Posts Tagged ‘Government’

Government growth fund could help West Sussex businesses

Wednesday, January 26th, 2011

Government growth fund could help West Sussex businesses

Businesses and other private bodies in West Sussex are being urged to apply for almost one-and-a-half billion pounds worth of Government funding.

The call comes from the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership, urging people to apply for the Regional Growth Fund.

The Coast to Capital LEP covers the whole of West Sussex, Brighton and Hove, the Gatwick Diamond and the London Borough of Croydon, and is formed of local authorities and employers.

Leader of West Sussex County Council Louise Goldsmith said: “The Government announced the Regional Growth Fund as a £1.4 billion three year fund to support organisations and businesses to attract private sector investment and create long-term job growth.

“Coast to Capital itself has set really challenging objectives to support enterprise and entrepreneurship and boost exports. We want to encourage bids to the Regional Growth Fund that can help deliver those objectives.

“Although securing the funding will be challenging we want to hear from businesses with well thought out ideas to support enterprise and generate new jobs. There will be more funding rounds and we will want to explore potential future bids as well.”

The government has said it expects LEPs to play a role in coordinating areas and communities in bidding for the fund.

Louise added: “There’s a lot of common ground with the work of the LEP and the Regional Growth Fund, areas like skills and enterprise, carbon budgeting and economic growth. It would be extremely helpful if we could tie local bids and the LEP together to ensure we’re getting the most out of the fund for our area.”

Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy Deborah Urquhart said: “The LEP is of vital importance to the future economy of West Sussex. It aims to transform economic performance so we can compete in any international marketplace.

“It sets out our vision for a lasting relationship between public sector and employers to achieve sustainable economic prosperity for our area. By generating investment and business growth we can help to secure better skills for better jobs and boost our local economies.”

For further information on the Regional Growth Fund and the LEP, visit the website at www.coast2capital.org.uk or contact 01243 777613.

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Kung Fu School awarded by the Chinese

Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010

On Saturday the 20th February Shelley went along to the Kung Fu School based in Spindle Way, Crawley to see the Chinese perform.

A large number of people turned out to watch this truly wonderful event. A troupe of professional performers sent by the Chinese government came to celebrate The Kung Fu School being awarded the title of “Confucius Institute Classroom”… the Confucius Institute represents the Chinese government for promoting Chinese health, wellbeing & culture.  The Kung Fu School is the only martial arts school in the world to receive this title.  “It’s due our professionalism, knowledge and constant focus on developing & moving forward” says Master Paul Hawkes, Chief Instructor.

Paul went on to say “I really enjoyed the afternoon. It was so rewarding watching everyone enjoying themselves so much.  It puts a smile on my face just thinking about it. That’s what I dreamt of when I pictured my Kung Fu School, a safe, friendly, professional martial arts school for the whole of the family to enjoy.  I feel that we are on the right road, however there’s still plenty of room for improvement”.

Lots of people came to see this amazing event

The day was full of entertainment, dance from the Confucius Institute and some of the young Kung Fu School members. Also present to introduce each performance was Lara Martin, Project Manager for the Confucius Institute based in London South Bank University. Lara told us “it is a privilege to be here and we are very proud of Paul and his staffs achievement with the award. It’s great to see so many people here for this event”.

Lara Martin - Project Manager Confucius Institute

Mayor Brenda Burgess and Councillor Bob Burgess also attended this monumental occassion. Mayor Burgess and Councillor Burgess quite happily interacted with the proceedings, even taking part in some of the challenges set by Lara, which included showing how to use the fans and some very difficult handkerchief twirling and much more. Mayor Brenda Burgess told us “this is a wonderful event and we commend Paul and his staff for their achievement of being awarded the Confucius award”.

(L-R) Councillor Bob Burgess, Master Paul Hawkes and Mayor Brenda Burgess

Anita Parker of Crawley has a young son, Callum, who attends the Kung Fu School. Anita told us “Callum, who is six, has balance problems which he was getting physio for. Then I heard about the school and thought it might be a good thing for Callum. After only twelve weeks Callum’s balance has dramatically improved. I have even noticed a change in Callum’s attitude and school work, which is great. I would recommend the Kung Fu School to anyone”.

