Next week sees the start of the annual NHS Stoptober programme aimed at helping people quit smoking for good.   If yourselves or any of your staff wish to quit smoking and would like support, we offer a free smoking cessation service which includes at least 6 weeks support from a trained advisor and free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (patches, gum, lozenges etc.).   We can also provide further information or can present to staff on smoking or Smoking vs Vaping, so if this would interest you, please get in touch.   Spaces still available for general Workplace Health support at the beginning of next year for those motivated to make changes in the New Year!   Find more here

As we waved goodbye to the hot weather with our Members' End of Summer Party a few weeks ago, it marked the start of the academic year - always one of the busiest times at Sussex Innovation. Not only are we welcoming back academics, researchers and students to the Sussex campus - and launching all of the associated enterprise programmes for this year - but many of our community are returning from their summer holidays ready to start something new. Whether you're finally going through with finding a new space to grow your team, taking the time to reconsider your strategy, or launching that passion project that's been on the back burner, drop us an email to let us know how we can help!   Thinking Innovation This month's innovation insights and trends: exploring the potential of health hubs to transform our approach to healthcare, and everything we learned about social media at last month's brightonSEO conference.   Read the latest articles    Healthcare in Focus: developing a place-based approachHealthcare provision in the UK has been under strain in recent years, and we've been working closely with local partners to understand how different models can have a significant impact on public health. As we take part in a new consultation project at the University of Sussex, here are a few of the lessons we've learned along the way. brightonSEO: how to level up your social contentHow do you hold people's attention on LinkedIn? What will stand out in a world of AI-generated content? Why do some TikTok trends go viral? Last month's international SEO conference brought some of the leading lights of digital content together to share their insights about how to make your marketing messages more effective. What's Happening? The latest news stories from the Sussex Innovation community include a new AI venture designed to reduce health inequality, and comment from DOCIAsport on the government's latest sport strategy to get more British adults physically active.   Catalyst Corporation launches new health equity AI partnershipTechnology innovation company Catalyst Corporation have announced their part in the creation of a new partnership designed to reduce health inequality and improve access to care for underserved populations. How can the UK's inactivity crisis be tackled?Ian Braid, MD and founder of DOCIAsport, was among the experts who spoke to the BBC for their investigation into health and fitness in the UK, and the barriers to entry for people trying to live more active lives.   Coming Up... The most important dates for your diary next month. Our upgraded calendar is at your fingertips; thoughtfully curated to showcase a handpicked selection of top-notch events, brought to you by our valued partners across the South East!    Check out our events calendar   University of Sussex Business Angels: Members Forum 5th October - the launch of our new angel investment network in partnership with the University of Sussex. If you want to invest in growing businesses in our community, join us to help shape it. Knowledge Hub Falmer: Understand and Convert Your Customers 10th October - James Dempster, MD and co-founder of marketing experts Fox & Bear, shares his strategies for creating compelling content marketing, by merging human empathy with objective data. Meet the Members Brunch Croydon 18th October - join our Croydon community for informal networking over tea, coffee and pastries, and hear from a few of the companies at Sussex Innovation about their work. Brighton Summit 2023: Human 20th October - this year's conference organised by Brighton Chamber takes place at the Attenborough Centre for Creative Arts on the University of Sussex campus. See you there!        

Leading Sussex law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter is expanding its presence in the South East, following a merger with Chichester firm Pure Employment Law. The union will see Pure Employment Law become part of the Mayo Wynne Baxter brand, adding a new office hub in Chichester, four team members and around £500,000 in additional turnover to the firm's revenue. The new location will also create more than a dozen jobs in the local area. Acting for both employers and employees, Pure Employment Law was established in 2010 by employment law specialists Nicola Brown and Peter Stevens, who have more than 50 years' combined experience, having both previously worked at Thomas Eggar before setting up on their own. The merger will bolster Mayo Wynne Baxter's existing employment offering and the new Chichester hub will expand the firm's patch across Sussex, providing local clients with access to Mayo Wynne Baxter's 200 strong team of experts. Nicola, who will be joining Mayo Wynne Baxter as a partner, said: "Our client base has grown massively in the past 13 years and we felt ready for the next step, so began looking for a partner that could provide us with the infrastructure to grow. We're delighted to become part of a firm that has such a great reputation in Sussex and that has shown its commitment to building a full service offering for clients in Chichester." Mayo Wynne Baxter has confirmed it is looking to recruit at least 12 legal professionals in the area, to support local clients with a range of legal services. The merger follows shortly after the firm's announced union with Lawson Lewis Blakers in Eastbourne. Dean Orgill, chief executive partner at Mayo Wynne Baxter, said: "We're thrilled to have announced two key mergers, in relatively quick succession, that have not only brought in incredible expertise to our firm but also expanded our reach, taking us to nine locations across the region. "We've had a landmark year for growth already but won't be resting on our laurels. Our focus for the immediate future is recruitment and building a strong team." Martin Williams, head of employment at Mayo Wynne Baxter, said: "Nicola and Peter bring with them bags of expertise and business acumen, so we're delighted that they are joining our growing employment team. We are glad to be able to offer their existing client base a range of legal services and their team with excellent training and career development opportunities." There are no planned redundancies as a result of the merger. Mayo Wynne Baxter is proactively recruiting in Chichester and the wider Sussex area.

