Sandgate Business Forum Update: Edition 1 (May 2016)

Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself.  My name is Kurt Stephens and I have recently been co-opted onto Sandgate Parish Council as Councillor for Sandgate Valley.  I both live and work in Sandgate where I am a Company Director of a mobile business based on Sandgate High Street.  In the last 12 months, I have been working alongside the Parish Council on a number of initiatives, one of which is as a representative of local businesses.

As many of you will know, Sandgate Parish Council used to hold a “bi-monthly” business forum meeting to discuss local issues that may impact on their businesses.  Unfortunately, due to both the numbers attending these meetings and the agenda items at the time, this forum became an ineffective way of communicating to the local business community and the meetings stopped.

However, Sandgate Parish Council do believe that there is a need, and much value to be had, in working and communicating together to ensure that Sandgate grows and flourishes.  Sandgate Parish Council, also understand that our local businesses play a key role in our community and contribute massively by bringing both locals and visitors together helping Sandgate to be the beautiful, and much envied, place that it is.

Therefore, we have decided to “resurrect” the Business Forum in the form of a blog, initially bi-monthly – these blogs will be updated as and when there is a business benefit or, if we feel that there is an initiative happening that would negatively impact on our businesses, these blogs will be circulated more often.  What we would also like is to hear from you and how we can help.

For example, it may be that you need help with Pensions Auto Enrolment, as you are probably aware this is something that is a legal requirement and has to be carried out by ALL businesses that employ staff.  It may be that you have training needs in areas such as marketing, leadership, cash flow etc. – this is something that we can help with by directing you to many free courses ran in conjunction with Shepway District Council. Please just let us know what we can do and we will certainly look into it.

So, here we are… welcome to the first Sandgate Business Forum blog.

Sandgate News

Parking Restrictions Throughout Sandgate

As many of you know, Shepway District Council have recently proposed parking restrictions thought Sandgate’s coastal roads.  We believe that this will have a massive impact on both businesses and residents.  You can find out more here and email any objections via the link.  Unfortunately, any objections do need to be in by Monday 16th May by 4PM but, if you haven’t already, we do urge you to take the time to read the proposal and raise an objection if you have one.

https://sandgatepc.org.uk/default.cfm?pid=news&newsid=12717

General Business News That Will Affect You

Auto Enrolment

As mentioned previously, Pension Auto Enrolment is coming!  I am sure that you have seen the advertisements on TV with the large fluffy thing (is it a monster?).  Anyway, Auto Enrolment is something that all employers, big or small, must act on.  The Pensions Regulator have a fantastic site where you can find information regarding what your duties are, find out your “staging date”, create of checklist of what you need to do and when you need to do it.  You can find out all you need via the link below;

http://www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/en/employers

Welcome To Our New Sandgate Businesses

The Boat House Kiosk

The Boat House Kiosk is based on Granville Parade and serve a range of hot and cold food and drinks as well as ice cream.  It is ran by David and Clare and has both takeaway facilities as well as tables and chairs where you can sit and enjoy your time with one of the best views in the area.

ROKA Pizza and Coffee House

ROKA are based at number 91 Sandgate High Street and are hoping to be open by the end of May. ROKA provide both a takeaway service and there are table to sit at if you prefer.  The extensive menu is still in the development stage where they will be serving traditional Italian Pizza cooked in a traditional stone pizza oven, Pizza Desserts and Italian Coffee.

Events

Sandgate Music Festival

The first Sandgate Music Festival is due to take place in June.  Obviously we are hoping that this will bring many visitors to the area and as such provide local businesses with potential new custom.  The festival is due to run at various venues throughout Sandgate and will cover all tastes in music – we will keep you informed as to venues and times – if you would like to be involved in this project please contact Peter Heselden of FODS either by email pjwh15@msn.com or phone him at the Tower Theatre on 01303 223925

In closing, I would like to thank you for taking the time to read this update and I hope that you have found it useful. This email / blog is intended to provide information, advice and general communication so if you have anything that you would like information on or even if you just wish to let other businesses know what’s happening with your business then please contact me.  My email address is kurt@acula.co.uk and my telephone number is 07896 106137.

All the very best and I hope to hear from you soon.

Councillor Kurt Stephens
Sandgate Parish Council