Sussex And The City

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode #58 Can Chichester Become A Laboratory For The Future? Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Dr Catja de Haas – architect, urbanist and co-founder of Chichester Laboratory 🔍 Episode summary Sussex is being encouraged to think bigger. One strategic authority. Sussex-wide approaches to growth, housing, transport and prosperity. Decisions that previously sat within individual councils will increasingly need to make sense across a region stretching from Chichester to Hastings. But where does that leave the small, local and experimental? Dr Catja de Haas thinks Chichester might provide part of the answer. An architect and urbanist who grew up near Amsterdam, studied in Delft and Barcelona, worked in Japan and later studied housing and urbanism in London, Catja has spent much of her career thinking about places facing change: particularly smaller coastal cities trying to grow without losing what makes them distinctive. She is now one of the people behind Chichester Laboratory, an experiment in bringing architects, planners, academics, universities, residents, campaigners and other local voices together around real problems facing the city. And the problems can be very specific. What should happen to old fibreglass boats? How could polluted waterways be tackled? What would make cycling genuinely viable? Could underused land within the city provide better housing? How do you build new homes without creating developments where everyone remains dependent on a car? Rather than starting with another grand strategy, Chichester Laboratory starts with the problem and tries to connect it with people who might be able to do something about it. Catja describes it almost as a dating platform for civic problem-solving: a local issue might find a university researcher, an architect, a community group or a professional with relevant expertise, with the Laboratory helping an idea move towards research, testing and eventually a real project. That also leads Catja to an interesting challenge to conventional thinking about community engagement. Listening to people matters, but communities cannot be expected to arrive with all the answers. Sometimes good engagement also means bringing expertise into the room, showing people what has worked elsewhere and helping them visualise possibilities they may never previously have encountered. As Catja puts it: "You don't know what you don't know." Her native Netherlands provides an obvious example. Amsterdam's cycling culture can appear inevitable from the outside, but it was created through political choices and changes that were themselves contested. Showing how another place made that transition can expand the range of things a community believes might be possible. And this is where a relatively small experiment in Chichester connects with the much bigger Sussex devolution story. A strategic authority needs to operate at scale. But Chichester has its own geography, economy, history and problems. Catja's argument is that strong local capacity to research, experiment and organise can sit alongside regional scale – generating ideas and evidence that can then feed upwards and, where something works, potentially be replicated elsewhere. Her ambition is for Chichester to become a small pioneering city; somewhere that tests better approaches to housing, water pollution, climate adaptation, transport and sustainable urban life, while retaining the character that makes it Chichester. Perhaps Sussex doesn't need to choose between thinking bigger and thinking smaller. --- This episode is brought to you in partnership with the NatWest Accelerator Hub at the University of Brighton. Designed particularly for ambitious founders and early-stage businesses, including those with four or fewer employees, the Hub provides free workshops, expert coaching and practical support around finance, sales, funding and leadership, alongside a dedicated app and business community. 🎯 In this episode Why Catja de Haas chose to make the Chichester area her home What Chichester can learn from cities in the Netherlands and elsewhere Why smaller cities can be useful places for experimentation What the Chichester Laboratory actually is Bringing academics, professionals and communities together around real problems The Laboratory's research festivals How universities could become more directly involved in solving local challenges Why old fibreglass boats have become an urban research question The potential for researchers-in-residence, hackathons and design charrettes Why Catja wants the Laboratory to remain small and lightweight Moving from research and conversation into real developments Housing as the issue that connects almost everything else Why apparently sustainable housing can still create unsustainable places Infill, density and alternatives to car-dependent development Water pollution and Chichester's environmental challenges What Amsterdam's cycling history can teach Sussex Why community engagement needs expertise as well as listening How local experimentation could influence Sussex-wide plans Catja's ambition for Chichester to become a model sustainable city Chichester as an urban laboratory Catja doesn't envisage the Chichester Laboratory becoming another large institution with its own bureaucracy. She describes something deliberately light, more like a platform that connects problems, people, research and potential solutions. The longer-term ambition includes a database of research about Chichester, relationships with UK and international universities, researchers-in-residence and focused charrettes or hackathons around particular urban problems. Success ultimately means ideas becoming projects rather than accumulating as reports. Housing connects almost everything For Catja, housing is perhaps Chichester's most important challenge because it intersects with so many others. A house can be highly insulated, fitted with solar panels and technically efficient while still being part of an unsustainable development if its location means every resident needs a car. She is interested instead in questions of density, infill, connectivity and how Chichester can provide good housing within a compact city – including homes for people such as hospital workers and teachers. Communities shouldn't have to invent every solution themselves Community engagement is vital, but Catja questions the assumption that lived experience means residents should also be expected to know every possible solution. People know their place and their experiences. Architects, researchers and specialists may know what has been tried elsewhere. Bringing those forms of knowledge together can be considerably more productive than repeatedly asking a community what it wants without expanding the possibilities available to it. "You don't know what you don't know" Cycling provides Katja's clearest example. The Netherlands is now so closely associated with cycling that it can seem culturally inevitable. But Katja remembers a process of change in which reducing the dominance of cars was itself controversial. For Chichester, international examples can therefore do more than provide technical answers. They can demonstrate that apparently unrealistic change has happened elsewhere – and help shift expectations about what might be possible locally. Devolution mustn't make everywhere the same Katja is cautious about predicting whether devolution will necessarily be good for Chichester. Much will depend on the quality of the eventual plans and the people making the decisions. Her concern is that the city's particular character and challenges should not disappear inside something too generic. The opportunity is for strong local networks to generate ideas and evidence that can feed into the wider Sussex system while retaining Chichester's distinctive identity. 