Business Bulletin
Winter 2025
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Boost Your Business into 2025
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As we step into a new year, we are excited to introduce fresh initiatives and opportunities designed to engage and support our vibrant business community, fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth.
These include support to connect and showcase our food and drink producers through a Mid Sussex Food and Drink Directory and further one to one business advice clinics with advisors from West Sussex Growth Hub, offering personalised support and guidance to help businesses grow and thrive.
Additionally, we are pleased to continue support for both this year’s STEM Challenge and Dare to Dream programme, supporting and inspiring young people on their journey from education into work.
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Are you a local food and drink producer?
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The Council has commissioned Natural Partnerships CIC to create a special Mid Sussex Food & Drink Business Directory on their https://sussexfoodanddrink.org website - THE Sussex directory for local food & drink.
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This will help make it easy for buyers in the hospitality and retail industry to find our great local food and drink producers. Our goal is to help strengthen the link between our local food and drink businesses, supporting the local economy by keeping it local and being more sustainable by reducing food miles.
If you produce, serve or sell local Sussex food and drink, you can sign yourself up for the directory by going to the website and clicking the GET LISTED button under the Sussex map. You will then be added to both the Sussex-wide directory and new Mid Sussex Directory.
We look forward to bringing you more Sussex food and drink news later this year.
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Free Business Support Clinics in Mid Sussex
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Following the success of last year's finance support clinics, the West Sussex Growth Hub is excited to announce a new series of sessions tailored to the needs of businesses in the Mid Sussex district.
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These sessions, based on feedback from local businesses, aim to provide targeted support in the areas most requested.
The 1-hour clinics allow you to choose from a variety of key topics including operations and scale-up, start-up support, social media marketing, and finance.
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Mid Sussex Schools Take Flight with Drone STEM Challenge
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We are delighted to sponsor the Mid Sussex STEM Challenge once again, continuing our long-standing tradition of backing this exciting event!
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This year's challenge, launched in the Council Chamber, invites students to dive into the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) by designing a drone to deliver a payload while navigating circuits around the South of England Showground.
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The event kicked off with an inspiring presentation by Professor Stephen Wilkins from Sussex University, who captivated the students with his insights on the James Webb Telescope igniting curiosity and excitement among the young attendees.
The challenge highlights the importance of STEM education beyond GCSEs and the role of manufacturing in our economy. Students gain valuable practical experience supported by STEM Ambassadors from local engineering and medical companies who will mentor students and provide insight into real-world workplaces. Additionally, students will develop a Marketing and Business Management Plan with industry expert guidance.
The STEM Challenge offers young people the chance to collaborate with professionals and discover the many career opportunities available, including locally in Mid Sussex. Thank you to the organisers and STEM Ambassadors who give up their time to deliver and support the challenge and good luck to all the teams involved, we look forward to seeing the results at the finale event in July.
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Empowering the Next Generation
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We are pleased to continue our support for the Dare to Dream programme this year delivered by the Love Local Jobs Foundation.
Dare to Dream is an inspirational programme that challenges young people to change the way they think about themselves, their future and their place in the world. By partnering with local employers, educational institutions, public sector entities, and community leaders, the programme equips young people with the confidence they need to reach their full potential.
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“The world is moving at a fast pace - significantly disrupted by technology and AI - amidst an increasingly uncertain landscape, that makes it tricky for anyone to predict what the next 5,10,15 years will look like. Imagine that from the perspective of a teenager beginning to consider their place in the world…
Through the Dare to Dream programme we strive to provide young people in our communities with a much-needed boost of positivity and encouragement, while equipping them with essential skills and qualities that remain invaluable in any workplace - skills they can continue to develop regardless of the external challenges they may face. It’s hugely rewarding work and we’re incredibly grateful to the amazing organisations that enable these inspirational programmes to happen.” Paul Scrivens, Chief Executive, Love Local Jobs Foundation
Last year the programme was delivered in four of Mid Sussex’s secondary schools and extends to five schools this year. Mentors from leading local employers participate in the programme as role models and real-life endorsers, helping to instil these values in the young people being mentored.
