Tim French honoured

HHDBA is delighted to congratulate Tim French of the French Group and Its Magic on his appointment as MBE in the New Year’s Honours.

Tim’s been honoured for his widespread work in the community. Besides still successfully running his shop fitting business after 40 years, Tim is probably best known for the It’s Magic Events which runs the successful music events in Victoria Park and the Broadway each year; these bring stars like Katherine Jenkins and Blake to the town but also promote local musicians.

His voluntary work dates back to the early 60s when he worked as a youth leader at both the Albermarle Youth Centre and the Wivelsfield Youth Club. He also coached junior athletics and was a founder member of Haywards Heath Harriers with British decathlon winner Daley Thompson among his protégés.

Tim, who is an active member and former president of Haywards Heath Rotary Club, also served for more than 20 years on the Mid Sussex Magistrates’ bench.

MEMBERS BRIEFINGS

CHAMBERS NAMES asb STAR PERFORMERS
asb law’s corporate team has retained its top tier ranking in Chambers & Partners 2010, the leading independent legal services directory.  Described as a ‘first rate transactional powerhouse’, three of the team members are also ranked as leading advisers in the region personally. In addition, the firm has retained rankings in the aviation, banking, dispute resolution, real estate, restructuring, private client, travel and intellectual property sectors.

Lyndsey Ratcliffe (dispute resolution), Daniel James (commercial/aviation) and Debbie Venn (information technology) were also ranked for the first time as ‘associates to watch’ thanks to the positive feedback the Chambers' researchers received from their clients and contacts www.asb-law.com.

OPTIMUM SUCCESS
Built environment consultants, Optimum, are beginning the New Year in triumph. The company has recently won several important sustainable energy projects, as well as working on the Round 3 Offshore wind farm programme for the Crown Estate. At the same time, the first phase of its new railway buildings for Uckfield and Smitham stations have been completed – both of which are being built using off site modular build components, delivered to site for final assembly. Both stations are due for completion in mid-February.

The end of 2009 also saw the appointment of Mike Noakes; a Chartered Civil Engineer. Mike, who has held senior positions at BAA for over 20 years, will develop strategic programme and project management services particularly to the transport sector for Optimum. www.optimum.uk.com .

REEVES+NEYLAN SCOOPS NATIONAL AWARD
Reeves+Neylan LLP, one of the South East’s leading accounting and business advisory firms, won the prestigious national award for “Best Large Firm of the Year” at the recent Accountancy Age Awards 2009 at a ceremony at London’s Battersea Park Arena. The judges described the firm as responsive, client-focused and meeting clients’ diverse needs with a range of innovative and unique services, as well as providing exceptional client service. This award follows up previous national recognition for the company who twice have won “Best Tax Team in the UK” at the national LexisNexis Taxation Awards.

Managing Partner Clive Stevens, commented; “This is absolutely fantastic news and we are all delighted!  Our Awards success shows that it is not necessary to go to a Big Four accounting firm to obtain first class technical advice, with outstanding client service and delivery.” www.reeves-neylan.com.

GREEN TREE BARGAINS
The Green Tree Gallery has just begun its very popular annual Affordable Art Sale, which runs until 13th February. With canvases from Annie Vince, sculpture by Julie Janvrin, ceramics from Victoria Lovell, jewellery from Kate Beesley and Misha Seelhoff, as well as Simon Janvrin photographs and some of Roz McGlone’s fabulous knitted scarves, there’s something for everyone at much reduced prices. As owner, Jules Middleton, says: “There are masses of bargains to be had, so it’s a great chance to get your hands on some lovely pieces of art and craft!” www.greentreegallery.co.uk.

CREATING BEAUTY AND GOOD TEETH
The Gallery Dental Practice in Cuckfield is celebrating its second birthday under the ownership of Dr Ajitha Rahim.  It offers private dental treatment, cosmetic dental treatment and facial aesthetics. Gallery Two Dental Practice has been opened, too, offering much needed NHS dental treatment in the area.

Dr Ajitha Rahim completed her facial aesthetics training last October with the internationally renowned expert in facial rejuvenation, Bob Khanna, who has trained over 4,500 doctors, dentists and plastic surgeons in non-surgical facial procedures. Telephone: 01444 416171 or email gallerydp@hotmail.co.uk.

THREE HHDBA MEMBERS PLAN YOUR FITNESS
HHDBA members St. Peters & St. James Hospice, Bootcamp Trainer, Steve Cork and Jo Bareham of Healthy You are teaming up for Thursday, 4th February when the ‘How to make 2010 your healthiest and best year ever’ Fitness Seminar helps to raise funds for the Hospice.

The event will be at Clair Hall beginning at 7.00 pm and, as Steve Cork of Sussex Bootcamps explains: “The purpose is to reveal how anyone with the desire can make 2010 the year their weight loss and fitness goals are finally achieved. The line-up of health, fitness and personal care experts I’ve assembled is formidable. We’re all very confident we can have a real impact on the health of our community – and raise money for a worthy cause at the same time.”

Everyone is invited and there is no cost to attend. More details at www.sussexbestever.com.

PRISM CREATIVE GOES BACK TO SCHOOL
The recently launched Heyworth Primary School’s new website was designed and developed by Prism Creative, working with Governors, Pupils, Teachers and existing/potential Parents/Guardians to ensure the website met all of their needs. Feedback has been complimentary so far and the Headteacher was very happy with the result. www.prismcreative.co.uk