🧪 What would a Chichester Laboratory actually do? The model Catja describes is somewhere between a research network, civic laboratory and matchmaking service. A resident or local organisation might identify a problem. A university could research it. Architects or planners might explore possible interventions. Campaigners and communities could contribute their experience. Researchers from other countries might show how similar problems have been tackled elsewhere. The Laboratory can then help connect those people. Its early 'research festivals' have deliberately mixed professional and community perspectives, with contributions ranging from architecture and urban planning to citizen research and environmental campaigns. Catja would eventually like to see a searchable body of research about Chichester, more formal relationships with universities, researchers spending time in the city and short, intensive hackathons or design charrettes focused on particular problems. But the crucial test comes afterwards. Can research turn into an intervention? Can an idea attract investment? Can professionals take it forward? Can something actually get built or changed? For Catja, the Laboratory succeeds when it helps move from talking about a place to doing something in it. 🏘️ What could Chichester experiment with? Several practical challenges emerge from the conversation. Better housing Explore infill, density and new forms of development that provide genuinely useful housing without automatically creating further car dependency. A cycling city Learn from places such as Amsterdam about the infrastructure and behavioural change needed to make cycling an ordinary means of getting around rather than a marginal alternative. Cleaner water Connect campaigners, researchers, policymakers and specialists around sewage and pollution rather than allowing the issue to become only a source of anger between different sides. Fibreglass and abandoned boats Explore the environmental impact of ageing fibreglass vessels and whether universities, designers and researchers can develop practical approaches to reuse or recycling. Climate adaptation Use Chichester's manageable scale as a place to test practical responses to climate change and sustainable urban living. The individual projects may be small. The interesting question for devolution is whether successful experiments could then inform investment and policy elsewhere in Sussex. 👤 About Dr Catja de Haas Dr Catja de Haas is an architect and urbanist and one of the directors of the Chichester Laboratory. Originally from the Netherlands, she studied architecture at Delft University of Technology, including study in Barcelona, where her thesis explored the pressures tourism placed on the identity of a coastal town. She subsequently worked with architectural practices in Japan before moving to the UK, initially intending to stay for two years. Three decades later, she remains here. Katja completed a PhD by design at UCL examining the idea of home and also studied housing and urbanism at the Architectural Association. Her work has repeatedly returned to questions of housing, coastal places, tourism, identity and how cities adapt to change. She now combines her architectural practice in London with her work in and around Chichester, where the Chichester Laboratory is developing new connections between local challenges, professional expertise, academic research and community knowledge. 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Dr Catja de Haas Sound design, editing and original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue 📣 Get involved 👉 sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources, events and more about devolution and change across Sussex 👉 sussexintelligence.com — independent research and evidence-led insight into growth, infrastructure, governance and belonging across Sussex

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode #59 Maybe We Should Stop Consulting Young People, And Give Them Some Power Instead Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Adam Muirhead – Director of Youth Work Services, Trust for Developing Communities 🔍 Episode summary Sussex devolution is a 'once-in-a-generation opportunity'. But for which generation? If the decisions being made now will shape housing, transport, skills, jobs and public services for decades, the people who will live with them longest need more than an occasional invitation to tell adults what they think. Perhaps we need to stop talking quite so much about consulting young people and start talking about giving them some power. Adam Muirhead has spent nearly 25 years working with young people. He has worked in youth clubs and on the streets, in hospitals and youth offending services, taught youth work as a lecturer at the University of Brighton and held leadership roles across the profession. He is a former Chair of the Institute of Youth Work. His definition of youth work strips all of that back to two things. Relationships. And power. Build meaningful relationships with young people; help them claim some power over their own lives; and, where possible, change the systems in which the odds are stacked against them. Those systems are not in especially good shape. Adam describes escalating mental health needs, exploitation and safeguarding concerns alongside a steady erosion of the universal services that once provided young people with somewhere to go, someone to trust and a route into help before a problem became a crisis. As he puts it, "the need goes up and the resource goes down." Devolution will not magically repair that. But Sussex is creating new institutions, moving responsibilities and money away from Whitehall and deciding how a new strategic authority should work. That means there is a brief opportunity to decide whose voices (and whose power) get built into the system from the beginning. Adam asks why a future Sussex mayor shouldn't have a permanently funded and genuinely powerful youth assembly, embedded within the governance of the strategic authority rather than sitting alongside it as a consultative body. Why not a commissioner for future generations? Why not young people represented directly within decision-making? And could Sussex even become the first mayoral area to introduce a children's precept, raising money specifically to invest in the generation that will inherit all of this? There are immediate questions. If you're 17 in Bognor Regis, 19 in Hastings or 22 in Crawley, can you afford to get to college or work? Are you being trained for the jobs Sussex actually needs? If you've grown up here, is there a realistic prospect of being able to afford to stay? Transport is a particularly tangible example. Greater Manchester already offers free bus travel to 16–18-year-olds. As Sussex gains greater influence over its transport system, Adam argues for an affordable county-wide youth travel concession; not just as a benefit for young people, but as an intervention in skills, employment and social mobility. And then there is housing. There is little point creating jobs for the next generation if the people trained to do them cannot afford to live anywhere near them. Young people Adam works with are not currently clamouring to discuss strategic authorities or mayoral governance. Why would they be? But they are interested in the questions devolution will ultimately have to answer, like Can I afford to live here? Can I get where I need to go? Is there a job for me? And do I have any influence over the place I'm going to inherit? If this really is a once-in-a-generation project, perhaps those questions should carry rather more power. --- This episode is brought to you in partnership with the Sussex Intelligence Unit, a new independent research platform from the team behind Sussex and the City. It brings together data and evidence-led analysis on growth, infrastructure, governance and belonging across East Sussex, West Sussex and Brighton & Hove, helping businesses, voluntary sector organisations and policymakers understand the decisions that will shape Sussex for a generation. --- 🎯 In this episode Why Adam believes youth work is fundamentally about power and relationships How being young today differs from previous generations Why adults need humility about experiences they have never had Rising mental health, exploitation and safeguarding pressures The erosion of universal youth services Why consultation alone doesn't necessarily give young people influence The case for a permanent, properly funded Sussex youth assembly Whether Sussex