The CCCI are delighted to announce Helen Lederer as our Celebrity Host for the Chichester and Bognor Business Awards on 14 June, at the Avisford Park Hotel.
Helen is probably best known for her role as the dippy ‘Catriona’ in ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ alongside Jennifer Saunders in all six series and more recently in ‘Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie’. She created the ‘Girl at the Bar’ in the BBC comedy sketch show ‘Naked Video’ and is known for her unique wit and observational humour. A comedy writer with an extensive portfolio that includes writing and performing her own material, not only as a stand-up comedian but also as a comedy novelist and contributor to various respected publications.
Helen has starred in a great number of top TV comedy and radio shows. Helen was part of a group of early 1980’s comedians, including Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, the late Rik Mayall and Ben Elton who made their names at London’s Comedy Store. She was a guest on ITV’s ‘Saturday Night Live’ with her solo comedy act as well as performing at the first ‘Just for Laughs’ comedy festival in Montreal with Lenny Henry. TV appearances span such shows as ‘The Young Ones’, ‘French and Saunders’, ‘Happy Families’, ‘One Foot in the Grave’, ‘Bottom’, ‘Love Soup’, ‘Miss Marple’ and ‘Hollyoaks’. Children’s TV includes the much-loved children’s favourite ‘Miss Bowline-Hitch’ along with Bernard Cribbins for CBeebies’ ‘Old Jacks Boat’. She starred as Rich Aunt Ruby in ‘Horrid Henry: The Movie’.
On BBC radio she has written and performed her own comedy series ‘Life with Lederer’ and ‘All Change’ as well as being a panellist on shows such as ‘The News Quiz’, ‘Just a Minute’, ‘Quote…Unquote’, ‘A Good Read’, ‘Open Book’ and ‘Woman’s Hour’.
A columnist for Woman&Home, she is currently guest columnist for i newspaper and ‘Funny old world’ in Woman’s Weekly as well as writing for The Mail on Sunday, The Express and The Daily Telegraph, she is also currently ‘agony aunt’ for Woman’s Weekly.
Theatre work includes ‘Educating Rita’, and Alan Bleasdale’s ‘Having a Ball’. She has been in ‘The Vagina Monologues’, ‘Calendar Girls’, and ‘The Killing of Sister George’, in London’s West End. This is interspersed with many fringe plays. Her first comedy novel ‘Losing It’, published by Pan Macmillan, was nominated for the PG Wodehouse comedy literary prize. Helen set up her own Comedy Women In Print Prize (CWIP) in 2018 in order to celebrate and enable witty women’s writing and create a platform for women’s wit – procuring a publishing offer for the winner of the Unpublished Fiction category. Since then, CWIP has enabled more than 24 authors to become published. Judges include Marian Keyes, Maureen Lipman and Joanna Scanlan.
Helen’s appearance in Celebrity Big Brother led to her temporarily trending on Twitter. Her new Stand Up show ‘I might as well say it’ was a ‘sell out’ at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to rave reviews. She is a sought-after panellist and commentator.
Her memoir ‘Not That I’m Bitter…’ is in its final stages and she is about to tour the UK as the lead in Mark Crawford’s ‘The Birds and the Bees’.
More about the Chichester and Bognor Business Awards
The Chichester and Bognor Business Awards are brought to you by the Chichester Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This gala event’s headline sponsor is Cathedral Wealth Management and our media partner is Greatest Hits Radio.
Each award category has been sponsored by a local business or enterprise including: University of Chichester, Nature’s Way Foods, Freedom Works, The Thrive Team, Friends of Chichester Harbour, The Final Straw Foundation, Handelsbanken, Smith Simmons and Partners, Vinco Marketing, Lewis Brownlee, Lodge Court – Specialists in HR, Howden, Kiwi Recruitment and Apprenticeship Ambassador Network South East.
