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Topic: Local Business Network Report to Executive Management Board 13th May 2010

Posted On: Tuesday 18th May 2010

1. Partnership Working with Retailers

Maps and pedestrian signage. Progress being made. Discussions are being held between the CRA and the Town Council about developing a closer working relationship

Crowborough Retailers Association meetings are held regularly with notes/agendas/open invitations being issued. There are now 6 non-retail local business people actively supporting the CRA activities.

Relocation of WDC Offices to Hailsham included on CRA Agenda at their February meeting. Agreed TS to make personal visits to Retailers in town to encourage them to join the CRA’s e-mailing list in order to be kept up to date/more actively support the CRA in ail they do for the town. About 36 more retailers now have access to CRA minutes/meetings etc., electronically as a direct result of visits

Family FunDay is being held in Crowborough on Saturday 5th June. TS asked to become involved in issues over Public Liability Insurance cover with Zurich; eventually resolved to mutual satisfaction of CRA/Partnership. CRA representative to be invited to attend EMB/Partnership meetings / receive all Partnership documentation

2. Local Business Network web redesign & PC usage

Improvements very occasionally continuing to be made to www.crowborough.biz site. Operational system weaknesses a hindrance but being tolerated / being dealt with on an ad hoc basis.

3. Local Business Network events

Business Breakfasts: Held on 1st Tuesday of each month at Waitrose. Popularity being maintained.

Early Evening Networking Event: About 35 attended on Tuesday 24th November but over 40 came along to the same venue in April 2010. Another being planned at the Crowborough Beacon Golf Club in August; a 3rd at Café Baskerville in the Autumn

Business Lunches: 39 attended the February lunch. Another planned for 15th June. Unfortunately, it has proved difficult to hold a business lunch at Crowborough Beacon Golf Club.

4. Empty Shops pilot scheme

No initiatives being taken by TS but is responding to queries as and when they arise. Made occasional use of contacts.

5. Local Development Framework – WDC Core Strategy

Undertook audit of businesses, office, retail and leisure operators in Crowborough (excluding light industrial estates) and provided details to WDC Senior Planning Officer

6. Action plans for 2010 (in addition to the 6 key aspects outlined in the Network’s primary objective)

i. Investigating need for/provision of Planning Information for businesses. Preliminary meeting initiated by and held with 2 local businesses to explore feasibility/process. Brief paper produced for further discussion. TS responded including emphasis that such a process exists over Business Rates queries that operates effectively but no further progress made by those businesses appears to be forthcoming. It is not intended to report about this again

ii. Homebased businesses project. Informative meeting held with ESCC Assistant Director, Economy & Community Services but no funding available. Discussion held with Officer at Horsham DC about their successful district wide initiatives involving micro businesses in recent years. Case for funding project/feasibility study to be undertaken within North Wealden is likely to be made to Crowborough Partnership by TS in due course. ESCC would provide information; WDC will be asked for some form of support (not financial). Based on past experience with admin/mailings to/ contact with businesses in North Wealden the figure required could be in the region of £2000

iii. Primary and secondary shopping areas designation. Apart from including this request when contributing to LDF/planning related consultations, no formal progress/approach has been made

iv. Social Media. A start has been made on encouraging members of the Local Business Network to gain an appreciation of what potential, benefit or otherwise the various aspects of Social Media could offer. About 14 local business people attended a Social Media seminar organised by WDC Economic Development & Tourism at the recent FSB Expo. Discussions will take place on how to take forward ‘lessons learned, experience gained and resource available’ with a view to perhaps setting up practical case study sessions for local businesses later in the year

v. “ Business of the Year” Awards. Preliminary investigations concluded that the budgets and workload required to set this up to an acceptable standard exceeded resources. It is not intended to report about this again

Miscellaneous

o Membership of the Local Business Network continues to increase

o Business related e-mails continue to be distributed to Local Business Network members. The economic downturn has resulted in more local vacancies being circulated amongst members. Also, the perception is that more local businesses respond favourably to requests to support charities/community groups.

o Promotion of Local Business Network continues via Local Press/PR, personal recommendations and Crowborough Directory coverage

o Continuation of annual Membership for Action for Market Towns as well as the Community Risks Policy insurance premiums both require review before renewal of premiums ( AfMT – April 2011; Public Liability cover beyond/within the Community Risks Policy – September 2010)

o In November 2009, TS completed and submitted the first of a series of six monthly East Sussex Rural Towns Questionnaire but, unfortunately, it was mislaid and not included in the final report. The 2nd/next one is due in June for completion

o TS supported Mike Tollit who led the Partnership’s contribution to the WDC Tourism Strategy consultation

o Members of Local Business Network and TS contributed to the WDC Draft Corporate Plan Consultation at very short notice majoring on questions that had implications for the local economy

Tony Slack 6th May `10



Topic: 2009 PARTNERSHIP AGM -REPORT FROM LOCAL BUSINESS NETWORK on 10th February 2010

Posted On: Friday 29th January 2010

Local Business Network

2009 AGM Report for Crowborough Partnership on Wednesday 10th February 2010

The Primary Objective of the Local Business Network (Crowborough Partnership)

To provide

 networking opportunities

 business related information

 promotion of local training

 organisation of events

 a contact point

 proactive and reactive two way communication ensuring local business people can have a local voice and opportunities to try to exercise some influence over authorities and agencies

within the content, context and spirit of the

1) Crowborough Partnership’s Constitution

2) Crowborough Community Healthcheck and

3) Local economy priority issues and needs that arise throughout the year

Action during 2009

The Local Business Network fulfilled each key aspect of it’s Primary Objective throughout 2009. Reports were made to that effect to Partnership’s Executive Management Board meetings. These reports were circulated to those on the Partnership’s e-mail distribution list by the Secretary in advance of meetings and were also posted on the www.crowborough.biz website.

