As the countdown to Christmas begins our thoughts turn to shopping and what special gifts we can buy for our family. In today’s world of online shopping and large retail parks it is easy to overlook the small independent retailer.

World AIDS Day on December 1st 2018 is a chance for all of us to focus on what we can individually do to help eradicate AIDS across the world. Everyone will probably have a different personal reason for wanting this campaign to be a success. I have a very personal one that’s close to home.

We are reaching quite a critical time in Parliament as a date, 11th December, has been set for the meaningful vote on Brexit which will determine our future relationship with our European neighbours.

Well its has been quite a week at Westminister as all focus returns to Brexit.

TORY MP Gillian Keegan has insisted that the various political groups and MP’s pushing for a vote of no confidence against Theresa May need to “grow up” and get behind UK business and her deal.

Last week I had a great day out with Chichester Police to learn more about rural crime in our area and what methods they are using to tackle it.

This Sunday marks the centenary of the armistice that ended the First World War. Everybody was affected in some way, either on the frontline or back at home where people waited anxiously to hear whether their loved ones were safe.

It was a busy week in Parliament as we spent Monday through to Thursday debating the budget which the Chancellor announced on Monday.

One difference I’ve found between the world of business and the political world is money; there is always more demand for Government funding than there is money available.

The focus was on charity at Goodwood House last weekend where the Sussex Community Foundation held a charity fair bringing together 28 local Sussex charities and supporters.