Mid Sussex Headlines 2023-24
- 976 students participating from 4 Schools (Burgess Hill, Downlands, Oathall, Warden Park)
- 180 one to one mentoring sessions for disengaged students believed to have great potential
- 22 volunteers from local employers participating as mentors
- 14 inspirational assemblies for entire year groups (Years 9 and 10)
- 12 interactive workshops reinforcing employability led programme themes
- 4 workplace visits showcasing a diverse range of career opportunities at leading local employers
- 3 supporting employers (American Express, Edwards Vacuum, First Central Insurance)
“It has taught me how to greet people and get into conversation more easily. Because of it I have contributed more in class. I will focus more on leaving my comfort zone.” Student, Warden Park Academy
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Do you have an innovative project to reduce waste?
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The fund is a joint initiative between West Sussex County Council and Biffa to help local groups deliver innovative projects which reduce household waste by encouraging repair, reuse and waste prevention.
Community groups, residents' associations, charities, community interest companies (CICs) and social enterprises in West Sussex with new ideas for relevant initiatives can apply for grants of up to £5,000 for projects that:
- Reduce waste at its source by encouraging practices that minimise the production of household waste.
- Support projects that facilitate the reuse or repair of items to extend their lifespan.
- Reduce household food waste in alignment with existing surplus food rescue services and education campaigns.
- Engage the community by empowering residents to take part in waste prevention activities and promote a culture of sustainability.
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Spotlight on Sustainability: Small changes can make a big impact
As we step into the new year, consider the small changes you could make to enhance your business's sustainability maybe starting with reviewing the energy efficiency of your business. Can you make changes to reduce heat loss? Have you got energy efficient light bulbs? Could you switch to renewable energy suppliers? There is useful advice here from the Energy Saving Trust
Keen to do more or take that important first step there are useful resources and videos available as part of the Let's Go! Net Zero programme.
Starting your sustainability journey can seem overwhelming, but even small actions can set the ball rolling towards a more sustainable future for your business.
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Are you signed up to the Experience Sussex website?
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Experiencesussex.com is fast, intuitive, and packed with features to enhance trip planning including explore guides, event listings, and recommendations on things to do. A gateway for global visitors to discover more about Sussex.
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Since its launch in December, the site has received 30,000 page views and 11,000 hits. If your business had a listing on the previous Experience West Sussex website, it should have transferred automatically.
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You can also easily amend and update your listing using your login details. If you need any help email: bizsupport@experiencesussex.com
Not listed yet? Upload your business for free using the links below:
Attractions: Submit Product Food & Drink: Submit Product
Activities: Submit Product Accommodation: Submit Product
Experience Sussex’s social media channels have also had a makeover and regularly reach over 50,000 followers. Use the tag @experiencesussex on your posts for greater reach.
Stay up to date via the new Experience Sussex business newsletter launching at the end of January. It will feature news, events, and opportunities for Sussex tourism businesses. Sign up here: Experience Sussex Business Newsletter
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New year, new dates for our monthly drop-in sessions. This month on 30th January, the Economic Development Team will be joined by a speaker from the Let's Go! Net Zero Programme.
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Join us to learn about business support available locally, discover ways to make your business more sustainable, or simply enjoy some tea, cake, and networking at Basepoint, John de Mierre House, Bridge Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 1UA. Details of upcoming dates and speakers are also available on our MSDC - Business Support page.
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Are you ready? Changes to Business Recycling
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New regulations on business waste recycling are coming into effect. Click the link Workplace Recycling – What you need to know to learn about these changes and how your business may need to adapt.
While most businesses are already compliant, it's important to ensure your operations align with the new regulations.
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Want To Know More About Volunteering?
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Join Community People at one of their Community Volunteer Fairs and discover opportunities for all ages, backgrounds and interests.
