Midnight Shortlisted for Best Award Scheme at UK Event Awards

Midnight Communications is delighted to announce that it has been shortlisted for this year’s UK Event Awards in the Best Awards Scheme category.

Midnight’s work on behalf of Sky Sports, “Using Sport to Inspire Young People – the Sky Sports Living for Sport Student of the Year Awards 2010” is up against entries from The Sun newspaper for The Sun Military Awards 2010, the Nursing Standard Nurse Awards 2011 and the RoSPA Occupational Health & Safety Awards.

The awards were judged by an independent panel of industry professionals which this year was chaired by Paul O’Neill of Guinness World Records Live and included Jackie Boughton of Wembley Stadium, Jan Booth of Sunbaba, Kate Conway of Tesco, Jenny Abbot of MCI, Lucy Gemmell of Rhubarb Food Design, Lee Newton of Media10, Izania Downie of Active Network Events and Lynn Lester of Carnyx Events.

The panel had the tough task of looking through each and every entry and deciding on the finalists as they met at the IET Savoy Place in London last week. Companies that made the grade include O2, Gallowglass and Chillisauce.

The winners will be announced at an Award ceremony to be held in London in November.

The Chilli Pickle heads for myhotel Brighton

This March Brighton’s favourite innovative Indian restaurant The Chilli Pickle will open the doors of their brand new restaurant at myhotel Brighton.

The restaurant’s design will be a nod to the heritage of India and the authentic delights from its many diverse regions. The design philosophy will also continue with the Indian street scenes that inspired the look and feel of the original Chilli Pickle – bright, modern and relaxed with a colourful, kitsch and handcrafted approach, all paramount to Indian culture. The restaurant, facing Jubilee Square, will boast 115 covers.

Utilising great local produce and quality-sourced ingredients is empirical to The Chilli Pickle’s core values. The food offers bold, fresh flavours with vibrant colours, creative touches and an attention to detail that is beautifully understated.

The day time offers a constant evolving mixture of streetfood, thalis and tandoori kebabs as well as the ever popular Masala Dosa. Dinner offers a relaxed affair with starter and main course format, with sumptuous feasts such as their national award winning Oxtail Madras, Darjeeling Momos, Whole Tandoori Seabass and Rose Kulfi to name a few.

Alun Sperring of The Chilli Pickle says ‘The chance to move into myhotel Brighton’s restaurant space was something we couldn’t resist. We knew the ethos of both The Chilli Pickle and myhotel Brighton would make the perfect partnership. We will be continuing to serve authentic regional Indian Cuisine of the highest standard with creativity, attention to detail and our understated charm – these are exciting times for The Chilli Pickle.’

Winners of top gong at The British Curry Awards 2010 for most innovative restaurant, as well as being in the 50 Best UK Curry Houses in the Independent, also awarded a Michelin BiB Gourmand and 2 AA rosettes by the revered restaurant guides 2011, The Chilli Pickle offers Indian food as you always wanted it to be. myhotel Brighton was recently voted the UK’s 4th Trendiest hotel by Trip Advisor’s, The Travellers Choice Awards.

About The Chilli Pickle

A Brightonian himself, Alun has travelled the world as a chef for the last 20 years firing up his passion for interesting and delicious food in Europe, Australia, the Americas, the far, near and Middle East, the Caribbean and India. Alun has won plaudits wherever he has been at the helm of a kitchen brigade in world class hotels and restaurants, deploying his considerable expertise, experience and creativity to turn an establishment around or cement and refine its reputation.  Since meeting Dawn while briefly back in London 9 years ago, they have shared their passion for travel, food and wine and in particular India. After having their son Stanley in Dubai, Dawn and Alun decided to leave their ex-pat life and move back to Brighton to bring together all their knowledge, experience and passion to open their own restaurant. There was never any question that it would be anything else other than an Indian Restaurant and so The Chilli Pickle was born.

SUSSEX BREWERY LAUNCHES ‘BRIGHTON BEST’ BEER

The launch of a new quality ale, Brighton Best, by award-winning Sussex Brewery WJ King, which becomes available this week in most of the leading pubs across the city, has been hailed by locals as both a delicious beer and a welcome tourist attraction. Adam Bates, Head of Tourism & Venues in Brighton & Hove said: “As a tourist city, we hugely welcome this beer, which will provide yet another reason to visit the city and enjoy our wonderful food and drink offer.” Whilst Steve Gullon, bar manager at The Hope, a local real ale pub, said: “I like it a lot and my customers are giving great feedback. It is a session beer at 4 per cent and has a crisp, fruity taste – perfect for sitting in and enjoying two or three of an evening.” Head Brewer Ian Burgess, who recently left Harveys of Lewes, where he served as number two brewer for 19 years, to join the W J King team, has created the light to golden ale to meet the growing demand from younger and more discerning drinkers for handcrafted cask beers, which can be enjoyed all evening. The ale was launched at The Hampton Arms Ale Festival in Upper North Street Brighton with a masterclass from the Head Brewer and ale tastings to wash down a range of local food all produced using Brighton Best as a key ingredient. The menu included sausages, steak and ale pie and beer battered fish and chips. Commenting Nigel Lambe, Chief Executive of WJ King, who together with Head Brewer Ian Burgess, bought the brewery in June, said: “We really felt that there was an opportunity to create a beer specifically for the younger and more knowledgeable ale drinker in Brighton who really cares about the provenance of the food and drink they consume and are looking for local products, such as Brighton Best. “The new beer will fit in alongside our existing range of award winning Sussex ales including Horsham Best Bitter, Red River and King’s Old Ale, all of which will be undergoing a makeover in the new WJ King style.” With a 200 year tradition of brewing some of the most respected and enjoyed Sussex ales, WJ King has evolved into a new style of micro brewery, using only the finest natural and local ingredients and traditional brewing techniques to produce the finest quality local ales.

www.kingbeer.co.uk

THREE BRIGHTON CHEFS SET TO SIZZLE IN LIVE COOK OFF!

Sussex Food & Drink Awards
THREE BRIGHTON CHEFS SET TO SIZZLE IN LIVE COOK OFF!
Three of Brighton’s top chefs have been shortlisted for the hotly contended Sussex Young Chef of the Year ‘cook off’, sponsored by Blue Spark Organisation, as part of the Sussex Food & Drink Awards 2010/11.  They are Simon Duncan from Sam’s of Brighton, Will Stayner from Hotel du Vin, and Daniel Whittle from Temptation café.

Simon Duncan is the youngest contender in the competition and passionate about his job at Sam’s of Brighton.  Said Sam Metcalfe, owner: “Although Simon is only 20 years old, he runs Sam’s as if it were his own, constantly looking at different ways to improve the business. When Simon is cooking, not only does he produce amazing food, but he does it with a smile.”

Will Stayner is 25 years old and has worked at Hotel du Vin for over two years.  Rob Carr, Head Chef at Hotel du Vin said: “Will came to us with no kitchen experience at all. We saw promise in him from the start and after just one year, he started moving up the ranks in the kitchen. What makes him special is his passion and dedication to the job. He inspires others and sets a very high standard in the kitchen, he is always willing to find time to help others, and it’s clear to see he genuinely loves what he does.”

Daniel Whittle is a popular member of the team at Temptation Café in Brighton.  Said Peter Allinson, owner: “At just 21 years old, Danny is a raw talent – he knows what tastes great and uses his own intuition to combine the flavours.  He has been a fantastic addition to our team, creating signature dishes at the restaurant and always going out of his way to ensure that the customer has a great meal.”

The Brighton trio are joined by three other chefs from across the county:  Philippa Seward-Fisher, 20 years old from the Coach and Horses in Danehill, East Sussex; and two chefs from the famous South Lodge Hotel in Horsham, West Sussex, 24-year-old Steven Edwards and Hanna Payne 21 years old.

The six shortlisted chefs have been selected by public vote and this year will have to produce a full three course menu based on local and seasonal ingredients as opposed to the one course in previous years.   They will compete in the live ‘cook off’ hosted by City College Brighton & Hove on 9th November and judged by an expert panel chaired by Clive Beddall OBE, Chairman of the Sussex Food & Drink Awards.

Voting lines have now closed and other categories in these coveted awards include best Sussex eating experience, food producer, drink producer, farmer, food/farm shop, butcher and farmers market.   Finalists will be announced next month and the winners and runners up will be revealed at the ‘Sussex foodie event of the year’, the awards banquet at the East Sussex National Golf Resort and Spa on 27th January 2011.

The awards are run by Sussex PR firm Natural PR with support from A Taste of Sussex.  www.sussexfoodawards.biz

Business Mag Autumn edition online

Brighton and Hove Business Mag Autumn 2010

Latest From Unique Brighton

Win a two night stay at the fabulous Hilton Brighton Metropole hotel!
One lucky reader can win a two night stay in a double room, including a welcome dinner on your first night and breakfast each morning, at one of Brighton’s top hotels…. Click here for more

Fashion at the casino
Shimmy down to G Casino Brighton on Thursday 11th November, for an evening of catwalk glamour as the casino hosts an exclusive fashion show, with proceeds going to help support Marie Curie Cancer Care…. Click here for more
Unique Brighton
Over 350 independent shops, bars and restaurants in Brighton have created Unique Brighton – the best shopping and relaxation experience anywhere!

Unique Brighton covers the North Laine, North Street and The Lanes of Brighton and boasts the largest selection of independent retailers on the South Coast. It’s a colourful, vibrant area, full of activity, with a diverse range of shops, restaurants and bars. For fashionistas and trend spotters, or for those seeking traditional, charming jewellery and gift shops, for those looking for bright lights or just for somewhere to rest their weary legs, Unique Brighton is, well, quite simply unique!

www.uniquebrighton.com

Sussex Business Awards 2010 Finalists Announced

The short list for the Sussex Business Awards 2010 has been announced

From Horsham to Brighton and Chichester to Rye, thirty six companies from across the county are hoping to win one or more of the fourteen trophies up for grabs – including the prestigious Sussex Company of the Year, International Business Award and Sussex Businessperson of the Year.

Celebrating business excellence across Sussex, the Awards are the longest established scheme of its kind in the county.  2010 marks the twenty-second anniversary.

Four companies make the list twice. The Grounded Events Company, organisers of the inaugural Brighton Marathon are up for the Leisure and Tourism Award and the Best New Business; Fishers Farm Park (Customer Service and Sustainable Business); Access by Design (Innovation Award and Small Business of the Year) and Natures Way Foods (Business in the Community and Sustainable Business Awards).

Organiser Caraline Brown, Midnight Communications says: “We are delighted with the response to this year’s awards.

“There seems to be a definite note of positivity amongst the Sussex business community which has contributed to doubling the entries this year.  We’ve also increased the spread across the county and we are pleased to say that more than half of the entries have come from outside of Brighton.

“This year’s final decisions were made following over fifty visits by judges to long listed companies across the county and there was certainly some heated debate – but a great deal of consensus too.

“Congratulations to all the shortlist!”

The cream of the county’s leading business people will gather to see the Awards presented by Nicholas Owen at the Grand Hotel, Brighton on Thursday 2 December.  All finalists receive a free place at the Awards ceremony.  Tickets have been held at the same price as last year and cost £85 each (plus VAT) or £850 (plus VAT) for a table of ten.  This includes champagne reception, three course meal, and two bottles of wine on each table, as well as entertainment, dancing and a few surprises!

www.sbawards.org.uk • Midnight Communications • 01273 666 200 • Email sussex@midnight.co.uk

Brighton and Hove Foodie Awards 2010

You could eat great food every day of the year in Brighton & Hove and we want to celebrate the fantastic food we have in the city.

The Brighton & Hove Foodie Awards were launched by Natural PR as part of the Spring Harvest Festival held in March 2010 and offer the public the chance to choose the city’s top foodie destinations.

Voting opened in March with support from Juice 107.2 and Latest7 throughout, and nearly 5,000 people voted for their favourite restaurants, food pubs, cafes and food shops.

The winners were announced and trophies presented by DJ Andrea Fox and foodwriter Andrew Kay on 4th October at the grand finale event of the Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival.

Best Restaurant – Terre a Terre

Best Food Pub – The Ginger Pig

Best Cafe – Ground

Best Food Shop – Infinity Foods

www.brightonfoodawards.com

www.brightonfoodfestival.com

Streetsmart 2010 -Homelessness Charity

“StreetSmart has become part of Christmas for us. It is everyone’s chance to do the right thing at the right time, with only the gentlest nudge.” – Gordon Ramsay

“As seasonal a presence on the menu as parsnips and winter greens, StreetSmart dishes always do your heart good.” – Stephen Fry

“All it takes is one well-fed quid next time you’re dining at any of the damned fine establishments taking part in this glorious campaign, and that tiny extra sum will go straight to an excellently worthwhile cause. Go on, it’ll make you feel good about that expanding waistband.” – Ian Rankin

This November and December, diners visiting restaurants across 18 cities in the UK, (including Brighton and Hove) will once again be asked to add £1 to their bill, as part of StreetSmart’s campaign to help the UK’s homeless.

StreetSmart raised a staggering £455,000 in the 2009 campaign and, now in its 13th year, will be building on this success with the help of 600 fantastic restaurants. Just some of the chefs pledging their support include Gordon Ramsay, Fergus Henderson, John Torode and Giorgio Locatelli.

StreetSmart operates as an umbrella charity providing funding to 95 homelessness charities across 18 cities. The chosen charities receive between £500 and £15,000, depending on the project to be funded. Once the winter emergency needs have been met, StreetSmart use any remaining funds to help projects that support people in finding jobs and achieving sustainable independent living.

Unlike other charities in the same bracket, StreetSmart ensures the money raised by restaurants is reinvested in the local area. Diners can therefore be assured that the money they donate will benefit their local charities, helping to shelter and feed the homeless during the cold winter months. Another unique aspect that sets StreetSmart apart, is that every penny raised goes directly towards helping the homeless, as all administration costs are covered by StreetSmart’s generous sponsor, Deutsche Bank.

Despite the recent economic downturn, StreetSmart has seen an increase in donations, proving that UK diners are still willing to give generously when they know their money is being put to good use.

www.streetsmart.org.uk

Drusillas Park Wins Gold Prize at Tourism Awards for Excellence 2010

Drusillas Park in East Sussex has been named Large Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Beautiful South Awards for Excellence.

The annual awards, organised by Tourism South East, are now in their 20th year. They recognise exceptional levels of customer service and dedication to raising industry standards in tourism businesses throughout the whole of Sussex, Kent, Surrey, Hampshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire.

A record number of entries to the Awards this year led to an impressive shortlist of finalists, with Drusillas Park going head to head in the category against Blenheim Palace, Leeds Castle, Beaulieu and Ashmolean.

Mike Bedingfield, Chief Executive of Tourism South East commented: ‘We offer our congratulations to all the winners. Our industry’s commitment to providing the best possible customer service and to exceeding customer expectations is outstanding. The award winners have shown that they are truly the best-in-class and we look forward to seeing them on the national stage at the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence next April.’

Laurence and Christine Smith acquired award winning Drusillas Park in 1997 after selling a nationwide recruitment business. The husband and wife team have invested heavily in the zoo over the last thirteen years, securing a deal with HIT Entertainment to bring Thomas the Tank Engine to the Park and consistently introducing new animals and attractions. Drusillas is now a true family run business with eldest daughter Cassandra working at the zoo since 2005, alongside Caroline Smith who joined the company last year.

Managing Director Laurence Smith commented: “We are absolutely delighted; ours is a competitive industry and it is a real honour that our attraction has been judged as best-in-class for the South East. We reached the finalist stages in 2009 but just missed out on the top spot on the night. It feels really great to be bringing home the gold this year.”

www.drusillas.co.uk

21st Century Concierge Creates New Hotel Experience And Wont Take a Tip

The hotel concierge, that famed finder of anything from taxis and concert tickets to gossip and the local low-down, is being given a new, digital lease of life for the iPad generation in the form of an iPhone and iPad app provided to customers by quality hotels, restaurants and other leisure venues.

The app (or application for those old enough to remember when words were complete) is created by mobile marketing specialist Insight Mobile of Brighton and is offered by an increasing number of hotels, especially in London and the South East, and the upmarket restaurant chain D&D London (formerly Conran Restaurants).

In fact, supporters of the Insight Mobile app firmly believe it can be far more useful than the traditional concierge, brought to life in recent years on BBC 1 by Hotel Babylon’s cheekie chappie Tony Casemore. It cant slip a Mickey Finn and wont take a bribe but, at the touch of a users fingertip, it can book a room or a table, show today’s specials, arrange for a taxi to collect you from an airport or station and then bring you to your destination with the pinpoint accuracy of GPS navigation.

The upmarket boutique-style Drakes Hotel, on Brighton’s seafront, is offering its clientele the Drakes app (as the hotel calls it) with unquestionable success. The app is free to download from the Apple App Store or via a link on the hotels website at http://www.drakesofbrighton.com and can then start providing hotel services before the user even sets off to the hotel in person.

MD of Insight Mobile, Catherine Lane, explains: If, say, you’re visiting Brighton for the weekend, you can not only arrange your room at Drakes Hotel but check out many of the city sights and experiences, from tourist attractions to restaurants and clubs, perhaps even planning your whole itinerary from the comfort of home or during the journey down. And on arrival you can skip the sometimes tiresome cab queues by having a taxi waiting for you, even though without the app you wouldn’t have a clue where to book one.

Richard Hayes, the general manager of Drakes Hotel, adds: The Drakes App has become a key part of our service to customers and we like to deliver the highest quality of service. Some customers see it as our reception and concierge rolled into one and available wherever and whenever they want it. Business customers coming here for a daytime meeting and late night clubbers out at four in the morning all benefit. Its one of the ways were different from so many other hotels in Brighton and is a significant motive for customers to keep on coming back to us.

The success of the app is one of the reasons why Insight Mobile, which designs and builds personalised apps for each of its clients individually, recently won a major Digital Marketing Award from Tourism South East.

Catherine Lane continues: The Insight Mobile service is brand new to most of the tourist and leisure industry but it’s catching on fast. It won’t be long before a high proportion of tables and bedrooms, not to mention concert tickets and even gym sessions, are booked through mobile apps: they will soon be a staple part of the business. Adding concierge services at the level were offering turns a convenience into a major benefit, enabling a venue to provide a markedly better customer experience. It’s the digital equivalent of offering the best chef or the fluffiest pillows.

The benefits to hotels and restaurants don’t end with an improved reputation for customer service. The Insight Mobile app is also a sales tool; one which will find favour with customers.

The Insight Mobile app is not a static thing and has lots of real-time features, says Catherine. For example, a restaurant can broadcast its lunchtime specials at lunchtime to customers within a certain radius, or last minute concert seats or West End musical tickets can be offered exclusively to nearby app users. It changes the relationship between venues and their clientele to everyone’s benefit.

Insight Mobile was formed in 2009 to design, build and deliver mobile marketing applications for leisure and tourism businesses. The company and its team of designers and developers are based in Brighton. This October it won the Silver Digital Marketing Award at Tourism South East’s prestigious Beautiful South Awards for Excellence.

Drakes of Brighton is a luxury boutique hotel on the seafront that combines breathtaking design with warm, friendly service and 4 star townhouse hotel amenities. The 20 contemporary designed bedrooms relaxed bar, restaurant and unbeatable seafront location make Drakes the place to stay.

The Drakes app provides information not only about the hotel but also includes recommendations about all the best places to eat, drink, see and enjoy in Brighton.

www.drakesofbrighton.com
www.insightmobile.co.uk

Artwave Lewes 2010 Round Up

Artwave 2010 – Celebrating 17 years of success

Artwave, the visual arts festival for the Lewes District, has ended for another year and organisers have hailed the 2010 festival a great success.   

The annual festival, now in its 17th year, is held in open houses and studios across the Lewes District and continues the tradition of artistic creativity that has thrived in the area for many years.

In addition to supporting local artists the festival continues to contribute to the local economy, by attracting both local residents and those from outside the area who visit the district with the sole purpose of exploring the festival venues.   It is widely considered that these visitors not only spend in the open houses and studios but support other businesses in the district whilst visiting.

