A24 Worthing to Horsham and Dorking Transport Improvements - have your say!

The Transport Teams at West Sussex County Council and Surrey County Council are seeking views on potential transport improvements along the A24 corridor between Worthing, Horsham and Dorking.  'The comments we receive will help identify key constraints, issues, and opportunities that will be used to shape our plans for the corridor and enable us to seek future funding opportunities.'

The area covered by the engagement exercise includes the A24 from the A25 Dorking Deepdene roundabout and nearby railway stations in Dorking, to Horsham, and to the A27 Offington Roundabout in Worthing. The area also includes the A280 Long Furlong between the A27 at Clapham and A24 at Findon because of the importance of this link in connecting the A27 with the A24.

Improvements

The types of improvements that being considered along the A24 corridor include:

• junction capacity improvements

• bus priority and bus stop improvements

• walking and cycling path improvements

• crossing facilities for people walking, cycling and horse-riding

• road safety improvements including junction modifications, safety barriers and speed limit changes

Have your say

You can find out more about these suggested improvements by visiting https://yourvoice.westsussex.gov.uk/A24-worthing-horsham-dorking where you can also have your say by completing our questionnaire and commenting on an interactive map. This initial engagement period will close at 11:55pm on 27 October 2025.

'Proposals for the corridor are at an early stage of development, so we would like to hear from people and organisations who may be affected by the improvements we are considering to help us to develop the designs. If we decide to progress the improvements, these designs would then be presented as part of future consultations.'

Harvest Appeal for Urgent Food Donations

Turning Tides highlights rising need as homelessness grows and food poverty worsens across West Sussex.

Local homelessness charity Turning Tides has launched its annual Harvest Appeal, calling on the community to donate food and essential items to support people facing homelessness across West Sussex.

Every donation goes directly to Turning Tides’ Community Hubs in Worthing and Littlehampton, where food is used to provide hot breakfasts and food parcels for homeless people, and to our residential projects, to support clients with meals and clients moving into their own accommodation. Last year alone, the charity supported over 1,000 local people experiencing homelessness at the community hubs and the need is sadly growing.

Turning Tides Community Development Manager, Amy Thorley, stated

“Harvest is traditionally a time of sharing and coming together and this year our Harvest Appeal is more vital than ever. We are seeing more people walk through our doors who never imagined they would need our help. Something as simple as a food donation can make the difference between going hungry or staying nourished and well. We know times are tough for all, just one tin or one pot noodle could make a huge difference to someone’s life.”

For many people experiencing homelessness, it is the simplest items that make the greatest difference. Pot noodles and ‘just add hot water’ meals are essential for clients who may only have access to a kettle in temporary accommodation. Some local cafés kindly provide hot water free of charge, giving rough sleepers the chance to prepare a warm meal.

Equally, tinned foods with ring-pull lids are vital for those who do not have access to a tin opener. A can of beans, tuna, or macaroni cheese with a ring-pull can provide immediate nutrition and protein for someone sleeping rough, a small detail that can mean the difference between eating or going hungry.

People experiencing homelessness often face poor health as a result of malnutrition and limited access to food. Nationally, life expectancy for people who are homeless is just 45 years for men and 43 for women, nearly half that of the general population. Turning Tides stresses that reliable access to food is essential not just for survival, but also for rebuilding health, resilience and hope.

The charity is asking for donations of food and toiletries, including:

Drinks: coffee, squash, bottled water, juice, sugar, long-life milk

Basics: baked beans, spaghetti hoops, pot noodles, pasta-n-sauce, microwave rice, sauces, cereal, porridge pots, snack bars, tinned meals, tinned tomatoes

Sandwich fillers: tinned ham, corned beef, tuna, sardines, mackerel, peanut butter, marmite

Sweet & savoury: biscuits, crisps, sweets, rice pudding, custard, tinned fruit

Toiletries: shampoo/conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant

Donations can be dropped at Turning Tides’ Donation Hub, ordered via online food shops for delivery, sent as shopping vouchers, or purchased through the charity’s Amazon Wishlist. Please check opening times to ensure someone is there to take delivery.

