as much your blogspace as it is ours. Many members also enjoy free editorial in this

magazine, a benefit which in itself can be worth the cost of membership alone.

You’ll be reaching a unique Sussex audience of the most forward looking small businesses, SMEs and corporates in the county.

Stay connected with Sussex Chamber – the largest business organisation in Sussex.

If you’re a member – why not refer someone, we have a very generous referral scheme – that saves both you and your referral on membership costs.

For more information call us on 01444 259259

AS A CHAMBER MEMBER YOU’RE WELL CONNECTED

37

business matters chamber campaigning

October/November august/september december/january june/july2020 2019 2018 business edge

Restart, rebuild, renew Baroness Ruby McGregor Smith CBE

The British Chambers of Commerce has urged the Prime Minister to quickly take further action In a letter to the Prime Minister, BCC President Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith has said businesses face “the most difficult trading conditions in postwar history” and set out a series of measures to help government take a “sharper approach” to restarting the UK economy.

Without doubt, the Government has made some powerful and substantial interventions to protect jobs and livelihoods since the start of the crisis.

However, businesses throughout the United Kingdom continue to face the most difficult trading conditions in our post-war history. What began as an unparalleled public health crisis has now become an economic and social challenge of immense complexity. While public health must come first, the time has come for a far sharper focus on the successful restart of our economy.

Research by the Chamber Network shows that many firms, where they can open, are operating at about half of their pre-Covid capacity. One in three firms plan to make employees redundant over the next three months. And some firms still cannot open or have been forced to close again as a result of local lockdowns. Without further interventions, more good businesses will fail, and many more jobs will be lost.

The recommendations from the British Chambers include: Test and Trace must be immediately improved so that it is quickly available to all who need it, results are returned quickly, and positive results tracked.

38

A far more ambitious fiscal general stimulus - despite the Chancellor’s recent summer statement, business and consumer confidence remain weak, and there are real difficulties with reopening the supply-side of the economy. The path to October and beyond appears very challenging, as the Job Retention Scheme and CBILS and BBILS schemes close.

A support package that will help locked down areas must be rolled out. To give businesses confidence and minimise risk, support for businesses shuttered by local lockdowns in the form of grants and wage support, not additional debt, is needed.

Support packages for the hardest hit sectors - many leisure providers, for example, either cannot restart properly and/or face dire financial circumstances. If they fold then the country will be significantly less healthy.

A single, clear, comprehensive roadmap for the remaining stages should be published, helping businesses to plan, prepare, and, ultimately, survive.

As I write this and think about the challenges facing business it is tempting to look at the newspaper headlines and wonder how business owners can think and plan beyond even next week. Survival comes before sustainability.

Brexit brinkmanship, the ‘rule of 6’ and the reining in of economic stimulus might not be the issues of the moment by the time this edition of Business Edge hits your screen or desk but they are currently combining to deliver even harsher macro and micro economic headaches across our business landscape. A ‘return to normal’ is not in anyone’s vocabulary at the moment and the Serum Institute in India (the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer) has suggested it will be 2024 before there are enough doses of any effective vaccine available to inoculate the world’s population.

The possibility of life floating in the clouds of Venus reminds us of our insignificance in the grandest scheme of things and at the same time should make us all think about what we are doing to protect our own planet from further irreversible damage. The wildfires on the west coast of America roar loud the message that the clock is ticking ever faster.

The scale of the challenges our world increasingly faces can be paralysing. For now I make no apology in suggesting our focus for action should be on thinking and acting locally. Recruiting locally, buying locally, being responsible but being resilient and helping our Sussex economy to restart, rebuild and renew.

Rob Clare

Chairman Sussex Chamber of Commerce

A successful restart of the economy demands bolder and more ambitious action.

www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

tel: 01444 259 259

Find your digital voice!

Engaging your brand with audiences that matter.

www.be-everywhere.co.uk E: info@be-everywhere.co.uk T: 0191 580 5990

Thinkers Challengers Innovators Leaders DISCOVER THE SUS SE X MBA FIND OUT MORE

www.sussexmba.com