News Archives - Peacehaven & District Chamber of Commerce

Thank You to our Chain Sponsors

Thank You to Our Chain Sponsors

The Peacehaven and District Chamber of Commerce Committee extends its heartfelt thanks to all our generous sponsors for supporting the creation of the President and Vice President’s chains of office.

Your financial contributions made this initiative possible, and we are deeply grateful for your commitment to our local community. The businesses and organisations that played a vital role in bringing this project to life are proudly listed below.

£200 Sponsorship

£110 Sponsorship

£70 Sponsorship

£35 Sponsorship

Plumpton College Graduation

News / Southern PC Services

Supporting SERV Sussex

News / Southern PC Services

Seahaven Business Awards 2025, Pictures and Winners

News / Southern PC Services

Seahaven Business Awards 2025 Pictures and Winners

A selection of pictures from the recent Seahaven Business Awards 2025, held at the Amex Stadium. Photograph courtesy of Matt Harquail Photography

Seahaven Business Awards Winners 2025

President’s Award for Creative Enterprise - Sponsored by Mike Shorer Fine Jewellery

First – Rhapsody Artist Development (Seaford)

Second – Julia Dunstan Design (Newhaven)

Third – Paula’s Photography (Newhaven)

Best New Business - Sponsored by the Newhaven Enterprise Centre

First – Awesome Accountants (Newhaven)

Second – Serviced by Jamie (Peacehaven)

Third – Mewes Vets (Peacehaven)

Best Environmental Business - Sponsored by Fine Marketing

First – Take Good Care Ltd. (Newhaven)

Second – The Long Man Brewery (Litlington)

Third – Sussex Dolphin Project (Southwick/Newhaven )

Best Health, Fitness & Wellbeing - Sponsored by Experience It Now Travel

First – Dancefit Peacehaven (Peacehaven)

Second – Zara Yoga & Pilates (Seaford, Newhaven, Saltdean, Piddinghoe, Rodmell, Brighton)

Third – Chateau Velo (Peacehaven)

Business Person of the Year - Sponsored by Swindells Chartered Accountants

First – Megan Mercer (Got Buns Huns, Newhaven)

Second -Miranda Bearns-Lowles (Seaford Town Market)

Joint Third -Brenda Edwards (Teddy Treats Childrens Charity, Peacehaven)

Joint Third -Georgia Sargeant of Sennies Ltd (Newhaven)

Best Customer Service - Sponsored by The Sussex Sign Company

First – Haven’s Connection Cafe (Newhaven)

Second – Lily’s Florists (Peacehaven)

Third – Sussex Staffing Solutions (Newhaven)

Business of the Year - Sponsored by The Newhaven Enterprise Zone

First – Madison Web Solutions (Peacehaven)

Second – J. Kirby Electrical Ltd. (Newhaven)

Third – Whittfit Training Gym (Seaford)

Lifetime Gold Business Award - Sponsored by Tomsetts Distribution Ltd

First – V. R. Flowers & Son (Seaford)

Second – Pebbles Day Nursery (Newhaven)

Third – J. Wagstaff Ltd (Peacehaven)

New Chains of Office

News / Southern PC Services

Forging the Future: Local Students Create Symbolic Chains of Office for Chamber Leadership

In a celebration of creativity, community, and civic pride, Peacehaven and District Chamber of Commerce has unveiled newly commissioned Chains of Office for the Chamber President and Vice President, proudly designed and created by students from Plumpton College.

This unique collaboration between the Chamber and the college’s Metalwork Department was envisioned as a way to connect the next generation of makers with the long-standing traditions of civic leadership. The Chains of Office, worn during formal functions and public events, serve as symbols of responsibility, service, and continuity, now infused with the fresh perspective of youth.

“We wanted these symbols of leadership to be more than ceremonial,” said Simon Studd, President of Peacehaven and District Chamber of Commerce. “By involving our local students, we’ve anchored our traditions in the hands of the future. They brought artistry, thoughtfulness, and innovation to the table, and it shows.”

Under the guidance of Thomas Carter, students researched the history and symbolism behind chains of office, then worked collaboratively to produce designs that reflect the values of the Chamber and the character of the community.

At the heart of the design lies powerful local symbolism: the timeless spiral of ammonite fossils found along the South Coast of England; a nod to the region’s natural history and resilience, and the Meridian Monument, representing the Greenwich Meridian Line, a symbol of global connection, timekeeping, and direction.

“These Chains of Office are more than decorative — they tell a story about who we are and where we come from,” said Simon Studd. “The students captured that beautifully, weaving our natural and historical identity into every link.

The project was made possible through the generous sponsorship of The Chain by Chamber members, local business owners, and The Rotary Club.

“This project gave our students a sense of ownership and belonging in their community,” said Thomas Carter, “and offered them a real-world opportunity to create something lasting and meaningful.”

The new Chains of Office were officially presented on 18 June 2025 at the College graduation day, where attendees had the chance to view the pieces up close and hear directly from the students about their design process.

This initiative bridges generations and demonstrates the value of creative education in shaping public life, while forging traditions that reflect the past while looking boldly to the future.