VOICE

THE
VOICE
East Sussex
Your Development Manager: martin.searle@fsb.org.uk or call 01424 754 686
January/February 2017
FSB HIGHLIGHTS THE NEED FOR
MORE CYBERCRIME PROTECTION
FSB brought together key speakers to
highlight the problem of cybercrime and
the need for small businesses to protect
themselves at a busy business breakfast
at Buxted Park Hotel.
Katy Bourne, Sussex Police and Crime
Commissioner (pictured), said that latest
research cited that on-line crime costs
business on average £6,000 and cyber
crime £3,000.
Detective Inspector Andy Haslam, the
Head of the Cybercrime Unit for Surrey
and Sussex Police, ran through the types
of crime involved including fraud, hacking,
phishing and various forms of malware,
all designed to steal business assets
(for instance, customer databases) and
money, extort cash, shut down or disrupt
IT systems.
During the Q&A session, Martin Searle,
FSB Development Manager, highlighted
an FSB report: Resilience: How to Protect
small firms in the Digital Economy which
indicated that small business are the most
vulnerable to on-line crime.
Smaller firms are attacked seven million
times per year, costing the UK economy
an estimated £5.26b, yet a survey by
Juniper Research found 26 per cent of
small firms felt they were too small to
KATY BOURNE WITH ANDY HASLAM (LEFT) AND FSB’S COLIN
SLAUGHTER AND CLIVE SOPER (RIGHT)
be of interest to on-line criminals. Colin
Slaughter FSB’s Eastbourne, Wealden and
Lewes Chairman, who hosted the event
alongside Wealden District Council, said:
“Smaller businesses are therefore urged
not to adopt the Ostrich strategy of head
in the sand.”
Mr Haslam went on to describe how
small businesses can protect themselves
including resilient password protection,
regular systems checks and updates
and active use of anti-virus software and
firewalls. He also stressed the need to
back up files.
Mr Searle added: “Training staff and
adopting good practice with business
partners is also critical.”
•Call for case studies. Have you been
subject to cybercrime? Contact: Martin.
Searle@fsb.org.uk
FSB AT HASTINGS LET’S DO BUSINESS SHOW COMMEMORATING
1066 AND ALL THAT
FSB’S ALISON THOMPSON (THE DENTAL BARN - CENTRE) MET
MEMBERS ECPA LTD AT HEATHFIELD EXPO
REGIONAL NEWS 2, 11, 14 BUSINESS UPDATE 3-10 REGIONAL CONTACTS 14 TO ADVERTISE CALL 07745 592 920

East Sussex
PAGE 2
CHAIRMAN’S
VOICE
Dear Member,
FSB’s Small Business Index
found confidence has continued
to fall, dipping into negative
territory for the first time since
2012.
Despite this, FSB found many
positive signs of resilience as
small business gets on with the
job in hand in spite of a fragile
economic outlook.
The share of small businesses
aspiring to grow over the next
12 months ticked up in quarter
three, now at 55 per cent, the
highest level since the end of
2015. Small businesses continue
to take on new staff, with seven
per cent of small firms reporting
increasing headcount.
Small exporters’ performance
has also improved, backed by
the weakness in sterling.This
trend is set to continue, a ‘must’
in post-Brexit Britain.
Key wins in the Chancellor’s
Autumn statement committed
£1.1b for the upgrade and
maintenance of roads outside
the Strategic Road Network and
£1b for digital connectivity.
We will work with our National
Policy team to ensure East
Sussex gets its fair share of this
funding.
In Voice you will see ambitious
plans for 2017, supporting
members and the wider SME
community.
Why not make it a New Year
resolution to get involved? @
FSBEastSussex www.fsb.org.uk/
east-sussex
Darran Hathaway, Regional
Chairman, East Sussex
DARRAN HATHAWAY
VOICE EDITORIAL: This publication is produced by and published for the Federation of Small
Businesses, Sir Frank Whittle Way, Blackpool Business Park Blackpool, Lancs, FY4 2FE.
© Copyright 1996 Federation of Small Businesses all rights reserved. Editor: James Connor. Tel:
01253 361179 Email: james.connor@fsb.org.uk.
Whilst every care has been taken in the compilation of this publication errors or omissions are
not the responsibility of the Federation of Small Businesses and opinions expressed are those
of the authors and are not necessarily the policy of the Federation.