should have a commissioner for future generations Adam's proposal for a dedicated children's precept Why having one young representative can itself become tokenistic Examples of youth participation already happening in Brighton & Hove How devolved skills funding could improve young people's prospects Why affordable transport is an economic and social mobility issue The case for a Sussex-wide youth travel concession Whether young people growing up in Sussex will ever be able to afford to stay How housing, employment, transport and skills are connected What a genuinely generational approach to devolution could look like 🧠 Key themes Consultation isn't the same thing as power There is plenty of goodwill towards listening to young people, and Adam points to some genuinely good participation work already happening. But listening is only one part of the equation. Young people can attend meetings, sit on advisory groups, respond to consultations and be invited to speak at scrutiny committees without having much influence over the eventual decision. Adam's challenge for devolution is therefore to go further and ask where will young people actually hold power within the new system? Young people need more than one seat at the table Putting a young person on an adult board can look like participation while reproducing the structures that already exclude many young people. Adam argues for a range of approaches. Different young people will participate in different ways, and conventional boards are particularly likely to attract those already confident enough to navigate adult institutions. Meaningful representation needs to reach young people who are disadvantaged, marginalised or simply unlikely to volunteer for a committee. The foundations underneath young people are weakening Adam describes a pyramid of support that once had a broad base of universal youth provision, capable of building relationships, identifying emerging problems and directing young people towards more specialist help. That base has substantially contracted. Meanwhile, youth workers are encountering increasingly complex mental health, exploitation and safeguarding issues, sometimes while young people wait years for specialist assessment or treatment. The result is what Adam describes as a "chart of doom", where demand increases while the resources available to respond decrease. Devolution creates a chance to design something differently New political structures do not automatically produce better participation. But because Sussex is creating new structures anyway, there is an opportunity to build youth power into them rather than trying to bolt it on afterwards. Adam suggests a permanent youth assembly, stronger youth representation within governance and potentially a commissioner specifically concerned with future generations. His most provocative proposal is a children's precept, using the strategic authority's ability to raise money for priorities to make an explicit, visible investment in children and young people. Transport can determine who gets an opportunity For a young person with limited income, the cost of getting somewhere can determine whether an opportunity is genuinely available. That means transport connects directly to education, skills, employment and social mobility. Adam argues that if a future Sussex mayor asks young people across the county what would make a practical difference to their lives, affordable transport is likely to appear very quickly. With Greater Manchester already providing free bus travel for 16–18-year-olds, he sees a strong case for an affordable Sussex-wide youth travel concession. Can you grow up in Sussex and afford to remain here? Young people could acquire the skills local employers need and find jobs in the Sussex economy, but still be forced elsewhere because housing is beyond their reach. Adam argues that increased housebuilding therefore needs to include genuinely affordable and social housing across Sussex, rather than concentrating it in communities already experiencing disadvantage. 🗳️ So what would giving young people power actually mean? Adam points to good foundations already operating in Brighton & Hove. The city's Youth Council uses the Make Your Mark campaign to identify priorities and campaign around them. Youth Wise creates opportunities for young people using youth services to question political representatives directly. Trust for Developing Communities has run peer research, trained young people as researchers and involved them in co-producing approaches to public services. The problem isn't that nobody knows how to involve young people. It's turning that practice into permanent democratic infrastructure. Adam draws on the Lundy model of participation, which considers whether children and young people have space to express their views, a voice through which to do so, an audience that will listen and – crucially – actual influence. A Sussex youth assembly that can be politely ignored therefore wouldn't be enough. Nor necessarily would a single youth representative sitting around an adult boardroom table. The opportunity is to build multiple routes through which different young people can participate, connect hyper-local conversations with Sussex-wide decisions and demonstrate what changed because young people were involved. 👤 About Adam Muirhead Adam Muirhead has worked with young people for nearly 25 years and is Director of Youth Work Services at Trust for Developing Communities in Brighton & Hove, where he has worked for almost two decades. His experience ranges from traditional youth clubs and street-based youth work to specialist services supporting young people experiencing exploitation, violence and other harms. TDC provides youth work within the Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital emergency department and works with young people entering the youth justice system, alongside its wider community and participation programmes. Adam has lectured in youth work at the University of Brighton and previously chaired the Institute for Youth Work. He currently chairs Youth & Policy, an international youth work journal, and the Regional Youth Work Unit for the South East of England, and is Head of Youth Work for the Hope Collective, a national collaboration working towards a fairer and safer future for young people inspired by the legacy of Damilola Taylor. He describes himself as being both "in youth work and of youth work". It is his profession, but also something that has occupied much of the rest of his life. 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Adam Muirhead Sound design, editing and original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue 📣 Get involved 👉 sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources, events and more about devolution and change across Sussex 👉 sussexintelligence.com — independent research and evidence-led insight into growth, infrastructure, governance and belonging across Sussex

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode #58 Small Boats Aren't Sussex's Real Immigration Story Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Laura Charge – Immigration Consultant and former Home Office immigration specialist 🔍 Episode summary For all the heat around immigration, the national debate has become remarkably narrow. Small boats, asylum hotels and border control dominate the conversation. But look at immigration from Sussex rather than Westminster and there is a different picture. International workers are staffing care services, hospitals, hotels and restaurants. Farms and horticultural businesses rely on overseas labour. Schools recruit internationally. Technology and gaming companies compete globally for specialist talent. Crawley is home to a significant Chagossian community, while Brighton & Hove has been shaped by successive waves of people choosing to make the city their home. Laura Charge has spent her career seeing this system from both sides. She joined the immigration service at 17, worked within the Home Office system and now runs an immigration consultancy from Horsham, helping businesses, schools and individuals navigate rules that can be bewilderingly complex. Her conversation with Richard Freeman starts