Every year a comprehensive feedback questionnaire is sent to each participating venue to enable organisers to evaluate the success of Artwave and plan future festivals and events.

The number of venues that took part in Artwave 2010 increased by 10%, with 97 open houses and studios exhibiting the works of over 400 known artists and makers. Of the 97 participating venues 52% returned the feedback questionnaire reporting positive results.

Recorded visitor numbers for Artwave 2010 totalled 27,779, this exceeded last year’s total of known visitors by just under 25%, and known sales of £146,329 were reported, up on last year by just under 65%.

Artists that have participated in Artwave previously also reported that they believe business generated by the festival continues throughout the year, thus generating ongoing revenue for the local creative industries.

“I am constantly amazed at the wealth of creativity we have across our district.  The annual Artwave Festival promotes local artists of all kinds and contributes to the local economy in many valuable ways not only during the festival but throughout the year”. Said Councillor Carolyn Lambert, Chair Lewes District Council.

The 2011 Artwave festival will run from 27th August – 11th September.

www.artwavefestival.org

Latest News from Unique Brighton

Discounts at Ollie and Nic
Ollie & Nic in Market Street is running a special 2 week promotion on jewellery…. Click here for more

Fashion at G Casino
Time is running out to buy your tickets for the G Casino Fashion Extravaganza…. Click here for more

A good old fashioned Christmas
There’s nothing quite like a walk down memory lane to get you properly in the mood for Christmas. So the Unique Brighton shops have pulled together to put on an event that will take you right back to the 1950s…. Click here for more

www.uniquebrighton.com

Pamper Me in January 2011

The Marry Me! Wedding Fairs team launched a completely new kind of bridal event this year. ‘Pamper Me!’ had its inaugural launch at the Thistle Hotel Brighton in July 2010, and the format was such a stunning success the next one is planned for 20 January 2011

The event is deliberately booked to be far away from any other competitors’ wedding fairs in the year’s calendar and is an evening event – also a new concept. It’s a completely different format to other wedding fairs, a more sensual experience, with more interaction between exhibitors and visitors.

Wedding fairs are really for the brides (and their friends and mothers!), so Pamper Me! is aimed very much at the female market.

Exhibitors are encouraged to really showcase what they do and offer a chance for visiting brides, friends and mothers to touch, feel, try and test all the options on offer. Exhibiting costs are a real deal at only £75 plus VAT per stand because exhibitors are encouraged to offer the guests something in return, such as giveaways or special offers, samples, great stuff for the goody bags etc

There’s also a fashion show of course, showcasing both men’s and women’s bridal wear, plus sexy lingerie and corsets on show!

“We have offered the more traditional wedding fair set up over the last couple of years,” explains Sam Harrington-Lowe, one of the founding directors, “but we found that the market was becoming swamped. Not only with other wedding fair companies running events, but venues hosting their own too, all jostling to try and find a free Sunday to open on! And they were all in Spring or Autumn. So we decided to buck the trend and lead with something completely new. It’s been a great idea, we have had a fabulous response and plan to roll out more events like this over the coming months.”

There’s a glass of bubbly for everyone on arrival, and a lovely goody bag to take away. All enquiries to info@marrymeweddingfair.co.uk

www.marrymeweddingfair.co.uk

Extra £2.7 Million invested in Amex Community Stadium

Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club has invested a further £2.7million into the American Express Community Stadium to provide 400 extra 1901 Club Platinum matchday seats and an additional supporters’ restaurant.

Following the sell out of 1901 Club membership this week and a huge demand for more premium seats, a previously-unused floor in the East Stand will now be developed into an extra 1901 Platinum lounge, coupling high quality seats with five-star hospitality facilities.  The East Stand will now also house a themed restaurant and bar open to all supporters, along with catering kitchens.

Said Chief Executive Martin Perry: “We are thrilled with the support we have received from the business community in Sussex and also to be able to offer fans what they have asked for – a good quality eating area and bar, where families and individual supporters can enjoy quality hospitality before the match and for special occasions such as birthdays and other family celebrations.”

The 1901 Club premium seats have been an unprecedented sales success for BHAFC with all 2,109 West Stand hospitality seats sold in record time, a full nine months ahead of schedule, and all 14 executive boxes sold-out in March.

1901 Club members will have luxurious padded seats with generous legroom, coupled with access to stunning 1901 suite facilities with top quality hospitality and services on matchdays.

News from Unique Brighton

Unique fashion from designer to charity shop
Thursday night at the Casino was a blast. It was a show of elegance combining the glamour and the glitz with the practical and affordable…. Click here for more

11 November 2010
Christmas count down
With just one week to go until the Big Christmas Event in East Street, Brighton the tension is mounting…. Click here for more

Early discounts on coats and boots
LK Bennett is running a special in store promotion on selected coats and boots…. Click here for more

Discounts at Ollie & Nic
Ollie and & Nic are running a new promotion in stores and online this week…. Click here for more

Brighton and Hove Business Show Spring 2011

Now established as the premium City Business Show, The Sixth Brighton & Hove Business Show will be staged on 7 April 2011, at The Hove Centre, Hove.

An estimated 12 Million pounds is now generated into the local economy on these two trading Business Show days between exhibitors and visitors, coupled with the best footfall of the south regional Business Shows.

Spring exhibiting offers are now available for businesses who may like to catch themselves an ‘early bird’ discount for taking stand space and exhibitors become part of one of the most highly ranked, global, sought after Business Show websites, in the world.

If your business would like to be part of this special Brighton & Hove package, simply call 07864 971662 or email your details to info@brightonandhovebusinessshow.co.uk

Start-up businesses are most welcome.

City VIP’s visit the Autumn 2010 Business Show

The Autumn Brighton & Hove Business Show took place 7 October 2010, headline sponsored by VisitBrighton.com for the fifth time, and pleased that a number of our City VIPs visited on the day.

“It Just gets better and better”…

Another extraordinarily busy and successful Show where many exhibitors reported doing ‘great business’ and made ‘loads of new contacts’… Visitors supported the new style business networking sessions and the ebusiness surgeries held by our local marketing online experts.

Pictured left, below; some of the City’s VIP’s attending; from left to right, Councillor Averil Older; Councillor Jan Young; The City Mayor, Councillor Geoffrey Wells; Mike Weatherley MP, representing Hove & Portslade; The Leader of The Council, Councillor Mary Mears; Councillor Ayas Fallon-Khan, Cabinet Member for Enterprise; Councillor David Smith.

Pictured right; Caroline Lucas MP representing Brighton Pavilion talking with Economic Development representative.

The Brighton & Hove Business Show Exhibitor Awards

We like to thank our exhibitors for their extremely high standards of marketing achieved by their businesses on the day of The Autumn Show, by offering 3 Brighton & Hove Business Show Awards.

Sponsored by Flowers Unlimited

The Awards have been designed to recognise and reward innovation, showcase excellence and provide a benchmark for all other exhibitors current and future.

The Most Creative and Commercial stand was judged by Andrew Kay, The Creative Director of The Latest Magazine and won by The Brighton & Hove Chamber of Commerce.

The Best New Product or Service offered was judged by Nick Mosley of Brighton Visitor Magazine and won by The Spanish Food Company.

The Best Green Business Award was judged by Max Robinson, Managing Director, MCR Print and won by Hotel Du Vin.

The lucky award recipients all received fantastic floral gift vouchers from David da Costa, Director of the fabulous Flowers Unlimited who sponsored all three awards.

www.brightonandhovebusinessshow.co.uk/news

Unique Brighton News

Join in the Christmas fun at Charlie Barley
Charlie Barley in Meeting House Lane has set up a Christmas advent calendar for the children to have some fun with…. Click here for more

A Hollywood Christmas in Unique Brighton
The Unique Brighton traders pulled out all the stops this year to put on a Christmas Launch event that will be hard to top…. Click here for more

www.uniquebrighton.com

Sussex Food and Drink Awards Finalists 2010

Finalists for the Sussex Food & Drink Awards 2010/11 were announced by judges today [25 November] following their deliberations held at the East Sussex Golf and Spa Resort at the end of last week.  Twenty four of Sussex’s fantastic food and drink heroes have made it through on public voting to make an enticing final line up.

Said Clive Beddall OBE, Chairman of the Judges: “The awards are celebrating their fifth anniversary this year and they continue to grow in popularity with thousands of members of the public voting for hundreds of their favourite Sussex farmers, food and drink producers, young chefs, food/farm shops, butchers, eateries and farmers markets.

“We have seen a record number of different businesses and individuals receiving votes this year –familiar, quality names have appeared again and we are excited to see many new names emerge, proving that these awards are reaching every corner of the county and that Sussex continues to produce some of the UK’s best food and drink heroes.”   

All 24 finalists will have to wait a few more weeks to discover who the winners are which will be announced at the Sussex Food & Drink Awards banquet, to be held at the East Sussex Golf Resort & Spa on 27th January 2011.

This black tie event promises to be the best yet, celebrating the awards’ fifth birthday!  A Sussex bubbly and ale reception (sponsored by Harveys) will get the party started and then, using the very best local produce, AA rosette chef Andy Wiles has created a fantastic banquet with seven courses including game, fish, fruits, cheeses and other Sussex goodies.  

Said, Paula Seager, MD of Natural PR which organise the awards: “The awards ceremony is always such a fantastic evening and this year’s banquet is going to be a true celebration of the amazing food and drink that Sussex has to offer.  A sense of anticipation builds throughout the evening until winners are announced and trophies presented BAFTA-style with host Danny Pike from BBC Sussex.  There is nothing contrived or stuffy about these awards, just a lively and fun celebration of our Sussex food heroes.”

Visit the website www.sussexfoodawards.biz to find out how to buy tickets for this fabulous event or call Natural PR on 01273 857242 for more information.

The finalists are:

Best Sussex Farmer’s Market
 Lewes
 Shoreham
 Uckfield

Sussex Farmer of the Year sponsored by Knill James
Tim Hassell,

Home Farm, Goodwood
 Jenny & Trevor Passmore, Church Farm, Coombes
 Shon and Simon Sprackling, Rother Valley Organics, Petersfield

Best Sussex Food/Farm Shop sponsored by Mayo Wynne Baxter

Cheese Please, Lewes
 Plaw Hatch Farm Shop, Sharpthorne
 Sussex Produce Company, Steyning

Sussex Food Producer of the Year sponsored by Musgrave Retail Partnership

Caroline’s Dairy, Sidlesham
 Nut Knowle Farm, Horam, nr Heathfield
 Plaw Hatch Farm, Sharpthorne

Sussex Drink Producer of the Year sponsored by Natural PR

Dark Star Brewery, Horsham 
Hepworths Brewery, Horsham
 World Coffee, Lindfield

Best Sussex Eating Experience sponsored by a Taste of Sussex

The Curlew, Bodiam
Restaurant Tristan, Horsham
 Simply Delicious, Bognor Regis

Sussex Young Chef of the Year sponsored by Blue Spark Organisation

Simon Duncan, Sam’s of Brighton
 Steven Edwards, South Lodge, Horsham
 Hanna Payne, the Pass at South Lodge, Horsham

Sussex Butcher of the Year sponsored by Leonards

S K Hutchings, Partridge Green 
New Street Butchers, Horsham
 Tablehurst Farm Shop, Forest Row

Lease a Beach Chalet in Brighton and Hove

New system gives everyone chance of beach chalet

A novel plan to share out Brighton & Hove’s limited supply of beach chalets is being considered by the council.

It would mean 100 existing brick-built chalets being offered for limited periods, instead of being rented indefinitely by individuals.

The council is stressing the scheme would not affect Hove’s wooden beach huts, which are owner-occupied and can be bought and sold on the open market.

A council report says the move would address the current situation where over 100 people are languishing on a waiting list – some for over 10 years.  At the same time, says the report, the council gets regular complaints that many chalets appear unused, even in the height of summer.

Officials are suggesting chalets could be offered with leases for a maximum period of five years.  Anyone who has held a lease for over five years may keep it for a further two years.  People holding a lease for under five years may keep it until that period elapses.

A decision is expected at one of the regular meetings led by cabinet councillor for culture David Smith, on December 7.

It is also proposed that rents would go up by 10 per cent.  Officials say prices would be comparable to those in other resorts yet earn the authority an extra £50,000.

Current prices range from over £700 a year for chalets with water and electricity to about £400 for basic chalets in less favoured positions.

There are groups of brick-built chalets in Hove, Madeira Drive, Ovingdean, Rottingdean and Saltdean.

Waiting lists would be closed to non-residents – they presently include a handful from outside the city.

Once a tenancy expires the person would be able to return to the bottom of the waiting list.

Cllr Smith said:  “These are publicly-owned assets so it seems unfair to have residents effectively permanently excluded from them in a queue which never moves.  It could be that charging more would make people more committed to using them – or giving them up if they don’t.”

New site for Brighton’s Big Wheel?

Plans to build a large ferris wheel on Brighton seafront could be back on the drawing board, with councillors considering an alternative site from one rejected earlier this year.

In September 2009 Paramount Attractions sought planning permission to build a 60m-high Brighton ‘O’ wheel next to the West Pier.  In February 2010 the plan was withdrawn over concerns that it would overlap with the proposed 180m i360 viewing tower nearby.  

Since then, Paramount and council officials have been looking for an alternative location.

The new site could be at Dalton’s Bastion – a spot on the seafront just east of Brighton Pier, opposite the Terraces development.

A report to cabinet councillor for culture David Smith being discussed on December 7 recommends granting temporary landlord’s permission for no more than five years.  Officials are keen that the attraction would not compete with the i360.  The ‘O’ would therefore be required to close when the tower opened.

If the council agrees as landlord for the site to be used, a formal planning application would still be required.

Exact dimensions of the wheel are yet to be agreed – and may not necessarily be the same as those previously planned.

Cabinet councillor for culture David Smith said:  “I’ll be thinking about it carefully.  Such an attraction could help sustain visitors which is crucial in a recession.  People coming to the wheel could be expected to spend their money in neighbouring businesses as well.

“It has potential to put to good use an otherwise vacant part of the seafront.”

Joogleberry Acts

Joogleberry Acts is a music and entertainment agency with a wealth of personally selected musicians, bands, entertainers and acts that stand out from the crowd. Sue Popper has years of experience in the music industry including her award winning Brighton entertainment venue Joogleberry Playhouse. She uses her expertise to bring the right acts to every kind of event from corporate, private and public organisations to venues and festivals. Joogleberry Acts also provides entertainment consultancy, artist management, event production, curation and programming. So whatever your event, juice it up with Joogleberry Acts!

Enjoy Sussex 2011 Tempts Visitors to Enjoy Sussex

As the festive season fades, many thoughts drift to spring time and summer holidays. Potential visitors to Lewes, Seaford, Newhaven and surrounding areas can now request the new Enjoy Sussex Visitor Guide 2011, which offers a wealth of essential and practical information about what to see and do in our part of Sussex.

Enjoy Sussex 2011 is produced in partnership by Lewes, Horsham, Mid-Sussex and Wealden District Councils, covering an area stretching west to east from Pulborough to Burwash, and north to south from Horsham to Seaford.

The free brochure includes details of local Visit Britain and AA quality assessed accommodation and visitor attractions and depicts some of England’s finest and most iconic countryside and coast, including the new South Downs National Park, Ashdown Forest and the famous Seven Sisters coastline, illustrating Enjoy Sussex as the perfect destination for a day visit, relaxing short break or a longer holiday.

To complement the 2011 guide, www.enjoysussex.info offers online booking and information to assist potential visitors in discovering the vibrant, award-winning and extraordinary character of this beautiful part of rural Sussex.

Tourism plays an essential role in improving and maintaining a successful and buoyant local economy. This practical and attractive guide and website combination is just one of the measures the four local authorities are offering to ensure that new and repeat visitors continue to visit the area, bringing in vital revenue and supporting local jobs.

As of the beginning of January, copies of the brochure will be available free of charge from Enjoy Sussex Tourism by calling Tel: 01271 336173.

Pride in Brighton & Hove A ticketed event – FAQs

This document is intended to outline the income and expenditure for Pride in 2011, plus answers to key questions about the changed strategy. It is an update to the Statement to Supporters which was sent to members, volunteers and other supporters, and published on our website on 4th February 2011.

What will Pride cost in 2011 and where will the money come from?

The Main Park event has grown rapidly in recent years and this has led to increases in costs for infrastructure, production and health & safety. In contrast Pride’s staffing capacity has been reduced over time from three permanent, full-time staff in 2008, to one permanent full-time member of staff since August 2010.

Costs for delivering the Parade and Park event may vary over the course of the year as costs are re-negotiated with suppliers and specifications alter. It is estimated that Pride’s total expenditure for the financial year November 2010-October 2011 will be around £675,000; the accompanying graphic highlights how this is spent.

Pride wishes to have a diverse range of income streams to avoid over-reliance on any one area. The greatest expense for the charity is associated with the Main Park event, and income associated with this has been targeted to reflect that. Pride is targeting a total income in 2011 of £750,000; the graphic later shows how this is made up.

Income and expenditure at these levels would generate a surplus which would enable the charity to be sustained through the winter months in preparation for 2012, rebuild sensible reserves to provide a more secure basis and allocate further funding to support local community groups, over and above the headline donation.

Why fence & sell tickets for the Park?
There are THREE key reasons: 1. Safety – with attendance growing year-on-year the statutory services were very clear in their feedback after Pride
2010 that the event would need to control numbers to better assure the safety of those on the Park. 2. Affordability – the event must cover its costs as well as aim to generate funds for the frontline LGBT services that work with members of the community every day of the year. Pride believes the best model for funding the event is
through balancing sponsorship from large organisations, fundraising from local businesses and community groups, as
well as asking those that visit the Park to contribute by purchasing a ticket. 3. Enjoyment – feedback from 2010 and previous years has shown a growth in Park visitors telling Pride that over-
crowding or anti-social behaviour has worsened and that this has affected their enjoyment of the day. Pride welcomes all those that wish to celebrate equality, diversity and LGBT lives, but accepts that the free-for-all event has in the past attracted some who have not supported these key objectives.
How have ticket prices been set?
In designing ticket prices Pride has worked closely with its contractors and suppliers to get the best estimated costings for all areas of the event. This was to ensure that ticket prices were kept to a minimum, representing a fair contribution for the activities and entertainment offered at the Park event, which is the charity’s greatest expense.
Members are the core of the charity and as such will all receive an automatic free ticket. Membership costs £25 for the year and includes direct communications from Pride, access to a Members’ area on the Park, plus other benefits offered in partnership with local businesses and organisations. The membership fee represents around £2 per month, an amount asked by many charities from their supporters. Membership is open to anyone, anywhere who wishes to support the charity and secure a guaranteed ticket.
Local people are also an important part of what makes Pride a community event. As such Pride wants to offer those living in the BN postcode area first refusal on discounted tickets at £8.50. The reduced rate recognises that local people are often the greatest supporters of Pride attending events in local venues and making donations throughout year.
General sale will be available following the local preference tickets and these will be for anyone to purchase at £12.50 until the immediate lead-up to the event.
Last minute tickets will be priced at £17.50, this includes those sold on the day. Pride needs to secure as much income before the event as, in common with all large events, expenditure is incurred well before. The increase for last-minute tickets is designed to encourage people to buy early – no-one needs to pay this price if they buy their ticket up-front. In addition it is more expensive to sell tickets on the day as Pride will incur additional costs, the higher price reflects this.
What about vulnerable people who may not be able to buy a ticket?
Pride stated in February that it was determined that the Park event is accessible to as many people as possible and recognises there may be some individuals unable to purchase a ticket for financial or other reasons. Work is on-going to develop a strategy that provides access to vulnerable groups; Pride feels this would be best done in partnership with the community groups that already exist supporting these individuals.
Why fundraise for Pride if the Park event is ticketed?
Pride is a registered charity that exists to promote equality and diversity and further education about LGBT lives. The Main Park event is just one part of the charity’s activities; it also coordinates annual Winter and Summer Festival weeks, the citywide Parade and the Companion Dog Show. Pride believes it is fairest for all if the costs for the charity’s activities are shared between organisational sponsorship, local businesses fundraising and individuals contributing through ticket sales. The charity’s activities, particularly the Parade and Park event, benefit the city as a whole, including most local businesses through generating additional economic activity. Supporting Pride can be an investment for many businesses, helping them secure additional income during the Pride weekend.
How will Pride support the frontline LGBT community groups?
Pride believes firmly that the scale of the Parade and Park event should provide a platform for raising funds for frontline community groups who work directly with members of the local LGBT community. The free-for-all nature of past events has limited the charity’s ability to raise funds to cover the cost of the event, let alone generate a surplus to return to the community.
A key element of this revised financial model is a specific target for raising funds that can be donated to the local community groups. Whilst events of this nature cannot have guaranteed income, Pride is budgeting to support the local voluntary sector with around £40,000 in 2011. Any greater surplus generated by the charity would enable this amount to be increased, and the Pride team is committed to this.