FSB SUPPORTS YOUNG ENTERPRISE
FSB supports its Charity
partner Young Enterprise
across East Sussex.
Kerry Byott of the 1066
Branch recently presented
a cheque to East Sussex YE
manager, Wendy Gorham,
to support local activities
(pictured).
Martin Searle recently
helped with a Masterclass
to help school companies
FSB GETS TOGETHER TO
SET UP THE NEW YEAR
FSB held its Annual
employment and
General Meetings to
enterprise. Nicolae
review the year and
Trofin, newlybegin
planning for
elected Chairman,
2017.
said: “it has been
The 1066 Country
a great year of
Branch (pictured with
achievement for the
keynote speaker,
Branch. Alongside
Clive Collins, 1066 THE 1066 BRANCH TEAM
FSB networking
Business Personality
breakfasts, 2017
of 2016, front) looked
will include events
back on a year that
aimed at maximizing
has seen the team
value from FSB
headline sponsor
member benefits.”
the 1066 business
At Sussex Downs
THE EASTBOURNE, WEALDEN
awards, hold
College, members
AND LEWES BRANCH TEAM
monthly networking
of the Eastbourne,
breakfasts across
Wealden and Lewes
the area and attract over 50 businesses Branch heard that the Branch supported
to an “I is for Inspiration” event supporting Small Business Saturday in Eastbourne,
young entrepreneurs.
alongside Caroline Ansell MP, held a
The Branch continued a regular
regular FSB networking breakfast and two
dialogue with Hastings Borough and breakfasts with Wealden District Council
Rother District Councils.
on tendering for public contracts and
A first joint breakfast with Rother DC protecting against cybercrime.
attracted a large business audience to The branch also held an “I is for
highlight and celebrate the growing arts Inspiration” event in support of young
and culture sector.
entrepreneurs and backed Young
Working with Amber Rudd, MP for Enterprise through running a business
Hastings and Rye, and Huw Merriman, Masterclass and sponsorship of the Best
MP for Bexhill and Battle, FSB supported Company at the Eastbourne and Wealden
Careers fairs to help young people into finals.
FSB attended the East Sussex Best
for Biz conference at the De La Warr
Pavilion, Bexhill.
It addressed The Future of Work,
with UK Digital Personality of the Year,
Allister Frost, as keynote speaker
presenting upon the challenges of
digital marketing.
Seminars included exporting, cyber
protection, and using social media.
THE
VOICE
run their stands at the YE
Trade Fairs. Colin Slaughter
said: “We urge members to
support Young Enterprise by
coming to a YE trade fair or
two.”
Dates of YE Trade fairs are
4 February, Arndale Centre,
Eastbourne; 5 February:
Holmbush Shopping Centre,
Shoreham; 11 March, Priory
Meadow, Hastings.s
WENDY GORHAM (RIGHT)
RECEIVES A CHEQUE FROM
KERRY BYOTT OF THE FSB
1066 COUNTRY BRANCH
EAST SUSSEX EVENT IS BEST FOR BIZ
CLIVE SOPER
(LEFT)
WITH HUW
MERRIMAN
MP FOR
BEXHILL
AND BATTLE
AT THE
CONFERENCE
www.fsb.org.uk

East Sussex
MEMBER PROFILE: STEPHEN
MARSHALL IS AIMING TO
HIGHLIGHT MAJOR ISSUES
FSB Member and
business activist, Steve
Marshall (pictured),
works in a self-employed
capacity running SMS
Business Services which
helps businesses in
Sussex save money
on utilities, merchant
services, LED lighting
(working with Led-UK)
and renewable energy.
FSB is lobbying
Government for a new
legal definition of selfemployment,
currently,
demanding greater parity
with the employed, in
terms of support.
Steve picks up his
business story. and
said: “Before starting my own business I
had a successful career in automotive sales.
When the business restructured, selling to a
national company, I saw an opportunity for a
change of direction.
“I wanted to use the skills that I have
obtained, particularly in customer service and
business development, to build something for
myself. And it has been an exciting journey so
far. Recent developments in business grants
for LED lighting, via Green Growth Platform,
A transformational online
service, FSB Business
Profiling, has been
developed by a Nottingham
technology company
and it could change the
way customers view your
business.
Olly Betts, CEO, explained:
“Before doing business
with you everyone can look
up information about your
business online and make
judgements about it.
