| CAE did us proud with a splendid breakfast buffet and superlative attention to our every need. They were also able to offer 15 of our lucky guests the opportunity to enjoy a demonstration in one of the 14 multi-million pound simulators currently in Burgess Hill. Our guests were given expert guidance on taking off and landing a Citation business jet at Gatwick Airport. A year of consolidation The initial protocols of the AGM were swiftly dealt with and at this point Tamara Roberts, a member of the BHBPA Board, stepped in to read an overview of the past 12 months as prepared by BHBPA’s Chairperson, Mark Jackson of HPC, who had had to extend his apologies Wednesday morning. BHBPA’s Finance Officer, James Jarman, of Galloways Accounting, then provided a very transparent presentation of our annual accounts. Our board continues to exercise strong controls over costs to ensure cash is utilised by the association for the benefit of its members. BHBPA’s CEO, Richard Cox, reviewed our membership numbers over the last 12 months, our growing social media presence and took a look at some of the activities and initiatives of the association over the past year. Progress on moving forward with the Victoria Business Park Traffic Regulation Order (TRO), which has secured planning permission, is currently stymied while we lobby WSCC and our local MP Alison Bennett about who should ultimately pay for the road markings. Schools Engagement We also touched on our engagement programmes with local schools, promoting STEM together with careers and business skills development. Mention was made of the sustainability and engineering initiatives we also support, such as the Young Green Briton Challenge and the Green Power electric car racing club at the Burgess Hill Academy. A nexus for local business and the charity sector In addition, we highlighted the value to our members in engaging with local charities. We recommend to any business wanting to develop their younger staff that allowing them to participate as treasurers or trustees for local community groups and charities can build their skills sets and confidence. This will be reviewed specifically at our next Charity Roundtable on April 28th and we hope to see more members attending this event to find out more. During Wednesday’s event the chair of BHBPA’s Charity Roundtable, Michael Stratford, explained more about the value of participation that you can tap into with your business. In addition to all this, it was an opportunity to finally present an engraved annual trophy to the winner of last year’s BHBPA’s Christmas Gingerbread House Decoration, held in aid of Safe in Sussex. A preliminary review of the Members Survey A robust sample of nearly 25% of our members demonstrated a broad base of all member types, from those with1000+ staff to the larger, mid sized and smaller SME’s in our ranks, alongside our sole trader members. We continue to listen to our members as we evolve our offering; for example, with new types of events, together with award categories that appeal to this member segment. One key takeaway: BHBPA membership represents exceptional value for money with 64% giving us five stars and another 24% four stars on this point. BHBiz26 With so many members present it was a fine opportunity to reiterate that entering awards is a great way to promote your business, reward your staff with recognition and highlight the values your business holds dear. An energised morning With short and succinct presentations, there was a great buzz to the entire meeting with lots of time to network. |
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| All photography courtesy of Gibson Blanc Photography |
 For all enquiries:Richard Cox – CEO richard.cox@bhbpa.co.uk 07393 728688 |