Business Edge 65 by Distinctive Media Group Ltd

Inside 4 business matters 10 evolution and transformation 20 training and events 22 big interview 32 new members 38 mental health and wellbeing

the magazine for sussex chamber of commerce members

February/March 2022

Evolution and Transformation Sussex Chamber of Commerce

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contents

February/March 2022 business edge

Sussex Chamber of Commerce

Welcome to our Business Edge magazine! Evolution & Transformation

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

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FEATURE EDITOR Karen Southern karen.southern@distinctivegroup.co.uk

Many of us have had to adapt in various ways. Adjusting to a new way of life the pandemic has brought, adapting our businesses and dealing with numerous challenges, or familiarizing ourselves to new trading conditions. Several of us have had to evolve and transform our business models by reviewing our operations, finances, products and services as well as reviewing our strategy and vision. Every January the Sussex Chamber starts its strategic planning, involving all staff and reviewing current practices and process. We engage with our staff team in conversations, discuss and brainstorm our plans to see how we can evolve and adapt. This is such as important process for us to ensure the Chamber evolves to provide a service which is relevant and current for businesses in Sussex. We have huge plans and welcome any input our members have. Please do email me with any thoughts or ideas about your membership ana.christie@ sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

Skills plan – still time to be involved in our trailblazer local skills improvement plan!

Ana Christie Chief Executive Sussex Chamber of Commerce

within our skills plan to be submitted to government. There is still time to get involved and ensure your business is part of our amazing trailblazing skills plan: www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk/ Education%20Skills

Maximise your membership benefits

Our trailblazer Local Skills Improvement Plan continues to develop. Our Case for Change subgroup sessions with stakeholders were held in January to share findings from all the work that has taken place around data analysis, stakeholder research and workshops to help build a picture of the skills challenges in the Sussex area and potential ideas for solutions. In February we will be holding 3 Change Consultation Workshops to share the final priorities and project plans for inclusion

The Sussex Chamber continues to provide essential support, services, and advice to help businesses prosper. We provide unrivalled expertise, networks and connections – if we don’t know, we’ll know someone that does. We connect our members through events and communications programmes, providing peer learning, building networks, supporting business development. Ensure you are making the most of your membership and maximizing the benefits. Call our membership team today 01444 259259.

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CONTENTS DISCLAIMER Distinctive Media Group 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.

welcome business matters chamber news evolution and transformation

3 4 -8 9 10

training and events

20-21

big interview

22-23

evolution and transformation

24-31

new members

32-33 34-35

county business clubs

12-13

finance focus

business support

14-15

mental health and wellbeing

AS A CHAMBER MEMBER YOU’RE WELL CONNECTED

business matters

February/March june/july2022 2019 business edge

Creative Pod’s top marketing trends to look out for in 2022 The marketing landscape is ever-changing, it’s crucial from a business perspective to keep on top of the latest additions to social media platforms and the current in-thing, but with new updates and predictions coming out on an almost weekly basis, how do you ensure you don’t get left behind? Full-service marketing agency, Creative Pod tells us the top marketing trends essential for your business in 2022.‍

Rachael Pratt Senior Marketing Executive, Creative Pod

1. The Rise of LinkedIn / Employee Advocacy LinkedIn has become a platform for more than just job ads, with business owners posting more about what their company does than ever before. It’s a known sales fact that people buy from people. People buy from those who seem personable, have character, and are ‘social’ on social media. Getting your employees to become your business advocates, by posting their professional content, particularly on LinkedIn, is a great way to stand out from the crowd. It’s not proven, but in many cases, algorithms seem to favour posts from personal profiles over business profiles, encouraging companies

2. Email Marketing Is On the Up In 2021 the most used email marketing tactic was message personalisation. Valuing your customer in e-shots and segmenting your audience into categories based on their values seems to be a key trend from 2021 and is something we predict will continue. Google’s latest report also echoes this idea of personalisation, adding that “you need to understand the many identities that matter to people in your market and get hyper-local with your efforts”.

3. Speed is Key! Companies are constantly trying to grab their customer’s attention - so if you want to be seen, make sure you’re quick! Webpage loading times are a primary factor not only for your SEO but may also increase your bounce rate if they’re not fast enough. People get bored of waiting for your page to load and click off it before the content you’ve worked so hard on has even appeared. At Creative Pod, we say anything more than a threesecond load time is too long! So aim for three seconds or less, or you will lose your audience!

to stand out from the noise by buying ads instead. Asking employees to post is free

4. Video is King

and practical, not to mention that personal

Over the past few years, probably unknowing, you were more than likely convinced to make

branding is very on-trend, right now.

www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

a purchase after watching a video. It’s also a pretty good assumption to make that you or most people you know have watched explainer videos to learn more about a product or service. In addition to the ROI, many social media platforms’ algorithms favour video content over static images. So, if you’re not already utilising video on your webpage, at events, or as part of your social strategy, it’s time to think about it! Of course, not any old video would do, and if you don’t have the capabilities, we highly recommend hiring somebody who does. If you’re camerashy, animations work just as well!

5. Environmental Responsibility Brands and consumers alike seem to be talking about sustainability more and more. With COP26, Greta Thunberg’s influence, foodbank demands, and the documentary Seaspiracy released this year; customers are more interested than ever on this topic. They want to know where your products came from, what you’re doing to reduce your carbon footprint, and they’re taking more care over the brands with which they associate themselves. 2022 is the year to think about reporting on your own environmental impact, or think about the suppliers that you use, to target the environmentally-friendly subsection of your audience.

tel: 01444 259 259

business matters

june/july 2019 business February/March 2022 business edge edge

Vent-Axia Provides Ventilation for Giving Back Crawley’s HQ Refurbishment Lena Hebestreit Marketing Manager, Vent-Axia

Vent-Axia, has donated ventilation to local charity, Giving Back Crawley, as part of the refurbishment of its new base. A small charity that serves the local homeless community, Giving Back Crawley found a permanent place to operate from, including preparing and cooking hot meals, but the building needed a complete refurbishment following water damage. Vent-Axia supported this great cause with ventilation to help make the place a suitable home for the charity. Vent-Axia was more than happy to help Giving Back Crawley. One of the company’s members of staff Linda Dawson regularly volunteers at the charity so was able to give a first-hand account of all the good work the charity does with helping the homeless in Crawley. Cooking and delivering over 100,000 meals in the last 18 months to those

who need them most and is entirely run by volunteers. As well as serving their guests free meals, the charity provides the essential items they need to get by such as clothing, bedding and wellbeing items. “We would like to thank Vent-Axia for donating the ventilation for our building. The building needed a complete refurbishment following water damage and so we are very grateful to all the companies in our community that have rallied together to help us so that we can cook for the homeless community in Crawley,” said Joe Dines, chairperson at Giving Back Crawley. “We are delighted to be able help this fantastic local charity create a permanent base from which to provide hot meals and a variety of support to the local people who need their help”, said Lena Hebestreit, Marketing Manager at Vent-Axia. “We’ve supplied a range of ventilation units that have been installed throughout the building to combat condensation and mould and help ensure good indoor air quality. Not only will this help protect the building itself, it will also ensure both the volunteers and

their guests are benefitting from a healthy indoor environment.” Giving Back Crawley has been receiving donations and help from across the local construction community so that the charity can provide its very necessary services to the homeless in Crawley. To find out more about the charity visit: givingbackcrawley.org

Spotlight on Member to Member offers Many of our members offer great benefits for fellow members of the chamber. If you are a member and haven’t yet made a Member to Member (M2M) offer, why not login to our website portal and create your own! There are currently 62 M2M offers on our website. They cover a very wide variety of services and products with free consultations, discounts on services, other giveaways and some truly surprising offers that can also benefit your staff. Remember to keep your M2M offers up to date, especially if they are limited by date! We’re showing summaries of these offers here but for full details visit our website: www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk/membership/member-to-member-offers

Members offer – 10% off all Same Day dedicated deliveries All members will receive a 10% discount on our standard rates for all Same day deliveries. info@bbacouriers.co.uk 01444 239933 www.bbacouriers.co.uk

Free 1 hour consultation In your consultation we can talk through your current accounting arrangements and see how Blackman Terry can help to save you and your business money. We can answer any specific accounting questions or concerns you may have. enquiries@blackmanterry.co.uk 01444 882381 www.blackmanterry.co.uk

Executive coaching - free taster session Merceric Ltd is currently offering potential new clients a free 45-minute Executive Coaching taster session. This will help you to find out the benefits, as well as how I approach Executive Coaching, especially if it is unfamiliar to you. Ian Mercer, Executive Coach, Merceric Ltd ian@merceric.co.uk 07505 19 33 11 www.merceric.co.uk

AS A CHAMBER MEMBER YOU’RE WELL CONNECTED

business matters

February/March june/july2022 2019 business edge

Paul Scrivens promoted to Chief Executive at The LoveLocalJobs Foundation C.I.C Paul Scrivens has been promoted to the position of Chief Executive of The LoveLocalJobs Foundation C.I.C beginning a role that will see him support the Chairman and the Board of Trustees in delivering the Foundation’s day-to-day business plan and strategy. inspiring, and much needed programmes to students with the aim of raising their aspirations and reaching their full potential. “I’m truly honoured to take on the role of Chief Executive at The LoveLocalJobs Foundation C.I.C”, said Paul. “I feel incredibly grateful to be guiding such a wonderful organisation and team of people into the next phase of our development as we begin the process of registering as a charity.”

Paul Scrivens Chief Executive, LoveLocalJobs Foundation C.I.C

The promotion comes as recognition of the outstanding commitment, resilience and professionalism Paul has shown during his 4 years with LoveLocalJobs. In that time, he has taken the organisation from strength-tostrength, in particular, doing a phenomenal job during an incredibly difficult last 24 months for businesses. The new role will see Paul continue to lead the Foundation’s award-winning team, who are committed to delivering creative,

Paul’s promotion comes at an incredibly important stage in The LoveLocalJobs Foundation C.I.C’s development. With the Foundation working towards becoming a charity, his experience and leadership skills will be instrumental in raising the Foundation’s profile, developing its fundraising capabilities, and ensuring its vision, mission, and values remain at the core of everything it does. In 2021 alone, the Foundation has delivered 33 programmes to almost 5,000 students across Sussex. The delivery of the programmes in 2021 was made possible through the support of over 140 mentors from a number of incredible local businesses, who all helped inspire and guide the next generation at a pivotal stage in their lives.