What’s not changing?
Pride still has the same values; promoting equality & diversity, combatting discrimination and advancing understanding of LGBT lives. The charity will demonstrate these in 2011 through a full Winter Pride calendar of events, which took place 5th – 13th March 2011, and the Summer Festival of events, culminating in the Parade and Main Park event.
The range of attractions on the Park will include all the known favourites; the Dance tent is planned to double in size to reflect the popularity of this area and address safety concerns, the Cabaret tent, Live Stage and Funfair will all return; the Community Village featuring over 50 local and national support groups and organisations will be centrally positioned, plus there will be dedicated areas to enable specific groups to be represented, including women, BME, families and disabled people. Pride is working hard with hosts for these areas to secure the best line-ups to include local acts.
How do I get involved?
Renew your membership for 2011; this will guarantee you a free ticket, plus your membership fee will support the charity whilst it undertakes the vital planning for this summer’s event.
Volunteers are always needed to help, and particularly with events such as the Companion Dog Show and the Summer Festival Week – please email office@brightonpride.org if you are able to give any time.
Ideas for the Parade or Park (or any other events) are always welcome; you can email these direct to office also.

Heston’s Fishy Feasts on Brighton Pier

The filming on Brighton Pier was part of ‘Heston’s Fishy Feasts’ a one-off special programme which was shown Friday 14th January 2011 at 9.00pm. The programme is part of Channel 4’s ‘The Big Fish Fight’ which will show a series of investigative features aiming to challenge the way we think about seafood and harvest the oceans.

It  shows Heston visiting Iceland where he is introduced to a sustainable source of fish, currently unknown in Britain, which is then cooked up on Brighton Pier and offered to an unsuspecting audience.

Whilst filming on Brighton Pier, Heston enjoyed some of Brighton’s own traditional fish & chips at the pier’s Palm Court restaurant, where he used his pickled onion atomiser to offer a unique twist on the usual condiments.

As a world famous filming location, Brighton Pier has always been a popular choice for an extensive range of shoots and filming and has been featured on the big screen for films including Woody Allen’s ‘Cassandra’s Dream’, ‘Mona Lisa’, ‘End of the Affair’ and of course, the legendary ‘Quadrophenia’ and ‘Brighton Rock’.

The pier offers an adaptable backdrop to a multitude of themes and settings such as regency heritage, retro kitsch and vintage seaside, as well as contemporary beach and ocean scenes.

Its 4 venues are also extremely versatile and can cater from between 20 and 500 people, offering a range of catering and original entertainment options.

Brighton Pier has provided location shoots for well-known programmes such as: Eastenders, Coronation Street, The Bill, Location, Location, Location, Blue Peter, The One Show and Nigella Bites. The distinctive interiors and exteriors have also been featured within leading fashion publications such as Vogue, Cosmopolitan and Marie Claire and within promotions for brands such as Coca Cola, Lloyds TSB, Cadbury’s and SKY TV.

Anne Martin, General Manager, Brighton Pier said:

“We were delighted to welcome Heston and the Channel 4 team to Brighton Pier and feel this continues to show what a truly iconic venue it is. Using the pier as a location shoot is more than just somewhere to film, as we will always work hard to tailor to the specific needs of every crew and offer a flexible and accommodating service.”

Brighton & Hove Business Awards (BAHBAs) 2011

Be part of the 2011 Brighton & Hove Business Awards – Exciting opportunities with the Brighton & Hove Business Awards (BAHBAs).

Interested in raising your profile amongst the Brighton business community and gaining access to the best networking in town? Then come and be part of the city’s premier business awards scheme – the BAHBAs.

About the Brighton and Hove Business Awards (BAHBAs)

The BAHBAs are designed to raise awareness and to celebrate the diversity and uniqueness of Brighton & Hove. Furthermore, acknowledge and celebrate those companies, organisations and individuals who are helping to promote the Brighton brand.

Now firmly established as the city’s premier business awards scheme, the Awards is supported by many leading businesses and organisations.

2011 will mark the seventh BAHBA event and once we have all our sponsors on board, we will look to launch early this year with the results announced in May, at a gala dinner attended by around 500 of the city’s leading businesspeople.

Why get involved?

Sponsoring a Brighton & Hove Business Award (BAHBAs) will give your company unlimited opportunities to showcase your business amongst the city’s business community. But also provide you with recognition of your involvement in the premier business awards scheme in town.

Contact: Fiona Graves                            
Events Manager

Midnight Communications
01273 666200 / 07762 897183
www.midnight.co.uk

Brighton and Hove Restaurant Week

Running from Friday 1 – Friday 8 April as part of the Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival’s ‘Spring Harvest’, the city-wide Restaurant Week will offer fantastic deals.

The format is simple!Special set menus run for the week at £7.50 for lunch, £15 for dinner, or £5 for café food on-the-go.

www,brightonfoodfestival.com

The Great Brighton Ice Cream Competition!

The Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival has teamed up with Child Friendly Brighton and Boho Gelato to launch a competition to find an all-new ice cream flavour for this summer. We are inviting primary school children in Brighton and Hove to enter, and the winning flavour will be crowned during the Spring Harvest food festival week, which runs city wide from 1-10 April 2011. Children can enter by submitting annotated drawings of their ideal ice cream flavour by Friday 18^th March 2011.* After the closing date, the top five flavours will be made into ice cream and tasted by a panel of experts – including local food writer Andrew Kay – at the Live Food Show on 9^th April at the Radisson Blu Royal York Hotel. The winner will be asked to visit the Boho Gelato kitchens in central Brighton to see their ice cream made, then we’ll send a giant tube of ice cream and cones along to the winner’s primary school for their class to enjoy!

From April to September, local restaurants will be stocking The Great Brighton Ice Cream flavour and donating money to local children’s charity Rockinghorse for every purchase!

• Please get in contact if you have any questions about how to submit your child’s entry – shosh@childfriendlybrighton.co.uk

www.brightonfoodfestival.com

Brighton Winter Pride 2011

After an absence in 2010 Pride in Brighton & Hove is pleased to announce that the UK’s largest Winter LGBT Festival is back. Opening on Saturday 5^th March 2011, the nine day festival will bring together businesses and community groups to stage a wide variety of events across the city.

Winter Pride 2011 will run from Saturday 5^th to Sunday 13^th March 2011 and it’s not too early to get in touch to discuss an idea for an event or even register an event! This is a call out for all LGBT community groups, individuals and businesses to organise events for Winter Pride 2011. Over the six years Winter Pride was established it was a huge success because community groups, local businesses and LGBT individuals put on a range of fantastic events that appeal to our broad and diverse LGBT populations.

Events such as the Justin Campaign’s Footballphobia v Homophobia in Jubilee Square, Brighton Bothway’s BiFest celebration, Charles Street’s annual Fashion Show, as well as plenty of live music, pub quizzes, club nights, line dancing and even a nude swim!

Russell Allen, Pride Chair says, ‘After a year off we want Winter Pride 2011 to be even bigger and better than ever with more diverse community involvement and business fundraising events. The news that Winter Pride will be back next year has been met with a great deal of support and we are really looking forward to its return. Winter Pride is different to the main Summer Pride events in so many ways as it encourages more local community groups to get involved in Pride to raise their own profile and supports the amazing work they do 365 days a year.’

Pride is looking to support community based events during Winter Pride by offering events advice, options for room hire, free advertising, free listings and promotion of your event and your group. Just let us know what support you need to put on an event and we will do our best to match that need.

If you’re a community group or local business and have an idea for a fundraising or community event you can register now by calling Pride on 01273 775939. Deadlines for submissions are Friday 14^th January 2011.

The Winter Pride programme will be available in February 2011 with full details of all the Winter Pride events.

Michael Bedingfield joins the Brighton Festival Fringe as its new Director

Brighton Festival Fringe is delighted to announce that Michael Bedingfield, former Chief Executive of South East Tourism, is joining the Fringe as its new Director.

Michael has previously worked as Marketing Director at VisitBritain, Britain’s national tourist board, and as Head of Brand Marketing at P&O Cruises.

Michael said: “I am delighted and excited to be joining the Brighton Festival Fringe, heading up the team responsible for running the world’s third largest fringe festival.

“The Brighton Festival Fringe is an incredibly important platform for performers from all over the world and is a major driver for tourism and economic development for Brighton. The really special thing about the Brighton Festival Fringe is the access to so many cultural opportunities it brings for the residents of Brighton, as well as the many thousands of visitors to our city each May. I am looking forward to building on its strengths and ensuring the Brighton Festival Fringe is renowned as a world class festival.”

Originally from Hove, Michael was educated at Hove County Grammar School and has been involved in arts organisation in the city for years, as a trustee of Brighton Dome and Festival Limited and of online arts and culture resource Culture24.

Heather James, Chair of the Fringe Board, said: “Michael brings a wealth of experience and contacts to this role. We know his leadership will help raise the Fringe’s profile nationally and internationally, cementing Brighton Festival Fringe’s reputation as one of the world’s leading Fringe festivals.”

Brighton Festival Fringe is the third largest Fringe festival in the world and the largest in England. In 2010 the programme featured 665 events in 200 venues across the city and saw 172,000 attendances throughout May.

www.brightonfestivalfringe.org.uk

Sussex Food & Drink Awards 2011

Success in Sussex as Food Heroes Crowned Winners at the Sussex Food & Drink Awards.

Celebrations were in full flow at this year’s spectacular Sussex Food & Drink Awards ceremony, where eight of Sussex’s top food and drink producers were hailed as local heroes as they received their trophies at the East Sussex National Golf Resort & Spa near Uckfield.

Thousands of people voted for hundreds of Sussex food and drink businesses and individuals in the Sussex Food & Drink Awards 2010/11, which is run by Natural PR and this year celebrated its fifth anniversary!

Said Clive Beddall OBE, Chairman of the Judges: “The Sussex Food & Drink Awards celebrate the exceptional standards of quality and innovation that have taken the county’s producers into the top half of the UK’s Premier League for locally produced food and drink.

This competition has raised the profile of an ever-growing variety of products from across the county and what has pleased me most this year is that more and more Sussex hotels, pubs and restaurants are highlighting local produce on their menus.”

Over 200 leaders in the food, drink and farming industries gathered for what is now dubbed ‘the Sussex foodie event of the year’. Guests were treated to a wonderful ‘Sussex bubbly and ale reception’, sponsored by Harvey & Son and Carr Taylor, followed by a stunning seven-course banquet. The special fifth anniversary menu was created by AA rosette chef Andy Wiles and featured an array of Sussex goodies, including: local Sussex rabbit rillette; Harvey’s beer battered line-caught Sussex pollock; a trio of Sussex venison; layered Sussex blackberry fool; a selection of local cheeses and Sussex ground coffee with chocolate truffles and mini cup cakes.

It was an even split across the county as winners were announced in a BAFTA-style presentation, hosted by Danny Pike of BBC Sussex. East Sussex fought off tough competition seeing wins for the second year in a row from Uckfield for Best Sussex Farmers Market, sponsored by Harveys Brewery and Lewes based Cheese Please for Best Sussex Food/Farm Shop, sponsored by Mayo Wynne Baxter. Having recently received the accolade of a Michelin Star, it was a night for more celebration for The Curlew Restaurant in Bodiam which won Best Sussex Eating Experience, sponsored by A Taste of Sussex; and Tablehurst Farm in Forest Row was awarded Sussex Butcher of the Year, sponsored by Leonards and Natural Farms.

West Sussex saw siblings Jenny and Trevor Passmore of Church Farm in Lancing win the very popular title of Sussex Farmer of the Year, sponsored by Knill James; Sussex Food Producer of the Year, sponsored by Musgrave, was awarded to Caroline’s Dairy in Sidlesham, Chichester; Dark Star Brewery in Horsham beat neighbouring rivals Hepworth’s to take first place in Sussex Drink Producer of the Year, sponsored by Natural PR; and another Horsham winner was South Lodge Hotel’s sous-chef, Steven Edwards, who took away the much coveted title of Sussex Young Chef of the Year, sponsored by Blue Spark Organisation.

As fireworks lit up the banquet hall, Paula Seager, MD of Natural PR which organise the awards, said: “Tonight has been a true celebration and we are so proud that these awards have played a part in building the reputation of Sussex as one of the best food destinations in the country and home to some of the most creative and exciting producers of exquisite food and drink.

As ever the awards would not be possible without the support from all our wonderful sponsors and the many great organisations and individuals involved and we hope that we can continue to make these awards a success for many years to come.”

www.sussexfoodawards.biz

The winners are:

Best Sussex Farmer’s Market – sponsored by Harveys Brewery 
Winner – Uckfield

Runners up – Lewes & Shoreham

Sussex Farmer of the Year sponsored by Knill James
Winner – Jenny & Trevor Passmore, Church Farm, Coombes, Lancing

Runners up – Tim Hassell, Home Farm, Goodwood & Shon and Simon Sprackling, Rother Valley Organics, Petersfield

Best Sussex Food/Farm Shop sponsored by Mayo Wynne Baxter
Winner – Cheese Please, Lewes
Runners up – Plaw Hatch Farm Shop, Sharpthorne & Sussex Produce Company, Steyning

Sussex

Food Producer of the Year sponsored by Musgrave Retail Partnership
Winner – Caroline’s Dairy, Sidlesham
Runners up – Nut Knowle Farm, Horam, nr Heathfield & Plaw Hatch Farm, Sharpthorne



Sussex Drink Producer of the Year sponsored by Natural PR
Winner – Dark Star Brewery, Horsham

Runners up – Hepworths Brewery, Horsham & World Coffee, Lindfield

Best Sussex Eating Experience sponsored by a Taste of Sussex
Winner – The Curlew, Bodiam

Runners up – Restaurant Tristan, Horsham & Simply Delicious, Bognor Regis

Sussex Young Chef of the Year sponsored by Blue Spark Organisation
Winner – Steven Edwards, South Lodge, Horsham
Runners up – Simon Duncan, Sam’s of Brighton & Hanna Payne, the Pass at South Lodge, Horsham

Sussex Butcher of the Year sponsored by Leonards & Natural Farms
Winner – Tablehurst Farm Shop, Forest Row

Runners up – S K Hutchings, Partridge Green & New Street Butchers, Horsham

Southern introduces double deck cycle racks at Hove station

Southern has introduced its first ever double deck cycle rack at Hove station.

The new 2 Tier System holds 117 cycles in the same footprint as the old rack – an increase of 57 parking spaces.

The rack was funded by Network Rail with Southern Railway and Brighton & Hove Council working in partnership to create a superb new facility for Southern’s cycling passengers.

Robert Sue, commercial scheme sponsor, Network Rail, said: “The new bike racks at Hove station are safe, secure and easy to use. This is a great example of the rail industry’s commitment to improving cycling facilities at stations across Britain, which we hope will encourage passengers to combine these environmentally-friendly forms of transport, which in turn will help relieve congestion on the roads and on other forms of public transport.”

Southern’s Project Manager, Paul Best said: “We are delighted with the new rack. It’s innovative in its design and is well used by our cycling passengers. They have commented on how pleased they are with the new parking and, as a result, we are now looking at stations where this kind of facility would be of tremendous benefit to our passengers.”

Brighton & Hove City Council’s cycling champion councillor Tony Janio said: “This is a great new facility and will make it easier for those who wish to cycle and use the train to travel around. Cycling has increased by 27% in the city since 2006 and continues to be a popular travel choice for residents.”

The old cycle rack was donated to the Brighton YMCA. Southern has plans to extend the two-tier system to other stations on its network

Unique Brighton News – Valentine Day

Make your Valentine smile
Valentine‘s Day is fast approaching and you really don’t want to leave things to the last minute and risk missing out on giving a truly unique gift. So make sure you check out some of our local independent retail stores for that little bit of innovation and originality…. Click here for more

Valentine‘s Temptation
Are you looking for somewhere with a bit of character and a cuddly close candlelit atmosphere for your Valentine‘s Day celebration?… Click here for more

Checkatrade wins prestigious Rant & Rave Award for outstanding service

Sussex firm Checkatrade has won the overall Rave Award in the January 2011 Rant & Rave Awards. The awards provide customers with an opportunity to vote for and talk about the brands they feel have delivered, or not delivered, great service and value for money.

Selsey-based Checkatrade, which helps combat the UK’s rogue trader problem by continuously vetting and monitoring local traders such as builders, plumbers and electricians, ranked highest on the consumer poll in January thanks to their excellent customer service satisfaction ratings . Customers are encouraged to vote for and comment on the firms they love and hate, which will culminate in the annual Rant & Rave Awards in December.

The award is a fitting honour for Checkatrade, as the ‘Rant & Rave’ Awards are an organic representation of what consumers think and are saying, just like Checkatrade’s own website. Checkatrade provides customer feedback forms, including ratings based on tradesmen’s workmanship, reliability & timekeeping, courtesy and tidiness, so people can make decisions about their local tradesmen based on their reputation amongst their customer base.

Checkatrade MD and Founder, Kevin Byrne commented: “Receiving the January Rant & Rave award is a fantastic honour and means a great deal. To have our customers take the time to vote for Checkatrade based on the service we have provided is fantastic. The team and I will ensure the same standards are maintained throughout the year, and beyond.”

Sussex charity works with Red Nose Day’s celebrity Desert Trek

Sussex-based charity Sightsavers, which prevents and cures blindness in developing countries, is announced today as one of the charities to benefit from this year’s Red Nose Day.

Sightsavers, which has its HQ in Haywards Heath, is working with Comic Relief on its Red Nose Day 2011 campaign, including The BT Red Nose Desert Trek later this month.

A team of intrepid celebrities including Ronni Ancona, Craig David, Lorraine Kelly, Scott Mills, Olly Murs, Dermot O’Leary, Nadia Sawalha, Kara Tointon and Peter White will witness Sightsavers’ work as they brave sunstroke, snakes and sandstorms to cross one of the world’s most remote and inhospitable deserts in Northern Kenya to raise money for Comic Relief.

Said Thoko Pooley, Government Relations Manager at Sightsavers: ‘We are absolutely thrilled to have been selected – being part of Red Nose Day means we’ll receive vital funds for our work in Africa and we hope that people in Sussex will come out in force to support Comic Relief!’

A documentary of The BT Red Nose Desert Trek will be broadcast leading up to Red Nose Day, but Thoko will be there throughout, writing a web diary, so people can read all about it from 21 February at www.sightsavers.org/comicrelief .

Celebrities have already visited Sightsavers programmes in Africa, and films about the charity’s sight-saving work will feature on Red Nose Day’s big night of TV on Friday 18 March.

Continued Thoko Pooley, who lives in Hove: ‘The scale of our work is huge, but each of these numbers represents an individual whose life and that of their family and their community has been transformed by Sightsavers. Without healthcare and welfare infrastructure, being blind in some of the world’s poorest countries can be devastating.’

Sightsavers works in more than 30 countries to prevent and cure blindness, and to support those who are visually impaired through education and training. Working with its local partners, in 2009, Sightsavers protected over 21 million people against river blindness; performed over 273,000 sight-restoring cataract operations; and treated over 990,000 people for trachoma.