Donations Officer, Moira Gardner, added:

“Every tin, packet and donation truly makes a difference. Our shelves have never been so bare and these donations are imperative to our services. As soon as goods come in, they are sent straight out to our services. This Harvest we are asking our community to stand with us, so we can continue to provide not just food, but dignity, compassion and hope.”

For more information and details on how to donate, visit: https://www.turning-tides.org.uk/harvest-turning-tides-2025/

Mental health charity supports a record number of people amid growing levels of need.

Worthing-based mental health charity, West Sussex Mind, has launched its annual Impact Report, which shows that it supported more people during 2024-25 than in a single year in its 55-year history.

West Sussex Mind supported 7,766 people – families, children and young people, parents, adults with mild mental health problems and some with severe mental illness, people experiencing mental health crisis, over-65s, carers of people suffering with dementia – through one-to-one sessions, social activities, groups and workshops across the county.

The charity has expanded its offer to meet the growing demand for support, which is being felt across West Sussex, and has found innovative new ways of providing support. For example, it partnered with Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust to provide a walk-in service at Staying Well Worthing for people experiencing mental health crisis, reducing pressure on A&E and blue-light services. It has also started supporting people living with psychosis in the community, through partnership with the local NHS mental health trust, introducing those with severe mental illness into community activities.

West Sussex Mind's CEO, Kerrin Page, said: "We continue to experience rising demand for our services and we know that people's mental health needs are increasing. It's also a complex time of change in the Sussex health system. We are committed to continue supporting as many people as we can in partnership with the NHS and our voluntary sector partners."

Headline figures from the report include:

• 32,759 individual and group interventions, where people who use West Sussex Mind’s services get one-to-one support or take part in group activities⁠ (29,472 in 2023-24)
• 9,429 people trained by West Sussex Mind (6,111 in 2023-24)
• 9,547 calls answered by Help Point for advice, information and support (8,616 in 2023-24)
• 1,428 under-25s supported across all West Sussex Mind’s services.

BHT Sussex and West Sussex Mind partnership secures community mental health contract for West Sussex

West Sussex Mind is delighted to join BHT Sussex in its recent award by NHS Sussex for the five-year West Sussex Mental Health Support Services contract. BHT Sussex is the lead provider for the service with West Sussex Mind as the main sub-contractor. The two charities will work in partnership to deliver the service, bringing high-quality mental health support to the communities of West Sussex. 

BHT Sussex and West Sussex Mind worked closely together to create their bid, drawing on their deep knowledge of mental health needs in their communities. They have a strong history of partnership working over the last ten years, where they were lead partners in the Pathfinder West Sussex alliance, which brings together NHS and voluntary partners to provide joined-up mental health support to people across the county. 

West Sussex Mind and BHT Sussex share a dedication to co-producing services with people with lived experience of mental health and peer support. Together they are committed to an inclusive and accessible model for mental health support, driven by the needs of West Sussex residents, improved access to services and better physical health for people with severe mental illness.  

Kerrin Page, CEO of West Sussex Mind, said: “We’re delighted that BHT Sussex has been appointed as lead provider for West Sussex Mental Health Support Services and to join forces with them to deliver the service, building on our strong community links. The voice of lived experience is central to how we design our services at West Sussex Mind and this was a key part of our bid. We’ll continue to build on this ethos with the new contract and work closely with partners to improve the wellbeing of communities across West Sussex.” 

West Sussex Mind and BHT Sussex will continue to work collaboratively with other partners, including Southdown, Crawley Open House, Turning Tides and Stonepillow, and look forward to strengthening these partnerships as they develop the service together. 

For more information about West Sussex Mind, visit www.westsussexmind.org. For more information about BHT Sussex, visit www.bht.org.uk 

*Co-produced mental health services are informed by and shaped by people with lived experience of mental health themselves, who are involved in the design and delivery of the services. As part of the bid, West Sussex Mind and BHT Sussex met with people with lived experience of mental health services to hear their voices and include their insights. 

Job Vacancy - Marketing and Sales Manager - Worthing Theatres & Museum

Worthing Theatres & Museum are looking for a Marketing & Sales Manager to lead and motivate a team and support the Director of Marketing & Sales in delivering revenue and audience growth. You’ll work with the team on creative marketing campaigns, manage box office operations, and drive audience development initiatives to ensure our brand stands out, ticket sales grow, and audiences keep coming back.