Highlights included:

• Over 70 attended a business lunch at Buxted Park Hotel

• Attendance at the monthly business breakfasts often exceeded 25

• 3 successful early evening events were held at local venues

• 25 attended a Speed Networking event at Barnsgate Manor

• Crowborough Retailers Association’s Family FunDay attracted circa 3500 to their 2nd town centre event, another is being planned for 2010 and the CRA continues to develop

• 2 non retail businessmen have devoted a great deal of time to supporting the CRA

• Business related information continues to be distributed with a wider range of topics included relating to the economic downturn

• More local businesses supported more local organisations than before

• A Local Training providers page has been included on the crowborough.biz website

• Local businesses and the Local Business Network contributed to some of WDC’s initiatives to address the impact of the economic downturn, Corporate Plan and Local Development Framework

• Contribution made to Visioning project

• Membership of the Local Business Network increased

• Press/Crowborough Directory coverage continued

• Active support from Hilary Lyon, Chris Grose, Dudley Hutchings (Partnership), Jenny Rickwood (CRA) and Cllr Richard Stogdon (ESCC). The Town Council team also provided support, as did Peter Griggs (WDC Head of Public Health and Community Development).

Downsides included:

• Effort, time and funding put into trying to smarten up the empty shops did not match expectations but 4 empty shops participated

• Action resulting from WDC’s Retail Impact Study has been delayed yet again

• Further restructuring of EDEAL/Business Link seemed to do little to enhance local business support on the ground

• Business Lunch with Charlie Lant CEO WDC) as speaker promoted via LBN, WDC and FSB cancelled through lack of interest by business people

• Offers by local businessman as well as a Senior Valuation Officer to help and support Retailers, many of whom expressed concerns with Business Rates queries etc., were not taken up by Retailers

• Although helpful involvement and responses are forthcoming from Retailers face to face, Retailers generally are reluctant to use e-mails to communicate

Action being planned for 2010

In addition to addressing each of the 6 key aspects outlined in the Primary Objective of the Local Business Network (supported by local business people), some priority/time will be given to

• Investigating the need for and provision of Planning related information

• Endeavouring to persuade WDC to

o recognise the importance of ‘homebased businesses’ and the potential they could bring to the local economy and

o accept that identification of primary and secondary areas (as advocated in Govt Guidelines) within Crowborough town centre may help with the retention and attraction of independent traders that would supplement the 5 local supermarkets

• Acquiring funds to conduct some form of feasibility study into exploiting the potential of homebased businesses in north Wealden, if ESCC are unable to allocate funds from their 2010/2011 budget

• Investigating developments in collaborative communications tools such as e.g. Google Wave and the benefits it could offer to the Local Business Network operation (cross between email, instant messaging and forum board which also has potential for surveys)

• Investigating the viability and practicalities of holding ‘Business of the Year’ Awards

General points

The available ringfenced balance for subsidising Local Business Network activities, PC support and admin for 2010 is circa £300. This may prove inadequate and if so, a case will be made for consideration to transfer funds from the Partnership’s general balances.

Tony Slack Chairman Local Business Network (Crowborough Partnership) 19.1.2010

PLEASE SPEND A FEW MINUTES READING THROUGH THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE WEALDEN SKILLS CENTRE THAT FOLLOWS AS IT ALSO SERVES PEOPLE FROM CROWBOROUGH & THE HINTERLAND

Wealden Skills Centre

Annual Report for Crowborough Partnership January 2010

Local business activities

1. WSC Business Courses are continuing to attract delegates. The offer is growing to include broader safety training and management training alongside the current offer. The new programme for 2010/11 will be published in March 2010.

2. Open Morning planned for business users on 3rd March 2010 8-10.30am. This is an opportunity for local businesses to visit the centre, see the facilities and meet and talk to the business course tutors.

3. Newcep ‘back to work’ project continues to be based at WSC. They offer one-to-one advice for local unemployed people plus a fortnightly job-club.

4. July 2009. Several local businesses sponsored our Celebration Evening by supplying tools for award winners and attending to present them. Businesses involved were: T&T Plant Hire, MW Engineering, Travis Perkins, Martin Storey Engineering, Drapers Tools, HB Ingredients. Best Wishes.

5. July 2009. Management of the Skills Café passed to WSC after being operated for one year by Sussex Downs College. The service continues to be popular with the public, many of whom are now confirmed regulars. The Café will also provide catering for meetings held at the Centre, and external catering for local businesses.

6. Local employers Morgan Est and Rydon have taken several of our Diploma students on work experience. This is a continuing programme.

7. Nigel Bullock, who was instrumental in setting up WSC when at Beacon CC, has come out of retirement to work with the Centre Manager one day a week with the specific brief to develop Employer Relations. Nigel has negotiated the work experience programme mentioned above and is visiting local employers to develop links with WSC.

8. WSC continues to be represented at the Uckfield Chamber of Commerce and at Crowborough Local Business Network meetings.