We are delighted to be able to share the exciting news with you that UK Growth Coach has just won the Best SME Management Consultancy in Sussex at the Management Consulting Awards run by Wealth & Finance International! The award is a real testament to not only the hard work and quality of the business coaching we provide, but the results and real-world impact our clients experience. Where the marketplace is flooded with big-business coaching concepts that aren't always fully relevant in an SME setting, our unique models (all developed by our own team) are a refreshing change. Our approach to coaching is based on concepts we've developed ourselves after years as business owners and coaches to more than 250 business clients.   Here are just some of the client results that helped us achieve this accolade:   Reduced one business owners working week from 80hrs to 45hr and enabled them to go on their first family holiday for five years. significantly bolstered a construction company's secured future work and cash security, from 4 weeks to 9 months. enabled a business owner to expedite the sale of their business, achieving a higher market price than initially anticipated. increased another company's year-on-year turnover by 35% empowered one firm to create six new jobs.   We don't just look at or focus on the business results, but also on the beneficial impacts to the lives of the company owners, their teams and the wider business society. By improving business results, we enhance the lives of business owners, employees, supply chains, and the community overall. SMEs who work with us deliver economic benefits to the communities they serve through job and wealth creation, as well as other contributions.   Why not take advantage of a complementary business review with one of our coaches, where together we will: Assess your business' current progression status. Explore your aspirations for the future and current barriers. Discuss ideas, opportunities, and make relevant suggestions. Consider how actions, support and education can make change happen.   Sound interesting? Give us a call on 01444 440500, or book directly here: https://calendly.com/timrylatt. You can also check out our website for more information: https://tr.growthcoach.co.uk/

Saturday 30 September and Wednesday 4 October: no trains across vast majority of GTR network Friday 29 September, Monday 2, Tuesday 3, Thursday 5 and Friday 6 October: amended timetables with fewer trains Sunday 1 October and Thursday 5 October: first services start later than normal Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), which operates Southern, Gatwick Express, Thameslink and Great Northern, is warning customers that regrettably there will be no trains on the vast majority of its network on Saturday 30 September and Wednesday 4 October owing to national industrial action by the ASLEF union. A limited shuttle service will run between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport on both days. These trains will be extremely busy and will not stop at any other stations. Queueing systems will be in place and passengers may not be able to board their chosen service, especially in the late evenings. Passengers are strongly urged not to travel to or from Gatwick by train if they have an alternative transport option, and to leave plenty of extra time for their journey if using a train is essential. As there are no trains across most of the country on these two days, there will be limited onward travel options from London Victoria, so travellers are urged to plan their whole journey ahead of time. On each morning following strike action - Sunday 1 October and Thursday 5 October - services will start up later than usual. Additionally, an overtime ban by ASLEF will mean amended timetables with fewer trains on Friday 29 September, and on Monday 2, Tuesday 3, Thursday 5 and Friday 6 October. These timetables have been designed to help passengers plan for their day, providing greater certainty of train times with fewer short-notice alterations. However, passengers should expect busier trains, especially in peak hours, and longer waiting times. GTR has contacted schools to ensure they are aware and can help ensure nobody is caught out. Jenny Saunders, GTR's Customer Service Director, said: "We know how difficult this ongoing national industrial action is for our customers and we're really sorry for the continued inconvenience it's causing. So that you can travel with confidence, we'll be operating the most resilient timetables we can, but when trains are running, they're likely to be busier than normal, especially in the peaks, and you might need to wait longer than usual. Please plan all your journeys carefully in advance, allowing plenty of extra time, and check again before you set off." Train times are now available for Friday 29 and Saturday 30 September in online journey planners such as National Rail Enquiries, and will be available five to seven days in advance for subsequent affected dates [see notes to editors]. Further information is also available on the Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern and Gatwick Express websites.

Accountants, business, and wealth advisers Kreston Reeves has announced the appointment this month of Susan Chadwick, who has joined the firm as HR Director.   Susan has over 20 years' experience working at a senior level within HR in the accountancy profession, initially at Deloitte and more recently at Rawlinson & Hunter LLP.   Susan has a track record of driving organisational growth through identifying and implementing innovative HR strategies and processes and is a Fellow of both the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development and the Institute of Paralegals.   Commenting on Susan's appointment, Richard Heasman, HR Partner at Kreston Reeves, said: "We're delighted to welcome Susan to the team to lead our HR, employer brand and people engagement initiatives. Our people make our firm and she brings a wealth of experience in the accounting sector with her so we're looking forward to continued growth and development in this area."   Susan Chadwick comments: "I'm very pleased to join Kreston Reeves and I look forward to getting to know the people across the offices. It is an exciting time to join the firm as they continue to progress their journey as a B Corp™ and a purpose driven business.   "The firm's apprenticeship programme has also recently been recognised in CIPD's People Management Awards, as well as the national Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers List. I'm looking forward to continuing to build on the great work and culture that the firm has already developed".