with the fact that asylum is only one small part of immigration. Laura describes around 40 lawful routes into the UK, covering work, study, family, settlement and other circumstances. For Sussex employers trying to fill vacancies or recruit specialist expertise, those routes are not an abstract political issue. They can determine whether a business can find the people it needs. That presents an intriguing problem for devolution. A future Sussex mayor will have considerably more responsibility for skills, employment and economic growth, but virtually no control over immigration. What happens when Sussex knows it needs nurses, care workers, engineers, programmers or hospitality staff, but the policies governing who can come here are designed nationally? And if devolution encourages Sussex to think of itself more consciously as a region, who gets included in that story? Someone whose family has lived here for generations? A Chagossian family in Crawley? An international student who stays after graduating? Someone who moved down from London? Or, as Laura points out, someone who crossed the border from Kent? This conversation attempts to get beyond a debate dominated by crisis and look instead at immigration as it is actually experienced by a place: through businesses, jobs, families, skills, communities and the continual movement of people. --- This episode is brought to you in partnership with the Sussex Intelligence Unit, the independent research platform from the team behind Sussex and the City, providing evidence-led insight into growth, infrastructure, governance and belonging across Sussex. 🎯 In this episode Why the national immigration debate tells only a small part of the Sussex story The difference between asylum and the UK's many other immigration routes Laura's experience working inside the Home Office immigration system How businesses navigate sponsorship and immigration rules Why smaller employers can find the system particularly difficult Sussex's reliance on international workers and specialist skills Recruitment pressures in health, care, hospitality and agriculture International talent within Sussex's technology and gaming industries The Chagossian community in Crawley Why immigration can be less visible in Sussex than in some other parts of Britain The relationship between immigration, economic growth and skills policy What a future Sussex mayor could – and could not – influence How devolution raises questions about identity and belonging Why Sussex cannot simply assume people will always want to come here 🧠 Key themes Immigration is an economic issue as well as a political one The Sussex economy needs people. Some skills can and should be developed locally, but employers also recruit nationally and internationally. Immigration policy therefore has direct consequences for businesses, public services and the region's capacity to grow. The immigration system is much bigger than small boats Laura describes around 40 lawful routes through which people can come to the UK. Work, study, family and settlement are all significant parts of the system, but are frequently overshadowed by the political and media focus on irregular Channel crossings. Devolution creates an unusual mismatch of powers A future Sussex mayor will have greater influence over skills, employment and economic strategy without controlling immigration policy. Sussex could therefore become better at understanding exactly which workers and skills it needs while remaining dependent on decisions made in Westminster about who can come to Britain. Smaller businesses face particular friction Large employers can afford specialist HR teams, lawyers and immigration support. Smaller organisations may have exactly the same need for international expertise but face a disproportionately complicated process when trying to recruit it. Belonging is more complicated than birthplace Creating a stronger political identity around Sussex inevitably raises questions about who belongs within it. The county's communities have always been shaped by movement – both international migration and people arriving from elsewhere in Britain. Sussex cannot take its attractiveness for granted The county has powerful advantages: its coast, countryside, culture, universities and proximity to London among them. But attracting and retaining people also requires good jobs, housing, infrastructure, education and communities in which people can see a future for themselves. 🧭 What does this have to do with devolution? Immigration itself is not being devolved. Decisions about visas, asylum, settlement and citizenship remain matters for national government. But many of the consequences of migration – and many of the reasons people move – intersect directly with the responsibilities of the emerging Sussex strategic authority. Skills shortages affect economic growth. Migrant workers support important sectors of the economy. Housing and transport affect whether people can take available jobs. International talent can determine whether specialist businesses choose to invest and expand here. And questions of identity and community cohesion matter to the wider sense of belonging that accompanies the creation of a stronger Sussex-wide political geography. The challenge for a future mayor is therefore not to devise a Sussex immigration policy, but to understand how national immigration policy interacts with the economic and social reality of Sussex – and to represent that reality intelligently to Westminster. 👤 About Laura Charge Laura Charge is an immigration consultant based in Horsham, West Sussex, with extensive experience of the UK immigration system. She began her career with the immigration service at just 17, initially working at the Port of Dover, before going on to work across the Home Office immigration system. Today, Laura runs her own consultancy, supporting individuals, employers and educational institutions to understand and comply with UK immigration requirements. Her work includes helping businesses navigate sponsorship and recruitment, supporting independent schools with international students and specialist staff, and helping individuals understand lawful routes to remain and settle in the UK. Her perspective combines experience from inside the national immigration system with the everyday reality of helping employers and individuals navigate it at local level. 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Laura Charge Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue 📣 Get involved 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events 👉 https://sussexintelligence.com — research, insight and analysis on Sussex's future

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode #57 The Global Medtech Story Hiding In Sussex Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Tim Rose – UK General Manager, Elekta 🔍 Episode summary Does Sussex really understand the scale of the businesses, technologies and expertise already operating here? Sussex is often described as a small business economy; a place of SMEs, freelancers, independents and microbusinesses. That is certainly part of the story. But it can obscure another Sussex economy; one built around advanced manufacturing, engineering, medical technology and businesses operating on a genuinely global scale. In this episode, Richard Freeman speaks with Tim Rose, UK General Manager of Elekta, one of Sussex's largest employers and one of the county's international success stories. From its campus at Manor Royal in Crawley, Elekta designs and manufactures sophisticated radiotherapy technology used to treat cancer around the world. Machines have been manufactured on the site since the 1960s; it is approaching its 6,500th machine, while the technology produced there has contributed to the treatment of more than 350 million patients globally. Yet outside medical technology and advanced manufacturing, relatively few people in Sussex know the scale of what is happening there. Richard and Tim use Elekta as a starting point for a much bigger conversation about whether Sussex is sufficiently good at identifying, connecting and promoting its economic strengths. They discuss the cluster of globally significant engineering and technology