Courses

9. Student numbers at WSC continue to grow. We now have 174 14-16 year olds and 114 students over the age of 16. Open Evenings for prospective students are imminent: 25th January for 14 year olds and 3rd February for Post 16 students. It is anticipated that numbers will rise again in September 2010 across both age groups.

10. WSC now offers two of the new Diploma qualifications, namely Construction and the Built Environment and Hair & Beauty and a third – Hospitality - will be added in September 2010. We now have 80 students studying diplomas and indications from recent school open evenings are that numbers will continue to rise. Wealden’s significant increase in Diploma numbers bucks the national trend: our success is attributable to an extensive programme of information, advice and guidance within the schools which helps young people and their families to make informed decisions.

11. Fifteen young people who are not in education or employment are currently attending an e2e (Entry to Employment) course at WSC. The course introduces them to construction skills as well as sessions in Maths and English and various activities to enhance their self esteem and teamwork skills. Some places have been taken by young people from the Eastbourne area as local recruitment has not filled all available spaces.

Development

12. Over Summer 2009 a major building programme to install a hair salon and beauty salon was completed in eight weeks, significantly ahead of schedule. The salons now have 36 Hair & Beauty Diploma learners plus 22 hairdressing students. The salons will open to members of the public in 2010 and will run as commercial operations, giving a realistic working experience to these students.

13. The LSC bid to extend the building to provide additional training rooms, a resource centre, student room and a second IT suite is currently on hold pending a spending review by the government.

14. ESCC have supplied funding for the installation of a lift to make the building DDA compliant. This project will be completed by summer 2010.

15. A Lead Learning Mentor was appointed in September 2009 to co-ordinate the work of the school learning mentors. This has proved a successful in improving the support given to students and subsequently on their performance.

Funding Awards

16. Funding raised by students following a successful bid to the Youth Opportunity Fund was used to erect a recreational space with football and basketball nets. This is popular with all students and has added a much needed facility to the centre.

Students are now looking at other projects they wish to bid for in 2010: and extension of the café to provide more seating areas, a rigid canopy over the front of the building to provide outdoor shelter and a secure bicycle parking area are some of the projects that have been suggested.

Community Activities

17. For a third year, WSC was the major venue for the Uckfield Art Trail, part of the annual Uckfield Festival in June 2008. Over 50 artists exhibited for two weeks including weekends. WSC also hosted the opening event of the festival which attracted over 300 people.

18. Skills Café continues to host exhibitions by local artists which change on a monthly basis. All art is available for sale and several pieces have been sold over the year.

19. Over 50 children and their parents took part in a Christmas Crafts workshop in December, sponsored by the Lions Club of Uckfield who also supplied a surprise visit by Father Christmas.

20. Adult courses had dwindled during 2009 as a result of the recession but numbers have picked up in early 2010 and two evening courses in Carpentry and brickwork are currently running, plus a daytime IT course for beginners. We will continue to publicise a programme of adult courses and hope to see more course running over the coming year.

Lin Lucas Centre Manager of Wealden Skills Centre 25.01.2010



Topic: Nov/Sept 09 reports appear before this one. Executive Management Board Report for meeting on Wednesday 3rd June 2009

Posted On: Wednesday 9th December 2009

Local Business Network

Executive Management Board Report for meeting on Wednesday 3rd June 2009

1. Partnership Working with Retailers

Maps and pedestrian signage. Retailers working with Town Councillors. Paul Kemp of Kemp Accountants (Crowborough company) is undertaking a great deal of work on behalf of the Retailers to progress this project with CTC.

Retailers’ meetings being held regularly with notes/agendas being issued. Jo Raisey is Chair; Jenny Rickwood is Secretary. June 13th French Market being planned.

2. Local Business Network web redesign

Improvements made to www.crowborough.biz site. Local Training page now added.

3. Local Business Network events

Business Breakfasts: Held on 1st Tuesday of each month. Popularity being maintained.

Early Evening Networking Event: 2 being planned for later in 2009

Charles Lant, CEO of WDC invited to be Guest Speaker at a business lunch on 22nd September (or 15th) at Barnsgate.

Plough & Horses Public House business lunch being held on Tuesday 30th June

4. Empty Shops pilot scheme

Progress remains very slow but 3 premises have displays (as at 22/05/09). 16 empty properties; All contacted;3 with displays; 1 probable pending;1 to have landlord’s posters to Sell/Let;1 to be refurbished shortly;1 being refurbished;1 under negotiation with possible tenant;1 possibly re-opening;3 being pursued by TS via Landlords;3 not applicable; 1 reply pending.

Displays can only be considered from not-for-profit/charitable organisations e.g. schools, local groups, local authorities and police/fire & rescue services, CAB. Neither businesses, private individuals, political nor religious groups qualify. ESFire&RescueService & Local Arts/Craft group expressed interest. WDC to progress PR shortly

A Principles/Terms of Conditions document has been drawn up following discussions with interested parties. This follows on after this report for information on the basis that it will no doubt continue to evolve as the pilot progresses.

5. Visioning Group

Meeting between George Moss, Cllr Richard Stogdon and TS held recently resulting in TS agreeing to submit a report to them before September providing a local business perspective. An outline will be e-mailed to Local Business Network members/hand delivered to non member business premises in Crowborough for any comments.