Roffey Park Institute   This month we explore how to improve your own personal effectiveness, coaching and delegation skills to create behaviour change. We hear from a recent participant and explore the role of women in OD.   In our latest whitepaper - The DNA of Personal Effectiveness - we have taken a fresh look at personal effectiveness and how regular, sustainable changes can be made which directly impact your personal effectiveness. The paper outlines a new framework for personal effectiveness and is packed with practical exercises which have been drawn from our research and the work we do with groups and individuals from all levels within a wide range of organisations. Download your copy Influencing Behaviour Change as a Leader   How do you measure behaviour change? Track empathy or gauge attentiveness? We explore why learning and paying attention to what matters is where real change occurs. Read More Take a journey in OD with Rebecca Gane Recent participant of the Organisational Development (OD) Practitioners Programme, Rebecca Gane shares her fascinating personal journey. Read more Coaching and Delegation Skills - Manage priorities, create growth opportunities Long gone are the days when leaders and managers had all the answers, but there is still an expectation that they should and that's often not possible. This is where coaching and delegating, as key skills for any manager and leader's toolkit, come to the fore. Read more Women in OD How are women driving positive change in organisational development and how do we support their growth in the profession? We explore the importance of women in the field and the need for diversity and inclusivity to transform workplaces for the better. Read More  

Newly created CCO role will further enhance the customer experience Mark Pavlides brings significant travel, transport, customer and digital expertise Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), which operates Southern, Gatwick Express, Thameslink and Great Northern, has appointed Mark Pavlides as Chief Customer Officer. This new role is at the heart of decision-making for GTR and will further elevate the customer experience and customer care across the operator's network for all passengers. There will be a particular focus on ensuring the railway is accessible for all, innovating GTR's digital offering and encouraging rail travel across the operator's vast network of destinations. The role covers all elements of the passenger journey, from retail to the station and on-board experience, customer information and aftercare. Mark brings a wealth of experience to the position, including more than a decade leading customer service, distribution and technology for British Airways and Qantas Holidays in the UK and Australia. He spent six years in regional managing director roles leading the American International Group's travel insurance business across Asia Pacific. More recently, Mark was Global Director of Customer Services at William Hill and Customer Services Director for the Association for Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). Mark said: "I'm delighted to take on this new role at GTR and I am absolutely committed to ensuring that the passenger experience remains at the heart of what we do, and how we do it, at all times. "It's an interesting time to join the railway and I think there are many opportunities to celebrate train travel's sustainable credentials and make more use of technology to better understand our customers and enhance their journeys. "I hope to bring my knowledge from across the travel sector and beyond to improve our customer offering and their experiences, so we continue to make improvements and ultimately ensure that customers love to travel with us." Patrick Verwer, Chief Executive Officer, said: "It's fantastic to announce this new Chief Customer Officer role for GTR, which will support our work to connect people and help local communities to thrive. I'm thrilled to have Mark on board ensuring that the customer experience is at the centre of our decision-making and innovation."

The central field was once part of an ancient woodland called Forest Copse, which we believe was felled during the Second World War. However, the soil of this field still has a 'memory' of that woodland, as evidenced by Bluebells and Oak saplings growing in the open field. Our vision is to see the woodland regenerate naturally in the coming years and decades.This is an important opportunity to make more space for wildlife.The other two fields will be managed to create species rich grasslands, which will be achieved by grazing and cutting to reduce nutrient levels. The hedgerows will be encouraged to spread into the fields to form dense scrub, the perfect habitat for Nightingales. This will also improve flightlines for bats and create corridors for Dormice. The purchase of these fields will further enrich a nature reserve that is already one of the most biodiverse in Sussex. Please help us make this vision possible by donating today. Help restore our landscape   Upcoming Events 26 September: Forest School Training - Brighton 28 September: Nature Tots - Tilgate Park, Crawley - Last 5 places 01 October: Birds and Breakfast - Rye Harbour Nature Reserve 27 October: Crafting your Screenplay - Rye Harbour Nature Reserve 11 November: Beginning Nature Photography - Henfield More events here