Main Duties, Tasks and Responsibilities

Team Management

• Lead, mentor and motivate the sales team.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and implement targeted training programmes.
• Support a culture of accountability, innovation and collaboration across the sales team.

Marketing

• Work with and manage the Campaign Officers to deliver cost-effective and creative marketing campaigns for WTM events under the guidance of the Director of Marketing & Sales, ensuring alignment with brand values.
• Oversee the copywriting for WTM’s brochure and work collaboratively with the Design & Digital Manager to deliver the brochure for sign-off by the Director of Marketing & Sales and CEO/Creative Director.
• Support CRM strategy development to enhance customer retention and lifetime value.
• Provide marketing guidance for F&B initiatives (e.g. pre-concert dining packages).
• All team members assist with promoter enquiries: signing off marketing materials, providing sales and marketing insights, and responding to requests for in-house marketing services.

Sales

• Work with the Director of Marketing & Sales to fully utilise opportunities provided by our ticketing system for ticket allocations, priority booking windows, seat holds and real-time sales reporting, and to identify new partnerships to better understand and communicate with our audiences.
• Optimise the use of our customer engagement tools for ticketing, phones and investigate the introduction of online live chat.
• Manage relationships with external ticket agents to streamline allocations and maximise commission efficiency.
• Fulfil our revenue management strategy (priority booking, phased seating, dynamic pricing).
• Identify new revenue streams (e.g., tourism partnerships).
• Oversee day-to-day sales operations, including event reconciliations, event-building, allocations, staff rota and holiday/sickness cover.

Audience Development

• Spearhead campaigns to grow group bookings (e.g. corporate, education, tourism sectors).
• Develop our membership scheme to grow numbers and improve retention.
• Enhance provisions for our Access Scheme Members (Nimbus Disability), including tailored marketing and booking processes.
• Launch and promote a new under-30s scheme to attract younger audiences.

For more info click here

UK Office Partitions Guide 2025

Office partitions are a key element in modern office fit-outs, providing more than simple desk and cubicle partitions. Used creatively, they give a more flexible use of space, helping you create a more comfortable working environment and gain more ROI from every square metre. Whether you're replacing existing partitions or embarking on a new office design and layout, these tips will help you identify the best solution for your workplace.

Office Partitions: The Benefits

When open plan office layouts became all the rage, office partitions were a simple piece of furniture that created cubicles and individual workspaces to aid focus and productivity. It's not only the way we work that has changed over the past few decades; as our working practices have become more flexible, the options and uses for office partitions have become more varied too.

Privacy & reduced distraction

Partition systems can help all employees work effectively by limiting visual distractions and creating quiet spaces for deep working or for team members that struggle with noise.

Work flexibly with multi-use areas

Even small areas can maximise their space by using partitions that adapt to the working needs of the day. Sliding or accordion walls mean you can change the layout and use of the room as required, for example, create a private meeting room one day, or a larger hot desking area that feels part of the wider office the next.

Acoustics management

We all know that open plan offices are prone to noise. Seat a sales team next to accounts and there will often be discomfort. Acoustic partition panels help to dampen noise, or use double-glazed glass partitions to allow light and line of sight while reducing sound transfer.

Maximise ROI for your space

Get the most out of your investment by future-proofing your office layout. Partitioning can be dismantled, meaning you can create a new office configuration when you need to reorganise your floor plan without the higher cost of structural changes.

Office Partitions - Flexible Options for Design & Function

You'll find a huge range of options when it comes to partitioning systems. From glazing to metal or wood stud walls and print or vinyl finishes; the design options are almost limitless, but it is a good idea to work with an expert design and partition installation company, like Phoenix Systems, to make sure your space not only looks good but meets construction and health and safety standards (such as fire performance) while remaining within budget.

Solid/stud walls

Stud walls are at the cheaper end of the cost spectrum and provide both privacy and can reduce sound transfer. On the downside, they can reduce light and a sense of space. On the other hand, they can be used in combination with vinyl wall coatings to create almost any design aesthetic... and the upside with vinyls? They can be replaced if damaged or a change in branding inspires an office refresh and a new wall colour, pictures or patterns.

Glass office partitions

Choose from single- or double-glazed glass walls, with the latter providing more sound reduction. These walls provide more light and space than a stud wall while still creating individual shielded working areas.