businesses around Crawley and the Gatwick Diamond, and whether devolution could help connect these strengths more intelligently with Brighton, Worthing, Shoreham, Newhaven and the east of the county. That raises a fundamental question about the emerging Sussex economy. Should places continue to compete and plan primarily within their existing boundaries, or could transport, skills, housing and infrastructure increasingly be considered as interconnected economic corridors? Skills are central to the conversation too. Elekta works with universities, colleges and schools across Sussex, providing apprenticeships, graduate routes, STEM experiences and opportunities for neurodiverse young people. Tim argues that making these careers visible matters; world-leading engineering opportunities can exist only a few miles from a young person's home while remaining almost completely outside their field of vision. And with strategic mayoral authorities taking a greater role in skills, transport and economic development, Richard and Tim explore whether devolution could turn individual examples of good practice into something more systematic. Tim's ultimate argument is for a clearer "One Sussex" economic message – not pretending that Hastings, Crawley, Brighton and Chichester have identical economies, but making a stronger collective case for investment, infrastructure, talent and growth. This episode is brought to you in partnership with the NatWest Accelerator Hub at the University of Brighton. Designed for ambitious founders and early-stage businesses, including those too young or small for many conventional business support programmes, the hub offers free workshops, expert coaching and practical support around finance, sales, funding and leadership, alongside a dedicated app and business community. Search NatWest Accelerator Brighton to find out more. 🎯 In this episode The global medical technology being designed and manufactured in Crawley Why some of Sussex's biggest economic success stories remain surprisingly invisible Elekta's role in the global treatment of cancer Artificial intelligence and MRI technology in modern radiotherapy The advanced manufacturing cluster around Crawley and Manor Royal Why large employers need strong local SME supply chains Whether Sussex should think in terms of economic corridors rather than council boundaries Transport and housing as barriers to recruitment and growth The economic potential of Gatwick, Shoreham and Newhaven Partnerships between employers, universities, colleges and schools Apprenticeships and alternative routes into advanced engineering Making STEM careers visible to young people Creating better opportunities for neurodiverse talent What greater mayoral responsibility for skills could mean for employers Tim's argument for a stronger "One Sussex" economic proposition 🧠 Key themes Sussex may be underselling its strongest businesses Elekta illustrates a curious Sussex problem. Globally significant technology is being developed and manufactured here, yet much of the population has little idea it exists. If Sussex wants to attract investment and talent, identifying and communicating these strengths becomes economically important rather than simply an exercise in civic pride. Economic geography does not neatly follow council boundaries Crawley, Gatwick, Brighton, Worthing, Shoreham and Newhaven have very different identities, but businesses, workers, supply chains and infrastructure connect them. Devolution creates an opportunity to consider whether these relationships should shape economic strategy more than historic administrative borders. Infrastructure is economic policy For a business employing around 750 people on its Crawley campus, transport is not an abstract policy discussion. It determines who can realistically work there. Tim argues that better connections and affordable housing are therefore essential ingredients in attracting and retaining skilled people. Skills need to become a Sussex-wide system Individual employers already have strong relationships with schools, colleges and universities. The opportunity presented by devolution is to connect these activities, so that access to an employer or career does not depend upon whether one particularly proactive school happens to know about it. Young people cannot aspire to jobs they cannot see One of the clearest challenges in the episode is visibility. Sussex can possess excellent STEM jobs, apprenticeships and graduate careers while simultaneously having young people living nearby who have no idea those opportunities exist. "One Sussex" should not mean one identical Sussex Tim's case is not that every part of the county has the same economic needs. He explicitly identifies the differences between the Gatwick economy and the south coast. The argument is instead that Sussex could present a more coherent external proposition while retaining those important local distinctions. 🏥 About Elekta Elekta is a Swedish-headquartered global medical technology company specialising in precision radiation oncology. Radiotherapy machines have been manufactured on the Manor Royal in Crawley site since the 1960s, with the business subsequently becoming part of Elekta in the 1990s. The Sussex campus now combines manufacturing, engineering, research and development. Among the technologies discussed in the episode is Elekta Unity, which combines radiotherapy with live MRI imaging to allow clinicians to see and respond to tumours during treatment. 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Tim Rose Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue 📣 Get involved 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events 👉 https://sussexintelligence.com — research, insight and analysis on Sussex's future

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode #56 The Letter That Started This Whole Devolution Conversation Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Chris Hare – historian, writer, community educator 🔍 Episode summary This episode goes back to where Sussex And The City effectively began. Well over a year before this episode was released, Worthing historian Chris Hare distributed an open letter to thousands of local households questioning the rapidly emerging plans for Sussex devolution and local government reorganisation. One of those letters landed on Richard Freeman's doormat, and helped prompt the conversations that eventually became this podcast. Much has changed since Richard and Chris recorded this conversation. At the time, Sussex appeared to be heading towards a mayoral election in May 2026. That election has since been postponed until 2028; the government has confirmed its preferred structure for East Sussex and Brighton & Hove, subject to approval; and the final decision for West Sussex has been delayed until October 2026. But that makes this conversation more interesting rather than less. Chris questions whether what Sussex is experiencing is really devolution at all. If power is genuinely being transferred closer to communities, he asks, why do so many important decisions and resources remain concentrated in Whitehall? And why reorganise councils before addressing the financial pressures that have left many local services struggling? Richard asks whether larger authorities could eventually have the scale to take on more responsibility? Could a Sussex mayor build the strategic capacity needed to tackle transport, infrastructure, economic development and perhaps eventually issues such as water? And could reconnecting Sussex as a political geography create a stronger regional identity? The result is a deliberately sceptical conversation about something often missing from the technical discussion of devolution: democratic legitimacy. Because reorganising institutions is relatively straightforward. Persuading people that the institutions belong to them is much harder. --- This episode is brought to you in partnership with Worthing Theatres and Museum, Worthing's home for live entertainment, heritage, cinema, exhibitions and cultural experiences. Across venues including the Connaught Theatre and Cinema, Pavilion Theatre, Assembly Hall and Worthing Museum, WTM plays an important role in the cultural and civic life of the town – making it a particularly fitting partner for a conversation about local identity, heritage and belonging. Find out more at wtm.uk. 