Written by: Miriam Nicholls
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Welcome to your Arun Business Partnership June Newsletter
Welcome to your Arun Business Partnership June newsletter. As ever there's lots to tell you so read on, enjoy and don't forget if you want to feature in the newsletter just get in touch.
Partnership News Our Next Meeting
Our next meeting is on 27th June at Middleton Sports Club from 5.00 p.m. onwards. It's the usual format and your chance to meet your local business colleagues and hear about what is going on locally. No need to book, just turn up and bring plenty of business cards. If you want to know more please email or call me on 01903 737845 and if you want to stay on afterwards we'll be having a BBQ on the lovely lawns of the Sports Club.
Membership News - It's FREE!
Many of you will know that a number of local businesses give up their time to sit on the Steering Group that looks after the Arun Business Partnership - I know ... you thought it all happened without any steering! Recently a big discussion centred around just how much we need in terms of funds to keep the Partnership going day to day - the eventual answer was - wait for it - less! We all agreed that the Partnership doesn't need to make lots of money out of local companies it simply needs to break even. So, it has been agreed that we will no longer charge for premium web site membership - you can all have it for free. But, and isn't there always a but? ... we will still be looking for sponsorship for events such as the B2B exhibition and the Business of the Year Awards and for you all to support the annual magazine so that we can continue to provide local businesses with the Partnership, meetings and all the other good stuff that you've come to love at no cost. Now that's good news!
Where's Miriam?
It's been another busy month out and about with two really great visits to tell you about. My first was to Chandlers at Angmering. I like a "bit of class" when it comes to cars (ok other makes and models of classy car are available from local dealers!) so it was good to wander around the BMW / Mini workshops and showroom with Dealer Principal Mike Anderson. I've never seen so many busy people in a car showroom and Mike explained that they run an operation that employs around 80 full time staff from the site. They offer new and used car sales as well as a full servicing and body work service. Tucked away at the back of the site is also a parts service that supplies other companies. Mike told me about the new range of cars that are due out over the next few months but to tell you all about that would just be too indulgent on my part - so if you want to know more have a look at their web site , or if you can wait until July you'll find them at the Wheels event on Littlehampton seafront.
My second visit was to Arun's Business of the Year AJS Labels. When we first heard the AJS story we were amazed - in this tough economic climate who can turn a business from loss to profit in 18 months without a magic wand? Andrew and Jayne Scrimgeour, that's who! It was a treat to spend a couple of hours with Andrew and Jayne - Andrew and I put the world to rights while Jayne was finishing off some work in the factory, it's a busy place and a real team effort and when all hands are needed on the factory floor it means all hands!
A tour of the factory proved just how busy the team are with labels going to Canada, Thailand, Belgium and Poland, just a few of the new locations that the company are now supplying. AJS continues to move forward and has just become the first label company in the UK to invest in a digital finishing line which can coat, varnish and silk screen labels - it certainly looks impressive. It also has a great commitment to staff and continues to train people right through the business from bottom to top and last year gave a third of the company profit back to the staff. With huge clients such as Body Shop, Hozelock, Dulux and Nestle singing their praises and a whole host of industry awards they must be doing something right. Alongside this the team still found time to support Feast India, a grass roots indian charity, and raise £4,700 to build 3 houses in India from their day of silence. If you want to be as amazed as I was have a look at their web site.
News from Our Partners
Calling all Tourism Businesses
My colleagues at Arun District Council have asked me to tell you about a date for your diary. On 27th June they are holding an event which will give you the chance to influence Sussex by the Sea tourism in the future. It's taking place at Fontwell Park Racecourse and there are 2 sessions 2.30 - 4.30 & 6.30 - 8.30. To book your place email phil.graham@arun.gov.uk by 6th June.
Let's Hear It For .....
I've had so many good news stories this month that it's been difficult to pick out what to tell you but I'll do my best. Drum roll please .......
Sustainable Beaches
Bognor Regis East and Coastguards Beach at Littlehampton have both been recognised as examples of sustainable and responsible tourism in the European Sustainable Tourism Awards 2011.
Expansion in Littlehampton
HiTek Power based in Littlehampton is expanding - always good news but particularly at the moment. HiTek's worldwide headquarters has been in Littlehampton since 2003 and the expansion programme has led to them recruiting an additional 20 staff - well done HiTek. Watch this space for more about the company!
The Can You Help Please Bit
Office Space Needed
A Littlehampton company is looking for between 500 - 600 sq. ft of office space as their lease is coming to an end. It must be local to Littlehampton and in one large office. If you can help please email me - miriam.nicholls@arun.gov.uk.
Other Great Stuff You Should Know
Arts in Action
The Arts in Action Network have gallery space available at the Ideas Shop in Littlehampton. If you're a local artist or maker and are interested in exhibiting your wares or gettinginvolved with the network then get in touch with Gemma - gemmacumming@hotmail.co.uk.
That’s all folks!
As ever I look forward to seeing you at our forthcoming meetings and events.We do have a full programme planned for this year so visit the web site http://www.arunbusinesspartnership.co.uk/ .
Also don't forget we have a group on Linked In - so you can keep up to date and share your company news and views between newsletters!
Best wishes.
Miriam Nicholls
on behalf of the Partnership Team
Arun Business Partnership, all rights reserved