Callum and Mum, Anita Parker

Paul said they have lots planned for 2010 so we look forward to keeping you abreast of all forthcoming events.

Crawley Happy Times would to say a big well done to all involved in this truly spectacular event :-)

Did you attend this event? Please feel free to comment below.

Videos


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Clash of the cultures kicking their way to success

Friday, February 19th, 2010

Something special is happening in Crawley this weekend. For any sport or fitness fanatic, this could be an unmissable event. Paul Hawkes told us all about it.

Children from the Kung Fu School demonstrating at the National Portrait Gallery

Who is Paul Hawkes?

Paul Hawkes has been studying martial arts for almost thirty years, specialising in Wing Chun Kung Fu since 1986. During this time Paul has trained students in Karate, Judo, Muai Thai, Eskrima and various styles of Wing Chun. Paul opened his first class in 1991 and was awarded his Master grade in 2007 by Grand Master Kernspecht, the European Chief instructor for the largest Kung Fu organisation in the world.

Weapons demonstration at the National Portrait Gallery

Paul told us “In 2005 I realised my dream of having the finest full time Kung Fu School in the country when I opened The Kung Fu School at 1a Spindle Way.  The facility is truly outstanding and fully equipped with everything that you would ever need for your training”.

The flaming torch dance

Who can learn?

“We teach children & adults although not within the same classes because they learn very differently and their needs are often very different.  We have classes for 4 – 6 year olds, 7 – 12 year olds and 13+. 

We have classes Monday – Thursday & Saturdays.  We also offer Kung Fu birthday parties on Friday & Saturday afternoons which are very popular”.

Tai Chi sword

What is happening with The Kung Fu School this weekend?

Paul told us “Last Saturday twelve of our children performed at the National Portrait Gallery in Trafalgar Square for the Chinese New Year.  They were superb and what’s really great is that quite a few of them joined the school because they were shy and certainly would never have volunteered for anything.  Next thing, they’re on stage at one of the most famous Galleries in the world, performing in front of hundreds of people including VIP’s from the Chinese Embassy”.

Chinese papercutting dance

Paul went on to say “This Saturday we have a troupe of professional performers sent by the Chinese government to celebrate The Kung Fu Schools being awarded the title of “Confucius Institute Classroom”… the Confucius Institute represents the Chinese government for promoting Chinese health, wellbeing & culture.  We are the only martial arts school in the world to receive this title.  It’s due our professionalism, knowledge and constant focus on developing & moving forward”.

The event

There will be Lion dancing, traditional Chinese dancing, tai Chi, Wu Shu and then have mini workshops where the children can have a go at the various activities.

Chinese handkerchief dancing

They event is FREE and open to anyone over four years old and is from 2.00ish to 4.30. If you wish to attend this fantastic event please call on 01293 544333 to reserve your place.  If you would like more information about the Kung Fu School please check out our website www.kungfuschools.org

Acrobatic Wu Shu

The Kung Fu School are offering one month’s FREE membership to children and adults… so if you’d like to see what it’s like and why they are so unique call 01293 544333 to arrange your tour of the school and your first lesson.

 

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West Sussex County Council local authority awarded national standard by BSI

Thursday, June 25th, 2009

crawleyboroughcouncilsmall

West Sussex County Council has become the first local authority in England to be awarded a national standard proving the resilience of all its services.

The British Standard for Business Continuity shows the council can handle crisis situations in the worst of conditions. It was awarded after auditors from the British Standards Institute (BSI) spent seven days quizzing managers and staff about what they would do in various emergencies.

“Business Continuity is all about making sure that vital services can continue to operate during a crisis,” explained Peter Evans, County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection. “It could be anything from a simple power failure for a few hours, to a major catastrophe.
“Being the first to gain this standard is a major achievement, and shows the County Council is determined to safeguard citizens and services during any kind of emergency. It means other authorities have a benchmark they can work towards.”

Now a special presentation is to be made to the County Council, which like all councils, has an Emergency Management Team on permanent standby.

Areas examined by the BSI auditors included West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, the Contact Centre in Bognor Regis, the county Homecare Team and Trading Standards.

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Well done Crawley!!

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