🎯 In this episode The letter that helped inspire Sussex And The City Why Chris Hare became concerned about devolution Whether people actually asked for local government reorganisation The difference between institutional reform and genuine devolution Why council finances matter more than council boundaries Whether a Sussex mayor will have enough meaningful power Water, public services and the limits of local control The tension between efficiency and genuinely local government Why Greater Manchester may not be an easy model for Sussex Public consultation, political cynicism and democratic trust Whether Sussex still has a meaningful shared identity The risks of concentrating power in a directly elected mayor Whether independents could reshape politics in the new unitary councils 🧠 Key themes Reorganisation is not necessarily devolution Chris's central challenge is that changing boundaries and institutions does not automatically move meaningful power towards communities. His test is about who controls the money, who controls essential services, and who can actually make decisions? The legitimacy question has not disappeared The timetable may have changed since this conversation was recorded, but Chris's underlying challenge remains about whether residents understand why these reforms are happening, and do they believe they have meaningfully influenced them? Scale creates a democratic trade-off Larger authorities may be able to coordinate services and infrastructure more effectively. But the bigger the geography, the greater the risk that government feels remote. The debate is therefore not simply about the right-sized council, but about how strategic scale and neighbourhood power coexist. Sussex identity could become more important Chris recognises Sussex as an unusually ancient political geography, while also acknowledging that today's county bears little resemblance to historic Sussex. Devolution could nevertheless provide a new reason for people to reconsider what Sussex means as a contemporary place. A mayor needs more than powers The discussion highlights an overlooked element of mayoral government - personality and leadership. Formal powers matter, but so do the ability to convene, persuade, build public trust and make a new institution feel relevant. Political apathy is an outcome, not an explanation Chris draws on historically much higher election turnouts to challenge the idea that people simply aren't interested in local democracy. His argument is that people participate when they believe institutions matter and their involvement can change something. 💬 What Chris says "Why bring about changes that no one's asked for?" "Democracy depends, one, on people being informed and, two, on people being engaged." "To me, devolution is about giving power to the people." "Whatever you create, the first thing you've got to do is convince people that it's a thing and that they relate to it." "Creating new elected posts, if they haven't got the real power and they haven't got the real resources, won't cut the mustard." ✉️ The letter that started the conversation Chris distributed around 3,000–3,500 copies of his open letter across different parts of Worthing, deliberately trying to reach different neighbourhoods, ages and economic circumstances. Some residents shared his concerns; others essentially told him there was little point objecting because the changes would happen anyway. That second response becomes one of the most important threads in the episode. If people assume political decisions are inevitable regardless of their involvement, the problem facing devolution is much deeper than choosing the right council boundaries. It is about rebuilding the belief that participation itself matters. 👤 About Chris Hare Chris Hare is a Worthing-born historian, writer, oral historian and community educator whose work explores the relationship between Sussex's history, local identity and contemporary community life. He has researched and written about local history since his teenage years and has led community history projects across Sussex through History People UK. Chris also brings direct experience of local politics: he served as a West Sussex County Councillor from 1989 to 1997 and stood for Parliament in Worthing West at the 1997 general election. Although he subsequently stepped away from party politics, he has remained closely involved in Worthing's civic life. 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Chris Hare Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue 📣 Get involved 👉 sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events 👉 sussexintelligence.com — research, insight and analysis on Sussex's future

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-69dc2385-b360-8328-b090-2bd5682a3b54-53" data-turn-id-container= "request-69dc2385-b360-8328-b090-2bd5682a3b54-53" data-testid= "conversation-turn-74" data-turn="assistant"> The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode #55 The TikTok Influencer Making Sense Of Sussex Devolution Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Charlotte (@thatisnewstome) – Political content creator 🔍 Episode summary Can TikTok explain local government reorganisation better than official comms teams? As England undergoes its biggest programme of local government reform in half a century, it is likely that young(ish) people will discovering devolution and council reorganisation through short-form videos on social media rather than official consultation. In this episode, Richard Freeman speaks with Charlotte (@thatisnewstome), whose TikTok and Instagram explainers have attracted a growing audience by making devolution, council restructuring and local politics accessible, engaging and surprisingly entertaining. Charlotte explains how she researches complex government proposals, distils hundreds of pages of consultation documents into digestible videos, and why she believes people deserve to understand the decisions that will shape their communities. Together they explore why Sussex has become one of the country's most intriguing devolution stories. From competing proposals for new unitary councils to debates over Brighton's boundaries, housing growth, local identity and mayoral powers, Sussex has become a national case study in the opportunities, and tensions, created by fast-track change. If people are learning about major constitutional change from independent creators rather than official communications, what does that say about the future of civic engagement? --- This episode is brought to you in partnership with the NatWest Accelerator Hub at the University of Brighton. Designed for ambitious founders and early-stage businesses with four or fewer employees, the Accelerator offers free coaching, expert-led workshops and practical support covering finance, sales, leadership and funding. Alongside a dedicated business community and digital tools, it helps entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses from the ground up. Find out more by searching NatWest Accelerator Brighton or visiting natwest.com/business/accelerator. 🎯 In this episode Why Charlotte started explaining politics on TikTok and Instagram Making devolution understandable for everyday audiences Why government communication has struggled The difference between devolution and local government reorganisation Why Sussex has become a national devolution case study The politics behind competing council boundary proposals Housing, planning and Brighton's proposed expansion Why local identity shapes public opinion The future role of Sussex's elected mayor Whether social media is changing democratic participation 🧠 Key themes Communication shapes public understanding Major constitutional reforms only succeed if people understand what is changing and why. Charlotte argues that accessibility is now as important as policy itself. Devolution is more than structural reform Behind changes to councils and elected mayors lie fundamental questions about democracy, accountability, identity and how local services are delivered. Sussex has become a national test case The county's debates over geography, housing, planning and local identity illustrate many of the tensions emerging across England's wider devolution programme. Local identity remains powerful Communities care deeply about where they belong. Administrative efficiency may drive reform, but people's emotional connection to place remains a significant factor in public debate. Social media is reshaping civic engagement Independent creators are increasingly helping people understand public policy, reaching audiences who may never engage with official consultations or traditional political reporting. Better communication builds better democracy Complex government reform needs clear explanation. Making politics understandable is becoming an increasingly important part of democratic participation. 