They also support the vital training of health professionals, the promotion of independence for people who are blind and inclusive education for blind and visually impaired children.

To keep abreast of Sightsavers’ involvement with Comic Relief, see: www.sightsavers.org/comicrelief

To sponsor the BT Red Nose Trekkers visit www.rednoseday.com/trek

Frederick Tobin, star quality chef appointed at American Express Community Stadium, Brighton

A former personal chef to the prime minister and multiple award winning cook, Frederick Tobin, has been appointed as head chef at the American Express Community Stadium Brighton to serve superb quality food throughout the stadium.

Fred’s star-studded career includes posts at Chequers, the Prime Minister’s Country Residence, the Dorchester Hotel in Park Lane, Harrods in Knightsbridge, The Grove in Rickmansworth and most recently, the Felbridge Hotel in East Grinstead, winning many rosettes and accolades along the way.

Elliott Moore, general manager of catering at the stadium, said: “We received nearly a hundred excellent applications for this job and went through a rigorous process to select our chef – but without a doubt, Fred was the right man for the job and we very much look forward to working with him to take stadium food to a new level in quality and service.”

The final stage of the recruitment included a true MasterChef-style ‘cook off’ between shortlisted chefs, held at Queens Park Rangers’ Loftus Road Stadium, where Fred cooked from a mystery box of ingredients, creating seared supreme of salmon with a soused potato and spring onion salad and supreme of chicken filled with cream cheese and mushroom mousse.

Fred, who was born in Crawley and lives there now with his wife and four children, said: “Working on my home turf in one of the most exciting projects in the region really is a dream come true and my goal is to create a new benchmark in excellence for stadium food. This is an awesome project and is something that I can really get my teeth into – it’s huge for Sussex, huge for the South and huge for me!”

Fred will be overseeing seven kitchens, eight 1901 Club corporate hospitality suites, 14 kiosks, each with their own chef, a supporters restaurant, as well as a huge range of non-match day events, from trade fairs and conferences to weddings and private parties. He intends to use as much local, Sussex produce as possible in the food served at the stadium and is already in discussions with local suppliers, seeking out the best ingredients.

Southern Trains success at the Rail Business Awards

Southern Trains walked away with a major award at the prestigious Rail Business Awards, held in London on Thursday night 17 Febraury. It won the Integrated Transport Excellence of the year award for the best contribution to improving integration between the railway network and other modes of transport.

Southern was also a finalist in nine other categories, with six of them receiving ‘Highly Commended’ awards.

Southern’s integrated transport policy not only focuses on improving a passenger’s journey once they’ve reached the ticket office, station or train, but goes way beyond that to enhance the whole end to end journey experience, making it easier than ever before to buy tickets, access our network and link with other modes of transport.

Southern’s Managing Director Chris Burchell said: “I’m delighted that the hard work our staff have invested in integrated transport solutions has been recognised in this way. We’re putting a lot of time, effort and money into making our network and train service more accessible and more integrated with other forms of transport than ever before.”

Southern’s nine other finalist entries were:

• Engineering Excellence – Class 377 Ice Mode (Highly Commended)

• Engineering Excellence – Class 377 Overhaul

• Rolling Stock Excellence – Priority Seat Card (Highly Commended)

• Safety and Security Excellence – Eyewitness reporting system (Highly Commended)

• Rail Professional Marketing Campaign – Loco Toledo (Highly Commended)

• Young Professional of the Year – David Walker, Head of Train Specification and Planning (Highly Commended)

• Station Excellence – The new Uckfield station (Highly Commended)

• Information Technology Excellence – Ticket on Departure machines

• Information Technology Excellence – Competency Management System

Mr Burchell added: “To be finalists in ten categories is a fantastic achievement but at the end of the day, it’s our passengers who benefit most from all the initiatives we have put in place.”

About Southern

Southern provides services in south London and between central London and the south coast, through east and west Sussex and Surrey and parts of Kent and Hampshire.

Some fast facts about Southern:

• We have over 4,000 employees

• The service is provided by a fleet of 300 new and refurbished trains

• We provide 2,284 train services on weekdays, 2,076 on Saturdays and 1,242 on Sundays

• 447,000 passenger journeys are made each day on Southern services

• Southern manages 157 stations, 117 of which have secure stations status

For more information about Southern, visit southernrailway.com

Winning Artists announced for AMEX Community Stadium

Seven artists and photographers have won commissions to decorate the public areas in the new American Express Community Stadium, after taking part in a competitive process involving Brighton & Hove Albion FC, stadium architects KSS and Brighton & Hove City Council.

Commissioner for Culture at Brighton & Hove City Council Paula Murray, one of the panel members, said: “The interviews for this project have been a joy and the consistent line running through all the artists’ proposals is their enormous excitement about the new stadium. We have chosen a group of artists whose work complements eachother really well and these commissions will make the stadium an even more special place for fans and visitors alike.”

Corridor, a collaborative of artists, designers and photographers including Pete Webster, Phil Nutley and Stephen Cummiskey, has been awarded large spaces in the North and East Stands and will be working collaboratively with people in Brighton & Hove to create a multi-media display of exciting images which capture the essence of Brighton & Hove Albion FC.

The East Stand is a family-friendly area and local children and schools will be invited by Corridor to participate in developing its art; and for the North Stand, fans will be asked to share their memorabilia to build into artworks which capture the history of the club, linked with a stadium museum.

The vast wall spaces of the West Stand concourses will be decorated as a gallery, with a changing landscape of contrasting artists’ and photographers’ work telling the story of the stadium construction, including Brighton painter Bonny Cummins, who specialises in dramatic and colourful local architectural images. Other artists include Jon Link from Modern Toss, modern and humorous graphic cartoonists creating crowd scenes; Rob Caddick, known for his dramatic canvases of sportsmen in action; and Malcolm Glover, a documentary photographer who creates huge panoramic images giving the impression of a cinematic experience.

The long awaited new home for Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club sits on the edge of the new National Park. With architecture that mirrors the surrounding rolling hills, it marks both a new era for the club and will act as a gateway to Brighton when it opens to the public from summer 2011 and the artwork will provide a permanent gallery for people to enjoy.

Southern Neighbourhood Officers teach safety to youngsters

Members of Southern Railway’s Rail Neighbourhood Team recently got together with staff at Panda Nursery, Limpsfield to give a talk to around 20 children aged between 2.5 to 4 years about being safe on railway stations, and how to identify a member of staff should they get lost.

Children from the nursery have produced some paintings which are soon to be displayed at Hurst Green station and it was thought to be a great idea for Rail Neighbourhood Officers (RNOs), Mark Turnbull and Naila Syed to visit the nursery to get the safety message through at an early age.

June Thompson owner of Panda Nursery said “It was great to have the Railway team visit our nursery, the talk was aimed at our children’s age range and they loved the interactive element.”

As part of the interactive session, the children were taught the 5 Golden Rules of being safe at railway stations:

Always stand behind the yellow line

Always hold your parent’s hand

Don’t run or ride your bike on the station

Don’t play ball games on the station

If you need help, look out for people in Orange, Yellow or Green (high visibility) jackets

Keith Youngs, Southern’s Security and Crime Prevention Manager said: “The talk came about from an earlier similar event our officers were involved in last year and is part of a project to involve our RNO’s in rail safety related education events with local authorities and schools.”

Artist is wanted to create mini-park near Brighton station

£8,000 of European cash is being offered as a fee for an artist to create a tiny oasis of peace in central Brighton.

The council wants to transform a patch of empty land near Brighton station into a ‘pocket park’ to bring a thoroughfare back to life.

Officials are looking for an artist who can work some magic with this area of the North Laine, at the corner of Trafalgar Street and Station Street. The idea should use a combination of public art and landscaping to create a pleasant spot to spend a while.

The scheme will be paid for through the European CIVITAS scheme and the UK’s Cycling Town initiative.

It would form part of a package of environmental improvements the council is undertaking to make the area around Brighton Station more attractive.

The city council was the only one in the country to win £2.2 million to invest in small-scale transport projects from the CIVITAS Plus Archimedes project. The authority is working with five other European cities to share best practice.

Expressions of interest must be submitted no later than 5pm on Monday February 28 2011.

Further details, photos and maps of the site with information on submission are available on the Arts and Culture section of the council’s website

http://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/index.cfm?request=c1240214

RubyMoon Swimwear Launches

Look Stunning This Summer Get the feel-good factor with Ruby Moon Hot Limited Edition Swimwear that’s Ethical Too.

The Limited Edition prints are reversible, creating two swimsuits in one – and – to help pass on that feel-good experience, 100% of profits are loaned to women entrepreneurs in developing countries, helping them to lift themselves out of poverty.

With the announcement of their e-shop RubyMoon can now offer their new premium collection of swimwear to the global market, but still retain their exclusivity. RubyMoon has carved out a niche in the women’s swimwear industry because of the unique appeal of its pieces; only fifty pieces per design will ever be made.

The collection stands out by offering distinctive and vivid placement prints that compliment the body shape. The reverse side is solid black or magenta – this season’s hot colour. And of course, the two-in-one swimsuit means more space in your holiday suitcase.

A banded bikini bottom designed to flatter the stomach and thighs, but still be a little cheeky at the back, has become a sought after style and will be available exclusively at rubymoon.org.uk

The piece de resistance of the collection is RubyMoon’s ‘Geostar’ halter one piece, which uses a stunning pop graphic placement print, spaghetti straps, and a flattering cut.

“The designs are a combination of explorations in some of my own personal work and concepts and ideas from RubyMoon. I had a huge amount of creative freedom to produce exciting, fresh and unique designs, as well as working with a great social enterprise.” Sam Hextall, graphic designer and founder of multidisciplinary design studio, Studio91.

Launching the e-shop on March 8th this year is no coincidence. It’s the 100th Anniversary of International Women’s Day. RubyMoon is a unique and new kind of ethical business, founded to donate 100% of its profits to micro credit programs. Loans change lives by enabling impoverished women to become entrepreneurs, and to provide an income for themselves and their children.

The collection is made in Europe and despite meticulous details, the pieces sell at lower prices than those of competitors. From £32 and available exclusively at RubyMoon.org.uk

Get Involved at Brighton Pride, Preston Park, Brighton

On the eve of the 2011 Winter Pride Festival, Brighton Pride is delighted to announce just some of the ways organisations can get involved in the main Preston park event, an event which attracts thousands to the city each year.

Russell Allen, Pride chair commented “This is an exciting year in the history of Pride in Brighton & Hove, over the past few months we have faced some tough challenges but with the support of Brighton & Hove City Council and all our partners the future looks bright. We are delighted that this summer events will offer plenty of opportunities for community groups and businesses to get involved in this landmark year. Working with our partners we are developing the foundations for years to come and our focus remains on delivering a safe and enjoyable event which enables us to maximise funds raised for the local LGBT voluntary sector.”

In recent weeks Pride announced the need to implement a fence line at the main park event and make access ticket-only. This strategy was developed following open consultation which began last September and included Pride members, attendees, community groups, local businesses and residents, plus the statutory services. Plans for this year’s event are well underway and as part of the planning process we are looking to hear from organisation’s who are interested in the following opportunities at Preston Park on Saturday 13th August 2011:

Hosting the Women’s Performance Tent. This involves working with Pride to programme the line ups to ensure a diverse mix of local and national performers, managing and running the tents on the day and working with Pride and our partners to secure funding.

Hosting the Bears Tent. This involves programming the DJs and performances as well as managing and running the tent on the day and working with Pride and our partners to secure funding.

Hosting the main Dance Tent. This involves programming the DJs and artists to ensure a mix of local, national and headline acts, managing and running the tent on the day as well as working with Pride to secure funding for the 8,000 capacity big top.

Hosting the BME Tent. This involves programming the DJs and artists to ensure a diverse mix of local and national BME performer’s, managing and running the tent on the day and working with Pride and our partners to secure funding.

Pride is looking for expressions of interest from suitably experienced organisations to operate the bars at the park. Run by local company Stagfleet Ltd in 2010 who stepped in to help make the event happen when Pride lost its bars contractor just two months before the event. Speaking on behalf of Stagfleet, Andrew Roberts says ‘As a long standing supporter of Pride in Brighton & Hove it was fantastic to be able to help Pride last year. Stagfleet, Revenge and RBar are still supporting Pride 2011 and will be fundraising for the charity throughout the year as well as sponsoring the main event. We look forward to continuing our close relationship with Pride”. Organisations wishing to be considered for the bars contract should send written confirmation containing the following information on a maximum of two sides of A4: Your organisation name and trading status, a summary of relevant experience for this contract, the name and title of a contact person for your organisation, contact address, telephone number(s) and email, any additional information about your organisation that you think may be of interest. Expressions of interest should be submitted by email to office@brightonpride.org by Wednesday 23rd March 2011. Pride’s Festival Director, Judith Manson comments “Pride wishes to thank Stagfleet for their help in 2010 and their continued support, although they will not be operating the bars at Preston Park they are still a sponsor of the event and will continue to support the charity in other ways. The opportunity to develop a new relationship with a bars contractor is exciting and we look forward to working with the successful company in developing this very popular area of the park event”.

Programming a Community Stage, introduced last year the Community Stage was a fantastic addition to the park and a great focal point. Pride is interested to hear from promoters who would like the opportunity to programme and run the stage on the day which could include live bands, community speakers, solo artists, community groups as well as visual performers.

Finally anyone interested in having a market/community stall or food concession should email traders@fisherproductions.co.uk

For more information on all of these opportunities or to talk to Pride about sponsorship, taking part in the Pride Parade or other ways your organisation can be involved please contact Judith Manson, Pride’s Festival Director on 01273 775939 or email judith@brightonpride.org

Southern hits 95% Secure Station passenger coverage

Angmering station in West Sussex has become the 120th Southern station to achieve Secure Station status and as a result, 95% of Southern passengers now travel through stations with Secure Station accreditation.

Southern’s Head of Revenue Protection and Security, Martin Grier said: “The safety and security of our passengers is our highest priority, and I am delighted that 95% of our passenger journeys are now covered by stations with Secure Station accreditation.”

Stations receive this award under the Secure Stations scheme, managed by the Department for Transport in partnership with the British Transport Police.

Strict criteria are applied to stations in order to gain the award. These include:

Good fencing and boundaries

Good CCTV coverage

Good lighting

Good use of corner mirrors and signage

A reduction in crime rates at the station

Regular station maintenance audits including removal of graffiti within 24 hours

Positive results in an independent survey of passengers using the station on how they feel about security at the station

Mr Grier added: “Overall, crime has fallen on the Southern network by 6.4% in the last 10 months and activity by our Rail Neighbourhood Officers, more robust internal crime reporting procedures, greater CCTV coverage and increased staff awareness have all contributed towards this achievement.”

Calling all Artists & Venues: Artwave 2011 is Go

Preparations are being made for the annual Artwave Open House Festival, taking place across the Lewes District from Saturday 27th August until Sunday 11th September 2011.

Entry forms are now being circulated and are available for download. The Artwave office welcomes applications from individuals and groups wishing to open a studio, living room, conservatory, gallery, garage, garden, smoke house, mill house, tea room, and pretty much any other accessible space suitable for visitors to experience engaging pieces of art and craft, throughout the Lewes District!

Artwave is co-ordinated by Lewes District Council and is a not-for-profit visual arts festival which promotes local art and creativity by encouraging professional & amateur artists and craftsmen to showcase their work and introduce residents and visitors to the wealth of skill and talent within the district.

If you would like to participate in Artwave 2011 and haven’t yet received an entry form, or you would like further information, please contact the Tourism & Economic Development Department on Tel: 01273 484497,

Email: artwave@lewes.gov.uk •  www.artwavefestival.org

Hove Promotes Better Cycling Awareness – with a Fun Day!

Cycling issues in Brighton and Hove have given rise to considerable negative press over recent months. Plans are now being made for Hove to host a Cycling Awareness Fun Day in June to promote safe, informed, and courteous cycling.

National Bike week takes place from 18-26 June, and George Street will be attracting the crowds to a brand new event on Saturday 25 June to meet the experts between 11am and 3.30pm. Participants currently include the Red Watch from East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service , Brighton and Hove City Council’s Road Safety Team, and our friendly local PCSOs from Sussex Police, as well as other cycling organisations and retailers.

There will be an opportunity for cyclists to try an ‘exchanging places’ initiative, by sitting in the cab of an HGV supplied by Cemex (a building solutions company), so that they can see the blind spots for themselves. Cemex are extremely proactive in promoting safety for cyclists and also produce their own leaflets on the subject of blind spots.

Free safety leaflets and cycle maps will be handed out by the Road Safety Team, and Sussex Police have offered to provide coding stickers for bikes to help deter cycle thefts. There will be other freebies available on the day such as bells, safety fluorescent strips, and bike MOTs.

An exciting new design concept to improve the ‘urban cyclist’s awareness’ is currently being worked on by second year Brighton University student, Emily Sophie Brooke, and a working prototype and exhibition material are likely to be completed in time to launch to the public at this event.

The Cycling Awareness Fun Day is being organised by Maddy Carr, Hove Town Centre Manager and Chair of the Local Action Team, which recently identified cycling issues as one of the Top 3 concerns of Central Hove residents.

Maddy said “We’re lucky in Brighton and Hove to have a council that trains nearly two thousand children a year in schools on Bikeability courses, but with the ever increasing number of vehicles on our roads and a limited number of cycle lanes across the city, it is imperative that we continue to offer information and support to cyclists of all ages to reduce accidents and save lives. Our Fun Day is designed to entertain as well as educate all road users”.

If you are a retailer selling bikes and cycling accessories, or an organisation that promotes road safety and would like to take part please contact Maddy at maddy.carr@btconnect.com or telephone 01273 735442.

10,000th Season Ticket holder signs up at the Amex Brighton

Long-term Brighton & Hove Albion fan, Neil English from Hanover in Brighton became the 10,000th season ticket holder at the American Express Community Stadium, when he purchased his ticket the week before last.

The club has invited all fans – starting with existing season-ticket holders – to a series of presentations at the stadium’s temporary marketing suite to introduce the season ticket offer and since the turn of the year have sold more than 10,000 tickets.

English, who is not an existing season-ticket holder, but a regular follower of the team at Withdean and on the road, said, “I’ve been a fan for 28 years, since I was eight years old, and I’m really looking forward to next season and the new stadium opening. It’s been a long time coming and they really deserve it.”

Managing Director Ken Brown confirmed the club has now sold over 14,000 tickets, including approximately 2600 corporate seats in the 1901 Club.

He said, “The only way fans can guarantee a seat next season is by purchasing a season ticket. Some fans may be waiting to see which division we will be playing – but that may be too late. We have advised fans to register their interest to avoid disappointment.”

Season-ticket packages are competitively priced, with adult prices ranging from the cheapest at £395 to £595 for some of the very best seats in the stadium. Concession tickets are available from £49 for under-10s, £99 for under-16s and £267.50 for seniors.

The club has also made it as easy as possible for supporters to pay. In a revolutionary move, all fans have the option of a rolling 12-month direct debit, at no extra cost, meaning that even the best adult tickets can be purchased for as little as £33 per month.

Continued Ken Brown, “We have kept ticket prices affordable, but more importantly we have introduced an easy method of payment, allowing fans to spread the cost across 12 months.

Of course if fans want to pay in one lump sum they can, but in the current economic climate the board wanted to make it as easy as possible for our loyal fans, who have been with us all the way in the fight for the new stadium.”

Interested supporters should email stsales@bhafc.co.uk as soon as possible.

80 more Help Points for Southern stations

40 Southern stations have had a total of 80 new Help Points installed so that our passengers can call for information and help at the press of a button. Of the 80, four are the new style Help Point which also gives live train running information via a built-in flat screen. These are located at Leigh and Penshurst stations where minimal information was previously available.

Richard Hands, Southern’s Customer Information Systems Project Manager said: “Help Points are an extremely important part of our customer information package. They are highly visible and easy to use, and are very popular with our passengers.”

By pressing the blue button for general enquiries or the green button for emergencies, the passenger speaks directly to an operator at Southern’s central Control Centre. At the same time, as an additional security measure and to help passengers to feel safe, the operator can use the CCTV cameras to see most help points and passengers making the call.

Some passengers feel that Help Points can only be used in an emergency and are reluctant to use them for fear of taking up an operator’s time when they could be dealing with things of a more pressing nature.

Richard explains: “We’re keen to let people know that it doesn’t have to be an emergency. Passengers can use Help Points to talk to one of our operators in our Control Centre about any aspect of their journey. From train times to assistance with wheelchairs just press the blue button. Our operators are there to help.”

Southern has plans to install a further 40 Help Points at stations by the end of the year with over 30 of these having the built-in flat screen for real-time train running information.

All Southern stations now have 24 hour live CCTV coverage

All of Southern’s 157 railway stations now have 24 hour live, digital CCTV coverage. New CCTV systems have been installed at 24 stations where previously there was no coverage, and CCTV systems at a further 27 stations have been modified so that the images are now fed directly to Southern’s CCTV control centre in Croydon.

Richard Hands, Southern’s Customer Information Systems Project Manager said: “Now every Southern station can be monitored in real time, 24 hours a day at our CCTV control centre. Gone are the days where there was no coverage at all, or images were fed into a VHS video recorder in the ticket office. This state of the art technology now means that dedicated operators can monitor any of our stations at any time.”

Stations that now have new CCTV systems where before there were none are:

Amberley                          Newhaven Harbour

Appledore                         Normans Bay

Bishopstone                     Nutbourne

Cooksbridge                      Ockley

Doleham                            Penshurst

Edenbridge                        Pevensey & Westham

Faygate                               Pevensey Bay

Fishbourne                       Southease

Glynde                               Three Oaks

Hever                                 Warblington

Holmwood                        Warnham

Leigh                                  Winchelsea

Richard added: “Not only does this mean that our stations are even safer for our passengers than they were before, but because the images are stored digitally, the images are always available for review by police should this become necessary.”

New accessibility ‘Info Pods’ being trialled at four Southern stations

Train operator Southern is trialling touch-screen accessibility information pods at four of its stations. The ‘Info Pods’ have been introduced at Streatham Hill, Purley, Bexhill and Eastbourne stations to enable passengers with disabilities and accessibility needs to look up information via websites to help them with their journey on the railway.

The touch-screen pods link to local accessibility information, interconnecting transport options, local businesses & services and accessibility groups.  They provide a wealth of travel information to passengers including access to Southern’s own website where they can purchase tickets, look up information and travel times, develop timetables and have access to all the accessibility information, including the ‘Stations Made Easy’ facility on the National Rail website which provides information, maps and photos of each station on the Great Britain network.

Southern’s Accessibility Manager, Kirsty Monk said: “Not everyone has access to this kind of information from home and the pods are a quick and convenient way of accessing websites which will make journeys by train easier for those who need more assistance than others.”

Although the Pods can be used by anyone, they have been designed with wheelchair users very much in mind so the height of the screen is appropriately positioned.

In the first week of operation, there were 760 users at the four stations who navigated to over 4,500 web pages.

At the end of the trial, Southern will review the feedback and usage statistics to determine whether the pods could be rolled out at more stations.

Temporary coach park at Black Rock Brighton approved

Plans to create a secure temporary coach park for 30 coaches at Black Rock on Brighton seafront have been approved by Brighton & Hove’s planning authority.

Martin Randall, head of planning and public protection at Brighton & Hove City Council, said: “This is good news for coach drivers as it will provide them with a much more convenient area to park and alleviate coach parking problems in other parts of the city.

“The planning permission is temporary for two years as in the long term the site is earmarked for the indoor arena and ice rink. The council remains committed to develop the site for a leisure-based facility, as described in the city’s Local Plan.”

Currently there are 42 short stay coach parking facilities in Madeira Drive but this does not meet demand during the busy summer tourist season. Up until now overflow coaches have had to park on street and this has particularly affected the Roedean area.

Over the coming months, the council will undertake a site search in order to provide a permanent short stay coach park.

Brighton based salon has seized a place in the coveted L’Oreal Colour Trophy Grand Final 2011

Brighton based salon Haircult has seized a place in the coveted L’Oreal Colour Trophy Grand Final 2011

The team at Haircult put their creative skills to the ultimate test live, proving they are among the best in the UK and securing a place at the prestigious Grand Final moving to one step away from winning the L’Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy Award 2011.

The Park Plaza, Westminster played host to a high energy, thrilling evening of live hairdressing and fashion inspired hairdressing. Twenty-five salon teams from across the South and South West region made it through to the regional final yet Tom Bishop and Antonio Salomone created a model look in just 30 minutes that won them their sort-after title of 2011 grand finalist.

Haircult created a look that fused their technical skills in colour with their fashion led cutting ability and propelled their talent onto the runway. Tom Bishop explains their inspiration behind their winning look;

Our PopCult collection is a fusion of pop art and German electro influences. It blends modernism with androgyny, which gives us strength and versatility.

The regional tour hit seven venues across the UK putting fashion at the forefront with a catwalk display of the wonderfully styled competitor models as well as a stunning fashion show by the world renowned designers Falguni & Shane Peacock. The designer duo presented two sections to include a collection of exclusive pieces worn by the style icons and dedicated followers of the label Cheryl Cole, Katy Perry and Nicole Scherzinger. As well as exclusive pieces whisked straight from the Autumn / Winter 2011 London Fashion Week runway.

The judging panel was made up by well respected and artistically renowned hairdressers that were faced with the difficult task of selecting the finalists to take to the next level. Trevor Sorbie MBE comments:

“Winning the L’Oréal Colour Trophy can make all of your dreams come true the opportunities that L’Oreal Professionnel put forward are incredible it can really help the winner to be quite famous and propel their career to another level.”

The hard work and determination paid off after hearing their salon name announced on stage, Tom Bishop was ecstatic with the result;

What an achievement for our small boutique salon in the heart of Brighton, it is very exciting due to it being only our second year of business! Let’s hope there’s many more to come!

The final destination on their journey will take place on Monday July 4th 2011 inside the exquisite Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London. Haircult will be one of 28 of the most celebrated salons in the UK to present their model in front of the industries most successful and artistic hairdressers during the world renowned 56th L’Oréal Colour Trophy Grand Final.

HSBC’s Future of Business 2011

Rebellious Brighton will thrive on ‘alternative economy’

Brighton’s rebellious nature will help make it an economic powerhouse in future, says a new report from a leading bank.

HSBC’s Future of Business 2011 believes Brighton, along with other ‘super cities’, will lead the UK out of recession.  They include Newcastle, London, Leeds and Liverpool, plus newcomers Bristol and Glasgow.

Brighton is described as being “the capital of the UK’s rebellious alternative economy” and an “alternative economy super city”.  This means there are lots of innovative companies forging novel ways of doing business.

Cited as examples are local creative firms like Propellernet, an online marketing agency with 30 staff, growing by 50 per cent a year.  The company puts its success down to tapping into a network of local contacts and by being more co-operative and less cut-throat than London firms.

Council leader Bill Randall welcomed the report’s findings, saying rebellious people often had good new ideas.

“We should nurture, not neuter, them,” he said.  “One of Richard Branson’s first shops was in Brighton and a very alternative, hippyish place.  Unlike other shops, you could sit around all day listening to records.

“Anita Roddick set up her first shop here having been expelled from South Africa for illicitly attending a black jazz show.

“So we should do all we can to encourage this Brighton spirit.  Rebellious and free-spirited people look at things in new ways and that applies in business too.”

Opening of award winning architects studio in North Laines

RH Partnership has stepped up its presence in Brighton with a newly-refurbished studio in the North Laines (Foundry Street).

The award winning architects celebrated their recent move, with a welcoming party attended by a number of businesses from across the county.

With offices already in London and Cambridge, twenty-five architects are now working from the new Brighton offices on projects such as the innovative new St Barnabas House Hospice in Worthing and numerous universities, local authorities, housing associations and national contractors.
With Sussex cities crying out for modern workspace to attract new and growing businesses, this renewed commitment from RH Partnership is a welcome boost. The Partnership’s new studio occupies the old Post Office sorting office building in Foundry Street, and is a masterclass in how to update older buildings for businesses.

www.rhpartnership.co.uk

Little Bay open first UK restaurant outside of London

Steamed paupiette of salmon, pan-roast barbary duck breast and mascarpone, feta and spinach strudel and are just some of the delights that await patrons at the new Little Bay Restaurant on Brighton seafront.

Famed for its modern-European style food and extravagant decor, Little Bay has made its mark in London for excellent value, quality food.  Now, Founder Peter Ilić has brought his fine bistro menu to the seaside, for locals and tourists alike.

Brighton has an array of eateries serving Italian and Asian cuisines but Little Bay will be joining just a handful of modern-European style restaurants, none of which offer an experience quite like Little Bay.  Diners will be able to enjoy live opera music several evenings a week and locally-sourced ingredients across the menu.

“I think Little Bay is just what Brighton needs” said Peter, “we’re offering all Little Bay Brighton followers on Twitter, 50% off their total bill if they book in advance, so come and see for yourselves”.

Situated on King’s Road and adjoined to umi hotel Brighton, the restaurant is working with umi to provide dinner, bed and breakfast packages to hotel guests but is also completely open to the public.  The restaurant is ideally located for pre or post theatre dining, being just minutes from The Brighton Centre and a short walk from the Theatre Royal Brighton.

Little Bay Brighton will be open seven days a week, including Christmas Day and is fully licensed.  Families, business guests and private groups are all welcome to dine between 7am to midnight, daily (11pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays).

www.littlebay.co.uk

2011 The Sussex Business Awards

Entries are flooding in for the 2011 Sussex Business Awards and the organisers say they are confident this will be a record breaking year.

This year the Brighton and Hove Business Awards are being run as part of the broader Sussex Business Awards scheme – so whether you are based in Brighton or Sussex at large there is plenty of opportunity to tell everyone about your businesses success story.

There are five BAHBAS – awards for Responsible Business, Independent Retailer, Creative Industries and Best Place to Entertain clients and of course, the Outstanding Brightonian.

There are eleven Sussex Business Awards including the prestigious Sussex Company of the Year and the award for the Most Promising New Business, as well as the search for the Sussex Businessperson of the Year.

Closing date for the BAHBAs is 2 September.  So what are you waiting for?  Get your entries in now!

Visit www.sbawards.org.uk to enter or book a place.

The BAHBAs will be presented on the same night as the Sussex Business Awards on 1 December at The Grand, Brighton.  Celebrating business excellence across Sussex, the Awards are the longest established scheme of its kind in the county and it’s the one that everyone wants to win!

South East Business Show 2011

The South East Business Show is a professional event to provide a dynamic platform for businesses to network, make new contacts, share knowledge and learn.

This is a unique event as it unites all sectors of business and is the only marketing medium that brings the buyer, seller and products together at the same time and in the same place.

All businesses across the whole of the South East and further afield are welcome and we encourage this to enable cross-regional networking and wider business opportunities for all.

Venue: Millennium Conference Centre, Effingham Park, Gatwick RH10 3EU

www.b2bsoutheast.com

2011 Sussex Business Awards

Entries are flooding in for the 2011 Sussex Business Awards and the organisers say they are confident this will be a record breaking year.

This year the Brighton and Hove Business Awards are being run as part of the broader Sussex Business Awards scheme – so whether you are based in Brighton or Sussex at large there is plenty of opportunity to tell everyone about your businesses success story.

There are five BAHBAS – awards for Responsible Business, Independent Retailer, Creative Industries and Best Place to Entertain clients and of course, the Outstanding Brightonian.

There are eleven Sussex Business Awards including the prestigious Sussex Company of the Year and the award for the Most Promising New Business, as well as the search for the Sussex Businessperson of the Year.

Closing date for the BAHBAs is 2 September.  So what are you waiting for?  Get your entries in now!

Visit www.sbawards.org.uk to enter or book a place.

The BAHBAs will be presented on the same night as the Sussex Business Awards on 1 December at The Grand, Brighton.  Celebrating business excellence across Sussex, the Awards are the longest established scheme of its kind in the county and it’s the one that everyone wants to win!

Angel Food Bakery adds Angel Food Kitchen

Make, Bake and Decorate the perfect sweet treat in the new purpose built kitchen studio and shop. Whether you’re looking to improve your baking skills, cake decorating, learn a new hobby or simply enjoy doing something different, classes are a fun way to take you to the next level, Angel Food Style.

www.angelfoodbakery.co.uk

Midnight Shortlisted for Five Awards CIPR PRide Awards 2011

Midnight Communications today announced that it has been shortlisted for no less than five awards in the CIPR PRide Awards 2011.

Most notable is the Young Communicator of the Year category for which Midnight’s Paul Sargent has been shortlisted. This is the seventh time in as many years that Midnight has had a member of staff on the shortlist. The company has gone on to win this accolade four times.

Two of Midnight’s events have been shortlisted for the Best Event category – The 2010 Sussex Business Awards, and The Sky Sports Living for Sport Student of the Year Awards, which was only this month shortlisted for the Best Award Scheme at UK Event Awards.

This year Midnight is shortlisted for:

Not-for-Profit – Using Sport to Inspire Young People – The Sky Sports Living for Sport Student of the Year Awards 2010

Best Campaign £10,000 and Under – Duke of York’s 100th birthday celebrations

Best Event – The 2010 Sussex Business Awards

Using Sport to Inspire Young People - The Sky Sports Living for Sport Student of the Year Awards 2010

Outstanding Young Communicator - Paul Sargent, Midnight

Commenting on the PRide shortlist, Jane Wilson CIPR CEO said: “The CIPR PRide Awards celebrate the best PR and campaigns from the profession across the UK. To be shortlisted for an Award demonstrates exemplary achievement, impact and value – immediately putting their work in the spotlight. Congratulations to everyone for reaching this stage.”

The winners will be announced at an Awards ceremony to be held on 31 October at the Brighton Hilton Metropole on Friday 11 November.

www.midnight.co.uk

Southern passengers to benefit from a share of £100m station improvement fund

Train operator Southern has been awarded funding from the government’s £100m station improvement fund to introduce smartcard technology across its network and in partnership with Network Rail, for improvements to Brighton station.

The £100m fund which was launched by Network Rail and the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) earlier this year called for bids from train operators across the country to fund projects such as car park improvements, station redevelopments and smart ticketing.

Southern and Network Rail bid successfully for funding to make improvements to the Victorian station at Brighton which will significantly improve the passenger experience there. Full details of the improvements are yet to be announced, but are likely to include a brand new waiting facility; improved passenger information systems and major changes to provide better retail facilities.

Southern’s Development Director, Alex Foulds said: “We are delighted to have been successful in our bid to secure funds to make meaningful improvements to Brighton station. I am sure that our passengers will benefit tremendously from the improvements we have in mind.”

The second successful bid for funds was secured to enable Southern to introduce Smartcard technology at a further 91 stations, enabling coverage across almost its entire network.

Alex Foulds said: “The award of this funding will enable us to introduce Smartcards well beyond our franchise commitment. We are required to introduce our card – ‘the key’ – to 54 stations, but now we will be able to add a further 91 stations to the total, almost all of our stations will benefit from this technology.

Mark Ruddy, Network Rail’s Route Managing Director for Sussex, added: “This new pot of money is available to provide better facilities for passengers.  We are also mindful of the need to reduce the cost of running the railway, so all the schemes which qualify for this funding also have to offer a financial return to pay for themselves over time, helping reduce the burden on tax payers. It is great news that passengers in Brighton and across Sussex will be amongst the first to benefit from this extra investment.”

Southern is piloting the key in a three month trial between Brighton and Seaford this month with up to 100 passengers taking part. Once proven, the card will be rolled out across the rest of the network.

About Southern
Southern provides services in south London and between central London and the south coast, through east and west Sussex and Surrey and parts of Kent and Hampshire.
Some fast facts about Southern:
•    We have over 4,000 employees
•    The service is provided by a fleet of 300 new and refurbished trains
•    We provide 2,284 train services on weekdays, 2,076 on Saturdays and 1,242 on Sundays
•    447,000 passenger journeys are made each day on Southern services
•    Southern manages 157 stations, 117 of which have secure stations status
For more information about Southern, visit southernrailway.com

Southern shortlisted for five awards

Train operator Southern has been shortlisted for five Association of Community Rail Partnership (ACoRP) awards for their work with local communities on the Southern Network.

The Community Rail Awards were devised in 2005 so that the unsung heroes and heroines of the community rail world would have their hard work and dedication publicly recognized and rewarded. With an emphasis on rewarding excellence and promoting best practice in community rail development, and recognizing ordinary people doing extraordinary things on behalf of the railway and the community.

Southern has been nominated for five of these prestigious awards in the following categories:

•    Best Station Adoption
•    Involving Young People
•    Local Transport Integration
•    Best Station Retail Outlet
•    Outstanding Teamwork Award

Sarah Evans, Southern’s CSR and Partnerships Manager said: “We’ve worked very hard this year in partnership with our local communities and we’ve also been involving our younger audience more with a great music video project. To be shortlisted in so many categories is testament to the hard work put in by everyone who has contributed.”

The ACoRP award ceremony takes place on 23rd September 2011 at Sheffield City Hall Ballroom.

Treble win for Southern at National Rail Awards

Train Operator Southern has won three prizes at the prestigious National Rail Awards held last night. Southern’s wins were in the Environmental Excellence Award, Medium Station, and Outstanding Personal Contribution (jointly with British Transport Police) categories.

Southern was also Highly Commended for four of its entries.

Southern’s Managing Director, Chris Burchell said “I am very pleased that we have been recognised so comprehensively by our industry colleagues for our achievements this year. Our people are the key to our success and they fully deserve these awards. ”

In the Environmental Excellence Award category, Southern showed that it has always aimed to lead the way in the rail industry in reducing waste and emissions, with 2010/11 being the most successful year to date.

Initiatives included a reduction in gas consumption by more than a third (compared to its own target of 8%) and a reduction in electricity consumption by more than 12%, making it already halfway towards its 25% target over the lifetime of its current franchise.

The Judges said of the entry: “A company-wide policy, that has been bought into enthusiastically at all levels. Southern has demonstrated that environmental concern is entirely consistent with business sense.”

In the Medium Station category, Brighton station beat off stiff competition to win. After 160 years, the station manages to keep its architectural heritage intact while being sensitively adapted to meet the needs of today’s passengers. The judges acknowledged that Brighton meets the needs of a wide range of passengers efficiently by making the best use of the existing premises. Also noted was the visibility and helpfulness of station staff. This is the second year running that Southern has won the Medium Station of the Year category.

In the Outstanding Personal Contribution category, British Transport Police Constable, Steve Jarvis who works with Southern as a member of its Safer Travel Teams. A co-ordinator with the team and based in Brighton, Steve doesn’t just look out of the travelling public, he also goes beyond the call of duty to protect Southern’s employees. Steve has been described by colleagues and bosses as an outstanding and professional officer. His Superintendent, Andy Ball said: “His productivity in terms of crime fighting activity is truly prodigious.” Southern’s Head of Security, Martin Grier praised Steve by saying that he is a real credit to the BTP, Southern and to those passengers who will never know him, but who will travel more safely because of him.

The Judges said that Steve was inspirational, and his enthusiasm and commitment are unbelievable and that his core belief that it is not enough to go through the motions, epitomises everything this award represents.

Mr Burchell added: “To win three awards and be highly commended in four others is a fantastic achievement and testament to all that we at Southern have worked hard on in the last year. It’s our passengers who are benefitting the most from all of these achievements and that’s as it should be.”

Southern’s Highly Commended awards were in the Outstanding Personal Contribution, Safety, Putting Passengers First and Project of the Year categories.

Haywards Heath station to get over 280 extra cycle and motorbike parking spaces

Train operator Southern has announced a £300,000 project which will transform bicycle and motorcycle parking at Haywards Heath railway station.