Transformation Think ‘transformation’ and any number of ‘now it’s time for the big reveal’ T.V. shows might spring to mind but what does it mean for business and the UK economy? The Government of the day talks of transforming the UK to a ‘high skill, high wage economy’ to generate new value and unlock new opportunities. Fundamentally that is what business transformation is about, often driven by necessity in shifting and challenging markets where incremental change is not enough. The pandemic with enforced working from home has driven the transformation of many business processes and in some cases mindsets (with people trusted to be diligent and productive even when they are not micro-managed!). Effective transformation aims to position a business so that it can survive then thrive, whatever uncertainties the future may hold. The speed of digital innovation and migration, the adoption of mobile technologies is but one example. Away from consultant speak, in the real world of business any change, be it incremental or transformational, should be focussed on making lasting improvements to any or all of systems and processes, people capabilities and culture, marketing and sales customer service and ultimately cashflow and profits. Across the Chamber network our members will be at various stages of transformation with stories and experiences good and bad. As we get back to face to face events and networking, please make the most of the opportunities to draw on the knowledge and experience of others to the benefit of your business and the Sussex economy.

Rob Clare Chairman Sussex Chamber of Commerce

www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

tel: 01444 259 259

business advertorial matters

june/july February/March december/january 2019 business 2022 2018 business edge business edge edge

Nine days of major improvement work on the Brighton Main Line this February The Brighton Main Line will shut for nine consecutive days later this month for a major £15 million upgrade that will tackle delays for Southern and Thameslink passengers. The railway between Three Bridges, Brighton and Lewes will close from Saturday 19 to Sunday 27 February 2022, as engineers work round the clock to rebuild a crucial junction, lay brand new track and shore up embankments to reduce the risk of landslips. The upgrade also means the lines between Three Bridges and Brighton/Lewes will be closed on the weekends of 12/13 February, 5/6 March and 3 April for preparation and follow up works. Katie Frost, Network Rail’s Sussex route director, said: “The Brighton Main Line is one of the UK’s busiest routes and the rail infrastructure is among the oldest and most intensively used. These works are absolutely vital to improving performance so we can give passengers a more reliable train service. “Doing the work in a longer 9-day closure means we can get more work done, more quickly, avoiding 20 separate weekend, evening and bank holiday closures which would be even more disruptive to passengers, the people who live by the railway and the wider economy. “We are working hand-in-hand with our colleagues at Govia Thameslink Railway to make sure people who do need to travel when the line is closed can still go where they need to.” In a snapshot passenger survey late last year, more than three quarters were aware of the closure and 48% will change their travel plans. Southern and Thameslink will operate alternative train and bus services, but many journeys will take considerably longer than normal. No trains will run between Three Bridges and Brighton or Lewes. Main line services will start and terminate at Three Bridges, where there’ll be a major temporary bus hub, served by up to 54 replacement buses per hour at peak times, running on routes across the closed sections of line. Two trains

per hour will run between London Victoria and Brighton via Gatwick Airport, Horsham and Littlehampton, offering an easier and more comfortable journey than using a replacement bus. Chris Fowler, Southern’s Customer Services Director, said: “We’ve been working closely with Network Rail to make sure our customers can get where they need to be while these vital infrastructure improvements are carried out. The train and bus services we’ll be running are all now in the National Rail journey planner so please plan your journey now, and re-check closer to the time, as we might need to make further changes because of Covid. “People can take a train confidently, knowing that Southern and Thameslink trains and stations are treated every day

“The Brighton Main Line is one of the UK’s busiest routes and the rail infrastructure is among the oldest and most intensively used. These works are absolutely vital to improving performance so we can give passengers a more reliable train service.” Katie Frost, Network Rail’s Sussex route director

with a viricide that kills coronavirus for weeks at a time.” Engineers will use 8,000 tonnes of ballast – the stones beneath the track – as they rebuild Copyhold Junction near Haywards Heath, a crucial intersection for Ardingly Stone yard where aggregate for the construction industry is carried by train, removing hundreds of lorries from local roads. During the closure, engineers will replace more than 1,500 metres of track in renewals at Copyhold Junction, Burgess Hill, Preston Park and in the 1841-built Clayton Tunnel. They will also renew eight sets of points – the mechanical kit that moves switches and crossings for trains to change tracks. The closure will also see the construction of a new underpass at Hassocks, to replace Woodside level crossing which was closed recently after a spate of safety incidents, including near misses and children playing chicken with trains. Building the underpass in a 9-day block – instead of 40 nights of noisy work –will cause less disruption to residents who live by the railway and deliver the benefits to the community much sooner. The work is all part of the wider Sussex Upgrades programme, which is investing more than £750 million from 2019 to 2024 to improve the railway for passengers.

AS A CHAMBER MEMBER YOU’RE WELL CONNECTED

business matters

august/september december/january February/March june/july2022 2019 2018 business edge

10 Minutes with local business, Marshall-Tufflex 2022 looks set to be a bumper year for Hastings-based cable management manufacturer Marshall-Tufflex. Having already kicked off the year with the appointment of Jon Chamberlain as Managing Director (Designate) following Paul Mitchell’s phased retirement, the company is also celebrating its 80th Birthday. Here Jon Chamberlain shares what’s in store for 2022 and outlines its position as a local employer. Jon Chamberlain, Managing Director, Marshall-Tufflex

At Marshall-Tufflex, we deliver high-quality cable management solutions, focusing on providing products that are robust and fit for purpose to a range of sectors. We have pioneered plastic extrusion in the UK and led the way in areas of product research, development and innovation. As a company, we have a very positive outlook for the year ahead and we are excited to be celebrating our 80th birthday, a fantastic milestone and achievement. While we are still a family-owned business, a lot has changed since we were founded in London in 1942: Our operations have grown and we have expanded our locations to include warehouses in Watford and Manchester as well as making Hastings the home for our head office and manufacturing facility. A big part of our operation is our commitment to using recycled PVC-U in our cable management products. Recent figures indicate the construction industry creates 120 million tonnes of waste – of which it’s estimated that 25 million tonnes end up in landfill sites. With landfill sites in short supply (not to mention their negative impact on the environment), there’s enormous pressure on the industry to reduce, reuse and recycle. That’s why we are passionate about producing products with the greatest level of recycled content possible. In fact, over 25 years ago, we changed our manufacturing processes to incorporate recycled material originating from waste PVC-U windows into our products. Since then, we have continued to invest in research and development

to refine this process to improve the percentage of recycled content we use. As part of our 80th Birthday celebrations, it is our ambition to achieve an average usage of 80% recycled material across our PVC-U trunking and conduit systems, equating to thousands of tonnes of material from going to landfill. We also encourage our competitors and the industry to consider their own impact, and it is our vision that by 2028, all cable management products installed in buildings are manufactured using at least 50% recycled materials. This year, we expect business growth to continue, and we have an exciting pipeline of products and innovations ahead. In turn, our workforce will continue to expand with more employment opportunities for the local area. As part of this, we are focused on encouraging more people to join the industry, particularly the younger generation. The skills gap in the construction sector as a whole is an issue

“This year, we expect business growth to continue, and we have an exciting pipeline of products and innovations ahead. In turn, our workforce will continue to expand with more employment opportunities for the local area.”

www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

that we must all address and MarshallTufflex has introduced several programmes to help build the knowledge and skillset of the younger generation. Through our apprenticeship scheme that is provided in association with training provider SIGTA, we support our apprentices through relevant NVQ Level 3 Advanced Modern Apprenticeships. In November our newest apprentice joined us as part of this program as an Apprentice Maintenance Engineer. Philanthropy is a large aspect of our culture and supporting the local community is important to us. We are very proud to support local and national charities through regular company donations and last year donated £42,000. Some of the charities benefitting from donations in 2021 were The East Sussex Health Charity, Rotary Club International, Demelza Children’s Hospice, St Michael’s Hospice, Guide Dogs for the Blind and the Alzheimer’s Society. In October we sponsored the East Sussex Big Thank You Awards to celebrate the local heroes who had worked hard through the pandemic to make a difference with exceptional acts of goodwill, courage and care. We were delighted to present the NHS Hero at the event which was deservedly won by the Conquest Hospital’s Baird Ward. With our fantastic workforce in place and the support of our loyal customers, we look forward to the next chapter and our 80th Year.

tel: 01444 259 259

business chamber matters news

February/March june/july december/january 2019 business 2022 2021 2018 business business edge business edge edge edge

Seaford chamber of commerce celebrates 65th anniversary – Or maybe not?

Free 30 minute consultation Social Media can be overwhelming particularly if you are just getting started. We offer Sussex Chamber members the opportunity to book a call with us to have a chat about your online marketing objectives. We can use this time to give you some pointers on what you might need to make a successful impact on social media. To book simply email info@ditzymedia.com info@ditzymedia.com 07958559600 www.ditzymedia.com

Past Presidents Group Pictured (LtoR).

Your product – our manufacturing expertise.

Mark Flowers (2005 – 2006), Chris Rolf (1989 – 1990), Gerri Ori (2009 – 2011 and 2013 – 2015), Stefano Diella (2008 – 2009), Lynette Kemp (2006 – 2008), Clare Davis (Current President), Rob Blackman (2011 – 2013), Brian Money (1975 – 1976) Regrettably, Brian has died since this event took place.. Dave Argent (2004 – 2005) and Alasdair Fortune (2015 – 2017)

A full two years of voluntary work by the organising committee to mark this anniversary were scuppered by Covid 19! The official commemoration was launched with a gathering of Past Presidents on Friday 8 November 2019 to obtain a souvenir photograph of as many past Presidents as possible, to be used in the programme given to all guests attending a prestigious formal dinner on 20 June 2020 at Deans Place, Alfriston, East Sussex. The dinner for 120 people included a celebrity speaker and dancing into the small hours. But even as the tickets were being sold, we suddenly went into lockdown in March 2020 – 10 weeks before the event! However, at least the many past Presidents enjoyed a celebration lunch in recognition of their time and effort given voluntarily to help and support the business community in Seaford since 1955. Most of them had their own enterprises to run – but were keen to ensure that the voice of business

was heard when controversial issues affecting local traders were raised. The continued success of Seaford’s town centre is in no small part thanks to their efforts and the current management team of the Chamber was keen to recognise the important part they played. The fact that most of the past Presidents still reside in Seaford is testament to the excellent quality of life enjoyed by residents here! The 65th anniversary came and went without being celebrated – so the Chamber committee is now looking to 2025 for an even bigger event to mark 70 years!