“FSB Business Profiling
enables businesses to take
control of their digital profile,
from managing their credit
score to delivering a welldesigned
website which
presents a professional
face and scores well in
online rankings. Recent
research from Lloyds shows
that businesses that have
embraced digital potential
and fully understand their
has seen this area of the
business take off.”
Steve indicated he
was pleased the FSB is
taking up the case for the
self-employed.
He added: “Whilst we
have flexibility and freedom
to build something for
ourselves, more security
would be welcome,
especially around cover for
sickness. No one wants to
create risks having to work
when ill. This cover would
prevent putting the public
in any potential danger.”
Steve is seen regularly
at business events and
added: “With FSB, I find
the networking events
and meetings very enjoyable – business-like
and relaxed. This gives me an opportunity
to talk with other business owners and not
feel isolated. By joining the FSB Eastbourne,
Wealden and Lewes team I hope I will be
able to relay their concerns on local issues
to the right place at Council, MP and national
Government levels, especially where energy
efficiency and transport links are concerned.
Also I plan to let people know what the FSB is
doing for them.”
STEPHEN MARSHALL
SERVICE GEARED TO HELPING FSB MEMBERS
GET A HANDLE ON THEIR DIGITAL PROFILE
FSB PUTS THE BUSINESS PROFILING
TOOL THROUGH ITS PACES
online reputation are
twice as likely to report an
increase in turnover.”
FSB member, Balance
Wealth Planning, has
been using FSB Business
Profiling and Managing
Director Rebecca Aldridge
commented: “As a business
that finds the majority of
its new clients online, FSB
Business Profiling allows
us to see how we are
being perceived and then
take control of our online
reputation.”
All FSB members can
claim two free reports for
their business. Visit: www.
fsbbusinessprofiling.com
THE
VOICE
FSB’S REGIONAL TEAM LOOK FORWARD
TO A BRIGHT 2017
FSB APPROVES
NEW AND
AMBITIOUS PLANS
FOR THE FUTURE
Nationally, FSB is part way
through the largest change
programme in its history and has
recently approved a five-year
plan for the longer term.
This touches every aspect of
the way we operate from the
technology we use, the benefits
package for our members and
our branding and communication
channels.
The small business market is
changing and FSB is adapting to
this change.
It has very much led UK
economic growth in recent years
and many more individuals are
willing to take the plunge and
become their own boss.
The number of new Start Ups
has grown to record levels,
making FSB more relevant to
an increasing proportion of the
working population.
Members will see we have
modernised our brand and, in
2017, we will move forward with
new joining categories and new
benefits.
These will include FSB
Marketplace, a trading portal
for members and a business
profiling tool highlighted in this
edition of Voice.
Nicolae Trofin, newly-elected
FSB Chairman for 1066 Country,
commented: “We will continue
to develop the way we run
our business networking and
provide opportunities for our
Membership Advisers to help
members maximise their use of
FSB benefits.”
www.fsb.org.uk PAGE 11

East Sussex
THE
VOICE
www.fsb.org.uk PAGE 12

East Sussex
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• Staff awareness, newsletters, mailshots, email communications
• Market segmentation – reach the right audience
For more information on how we can help you, email:
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or call 0208 363 0583 or 07742 778 003
WORK WITH FSB
EVER THOUGHT ABOUT RUNNING YOUR
OWN SALES BUSINESS?
PAGE 13
OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS THE UK FOR SELF-EMPLOYED MEMBERSHIP ADVISORS (SALES AGENTS)
As experts in business we offer our members a wide
range of vital business services including advice, financial
expertise, support and a powerful voice in government.
Imagine the potential of building your own business under the
umbrella of one of the UK’s most trusted brands. Just think what
you can achieve with full training, marketing support and enjoying
uncapped commission. Our top performers earn in excess of £100k.
You’ll ideally have B2B experience and have the skill and drive to
generate your own appointments, along with a car, valid driving
licence and mobile phone.
For additional information or to apply
Call 01253 361182
or email ma.opportunities@fsb.org.uk
quoting RV201605 or visit Candidates.fsb.org.uk
THE
VOICE
WHAT DO WE OFFER?