This October, Martin Searle Solicitors' Employment Law team are launching 'Disability Matters', their annual campaign to stamp out disability discrimination at work. This campaign will concentrate on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and other medical conditions such as Long Covid and Fibromyalgia, which can produce similar symptoms. Despite disability discrimination in the workplace being outlawed we are dealing with increasing numbers of employees experiencing discrimination. A June 2023 study by the House of Commons library found that 53.7% of working-age disabled people are in employment, compared to 82.7% for people who are not disabled. For many with mental health conditions, including learning difficulties, the employment rate drops to just 28%. A 2020 study carried out by Citizens Advice found that disabled people were twice as likely to face redundancy at work. The Office of National Statistics (ONS) also found that disabled people earn 13.8% less on average than non-disabled people - almost £2 less per hour. The disability employment gap, which shows the difference between the employment rates of disabled and non-disabled people, begun widening during the Coronavirus pandemic, and is how at 29.8% - the widest point since 2018. Although the measures introduced by the government at the height of the pandemic have now been dropped, in January 2023 the ONS estimated that two million people (3.1% of the population) were experiencing long COVID symptoms, with 19% of these reporting that their ability to undertake day-to-day activities had been "limited a lot" since the onset of symptoms. As with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, employers are often unaware of their responsibilities to employees who are experiencing long COVID, and may not realise that their employees are disabled under the Equality Act, and that they could be inadvertently discriminating against them at work. Fiona Martin, Director and Head of Employment Law at Martin Searle Solicitors, said "We have been contacted by many employees who believe they have been unfairly selected for redundancy or whose employers have failed to make reasonable adjustments for their disability. We are a campaigning law firm who educate employers to follow best practice while fighting for employees who have been discriminated against. This is because we want to make disability discrimination at work a thing of the past." Martin Searle Solicitors have produced a series of free factsheets, case studies and FAQs for employers and employees covering basic disability rights, as well as avoiding disability discrimination in the workplace which are available on their website.Their campaign includes a virtual seminar for charities and non-profit organisations on Managing Ill Health and Disability, run in partnership with Community Works. This takes place on Thursday 19 October at 10.30am. For more information and to book, click here. They will also run a virtual seminar for HR and Employment Professionals on Managing Ill Health and Disability in association with MBL Seminars, from 1pm on Thursday 26 October which you can book here. Martin Searle Solicitors are providing a free 30 minute confidential advice line for employers and employees on disability rights and employer duties throughout October 2023. Employers,employees and workers can call 01273 609911 from 3.30pm - 5.30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more information, please visit www.ms-solicitors.co.uk/disability-matters

Railway staff from Southern and Thameslink joined forces with the Marine Conservation Society, Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club and Brighton & Hove Buses at low tide on Monday to blitz a section of Brighton & Hove Beach as part of The Great British Beach Clean, the charity's annual beach clean and litter survey project, running until Sunday 24 September. The team of 35 volunteers braved torrential rain and strong winds to collect an astonishing 589 pieces of litter from just a 100m stretch, ranging from crisp packets to bottle tops and cigarette butts. They also found a ring which railway staff hope to reunite with its owner (see editor's notes). Each piece of litter that the team picked up is one less bit of rubbish that will enter the ocean and cause damage to the marine wildlife. Everything collected was also catalogued. This gives the Marine Conservation Society an invaluable insight into what is polluting the sea, enabling it to campaign for positive change to protect the ocean. The society has already helped implement plastic bag charges, better wet wipe labelling, and supporting a tax on single-use plastic items. Jason Brooker, Head of Environment at Govia Thameslink Railway which runs the two train firms, said: "Every year, between 8 and 13 million tonnes of plastic enters our oceans. This is a biodiversity crisis, blighting our shores and impacting the communities we serve. "With so many beaches on our rail network, it makes sense for us to do our part to keep them clean and inviting for our customers. Keeping our shores clean also helps protect local biodiversity, which is a key part of our environment strategy." Electric trains are the most sustainable form of public transport. With the worsening climate and ecological crisis, GTR also hopes the beach clean will highlight how sustainable rail travel is, encouraging people to switch from car to train to reach the coast. This would boost passenger numbers on a network that has lost 25% of its customer base post pandemic. Jason added: "Jointly, by making small but important changes with our passengers and local communities, we can make a real difference for our planet and the generations to come." GTR was joined in the clean up by Brighton & Hove Albion FC's Sustainability Manager Tom Harris and coach driver Martine Patey from Brighton & Hove Buses. Clare Trotman, Beachwatch Officer at the Marine Conservation Society, said: "We wouldn't be able to do the work we do at the Marine Conservation Society without the support of our volunteers heading out to the coast to collect vital information on what's polluting our seas. "A massive thank you to the Thameslink team for joining this year's Great British Beach Clean and protecting our coasts and sea from pollution."