Rachel Brown, Secretary, Seaford Chamber of Commerce

If you are looking for a new Contract Electronics Manufacturer, whether you are at first build or have an established product, then we would love to talk to you. We work with customers of all sizes, across many industries, with a focus on design for manufacture to delivering quality products. For any Sussex Enterprise member, we would like to offer you free tooling and stencils (part of the manufacturing set up costs) on your first order (subject to conditions). sales@fermionx.com 01903 524600 www.fermionx.com

Celebrate with First Recruitment Services….. First Recruitment Services have kicked off the new year in style with a re-brand we’ve also launched our new website! To celebrate with our fellow Sussex chamber members, we are offering a discount of 20% off our standard fees until the end of April 2022. This offer is in relation to permanent vacancies only and please quote FRS20 when claiming your discount…. haywardsheath@firstrecruitment.co.uk 01444 417766 www.firstrecruitment.co.uk

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evolution and transformation

February/March 2022 business edge

Green people’s evolution from etail to retail A move from etail to retail is helping Horsham’s high street. Charlotte VØhtz Founder, The Green People Company Ltd

It’s no secret that the pandemic hit the high street hard and when Charlotte Vøhtz, founder of the organic skin care brand Green People, saw empty retail spaces emerging in her local Horsham high street, she was determined that her first bricks and motor store would give back to the town that she and many of her HQ team call home. Having operated in etail for almost 25 years, Vøhtz acknowledges that it was a brave move to invest in a physical store at a time when many high streets were struggling but any doubts were soon set aside when the store officially opened its doors in October 2021. “As a business we evolve around our customer and their initial reaction to the store was fantastic”, says Vøhtz. “Having an established online brand meant that we could merge our etail and retail words from the outset and publicise the store to existing shoppers. Localised maildrops and targeted PR and email campaigns helped us to create a local customer base in an instant.” Within weeks of opening, the store has already established itself as a core part of the Green People brand journey and, to Vøhtz, opening the store is not only an example of brand evolution but also a tale of happy revelation. “We discovered that around 60% of our store customers have shopped with us online before and on opening day, we had customers in store telling us they had supported us since the ‘90s and that they were so pleased that we had chosen to open a store on their doorstep. “It is so rewarding to know that after 25 years of business, our local community still supports our mission to make organic skin care mainstream.”

A masterclass in merging etail and retail Evolving the Green People brand into a high street name has long been an ambition of Vøhtz, who had dreamed of opening her first store for over 20 years.

With her first store, she has demonstrated a masterclass in merging the etail and retail worlds.

new whilst also helping Green People to reach a new customer base that’s seeking out personalised skin care.

The brand’s flagship store retains the organic expertise that Green People is known through Store Manager, Lily Beard, who previously worked on the customer care team of the brand’s etail arm and provides a bridge of consistency between the two domains.

“Some customers have shopped with us before and come into store knowing exactly what they need. They may come in for an old favourite but soon they’re testing out new products and embracing the chance to experience new customisable additions.

To ensure that shopping in-store is just as rewarding as shopping online, store shoppers can earn loyalty points from their purchases if they are, or if they become, members of Green People’s Beauty Club. This gives etail and retail customers the chance to attain Green Points which can then be converted to shopping vouchers and redeemed either online or instore. The store’s online social channels are also playing a part in the new store’s success. To attract customers to the store for their Christmas shopping, Green People worked with neighbouring stores to create an instagrammable community archway.

“For others, the store is a brand-new concept and we’ve noticed that customers are really keen to get to know our brand values before they buy. The scent of our Alexandra Kay Pure Essential Oil blends welcomes our customers in store and helps to create a calming shopping environment where there’s plenty of time to browse and ask questions before you buy.” Keen to offer all their customers a bespoke shopping experience, Lily and her team are committed to offering experience, care and community.

It is clear that brand consistency and community have been key to the latest stage of Green People’s evolution.

In December, Green People sponsored the Piries Place Giving Tree, a community charity initiative to gift to those in need at Christmas. The store is also exploring opportunities to work with initiatives that reward Horsham residents for shopping on their local high street.

Its loyal customer base has proved pivotal for integrating the new store into Horsham’s high street but as Store Manager Lily explains, the new venture has given these customers the confidence to try something

Green People’s retail store is located at 32 Carfax, Piries Place, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1EE and open Wednesday – Sunday. Visit: greenpeople.co.uk/horsham for more information online.

Creating community

www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

tel: 01444 259 259

advertorial

February/March 2022 business edge

Discounted gym membership for businesses with Wave Leisure Trust Are you an employer looking to increase company benefits for staff well-being or looking to help keep your team fitter and healthier? Wave Leisure Trust is here to help and offers savings on corporate memberships to help employers and their employees reach their health, fitness and wellbeing goals. Wave Leisure Trust Limited is a charitable not-for-profit Trust, working to inspire active lifestyles through high quality, affordable and accessible health and fitness facilities. This year, workout as a team or as an individual with Wave’s corporate memberships.

There’s also the opportunity to build a bespoke package for you and your team. From workplace well-being workshops to personalised training sessions just for the team, find out how Wave Leisure Trust can help you and your team stay healthy this new year.

The benefits for becoming more active outside of work hours has multiple physical and mental health benefits and can also help improve productivity at work1. Whether your goals are to feel fitter, feel stronger or even just to move more, Wave’s team of experts are on hand to help and encourage individuals to become more engaged in physical activity and to reach fitness goals this year.

If you’d like to know more or want to arrange a visit to any of the facilities, please get in touch with the membership team by emailing memberships@waveleisure.co.uk or visit www.waveleisure.co.uk.

The Corporate Memberships include unlimited gym, classes and swimming

across all centres*, a free personal plan review every 10-12 weeks to help develop goals and track progress,14days advance booking rights via an online booking website and app and more. Plus, you can visit any of the sites at no extra cost. The choice is yours.

* Excludes access to Eastbourne Sports Park and East Grinstead Sports Club. To find out more about accessing corporate membership here please contact memberships@waveleisure.co.uk. 1

www.livestrong.com/article/422836-how-doesexercise-improve-work-productivity

Savings on Corporate Memberships with Wave Leisure Trust Unlimited gym, classes and swimming across all centres*

14-days advance booking rights via an online booking website and app

A free personal plan review every 10-12 weeks

Plus, you can visit any of the sites at no extra cost

*Excludes access to Eastbourne Sports Park and East Grinstead Sports Club.

Visit www.waveleisure.com

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county business clubs

February/March 2022 business edge

A partnership with County Business Clubs Sussex is set to deliver new benefits for members of Sussex Chamber of Commerce. The collaboration follows the successful official launch of County Business Clubs at the i360 in Brighton last November. But the story didn’t start there...

Like many new business ventures, this one was spurred by an existing product and customer base - and a real desire to transform how businesses in Sussex connect with each other, collaborate and grow. It started with successful print and digital product the Sussex Business Times, a brand that has been synonymous with and at the heart of the regional B2B landscape for well over four decades. The magazine represents and provides a voice for those working across multiple business-tobusiness sectors. But, as the nature of business - not just in Sussex but nationally and internationally - constantly evolves, its owners decided to significantly expand their offer to include a community-based membership platform. The platform was launched at arguably one of the toughest periods in modern British history - May 2020 - to support all local firms. For many, it couldn’t have come at a better time. As well as delivering a unique

business ecosystem designed to support a range of needs - no matter what that need is or where it falls in a commercial journey - it provides a huge range of benefits. They include online networking, which was a particular godsend when local events were shelved due to the pandemic, in-person events and workshops, and huge savings on a wide range of products. In addition, the platform has its own marketplace which allows members to literally set up shop and sell to other members at a discounted price.

What’s in it for you? Co-founder and director of County Business Clubs Sussex, Sam Thomas has welcomed the new partnership. He said: “Sussex Chamber of Commerce commands huge respect in the local business community and the ultimate goal of this collaboration is to bring maximum benefits to both sets of

www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

members. Together we have created a great offering for Sussex businesses.” Sam, who is also managing director of Sussex Business Times, is passionate about bringing more businesses together. He said: “The partnership with Sussex Chamber of Commerce will help us connect more people in business, increase the number of collaborations and make a positive contribution towards business growth in Sussex.” He says Chamber members will derive tangible benefits. “To introduce Chamber members to our platform, we are offering a three-month Premium Membership for free,” he explains. “To facilitate this, we have developed a dedicated sign-in page. As well as making it easy for Chamber members to join, they can see exactly what they are getting for free and for how long.

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February/March 2022 business edge

So, what happens at the end of the free three-month trial? Chamber members can join at a reduced rate of £9.99 a month (normally £14.99) or retain a free membership with limited access to premium features. There will be reduced fees for Business Plus Membership - £19.99 per months instead of the normal £29.99.

Valuing a partnership approach

Sam Thomas Co-founder, County Business Clubs

“All our Premium Members have access to Discovery Calls, with a platform expert on hand to ensure everyone gets the most out of their membership.” Sam adds: “All our Premium Members can use their membership card to redeem discounts on exclusive offers. We literally have dozens every week - so much so I’ve often joked that it’s always Black Friday on our platform. Current offers include generous discounts on hotel stays, gym memberships, wellness brands, designer clothing and more. “The aim is to ensure all our members can save at least what their membership costs them.” Other benefits of the platform include: Ability to create a personal profile A premium content hub, which includes articles, videos and podcasts Forum access Networking Access to the exclusive County Business Clubs marketplace

Sam says networking and collaborations are important values for County Business Clubs Sussex. “Working in partnership is at the core of our ethos. It is why we offer cross promotion to members in the Sussex Business Times. We want our members to not just share what they do with other members but reach as wide an audience as possible. And, of course, a relevant audience. We go beyond print and ensure our members’ features appear online too and are promoted across multiple social media channels. “For us, it is about amplifying the message and promoting what our members do as well as bringing them closer together as a business community. “At the same time, the Chamber provides expertise on a wide range of business issues including green sustainability, training and trading overseas, and we want to raise awareness and promote what it does to our members and in the magazine. We also recognise the importance of Sussex Chamber Business Awards, the Chambers’ work with veterans and the lead it has taken on wellbeing and mental health.” One of the things County Business Clubs is particularly proud of is its Growth Hub which currently includes a Business Academy and Jobs Portal. Upcoming features include crowdfunding and freelance elements. In addition, it is poised to launch an app. Existing collaborations include partnerships with Best of British Events, Acumen Business Convention, Freedom Works, and Brighton and Hove Business Show with more set to be announced later this year. Want to build your business contacts and get much more at the same time?

Events Chamber members-only group and forum Access to a range of training providers

Visit cbcsussexcommunity.co.uk/register/ premium-individual-discounted-annualno-trial/ to sign up for a trial Premium Membership or find out more.