Glass partitions enable you to create uninterrupted glass surfaces with both straight and curved lines throughout your office area, creating a real sense of space, but with the light and space comes additional considerations: privacy and health and safety.

Clear glass is not seen as easily, which is why glass partition systems need to have manifestations. Manifestations are etched or film designs on the glass that make it stand out, highlighting the existence of a glass wall. Examples of manifestations include 2 rows of dots half-way up the wall, or alternatively many businesses use the company logo. The manifestations can be any colour as long as it contrasts enough to stand out to people passing by. From a privacy perspective, glass partition walls can have film on half of the wall, and another option is integral or free-hanging blinds.

Glazed fire screens

Where fire containment performance is required but you don't want to restrict your freedom of design, you can opt for fire resistant glazing systems. Glazed fire screens can be made to offer integrity and insulation in the case of fire and are often used in stairwells, or areas with a high risk of fire such as a laboratory.

Wooden and veneered partition systems

Wooden and veneered partitions provide a lot of character for a space, being more tactile and with a natural aesthetic. Not only do they have high durability, they can be easily coordinated with doors, furniture and storage walls, as well as incorporating glazing options.

Cubicles & screen dividers

Probably the simplest and cheapest option that enables you to quickly divide areas without having to change your whole office layout. Typically fabric, they provide some privacy and sound reduction, but they will also isolate each team member from the wider team. If focus is your priority, then this will do the job within a lower budget.

Flexible partitions

Look for sliding, folding or accordion walls. These partitions are fantastic for changing use of space and look great, but they will be more expensive.

Demountable walls - relocatable partitioning systems

These partitions are expensive at the outset but are great for long-term use. They are promoted as delivering a return-on-investment over time as in some situations they can be re-used; as long as you have a similar space to fit them into. Landlords like them because they are easy to dismantle and erect, and they have minimal effect on the building.

Other Options to Consider

Freestanding office dividers

Freestanding office dividers can be handy to create small private areas and can be moved around as required.

Free walls - storage and furnishings

If you want to create defined areas that retain a sense of space without using partition walls, then movable full and half-height storage (e.g. tambours and bookcases) can be used to create individual areas while still retaining the feeling of an open-plan office by retaining line-of-sight across the room.

Freestanding office pods

Office pods are a popular, low-cost option to design spaces where people can work collaboratively without disturbing others. This option doesn't involve adding walls and is quick to install. Examples include meeting or break-out rooms.

Checklist for Specifying Wall Partitions & Office Layout

1. Get clear on what you need  
   What is the purpose of the space? Consider your needs now and what you might need over the next 5 - 10 years. How well does your current layout work and what can be improved?
   
   
2. Get feedback from staff  
   Your team are the ones having to use the space; how will it work for them? This might include incorporating needs for quiet space, privacy, meetings or creative collaboration.
   
   
3. Design, aesthetics and materials  Is this part of a wider design?
   If it is, it's probably worth getting an expert workplace interiors team to design and plan the whole project. Some partitioning systems are complex to fit and accurate measurements are needed for a successful installation. An interiors team can help you bring the whole project together in line with the look and feel that reflects your branding or perhaps sustainability requirements. One top tip is to ask for 2D and/or 3D visuals to help you understand exactly how the layout will work for your team.
   
   
4. Building Regulations and Permissions  
   Any landlord or planning permission will depend on the building (is it listed?), size and complexity of the work. Movable items such as screens, cubicles or furniture will not need planning, but any layout changes will need to take into account building regulations, fire and health and safety. Anything that impacts fire escapes, kitchens or the structure of the building may need to be drawn up with building approval in mind from the local council or an approved inspector.
   
   
5. How will the project be delivered?  
   There's no avoiding the fact that any fit-out, whatever its size, is a project of many moving parts and is likely to impact business-as-usual. It's worth considering getting a single workplace interiors supplier to deliver the whole project from site prep to completion. This will mean you can keep a tighter control on project deliverables and budget than if you have multiple teams to juggle. The goal is to get the office partitions and fit out installed swiftly and safely, so you can get on with your day jobs.
   
   
6. Office Partitions - The Cost  
   The cost of your project will depend on its size and materials used. Get multiple quotes and make sure you get references from their previous clients to help you minimise the risk of the expense of run-on costs or shoddy workmanship.