Chichester and Bognor Regis are home to a diverse range of businesses, encompassing all sectors of the economy, ranging from well-known brands to specialist businesses and start-ups.
Featuring various award categories that acknowledge achievements in Innovation, Environmental Practices, Customer Service and Performance, these awards serve as a platform for uniting and applauding the outstanding achievements within our business community.
For more information on the Chichester and Bognor Business Awards or to book tickets please click here.
If you came along to the March Members’ Meeting at the Cathedral you will have heard mention of the legendary Dragon Boat Race run by the Rotary.
This Dragon Boat Race takes place every year – and by popular demand, this year we’ve decided it’s going to be our year to enter a Chamber team. Of course this all depends on you, are you up for it? As you know the Chamber back office team can’t do this alone – a team of two just won’t cut it, we need you!
Would you like to be part of the CCCI’s Dragon Boat Team?
The race will take place on Sunday 7th July on the Chichester Canal.
This exciting,fun event is all about raising funds for local Chichester based charities such as CancerWise.
Here’s the plan
We need at least 15 volunteers to help us row our boat to victory. The entry fee is £60pp. This fee covers the cost of the boat, this summer season’s Must Have fashion accessory – the CCCI Team T-shirt (with participating team members logo’s on the back) and snacks and beverages to keep the team’s energy levels up to ensure perfect performance.
We’ll also be setting up a Just Giving page to raise sponsorship for the Rotary’s Charities – more info coming soon.
Please contact us before Monday 16th April
If anyone is interested in joining the Chamber Dragon Boat Team please email Oriana at the Chamber Office so that we can confirm our attendance with the Rotary.
Frederick Henry Royce was born on 27 March, in 1863 at Alwalton, near Peterborough. He was the youngest of five children in a family with dire financial problems: Henry’s father was finally declared bankrupt and, under the law of the time, imprisoned. This early poverty and hardship would affect Royce’s character, and his health, for the rest of his life.
Aged just 10, Royce started working in London, first as a newspaper seller and later as a telegram delivery boy. Then in 1877, with financial support from his aunt, he secured a coveted apprenticeship at the Great Northern Railway (GNR) workshops in Peterborough. His natural aptitude for design and working with his hands were immediately obvious. A set of three miniature wheelbarrows he made in brass demonstrated the exacting standards he would set for himself and others throughout his career.
“Henry Royce’s life followed a truly extraordinary arc. From impoverished origins and with minimal formal education, he became a giant of 20th Century engineering and innovation, responsible for designs and technology that helped shape the world we live in now. But this classic rags-to-riches tale belies the complexity of the man, and understates the many challenges he faced during his remarkable life. After 120 years, his influence on the marque he co-founded remains powerful and pervasive; he literally made us who we are today.”
Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Communications and Heritage, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
But two years later, his aunt’s own money troubles left her unable to pay his annual apprenticeship fee. Undaunted, Royce returned to London and, in 1881, began work at the fledgling Electric Lighting & Power Generating Company (EL&PG). Electricity was then so new it had no professional institutions, and therefore no formal examinations or entry qualifications. For Royce, who had only the most rudimentary schooling, this was a priceless advantage.
His fascination for the subject, formidable work ethic and commitment to improving himself (he attended evening classes in English and Mathematics after work) meant that in 1882, the EL&PG, by now renamed the Maxim-Weston Electric Company, sent him to manage the installation of street and theatre lighting in Liverpool. But when the company abruptly went bust, Royce, still only 19, again found himself unemployed.
But not for long. In late 1884, he founded F H Royce & Co in Manchester. Initially producing small items such as battery-powered doorbells, the company progressed to making overhead cranes, railway shunting capstans and other heavy industrial equipment.
By 1901, years of overwork and a strained home life were taking a severe toll on his health, which had probably been permanently weakened by the privations of his childhood. Matters worsened the following year when the company found its finances stretched, owing to an influx of cheaper imported electrical machinery that undercut its prices. Ever the perfectionist, Royce was not prepared to compromise the quality of his products, but the resulting strain meant that in 1902, his health collapsed completely.