Miscellaneous

o Membership of the Local Business Network is just over 300

o Business related e-mails covering an even wider range distributed to Local Business Network members

o Promotion of Local Business Network via Local Press/PR and Crowborough Directory coverage continues

Tony Slack 20.05.09



Topic: Executive Management Board report 18th November 2009 from Local Business Network

Posted On: Tuesday 24th November 2009

Local Business Network

Executive Management Board Report for meeting on Wednesday 18th November 2009

1. Partnership Working with Retailers

Maps and pedestrian signage. Progressing gradually.

Retailers’ meetings being held regularly with notes/agendas/open invitations being issued.

2. Local Business Network web redesign

Improvements gradually continuing to be made to www.crowborough.biz site . Operational system weaknesses a hindrance but are now being dealt with.

3. Local Business Network events

Business Breakfasts: Held on 1st Tuesday of each month. Popularity being maintained.

Early Evening Networking Event: As planned during 2009, a 3rd such event being held at High Spirits on Tuesday 24th November

4. Empty Shops pilot scheme

Progress has been disappointedly slow. 2 premises have displays. All ‘empty shops’ landlords etc., contacted fairly regularly. 4 have been let; 3 “under offer”; 1 refurbished; 1 under negotiation with possible tenant; 1 possibly re-opening.

5. Reconciliation of the related business/local economy aspects of the Partnership’s Constitution with the aims, priorities and operation of the Local Business Network

This occurs on a regular basis as well as ad hoc occasions when 1) formulating each year’s programme of events; 2) considering which projects to undertake; 3) faced with requests to contribute to consultations /surveys / policies that could be associated with local economy matters; 4) issues, threats and opportunities arise that may well have economic and skills development as well as local employment and business support implications for people and businesses in Crowborough and its hinterland

Community Healthcheck Action Plans, working in partnership with authorities and agencies, continuing two way communication between local business people and the Chairman of the Local Business Network are also major influences and a mandate for developing the support and direction for the local economy.

Provision of networking opportunities, business related information, promotion of training, organisation of events along with being a contact point and ensuring local business people can have a local voice and a chance to try to exercise some influence all tend to fall within the content, context and spirit of the Crowborough Partnership’s Constitution.

Miscellaneous

o Membership of the Local Business Network continues to increase

o Business related e-mails continue to be distributed to Local Business Network members

o Promotion of Local Business Network continues via Local Press/PR, personal recommendations and Crowborough Directory coverage

o Action for Market Towns – Community Risks Policy insurance renewed. Zurich must be informed in advance of any events being planned (Public Liability implications). Certificate etc., lodged with Secretary and copy of letter re policy, schedule, event notification copied to Paul Kemp.

The EMB were updated with news about a new networking group that has been launched by Jeremy Woolger of On My Doorstep. It meets twice a month on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at Bowles. This has been promoted to the Local Business Network members.

Tony Slack 29th October 09



Topic: Executive Management Board report 30th September 2009 from Local Business Network

Posted On: Monday 5th October 2009

Local Business Network

Executive Management Board Report for meeting on Wednesday 30th September 2009

1. Partnership Working with Retailers

Maps and pedestrian signage. Retailers are working with Town Councillors. Paul Kemp of Kemp Accountants and Jeremy Woolger (On My Doorstep) are continuing to undertake a great deal of work on behalf of and with the Retailers to progress this project. Draft Street Map prepared. Retailers to have 1st choice of advertising space. Probable site locations: Morrisons, Waitrose car park and Jarvis Brook

Retailers’ meetings held regularly since summer break with notes/agendas/open invitations being issued. June 13th French Market/ Fun Day a great success. Retailers entered a float in Crowborough Carnival

2. Local Business Network web redesign

Improvements gradually being made to www.crowborough.biz site . Operational system weaknesses a hinderance.

3. Local Business Network events

Business Breakfasts: Held on 1st Tuesday of each month. Popularity being maintained.

Early Evening Networking Event: over 40 people attended the very successful Crowborough Beacon Golf Club event in August. Another to be planned for later in 2009

Barnsgate Manor events on 22nd September: The Speed Networking event went ahead but the Business Lunch was cancelled through lack of interest. Hugh Fenton (Aspirology Business Coaching) who ran the Speed Networking waived his usual fee and asked each participant to donate £10 to World in Need (locally based Charity)

Plough & Horses Public House business lunch was held on Tuesday 30th June

4. Empty Shops pilot scheme

Progress has been disappointedly slow. 3 premises had displays. All ‘empty shops’ landlords etc., contacted regularly. 4 have been let; 3 “under offer”; 1 refurbished; 1 under negotiation with possible tenant; 1 possibly re-opening. Heathfield & Redditch BC provided with information/issues. Government funding to deal with ‘empty shops’ not allocated to any towns in South East other than Hastings and Thanet

5. Consultations (in liaison with local businesses)

 Business focussed report submitted to the Visioning Group’s Chairman in August

 Business perspective provided in August in response to WDC Local Development Framework : Core Strategy – Spatial Development Options

 Contributed at and since meeting of Market Towns representatives with Charles Hendry MP and Cllrs Tony Reid (ESCC) and Pam Doodes (WDC). Agenda centered around current issues related to recession facing local businesses

Miscellaneous

o Membership of the Local Business Network continues to increase

o Business related e-mails distributed to Local Business Network members regularly

o Promotion of Local Business Network via Local Press/PR, personal recommendations and Crowborough Directory coverage continues

Tony Slack 22.09.09



Topic: 2008 AGM REPORT FOR LOCAL BUSINESS NETWORK

Posted On: Friday 13th February 2009

Local Business Network

2008 AGM Report for Crowborough Partnership on Wednesday 28th January 2009

NB. All Local Business Network’s Action Plan/Reports made to the Partnership’s Executive Management Board throughout 2008 appear on www.crowborough.biz website so more detail can be found there.