• Uncapped Commission
with a realistic OTE of at
least £45k
• Earn more by cross selling
products and services
• Additional incentives for
top performers
• Full training provision and
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• Territories available across
the UK
www.fsb.org.uk
FSB 406 HR Regional Voice Advert - HALF.indd 1 25/05/2016 16:34

East Sussex
NEWS PLANS FOR
LEWES NORTH
STREET QUARTER
FSB joined a Lewes Chamber
meeting to discuss plans for the
North Street Quarter in Lewes www.
northstreetqtr.co.uk.
Facilitated by Lewes District
Council, business heard how the
developers, Santon, will create
420 homes, 65,000 square feet
of commercial space and a large
health facility, over the next five
years, starting in 2018.
The area is sited on the west bank
of the Ouse river, on the northern
approaches to the town and will
include a new walkway across the
river, retail space and a square,
fronting stone steps onto the river.
An additional 75,000 square feet
of light industrial space will also
be created in Malling Brooks to the
east of the river. The development is
planned to cope with tidal flooding.
CLIVE WILDING EXPLAINS THE TOWN’S
DEVELOPMENT
POST-BREXIT CONCERNS
HIGHLIGHTED BY FSB AT
TRADING CONFERENCE
Martin Searle, FSB Development Manager,
was invited to speak on a panel at the
south east Trading Standards Conference
in Eastbourne.
Brexit was the hot topic and the
opportunities and threats in a post-Brexit
economy. Hosted by Bryan Lewin of the
Chartered Trading Standards Institute
(CTSI), the panel included CTSI Director of
Policy, Melissa Dring.
Martin put across FSB’s approach
around the EU Referendum and its
business policy demands of Government
in the post-Brexit aftermath.
He outlined the issues FSB is engaging
with Government upon, continuity for
current EU funded projects and clarity
on future priorities, including SME
support (and access to finance); ease of
access to the European single market
and opportunities in non-EU markets;
ease and access to labour, skills and
FSB brought its best of breed membership
package to the business community.
The Brighton Expo saw businesses
galloping to its racecourse.
In Hastings, Norman’s networked with
Saxon’s for the 950th anniversary of the
Battle of Hastings. FSB supported the
Heathfield Expo.
LEA EDE (LEFT), LOUISE BAXTER (FRONT) AND
SOPHIE MONS OF TRADING STANDARDS WITH
FSB’S MARTIN SEARLE
BUSINESS EXPOS HIT THE MARK
the ability to do business in the EU. The
exact shape of Brexit negotiations will
make a difference to the practical impact
on regulatory services such as Trading
Standards.
Martin cited that with the pound weaker,
exporting was an opportunity for SME’s
but that the cost of imports could see
them seeking less expensive suppliers.
FSB’S KERRY
BYOTT WITH
JANE TAYLOR
(TAYLOR MADE
CAKES) AT
HASTINGS LET’S
DO BUSINESS
REGIONAL CONTACTS
REGIONAL OFFICE: 3 High Street,
Polegate. BN26 5HA Tel: 01323 482018
E: eastsussex@fsb.org.uk
Follow us on twitter @FSBEastSussex
DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Martin Searle
Tel: 01424 754686
E: martin.searle@fsb.org.uk
REGIONAL CHAIRMAN
Darran Hathaway
Tel: 07981 785 987
E: darran@rescuemefromdebt.co.uk
REGIONAL SECRETARY
Violet O’Brien
Tel: 01323 644951
E: Chatbridge712@gmail.com
or Regional Office (see above)
NATIONAL COUNCILLOR
Doug Thorogood
Tel: 07711 496637
E: dthorogood@thorogoodenterprises.
co.uk
1066 COUNTRY BRANCH CHAIRMAN
Nicolae Trofin
Tel: 0777 4442318
E: nicolae.trofin@aps-associate.co.uk
1066 COUNTRY BRANCH SECRETARY
Kerry Byott
Tel: 07913 055 116
E: kerry@topthatjobco.uk
BRIGHTON & HOVE CHAIRMAN
Please contact Regional Chairman
BRIGHTON & HOVE SECRETARY
Please contact Regional Chairman
EASTBOURNE, LEWES & WEALDEN
CHAIRMAN
Colin Slaughter
Tel: 07860 224422
E: ColSlaughter@hotmail.com
EASTBOURNE, LEWES & WEALDEN
SECRETARY
Sue Hathaway
E: suehath@yahoo.co.uk
THE
VOICE
www.fsb.org.uk PAGE 14