“All our Premium Members can use their membership card to redeem discounts on exclusive offers. We literally have dozens every week - so much so I’ve often joked that it’s always Black Friday on our platform.” Sam Thomas, Co-founder, County Business Clubs

AS A CHAMBER MEMBER YOU’RE WELL CONNECTED

business support

February/March 2022 business edge

Are you looking to acquire or reinforce your knowledge of UK employment legislation? Sherrards is a leading specialist employment law firm, providing employment law advisory services, HR consultancy and employment related training to clients throughout the UK. The Sherrards Academy is our learning and development platform incorporating a full range of employment law and HR related training courses. Our UK Employment Law course has been designed for people managers and HR professionals looking to acquire or reinforce their knowledge of UK employment legislation. From those already established in the industry or individuals starting out, delegates really benefit from the interactive content and structure of the course. Comments from recent delegates include “It was clear and fact based and even for those with many years of experience, new information was there to pick up on.” and “The training delivery, comprehensive notes and portal were all very useful and to have direct access to an experienced employment law solicitor really made the course come to life.” The course is delivered live via Zoom by one of our employment law solicitors with assignments and engaging learning content available 24/7 via the Academy website. The course is certified by the CPD Certification Service as conforming to continuing professional development principles. On successful completion of the 8 modules delegates can record 8 CPD hours and will receive a completion certificate.

The 8 modules covered in the UK Employment Law course are delivered in one hour, bite-sized webinars over a four-week period, with assignments completed after each webinar. The entire course is designed to fit in with the day to day demands of working in HR and people management and the 8 employment law modules covered are listed below. Webinar 1

Webinar 2

Unfair Dismissals

Flexible Working

Discrimination and Harassment

Redundancy

Webinar 3

Webinar 4

Performance Management and Capability

Flexible Working Redundancy

Short and Long-Term Sickness Absence

To find out more about the UK Employment Law Course, dates of the next cohort and costs please send an email to academy@sherrardslaw.com or visit www.sherrardsacademy.com

The Sherrards Academy – building your Employment Law knowledge and skills Sherrards is a leading specialist employment law firm, providing employment law advisory services, HR consultancy and employment related training to clients throughout the UK. The Sherrards Academy is a learning and development platform incorporating a full range of online employment law and HR related training courses. The Sherrards Academy UK Employment Law Course has been designed for people managers and HR professionals looking to acquire or reinforce their knowledge of UK employment law legislation. The course blends direct contact with an experienced, specialist employment law solicitor with engaging learning content, accessed 24/7 via the Academy website. Our UK Employment Law Course is certified by the CPD Certification Service as conforming to continuing professional development principles, and delegates who complete the course can record 8 CPD hours. To find out more please visit www.sherrardsacademy.com Sherrards 4 Albourne Court, Henfield Road, Albourne West Sussex BN6 9DB Tel: 01273 834120 email: academy@sherrardslaw.com

www.sherrardsacademy.com

Sherrards Generic Academy ad half pg BEM 22-01 v3.indd 1

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business support

june/july 2019 business February/March 2022 business edge edge

How to recycle your old computer? Here’s how… A new computer arrives on your desk, lovely. Within 15 minutes your new equipment is the new heart of operations. So, what should you do with your old equipment? The first thing is to back up all your data. Sign out of all your online accounts, unpair it from any Bluetooth devices, etc, mouse, keyboard, wireless display. And then erase your computer’s hard drive. By doing this, all your data will be removed, you will be taking your computer-ware back to the original state in which you bought it, clear of everything. Imagine, if you were to throw out your old computers, out onto a skip, and think job done. Computer hackers will often check rubbish tips for old computers. So as a matter of best practice, at CNC we would always suggest removing the hard drive completely. The great thing about Windows 11, & 10, is the factory restore function. It’s a simple enough process to remove everything. Pop into the Start menu, type in reset, and press ‘Reset this PC’. You’ll be offered, ‘Remove everything. Press and you’re done. Many of us are familiar with WEEE Waste rules, but it’s always good to remind oneself. There are all sorts of rare earth materials in your old computer waste that we can

save. So, if you decide to get rid of your old technology, find out where it’s being sent. Sometimes it can just end up ignominiously in a landfill site, which is not good at all, as hazardous materials can leak out into the soil. Or worse, some companies have been known to send it on to a developing nation, where children are employed to pick through the bones of potentially hazardous

materials to extract valuable materials, like gold. It’s a good thing to recycle your old computer tech. Processing one ton of rare earth metals can produce nearly 2,000 tons of toxic waste. So, recycling your old kit ethically is a good way to reduce the number of new minerals being mined today.

ISO 9001:2015 & ISO 27001:2013 Certified

IMAGINE HAVING ACCESS TO ALL THE BEST IT SERVICES.

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

Celebrating 25 Years in business

1996—2021

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business matters advertorial

august/september december/january February/March june/july2022 2019 2018 business edge

Find the perfect workspace in The Hub at Roffey Park Institute Fully furnished, fully equipped and none of the overhead burden, these are the most obvious benefits to taking serviced office space. The choice to move out of your home office or garage into an office is often an exciting, yet daunting, moment for a small or fledgling organisation. If you’re thinking about taking serviced office space, there are many options on the market. From functional four walls through to hipster bar style locations there are many choices for you. When weighing up options it’s important to consider the working environment that’s right for you and your organisation’s strategic goals.

First impressions matter From the business address, location, the curb appeal of the building and the welcome at reception are all important details to get right for your company’s image. Your office is part of your brand so finding the right location that offers the right impression of your business is vital. From arriving in the morning, welcoming visitors through to signing off at night, what’s the experience like?

Here’s why you should consider an office at The Hub

Networking Opportunities Running a business – large or small – can often be a lonely experience. You’re responsible for generating ideas, marketing, production and paying the bills so it can feel overwhelming. As your business expands it becomes vital to grow your network. In a shared office space like The Hub at Roffey Park Institute, a small business will rub shoulders with other business owners and potential partners who can help brainstorm new ideas or learn from their successes and failures. You’ll work alongside like-minded entrepreneurs all with the same goal of growing a successful business. The communal spaces are designed to enable you to mingle to create an innovative, inspiring place to do business.

Office space and more, at an affordable price Cashflow is always tight for a small business and the advantage of a serviced office is knowing how much it is going to cost each month. And, of course, it reduces the need to make that significant commitment to purchase an office building.

But there’s a serviced office and then there’s The Hub at Roffey Park Institute where you don’t just get four walls and a desk. In addition to the office space, broadband and utilities you would expect, we also include access to our 40 acres of grounds, swimming pool, gym, and lounge area as part of your monthly payment. And you’ll also get a full reception service and free parking making your working environment a high-quality experience from start to finish.

Convenience Running a business means juggling a lot of tasks. Your office space doesn’t need to be one. At The Hub we have a hospitality team providing a highquality service so you can focus on what matters. Whether you need the coffee machine topped up or help with an IT issue, there’s someone available to assist.

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At The Hub at Roffey Park Institute our reception team are the first people you see when you arrive, and the last to wish you farewell. They are an experienced team, passionate about good customer service and you can be confident that they will welcome your visitors and manage your messages in quickly and efficiently.

Space to grow Another consideration is whether any office is flexible and able to help with changing needs. At Roffey Park Institute we have a range of meeting and conference rooms for all requirements. From conducting interviews, running a focus group, or holding a conference, there’s a space for you at competitive rates. Join The Hub at Roffey Park Institute and connect with others. Located near Horsham, West Sussex, Roffey Park is easily reached from the M23, Gatwick Airport and fast trains from London and the South Coast. t: 01293 851644 e: venue@roffeypark.com

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Serviced Offices at Roffey Park Institute Fully equipped, private office space with great facilities, we look after everything to ensure you can focus on what you do best – running your business. Our Innovation Hub is designed to become a thriving community for businesses, start-ups and entrepreneurs: • 20 offices for 1 to 5 people • Equipped with office furniture and superfast broadband • Free parking and fully-staffed Reception Service • Free access to leisure facilities • One monthly fee for all the essentials Whether you simply need a great place to work or the opportunity to facilitate new connections and spark collaboration - there’s a place for you at The Hub.

FIND OUT MORE Telephone 01293 851644 or Email venue@roffeypark.com

advertorial

February/March june/july2022 2019 business edge

BUILD THE FUTURE. HIRE AN APPRENTICE. Thinking of taking on a new apprentice? Chichester College Group can help. With over 60 years’ experience providing apprenticeships, we can help you find the perfect fit. Get started: ccgtraining.ac.uk Talk to us today: 01243 812948

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CityCoast Centre has an established reputation as an impressive venue, hosting high-end music and corporate events. We have flexible and modern spaces that will be perfect for your event, no matter the size or function. With bespoke pricing packages available, we are confident that we can provide exactly what you need. Our team are the ones who make the biggest difference - knowledgeable, helpful and passionate about excellence - they will be on hand before, during and after your event to make sure everything runs smoothly. We love nothing better than working with you to make sure your meeting or event is a success. Contact us: CityCoast Centre, North Street Portslade, East Sussex BN41 1DG 01273 433433 judith@citycoastcentre.co.uk citycoastcentre.co.uk

www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

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intelligencia business matters training

june/july 2019 business February/March 2022 business edge edge

Intelligencia Training announced as finalists in this year’s FE Week & AELP AAC Apprenticeship Awards Specialist apprenticeship training provider, Intelligencia Training have been announced as finalists in the forthcoming FE Week & AELP AAC Apprenticeship Awards with winners being announced at the FE Week Annual Apprenticeship Conference taking place in Birmingham on 21-22nd March. The awards, now in their fifth year, are a celebration of the very best in apprenticeship delivery and provide welldeserved recognition for the people, teams and organisations that make excellent apprenticeships happen. A recordbreaking 370 entries were received from training providers, colleges, universities and employers and we can now reveal the worthy finalists going forward to the national awards ceremony in March. Shane Mann, Managing Director of FE Week’s publisher Lsect, said: “We have once again been blown away by the quality of nominations and especially of this year’s finalists. Nick Atkinson, Commercial Director at Intelligencia Training said: “This is a huge accolade for us and testament to the fantastic work that our highly skilled teams have carried out during the last year. Intelligencia have been at the forefront

of Protective Services apprenticeship provision, actively involved in supporting Trailblazer Groups developing both Intelligence Analysis and Counter Fraud Investigation apprenticeship Standards. Over the last year Intelligencia Training has not only ensured effective continuity of often intensive apprenticeships in Intelligence Analysis and Fraud Investigation, but facilitated a significant increase in the volume of apprentices on programme, adapting programmes to very specific employer needs across both public and private sector organisations. Whilst the pandemic continues to apply operational pressure to many of our investigative and intelligence services, the development of a widely adopted and respected curriculum has supported the growth of analytical and investigative capability within the UK, reducing the burden on existing systems. Our effective delivery of higher apprenticeships within the Protective

Services sector has significantly increased the educational opportunities available for apprentices within a sector more traditionally associated with apprenticeships at a lower level and they continue to be very well received from within the multiple sectors in which we operate. We are very proud of our relationships with our employer clients and the support we receive, this is testament to our continued success.” You can read more about Intelligencia Training and their engaging apprenticeship standards at www.intelligenciatraining.com

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training & events

august/september december/january February/March june/july2022 2019 2018 business edge

Training and Events Diary

Members enjoy discounted rates for training Tailored Training

course offers one credit towards the BCC Foundation Award in

Sussex Chamber can provide company bespoke training courses which is a fantastic way of designing one of our training courses to suit your business needs. This is a cost effective way of training a group of your employees at the same time, on a date that suits you and at the premises of your choice.

