Arun's Economic Strategy - Business Consultation Event
This week Arun's Economic & Cultural Development Department held a successful business event to gather views to help shape the economic strategy for the district.  Key themes that came from the meeting were: closing the skills gap - particularly for the manufacturing industries, skills for school leavers, suitable premises to allow businesses to expand in the area, more easily available sources of advice, and shared services.

It was great to see that so many local firms, small, medium and large, turned out at the Beachcroft Hotel in Felpham to give their thoughts and ideas. Its this sort of communication and networking that will mean an economic strategy that is in keeping with what our businesses want to see. Watch this space for further developments.

Which links in nicely with another event I attended...

Skills for Coastal West Sussex
A successful breakfast meeting was organised by WSEP and hosted by Robin Baker, Vice Chancellor of the University of Chichester on Tuesday 5th February.  The meeting was a unique opportunity to bring together businesses, schools, Chichester College and the University and after a delicious breakfast, an informal and positive conversation developed about how the skills issues facing business could be addressed... Read more

Coastal commercial property defying national trends
Last month I was fortunate to be invited to a Sites & Premises meeting, hosted by West Sussex Economic Partnership, at the new Yeoman Gate development at Durrington. It was notable for a number of reasons including the fact that most of the (office) units have now been sold, proving that there is demand for quality office space in CWS, and because the message was one of positivity for commercial property in Coastal West Sussex. The event was organised by Kylee Charles who manages the Commercial Property Database for WSEP, and the following press release was issued... Read more

Bognor Regis Regeneration
www.arun.gov.uk/bognorregisregeneration
If you live in or around Bognor Regis, it won't have escaped your notice that last week a public consultation was held to gather views of the initial plans for the St Modwen Development at Hothampton & the Regis Centre site.  This week sees the plans for the former LEC site come to public consultation in order to gain an understanding of what is wanted by businesses and residents alike.

Over 2000 visitors who saw some exciting and positive plans for how Bognor Regis could develop in the future viewed the St Modwen plans. I hope you took the opportunity to go and have a look. In respect of both sites, but especially the LEC site, in my opinion it is vitally important that business owners take the opportunity to express their view... Read more

Rustington BID survey
For Rustington Trading Estate businesses only.

Thanks to those who did fill in the form, however we are still looking for replies so please fill in and submit it online! Remember there are some excellent prizes on offer!!!

Lancing Business Park BID
The Business Improvement District process is moving from strength to strength at Lancing Business Park. This week saw a dedicated webpage about the BID go live on www.lancingbusinesspark.co.uk. From here, readers can find out what the BID is, what it means to a business and when events are happening. In the next two weeks, the Business Plan will be available. This week saw the Business Park featured in an article... Read more

Free Seminar
Resource Efficiency Network - One Day Seminar
Innovation in Metal Finishing and Printed Circuit Manufacturing

This week a notice came through from the Resource Efficiency KTN about this FREE seminar, which will present results from two current EU-funded projects... Read more

South Bersted Business Park Lunchtime Walk -

Health Is Your Business
As I mentioned in the last newsletter, our Community Health Improvement Nurse - Karen Davies is organising some Heart related activities to link in with Valentines Day!  One of these is a lunchtime walk... Read more

Lead Thefts
Sorry to end this positive newsletter on a negative note, but this week saw theives re-visit a Business Park to steal lead from roofs. With the soaring prices for metals, this seems to be a new pastime for the criminal fraternity.  Clearly there is not much that can be done in terms of securing the lead, but please continue to be vigilant, report any thing suspicious to others and inform the police if anything has gone even if it does come in under the excess. After speaking with PC Kris Ottery at Bognor Regis yesterday, any intelligence is useful. You can contact him or PCSO Julie Jones on 0845 60 70 999.
 

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