1. Partnership Working with Retailers

WDC Grant of £4500: £3264 towards promoting shopping in Crowborough being used in accordance with bid criteria. £1236 towards Signage to Town Centre approved by WDC for expenditure for maps in car parks (subject to agreed criteria). Chris Grose/Paul Kemp taking action for spend before 31.3.09

Seminar organised by ESEP: 2 retailers attended

Regular Retailers’ meetings held: Crowborough Retailer Association (CRA) formed. Open invitation to Partnership members, all local Councillors and all Retailers to attend. Charles Hendry kept informed

Business Rates: major priority issue identified by Retailers but little evidence of agreed action taken by any

Events Committee formed: weekly meetings held leading up to major Fun Day event

26th July Family Fun Day: attracted circa 2500 people into the town centre. Very favourable feedback.

Partnership provided very active support: TS and Chris Grose very involved but eased back towards end of 2008

Retail Impact Study: Retailer representation made

Crowborough Carnival: Retailers entered an award winning float

Retailers’ seminar / workshop: successful Window Display Workshop

Pre Christmas opening/events: held

CRA resignations: Chairman and Secretary recently resigned as they are no longer Retailers due to career change and Woolworth’s closure respectively: options being discussed by CRA

2. Local Business Network web redesign

Training/support on use of and PC /web use/updates and security achieved. Improvements made to www.crowborough.biz site. Local Training section to be added shortly.

3. Local Business Network Brand and mailing to North Wealden businesses

Completed. Over 280 members on e-mailing list.

4. Local Business Network events

Business lunches at Plough & Horses: 2 held. At least 1 planned for 2009

Business Breakfasts: Held on 1st Tuesday of each month.

Jointly sponsored WDC Business Breakfast: Held at Barnsgate Manor

Early Evening Networking Event: 1 held. 3 planned for 2009.

1-2-1 Business Clinic: 2 held in Pine Grove, WDC Offices (supporting WDC / Bus Link initiatives)

Buxted Park Hotel to host business lunch on February 11th for local business people. 71 attending.

Miscellaneous

o Over 100 business related e-mails distributed to Local Business Network members

o Local Press/PR coverage obtained through regular features in Crowborough Directory as well as Crowborough Edition of The Courier

o Public Liability Insurance cover of £10m in name of Crowborough Partnership obtained. Action for Market Towns membership (Partnership) taken out. AfMT Newsletters/information passed on for circulation

o Comprehensive and positive Annual Report received from Wealden Skills Council - and minuted

o Partnership working undertaken with WDC and Federation of Small Businesses in promotion of some events

o Local Business Network income/expenditure as outlined in Partnership’s Annual Accounts

o Along with other EMB Chairmen, gave a presentation in Town Hall to Cllrs etc., about LBN/project work

o Responded to just about every ‘strategy’ document and economy related local planning application received



Topic: LOCAL BUSINESS NETWORK REPORT TO PARTNERSHIP EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT BOARD - NOV 26th 2008

Posted On: Tuesday 25th November 2008

Report for Executive Management Board meeting of Crowborough Partnership on Wednesday 26th November 2008

A. LOCAL BUSINESS NETWORK (updated from September 2008).

Working with Retailers

Submitted bids on 30.11.07 to

Crowborough Town Council for £5638 to contribute towards the costs of signage to the town centre. Informally aware that no funds are available for this during the current year.

WDC Grant of £4500 received: £3264 towards promoting shopping in Crowborough being used in accordance with bid criteria; £1236 towards Signage to Town Centre approved by WDC for expenditure for maps in car parks (subject to agreed criteria). Chris Grose/Paul Kemp to action

Retailers’ meetings since April.

Bi monthly meetings held with open invitation to Partnership members and all local Councillors to attend. Agenda/minutes circulated until recently. In addition, Retailers’ Events Committee met weekly until end of July to prepare for 26th July Family Fun Day which attracted circa 2500 people into the town. Very favourable feedback from general public. What has been very active support from TS and Chris Grose has reduced gradually to occasional administrative support and comments, when requested.

Retail Impact Study

Publication (Interim Report) of study commissioned by WDC released and copied to DH, CG and Crowborough Retailer Association by TS. TS has yet to respond but will copy any comments to DH. CG and CRA. Preliminary comments made to Consultants about perceived lack of recommendations re: requirement by WDC Planning for identification of primary/secondary shopping areas (especially in Crowborough).

Crowborough Carnival

Retailers entered an award winning float with a Sherlock Holmes theme

Pre Christmas events

Events planned. Retailers asked Crowborough Retailers Association to have monthly General meetings leading up to Christmas which have been held.

Local Business Network web redesign

TS has occasional training/support on use of and PC /web use/updates and security and will continue to do so pro temps. Improvements made to www.crowborough.biz site; each area editable; Local Training section to be added.

Local Business Network events

14th May. Business lunch at Plough & Horses.