Royce’s doctors prescribed complete rest and persuaded him to take a 10-week holiday with his wife’s family in South Africa. On the long voyage, he read a newly published book, ‘The Automobile – Its Construction and Management’. What he learned would change his life – and ultimately, the world.
On his return to England, fully revitalised, Royce acquired his first motor car, a French-built 10 H.P. Decauville. The story usually goes that this first car was so poorly made and unreliable that Royce decided he could do better. In fact, his holiday reading had already focused his mind on producing his own car. He chose the Decauville precisely because it was one of the finest cars available to him, in order to dismantle it and then, in his most famous phrase, ‘take the best that exists and make it better’.
He began by building three two-cylinder 10 H.P. cars, based on the Decauville layout. With these foundational machines, he demonstrated the analytical approach, attention to detail and pursuit of excellence in design and manufacture that were the hallmarks of his life.
His friend and business associate, Henry Edmunds, borrowed one of these original Royce 10H.P. cars to complete in the 1,000-mile Slide Slip Trials organised by the Automobile Club of Great Britain & Ireland (later the Royal Automobile Club, or RAC) in April 1904. Edmunds was enormously impressed, and realised this was precisely the high-quality, British-made model that a friend and fellow Club member was looking for to stock in his new London car dealership. That friend was, of course, The Hon Charles Stewart Rolls.
As the technical mastermind behind the new partnership, Royce’s output was astoundingly and relentlessly prolific. From the company’s foundation in 1904 until his death in 1933, he personally created the initial concept for every mechanical item in every Rolls-Royce motor car. An instinctive, intuitive engineer, he had an uncanny ability to assess components purely by eye. He firmly believed that if something looked right, it probably was – and he was almost invariably proved correct.
As demand grew, and the motor cars themselves became increasingly complex, he established a design team, governed by his maxim, ‘Rub out, alter, improve, refine’. Everything the team produced would then either be rejected and sent back for more work, or finally signed off, by Royce alone. In contrast to modern motor manufacturing, where models are introduced, updated and replaced at defined intervals, Royce made continuous improvements to his products, without any announcement or notice. Some of these improvements were tiny – a washer here, a hose-clip there – but the net effect was that almost no two Rolls-Royce motor cars were exactly alike in every detail. This system, allied with Royce’s relentless pursuit of excellence in all he did and supervised, made Rolls-Royce motor cars the nearest thing to mechanical perfection possible, given the knowledge and technology of the day.
It is worth restating that Royce never designed a complete car: up to 1949, Rolls-Royce produced only ‘rolling chassis’, equipped with engine and drivetrain, upon which a specialist coachbuilder then built bodywork to the customer’s specification. The rolling chassis did, however, include the bulkhead (the panel separating the engine compartment from the passenger cabin) and the radiator, which determined, at least in part, the finished motor car’s overall proportions.
A highly driven – some might say obsessive – man, Royce brought his meticulous, enquiring mind and insatiable appetite for hard work to every aspect of his life. Such is the power of his ethos, it still informs and inspires the company that bears his name 120 years later.
On July 14th, Caroline Adams, Editor of The Sussex Times Magazines will be taking to the skies over Salisbury at GoSkydive for an exhilarating skydive, all in support @sagehousedementiahub and their incredible work for dementia care.
But here’s where it gets even more exciting – she wants YOU to be part of this adventure! Whether you’re up for the jump (15,000 feet, 60 second freefall, contact her for details on cost) or would love to support from the ground, every bit of encouragement counts.
They’ve set up a JustGiving Page to make donations easy and impactful. Your generous contributions will go directly to Sage House, helping them continue their vital support for individuals and families navigating the challenges of dementia.
Take a leap for a cause that lifts us all. Join Caroline, donate, and help spread the word!