International Trade and candidates attending six or more courses

Foundation Award in International Trade

£1026.00 + VAT per person (members = 10% discount)

These courses are delivered online and are structured to match the ten British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) courses. Each

£1425.00 + VAT per person (non-members = 5% discount)

and obtaining six or more credits received the Award. Note: receive a discount when booking any six of the courses at the same time. The following prices will apply:

Training Courses Gold & Premier members - You can now use your credit pots to pay for training

Foundation Award in International Trade Virtual Training

Management & Leadership Skills - Virtual & Face to Face Training (F2F)

8th Feb

9.30 - 12.30

Documentary Letters of Credit

8th & 9th Feb

9.30 - 16.30

Essentials of Management & Team Leadership - 2 Days (F2F)

11th Feb

9.30 - 16.30

Train the Trainer (F2F)

9th Feb

9.30 - 12.30

Agents & Distributors

15th Feb

9.30 - 16.30

Introduction to Supervision (F2F)

10th Feb

9.30 - 12.30

Preference Rules of Origin

7th Mar

9.30 - 11.30

Supervisor’s Role

8th Mar

9.30 - 11.30

Motivation

9.30 - 12.30

Motivation & Delegation

22nd Feb

9.30 - 12.30

Inward & Outward Processing

9th Mar

23rd Feb

9.30 - 12.30

Incoterms

Personal Development & Communication Skills Virtual & Face to Face Training (F2F)

24th Feb

9.30 - 12.30

Customs Procedures & Documentation

9th Feb

9.30 - 16.30

Essentials of Negotiation (F2F)

8th Mar

9.30 - 12.30

Export Documentation

14th Mar

9.30 - 11.30

Time Management & Personal Effectiveness

16th Mar

9.30 - 11.30

Confident & Effective Communication

22nd Mar

9.30 - 12.30

Import Procedures

23rd Mar

9.30 - 12.30

Documentary Letters of Credit

24th Mar

9.30 - 12.30

Agents & Distributors

www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

Sales & Customer Service - Virtual & Face to Face Training (F2F) 10th Mar

9.30 - 11.30

Selling Skills for Results (F2F)

18th Mar

9.30 - 11.30

Great Customer Service (F2F)

tel: 01444 259 259

training & events

june/july February/March december/january 2019 business 2022 2018 business edge business edge edge

Events Virtual & Face to Face (F2F) 10th Feb

09.00 - 11.00

Construction Forum - The Future of Modular Housing

16th Feb

13.30 - 16.00

The Local Skills Improvement Plan - The Case and Roadmap for Change Workshops (F2F)

21st Feb

13.30 - 16.00

The Local Skills Improvement Plan - The Case and Roadmap for Change Workshops (F2F)

22nd Feb

13.30 - 16.00

The Local Skills Improvement Plan - The Case and Roadmap for Change Workshops

30th Mar

10.30 - 12.00

Networking South East

We are currently finalising dates for our events – both virtual and face to face. For Sector-Based Forums, Bank of England events, Social gatherings, MP events, Purely Networking and many more, go to the following link on our website for an updated list of all of our events: www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk/events

AS A CHAMBER MEMBER YOU’RE WELL CONNECTED

business big interview matters

august/september december/january February/March june/july2022 2019 2018 business edge

Storm12 has designs on digital growth The pandemic was a massive game changer for business. Traditional rulebooks were torn up overnight as companies sought to adapt and adopt new ways of working. Today the successful haven’t simply survived, they’re thriving. Karen Southern chats to creative design agency Storm12 about turning the tide on recent tough times – not just for the team but their clients too. Storm 12 represents hurricane force on the Beaufort Scale. So, when Matt Saunders launched his Sussex-based business back in 1999, he saw it as a perfect fit for his creative ambitions. He explains, “For us, the name doesn’t just represent the most powerful storm. It’s all about creating positive disruption and grabbing maximum attention and awareness for our clients in the best, most dynamic way. We want our creative work to be remembered, just like memorable storms are. “My vision in the early days was to create a results-focused, performancedriven creative agency. And while that vision hasn’t changed, the way we work certainly has!” Matt concedes that early lockdown was a huge shock to the business. “But we quickly realised we were stuck at home indefinitely, so decided to put that time to good use and strengthen our digital services, particularly around automation platforms.” He freely admits that – in line with most businesses - the past 24 months have been a time of immense stress and worry. But the forward thinking has paid off; where once digital services accounted for 10 per cent of business, they now account for nearly 50 per cent. Not only that, Storm12 is looking to increase staffing levels by 25 per cent this year to keep up with demand. Now part of the framework of daily life, the words ‘digital’ and ‘social media’ barely existed two decades ago when Matt launched Storm12 as a sole trader with a single Mac and phone line. But while his company still offers traditional design services, like branding, videos and print, their focus is firmly on digital growth. “Obviously, in line with most agencies, web design was the first step of our transformation into the company we are today,” Matt points out. “But even over the

Matt Saunders Celebrating Storm12’s win at the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards

past few years, the pace of change has been staggering. People have become so used to using digital touchpoints in their everyday lives, from websites and form filling, to email campaigns and social media. They expect one-to-one communications, and personalised messaging. Naturally

“Strategy is central to our work – in fact, my role is much more strategic nowadays. We look carefully at every campaign and we are not afraid to challenge perceptions and goals if we think they can be done better.”

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these are all integral to our client campaigns and projects.” While the tools of the trade may have changed, the ethos behind Storm12 hasn’t. The multi-award-winning company has built up an excellent reputation in the South East for its quality work and results, and is proud to include Gatwick Airport, Thakeham Group and Dutch bank ABN Amro among its clients. A recent digital ‘breakfast’ campaign for Gatwick Airport created a substantial uplift in sales. Storm12 is equally proud of its regional partnerships, some spanning over 20 years. What’s the secret of their success? “I think it’s because we develop a deep understanding of each business we work with, and deliver consistent results time after time,” Matt says.

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business big interview matters

june/july February/March december/january 2019 business 2022 2018 business edge business edge edge

1999

Matt Saunders founded Storm The Old Barn, Stammerham Business Park

2000

First employee and ﬁrst website

2001 “Strategy is central to our work – in fact, my role is much more strategic nowadays. We look carefully at every campaign and we are not afraid to challenge perceptions and goals if we think they can be done better.” For Matt, there have been many significant milestones along his company journey: award wins, surviving recessions and pandemics, buying his own office building. But he is most proud of the strong client bonds formed over the years, as well as Storm12’s own high staff retention rate. Mark Scholefield, Head of Digital Marketing, with a background of working on big projects including the Olympics, has been pivotal in the development of the digital service offering. Mark says, “Over the last two years, digital has become much more engrained in everything we do. We had been discussing expansion, but once the pandemic hit and people started working from home, it became apparent that outreach was the way to go. The pandemic simply propelled us along that route a bit faster! “A successful campaign has so many strands: well-researched content; knowing your target audience; using the right tools to deliver content dynamically to the right people at the right time. A lot of time and money is currently being invested in automation technology. We feel like we’ve come in at a sweet spot when competition between providers is high. The end software is so sophisticated, you can do so much with it. “We’ve also spent considerable resources upskilling our team, to offer a substantial range of bespoke services: campaign planning, messaging, SEO, keyword and PPC strategies, content creation, custom-built websites etc. And our digital, web, creative and strategy teams deliver great results because they collaborate brilliantly in-house to make sure strategies are fully entwined. As Matt concludes: “Storm12 is in a good place, our services are gaining traction, we’re taking on new clients.… and there’s still much more to come!”

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Visit storm12.co.uk for full details of services.

AS A CHAMBER MEMBER YOU’RE WELL CONNECTED

evolution and transformation

February/March june/july2022 2019 business edge

Prioritize radiotherapy investment now to ensure greater access to cancer treatment, reduce waiting lists and improve outcomes Of the 5.6 million people who were waiting for treatment in July last year, 1.8 million had already been waiting 18 months according to NHS England performance statistics. While this is sad news if you need a hip or knee replacement, cancer care is also affected. The number of cancer patients receiving their first treatment within two months of referral by their GP was just 72 percent in July of last year – well below the 85 percent expected. Dee Mathieson Senior VP Linac Service and Managing Director, Elekta Ltd

About Dee Mathieson Dee Mathieson is Senior Vice President of Linac Service and Managing Director of Elekta Ltd, a medical device company that manufacturers radiotherapy technology to treat cancer. Dee oversees Elekta’s Cornerstone campus in Crawley, which is home to teams in manufacturing, research and development, clinical experts and customer-facing professionals working to develop, market and sell the next generation of cancer therapy devices. With 40 years of radiotherapy experience, Dee qualified as Radiographer at Guys Hospital. After graduating with a second degree in Physics she moved into industry where her roles involved driving innovations in cancer treatment technology.

Waits can be devastating for orthopaedic treatment, but for cancer care, postponed therapy can severely impact treatment outcomes. Late diagnoses or delayed treatments can result in tumour progression and worsened prognoses. They also cause huge treatment backlogs that will need to be dealt with later by healthcare providers.

that should have been urgently referred have been missed.

New estimates of the number of cancer referrals that were likely delayed or missed because of the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the scale of the cancer catastrophe that we are currently facing. A report by the National Audit Office has revealed that NHS resources must inevitably be redirected to compensate for the impact of COVID-19.