Monthly Business Breakfasts. Held at Sherlocks until July; successfully relocated to Waitrose w.e.f August. Attendance averages 16/18

Retailers’ seminar / workshop – Successful Window Display Workshop at Town Hall on 18th September

Business Lunch at Plough & Horses. Tuesday 23rd September

Early Evening Networking Event planned for 20th November to include presentation by Andrew Robinson about Community Centre/mean for businesses was cancelled through lack of support (only 20; 40 needed); alternative informal event arranged at High Spirits.

1-2-1 Business Clinic in Pine Grove, WDC Offices on Tuesday 2nd December (supporting WDC / Bus Link)

Buxted Park Hotel to host business lunch on February 11th lunch for local business people

Miscellaneous

o Unsuccessful objection made to A1 to A3 change of use to retail premises in High St

o Retail surveys conducted

o Invitations to recent events hand delivered to Crowborough businesses.

o About 45 business related e-mails distributed to Local Business Network members

o Seminar to be chaired by Charles Hendry MP and run by local business people postponed

o Local Press/PR coverage obtained from time to time, along with regular features in Crowborough Directory

o Public Liability Insurance cover of £10m in name of Crowborough Partnership. Action for Market Towns membership taken out.

B. WEALDEN SKILLS CENTRE

Annual Report for Crowborough Partnership / Executive Management Board

Local business activities

1. From Sept 2008 WSC has a programme of 50 courses for businesses ranging from First Aid to Excel Training and Abrasive Wheels Training. Full list of courses available on our website

2. Open Day planned for business users on 20th January 11.30am-2.30pm. An opportunity for local businesses to visit the centre, see the facilities available for hire and sample some of our buffet food.

3. Newcep ‘back to work’ project based at WSC to April 2009. One-to-one advice for local unemployed people plus a fortnightly job-club.

4. July 2008. Several local businesses sponsored our Celebration Evening by supplying tools for award winners and attending to present them. Businesses involved were: T&T Plant Hire, Box’d Tyres, MW Engineering, The Stores Dept., Drapers Tools and Caffyns.

5. July 2008. The Skills Café opened on site, providing a range of hot food and snacks which is available to anyone in the area. This has proved popular with employees of local businesses, providing a much needed local resource. There is also a separate café area for younger students. The Café will also provide catering for meetings held at the Centre, and external catering for local businesses.

6. WSC is a regular venue for Profitnet, a business support network organized by Brighton University. Meetings are held at the Centre on a monthly basis.

Courses

7. September 2007, WSC launched courses for students over the age of 16. Numbers doubled in September 2008 to 60 students and are set to rise again 2009. An Open Evening for prospective Post 16 students is to be held on 13th November, 5-8pm.

8. Twenty local unemployed young people attended an e2e (Entry to Employment) course at WSC over the summer. All completed the course and have now either enrolled on full time courses at WSC or SDC, or entered employment.

9. One of the new Diploma qualifications, Construction and the Built Environment, is now delivered at Wealden Skills Centre. Nineteen 14 years olds are on the two year course. Further Diploma lines in Hair & Beauty and Hospitality will begin delivery at WSC in 2009.

Development

10. Over Summer 2008 three new training rooms, another meeting room and office space were installed at the Centre. This brings the total of training rooms to six, two meeting rooms and an IT suite, all of which are available for hire.

11. Currently developing a bid for funding to develop the site further to provide hair and beauty salons, additional training rooms, resource centre, student room and a second IT suite.

12. WSC website launched in April 2008

Funding Awards

13. Students have successfully bid for funding from the Youth Opportunity Fund to develop part of the outside area into a recreational space with football and basketball nets. They were awarded £12,600 for the project which will be completed by March 2009.

14. WSC was awarded £2000 by Uckfield Chamber of Commerce towards the Summer 2008 development of training rooms, which provide a long-term resource to local business and the wider community.

Community Activities

15. Skills Café will host the opening Christmas broadcast of Uckfield FM on 1st December 2008.

16. For the second year, WSC was the major venue for the Uckfield Art Trail, part of the annual Uckfield Festival in June 2008. Over 50 artists exhibited for two weeks including weekends. WSC also hosted the opening event of the festival which attracted over 300 people.

17. Skills Café has an ongoing exhibition of local artists which changes on a monthly basis. All art is available for sale.

18. Our Adult & Child courses are a regular feature of our programme. Most recently on 29th October 2008, 91 children and 50 adults attended a range of courses designed to encourage Family learning. Courses offered were First Aid, Balloon Modelling, Pottery Painting, Creative IT, Knitting, Sign language, Card Making, Drawing Workshops, Healthy Lunchboxes and Dreamcatcher Making.

Compiled by Linda Lucas (Manager of Wealden Skills Centre) & Tony Slack (Local Business Network Chairman) 19th November 2008.



Topic: Local Business Network Report to Executive Management Board as at 17th Sept 2008

Posted On: Wednesday 24th September 2008

Report for Executive Management Board meeting of Crowborough Partnership on Wednesday 17th September 2008 (update from 4th April 2008 report).

1. Working with Retailers

A. Submitted bids on 30.11.07 to

(a)Crowborough Town Council for £5638 to contribute towards the costs of signage to the town centre. No formal response received to requests for update.

(b)WDC Grant of £4500 received: £3264 towards promoting shopping in Crowborough being used in accordance with bid criteria; £1236 towards Signage to Town Centre being held pending pro temps but alternative but related expenditure under consideration.

B. Retailers’ meetings since April.

Bi-monthly meetings held with open invitation to Partnership members and all local Councillors to attend. Agenda/minutes circulated. In addition, Retailers’ Events Committee met weekly until end of July to prepare for 26th July Family Fun Day which attracted circa 2500 people into the town. Very favourable feedback from general public.

