Member News

Contemplating an upgrade to Microsoft 365 Business Premium? Let’s explore the key benefits to determine if this premium subscription is a worthwhile investment for your organisation’s needs.

Reacting to the latest GDP data released this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: 

New year, new role! Two accountants who began their careers as trainees at Carpenter Box will join as new Partners in 2025 at the rapidly expanding South East and Sussex based firm.

In today’s increasingly digital world, protecting your business from cyber threats has never been more critical.

Reacting to the latest inflation data released this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: 

An independent taskforce has met for the first time to ensure the North Sea’s strategic transition from oil and gas to a renewable future, while safeguarding up to 200,000 jobs. 

Sussex community groups were celebrating this week as London Gatwick announced the recipients of £30,000 from the third round of the London Gatwick Foundation Fund, across Crawley, Horsham, Mid Sussex and Wealden.

South East businesses accounted for 11% of administrations in 2024 – the third highest region in the UK – according to analysis by Sussex law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter.

For any growing business, managing fixed costs is important. No less so, when it comes to deciding the best strategy for office space and how you decide to accommodate your growing team. The pandemic changed a lot. Hybrid and flexible working became the norm and led to many businesses questioning the value of long-term, costly office leases. Meanwhile, funkily designed co-working spaces have increased in popularity due to their flexible contracts and costs. But how do the two options really add up for your business?

Why CoirCoins are the perfect choice for growers

In the wake of the Labour Autumn 2024 budget, Sussex businesses are facing a landscape of potential long-term economic complexities and challenges. As tax policies and business regulations continue to evolve, savvy business owners are recognising the critical importance of robust succession planning.

The Telemarketing Company (TTMC) proudly marks 35 years in business, reflecting on its journey from a boutique agency founded in 1990 in Steyning, West Sussex, to becoming one of the UK’s leading providers of outsourced voice services. Over the decades, telemarketing has evolved into a sophisticated, data-driven channel, and TTMC has remained at the forefront by delivering high-quality, agile and ethical services.

The Sussex Sign Company, established on January 1, 1995, by Norman Mayhew and Peter Lake, has grown into a powerhouse in the UK signage industry. Starting as a family-run partnership, the company set out with a clear mission: to enhance businesses’ visual identities and help them stand out in competitive markets. Under the leadership of Norman Mayhew, the business has continuously evolved, achieving significant milestones and earning widespread recognition. Peter Lake retired in 2007, leaving a legacy of strong foundational contributions that continue to shape the company's ethos today.

The later part of the year has seen the technical Setter team at Pentagon increase from five to seven! Pentagon are delighted to have welcomed Adam Abusetta and Dave Mayhead to the already strong team of plastic injection moulding technicians, this is quite the milestone for Pentagon and moves the business into a new chapter.

At Tomsetts, we aim to integrate seamlessly with your business and its values. That means always handling your goods with care and representing your brand with pride out on the road. It also extends to running our business responsibly and being a haulage provider you can be proud to partner with.

Vehicle wrapping is a transformative and cost-effective way to change the appearance of a vehicle by applying a thin, adhesive-backed vinyl film over its surface. This process allows businesses, individuals, and car enthusiasts to achieve a variety of looks and purposes, from branding and advertising to personal customization and paint protection.

Visitors to All Saints Church in Lindfield, West Sussex, will have an even warmer welcome this festive season, thanks to state-of-the-art underfloor heating installed by Pilbeam Construction.

In an era where sustainability and quality are paramount, CoirProducts by Salike is setting the standard for coir-based solutions in the gardening industry. Home to UK’s largest coir portfolio, we’re dedicated to providing garden centres with premium, eco-friendly products that resonate with today’s eco-conscious consumer. With a broad sustainable portfolio tailored to meet every gardening need, CoirProducts by Salike has become a trusted choice for garden centres, nurseries, and retailers nationwide.

Commercial fit outs are significant projects for any business. Whether it's an office fit-out, retail interiors re-fit or warehouse mezzanine, both the success (and cost) requires a lot of planning and preparation. In this blog, we outline the first questions you need to ask which will help you select the right company to deliver your refurbishment.

As the largest provider of coir-based products in the UK, CoirProducts by Salike stands at the forefront of innovation in sustainable gardening solutions. Our commitment to quality, ethics, and environmental responsibility sets us apart from competitors. While many others may have entered the market, we’ve pioneered a comprehensive range of coir solutions crafted to meet the evolving needs of gardeners and garden centres across the nation.

Responding to the Prime Minister’s Plan For Change, announced this morning, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: 

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Quarterly Economic Forecast (QEF) has revised down growth expectations for 2024, but marginally improved GDP expectations for 2025 and 2026.  

Youngsters at St Margaret’s CE Primary School in Rottingdean are enjoying two refurbished classrooms after Pilbeam Construction completed the essential project.

As the festive season approaches, many employees will be looking forward to parties, presents, good food, and family celebrations. However, Christmas can also bring added financial stress and pressure, creating opportunities for illegal money lenders, or loan sharks, to take advantage of vulnerable individuals.

Work on the new Wealden Community Sports Hub has been marked with a ground-breaking ceremony.

The recent UK Budget announcement, delivered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves on October 30, 2024, includes several key points that impact businesses, particularly those looking to upgrade their IT equipment and reduce overheads.

This is a Case Study on the value of UK Gov funded support for a small enterprise

Tree planting has begun in Crowborough as part of the community orchard project.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is urging policymakers across the UK to put British businesses at the heart of sustainability and waste reduction plans. 

The British Chambers of Commerce has used an evidence session on the Employment Rights Bill to highlight businesses’ serious concerns about the legislation and the speed and detail of consultation.     

How you plan your storage racking system has a direct impact on your business and it’s not simply about square footage; it affects how much you can store in-house to workflows, operational efficiency and safety. 

Changes to employer national insurance (NI) announced in the Budget will add over £900 in business costs annually to the average £33,000 wage in the Brighton and Hove area, according to Sussex and South East accountancy firm Carpenter Box.

With Christmas just around the corner, Sussex-based law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter is offering timely advice for homeowners looking to sell before the year-end. The festive season presents unique challenges, from reduced working hours to a rush on transactions, but a few key steps can help ensure a smoother sale.

For years, peat has been a popular choice in gardening and horticulture, known for its ability to retain moisture and support plant growth. But as awareness grows around peat extraction’s environmental impact, gardeners and growers are increasingly turning to sustainable alternatives. Coir, a renewable resource derived from coconut husks, offers a powerful, eco-friendly solution. At CoirProducts of Salike®, we’re leading the way in providing peat-free, high-quality coir products that not only help plants thrive but also support a healthier planet.

Carpenter Box has been named the Tax Team of the Year at the prestigious 2024 Accounting Excellence Awards. 

Horsham District Council is inviting local apprenticeship employers and training providers with apprenticeship courses to book a free stand now for their upcoming Apprenticeship Fair. This popular event will take place Saturday 8 February 2025 from 10am to 2pm at the Council’s Parkside offices in Chart Way, Horsham.

Responding to the Chancellor’s proposals on pension reform, Shevaun Haviland, Director General at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: 

-Half (50%) of UK businesses say they have been impacted by the conflict in the Middle East.  -This is almost double the proportion (26%) who said they were affected in late October 2023,   -The main impacts cited by businesses are increased costs, shipping disruption and delays, and uncertainty on oil prices.   -Some firms report cancelling work in the Middle East because of the conflict. 

Reacting to the latest ONS Labour Market data published this morning, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director Public Policy said: