News
Emergency staffing needed for WSCC Social Care Service
Posted on 26th March 2020
In the current crisis, the Adult Social Care service delivered by WSCC is experiencing considerable staffing shortages. We are looking to recruit Support Workers to work with our most vulnerable adults, those with learning disabilities living in residential homes. Details of the sort of work involved can be found in the advert. If you are aware of any businesses, particularly those in the retail or hospitality sectors, that have had to make staff... read more
COVID-19 Tax Help Line
Posted on 26th March 2020
I have been informed by MSDC that the Government has released new information about a tax helpline to support businesses affected by Covid-19. Here’s the link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/tax-helpline-to-support-businesses-affected-by-coronavirus-covid-19?utm_source=abf58be4-7483-44cd-bb85-455b78fce0ae&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate ... read more
Expanded Retail Discount – new types of property added
Posted on 26th March 2020
I have received a further update from Kevin Stewart regarding an expansion of the property types covered by the Retail Discount scheme affecting Business Rates. *** Following further restrictions to limit the spread of coronavirus announced on 23 March 2020, the Chancellor has announced that the retail, hospitality and leisure discount will also apply to estate agents, lettings agencies and bingo halls that have closed as a result of Covid-19 measures. The... read more
Micro Business Grant Scheme 2020/21
Posted on 26th March 2020
Along with the other Mid Sussex business associations, I have received the following from our friends at MSDC regarding Micro Business Grants for 2020/21. *** Dear Business Associations, Below is a flyer regarding the next Micro Business Grant Scheme which is scheduled to launch at the end of April. There is also some guidance notes to help businesses interested in applying. For any enquires regarding the Micro Business Grant Scheme, please direct... read more
Help with seamless home working solutions for SME’s
Posted on 25th March 2020
This is clearly a time where we should look to each other for support and guidance where we can, and help each other to continue to operate as normally as possible. No doubt many of you have already swapped the office desk for the kitchen table. At SEBS we offer a one stop business solution including hardware & software supplies, remote support and security services, telephone & broadband lines, VoIP telephony, collaboration tools & much... read more
Business Support from HM Government – update from MSDC
Posted on 25th March 2020
The Government have now published the guidance on the Business Grants scheme. Please follow this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-business-support-grant-funding As promised I will keep you fully updated on this but as previously stated we are hoping to write out this week to affected businesses this week to get updated bank accounts where required and to also hopefully make the payments to qualifying... read more
Until we’re advised otherwise: Go to your place of work (if you must), go to the supermarket (if you must) and Stay at Home.
Posted on 25th March 2020
When the Prime Minister announced stringent new measures to reduce the amount of social contact in order to delay the spread of the COVID-19 virus across the UK, there was still some ambiguity around his statement about only travelling if ‘absolutely essential’. Michael Gove was interviewed on BBC Breakfast this morning and gave greater clarification and some examples. He said, workers may still travel to their places of work for the... read more
Business Grant Scheme Update – Schemes 1 & 2
Posted on 23rd March 2020
Scheme 1 – Business Support Grants Fund This scheme is the scheme originally announced in the budget on the 11th March 2020, albeit the level of grant has increased from £3,000 to £10,000 The current proposal is that all properties in receipt of rural rate relief or small business rates relief on 11thMarch 20210, including those in receipt of tapered relief (eg with RV of £12k to £15k), will be eligible for a grant payment of £10,000. There... read more
Business Rates Nursery Discount 2020/21: Coronavirus Response – Local Authority Guidance
Posted on 23rd March 2020
As an extraordinary response to the coronavirus, the Government announced a business rates Nursery Discount on the 18th March 2020 for the financial year 2020/21. This relief will apply to hereditaments occupied by providers on Ofsted’s Early Years Register and wholly or mainly used for the provision of the Early Years Foundation Stage and which are subject to business rates in the year 2020/21. There will be no rateable value limit on the relief. Ofsted... read more
Government defines ‘Key Workers’ in response to COVID-19
Posted on 20th March 2020
In its guidance for schools, colleges and local authorities on maintaining educational provision, the Government has defined what it currently means by key workers. The groups include: Health and social care Education and childcare Key public services Local and national government Food and other necessary goods Public safety and national security Transport Utilities, communication and financial services If workers think they fall within the critical... read more
Birthday message from Dame Vera Lynn
Posted on 19th March 2020
We received this message from Dame Vera ahead of her 103rd birthday on Friday 20th March. “Thank you all for the kind gifts, cards and gestures I received to celebrate my birthday this year. Once again, I am overwhelmed by everyone’s kindness and generosity, and am so grateful to you all for helping me to mark this milestone. I feel very fortunate to have reached 103, and my day will be made all the more special by hearing from people all... read more
Welcome new member GOHS
Posted on 19th March 2020
It is at an interesting time that we at Global Occupational Health Solutions have decided to join the BHBPA, however it is also during times of challenge that we need the support of our communities and it was your emphasis on this which struck a chord as it aligns well to our underlying values – so here we are! At Global Occupational Health our aim to is help you support your people as we believe that people are the heart of every business. We... read more
American Express joins BHBPA
Posted on 19th March 2020
I am delighted to welcome American Express into our membership network as a long-standing employer in Burgess Hill and active member of the local community. American Express has held offices in Burgess Hill for over 40 years and now has over 1,000 colleagues based in the town supporting global technology, finance and business functions, to name a few. American Express was established in 1850 as a freight forwarding company and introduced its first... read more
Business Rates & Retail Discount Guidance
Posted on 19th March 2020
The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) has issued guidance to Local Authorities (in our case Mid Sussex District Council) explaining the Expanded Retail Discount 2020/21 for Business Rates in response to the Coronavirus crisis. MSDC are looking to update their software ASAP in order to get the additional help out to businesses that qualify. Bear in mind that MSDC have deferred any April 2020 payment from any businesses... read more
First Recruitment move home
Posted on 12th March 2020
First Recruitment Services (FRS) has had an incredibly busy start to 2020! Not only celebrating 20 years of being one of the top recruiters in Sussex, Surrey & Kent, FRS have recently moved their Mid Sussex office and Headquarters to luxurious new and spacious offices in the centre of Haywards Heath. The Mid Sussex office covers all aspects of recruitment including – Commercial, Industrial, Hospitality & Catering, Digital & Marketing... read more
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Testimonials
"I am delighted to have a long-standing relationship with the BHBPA. Since its foundation the Association has gone from strength to strength and there is no doubt that it has brought huge benefits to its members and the business community as a whole through the partnerships it has formed with the local authorities, Sussex Police and local organisations. It is paramount that Burgess Hill businesses have an effective collective voice."
"“Sutton Winson have been members of the BHBPA for around 7 years. We have found it a great way to keep in touch with Burgess Hill businesses and to meet with likeminded people. It’s not just another “networking” group, as it tackles the real issues and gets things done”"
"“I have belonged to this group since I started my own business, Lea Graham Associates, in 1986. The association has been through several incarnations since then, but its most recent one, BHBPA, is by far the best.
It’s much more than just a networking group, although it is supremely good at that too. BHBPA is inclusive and friendly and acts like a mutual-support society. The events are stimulating, worthwhile and often great fun and I believe most members share this opinion.”"
"“I can’t speak highly enough of the BHBPA. As a small local business we feel very much part of a community and thoroughly enjoy the annual exhibition and meetings throughout the year. Over the years we have built fantastic working relationships with many BHBPA members and every meeting and event offers us opportunities to work with more. This is networking at its best! ” "