C. Retail Impact Study

Publication continues to be delayed

D. Carnival

Retailers entered a float with a Sherlock Holmes theme

E. Pre Christmas events

Being planned. Retailers have asked Crowborough Retailers Association to have monthly General meetings leading up to Christmas.

2. Local Business Network web redesign

TS has occasional training on use of and PC/web use and will continue to do so pro temps

3. Local Business Network events

(a) 14th May. Business lunch at Plough & Horses held.

(b) Monthly Business Breakfasts. Held at Sherlocks until July; successfully relocated to Waitrose w.e.f August

(c) Retailers’ seminar / workshop – Window Display at Town Hall on 18th September

(d) Business Lunch at Plough & Horses. Tuesday 23rd September

(e) Early Evening Networking Event (to include presentation by Andrew Robinson on planned Community Centre) All Saints Centre on 20th November

(d) 1-2-1 Business Clinic in Pine Grove, WDC Offices on Tuesday 2nd December (supporting WDC / Bus Lnk)

(e)Buxted Park Hotel to host business lunch on February 9th lunch for local business people

4. Miscellaneous

o Unsuccessful objection made to A1 to A3 change of use to retail premises in High St

o Retail surveys conducted

o TS gradually playing less of a role in actively supporting Crowborough Retailers Association

o About 40 business related e-mails distributed to Local Business Network members

o Seminar to be chaired by Charles Hendry MP and run by local business people postponed

o Press coverage obtained 16th September 2008



Topic: Local Business Network report to Executive Management Board (EMB) 16th April 2008

Posted On: Monday 14th April 2008

Report for Executive Management Board meeting of Crowborough Partnership on Wednesday 16th April 2008 (update from 20th November 2007).

1. Working with Retailers

Submitted bids by 30.11.07 to

(1) WDC for £5000 towards costs of promoting shopping in Crowborough (£4500 granted – £3264 towards Events / promotions / advertising / insurance / admin; £1236 towards Signage / admin to town centre*

(2) Crowborough Town Council for £5638 to cover the costs of signage to the town centre. (Decision not yet made/notified-as at 1.4.08; * net cost to CTC subject to estimate of original costings/draft plan being confirmed - £4402)

Retailers’ meetings since November: January 31st, March 6th and April 3rd (Chris Grose has put in a tremendous amount of work,skill and time). Summary of activity/issues circulated. Notes from future Retailers’ meetings to be distributed to Councillors who represent Crowborough (and Charles Hendry) with an open invitation to attend. Can also be sent to anyone on Partnership who requests them from TS. Kate Shaw of Now Accessories has been the driving force behind all Retailers’ initiatives. 2 Retailers attended Town Revitalisation Event at Heathfield. Appears that no other retailers from elsewhere attended, according to the attendance schedule

Croft Road resurfacing

Disruptive for retailers and shoppers but not as much as expected. Some shoppers prefer it without traffic!

Retail Impact Study

Representation by 2 Retailers and Chris Grose with Town Councillors/Co-ordinator at Consultants’ presentation. Consultant and TS to discuss fully on phone in due course

2. North Wealden Business Database purchase and mailing project (Many thanks to Andrew Robinson and NatWest)

Completed

3. Local Business Network branding/promotion and web redesign (many thanks to WDC Community Grants)

Completed within timescales and WDC Grant criteria. TS undergoing training and PC compatibility/back up checks.

4. Local Business Network events

December 4th. Bowles Development Centre hosted a visit, group exercise, refreshments and informal networking for about 23 local business people

February 1st. Business Lunch at Barnsgate Manor with Charles Hendry as Guest Speaker. Over 60 attended

March 25th. Business Breakfast at Barnsgate Manor. Hosted jointly with WDC. Over 50 attended

Monthly Informal Business Breakfasts.

December (9 attended); January (7); February (20); March (18); April (15)

5. Miscellaneous

 Responded to WDC Local Development Framework – Core Strategy & Options Questions

 Worked with a local Businessman,successfully challenged WDC’s decision over the planning application for change of use from A1 to A5 on High Street retail premises.

 Organised petition against the potential introduction of car parking charges and galvanised the other market towns into joint action

 Wrote to WDC about the importance and value of retaining Post Offices throughout Wealden

 Issued about 35 business related e-mails to the 260+ members of the Local Business Network

Tony Slack 4th April 2008



Topic: Local Business Network Annual Report for 2007 to Crowborough Partnership

Posted On: Friday 28th March 2008

‘Economy’ aims, projects and plans - Local Business Network

Overall Economy aim

To make Crowborough a vibrant and progressive town

in which to work, shop, visit, do business and receive effective business support

Specific aims:

 Promote Crowborough as a business centre for the area

 Provide business support to Crowborough and its hinterland

 Increase range of skills in area (Note Wealden Skills Centre update at end)

 Increase use of e-commerce

 Retain, attract and develop diverse range of businesses but especially in the town centre

 Broaden range of employers offering local jobs

Working in partnership with all agencies and authorities is a specific essential requirement as is the attraction of funding

2007/08 (to end of March 2008) plans and related projects

 Develop Local Business Network brand

 Purchase a database of local businesses beyond TN6 and promote the Local Business Network throughout North Wealden

 Carry out premises audit in Crowborough and the surrounding area

 Continue with providing a range of local networking opportunities and business information