300 cycle spaces and up to 100 motorcycle spaces will be provided overall in the station car park, with 160 of these spaces sited in a former car valet building.

The project is already underway with the refurbishment and fit-out of the old car valeting building which will have two-tier parking for 160 bicycles, secure lockers, a changing room and toilets. For an annual subscription, cyclists will get all these facilities plus a key-card which will allow them exclusive entry. The new facility will also be covered by CCTV which is beamed back to our 24-hour CCTV Control centre at Croydon. In addition, cyclists will be able to use a Help Point for information and assistance and will also be able to view train departures from a flat-screen monitor.

Outside, there will be free parking for 140 cyclists and up to 100 motorcyclists.

Southern’s Project Manager, Paul Best said: “While the car valet business was in situ, there was very limited scope to make capacity improvements in the station car park. Now we can provide a fantastic facility for the growing numbers of cyclists and motorcyclists who are choosing to leave the car at home and get to the station in a much more sustainable way.”

All 400 spaces will be available for public use by the end of November.

Southern also has plans to double-deck part of the car park to increase capacity at this very busy station.

PRIDE FESTIVAL DIRECTOR STEPS DOWN

Following what has been hailed as the best Pride event ever by attendees, local residents and Brighton & Hove City Council, Pride’s Festival Director Judith Manson, has announced she is stepping down in October to pursue new challenges.

Judith said ‘It has been a privilege to be involved with Pride in Brighton & Hove over the last seven years. I have met and worked with some amazing people along the way and couldn’t be more thrilled to leave on such a high after receiving incredible feedback for this year’s Pride events – I’d like to thank everyone involved in making Pride 2011 a great event. Brighton & Hove is an amazing city and I think we did it proud this year’

Kirsty Pollard, Marketing Manager for Brighton Marina, who has worked with Judith and Pride for over seven years, commented on the news ‘Judith has been instrumental in Brighton Marina’s involvement with Pride. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Judith who has been an asset to the charity during challenging times over recent years.  It was wonderful to see the great success hailed this year – well done Judith.’

Russell Allen, Pride Chair says ‘It has been a pleasure working with Judith in the four years that I have been with Pride.  In that time she has worked on all aspects of the charity’s work, not least the high profile Park event.  I am personally grateful for her support and determination in this last year as we worked to change the format of the Park event; the positive feedback received is evidence of her achievements.’

At this traditionally quieter period Pride will now take time to consider the structure it needs to implement its strategy for 2012 and beyond.

www.brightonpride.org

CHURCHILL SQUARE WELCOMES NEW CENTRE DIRECTOR

Tina Dallorzo has been appointed as the new Centre Director at Churchill Square Shopping Centre. Ms Dallorzo will be managing all aspects of the Centre bringing with her over twelve years of experience in the Shopping Centre management industry.

Prior to taking up the post at Churchill Square, Ms Dallorzo spent four years working in Sydney, managing shopping centres for Westfield and Colonial First State. On returning to the UK to work in London as General Manager at Covent Garden, where she managed the market building, residential and commercial tenants, before joining Churchill Square as Centre Director on 19th September.

Ms Dallorzo comments: “Having spent the majority of my career in the shopping centre industry, I am delighted to now be working with such a successful shopping centre.

“During my time in Sydney I managed a two year centre redevelopment which saw the addition of 70 new shops, a new entrance and a reconfigured car park, as well as the relocation and enlargement of a supermarket for the Centre, so I feel well versed in the challenges faced by shopping centres.

“I’m really looking forward to meeting all the tenants and helping to contribute further to the success of the Centre.”

Carl Foreman, Director, Jones Lang LaSalle Managing Agent adds: “I am delighted to welcome Tina to the management team at Churchill Square as we approach the busy Christmas trading period. Tina brings with her a fresh approach and a wealth of experience, and I look forward to working with her in the coming months.”

Southern passengers to benefit from 5,000 extra peak seats in December

Train Operator Southern will be introducing longer trains on three key routes when the new winter timetable comes into effect on 11 December. Platform extensions and power supply upgrades will enable an increase in the number of seats on the East Grinstead, Sydenham and Redhill routes.

Many morning and evening peak services on the East Grinstead Line will be lengthened from eight to 10 or 12 carriages, with service on the Sydenham route being lengthened from eight to 10 carriages.

Southern’s Development Director, Alex Foulds said: “The introduction of additional class 313 trains on the south coast, and efficiencies made at Southern Traincare depots which improve the availability of rolling stock means that more class 377 trains will become available to use on these routes. The result being an overall increase in capacity of 3,000 and 2,000 seats in the morning and evening peaks respectively which is fantastic news for our passengers.”

The Redhill route will also benefit from additional carriages with two peak trains being lengthened to 12 carriages.

Southern’s winter timetable comes into effect on 11 December. A number of changes to the current service have been made in response to feedback from passengers and stakeholders.

Timetables will be available at Southern staffed stations, and for download from mid November.

Passengers asked to nominate staff for outstanding service during National Customer Service week

This week is National Customer Service Week and train operator Southern is pulling out all the stops to ensure that staff go the extra mile with activities and events going on across the Southern Network.

All this week, Southern will be asking passengers to nominate a member of staff who has ‘made their day’.  All nominees will be judged and the finalists will be invited to a celebration lunch.

Emma Toms, Southern’s Head of Customer Experience said: “We strive to offer the best possible levels of customer service all year round as a matter of course, but National Customer Service week is a great opportunity for our staff to get involved in fun activities at stations.”

Activities include ‘Meet the Management’ sessions, holding raffles, giving away balloons, mugs, pens, free refreshments, sweets and much, much more.

Emma added: “So successful was our competition to nominate staff by passengers last year that we’ve decided to do it again. It really means a great deal to nominees as it shows to them that the most important person – the passenger, is happy with what they do.”

As part of the week, Southern’s Senior Leadership Team will also be going ‘back to the floor’ to spend time with customer facing teams. Directors and heads of department will be going out and about doing the job of staff at stations and on board trains.

Posters and leaflets detailing how to nominate a staff member are available at all staffed Southern stations. Passengers wishing to nominate staff can do so online at southernrailway.com/nominate

The Brighton and Hove Big Alcohol Debate How do you drink yours?

If you were in charge of Brighton and Hove, what would you do about alcohol? That’s the question that residents of the city will be asked as part of The Big Alcohol Debate that lasts from 14 October until the New Year. The Big Alcohol Debate is being hosted by the local Alcohol Programme Board, which brings together the NHS, Sussex Police, Brighton & Hove City Council and the voluntary sector.

To launch the Big Alcohol Debate, we’re hosting a ‘tweetathon’ to get a city-wide picture of the effects of alcohol over a 24 hour period, starting at 3pm on Friday 14 October.

Everyone is welcome to join in and tell us what they think about alcohol and the drinking culture in Brighton and Hove, using the hashtag #bhdrink.

Already signed up to tweet are:

•    Chief Superintendent Graham Bartlett, Commander of Brighton and Hove division of Sussex Police
•    Visit Brighton
•    Dr Tom Scanlon, Director of Public Health for Brighton and Hove
•    Brighton and Hove Fire Service
•    Refuse collectors
•    Brighton and Hove Buses
•    Dr Xavier Nalletamby, GP at St Peter’s Medical Centre and Chair of Brighton and Hove Clinical Commissioning Group
•    Youth Council
•    John Barradell, Chief Executive of Brighton & Hove City Council,
•    Lisa Rodrigues, Chief Executive of Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
•    Brighton and Hove Museums
•    The alcohol Brief Intervention Service
•    NHS Sussex
•    Dr Tim McMinn, GP at Sackville Road Surgery, Brighton
•    City Assembly, the Brighton & Hove City Council tenants and local associations twitter account.

Chair of the Alcohol Programme Board, Dr Tom Scanlon, Director of Public Health for Brighton and Hove said:

“The issue of alcohol divides opinion and it’s easy to see why.  I’ve met residents of Brighton and Hove whose lives have been made a misery by alcohol. But also the city flourishes in part because of alcohol and the associated nightlife.”

“So how do we reduce the harm that alcohol does, without reducing the enjoyment for the majority of people who drink responsibly? We can’t do this without the support of the city and that’s why we’re asking as many people as possible what they think.”

There are lots of ways to tell us what you think, including:

•    A survey, which will be available online and printed in libraries, GP surgeries and pharmacies
•    An inflatable Big Brother-style Diary Room video pods
•    Big Alcohol Debate postcards will be distributed throughout the city
•    Focus groups
•    Social media, including Twitter and YouTube

Our video pods will be out and about in the city between now and the New Year. Just turn up and you can have your say – either on your own or with friends.

The pod will be available on:

Saturday 15 October from 10am – 3pm next to the war memorial on the Old Steine

At White Night on Saturday 29 October from 6pm – 10.30pm next to the war memorial on the Old Steine

More dates will be added during the course of the campaign.

The survey
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/bhdrink

Website
www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/bhdrink

Twitter profile
www.twitter.com/bhdrink

Pride Brighton & Hove… Hot off the Press

After the fanatic success of this year’s historic event with 40,000 people attending the main park event and thousands of others lining the parade route, the Pride team are planning an even more success in 2012.  This year’s event was one of the most successful in the twenty-year history of the charity so we need the best partners to help us reach this challenging aim.

Pride is now looking for expressions of interest from suitably experienced professional organisations to operate the bars at the park event in 2012. Organisations wishing to be considered for the bars contract should send written letters of intention containing the following information on a maximum of four sides of A4:

•        Your organisation name and trading status,
•        A summary of relevant experience for this contract,
•        The name and title of a contact person for your organisation,
•        Contact address, telephone number(s) and email,
•        Any additional information about your organisation that you think may be of interest.

The contact will be based on a upfront fee and a percentage of gross turnover.  This must be a fully transparent process and responses of the tender must show a commitment to demonstrating this.  We also ask for some further information to be supplied from potential contractors:

•        Proposed payment plan,
•        Sample bar prices,
•        Method statement of staff recruitment,
•        Outline of site infrastructure and sample pictures,
•        Copy of public indemnity insurance,
•        Environmental & Sustainability statement,
•        Equality and diversity company statement.

In return the board is offering a one-year exclusive rights contract to operate all bars for the park event on 1st September 2012.  The board is also open to offers for a three-year contract where this can provide enhanced value for the charity. There is no requirement to express interest in a three-year contract, but interested parties must state in their submission their preferred option, and supply a proposal for the extinction of the contract.  The board is also looking for interest in public retail catering as an add on option.

Expressions of interest should be submitted by email to – Mike Chalmers, Park Operations Trustee – mike.chalmers@brightonpride.org by Friday 3rd December at 4pm.

Infinity Foods launches album for World Aids Day

The staff of Infinity Foods co-operative Ltd and come together to compile a compilation album that can be purchased for a donation to the Sussex Beacon.

Three Bridges passengers to benefit from station improvement fund

Southern passengers at Three Bridges station will be able to enjoy a new boulevard style walkway after Southern was successful in its bid to receive funding in the latest round of the government’s £100m station improvement fund.

The funding will contribute to improvements Three Bridges station which includes the redevelopment of the walkway and courtyard area between the station building and the subway.

The £100m fund which was launched by Network Rail and the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) earlier this year called for bids from train operators across the country to fund projects such as car park improvements, station redevelopments and smart ticketing.

Southern and Network Rail bid successfully for funding to make improvements to the station at Three Bridges which will significantly improve the overall environment at the station to complement a long list of improvements that have recently been made.

Plans for improvements include:

•    Creation of a boulevard style walkway to replace the existing structure
•    New, modern retail facilities
•    New double-deck cycle parking facilities

Southern’s Development Director, Alex Foulds said: “We are delighted to have been successful second time around in our bid to secure funds to make some exciting improvements to Three Bridges station. For some time, we have been looking at how we could modernise the old walkway and make better use of the space at the rear. I am sure our passengers will enjoy the changes we have in mind for the station.”

Mark Ruddy, Network Rail’s Route Managing Director for Sussex, added: “It is great news for passengers that this funding has been secured in addition to the recent installation of lifts and the improvements underway to the subway and other parts of the station. Providing better facilities and a more pleasant environment will help improve the journey experience for passengers who use Three Bridges station for 2.4m journeys every year.”

Hoteliers clean up the City

With fantastic community spirit and incredible enthusiasm members of the Brighton & Hove Hotels Association helped clear undergrowth from Brighthelm Community Centre Garden in preparation for its ‘new look’ design, which is planned for next year. Little ones from Brighthelm Pre-school then planted a hazel tree to symbolise Brighthelm’s focus on people and planet and hope for the future.
The link with BHHA was initiated by Catherine Anderson of the Oriental. Pictured from Brighthelm are eco designer Oliver Heath, Brighthelm Trustees, Pre-School students, staff and parents. Brighton & Hove Hotel Association members pictured are from Mercure Brighton Seafront, Hilton Brighton Metropole and Guest in the City. The event was organised by Sue Korman.
www.brighthelm.org.uk

Tourism business investigate DMOs and Tourism BIDs

Brighton Business
Tourism business investigate DMOs and Tourism BIDs

The Brighton & Hove Tourism Alliance is engaging in initial consultations with stakeholder organisations – including Brighton & Hove City Council – about the benefits of creating a Destination Management Organisation to co-ordinate the area’s tourism offering, and the formation of a business-led Tourism BID (Business Improvement District) to fund projects in the city. Feedback from businesses will be collected in early 2012 with a comprehensive consultation meeting for relevant organisations including council tourist board, Visit Brighton, to be hosted by the Tourism Alliance at the Hilton Brighton Metropole in March.
For more information please contact the Tourism Alliance chair, Claire Ottewell:
claire.ottewell@engagesolutions.org.uk

www.thetourismalliance.co.uk

National Passenger Survey improvement for Southern

The autumn 2011 National Passenger Survey has just been released, with results showing that Southern has increased its overall passenger satisfaction score and achieved improved scores in many of the categories.

Of the 33 individual train and station categories, Southern achieved improved scores in 18, with four remaining the same as autumn 2010.

Published every six months by rail watchdog Passenger Focus, Southern’s overall satisfaction rating is 83% – better than last year’s score of 82% and equal to the London & South East regional average score.

Southern Managing Director, Chris Burchell said: “Where we’ve done well, the results show that the hard work undertaken by Southern over the past year, and the recent investment we have made across our business are really benefitting our passengers who have recognised that many things have improved in that time.”

Southern’s efforts to continue to improve facilities and services, levels of cleanliness and the overall upkeep of its stations were reflected by an overall station environment score which was 6% higher than last year, and In the ‘Your personal security whilst using (the station)’ category, Southern’s passengers said it was 5% better than last year, a testament to the work done by Southern in reducing crime on its network and more intelligent deployment of its Safer Travel Teams.

Also at stations, Southern achieved increased scores in the overall satisfaction, ticket buying facilities, upkeep, cleanliness, facilities and services, facilities for car parking and availability of staff categories.

On board, the frequency of trains, the length of journey, connections with other train services, overall cleanliness and personal security all received higher scores that last year. Southern’s work to improve toilet facilities in its trains has been recognised by passengers with a 3% increase in satisfaction.

Mr Burchell added: “Although these results are encouraging, we do recognise that there are some areas where we must improve further, and we will continue to do our utmost to tackle these issues. Our customers will expect us to have plans to improve in every area where we didn’t score as well as we would have liked, and this is exactly what we are doing.”
Ends

Food & Drink Awards

A record-breaking 11,000 people voted for over 350 Sussex food and drink businesses and individuals in the sixth Sussex Food & Drink Awards 2011/12 and Chairman of the Judges, Clive Beddall OBE, noted that Sussex is now seen as one of Britain’s true centres of excellence for food and drink by national food buyers.

He continued: “Research shows that, despite economic downturn, demand for locally sourced food has actually accelerated during the past 12 months and more than half the country’s shoppers now say they are prepared to pay extra for local food.

“The Sussex Food & Drink Awards celebrate the exceptional standards of quality and innovation that have taken the county’s producers into the top half of the UK’s Premier League for locally produced food and drink. “

Over 350 leaders in the food, drink and farming industries gathered for what is now dubbed ‘the Sussex foodie event of the year’, with all tickets sold out.  Guests were treated to a wonderful ‘Sussex bubbly and ale reception’, sponsored by Harvey & Son and Carr Taylor, followed by a stunning seven-course banquet.  The menu featured an array of Sussex goodies including:  Sussex duck; locally caught lemon sole; roast cutlet and braised breast of Sussex lamb; treacle tart with Willetts farm ice cream; a selection of local cheeses and Sussex ground coffee with Sussex bubbly truffles.

Winners were announced in a BAFTA-style presentation, hosted by Danny Pike of BBC Sussex.  The consistency of standards in Sussex was highlighted with second time wins for Shoreham for Best Sussex Farmers Market, sponsored by Harveys Brewery, and The Sussex Produce Company in Steyning for Best Sussex Food/Farm Shop, sponsored by the South Downs National Park Authority and Collabor8.  Phil and Steve Hook of Longleys Farm in Hailsham were also second time winners in the Sussex Farmer of the Year category sponsored by Knill James Accountants.

The Foragers in Hove won the Best Sussex Eating Experience, sponsored by Mayo Wynne Baxter; and Bramptons Butchers in Brighton’s Kemp Town was awarded Sussex Butcher of the Year, sponsored by Natural Farms.

Sussex Food Producer of the Year, sponsored by the Southern Co-operative, was awarded to High Weald Dairy in Horsted Keynes; Wobblegate pure apple juice in Bolney came out on top in the Drink Producer of the Year, sponsored by the Sussex Food & Drink Network; and the much coveted title of Sussex Young Chef of the Year, sponsored by Natural PR, went to 24-year-old Paul Peach who works at the Horse Guards Inn in Tillington.

Paula Seager, MD of Natural PR which runs the awards, said:  “Tonight has been a wonderful celebration and we are so proud that these awards have played a part in building the reputation of Sussex as one of the best food destinations in the country and home to some of the most creative and exciting producers of exquisite food and drink.

“As ever, the awards would not be possible without the support from all our wonderful sponsors and the many great organisations and individuals involved and we hope that we can continue to make these awards a success for many years to come.”

For more information on all the winners and the awards please visit www.sussexfoodawards.biz

Sussex Food & Drink Awards 2011/12 Winners:

Best Sussex Farmer’s Market – sponsored by Harveys Brewery
Winner – Shoreham

Runners up – Lewes & Steyning

Sussex Farmer of the Year sponsored by Knill James
Winner – Phil and Steve Hook, Longleys Farm, Hailsham

Runners up -  Jenny & Trevor Passmore, Church Farm, Coombes, Lancing, Robin and Kevin Ashby, Willetts Farm, Blackham

Best Sussex Food/Farm Shop sponsored by the South Downs National Park and Collabor8
Winner – The Sussex Produce Company, Steyning
Runners up – Cheese Please, Lewes & Sharnfold Farm Shop, Stone Cross, Nr Pevensey

Sussex Food Producer of the Year sponsored by the Southern Co-operative
Winner – High Weald Dairy, Horsted Keynes
Runners up – Caroline’s Dairy, Sidlesham, Nr Chichester, Daylands Farm, Ashurst

Sussex Drink Producer of the Year sponsored by the Sussex Food & Drink Network
Winner – Wobblegate pure apple juice, Bolney

Runners up – W J King Brewers, Horsham & Highdown Vineyard, Ferring

Best Sussex Eating Experience sponsored by Mayo Wynne Baxter
Winner – The Foragers, Hove

Runners up -  Simply Delicious, Bognor Regis and Tottington Manor, Edburton, Nr Henfield

Sussex Young Chef of the Year sponsored by Natural PR
Winner – Paul Peach, the Horse Guards Inn, Tillington
Runners up – Craig Holden, the Mill House, Ashington and Rob Lightbody, Jeremy’s Restaurant, Borde Hill Gardens, Nr Haywards Heath

Sussex Butcher of the Year sponsored by Natural Farms
Winner – Bramptons Butchers, Brighton

Runners up – S K Hutchings, Partridge Green & Westdene Butchers, Brighton

CHARITY COMMUNITY GRANTS FROM AMERICAN EXPRESS®

American Express has awarded nearly £20,000(1) worth of grants to five local Sussex charities.  The grants, voted for by American Express employees, will be delivered via the Sussex Community Foundation, which facilitates the funding of charities in the Sussex area (2).