#SkydiveForSageHouse #DementiaSupport #LeapWithLove #AdventureForACause #GoSkydive#sussextimesmagazines #lovelocal #livelocal
Kreston Reeves has advised a global infrastructure services provider on a £5 million funding facility from HSBC. The facility is the first of its kind provided by HSBC in the UK.
This London-based infrastructure services company is rapidly growing, working across some of the largest construction projects around the world, with a strong track record in delivering data centres, utilities and aviation projects across Europe.
The Kreston Reeves team was led by Corporate Finance Director Craig Dallender, Corporate Finance Manager Sakshi Gupta and Corporate Finance Assistant Managers Mark Cheung and Victoria Sunley. Tax advice was provided by Corporate Tax Senior Manager Mohammed Mujtaba.
Craig Dallender said: “We are delighted to work alongside this infrastructure services company and HSBC on this innovative funding facility. It will further contribute to the growth and development of this market-leading infrastructure developer.
“Kreston Reeves has a strong Corporate Finance team that can bring forward new and novel funding facilities for UK businesses.”
The Company’s Chief Financial Officer said: “As a company we never stay still. We embrace change and thrive on new challenges, constantly looking to break into new sectors, new countries and new opportunities. This funding facility from HSBC will help support that and we thank Craig and the Kreston Reeves team for their support in securing this new facility.”
Why not be a good egg this Easter and help children in your local community.
Children spending time in hospital over the Easter holidays can often miss out on a visit from the Easter Bunny, but with your help we can make sure no child is without an Easter treat.
Cathedral Wealth Management are on the hunt for Easter Egg donations for Rockinghorse Children’s Charity and My Sisters’ House, so children in our local community won’t miss out on the Easter Bunny.
All donations will be split between the 2 charities.
You can drop off your Easter Egg donations at The Cathedral Wealth Management offices or Creations Hair Salon in Chichester, before Sunday 24th March.
The Sussex Snowdrop Trust Presents
“Prancing around in Tights” – An evening with Hugh Bonneville
15 June at Arundle Castle – Tickets £35.00
English stage and screen actor, Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey and the Paddington films) will be joining The Sussex Snowdrop Trust for an evening at Arundel Castle, Lower Lawns on 15th June from 7pm.
Guests will be welcomed with a glass of Digby Fine English sparkling wine, the country’s leading blending house based in Arundel, and served with canapes from Earth Catering of Chichester.
This will be a wonderful event that brings together the community and local suppliers together in support of our charity and we look forward to hearing Hugh’s stories and anecdotes from his life and career.
Help raise vital funds by joining us for this extra special evening with Hugh in the enchanting setting of Arundel Castle.
Sponsor: atomos – wealth and financial wellbeing
Sussex and South East accountants Carpenter Box has announced that it has joined Sumer, the UK’s fastest growing accountancy and professional services group.
The firm, with offices in Worthing, Brighton, Chichester, Crawley, Portsmouth and London, now forms part of the rapidly expanding Sumer network, which focuses on serving small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs).
Sumer has become a top 15 UK accountancy practice in just 12 months, having established hubs nationwide led by eight leading regional firms. Carpenter Box operates the South hub and sees being part of Sumer as an important step in delivering its ambitious expansion plans. Separately, the firm recently reached an agreement with Jones Avens accountants to merge the Chichester and Portsmouth practice into its south coast operations.
Alan Edwards, Managing Partner of Carpenter Box said: “We are delighted to be joining Sumer Group, which shares our vision and values and will play a valuable role in helping us achieve our plans for the future. As such, this decision represents a significant milestone in the Carpenter Box journey because it will enable us to enhance the value-adding services we offer to our clients, invest in new technologies, grow our geographic reach, and offer our people new and enhanced opportunities.”