Grieving families are being urged to beware of unqualified estate planning advisors by leading Sussex law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter after a new report reveals cases where incompetence has led to clients paying thousands of pounds in additional tax.   The latest survey[1] published by the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) uncovers the impact of unqualified advisers in the estate planning sector which included cases of paying additional tax of up to £2m.   The law firm is calling for urgent regulation to save people from suffering financially due to poor advice at a time when they are going through the pain of a bereavement.   Jessica Partridge, partner specialising in private client law at Mayo Wynne Baxter, said: "It's appalling that families are being misled and taken advantage of by unqualified advisors, especially at a time when they may be grieving for a loved one.   "No-one should have to deal with unnecessary financial or emotional woes because of bad advice.   "Clients inadvertently enter these arrangements, thinking they have put their affairs in order, when really they have been let down and taken advantage of as the advisor lacks the specialist skills and knowledge to give what is extremely technical legal and tax advice.   "Sadly, some will writing firms prey on vulnerable clients, offering fixed fees they claim will be cheaper than a solicitor. But there are hidden costs, some of which may not be apparent until after death - and families can end up being forced to pay thousands to specific companies for estate administration work.   "The STEP report highlights that a professional will typically costs less than £500.   "We urgently need regulation for those who write wills and administer estates to ensure minimum standards of competence and behaviour to protect the public."   Bad practise includes dishonesty in the drafting and administration of trusts and cases where large parts of loved ones' estates have had to be spent on additional tax or legal fees to fix problems following poor advice.   The report highlighted cases where families paid far more in tax than they needed to because of bad advice given by advisors who did not consider enough factors, with extra amounts paid ranging from £25,000 to £2m.     Just over half of those surveyed (54 per cent) had come across firms making false claims about the wills they are selling to clients. Of those, 71 people said advisors had illegally told their clients they could avoid care home fees by putting their home and other assets into a trust.   Over half (55 per cent) had come across cases of incompetence or dishonesty in the drafting and administration of trusts, while almost 80 per cent of those surveyed said they had come across cases of wills with errors.     For more information please visit: https://www.mayowynnebaxter.co.uk/

Leading Sussex law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter is expanding its presence in the South East, following a merger with Chichester firm Pure Employment Law. The union will see Pure Employment Law become part of the Mayo Wynne Baxter brand, adding a new office hub in Chichester, four team members and around £500,000 in additional turnover to the firm's revenue. The new location will also create more than a dozen jobs in the local area. Acting for both employers and employees, Pure Employment Law was established in 2010 by employment law specialists Nicola Brown and Peter Stevens, who have more than 50 years' combined experience, having both previously worked at Thomas Eggar before setting up on their own. The merger will bolster Mayo Wynne Baxter's existing employment offering and the new Chichester hub will expand the firm's patch across Sussex, providing local clients with access to Mayo Wynne Baxter's 200 strong team of experts. Nicola, who will be joining Mayo Wynne Baxter as a partner, said: "Our client base has grown massively in the past 13 years and we felt ready for the next step, so began looking for a partner that could provide us with the infrastructure to grow. We're delighted to become part of a firm that has such a great reputation in Sussex and that has shown its commitment to building a full service offering for clients in Chichester." Mayo Wynne Baxter has confirmed it is looking to recruit at least 12 legal professionals in the area, to support local clients with a range of legal services. The merger follows shortly after the firm's announced union with Lawson Lewis Blakers in Eastbourne. Dean Orgill, chief executive partner at Mayo Wynne Baxter, said: "We're thrilled to have announced two key mergers, in relatively quick succession, that have not only brought in incredible expertise to our firm but also expanded our reach, taking us to nine locations across the region. "We've had a landmark year for growth already but won't be resting on our laurels. Our focus for the immediate future is recruitment and building a strong team." Martin Williams, head of employment at Mayo Wynne Baxter, said: "Nicola and Peter bring with them bags of expertise and business acumen, so we're delighted that they are joining our growing employment team. We are glad to be able to offer their existing client base a range of legal services and their team with excellent training and career development opportunities." There are no planned redundancies as a result of the merger. Mayo Wynne Baxter is proactively recruiting in Chichester and the wider Sussex area.

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), which runs Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern and Gatwick Express trains, has announced that passengers using seven London stations will benefit from projects funded by its Station Improvements and Minor Works programmes this financial year. The projects, including cycle parking, customer information and accessibility enhancements, are scheduled to be completed by March 2024. The seven stations in the capital are among 20 across the whole GTR network, from Hertfordshire to the Sussex coast, where passengers will benefit. GTR is investing a total of £1.2 million in the programmes. Coulsdon South will get a new cycle hub with secure parking for 38 bikes, and open parking for a further 24 bikes on two-tier racks, all to be fitted with LED lighting. There are plans to install a secure entry system and CCTV. Passengers on Purley station's Platform 3 gain an additional waiting shelter. Its position will provide weather protection for passengers who choose to move further along the platform away from the entry gates. In response to feedback from passengers, Streatham Hill will gain a new customer information screen on the concourse, close to the ticket machines. Currently, passengers need to go through the gates to see departure information, so the new screen will mean people can see at a glance what trains are coming before buying a ticket. Two new toilets at the busy commuting interchange of Balham will greatly ease demand for the single existing toilet. This accessible facility will therefore offer more availability for disabled customers and need less frequent maintenance. Finsbury Park will gain its first accessible toilet. On Platforms 7 and 8, this will complement the Government's recently completed Access for All lift installation that made these platforms step-free from the street. The North London station's outdated PA system will be completely upgraded with new speakers, microphones, control equipment and cabling. The current system is showing its age, with insufficient sound quality, poor coverage of the platforms, and damaged cables. The improvements are supported by passenger representatives including the Hatfield Rail User Group and Hadley Wood Rail User Group, whose members use the station as an interchange for Moorgate, King's Cross and St Pancras services with London Underground. At Catford, old benches that have been removed to allow more space for wheelchair users are being replaced by narrower "perch" seats that preserve a comfortable platform width. One South London scheme has already been completed. Denmark Hill's well-equipped cycle hub now has a bike repair point, a feature suggested by local community group the SE5 Forum. The repair point offers cyclists with access to the hub an assortment of spanners and screwdrivers, and an air pump, for maintenance on the go. GTR's Customer Services Director Jenny Saunders said: "More places to sit or to get out of the rain, a nearby available toilet, and easy access to clear, up-to-date information about your train - these are small wins, but when thousands of our passengers are winning every day, all these individual improvements add up to make travelling with us a much better experience."