One of the beneficiaries is the Sussex Air Ambulance, which responds to emergency calls in South East England, with a Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) and air ambulance service that can reach patients in just 15 minutes. The grant will help purchase two training mannequins which are much needed for the clinical air ambulance team. The donation will also be put towards the operating costs of running the life-saving helicopters.

Another additional beneficiary is the Survivor’s Network, an organisation established in 1990 that offers a range of professional relevant services and support groups for female survivors of sexual violence and abuse.  The charity runs creative art groups for women and the donation will help fund facilitators, group supervisors and the art supplies necessary for these seminars.  Over 1000 women every year contact the Survivor’s Network and the number is growing year on year.

Other recipients of the grants include Whoopsadaisy, which provides Conductive Education to children with cerebral palsy and other motor disorders and also the ABC Fund, which raises money for charities through sponsored swims. A donation will also be given to the Brighton & Hove Unwaged Advice and Rights Centre, an independent unemployed advice centre. Each will be given a grant to help further support their charitable initiatives.

Ian Lundberg, Senior Vice President at American Express, said: “Working in partnership with the Sussex Community Foundation makes sure that our financial support reaches charities that can really make a difference to people in need in our community. American Express has provided over £300,000 worth of grants since June 2006 through our work with the foundation and we are proud to be able to continue to support such valuable and important local causes.”

Registered charities that would like to apply for the next round of grants should contact the Sussex Community Foundation on 01273 409440 or visit www.sussexgiving.org.uk.

(1) American Express has donated £19,850 of grants to five local Sussex charities in December 2011.
(2) Grants from the American Express Fund at Sussex Community Foundation are allocated twice a year, in June and December

Brighton & Hove Council outlines eco-tourism move

Pop-up campsites and a new gateway centre for the South Downs could be on the cards under plans to develop eco-tourism for Brighton & Hove.

Cabinet member in charge of tourism Geoffrey Bowden last year asked officials to draw up a plan on how environmentally-aware visitors could be targeted in a special marketing drive.

A report has been prepared for the next of Councillor Bowden’s decision-making meetings on February 7.

Among suggestions are that the council looks into opportunities for up-market camping or ‘glamping’ or even setting up temporary campsites for short periods in pleasant spots around the city.

Officials are also looking into providing some sort of ecological interpretive centre for the city and South Downs, possibly using specimens from the Booth Museum of Natural History in Dyke Road.

The idea would be to package up a whole range of sustainable assets and attractions designed to appeal to green-minded tourists.  Over time these could be further developed in a deliberate push to distinguish the city from its rivals.

It is hoped the move would help boost the city’s visitor industry while cutting its carbon footprint.

The council says the city’s eco-attractions range from the national elm collection to exemplary buildings like the Jubilee Library or Stanmer Earthship.

Sustainable shopping could be part of the offer, with businesses such as the North Laine’s Vegetarian Shoes and Infinity Foods thought likely to woo eco-tourists.  Restaurants selling locally-produced or ethically-sourced food, such as Due South and Moshi Moshi would be attractive.

The authority has also said the city could also be presented as a gateway to the South Downs National Park, where some sustainably-managed farmland might be part of the package.   Certain relevant events or festivals could be included.

Under the plan the council’s tourism arm VisitBrighton could work with local businesses to market attractions.  Already the UK’s foremost online environmental holiday firm responsibletravel.com is based in the city.

Brighton & Hove has an established network of eco-firms, online at www.green-business.co.uk

Councillor Bowden said:  “There’s already a lot going on here in terms of environmental awareness, eco-friendly buildings, locally-sourced food and ethical shopping.

“It’s a question of packaging these things up, along with the South Downs and aiming that set of products at a specific sector of the market.  If we get it right it could be a real shot in the arm for our tourism industry.”

Brighton Bake Off: The Professionals is open for entries

This March 31st Brighton Bake Off is back. After an extremely successful amateur category in September 2011 we are calling all local professional bakers to come and show us what they are made of. This year’s theme will be “London 2012 Olympic”

The competition steps up this year and we’ll be asking the professional finalists to come down on the day and decorate their cakes live in front of the people of Brighton and Hove. Competitors will have just 3 hours to complete their cakes which will be pre-baked off site with no coverings or decorations. Live judging will take place on the day with the winner being crowned the very first Professional Brighton Bake Off Champion on the day.

The event will take place in the atrium in Churchill Square on 31st March 2012 between 11am and 3pm as part of Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival’s coffee and cake festival. Organiser Jeremy Jacobs decided to put on the event after the success of Brighton Bake Off: The Amateurs which took place in September 2011 “Brighton and Hove has an extremely talented and diverse range of bakers and it was only time before someone set up an event to showcase the skills and dedication of local producers. After the runaway success of our amateur category in September it seemed fitting to hold a separate competition for the professionals. We’re really excited to see the calibre of entries after being so wowed with what the amateur bakers of Brighton and Hove had to offer. We’ve received nothing but positive feedback about the event”.

Local businesses and professional cake bakers/decorators interested in taking part should contact Jeremy Jacobs at info@brightonbakeoff.co.uk for an entry form and terms of entry. The entry fee is £50 per entrant and all proceeds from the day will be going to our nominated charity Parkinson’s UK.

www.brightonbakeoff.co.uk

Southern takes top prize at major awards

Southern has won the overall Rail Business of the Year award at the prestigious Rail Business Awards, held in London on Thursday night (16 February). It also won the Environmental Innovation and Safety & Security Excellence awards.

On accepting the Rail Business of the Year award, Southern’s Managing Director Chris Burchell said: “I am thrilled that the 4,000 people who work at Southern and Gatwick Express have been recognised for all the hard work they do. I’m also delighted that our innovative work in environmental and security excellence has paid dividends.”

Environmental Innovation
Southern’s best ever reduction in waste and emissions was achieved in 2010/11 with a series of innovative projects such as the use of solar panels, smart metering, intelligent lighting at stations, rainwater harvesting, increased recycling  and regenerative braking.  The result of all this was a reduction in gas consumption of more than a third and a reduction in electricity consumption by more than 12%. Southern’s team of Environmental Champions was recognised for its work in helping to achieve these results by advocating green innovation and good working practices to staff across the business, making  sure each employee understands how they can make a positive difference.

Safety & Security Excellence
Southern’s Safer Travel Team comprising Rail Neighbourhood Officers and British Transport Police Officers were cited for their work in reducing crime and improving safety on the Southern network but the stand-out feature in this award was the use of Southern’s low-level crime fighting tool, Eyewitness. This is an industry first scheme where staff and passengers using a smartphone can report incidences of low level crime such as anti-social behaviour as it happens to the Safer Travel Team, enabling it to respond quickly and effectively.

Southern was also highly commended for its ‘Making Every Journey Better’ staff engagement campaign in the Internal Communications Excellence category and in the Rolling Stock Excellence category for the refresh of its Class 313 trains.

After the ceremony, Mr Burchell added: “We’ve come so close so many times to winning the overall title and now that we’ve won, we won’t be complacent. We’ll continue our work to improve every aspect of our service so that our passengers are the real winners.”

southernrailway.com 

Calling all Artists & Venues: Artwave 2012 is Go

Preparations are being made for the annual Artwave Open House Festival, taking place across the Lewes District from Saturday 25th August until Sunday 9th September 2012.

Entry forms are now being circulated and are available for download from the Artwave website www.artwavefestival.org . The Artwave office welcomes applications from individuals and groups wishing to open a studio,  living room, conservatory,  gallery, garage,  garden, smoke house, mill house, tea room, and pretty much any other accessible space suitable for visitors to experience engaging pieces of art and craft, throughout the Lewes District!

Artwave is co-ordinated by Lewes District Council and is a not-for-profit visual arts festival which promotes local art and creativity by encouraging professional & amateur artists and craftsmen to showcase their work and introduce residents and visitors to the wealth of skill and talent within the district.

If you would like to participate in Artwave 2012 and haven’t yet received an entry form, or you would like further information, please contact the Tourism & Economic Development Department on Tel: 01273 484497, Email: artwave@lewes.gov.uk   Website: www.artwavefestival.org

Please note that entry forms need to be returned by Wednesday 4th April and all events must be located within the Lewes District.

Council threatens Saltdean Lido with ‘listed buildings’ action

The company which runs Saltdean Lido has indicated to its owners Brighton & Hove City Council that it is prepared to talk about surrendering the building.

Officials are stressing that this does not necessarily mean it will do so, or is obliged to.  Any return of the facility to the council would be subject to financial negotiations.

Residents have been complaining for some years about the poor condition of the Grade II-star listed building and alleged irregular opening of the pool.

In the meantime, council conservation experts have inspected the building following its inclusion last October on English Heritage’s Buildings at Risk register.  The inspection led to officials sending the lessee a warning letter, saying the authority was considering enforcement action under historic buildings legislation.  A lessee ignoring enforcement action could face compulsory purchase of the building.

A list of required works is now being drawn up.

In May 2010 the council, acting as landlord, served a notice on the lessee requiring various repairs.  The two parties have since been in legal dispute about the extent to which these have been completed.

Cabinet councillor for culture Geoffrey Bowden said:  “We are continuing to work on this as quickly as the law of the land enables.  Under that law, it is not possible to simply snatch back a building from a lessee.  Various lengthy processes have to be completed.

“The local planning authority is taking action under listed buildings law.  We are actively pursing negotiations on surrender of the lease.  We have had the building independently valued to enable this and ensure any demands by the lessee are reasonable.

“I would like to see a good outcome for the council and residents as soon as possible and assure people we have no interest in prolonging this process further than necessary.”

An update report on the Lido is being considered by Councillor Bowden at the next of his regular decision-making meetings on March 6.

La Cave a Fromage in Brighton and Hove nominated for Deli of the Year 2012

La Cave a Fromage, Brighton and Hove has been nominated for Olives Et Al’s Deli of the Year 2012 – an award which is judged by some of the UK’s leading food experts.

Over the coming weeks, customers will be able to vote for La Cave a Fromage and their comments will be shown to a panel of independent judges who gather together in June and choose a short list of regional winners.  A series of mystery visits then take place and the winning deli will be announced in September at the Great Taste Awards dinner in London.

Customers of La Cave a Fromage are invited to pop into the shop to show their support and to visit www.delioftheyear.co.uk  to add their vote.

Deli of the Year is an idea created and organised by Olives Et Al, a food producer in Dorset, and supported by The Guild of Fine Food which represents the fine food sector.  The competition is open to all, from the smallest post office with a tiny deli counter to high street delis and rural farm shops.

“We hope our customers will support our quest to be the Deli of the Year 2012 – last year a deli in Bristol won and we’d love the prize to come back to Brighton and Hove. We already know that Brighton and Hove is a haven of food lovers and we’d like to make our entry really stand out so that the judges can’t ignore us and so we’re asking all our customers and citizens of Brighton and Hove to come in and leave a comment – then we’ll include these in our pack which is sent to the judges!” said David Deaves, Manager      

To find out more about Deli of the Year visit www.delioftheyear.co.uk 

www.la-cave.co.uk

Opening Hours

Mon – Wed 10am – 7pm, Thur – Sat 10am – 10pm and Sun 11am – 5pm

Brighton Museum receives £53,000 grant from Arts Council England

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery has received a grant of nearly £53,000 from Arts Council England’s Grants for the Arts scheme.  The funding supports a season of arts activities which form a key element of Brighton’s Cultural Olympiad programme. The Gallery also aims to improve access for disabled visitors and includes British Sign Language, audio-descriptions and lots to touch, smell and try on.

Brighton Museum’s new gallery World Stories: Young Voices opens on 23 June 2012 and is part of the London 2012 Festival.  This new permanent gallery features the World Art collection re-displayed with the involvement of young people and source communities.

The Grants for the Arts funding enables the museums’ service to provide a high impact, exciting and inclusive public arts programme, especially targeted at young people, to celebrate the opening of this new gallery and the forthcoming Olympic games. The programme is being developed and delivered in collaboration with local artists, young people, Brighton & Hove Black History Group, Brighton Dome, Same Sky and the Royal Pavilion & Museums Access Advisory Group.

The project aims to develop and support engagement by young people and members of local black and minority ethnic groups with the Royal Pavilion & Museum’s World Art collections.  It also intends to develop new audiences for the Royal Pavilion & Museums and its World Art collections by working collaboratively with community partners.  Other key elements include the creative use of digital media in building access to collections, providing creative and skills development opportunities for young people and supporting and promoting collaborative work with artists at the Royal Pavilion & Museums.

Key activities include:
• Free drop-in art workshops with Same Sky for young people aged 14-24 years old will be held in Brighton Museum on the 6, 7 and 8 June.

• A celebratory opening event for the new World Stories: Young Voices gallery taking place at Brighton Museum on Saturday 23 June organised in partnership with Same Sky, Brighton’s artist-led charity.  This event will be British Sign Language interpreted.

• Digitalize – a digital artist in residence project at Brighton Museum culminating in a special evening opening of the museum for young people on Saturday 28 June.

• A family day at Brighton Museum on Saturday 14 July, forming part of Brighton & Hove’s Olympic Torch Relay festivities and developed in partnership with Brighton & Hove Black History Group and Mosaic, Brighton & Hove’s Black, Asian and Mixed-Parentage Family support group.

• Events to celebrate Black History Month in October 2012 organised by young people, Brighton & Hove Black History Group and the Brighton & Hove Black History Young People’s Project, including a late night opening of Brighton Museum featuring world music.

Cllr Geoffrey Bowden, Brighton & Hove City Council’s cabinet member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, said ‘This is fantastic news – the Grants for the Arts funding will enable Brighton Museum & Art Gallery to deliver an exciting programme of events that will inspire and engage new audiences across the city.  This project is a fine example of how the council is committed to working jointly with socially diverse community groups from across the city to increase participation by local residents in all that our vibrant city by the sea has to offer.’

Sally Abbott, Regional Director, Arts Council England, said ‘We are delighted to be supporting museums projects such as World Stories South East. It’s a project which has engaged many young people in the region and beyond. World Stories South East is part of the unique UK-wide Stories of the World programme led by Arts Council England in partnership with the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG). It is one of the ways in which people – particularly young people – can feel part of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The new gallery and these special projects will leave a lasting legacy for youth engagement, partnership and understanding of the arts and culture in the future.’

Brighton & Hove Business News

City VIP’s visit the Autumn Business Show

The Business Show was very pleased that a number of our City VIPs visited The Autumn 2010 Brighton & Hove Business Show during the day.

Pictured below from left to right  Councillor Averil Older; Councillor Jan Young;The City Mayor, Councillor Geoffrey Wells; Mike Weatherley MP, representing Hove & Portslade; The Leader of The Council, Councillor Mary Mears; Councillor Ayas Fallon-Khan, Cabinet Member for Enterprise; Councillor David Smith.

Caroline Lucas MP representing Brighton Pavilion

The Brighton & Hove Business Show Exhibitor Awards

We like to thank our exhibitors for their extremely high standards of marketing achieved by their businesses on the day of The Autumn Show, by offering 3 Brighton & Hove Business Show Awards.

The Awards have been designed to recognise and reward innovation, showcase excellence and provide a benchmark for all other exhibitors current and future.

Pictures by Faye Collyer, our in-house photographer of www.phasephotographic.com

The Most Creative and Commercial stand was judged by Andrew Kay, The Creative Director of The Latest Magazine and won by The Brighton & Hove Chamber of Commerce.

The Best New Product or Service offered was judged by Nick Mosley of Brighton Visitor Magazine and won by The Spanish Food Company.

The Best Green Business Award was judged by Max Robinson, Managing Director, MCR Print and won by Hotel Du Vin.

The lucky award recipients all received fantastic floral gift vouchers from David da Costa, Director of the fabulous Flowers Unlimited who sponsored all three awards.

ebusiness surgeries

The new feature at the Brighton & Hove Business Show 7 October 2010, included more than 90 free ebusiness surgeries offered by our local marketing experts on business social media topics. Face to face, 15 minute, free sessions were provided about various popular online subjects such as You Tube Twitter, FaceBook, LinkedIn, Podcasting, iApps and Flickr. Queues formed at the begining of the Show to book these popular slots offered throughout the day.

Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival Village & Christmas Zone

The Brighton & Hove Business Autumn 2010 Show hosted the first dedicated Food and Drink Festival Village and Christmas Zone which proved to be a resounding success with major hotels and restaurants reporting brisk bookings.

This was a great opportunity for visitors to meet and book their Christmas corporate festivities and taste some of our fabulous hotels and restaurants renowned free samplers of cuisine on the day. Visitors learnt about what venues had planned for their Christmas offers and about other business conference facilities and hosting of meetings.

Brighton & Hove Business pleased to support The Mayor’s Charities Appeal 2010/2011

The team from the Mayor’s Charities Appeal 2010/2011 with The City Mayor.

The Charities chosen by Mayor Geoffrey Wells are Alzheimers Society, Macmillan Cancer Support, The Sussex Heart Charity and Martlets Hospice, the Brighton & Hove charity, who were busy all day telling visitors and exhibitors all about their various projects and fundraising at their stand at The Brighton & Hove Business Show.

For more information about their charitable events please see the charities page or contact  Caroll Tyrrell at The Mayor’s Office, Brighton Town Hall, call 01273 291225

The Sussex Fashion Awards

Recognizing the very best of fashion on the South Coast, The Sussex Fashion Awards will take place
24 February 2011 at a stunning location in Hove.

Free to vote, trade and public are invited to choose their individual or fashion teams from 11 categories. The nominations are now open online.

A celebration of the creative industry, Sussex’s reputation as a fashion hub and judged by a dedicated panel of local, expert judges.

The first regional awards to be held outside of The British Fashion Awards, London, and Scotland Fashion Awards.

Business sponsorship packages now available and nominations can be accessed from  www.fashionsussex.co.uk

Further information available from Michaela Walker at info@fashionsussex.co.uk or call 07864 971662

Don’t miss out on the chance of winning the RSPB Telegraph Nature of Farming Award

Is Britain’s most wildlife friendly farmer in East Sussex? The race is on to get entries in for this year’s RSPB Telegraph Nature of Farming Award with applications being accepted until Saturday 30 April.

The award aims to find the farmer who has put in the most work on their land to help threatened countryside species.

After the closing date, entries will be shortlisted to eight regional winners. A panel of experts will decide which four should go through to the national finals, and then the UK public will then decide the winner by casting their votes online via The Telegraph or at country shows throughout the summer.

All the details on how to enter can be found on the RSPB website at www.rspb.org.uk/natureoffarming

Bruce Fowkes RSPB farmland advisor in the South East said: “We’ve had strong regional winners from the South East in previous years and seen some impressive projects underway. Farmers in East Sussex continue to do great work to help rare and threatened species such as the Lapwing, Grey Partridge and Corn bunting, so I hope we see lots of entries this year.

“Given the ongoing national decline in biodiversity, it’s critical that we support the people who face the dual challenge of delivering our food while acting as guardians of our countryside habitats and wildlife.

“The Nature of Farming Award recognises farmers’ efforts to balance those two objectives, and also inspires others to try out wildlife-friendly farming.”

For the first time, there will also be a highly commended category this year, to recognise the efforts of farmers who have excelled in their support of farmland wildlife.

Last year’s winner in the South East region was Jon Capes of Hatherden House Farm near Andover in Hampshire. Mr Capes has a 500 hectare commercially-run arable farm, where he has taken measures to provide the three key requirements for farmland birds: summer food, winter food and nesting sites.

These measures are likely to benefit Skylarks, Linnets, Lapwings and Grey Partridges, all of which have been identified in the UK’s Biodiversity Action Plan as priority species needing conservation action.