Phoenix Systems is a UK office fit-out specialist with extensive experience in office refurbishments and office partition installations. Having delivered workplace interiors projects across Sussex, Kent, Surrey and Hampshire for over 50 years, we'll give you down-to-earth, expert advice. Give us a call today on 01903 765366.

Salary sacrifice schemes are boosting electric vehicle uptake in the South East, and newly announced government grant will further help.

Vehicle leasing and management firm, Rivervale, is reporting an uptick in battery electric vehicle (BEV) leasing, driven in part by salary sacrifice schemes that offer tax benefits to businesses and employees.

South East accountants Carpenter Box believe that part of this increase can be attributed to the tax benefits for businesses offering BEVs to their people as part of a salary sacrifice scheme. This reduces NICs for employers while enabling employees to access a benefit in kind (BIK) tax rate of just 3%, whereas conventional fossil fuelled cars attract a rate of up to 37%.

And the recently announced government grant for EV manufacturers, which could save UK households up to £3,750 when they upgrade or switch to electric, is expected to further accelerate EV uptake.

Chris Reeves, Partner and Head of Motor Retail at Carpenter Box accountants, added: “There are lots of moving parts at play that can explain the upward trend in BEVs, such as improving battery range and environmental considerations, but the financial benefits for both companies and individuals via salary sacrifice schemes and the newly announced Electric Car Grant will likely be key influencing factors.

“Employers benefit from a reduction in NIC, and potentially a VAT saving, both of which are important considerations given the rising costs of employment. Such schemes also underline a company’s commitment to reducing their carbon footprint.”

Businesses can also benefit from significant savings in VAT. This is because vehicle lease payments are subject to the standard VAT rate of 20%, but employers can generally recover 50% of the VAT, regardless of how much the vehicle is used for private purposes.

Says Chris Reeves: “For all these reasons, salary sacrifice schemes, whether for electric vehicles or other qualifying benefits, should be given careful consideration as a way of mitigating rising employment costs while providing a valuable reward for employees.”

Rivervale provides leasing, purchasing and vehicle management services in Sussex, and says demand for such schemes is growing because they provide a valuable reward for staff.

Vince Pemberton, CEO of Rivervale, commented: “We’re seeing a real surge in demand for car salary sacrifice schemes as organisations look for cost-effective, sustainable ways to reward their people. Employers tell us they love the scheme because it helps them attract and retain talent while giving staff access to brand-new, zero-emission vehicles at a fraction of the usual cost.”

This trend is reflected in part in the latest SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) figures, which show BEVs now represent a quarter (26.5%) of all new cars joining UK roads.

Financial Commentary from George Square Financial Management in conjunction with Albemarle Street Partners

New heights and a cautious calm

Asset markets saw limited progress last month as investors digested new macroeconomic data. The US economy is slowing, yet it is handling tariff uncertainty. Business Manager Surveys (PMIs) remain weak, but retail sales have stabilised. All eyes, including those of the Fed, are on the labour market, where the data is mixed. New job openings have slowed, but layoffs have not increased sharply outside the government.

Jerome Powell’s final Jackson Hole address confirmed that the Federal Reserve expects conditions for a rate cut in September. A cut now and another in December would reflect the temporary effects of tariffs and support rate-sensitive consumer spending.

In Europe, economic data improved as German manufacturing sentiment and UK retail sales rebounded. The UK’s 30-year gilt yield climbed to 5.7%, its highest since May 1998, amid rising fiscal concerns. Investors are focused on the Autumn Budget, as Finance Minister Rachel Reeves is widely expected to raise taxes to meet fiscal targets. They are also watching for signals from the Bank of England on interest rate cuts.

Across Asia, there is continued uncertainty surrounding the impact of US trade policy. While China continues to seek a comprehensive trade deal, others in the region will seek to hasten their shift to intra-regional trade. Japan is seen as a relative beneficiary, as its quickly negotiated trade deal and weakened currency provide a competitive edge to its exporters.

The second quarter US corporate earnings provided a fundamental basis for continued optimism. Year on year earnings increased by 11.9% (source: FactSet), marking the third consecutive quarter of double-digit earnings growth. While analysts expect earnings growth to slow in the second half of 2025, companies have found multiple ways to expand margins, despite cost pressures.  