 Help small businesses improve their use of e-business

 Act as joint hosts with WDC Regeneration for their October ’07 Business Breakfast

Related and significant reactive projects during 2007

 Supported WDC Planning Officers at a Public Enquiry in their unsuccessful quest to retain Feedback Ltd (100 employees) in the town. (Dec 06/Jan07)

 Member of small project team with Broadband East Sussex, WDC and local businessman working to provide professional flexible working spaces (FWS) to support local access to business services, an increase in tele-working and the growing self-employed population by exploiting wireless broadband. This has now developed into exploring the feasibility of incorporating a FWS into a purpose built Business Centre. (April 07 and ongoing)

 Working with and supporting retailers in the town in order to bring more people into the town and particularly in the town centre. Chris Grose has also devoted a great deal of time to this. (May ’07 and ongoing)

 Contested planning applications that threaten further loss of commercial and retail premises in the town (May & Oct.Nov 07)

 Fire Safety Order seminar held in June ’07 at Crowborough Fire Station

 Contributed to the local economy aspects of WDC’s Local Development Framework consultation (July ‘07)

 Contributed and robustly challenged the East Sussex Economic Development draft Strategy (July/Aug ’07)

Progress made with 2007/08 projects

 Develop Local Business Network brand

o Funding in place. (Thanks to WDC)

o Logo created by local designer. Included on e-mails created / flyers issued

o Letter headings and business cards under production

o Known expenditure within budget

o On target for completion provided www.crowborough.biz site can be developed to accommodate weblinks as an alternative medium in order to dispense with use of attachments

 Purchase a database of local businesses beyond TN6 and promote the Local Business Network throughout North Wealden

o Funding in place (Thanks to Nat West)

o Business database for all Sussex addressed businesses in north Wealden purchased (Multiple use available for a 12 month period)

o Wadhurst Business Association agreed to be included in mail shot

o Local Mailing House quotation accepted

o Local printer producing Letter headings with Nat West logo for approval

o Expenditure within budget

o Mail shot to 1700 businesses planned for Autumn ’07 to be undertaken early in 2008

 Carry out premises audit in Crowborough and the surrounding area

o Delayed due to other more pressing priorities including the Flexible Working Space pilot project and the possibility of a purpose built Business Centre being located at The Grampian Site south of Crowborough/ north of Uckfield

 Continue with providing a range of local networking opportunities

o Business Lunches held in January and September

o Evening networking event held in May; another in December

o Informal Business Breakfasts held monthly

o All other networking events and local seminars organised by other agencies and organisations publicised through the Local Business Network

o Over 100 business related e-mails issued to the local network during 2007 (224 members)

 Help small businesses improve their use of e-business

o Project for pilot Flexible Working Space and potential Business Centre contributes towards this

 Act as joint hosts with WDC Regeneration for their October ’07 Business Breakfast

o WDC had to change theme for the October ’07 Business Breakfast but will want to jointly host a Spring 2008 event at a North Wealden venue with the Local Business Network

Local Business Network’s Plans for 2008/09

 To continue to hold a range of affordable networking events, to promote the Local Business Network and increase its membership in North Wealden

 To continue to circulate business related information to the network of local business contacts

 To continue to work with any organisation that has a business support and/or training brief and promote relevant seminars, events and any appropriate information

 To actively pursue the aims of the ‘economy’ Healthcheck aims and action plans, and to ensure that priorities are identified and driven by local business needs

 To contribute to ensuring the projects under way currently are progressed / completed, namely:

o Flexible Working Space pilot (linked potentially to a purpose built Business Centre in/around Crowborough)

o Retailers have a degree of support and priority that their commitment requires

o Depending upon the outcome of the FWS/Business Centre and the intent of Locate East Sussex, to undertake the premises audit postponed from 2007/08

o To jointly host the Spring 2008 Business Breakfast with WDC

Wealden Skills Centre’s key role in achieving Increase range of skills in area.

Achievements in 2007 and Plans for 2008

• During August 2007, WSC expanded to occupy the entire site – an increase of another 12,500 sq’ plus an increase in outdoor space.

• All workshops enhanced.

• Teaching kitchen installed.

• New student café open.

Post 16 courses started in September 2007

• Full time Painting & Decorating

• Full time Carpentry

• Full time Motor Vehicle Maintenance

• Full time Maintenance Skills

Apprenticeships:

• Motor Vehicle

• Carpentry

• Maintenance Skills

Adult Learning

• Free taster sessions in September 2007 attracted over 80 adults.

Courses included:

Plastering

Tiling

Brickwork

Carpentry

Edible table decorations

Marzipan Modelling

Belly Dancing

Ballroom Dancing

• Two Saturday colleges have run successfully & more are planned.

• Longer evening classes starting in January 2008 – carpentry, brickwork confirmed with more to follow. Also shorter sessions in plastering & tiling confirmed.

• Business use of Centre on increase – more training & meeting rooms are available as a result of the expansion.

• WSC brochure available shortly & will be sent to local businesses.

• Adult & child holiday courses introduced & larger programme being complied.

• Family Learning courses to run in Feb & May 2008 – Financial Awareness, Healthy Cooking, IT awareness.

Plans for 2008:

• Opening of Public café

• Progression courses for current post 16 students

• Continuous recruitment to established courses.

2007 Annual Report from Local Business Network and Wealden Skills Centre

Tony Slack and Linda Lucas 20.11.07