Mr Fowkes added: “Not only is Mr Capes encouraging more wildlife onto his land, he also maintains footpaths, bridleways and explanatory signs, to make it easier for people to visit and to see his conservation work for themselves.”

This year’s judging panel will include:

Darren Moorcroft – RSPB Head of Countryside Conservation

Martin Warren – Butterfly Conservation Chief Executive

Victoria Chester – Plantlife Chief Executive

Fergus Collins – Countryfile Magazine

The competition is run by the RSPB, supported by Butterfly Conservation and Plantlife, and sponsored by The Telegraph.

The EU LIFE+ Programme funds RSPB work which supports wildlife-friendly farming that furthers sustainable development.

Top eleven tips for planning a Christmas Party

Top eleven tips for planning a Christmas Party by events expert Sam Nash of Pretty Clever Events

Are you getting ready to throw a party and beginning to feel the pressure? If you are, you’re not alone, as many people turn into a ball of nerves pre-event.  Organising a party takes planning, planning and more planning! There are many important factors to consider and it’s important you get it right

Don’t worry though; with a little bit of thought and a lot of preparation you’ll be able to ‘WOW!’ your guests. We’ve put together a few great tips and guidelines to get you through the party planning process with your sanity and a smile! And this one goes to eleven…

Step 1 – Decide what kind of party it’s going to be

Be realistic about what is achievable with the time and resources you have. Does it need to be informal or formal? Large or small? Inside or outside? A reception or a seated dinner? What do you need to achieve from the event?

Step 2 – Determine your budget

The budget needs to be specific so you know what you can and can’t achieve. For some there might be revenue opportunities (ticket sales, sponsorship and donations, etc.) but one thing’s for sure – for all of us there will be expenses from catering to entertainment and staffing to printing costs, to name but a few. If you keep good records and plan ahead you will be halfway there – don’t be caught out though, expect the unexpected!

Step 3 – Guest list

Think about who you need to invite, not just who you want to invite! If you’re organising a corporate party make sure you include all the necessary people from all the relevant departments. It could be devastating for the individual missed off the list, so save yourself the embarrassment and double, triple check in advance!

Step 4 – Location, location, location

Selecting a suitable site is more than just finding out what rooms the venue has available. Think carefully about where you want the party to be. Where will the guests be travelling from? Is the venue easily accessible and is there any nearby public transport or parking facilities, it all makes a difference to your guests.

Step 5 – It’s all about the venue

Hotel, bar, restaurant or boat? Is there enough space for your guests and are there any noise restrictions? After all, we all like a good party and if you’re having a good time nobody likes to be told to ‘pipe down!’ Do you need disabled access, do you require a stage, dance floor or special equipment and if so is there enough room? And finally will you need any overnight accommodation?

Step 6 – Catering

Food and drink at your event is crucial. Think carefully about what style of food you want to serve; will it be buffet, bowl food, sit down, food stalls or canapés? What beverages will be available too – if you’re having a reception will you be having cocktails and canapés or some fizz, wine and soft drinks? How do you want things served, and who do you want to serve them? Who clears up afterwards?!

Step 7 – Pick a theme

I know themes aren’t everyone’s cup of tea but for most they can be really good fun! A Christmas party doesn’t have to have a Christmas theme – we’ve done all sorts over the years from Winter Wonderland to a recent 1920’s Prohibition themed Murder Mystery, the Seven Deadly Sins to an outrageous Electric Eighties party. Entertainment, performers, table centres and full room décor really compliment a theme as well and really bring a party to life.

Step 8 – Entertainment

I can’t stress enough how important ‘good’ entertainment is. Research your performers, ask for testimonials and make sure they are reliable. A lot of entertainers and bands have footage or MP3 files online these days which help. Also think carefully about what type of entertainment you want; would you like something interactive like a game show or murder mystery or would you prefer a cabaret or solo artists such as stilt walkers

Step 9 - Itinerary

Make sure you have one, without one you are destined for failure. I have been a party planner for years and believe me when I tell you that there is no way you can retain all that information in your head at a live event. You need a detailed itinerary and all the necessary contacts numbers at your finger tips.

Step 10 – Inspired Invitations

The invitation is your guests first impression of what the party will be like and should include the correct information – your guests will need to know what the dress code is, the date, what time the party starts and finishes, if there is any food and drink available, the address, who to RSVP to and if you are having a cash bar later pop it on the invite as not everyone will think about bringing a pocket full of cash! You can also use chosen party theme to inspire your creation.

Step 11 – If in doubt, call us!

Make no mistake, organising parties and events takes MASSES of time! So why not call in the experts? Pretty Clever Events don’t do this just for fun; they do it because they’re extremely good at it! From free venue finding service, entertainment, venue dressing and theming, bar hire, catering and staffing solutions – you can take advantage of all or part of these services

www.prettyclever.co.uk  • 01273 771 500

Brighton 2for1 Offers

Come to Brighton this summer by train for exclusive 2FOR1 offers

The Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) and The Tourism Alliance of Brighton & Hove, are working together for 2010 on the city’s first ever 2FOR1 offers initiative. Following the continuing success of the London 2FOR1 promotion, Brighton businesses have fast tracked ahead with a package showcasing the best of our unique city by the sea.

Many thousands of train travellers are expected to take advantage of the deal, which provides two admission tickets for the price of one when presenting their voucher and train tickets at participating attractions, plus exclusive dining, nights out and accommodation deals. Choose from rides on Brighton Pier, underwater adventures at SEALIFE, a day at the races, a leisurely match at Sussex County Cricket, alongside fantastic 2FOR1 food and drink deals at the likes of Terre á Terre, The Terraces and Drakes of Brighton. And why not take advantage of one of the truly stunning accommodation offers at the city’s best hotels including Holiday Inn, Hilton Brighton Metropole and Hotel du Vin.

ATOC Chief Executive Michael Roberts said: “This summer train companies, First Capital Connect and Southern Railways, will get hundreds of thousands of people into Brighton & Hove, keeping the city’s tourism industry ticking over at a time when the economy needs all the help it can get.

“It is great news that ever greater numbers of people are taking advantage of deals to save money. This is a perfect example of how train companies are working together with other businesses to give people coming into Brighton & Hove what they want.”

The Tourism Alliance Brighton & Hove is a membership organisation of proactive tourism and hospitality businesses with an ongoing commitment to the success of the city and the continuing improvement of the visitor experience.

Claire Mitchell, Chair of The Tourism Alliance said “We are excited and proud to have the opportunity to work with ATOC and the train companies on an initiative that directly benefits all parties, and gives us a channel to communicate a positive message about the fantastic offerings of Brighton & Hove. Throughout 2010 we want to maximise the in-bound visitor potential of our core catchment area of London and the south east, and the 2FOR1 promotion is a fantastic way to do this.”

For unbeatable offers, pick up a brochure from over 240 railways stations across London and the South East, or visit the website for online vouchers – www.daysoutguide.co.uk



Brighton & Hove Business Show

Thursday 7 October 2010 11am – 6pm, Hove Town Hall

The Brighton & Hove Business Shows now attracts International, National and local brand exhibitors and visitors, operating two Business Shows a year. With more than 17,000 City Business members and 1,000 and more attending the events, it’s one not to miss.

With free pre-registration admittance, you’ll discover over 500 of the very best products and services, offering you a broader, more comprehensive range from businesses located mostly in and around the City of Brighton & Hove.

This Show has been enhanced to include a special Christmas Corporate Zone, hosting a fabulous range of local corporate hospitality providers offering a luxurious option to local businesses at affordable prices.

There’s more than 100 dedicated business exhibitors.  Some of the product and services sectors you’ll see -

• Hotels, venues,

• Food/drink

• Pr, media & marketing providers

• Graphics, branding and visual displays

• Online services

• Support groups

• Professional services including accountancy and legal, copyright.

• Education

• Online and offline Security services

• Creative services including film and photography

• Health and therapies

• Employment

• www.brightonandhovebusinessshow.co.uk

• info@brightonandhovebusiness.co.uk

• 07864 971662

Conservationists and business unite in calling for garden peat levy

People in Sussex are being urged to join conservation groups and gardening suppliers in calling on the Government to introduce a levy on garden peat products in the March budget.

Peat bogs are a vital carbon sink and the market for peat-based compost in the UK is responsible for 630,000 tonnes of carbon emissions a year – the equivalent of an extra 300,000 cars on our roads. The majority of peat sold in the UK is imported from Ireland and Baltic countries where peat extraction is also responsible for destroying wildlife habitats.

RSPB conservation director Mark Avery said: “It really is incredible that a product as hugely damaging to our environment as peat is still being widely consumed in the UK. Despite attempts to tackle this issue in the 1990s, little has been achieved aside from exporting damaging peat extraction overseas.”

According to UK Government figures, the cost to society of peat harvesting through carbon emissions alone is £11 per cubic metre, or around £32million a year in the UK. This cost is not reflected in the price of peat, however a levy of around £1 on a regular sized bag of peat-based compost would help address this.

With spring finally on the horizon, many people in Sussex will be outdoors this week, tidying their gardens and outdoor spaces ready for the new season. It’s a time of year when peat sales traditionally increase.

Government attempts to phase out peat over the past ten years have failed and DEFRA is currently consulting over its new voluntary initiative with a target of phasing out horticultural peat over the next two decades.

However, an RSPB report, published this week, says this is neither strong enough nor quick enough and that a levy needs to be introduced to encourage consumers to use peat-free alternatives.

The call has been backed by other groups including The Wildlife Trusts, Plantlife, Buglife, the Irish Peatland Conservation Council and Butterfly Conservation as well as compost suppliers Vital Earth. Money raised through the levy could also provide vital funding for the restoration of damaged peat bogs across the UK.

Dr Avery added: “A financial incentive is vital if we are to change the behaviour of consumers and encourage the horticultural industry to invest in alternatives. Rigorous studies have shown that good peat free composts work just as well. Kew Gardens is a notable example of a thriving peat free garden. Also, London’s Royal Parks promote composting, which both reduces waste sent to landfill and reduces carbon emissions from transporting waste or importing peat or compost.”

Steve Harper, Managing Director of compost suppliers Vital Earth, said: “The gardening industry should welcome a peat levy. It’s one way towards a more level playing field for peat and the environmentally better, but more expensive to produce, alternatives. Without this, it’s hard for the industry to invest in the change the Government would like to see happen to end the widespread use of peat.”

Catherine O’Connell, Chief Executive of the Irish Peatland Conservation Council, said: “Our bogs need your levy. Irish peat bogs are being torn apart to supply British gardeners with their bags of peat compost. We’re now your major peat source. A retail levy will help consumers to choose composts not on price, but on their relative merits.”

Lowland raised peat bogs are home to a range of butterflies, dragonflies, birds and unique insect-eating plants, but they form at a rate of just one centimetre every ten years. In the UK, peat bogs hold almost four times as much carbon as forests. The extraction and use of peat releases carbon dioxide, contributing to global climate change.

Sussex Weddings at The American Express Community Stadium in Brighton

The American Express Community Stadium in Brighton aims to be licensed to host weddings from July and promises to be the most exciting new wedding venue in Sussex, it was revealed today by the new events team at the stadium.

As well as stunning, modern rooms with great views, the stadium will offer the best dining for weddings available in the county, overseen by newly-recruited chef and award-winning former personal chef to the Prime Minister, Frederick Tobin, whose experience includes Harrods’ restaurants, the Dorchester and the Grove, winning many rosettes and accolades.

Said Polly Harrison, who is heading up hospitality and events at the Amex: “We have a brilliant new team aiming to offer very personal service and whilst we have some great set packages to choose from, with a range of top suppliers, we won’t impose them on our customers – we are open to all ideas and want to offer couples a completely bespoke service and, if possible, we want to say yes to any request, no matter how unusual.”

“We are ready to take bookings right away and because the stadium will only be completed in a few months, we can offer a virtual reality tour of the rooms available to help demonstrate the facilities we are offering, as well as showing Fred’s stunning sample menus.”

All the facilities will be opened to the public at the stadium’s first ever Wedding Fayre on September 4 when premier wedding event organisers, Stylish Events, will be hosting one of their superb events with fully-choreographed fashion shows featuring top London show models.

Said Tracey Rainford, who runs Stylish Events in partnership with Jenny Baldwin: “We think the stadium is going to appeal to a great many wedding couples on the South Coast and we are thrilled to have teamed up with Polly and her brilliant team to exclusively show off their amazing facilities. Couples will be able to come and enjoy our quality wedding fashion show and see for themselves why this is a superb wedding location.”

The stylish West Stand plays host to eight luxury lounges giving the team complete flexibility in their bespoke service for civil ceremonies and wedding receptions. The stadium has also teamed up with some of Sussex’s finest hotels to offer great value overnight accommodation.

For more information, email: weddingsbrighton@azure.uk.com or call 01273 542 343 and ask for the weddings team.

For information on Stylish Events visit www.stylisheventsfayres.com

The Brighton Half Marathon 2011

The Brighton Half Marathon, Sweatshop and Brooks will be working together to support the local running community, inspire people to run and be active, and to take a popular, well established running event to the next level.

The opening of a new Sweatshop retail store in Queen’s Road, Brighton, is timed perfectly to reflect the commitment and dedication to the Brighton & Hove running community. Patrick Davoren, Store Manager at Sweatshop Brighton and two times winner of the Brighton Half Marathon, can offer first hand professional advice to runners of all levels.

With Sweatshop, the UK’s largest specialist running retailer, announced as the Sports Retail Partner and Brooks, the leading independent specialist running brand, as Sports Brand Partner, the Brighton Half Marathon grows to new heights of support for its 21st year anniversary.

Spokes people from both Sweatshop and Brooks have said that they are delighted about their relationship with the Brighton Half Marathon and proud to be associated with this highly respected and firmly established event.

To celebrate the new partnership Andrea Fox, Presenter of the Breakfast Show on Juice 107.2 FM and ambassador for the Brighton Half Marathon, has been to the newly opened Sweatshop to pick up a pair of Brooks running shoes and Brooks Nightlife technical clothing to complement her training for the February race. A complete half marathon novice, Andrea committed to running the race and raising money for the Sussex Beacon whilst on air interviewing Race Director Becky Stevens.

The Brighton Half Marathon is organised by and the main fundraiser for the Sussex Beacon and takes place on Sunday 20th February 2011.

Details about the Brighton Half Marathon and its Youth Races, registration, route maps and how to get involved can be found on www.brightonhalfmarathon.com . You can also join the Facebook page www.facebook.com/BrightonHalfMarathon or follow ‘BrightonHalf’ on Twitter.

www.sussexbeacon.org.uk

Sussex Business Awards Shortlist 2010

The Creative Industries Award Sponsored by Wired Sussex
·         Brighton Institute of Modern Music (BIMM)
·         B&R Production
·         Prop Studios

The Health, Work and Wellbeing Award Sponsored by NHS West Sussex
·         Aqua Medical
·         Domestic & General Services Ltd
·         Green Mop Ltd
·          
The Award for Innovation in Business Sponsored by Morgan Sindall
·         Access by Design
·         Brighton Swimming School
·         Global Freight Solutions

The Award for the Best Employer in Sussex Sponsored by The Argus
·         Fireco Ltd
·         Marlin Financial Services
·         Pegasus PR

The Award for the Best Customer Service in Sussex Sponsored by Domestic and General
·         Club Class Chauffeurs Ltd
·         Fishers Farm Park
·         Total Orthodontics

The Award for Leisure and Tourism Sponsored by Sussex Life
·         Hotel du Vin
·         Lion Hotels
·         The Grounded Events Company – Brighton Marathon

The Award for the Most Sustainable Business Sponsored by Veolia Environmental Services
·         Fishers Farm Park
·         Natures Way Foods
·         Nikwax Ltd

The Award for the Best New Business Sponsored by Venture Finance
·         Crunch.co.uk
·         The Book Nook
·         The Grounded Events Company – Brighton Marathon

The Business in the Community Award Sponsored by Bupa International   
·         Café Rasoi
·         Martin Searle Solicitors
·         Natures Way Foods

The Award for International Business of the Year Sponsored by The Grand (Brighton)   
·         Camillin Denny Architects
·         Pyroban
·         Trevillion Images

The Award for Small Business of the Year Sponsored by Lloyds TSB Commercial

·         Access by Design
·         Life Pure Water
·         Sussex Blast Cleaning

The Award for Sussex Company of the Year Sponsored by Deloitte
·         Brighton Institute of Modern Music
·         Higgidy
·         Leaders Limited

The Entrepreneur of the Year Sponsored by Redseven
·         Camilla Stephens, Higgidy
·         Mark Woolley, Electric Hairdressing
·         Robbie Raggio
·         Chris Veale, Headland Freight Services

The Sussex Business Person of the Year Sponsored by Heart FM
·         Mark Woolley, Electric Hairdressing
·         Colin Field, CPJ Field & Son
·         Lynette Baldwin, Baldwin Training Centre
·         Lisa Bradley, Pegasus PR

Sussex Young Chef of the Year – Simon Duncan in Grand Final

Young Brighton chef, Simon Duncan from Sam’s of Brighton, has made it through to the grand final for the hotly contended title of ‘Sussex Young Chef of the Year’, sponsored by Blue Spark Organisation, as part of the Sussex Food & Drink Awards 2010/11.

At just 20 years old, Simon was the youngest candidate who fought against five other Sussex chefs, all selected by public vote, on Tuesday 9 November in the dramatic ‘cook off’.  All the chefs faced enormous pressure this year having to produce a full three-course menu, based on local and seasonal ingredients, as opposed to the one course required in previous years.

The ‘masterchef-style’ cook off was hosted by City College Brighton & Hove and all the young chefs faced a nail biting wait before having to perform against the clock, producing each dish under the watchful eyes of the expert judging panel chaired by Clive Beddall OBE, Chairman of the Sussex Food & Drink Awards.

Said Simon, “I am absolutely thrilled at getting through to the finals – it’s been a fantastic, albeit slightly nerve wracking experience.  The competition was fierce and as I was the youngest contender I wasn’t sure if I would make it through, but Sam Metcalfe from Sam’s Brighton has been a fantastic mentor and obviously all our efforts and preparation has paid off!”  Joining Simon in the grand finals is Steven Edwards, Sous Chef for South Lodge Hotel in Horsham and Hanna Payne, The Pass Restaurant also at South Lodge.

Clive Beddall OBE, Chairman of the Judges for the Sussex Food & Drink Awards, commended runners up: Will Stanyer from Hotel Du Vin, Brighton; Daniel Whittle from Temptation café, Brighton and Bradley Jordan from Restaurant Tristan in Horsham, who fought hard in the cook off this week.  “It was one of the most closely-run competitions in the five-year history of the event and although they didn’t make it through to the final, their food was superb and they showed huge promise for the future – we hope very much that they will come back to compete again.”

Dhrutee Davé, Director of Haywards Heath based food recruitment agency, Blue Spark Organisation, said: “It has been a fantastic experience to be sponsors of this very popular category this year.  The six candidates truly proved themselves in a very intense cook off and all were worthy of a place in the final – it was an extremely difficult decision for the judges to choose the top three as all the dishes were outstanding, but Simon, Hanna and Steven were exceptional and their dishes were truly delicious.”

The three finalists now face another two months of waiting to see who the overall winner is which will be announced at the Sussex Food & Drink Awards dinner, to be held at the East Sussex Golf Resort & Spa on 27th January 2011 and hosted by Danny Pike from BBC Sussex.

Organisers have already opened sales for tickets to attend the awards dinner, now dubbed the ‘Sussex foodie event of the year’.  This black tie event promises to be the best yet, celebrating the awards’ 5th birthday and includes a Sussex bubbly and ale reception, sponsored by Harveys; a stunning seven-course banquet dinner using the very best Sussex produce, created by the talented Andy Wiles, East Sussex National’s head chef; lots of entertainment; and a lively Oscars-style awards presentation.

www.sussexfoodawards.biz to find out how to buy tickets for this fabulous event or call Natural PR on 01273 857242 for more information.