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Whether you’re looking for new experiences, eager to share your skills, or simply someone with a passion for making the world a better place, these events are for you. Details of the next event below:
Saturday 1st February 11am-1pm, East Grinstead at the Chequer Mead Theatre, De La Warr Road RH19 3BS
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Supporting local businesses
Below is a roundup of other business support currently available. Details are also included on the Council's Business Support page. Please contact us if you would like any more information economicdevelopment@midsussex.gov.uk and Follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date and be amongst the first to hear about new business support initiatives and funding.
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Videos of the Grow Digital workshops are still available for you to view sharing practical tips and insights to help increase sales, reduce costs, reach new customers and grow capacity. Click the link now and find the sessions you'd like to watch: Grow Digital Workshops.
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Free support to start and grow your business is available via the BIPC. As well as being a hub for entrepreneurs to network and attend events, it provides one to one expert advice and access to a wealth of free information, business databases, market research reports, company data and information on intellectual property. Business & IP Centre Sussex
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Workplace health advice is available via Mid Sussex Wellbeing Service. The service provides a range of services and a useful free resource for businesses to support employees’ wellbeing, offering talks and wellbeing MOTs delivered at your workplace.
To find out more about some of the great services on offer, please visit: Mid Sussex Wellbeing
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Thinking of exporting? Ask the experts and join the UK Export Academy
Export Champions are a community of recommended volunteers and business owners who have been appointed by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) based on their export experience and familiarity with DBT services. They give their time freely to encourage and inspire more UK businesses to trade internationally and do this via their own social media channels, speaking at events, sharing their exporting journey and promoting DBT services.
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Join thousands of businesses to discover your export potential, increase your confidence and up-skill your knowledge of overseas sales by visiting UK Export Academy
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Interested in taking your business to the next level?
Working with ‘start-ups’ and ‘scale-ups’ the University of Brighton can offer your business the support you need to innovate and grow. Helping your business to increase profitability, explore new markets and / or develop and create new products or services.
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Innovate UK Business Growth provide government funded support for businesses from pre-starts to SMEs with an appetite for scale and growth.
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The team of sector specific business advisors with in-depth knowledge of various sectors can assist businesses to secure funding and finance, provide connections and guidance to expand into new markets, achieve scale and manage innovation.
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Essentials is the latest addition to the government’s Help to Grow campaign: a one-stop shop for SMEs. The course is suited for leaders of newer or smaller SMEs, or those who are looking to explore the principles of business growth and management. Business leaders can access the course through the Help to Grow website.
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Maths and climate change made easy: Clean Growth UK working with West Sussex County Council, have developed a unique course for the Multiply Programme. This free, online course will help you get to grips with net zero and build your maths confidence. Learn at your own pace in your own time by completing a series of five modules.
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Are you on a mission to tackle the climate crisis? Join Clean Growth UK to access university expertise, resources and innovation funding to develop clean and green products, services, and business models. Further information here Clean Growth UK
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South East Cyber Resilience Centre (SECRC) offer cyber support to SME businesses and third-sector organisations across South East England, with access to many valuable resources, guidance, training and support for all things cyber.
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Membership is free and includes a free 30-minute review with the SECRC on your current cyber set up. Sign up here
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The Rural Services Network (RSN) collates a monthly Funding Digest useful for community groups and anyone else that may be looking for funding. The Funding Digest includes many sources of grant funding that you may not be aware of Rural Funding Digest
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Stay in Touch
Please circulate this bulletin to others in your network. Anyone interested in receiving this Business Bulletin can sign up to receive them here and they will be added to the mailing list and contact database.
The team is always keen to hear from you to discuss ways we may be able to offer support and to hear if you have been successful in accessing business support or funding highlighted in the newsletter, so please do get in touch.
Follow us on LinkedIn to keep up to date and if you have any suggestions for future issues, business support or other ways we can support the local economy please contact the Economic Development team.
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