Check out all what Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club are offering for this year. find out more here

  52 business groups across the UK have pledged support for Gatwick Airport's plans Business support for Gatwick's plans has increased since 2021 letter of support Letter to Transport Secretary says the pandemic demonstrated the benefits Gatwick generates cannot be taken for granted and urges supporters to make their voices heard   In a joint letter to the Secretary of State for Transport, representatives of more than 55,000 businesses across the UK, have come together to pledge their support for Gatwick Airport's Northern Runway Project. This low-impact plan, designed to maximise the use of existing infrastructure, involves moving the centre line of Gatwick's current Northern Runway 12 metres - to enable it to be used for departing flights alongside the existing Main Runway. Led by the Gatwick Diamond Initiative, 52 business groups across the UK - including the Institute of Directors Sussex, CBI London and the London Chamber of Commerce - have put their names to the letter of support. In 2021, 36 business groups, representing 20,000 members across the South East wrote to the Transport Secretary offering support for Gatwick's plans. This increase in support, both in numbers and geography, demonstrates the appetite from the UK business community to support Gatwick's future and to recognise the national importance of this application. Many of the businesses represented in the letter have benefitted from Gatwick's supply chains, from the millions of tourists who fly into the airport each year and from the diverse economic clusters that have flourished in the Gatwick Diamond region due to the connectivity and opportunities offered by the airport. In the letter, issued today, the signatories said they recognised the benefits Gatwick had generated for the region in previous years, but stated that the impact of the pandemic and ongoing economic challenges, means these benefits cannot be taken for granted. With the Northern Runway plans offering new global and regional connections, not to mention more than 10,000 jobs and a significant economic boost of over £1bn per year, the opportunity to support the nation's economy and increase our country's resilience is the business community is proud to support Brett North, Chair, Gatwick Diamond Initiative said: "Gatwick Airport is the epicentre of the South East economy, and plays an important role in attracting and retaining businesses, strengthening the diversity of our economy. Gatwick's plans for the northern runway and its continuing commitment to invest in its infrastructure offers opportunities for employment, retaining a skilled workforce and the continued economic success of the region." Michele Augousti, Chair, IoD Sussex said: "Gatwick Airport's use of an existing runway and its preference for sourcing local suppliers shows a commitment to the utilisation of existing facilities, as well as encouraging economic growth in the area thereby supporting the local business community; both initiatives are to be commended."  Anneka Hendrick, CBI Regional Director, London and South East said: "A thriving aviation industry is critical to supporting the ambition for delivering greater sustainable growth by ensuring that the UK remains an internationally competitive destination for investment. Airports also play a key role as economic anchors in local communities by creating jobs, supporting supply chains and driving growth. "With the transition to net zero a key challenge for the economy, Gatwick are absolutely right to focus on their sustainable aviation plan to help reduce noise levels and carbon emissions. As a predominately leisure-orientated airport, Gatwick's plans for its Northern Runway can play a major part in the success and growth of the country's tourism industry, whilst improving the airport's reliance and resilience, help meet future passenger demand and provide greater international connectivity." The 52 groups now urge their members to register with the DCO to ensure the views of their members are represented in the government's consultation process. Visit www.investgatwickdiamond.co.uk/gatwick-northern-runway to discover how.