The government has provided the NHS in England with £8 billion to help support the recovery of elective care and reduce the waiting lists that are predicted could be as high as 12 million people by 2025. However, cancer patients cannot wait for treatment. Fortunately, radiotherapy treatment delivery meant that during the initial stages of the pandemic it saw the least reduction in its services (14 percent fewer treatments compared to 31 percent in systemic therapies and 29 to 40 percent in surgery), and as such radiotherapy was sometimes used to continue treatment provision during a time in which chemotherapy or surgery were no longer options.

Since the start of the pandemic (up to September 2021) over a quarter (26 percent) of patients with an urgent GP referral for cancer were exceeding the 62 days waiting time standard for treatment to start. Furthermore, the report estimates that up to 740,000 potential cancer cases

However, if we are to ensure quick access to effective treatments for cancer patients, it is vital that urgent consideration be given to where this additional funding is placed. Currently, despite the proven benefits of radiotherapy, this treatment modality accounts for just 5 percent of

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june/july 2019 business February/March 2022 business edge edge

the NHS cancer budget, and only a tiny fraction of the total NHS budget. Up to 60 percent of people with cancer will benefit from radiotherapy for treatment of localised disease for local control and/or palliation. Radiation therapy is an integral part of most cancer treatments, providing cutting edge treatment through constant innovation. Nevertheless, increasing capacity for cancer treatment is only part of the solution. There needs to be investment in improving radiotherapy and advancing techniques that can help improve outcomes and save lives. Radiotherapy is an important part of the treatment regime for patients diagnosed with cancer and it has significant advantages when it comes to resources. Advanced precision radiotherapy techniques that enable effective radiation therapy over fewer treatment sessions have increased tremendously. They reduce the number of times a patient needs to leave home for cancer therapy and also reduce traffic through care centres and the per-patient staff burden.

evolution and transformation

Radiotherapy machines are complex, but it is possible to minimise the downtime of radiotherapy systems without the need for onsite maintenance activity. We can use remote and automated monitoring solutions to predict a possible impending failure of radiation delivery equipment. At Elekta, our mission is to provide the greatest number of people with cancer the opportunity to gain access to radiotherapy. Our constant research and innovation and the use of data analytics and AI – to ensure care teams work as efficiently and effectively to influence and improve outcomes – is helping provide the best care for cancer patients here in the UK and across the globe. We can and must do better to raise the profile of radiotherapy so that those who will truly benefit from it will have improved access to treatment. Only through collaboration with policymakers, advisory groups, medical professionals, and patients can we move the needle on an upward trajectory – to a budget that truly reflects the need.

“At Elekta, our mission is to provide the greatest number of people with cancer the opportunity to gain access to radiotherapy. Our constant research and innovation and the use of data analytics and AI – to ensure care teams work as efficiently and effectively to influence and improve outcomes – is helping provide the best care for cancer patients here in the UK and across the globe.”

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February/March june/july2022 2019 business edge

Why some CEOs go further and higher As a business leader, you know that the hardest climb isn’t Kilimanjaro, Denali or Everest. It’s the CEO’s leadership journey, and it’s fraught with all kinds of challenges and opportunities, setbacks and advances. The good news is you don’t have to go it alone. You can travel with an experienced guide who knows the lay of the land and an elite team of peers who’ve got your back. You can equip yourself with world-class resources to navigate changing environments and uncertain conditions. You can take an approach forged over 60 years and traveled by 100,000+ CEOs of small to medium sized businesses around the world. With that kind of support, how high could you ascend? If you’re ready for the climb of a lifetime, the path starts here. Learn more at vistage.co.uk Or contact Paul Hetherington on 07881 627072

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ONE-ON-ONE TRAINING FROM £9.99 You would think that one-on-one training would cost a fortune and be time-consuming to organise. Well, it isn’t! Our one-on-one tutor led interactive online training goes at precisely the pace required by each individual. It provides an opportunity to go over the learning content as often as required so every employee gets the optimum learning experience that’ll be retained and applied to keep your business safe and compliant. At a fraction of the cost and fraction of management time than you’d expect, this health & safety online training has the added bonus of a minimal loss of productivity because it’s really efficient and flexible.

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evolution and transformation

February/March 2022 business edge

Business Planning after COVID-19 What do we need to consider from an IT perspective? Looking back It is fair to say that businesses have had a challenging time over the past two years. We have had to adapt to an unforeseen pandemic and probably learnt a lot about our businesses during this time. The year ahead also offers limited clarity, but now is the time for us all to reflect on what we have learnt and how we can prepare as we begin to ease out of these unprecedented times. Not all businesses have survived, and those adversely affected only got through because they were more resilient than others. Some businesses did thrive, and even those will need to consider the impacts of what returning to normal, whatever that is now, will have on their businesses. You may have been forced to look at what you needed to do month to month. What measures you needed to protect your workforce and customers. These measures will undoubtedly be with us for some time to come.

Managing Staff We have seen an increase in staff costs as we have needed to recruit staff to replace those laid off. There are many positions open, and employees have many choices, which has driven salaries up. We have been primarily working from home, and with the recent announcement that Plan B is ending, we now consider whether we return to working from the office. Or is a hybrid or a remote working pattern going to be the option. It isn’t just what the business needs are that need to be considered either, as recent polls state that staff prefer to work from home. But how does this affect the culture and management of employees going forward? How can new staff benefit from the knowledge of the experienced ones? We have seen some companies completely close their doors and adopt a remote working only option. Whether this lasts or not remains to be seen.

Assessing your IT Infrastructure Things have changed drastically, So the question is … how can you ensure your business thrives this year? Businesses have had to keep a closer eye on key metrics and cash flow, and most have been looking at these metrics more regularly than before. We will need to continue to do this for some time to come, and some even keep this new habit moving forward.

Many businesses have realised that their systems are not geared up to a remote working scenario and although we have made do over the past two years, we need to begin to plan for a more permanent solution. Have you had challenges with remote staff accessing systems? Have they been using their personal devices to access work resources? Keeping your data secure going forward and ensuring systems support what you need is a priority. We have found that security has been overlooked as there was a rush to enable staff to work remotely. Many businesses have rushed to use cloud technology without adequately assessing what was needed to ensure legal compliance is met. We now need to conduct assessments on what is required to support the business going forward. These assessments need to cover the HR and compliance of the business and the IT infrastructure.

Maybe you are considering replacing key systems that have proven difficult to use during the pandemic, such as accounting packages, phone systems and line of business applications.

Summary Planning for your new working patterns will mean less disruption and ensure a successful transition for your business. We all know COVID-19 isn’t going away either. So what do we need to do better next time based on our past experiences? If you need any support assessing your systems and planning please get in touch. kogo.co.uk

If your staff continue to work remotely, part-time, or full-time, the equipment at staff’s homes will need to be assessed. If they use their own equipment, you should consider providing them with equipment. Is the equipment they already have fit for purpose? Is their home working environment compliant from a Health and Safety perspective? Does your insurance cover them working from home? If you opt to return to the office, along with dealing with staff sentiments, have you checked the office equipment to ensure systems are up to date? Are staff bringing equipment back that will need to be set up again?

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Martin Bannister Founder & MD, Kogo Limited

February/March 2022 business edge

evolution and transformation

Aquilar Ltd: Protecting homes, workplaces and businesses from costly water leaks Aquilar is a provider of world-leading leak detection technologies, providing the appropriate installation design and support with its highly trained and knowledgeable team. Julian Waumsley Managing Director, Aquilar Ltd

A recent UK media report found that a staggering 40% of domestic properties have water leaks. Insurers have also revealed that household water leaks claims are up by more than 30%. Protecting homes and workplaces from potentially disastrous water leaks has been one of the main objectives at Aquilar for over two decades. With an ever-increasing focus on environmental awareness, water leak detection solutions have become more relevant than ever. ‘Water stress’ is where there is not enough water of sufficient quality to meet the demands of people and the environment. The demand for clean, fresh water is increasing and, as our population grows, the costs are also increasing so we cannot afford to waste it. Water damage is one of the most common reasons why businesses have to make

insurance claims, also causing major disruption to staff and customers. Water leaks can occur anywhere in a building, affecting data cables, electrical circuits, air conditioning systems as well as causing damage to walls, floors and ceilings. Similarly, extensive damage can occur rapidly in a domestic property which can also be dangerous. Aquilar are providing water leak detection solutions with a diverse range of applications in homes and commercial buildings that will minimise damage and cost as well as help to save water. Just released is Sonic – an ultrasonic smart water meter, leak detector and automatic shut-off system for homes and businesses. It helps cover many of the issues and concerns we see on a daily basis plus its water consumption monitor gives visibility of water usage via a dedicated smart application. Julian Waumsley, Aquilar Managing Director, says: “It is still fascinating to see such a diverse range of applications in which our systems are installed. Through years of research and development, we now have a

wide range of leak detection solutions to suit domestic and commercial buildings.” Find out more at: aquilar.co.uk

Jason Webb succeeds father to take on managing director role at ETI Jason Webb has been appointed as the new managing director at Electronic Temperature Instruments (ETI), the UK’s largest digital thermometer manufacturer and exporter of electronic thermometers and temperature probes. Jason Webb Managing Director, ETI - Electronic Temperature Instruments

Jason, who previously held the role of operations director, succeeds his father Peter Webb, who co-founded the company in 1983 with his wife Miriam, and held the role of managing director for 38-years. Peter will now take on the role of Chairman at ETI. The idea of ETI began in Peter’s garden shed. Fast forward to 2022 and its flagship product, the Thermapen One, is used by some of the food industry’s most renowned chefs and Michelin starred restaurants, including Buckingham Palace. The company also

makes industrial thermometers for some of the harshest working environments, and wireless data loggers which can monitor and record temperatures in storage and transport facilities and relay it in real-time. It employs over 200 people and has four different sites in Worthing, West Sussex working across numerous sectors including food & drink, industry, hydroponics, hotels & hospitality, and pharmaceuticals. Since its foundation, Peter has been awarded an MBE from the Queen for services to business, and ETI has also been presented with four Queen’s Awards, most recently in 2018 for the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation. Peter Webb comments: “As a family business, the reins have been gradually passed over to Jason and I am both delighted and very proud to announce

his promotion to managing director. It’s a very exciting time for everyone involved at ETI and I’m confident Jason’s combined level of industry experience gained over the last 12 years, commercial insight, and personal ambition will drive the business forward into a new and successful era.” Jason Webb comments: “It is an honour to take over the reins from my father. I remember sitting around the dining room table when I was 20 and Dad said, ‘I’m not going to go on forever. Somebody is going to have to come in and help me run this. You can come in and do this.’ 12 years on from the conversation, and we have grown significantly. I know I have big shoes to fill. I know the blood, sweat and tears that has been put into this business for almost 40-years, and I’ve got respect for that. I can only give it my best shot.”