💬 What Charlotte says "People shouldn't have to read 250-page PDFs to understand what's happening where they live." "Get informed, not overwhelmed." "Sussex has become one of the most interesting places to watch." "Politics becomes much more engaging when people can relate it to everyday life." "This is the biggest change to local government in 50 years." 📱 About Charlotte (@thatisnewstome) Charlotte is the creator behind @thatisnewstome, an independent TikTok and Instagram channel dedicated to making politics and public policy easier to understand. Drawing on extensive research into local government, devolution and elections, she produces short-form explainers that translate complex policy into clear, accessible content using graphics, humour and everyday analogies. Her work has built a growing audience interested in understanding how national decisions affect local communities. 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Charlotte (@thatisnewstome) Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue 📣 Get involved 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events 👉 https://sussexintelligence.com — research, insight and analysis on Sussex's future      

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode #54 The Case For Neighbourhood Power Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Ross Mudie – Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods (ICON) 🔍 Episode summary In this episode, Richard Freeman speaks with Ross Mudie from the Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods (ICON) about some of the biggest questions facing Sussex as local government is reorganised and a new mayoral authority begins to take shape. ICON, chaired by former Cabinet Minister Baroness Hilary Armstrong, is examining why some neighbourhoods continue to experience poor health, low opportunity and entrenched disadvantage despite decades of regeneration programmes and public investment. Its work argues that neighbourhood renewal depends not only on funding, but on rebuilding the relationships, institutions and community capacity that allow places to thrive. Richard and Ross explore the idea of 'double disadvantage', and communities experiencing economic hardship while also lacking the social infrastructure, local organisations and civic confidence needed to influence decisions and improve everyday life. The conversation examines why deprivation in Sussex remains persistent in places such as Hastings, how transport, housing, health and employment reinforce one another, and whether Sussex's new governance arrangements can strengthen neighbourhood action rather than unintentionally weakening it. This is a conversation about power beyond simply where it sits, but how communities can genuinely share it. --- This episode is brought to you in partnership with Worthing Homes, providing affordable homes and supporting thriving communities across the Sussex coast. Worthing Homes believes that creating a good home is only the beginning. Working alongside residents, local organisations and public sector partners, they invest in neighbourhoods where people can feel secure, connected and able to fulfil their potential. From improving homes and supporting health and wellbeing to helping communities become stronger and more resilient, Worthing Homes is committed to building places where people don't just live, but belong. To find out more, visit worthinghomes.org.uk.  🎯 In this episode What the Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods is investigating Why some neighbourhoods remain disadvantaged for decades The meaning of 'double disadvantage' Why community organisations matter as much as physical regeneration Lessons from Hastings and other coastal communities The relationship between housing, health, transport and employment How local government reorganisation could affect neighbourhoods Why communities need more than consultation Whether devolution can strengthen neighbourhood power What long-term neighbourhood renewal really requires 🧠 Key themes Neighbourhoods need power as well as investment ICON argues that lasting regeneration requires communities to have the confidence, institutions and influence to shape decisions—not simply receive funding programmes. Deprivation is interconnected Poor health, unemployment, housing quality, transport and public safety reinforce one another. Improving neighbourhoods requires joined-up action rather than isolated interventions. Social infrastructure matters more than ever Community centres, local partnerships, trusted organisations and informal networks create the foundations that enable neighbourhoods to become more resilient. Bigger institutions need stronger local relationships As Sussex moves towards larger unitary councils and a strategic mayoral authority, maintaining local knowledge and neighbourhood voice will become increasingly important. Community organising is unequal Wealthier communities often have greater capacity to organise, campaign and influence decisions. More disadvantaged neighbourhoods may require active support to build the same level of civic power. Leadership is about what you do Ross argues that successful devolution will depend less on constitutional structures and more on how local leaders use their powers to improve people's everyday lives. 💬 What Ross says "Deprivation is sticky." "There are always people with ideas who want to improve their community." "Businesses won't invest where the social foundations aren't strong." "If you simply hope communities organise themselves, don't be surprised when they don't." "It's less about the model and more about what you do with it." 🏘️ Why neighbourhood power matters Ross argues that successful places are built from the neighbourhood up. Communities with trusted organisations, active residents and strong local relationships are better able to respond to change, attract investment and improve quality of life. As Sussex develops new regional institutions, the challenge will be ensuring neighbourhoods become more influential, not more distant from decision-making. 👤 About Ross Mudie Ross Mudie is Head of Research Analysis at the ICON, where he leads research into the social and economic challenges facing England's most disadvantaged communities. Before joining ICON, he was a Senior Research Analyst at the Centre for Progressive Policy, specialising in regional economics and place-based policy. He has also worked at United Nations University–MERIT and in local government policy. His work focuses on neighbourhood regeneration, economic opportunity, social infrastructure and how national and local policy can tackle entrenched disadvantage. 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Ross Mudie Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue 📣 Get involved 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events 👉 https://sussexintelligence.com — research, insight and analysis on Sussex's future