Leadership transition at Britain's biggest rail company with effect from the end of November Angie Doll steps up from Chief Operating Officer to become Chief Executive Officer After five years at GTR, Patrick Verwer moves to The Go-Ahead Group as Rail CEO Govia Thameslink Railway announces today that Angie Doll is to become its Chief Executive Officer at the end of November, replacing Patrick Verwer who is stepping away from day-to-day management of Britain's largest rail network. The appointment has been made by The Go-Ahead Group and Keolis, joint owners of GTR - which delivers a fifth of all UK passenger rail journeys through its Thameslink, Southern, Great Northern and Gatwick Express services. Angie is presently Chief Operating Officer of GTR - a role she has held since October 2021. Prior to that, she was Managing Director of Southern and Gatwick Express. She joined the railway industry in 1999 as station manager in Brighton, and has held a series of senior passenger delivery and strategic positions at Go-Ahead rail operating companies. Her achievements include leading the UK's first domestic high-speed train services at Southeastern, introducing a new Gatwick Express fleet and leading Southern to become National Passenger Operator of the Year in 2021. An advocate for diversity in the workplace, she has won the Everywoman Transport and Logistics Champion award and the Rail Business Award for Diversity, and she is a champion for youth employability. The leadership handover at GTR enables Patrick Verwer to move to The Go-Ahead Group to take on a strategic role as Rail CEO. He will oversee rail development projects at Go-Ahead, which operates rail networks in Germany and Norway as well as the United Kingdom and has plans to expand in light rail under its 'Next Billion Journeys' strategy. Christian Schreyer, Group Chief Executive Officer, The Go-Ahead Group, said: "Angie is a superb leader with a true instinct for the railways, and a keen eye for the needs of passengers. She has excelled in every role she's held at Go-Ahead and she is the ideal person to steer GTR to its next phase of growth. "I'd like to thank Patrick for his outstanding achievements in leading Britain's busiest and most complex rail network over the last five years. He has delivered many innovations and he's built a strong, stable and consistent service over a period in which the industry has faced significant challenges. I'm delighted he will be taking on a broader role at Go-Ahead, bringing fresh thinking, as well as years of experience to help us grow our rail business. I very much look forward to continuing working alongside him." Angie Doll said: "This railway is very close to my heart and I feel proud and honoured to be taking on this new challenge. I very much look forward to leading the wonderful teams at Govia Thameslink Railway, so we build on the great progress we've already made. Partnering with our stakeholders and industry colleagues to deliver for our customers is going to be my absolute focus, so we meet customers' needs, connect people and help communities thrive." Patrick Verwer said: "It has been an absolute pleasure working with the GTR team. They have shown dedication, true customer focus and incredible resilience. Together we have delivered significant innovation and development across London and the South East, including improvements to customer information and service punctuality, more focus on security and safety, as well as improvements to accessibility and diversity. I am absolutely delighted to be handing over the reins to Angie Doll later this year, and very much look forward to starting my new role at The Go-Ahead Group."

