| The 21st Annual General Meeting of BHBPA |
| Chairperson’s Report I would like to thank all our members for their support and commitment through 2024. It has been a year of steady progress for the Burgess Hill Business Parks Association as we reached the milestone of 236 active members in 2024. In 2024 we said goodbye to one of our longstanding board members, Susan Fleet MBE who has left a legacy, and welcomed Tamara Roberts (Ridgeview Wine Estate), James Jarman (Galloways Accounting) and Angela Gill (Bio-Productions) as new Board Directors of the association. |
 Mark Jackson: Chair of BHBPA  A huge turnout on Wednesday morning, with more than the expected 63, a wide selection of members, long standing and new. Each of them brings a wealth of invaluable experience and expertise to our association reflecting on our commitment to building an inclusive and dynamic team. 20 Years of BHBPA During 2024 the Burgess Hill Business Parks Association celebrated our 20 Years Milestone as a Business Association as well as our members’ local business success with our BHBiz24 Awards at the AMEX stadium. We have continued to support our members, local business and our community with value added services that are benefiting to our shared interest. Whether it was attending our BHBiz Awards Event, or one of our social events, collaborating with business and schools during Mid Sussex Science Week, getting involved in our Steering Committees, or just reading our weekly newsletter about what is happening within our local business and our community. I would like to thank Richard Cox for his dedication and abundance of enthusiasm throughout 2024. Richard has led our Steering Groups and engaged with our members in support of your specific business interests. I’d also like to thank our other co-directors, David Shore (Time 24), Tamara, Angela, and James, together with our Marketing Officer Steve Powell (Fresh Display). We are very fortunate in their contribution in leading our association. Here’s to a successful and productive 2025 for us all! |
  Richard CoxChief Executive of BHBPA  Next up was CEO Richard Cox who gave a review of the past 12 months. A multi-faceted membership proposition A wide agenda appeals to a very broad spectrum of very different businesses, from multi-nationals to micro-businesses. Issues are addressed in Steering Committees and Working Groups and best practice also shared in a collaborative way through networking events and this newsletter. In no particular order our agenda includes: -Sustainability & Net Zero -Equality Diversity and Inclusion -Schools outreach with careers events and work placement encouragements to our members -STEM promotion -The recent Traffic Regulation Order on Victoria Business Park to improve access and safety -Business representation at all levels of local authority -Facilitating our members’ own CSR/ESG objectives Valuable marketing elements of membership -One to two networking events FREE every month -FREE promotion of your content in our newsletter, website and social media -Listing on BHBPA’s Business Directory -Heavily discounted exhibition space at Burgess Hill Means Business expo in May BHMB25 at only £149 for members. The best value exhibition space in Sussex -In September 2025 get ready to enter your FREE award entry for BHBiz26 – our biennial business awards Also reviewed was the growing attendance seen at our events over the last 12 months, with delegate bookings up significantly. Great venues, interesting site tours, and a curated range of topical business themes. Also highlighted, the recently introduced range of training courses offered to members. |
 James Jarman Finance Director BHBPA Finance Report The AGM concluded with a brief overview of the association’s accounts from BHBPA’s Finance Director James Jarman. “During the financial year ended 31 December 2024 the association made a loss of £16,280 which was mainly because of the decision to invest some of the accumulated reserves into an extra special event to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the association at the BHBiz Awards 2024 held at the Amex Stadium. The total net cost of this event was just over £13,000 and was seen as a way to reward existing members, to aid the association in member retention as well as driving interest and future growth in its membership. Cash held remained healthy at £45,088 as at the end of December 2024 with total reserves holding above £40,000.” |
| You can view the full Annual General Meeting 2025 PowerPoint presentation HERE |
 A great buffet breakfast was provided Our Appreciation We’d like to thank The Oak Barn Restaurant’s Mark Collins and his fantastic teams, front and back of house, for hosting us yet again. We know your teams came in early to help and accommodate us, THANK YOU!  |
 Our Guest Speaker – Jane Davey – Chair of the Governors of Burgess Hill Academy Jane explained why Community Partnerships are so important for the school She explained the issues faced by the school recently and the recent favourable OFSTED reports that show how the school has been turned around. It’s in an upward trajectory, but it’s part of a journey. They’re empowering all stakeholders in school decisions and sharing voice among parents, students, staff and community partners These students are the future for the town – we want them to have the highest expectations of themselves and know that they can add value to their community. |
| By raising the profile of the school, we raise the profile of Burgess Hill The community is being brought into the classroom through real World learning and experience. Learning opportunities are being expanded and enriched through after-school, weekend, and summer programmes . A culture of belonging, safety, and care that inspires trust and a sense of community is being fostered. Jane also highlighted some of the recent support our members have provided: –Careers Programme – History of community support –30 laptops – Roche Diagnostics –5 Laser Printers – Custom Pharmaceuticals –The Green Car project – Kit car equipment – Edwards Vacuum & Others –New bike sheds and fencing around Forest School Nevertheless there is still much to be done. The school would value sponsorship of: -Reward cinema events – 250 students per term – £300 a term/£900 a year –Reward breakfasts – 25 students per half term – £200 half term/£400 a term/£1,200 a year –New library books – £20 per book How would you like to work with us? What does Community Engagement mean for you? Contact Linda Dorgan (Careers Leader) who is coordinating community support: l.dorgan@brightonacademiestrust.org.u |
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