Sumer’s mission is to champion the vital role that SMEs play in the UK economy. The Sumer Group of firms employs more than 1,000 colleagues across over 40 offices, with further ‘hub’ announcements imminent. The Group’s operating rationale is to bring together the best in business services by uniting like-minded accountancy practices embedded in their local communities to harness the power of collaboration for the benefit of SMEs.
Carpenter Box is an award-winning firm of chartered accountants, tax specialists, business advisers and independent financial advisers with a reputation for innovation and excellence. The practice, with a team of 240 people, continues to expand across the south and in London, helping businesses grow in a profitable, sustainable and tax-efficient way.
The CCCI is very pleased to be organising the Chichester and Bognor Business Awards this year – with the gala event being held on 14th June, at the Avisford Park Hotel
Come on get nominating now, you can nominate any local business and/or enter your own company for an award and it’s totally FREE. With 15 categories there’s so much to choose from.
Have you nominated a business for an award yet? It’s really easy to do, just follow the link and your away, it takes moments but it means so much. You can nominate more than one business too so why not spread the love!
Enter or Nominate – Chichester Chamber of Commerce & Industry (chichestercci.org.uk)
It’s really important to us to make this showcase event successful in every way and recognising your peers is how you can help us to do this. Is there a business you feel has really made a difference, do they make your professional life easier? Do you get things done because of their input, supply or support? Let us know – this is your opportunity to give them a Shout Out!
It’s not just about nominating other businesses – YOU can enter the Chichester and Bognor Business Awards too – and yes it’s free to do so, so what are you waiting for?
Entering your business is a great way to recognise all the hard work you and your team have put into making your company a success. We are so fortunate to be in an area with so much to offer, with businesses that work hard to support the local economy, hospitality and the environment; from new businesses on the cutting edge of innovation to family run businesses who’s ingenuity and hard work has seen them build over decades making them household names within our community.
Enter or Nominate – Chichester Chamber of Commerce & Industry (chichestercci.org.uk)
Sponsorship is a great way to get involved in this event – though many of the categories have already been snapped up we do still have one or two opportunities available for Award Category Sponsorship – want to know more, then contact Zelda Reeves today ([email protected])
Other sponsorship opportunities are available, it’s not just about putting your name to an award – there are also opportunities to sponsor table centre pieces, official programme opportunities and advertising. Why not look at something bespoke for the evening. Contact Zelda today and start the conversation.
Current Sponsors:
Awards Category Sponsors
Sussex and South East accountancy firm Carpenter Box has reached agreement with Jones Avens accountants to merge the practice into its south coast operations.
The merger expands the Carpenter Box network into Hampshire for the first time and will see Jones Avens, which has offices in Chichester and Portsmouth, rebranded Carpenter Box Jones Avens. Carpenter Box currently serves its growing client base from offices in Worthing, Brighton, Chichester, Crawley and London.
Commented Alan Edwards, Managing Partner at Carpenter Box: “We are delighted to welcome Jones Avens into the Carpenter Box family. The firm is a great fit for our growth strategy, with its culture of customer service excellence and staff development, and will enable us to expand both the range and reach of our services to existing and prospective clients.”
David Knight, Partner at Carpenter Box Jones Avens added: “This merger represents a significant milestone in our journey. By joining with Carpenter Box, we will unlock additional resources, expertise and services that will directly benefit our clients by providing access to additional specialist knowledge.”
“This is a very positive move for both firms, our clients and our people and we look forward to working with our Jones Avens colleagues to grow our presence in the Chichester and Portsmouth areas.”
Peter Reading, office lead at Carpenter Box’s Chichester office
The merger brings together two firms with a combined 215+ year track record of providing tax planning, advisory services and financial planning expertise to clients in Sussex, Hampshire and beyond.
Carpenter Box is an award-winning firm of chartered accountants, tax specialists, business advisers and independent financial advisers with a reputation for innovation and excellence. The firm continues to expand across the south and in London, with specialist teams helping businesses grow in a profitable, sustainable and tax-efficient way.