#47: Why Sheep's Wool Might Be Sussex's Secret Innovation

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode #47 Why Sheep's Wool Might Be Sussex's Secret Innovation Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Mark Beaumont – Founder of Lanoguard, community entrepreneur and Newhaven advocate 🔍 Episode summary When people talk about Sussex's economic future, they often focus on Brighton, Gatwick, Crawley or the region's larger towns and cities. But what if one of Sussex's most strategically important places has been hiding in plain sight? In this episode, Richard Freeman speaks with entrepreneur, manufacturer and community leader Mark Beaumont about Newhaven's future and why he believes the town could become one of Sussex's most important economic assets. Mark's story is rooted in Sussex. From travelling the county with his family's organic food business as a child to building multiple ventures from Newhaven, he has spent decades exploring how entrepreneurship, community action and local pride can create opportunity. Together they explore the unique combination of assets that Newhaven possesses: a working port, direct European connections, rail freight capability, manufacturing expertise, access to London, proximity to the South Downs National Park and a strong culture of grassroots action. They discuss why these strengths are often overlooked and why places with challenges frequently become places of innovation. The conversation also explores Lanoguard, Mark's successful Sussex manufacturing business, which produces natural anti-corrosion products derived from sheep's wool and exports internationally from Newhaven. The story becomes a wider discussion about circular economy thinking, local supply chains, regenerative land use and how Sussex can build prosperity from its natural assets. As devolution approaches, this episode asks an important question: could Sussex unlock greater prosperity by paying more attention to the places, industries and communities that have often sat outside the spotlight? 🎯 In this episode Why Newhaven's geography is both its greatest challenge and greatest opportunity The strategic importance of the Newhaven-Dieppe ferry How ports, rail freight and manufacturing fit into Sussex's future economy Why entrepreneurial communities thrive in overlooked places The role of local leadership in regeneration How Lanoguard grew from Newhaven into an international manufacturing business What sheep's wool has to do with corrosion protection Circular economy opportunities across Sussex The potential for local food, local supply chains and regenerative enterprise What a future Sussex mayor could learn from places like Newhaven 🧠 Key themes Strategic assets hiding in plain sight Newhaven possesses a combination of transport, logistics, manufacturing and maritime assets that few places in Sussex can match, yet it rarely features prominently in regional economic conversations. Innovation through constraint Mark argues that places facing geographical and economic challenges often develop stronger entrepreneurial instincts because they are forced to find new ways to solve problems. Community as infrastructure The town's tightly connected networks create opportunities for collaboration, skills development and grassroots problem solving that larger places can sometimes struggle to replicate. Manufacturing still matters While economic debates often focus on digital industries and services, manufacturing, logistics and maritime sectors remain vital sources of employment, productivity and resilience. A different vision for growth The conversation challenges the idea that prosperity must always come from large-scale inward investment, suggesting that supporting local entrepreneurs and small businesses may deliver equally important long-term benefits. 💬 What Mark says "The challenges and the opportunities go together." "You can get the train directly to London and the ferry directly to Europe." "There's a very deep community here." "Those who can should be enabled to." "We need to grow Sussex together." 🏭 About Lanoguard Lanoguard manufactures natural anti-corrosion products using refined sheep's wool grease. Produced in Newhaven and exported internationally, the business demonstrates how Sussex-based manufacturing can combine innovation, sustainability and local supply chains. This episode is brought to you in partnership with Newhaven Enterprise Zone. Newhaven Enterprise Zone is working to transform Newhaven into a thriving and dynamic business destination by 2030, with a repurposed town centre, stronger growth sectors and a more resilient local economy. Its current investment plan includes seven key initiatives, including targeted grant programmes to drive productivity, business growth and investment, helping to create sustainable, inclusive jobs for the whole community. For Sussex, it means higher-value jobs, a stronger skills base and a culture of enterprise rooted in place. Find out more at newhavenenterprisezone.com ENJOY THESE PODCASTS? Please like, subscribe or leave a review 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Mark Beaumont Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue 📣 Get involved 👉 sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources, events and analysis on devolution, growth, infrastructure and the future of Sussex.