Digesting the data

Despite limited progress in August, developed equity markets are close to reaching or have reached new all-time highs. Weakness in manufacturing and other cyclical sectors continues to fuel narrow leadership in the US. Technology, industrials, and financials have dominated year to date performance.

In Europe, banks, industrials (defence), and rate sensitive sectors such as utilities and telecom services have done well. European equities have been the standout story in 2025. UK equities have been helped by the strength of financial, oil, and materials stocks.

Bond markets have rallied in anticipation of easing monetary policy. UK Government debt (gilts) has been the exception and have lagged most fixed income sectors in 2025.

Windows 10 End of Life: What UK businesses need to know

Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 on 14th October, 2025. After this date, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, patches, or technical support for the operating system. For businesses across the UK, this marks a critical deadline that brings both risks and opportunities.

The risks of doing nothing

Continuing to use Windows 10 after support ends introduces several risks. Unpatched vulnerabilities become permanent entry points for cyber attacks, increasing the likelihood of malware, ransomware, and other threats. Outdated systems may also lead to compliance breaches, especially for organisations that handle sensitive data or operate in regulated industries. If something goes wrong, businesses face a greater risk of disruption and potentially costly downtime. The longer organisations wait, the more exposed they become to these risks.

The opportunities in upgrading

Upgrading to Windows 11 is not just a swap for Windows 10. It is designed to meet the demands of modern business and support teams in working more effectively. The key benefits include:

• 1.       Improved security:
  Windows 11 is built to defend against modern threats, providing advanced protection for data and devices. Enhanced security features, such as hardware-based protections and improved encryption, helping to safeguard sensitive information and reduce the risk of cyber attacks.
• 2.       Simplified device management:
  IT teams benefit from easier deployment and management, freeing up resources for strategic projects. Windows 11 streamlines device management, making it simpler to roll out updates and support users wherever they are working.                                                    
• 3.       Hybrid working support:
  The platform delivers a flexible, modern experience tailored for remote and hybrid teams. Integrated collaboration tools enable staff to stay connected and productive, whether they are in the office, at home, or on the move.
• 4.       Future innovation:
  Windows 11 lays the groundwork for AI-powered tools such as Microsoft 365 Copilot, helping businesses unlock new efficiencies. The operating system is optimised for the latest hardware and applications, allowing organisations to take advantage of new technologies as they emerge.

By planning the transition now, businesses can not only avoid the risks associated with unsupported software but also position themselves to benefit from enhanced productivity, flexibility, and long-term resilience.

Upgrading is an opportunity to modernise, streamline operations, and prepare for future innovation.

For more information, you can call 01273 384 100 or email brighton@fluidone.com to get in touch with our experts today and find out how we can help protect your business during this transition.

Firewalk fundraiser to support residents at veterans’ care home

A Worthing care home which supports veterans is inviting the community to take part in a fiery evening of fundraising, with a Firewalk Challenge.

The event will raise money for Care for Veterans – a Royal Star & Garter Home, and take place at Worthing Rugby Club on 20 September.

Participants will brave a walk across red-hot wood embers to raise funds for the care and wellbeing of residents. The Home provides long-term nursing, rehabilitation, respite and end-of-life care to veterans and their families who live with disabilities, including acquired brain injury and degenerative neurological conditions.

Home Manager Vicky Strange said: “This event is about a community coming together to honour people who have already faced some of life’s greatest battles. Walking across fire is symbolic of the challenges our veterans have overcome, and a great way to show your support for the wonderful people we care for.”

The Firewalk takes place between 6-9pm, and includes a 30-minute briefing. Those taking part must be aged 12 or above, and able to walk unaided and at a fast pace. Registration is £25 and participants are asked to raise a minimum £50 in sponsorship. A special prize will be awarded to the person who raises the most.

Care for Veterans is now part of the Royal Star & Garter group, following a merger earlier this year.

The Firewalk takes place at Worthing Rugby Club, in Roundstone Lane, Angmering. To register, go to: https://www.careforveterans.org.uk/events/firewalk-fundraiser/

Care for Veterans is welcoming new residents. For more information on this and other ways to fundraise and support, please go to  www.careforveterans.org.uk