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business matters evolution and transformation

august/september december/january February/March june/july2022 2019 2018 business edge

How to reduce your carbon footprint with the printers you choose Whether it’s in the home office or the general office the paperless world talked about in the 80’s is still a long way off. David Sheppard Managing Director, Limpio Office Solutions

The Office multi-functional print-scan-copyfax device is no longer the photocopier in the corner that gets kicked every time it jams. Now it’s the hub of the office for digital document management, archiving, workflow, translation, redaction, and interaction with a host of apps for accounting and document authorisation. Records of who prints what and how much are overseen to help control and reduce usage. Door entry fobs are used to log and authenticate who is printing what and when.

The MFP market is swamped with more than a dozen manufacturers and countless resellers competing for business, so which one do you choose? There is no such thing as a bad device, and they all perform well and stand out in various areas.

Buyers need to ensure the service response is too the level they expect, and the service agreement is reasonable in terms of what you pay for and price increases. What compensation do you get if response failure occurs? Limpio have always offered different levels of direct service depending on customer needs. We use our own version of remote device management software to monitor when toner needs replenishing, gather meter readings, to measure uptime and response times. Device usage shows accurate management information separating mono and colour prints, A3 and A3, scans, fax, and copies. Typical

response times are 4 to 6 working hours but on average much quicker. Whatever printers you have Limpio can provide time and materials-based fixes on all leading makes and models subject to parts being available. The one thing nearly all manufacturers have in common is laser technology. The process to make a laser print as seen below is complex, uses large amount of heat and energy and creates huge waste to landfill.

So, what’s new today? Epson has been around for years and uniquely placed in the market for actively promoting the heat free eco conscious benefits of inkjet printing technology in the MFP space. The savings in waste, energy consumption, user intervention, and CO2 emissions are plain to see. The heat you feel on a piece of paper after its printed from a laser device represents up to 82% more energy consumption than with an Epson Inkjet device. The smaller space needed to occupy Epson ink jet cartridges represents a saving of up to 96% in consumables and subsequent waste compared with toners for a laser device. The simple structure of Epson Inkjet technology, resulting in fewer stages in the printing process than laser, represents fewer risks of user intervention an Epson Inkjet device. No surprise to see Epson’s flagship ink jet range, The Workforce Enterprise, win the MFP line of the year award at the recent PRINT IT AWARDS for 2021.

With all the World, or most of it, meeting in Glasgow to discuss climate change and what needs to change, the arrival of this technology, should appeal to any organisation making a commitment to the sustainability, responsibility and zero CO2. Whilst Limpio Office Solutions has long and deep relationships with existing laser partners, we truly believe this range cannot be ignored. The sustainability benefits of Epson’s Inkjet MFPs aren’t a compromise though. The devices boast printing speeds of up to 100 pages per minute with first time copy speeds ahead of laser printers. The business inkjet technology is a disruptive innovation. Its superior cost benefits, lower energy and serviceability challenge the existence of the traditional laser printer on every level. To learn more or see a tailored remote showroom visit please contact dsheppard@limpio-os.co.uk

“The business inkjet technology is a disruptive innovation.” 30

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evolution and transformation

Ricardo announces approved sciencebased targets on the road towards net zero Ricardo, the Shoreham based environmental, engineering and strategic consulting company is taking positive action to achieve its own ambitious carbon-reduction targets which have been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative. Dr Mike Bell Group Strategy & Transformation Director, Ricardo plc

With more than 100 years of engineering excellence, Ricardo provides exceptional levels of technical expertise in delivering leading-edge and innovative cross-sector sustainable solutions to solve its clients’ most complex, strategic and operational challenges. Ricardo’s vision is to create a world fit for the future, and the company does this by using its diversified expertise to support clients with implementing technical solutions that create a cleaner and safer tomorrow. Working across multiple transportation sectors, defence, energy and the environment and supported by niche manufacturing, Ricardo delivers: technologically advanced solutions that ensure access to clear air and water; cross-sector engineering solutions to accelerate decarbonised transportation; innovation to support global net zero and industry agendas; and comprehensive expertise in safety, assurance and certification. Ricardo is well known for its work supporting customers across government and industry as they strive to decarbonise, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to address climate change. For example, Ricardo supports countries looking to implement their climate commitments under the Paris Agreement - Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) - including the development of NDC implementation plans, sectoral action plans (such as for power, transport, industry and so on), National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and climate investment plans to enable countries to raise finance from public and private sources. The company’s multidisciplinary teams have delivered a range of climate change projects throughout the world. Ricardo is committed to living its values and ensuring that its climate change expertise is at the heart of its own corporate strategy. To this end, the company has recently announced that its proposed greenhouse gas emissions

reduction targets have been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and that they are in line with the goals set forth in the 2015 Paris Agreement. The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is a collaboration between the CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Ricardo now joins a growing group of global businesses that have received approval of their targets, ensuring that greenhouse gas emissions from Ricardo’s operations (scopes 1 and 2)1 are consistent with the reductions required to limit global warming to 1.5ºC, the most ambitious goal of the Paris Agreement. Graham Ritchie, who is the CEO of Ricardo plc, has stressed the significance of this, saying: “Ricardo has an important responsibility to reduce its carbon emissions throughout its value chain. As a global environmental and engineering consulting partner to governments and private sector clients, we are committed to integrating our climate change expertise into our corporate strategy and have set out ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets, which includes working closely with our supply chain to tackle our scope 3 emissions”. What is more, the SBTi approval is a firm endorsement to our clients of our commitment and know-how in applying those same insights to support them in delivering their net zero strategies.” Sonya Bhonsle, Global Head of Value Chains & Regional Director of Corporations at CDP, one of the Science

Based Targets initiative partners has commented: “We congratulate Ricardo for setting science-based targets consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C, the most ambitious goal of the Paris Agreement. By aligning its goals with a 1.5°C future, Ricardo will be better placed to thrive as the global economy transitions to a zero emissions future.” The targets, as approved by the Science Based Targets initiative, are: 1

Ricardo commits to reduce scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 46.2% by 2031 from a 2020 base year, modelled using the Absolute Contraction approach.

2 Ricardo also commits to increase its annual sourcing of renewable electricity to 90% by 2026. 3 In addition, Ricardo has made a commitment to reduce scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 27.5% by 2031 from a 2020 base year. Ricardo continues to accelerate its improvements to its sustainability agenda and remain firmly on target with its net zero strategy. For more information about Ricardo please visit: ricardo.com

1. The GHG Protocol Corporate Standard classifies a company’s GHG [greenhouse gas] emissions into three ‘scopes’: Scope 1 emissions: direct emissions from owned or controlled sources; Scope 2 emissions: indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energy; Scope 3 emissions: all indirect emissions (not included in Scope 2) that occur in the value chain of the reporting company, including both upstream and downstream emissions.” UN Global Compact Network UK. https://www. unglobalcompact.org.uk/scope-3-emissions/

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business new members matters

august/september december/january February/March june/july2022 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. New Affiliated Chambers & Associations

Banks Security Solutions

MLD Event Group

EMW Law LLP

Banks Security Solutions was established in 2020, providing installation and service support for CCTV, Access control intruder alarms and much more, our team has over 20 years’ experience in the electronic security industry and aim to provide the best possible customer service and support to all our clients. Get in touch if you require a new security system or support and maintenance of an existing system or just advise for a future project.

MLD Event Group are a very team orientated company, we are focussed to reduce the stress of event planning & logistics specialising in, CDM, qualified crew and plant operators. We pride ourselves on our qualifications, exceeding expectations and assisting our clients to produce the very best events and festivals. Customer focused and trusted by our clients.

EMW, a law firm with a refreshing approach, offers a full portfolio of legal services to UK based and global companies. Our wealth team work with individuals, entrepreneurs and business owners. We take great pride in delivering a bespoke service to our clients’ individual needs ensuring they have the right team at EMW working with them.

Address: Littlehampton, West Sussex

Avenue West, Crawley, RH10 1HS

Address: Ridgeland House, 1st Floor, 15 Carfax, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1DY

Website: MLD.EVENTS

Website: www.Banks-SecuritySolutions.com

Address: St John’s House, 3rd Floor, Haslett

Website: https://www.emwllp.com/

Telephone: 01903 372773

Telephone: 0345 070 6000

Telephone: 01403432444

Coast Audio At Coast Audio, we produce podcasts that engage your listeners and promote your brand. We provide recording, sound design, music, editing, mixing and mastering to broadcast standards, and will work with you to develop your podcast, enabling it to maximise its potential and grow your audience. Address: Europa House, Goldstone Villas, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 3RQ Website: www.coastaudio.co.uk Telephone: +44 7855944640

European International Fairs Limited We are a team of event logistics experts, offering organisers premium project management freight logistics services and exhibitors high quality, efficient transportation and onsite handling for any event. Address: Unit 6, Skitts Manor Farm, Moor Lane, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 5RA Website: www.european-intl.com Telephone: 01732 860330

www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

Lund Bros & Co Ltd Specialists in Sheet Metal and Steel Fabrications Lunds have been in the forefront of the industry for over a hundred years. We are currently one of the leading manufacturers of EV Charging stations for the European and domestic markets and full flight simulators for L3 Harris, Crawley. Address: Brookside Ave, Rustington, West Sussex, BN17 6SL Website: www.lunds.co.uk Telephone: 01903 784242

tel: 01444 259 259

business new members matters

june/july February/March august/september december/january 2019 business 2022 2018 2018 business edge business business edge edge edge

Highweald Wine

Creative Process Digital

On Your Side Therapy

Highweald was established in 2016, with the planting of 120,000 vines in the beautiful Sussex High Weald, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Coming from a range of professional backgrounds, all qualified and experienced viticulturalists and winemakers, the Highweald team has an incredible amount of knowledge and are committed to being a leading best-practice vineyard in England.

Creative Process Digital supports employers and apprentices to develop the digital skills and capabilities they need for the 21st century. By sourcing and training new recruits and existing staff we help build the talent pipeline and digital skills infrastructure for our local economy, playing a critical part in enabling growth and high skilled, sustainable job creation within Digital marketing and social media, Digital design and software development and Digital administration.

On Your Side Therapy is uniquely positioned to offer a blend of corporate experience with counselling expertise to help companies support the staff, grow their talent and drive performance. Services on offer include In-house Counselling, Mental Health Talks e.g. Impostor Syndrome or Burnout, Talking Groups, Reflective Coaching and Mental Wellbeing Programme design.

Address: Highweald Wine Estate, Deaks Lane, Ansty, Cuckfield RH175JB Website: www.highwealdwine.com Telephone: 01444 417206

Address: Telecom House, Eight Floor, 125135 Preston Rd, Brighton BN1 6AF Website: www.creativeprocessdigital.com Telephone: 01273 232273

Address: 7 Foxwells, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH17 6LZ Website: https://www.onyoursidetherapy. com/what-could-corporate-counsellinglook-like Telephone: 07976 957 044

Superkids & Co

Unity Insurance Services

Yora Pet Foods

Superkids & Co is a UK designer childrenswear fashion agency, specialising in wholesale, distribution, e‐commerce and establishing shop in shops, for designer childrenswear brands. We offer a complete agency solution for the kidswear market to our impressive domestic and international client base.

An insurance broker that makes a difference… Unity Insurance Services is a specialist insurance broker who is also owned by a charity, the Scouts. We arrange insurance solutions for Scouts, charities, youth groups, not-for-profit and commercial organisations. 100% of our profits donated to charity

Yora manufacturers the world’s most sustainable pet food. Based in Handcross, West Sussex, we distribute our full range of dog and cat food and treats to over 20 international countries. We were the first sustainable brand to market in 2018 and continue to lead the way in this exciting new planet friendly space.

Address: 43 Hampstead Road, Brighton, BN1 5NG

Address: Suite 8 The Quadrant, 60 Marlborough Road, Lancing Business Park, Lancing, West Sussex BN15 8UW

Website: www.superkidsandco.com

Website: https://www.unityinsuranceservices.co.uk/

Telephone: 07703380576/07900187669 Telephone: 0345 040 7702

Address: Unit 1000, Spindle Way, West Sussex, RH10 1TG Website: yorapetfoods.com Telephone: +44 (0) 7803170140

If you’re a member – why not refer someone, we have a generous referral scheme – that saves both you and your referral on membership costs. For more information call us on 01444 259259

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finance focus

February/March june/july2022 2019 business edge

Make your business more financially sustainable in 2022 by talking to an expert about an R&D Tax Credits Claim? At Cooden – R&D Tax Specialists, we were in somewhat celebratory mood as 2021 drew to a close. On 16 December we received the last payout of the year into our client account, it was for one of our newly acquired clients in 2021, a specialist veterinary care business based in Wales. This claim was momentous for Cooden as it saw our clients’ Research and Development tax savings top £5 million in a calendar year for the first time. 2021 has been a year of steady growth with a number of new significant businesses becoming clients. We’ve even taken on a Blue Chip Cyber Security business, with a number of claims for their UK-based entities. Our goal was to obtain 4 new clients who would have claims of over £75k, in the end we took on 6. What have you been doing since Covid hit to sustain, redirect, improve your business? Have you been doing something that someone outside your business might describe as challenging or exciting but for you it’s just solving problems, overcoming some technical issues with a new product or a product update, engineering out a design flaw in one of our established products, looked to fundamentally redesign the manufacturing process so that we generate less waste.

Stop! Take some time, consider what you have been doing, ask yourself: Could anyone else have done this without spending a lot of time and effort doing it? Would someone like to steal it or copy it? Would someone have paid us a lot of money for you to do it for them? Did we go through a lot of heart ache trying to get to the end of this? Have we suffered a scientific or technological failure that has prevented us from completing the project? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you’ve probably been doing some R&D and it might be worth getting in touch, just like all of our new clients who have discovered that claiming for R&D Tax Relief wasn’t quite so taxing as they might have thought and ultimately for many of them was very rewarding. It would appear as though our stress-free service offering has gone down very well with our customers. It consists of a no-obligation discovery session to determine your eligibility prior to starting the claim; a low-hassle data collection process for both the financial element and the technical element of claims; and

The default answer, when we talk to business like yours, that have never claimed R&D Tax Credits, tends to be “It’s not research and development, it’s just what we do! We’ve never filed an R&D Tax Relief Claim, because we don’t think that we are performing any R&D and no one has really told us any different and challenged our way of thinking.”

So, there really are few reasons left for you not to at least have an initial discussion with our Director, Simon Bulteel, but just in case you have any others:

Well, if you always do what you have always done, don’t be surprised if you keep getting the same results.

If you are worried that it might not be worth it, our average claim value was just under £75,000;

If you are worried that we can’t handle large claims, our largest claim was for just under £700,000 for a scaling up Cyber-Security business and our next largest claim was over £575,000 for a technology company delivering banking solutions for Instant Payments. If you are worried, you’ll be wasting our time, you won’t, our smallest claim was for just under £1,500 for a start-up skincare business. If you are worried that HMRC are going to punish you for making a claim, we’ve had one enquiry in 2021 into a Patent Box claim, where HMRC couldn’t find a patent in the name of the company. There really are no reasons left to stop you. We are here to guide you, just like we have over a 150 businesses before you, to a successful and rewarding R&D Tax Credits claim. With new changes coming in 2023, there has never been a better time to start claiming for your new product developments or improvements and with the ability to claim for two prior years, you could see a significant boost to your 2022 cashflow. You can book your no-obligation discovery session at a time that suits you by visiting https://calendly.com/simon-bulteel/ dicovery-bus-edge

the use of our client account to receive funds and for visibility to chase HMRC when they haven’t been forthcoming.

www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

tel: 01444 259 259

research & development tax relief specialists

Get your cash from HMRC Call us on: 01424 225 345 email us on: info@coodentaxconsulting.co.uk @Coodenconsults www.coodentaxconsulting.co.uk

Validate your claim No Win No Fee

Offic e 8 • C har ter House • 43 S t Leonards Road • Bexhill on S ea • East S ussex • TN40 1JA

business matters

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British Army joins forces with CrisisCast to develop revolutionary virtual reality training Working closely in partnership with the British Army, expert disaster and crisis management organisation, CrisisCast, has announced the pilot of a virtual reality platform developed to assist Armed Forces training in human emotions and cross-cultural communications Project Tyrion, Human Domain Matrix is a new, innovative prototype training concept developed by the British Army and CrisisCast, which brings the immersion and role-play of virtual reality platforms into a military environment. CrisisCast, award-winning film makers, virtual reality producers and disaster and crisis management experts, were engaged to craft the virtual reality platform piloted with the British Army as a result of the organisations wealth of experience in utilising state-of-the-art British and Australian film industry and VR techniques to dramatise events for emerging security needs in the UK, Middle East and worldwide. Going beyond training the cognitive to introduce more emotionally driven behavioural mechanics, which are inherently complex to model and simulate, the new virtual reality training platform seamlessly merges art, technology and science to enable military personnel to interact in realistically simulated environments that they may encounter, in order to provide immersive training in human emotion and cross-cultural communications. Following its successful pilot, the virtual reality platform has highlighted how it

can help to improve how judgement and empathy are practiced in a military environment. Containing accurate and relevant choice points in cross-cultural communication with impactful consequences, the learning through engagement experience will significantly enhance the current provision in pre-deployment, bridging the knowledge gap and giving access to advanced qualitative, psychosocialemotional proﬁles of complex TAs. David Wayman of CrisisCast, and a Senior Producer on the project, added: “We’ve been relentless in our attention to detail, to ensure we can really suspend the learner’s disbelief, from accurate pattern of life events right down to the correct flashes on the uniforms. The art team have worked tirelessly to reproduce the reference images in high fidelity, whilst our coders have been helping us in coming up with ever more ingenious devices to deliver the training aims in-game.

The virtual reality training platform has also been developed through CrisisCast’s collaborative partnerships with other global experts. Australia-based organisation Spectre Studios enabled the project to be brought to life through their expertise in production design, art direction and ability to drive innovation the virtual reality landscape. Washington, DC-based organisation Valka-Mir Human Security supported CrisisCast in developing the content within the virtual reality training platform through their expertise in science-based analysis and solutions to preventing and countering protracted human conflict and violence. Project Tyrion was further supported through the intelligence, big-data and analytical capability of global-based organisation Predli. To find out more about Project Tyrion, Human Domain Matrix visit crisiscast.com/virtual-reality

Even though it’s only a proof of concept right now, the cinematic narrative, lifelike and likeable characters and stunning artwork has created a truly unique and impressive learning experience for our service personnel.”

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mental health and wellbeing

February/March june/july2022 2019 business edge

Mental health - New Member Platform Access We are delighted to introduce you to our NEW mental health & wellbeing service that helps businesses in the management of employee mental health. Our digital platform, helps your business address mental health issues effectively and evidence the steps you are taking in this area. A range of courses, resources and support tools can be accessed 24 hours a day on any device or browser. Members can sign up to our new service which provides a comprehensive mental health & safety solution. Investing in the mental health of your employees is beneficial for your business. It can improve productivity and lower absenteeism/ presenteeism and staff turnover. It demonstrates you care about employee health and wellbeing. Businesses also have legal obligations to ensure the health and safety of their employees in the workplace which include their mental health.

Platform 24/7 access on any device Bite-sized CPD accredited mental health e-learning courses An extensive A-Z factsheet library on over 100 topics Surveys giving anonymous feedback about user’s mental health & wellbeing Mental health educational videos A national directory of support services

Price Price per employee, per month is £4 Minimum of 10 employees; maximum of 99 employees. Available on annual contract only.

Mental Health - The Basics Mental health is just as important as physical health. Mental health is something that we all have and it’s something that can have a big impact on our lives, and the lives of those around us. We all have mental health – and it exists on a scale of good to poor, just like our physical health. A person who is considered ‘mentally healthy’ is able to make the most of their potential, deal with the stresses of life, and function personally, socially, and at work. It is important to understand your mental health can change as circumstances change and as you move through

different chapters of your life. It is not a static thing – it can change throughout our life.

There are a number of treatment and

This is particularly important in the workplace or a team environment.

common types of treatment people

It’s believed that as many as one in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem at some point. You may see mental health problems referred to as mental illnesses, mental health conditions, or something similar. Some people prefer for different terms to be used – so if you know that someone prefers to talk about their problem in a certain way, try to support them with this and be mindful of your language choices.

(like psychotherapy and counselling) and

on their recovery journey. The most receive in the UK are talking therapies

Can you recover from a mental health problem? Yes. It is possible to recover from mental health problems – although recovery can mean different things to different people. For some people, recovery might mean overcoming or reducing certain symptoms. For others, it canmean learning to manage symptoms and gaining back more control over life.

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support options that can help people

medication. Are you supporting your employees in their mental health and wellbeing? 01444 259259

“It’s believed that as many as one in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem at some point”

tel: 01444 259 259

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