News
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Towards a multi-purpose town centre
Once protected by our privileged position, Chichester's shopping streets are now showing signs of the changes that have been sweeping the world since the arrival of the smart phone. Shops are finding it difficult to make ends meet as consumers abandon bricks and mortar but rents and government taxation levels fail to take into account the resulting fall in their revenues. Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) have become the fashionable option for local
Published 00:00 on 15 May 2019
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In my view... The Challenge Ahead
As I write these few words I am about to embark on an exciting (and somewhat daunting) new challenge as CEO of the Chamber. It is always hard to follow in the footsteps of one's predecessors and in this case I have not one, but two pairs of shoes, to fill. So, we bid a fond and grateful farewell to Julie Harrison and Sue Garman who have skillfully led the Chamber over the last
Published 00:00 on 15 Apr 2019
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In My View… Staff and business benefits in the New Year?
Ebenezer Scrooge, from Charles Dickens' story 'A Christmas Carol', was an inconsiderate, miserly and very demanding boss. His drive for results is legendary and, unfortunately, this came at the expense of his only employee, Bob Cratchit. Bob had to work long hours in a cold, dark and lonely office with only basic equipment (a quill pen and ink). He was required to work overtime at short notice and had little time with his family,
Published 09:00 on 27 Dec 2018
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In My View… Why you should join the Board of the local Chamber of Commerce
Every now and then opportunities arise to become a member of this select group of individuals who work as a team to ensure the ongoing sustainability, growth and strength of the Chamber. I was asked to join the Board of Chichester Chamber of Commerce two years ago and welcomed the opportunity. Here are my three top reasons for taking on this role: Giving Back I have worked in Business
Published 10:00 on 29 Nov 2018
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In My View…The Cost of Childcare
I was interested to read some new research commissioned by Yoopies on the impact that the Government's 30 hours of free childcare is having on working parents. I was, however, particularly struck by the impact this is having in Chichester… As a working mother to two young children, this is a topic very close to my heart (and wallet). I went back to work when my children were very young and the nature
Published 10:00 on 25 Oct 2018
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In My View: Are your employees switched on?
This year marks the 20 th anniversary of the UK's Working Time Regulations which include the rules on how many hours people can work, the number and length of rest breaks, and paid annual holiday. But how relevant is this in today's digital world? Although emails and texts were around 20 years ago, most people kept their personal and working communications separate and Wi-Fi connectivity was in its
Published 00:00 on 20 Sep 2018
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In my view: Making Tax Digital (MTD) update
HMRC's pilot of Making Tax Digital (MTD) for income tax has been extended and is now able to accept quarterly updates from individual landlords with simple tax affairs. Agents can also sign up clients to pilot. The latest extension means that certain taxpayers will be able to opt out of the current self-assessment regime and use software to report their income tax if at least one of the following applies :
Published 00:00 on 23 Aug 2018
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In my view: We can all be a great support to one another!
We at CCCI held a very interesting and interactive lunch earlier in the year with our MP Gillian Keegan. One of the discussion points was over the lack of support for people in the first year of business or at the start-up stage of a business. Although it was acknowledged that there is some support out there with the National Helpline and here in Chichester with our own Enterprise Centre, it was felt that more
Published 00:00 on 19 Jul 2018
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In My View: GDPR panic over?
No doubt you breathed a sigh of relief when you got things done in time. If you didn't, don't panic as it's highly unlikely that you'll be pursued by the Information Commissioner if you can show that you're actively engaging with the new regime. Many businesses are taking the approach that GDPR is 'work in progress' which was always going to extend beyond the deadline. The lead up to GDPR has been hectic
Published 00:00 on 21 Jun 2018
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'In My View'... How to get the best from your digital agency
Having worked in digital now for nearly 20 years, here are some key lessons I've learned about getting the best from your digital agency. Is it all about results? At the end of the day, yes. An agency is commissioned to deliver a set of results that the business on its own cannot do. Having a set of clearly defined results at the start can really help focus what
Published 00:00 on 24 May 2018