  Welcome to September's Tax Tips & News. We hope you have all been enjoying what may be the last few days of summer.  This newsletter brings you tax tips and news to keep you one step ahead of the taxman. It also provides some important updates about Blackman Terry and our team. Any questions, please get in touch.We would like to welcome all the new clients who have joined us in the last month.     Another Million savers to be hit with tax on interest  The frozen Savings Allowance combined with rising interest rates will push over one million taxpayers into paying tax on their savings this tax year, according to research by investment platform AJ Bell.In the 2023/24 tax year it is estimated that over 2.7 million individuals will pay tax on interest, up by a million in a year.This year's predicted total includes nearly 1.4 million basic rate taxpayers, a figure which has quadrupled in just four years, AJ Bell's research found.Individuals pay tax on interest they earn on savings that exceeds the personal Savings Allowance, which currently stands at £1,000 for basic rate taxpayers and £500 for higher rate taxpayers. Additional rate taxpayers get no exemption and pay tax on all interest they receive.   Latest guidance for emplyers HMRC has published the latest issue of the Employer Bulletin. The August issue has information on various topics, including: tax relief on employee contributions to registered pension schemes ceasing your PAYE scheme the National Minimum Wage helping customers steer clear of tax avoidance schemes income tax self assessment - preparing for the new tax year basis helping your new employees get paid correctly tackling non-compliance in the umbrella company market.   HMRC Should increase rewards for whistleblowers, says law firm HMRC should increase the rewards it pays out to whistleblowers in line with the US system, according to law firm RPC.The tax authority paid out over £509,000 to individuals providing evidence about tax fraud over the past year, RPC's research found.That figure is up from £495,000 in 2021/22 and a 75% increase from the £290,000 paid five years ago, the law firm added.However, it is just 1.7% of the sum paid to informants by the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS).The IRS pays whistleblowers 15-30% of the additional tax collected through investigations instigated as a consequence of information received. In 2022, $37.8 million was paid by the IRS to 132 whistleblowers - 58 times the amount paid to UK whistleblowers.Adam Craggs, Partner and Head of RPC's Tax, Financial Crime and Regulatory team, said:'More individuals, with evidence of serious tax fraud, would come forward if they knew they could be in line for a life-changing amount of money.'Paying a proportionate amount for high quality information that helps secure criminal convictions and the recovery of substantial amounts for the Exchequer would be a sensible step. HMRC has been making payments for information on an ad hoc basis for many years and would benefit from improving the system and placing it on a more formal basis.'   The Blackman Terry tax investigation scheme The Blackman Terry tax investigation scheme runs from April 1st 2023 to March 31st 2024. In case you missed our original mailer but are interested in ensuring your defence costs are covered in the event of an HMRC investigation, please get in contact: enquiries@blackmanterry.co.ukIf you subscribe to our tax investigation package, we can help from the moment the enquiry letter arrives.It will protect you from the fees and allow us to:Check HMRC is entitles to investigate the tax return selected and challenge them if notEnsure the tax inspector only asks for relevant information and documentsRespond to telephone calls, emails, letters, compliance fact sheets and notices issues by HMRCProvide supporting information from our files relating to when your accounts were drawn upPrepare for and attend face to face meetings with the tax inspectorArgue any complex or technical tax cases raised during the enquiryHandle any settlement negotiations all the way through to a successful conclusionWe recommend that all our clients subscribe to this service as the cost for tax investigation protection is a fraction of the typical defence costs.For information and prices, please click here.    Balckman Terry factsheet   This section contains a wealth of useful business, tax and financial information - contact us for help and advice specific to your circumstances, or click on the following links for more information: Business start up  Capital taxes Corporate and business tax Employment tax Employment issues and regulations General business issues Personal tax VAT   Government launches Business Climate Hub The government has launched the UK Business Climate Hub to offer firms advice and support on reducing their energy bills and cutting their carbon emissions.The Hub includes a free carbon calculator and a suite of new tools to help businesses measure, track and report on their emissions.It also offers detailed advice on topics, including sourcing products from green suppliers and reducing emissions from freight and logistics, as well as the most cost-effective ways of installing solar panels and electric vehicle (EV) charging points.The Hub is aimed at SMEs, which the government says are often keen to tackle climate change but find it difficult to know how to reduce their carbon footprint.Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Graham Stuart, said:'The UK has cut its emissions more than any other major economy in the world. More and more businesses are recognising the business benefits of reaching net zero and we're determined to empower them to do so.'The new UK Business Climate Hub is a one-stop-shop for businesses to find practical advice to reduce their carbon footprint and save on their energy bills.'Whether it's fitting a low-carbon heat pump, generating energy with solar panels, or reducing the emissions from shipping goods, the new support will ensure businesses can drive towards net zero.' September Key tax dates  September 2023 Tuesday 19 PAYE, Student loan and CIS deductions are due for month to 5th September 2023 Is this relevant to you? This deadline is relevant to employers who have made PAYE deductions from their employees' salaries and to contractors who have paid subcontractors under the CIS. Employers are required to make payment to HMRC of the income tax, national insurance and student loan deductions. Contractors are required to make payment to HMRC of the tax deductions made from subcontractors under the CIS. Where the payment is made electronically the deadline for receipt of cleared payment is 22nd September 2023. Interest will be charged if payment is made late. Penalties also apply. October 2023 Thursday 5 Deadline for notifying HMRC of new sources of taxable income or gains or liability to the High Income Child Benefit Charge for 2022/23 if no tax return has been issued Is this relevant to you? This deadline is relevant to individuals who have not received a self assessment tax return for the year ended 5th April 2023 but who believe they have received income or capital gains which will result in a tax liability. This deadline is also relevant to individuals who are liable to the High Income Child Benefit Charge. Individuals must notify HMRC of their liability so that a self assessment return can be issued in good time for the submission deadline of 31st January 2024. If we have already dealt with this matter on your behalf you need take no action. Thursday 19 PAYE quarterly payments are due for small employers for the pay periods 6th July 2023 to 5th October 2023 Is this relevant to you? This deadline is relevant to small employers only. As a small employer with income tax, national insurance and student loan deductions of less than £1,500 a month you are required to make payment to HMRC of the income tax, national insurance and student loan deductions on a quarterly basis.

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We are delighted to announce that our team of corporate transaction specialists have advised on the successful sale of MNH GRP Ltd to Linstol, a leading supplier of in-flight passenger products for the airline industry.    "Big thank you to all involved at PDT for your hard work in helping us get this over the line. It didn't come without its challenges, but none which couldn't be solved with the professional guidance of Noel and Sian. Thank you to the whole team for providing a calm and positive approach throughout the transaction." Matt Rance, CEO, MNH GRP Ltd Started in 1998, MNH has specialised in delivering performance management and refurbishing solutions supporting inflight service and ground handling teams from many of the world's leading airlines. In addition to managing service levels and reducing spend, MNH works with all clients to help deliver their sustainability objectives.The sale will see the existing senior management team continuing to lead and manage the business, working alongside Linstol to push the boundaries of innovation and service levels MNH's airline partners expect. "MNH joining the Linstol family is a testament to Linstol's vision of spearheading a revolution in the travel industry by providing visionary, sustainable and unparalleled passenger comforts and exceptional service. I look forward to collaborating with MNH on a larger scale to increase our product supply and service programmes globally through our airline partnerships and pioneering technology whilst delivering on mutual sustainability objectives." Mark Russell, Chief Executive Officer, Linstol. The transaction team at PDT was led by Noel Ruddy and Sian Webber and included Laura McMaster and Chloe Amos.Sian said: "Working with Matt, Emma and Stephen has been a pleasure over the last 4 months. Everyone worked tirelessly and there was a real sense of excitement and drive as we approached completion, despite the last-minute challenges! I have no doubt that MNH will thrive following the sale and all the corporate team at PDT wish everyone involved every success in the future". If you would like to find out more about how PDT can assist in the sale of your business then please get in touch.