Member News

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: 

Funding from Newhaven Enterprise Zone (NEZ) will enable the Jolly Boatman pub in Newhaven to reopen next year with a Lewes brewery set to move in.

Summer 2024 has seen a wealth of new projects completed by the Phoenix Systems trades team. Every workplace fit-out is unique and spans from small office refurbishments to specialist technical fit-outs featuring both interiors and external works for clients across Sussex and Hampshire. Here's a small selection

Responding to the latest interest rate decision by the Bank of England, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce said: 

Contractor Pilbeam Construction has strengthened its team with three new hires, boosting its ability to deliver high-quality construction projects across Sussex and the South East.

A new independent taskforce will be launched today to map out an orderly transition for the North Sea that will safeguard tens of thousands of jobs and help secure its long-term future as a critical national asset. 

For those interested in a career in accountancy, Sussex and South East firm Carpenter Box is holding a Trainee Scheme Open Evening in November at their main office in Crescent Road, Worthing.

Mayo Wynne Baxter’s trusts and tax team has doubled in size in the past 30 months – reflecting the increasing demand for specialist legal services across the South East and strengthening the full-service law firm’s ability to provide tailored advice to its growing client base.

We are looking to grow our team! We are a young, fast-growing and dynamic charity, having a huge impact on people’s lives.

People are being encouraged to ‘Make a Difference’ in their communities by embarking on a rewarding career with their local council.

Have you checked your signs for wind damage? It is every business owners responsibility to check signage is safe following storms and high winds to ensure their customers and staff can safely enter the building.

The web is a very competitive place, where most of us are fighting to stand out from the crowd. There is also a level of distrust, afterall it is easy for scammers to set up a website or social media account, so building trust with your audience is essential. Users will also, typically be in a rush and spend only a matter of seconds scanning a product or service page, so it becomes even more essential to quickly make a good impression so they hang around and consider buying from you.

A new Housing board is being set up to give Wealden tenants a greater voice.

Local charities and support organisations in Sussex are urged to apply for funding from the Gatwick Airport Community Trust which is now open again for applications. 

Reacting to the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said:  

Funding is to be used from the Homelessness Prevention Grant to help people find housing in the private rented sector across Wealden.

In recent years, Sussex has become an increasingly popular destination for commuters seeking a balance between city work and country living. The county's picturesque landscapes, historic towns, and excellent transport links to London have made it an attractive option for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the capital.

As demand for sustainable gardening solutions continues to rise, CoirProducts.co.uk by Salike® Limited has emerged as the trusted choice for growers and gardeners, offering the UK’s most extensive range of carbon-neutral coir solutions. With a steadfast commitment to people and the planet, CoirProducts has grown in popularity, becoming the go-to choice for home gardeners, professional growers, and retailers seeking eco-friendly, high-performance solutions for everything from planting to soil preservation and erosion control.