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode #53 "You Can't Just Slide This Under The Mat And Say, 'Oh, We're Just Going To Do This, And Nobody's Going To Notice.'" Host: Richard Freeman Guests: Irene, Graham, Alan and Alexandra - Members of Hop 50+ at Impact Initiatives 🔍 Episode summary In this special community edition of Sussex And The City, Richard Freeman visits the Cornerstone Community Centre in Hove to hear directly from members of the Hop 50+ programme run by Impact Initiatives about the future of Sussex. Rather than debating constitutional reform, the conversation focuses on buses that don't arrive, community spaces that keep people connected, concerns about mental health services, affordable housing, local identity and whether decision-makers truly understand everyday life. The discussion reveals widespread support for decisions being made closer to local communities, but also a clear warning. If Sussex is about to undergo its biggest governance change in a generation, residents believe they need to understand it, shape it and feel part of it. Devolution cannot simply happen to people. Along the way the group reflects on rural isolation, public transport, tourism, local newspapers, Airbnbs, culture, ageing well and what makes Sussex distinctive. Throughout, they return to one central question: can a future Sussex Mayor provide a long-term vision while remaining close enough to the communities they serve? The result is one of the most grounded conversations in the series; less about political structures and more about what good local leadership should actually feel like. --- This episode is brought to you in partnership with Sussex Community Foundation; connecting people who care with the communities and causes making a difference across Sussex. Through grant-making, philanthropy and local partnerships, Sussex Community Foundation helps strengthen communities, reduce inequality and support grassroots organisations throughout the county. To find out more, visit sussexcommunityfoundation.org. --- 🎯 In this episode Why many residents have never heard about Sussex devolution Community centres as essential public infrastructure Mental health, prevention and local wellbeing services Rural Sussex and fears of being overlooked Public transport, concessionary travel and accessibility Housing affordability, second homes and Airbnbs The decline of local newspapers and civic engagement Arts, tourism and protecting Sussex's character What people actually want from a Sussex Mayor Building a long-term vision that communities recognise as their own 🧠 Key themes Devolution needs public consent Participants repeatedly argue that constitutional change cannot simply be announced. Residents need to understand what is happening, why it matters and how they can influence it. Community is preventative infrastructure From mental wellbeing to tackling loneliness, local community organisations provide services that reduce pressure elsewhere in the public sector. Rural and urban Sussex both matter Any future strategic authority will need to balance the needs of Brighton & Hove, coastal towns, market towns and rural communities rather than allowing one perspective to dominate. Better communication builds trust Many participants describe feeling disconnected from modern politics. Clear information, visible leadership and meaningful engagement are seen as essential if devolution is to succeed. Identity should unite rather than divide While local loyalties remain strong, contributors believe Sussex needs a clearer shared story that celebrates its coastline, countryside, culture and communities. Think beyond election cycles The group consistently calls for decisions that improve quality of life over decades rather than responding only to short-term political pressures. 👥 About Hop 50+ and Impact Initiatives Hop 50+ is a community programme delivered by Impact Initiatives, one of Sussex's largest charities supporting wellbeing, resilience and social connection across the county. Through activities, advice, volunteering and community events, the programme helps older residents remain active, connected and engaged within their local communities. 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guests: Irene, Graham, Alan and Alexandra Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue 📣 Get involved 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events 👉 https://sussexintelligence.com — research, insight and analysis on Sussex's future

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode #52 Is Sussex Ready For The AI Economy? Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Adam Stafford – Founder & CEO, Fresh Egg 🔍 Episode summary Artificial intelligence might be reshaping the Sussex labour market faster than education, government and business can adapt. Is this a priority for devolution? In this episode, Richard Freeman speaks with Adam Stafford, founder and CEO of Worthing-based digital agency Fresh Egg, about the future of work, entrepreneurship and what Sussex needs to do if it wants to remain competitive in a rapidly changing economy. Having built Fresh Egg from a spare bedroom in Worthing into one of the UK's leading digital marketing and web performance agencies, Adam reflects on nearly three decades of technological change, and argues that the AI revolution is unlike anything businesses have experienced before. Together they discuss how automation is transforming entry-level jobs, why employers are struggling to plan for skills that barely existed six months ago, and whether universities, colleges and government can realistically keep pace with the speed of change. The conversation also explores why Sussex's economy is powered by ambitious small businesses, how a future mayor could better connect business, education and innovation, and why creating the right conditions for entrepreneurs may be one of the most important investments the region can make. --- This episode is brought to you in partnership with the University of Brighton's Help to Grow programme, supporting ambitious SME leaders across Sussex with practical leadership, innovation and business growth support through a government-funded executive development programme. 🎯 In this episode How Fresh Egg grew from a Worthing start-up into a national digital agency Why Worthing became home for a successful technology business How AI is changing digital businesses at unprecedented speed Why entry-level jobs are becoming increasingly difficult to create Whether education can keep pace with technological change Why small businesses drive innovation The future relationship between business and skills development What Sussex needs to become more competitive nationally How devolution could support entrepreneurship and innovation Why collaboration between business, education and government matters 🧠 Key themes AI is transforming work faster than institutions can respond Adam argues that businesses are already redesigning roles around artificial intelligence, while education systems and public policy struggle to adapt to technology that evolves almost weekly. Small businesses drive innovation Sussex's economy depends heavily on founder-led businesses that can experiment, adapt and innovate quickly, often moving faster than larger organisations. Skills need continual reinvention Traditional career pathways are becoming less predictable. Future success will depend on adaptability, continuous learning and the ability to work alongside rapidly evolving technologies. Sussex needs a stronger business identity While the county has significant strengths across digital, creative industries and entrepreneurship, Adam believes Sussex could do far more to promote itself as a destination for ambitious businesses and skilled people. Growth is about more than infrastructure Alongside transport and housing, economic growth depends on supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening local networks and creating an environment where businesses can evolve with confidence. Collaboration creates resilience Closer partnerships between business, education and local leadership could help Sussex respond more effectively to technological disruption and prepare the workforce for emerging industries. 💬 What Adam says "Technology is moving at a pace no one has seen before." "The businesses that will get through the next few years are the smaller organisations who can move quickly." "The curriculum simply can't keep up with the pace of change." "Wouldn't it be nice if running a small business could become a little bit easier?" "What is the thing that we want Sussex to become recognised for?" 🤖 Why AI changes the conversation Rather than viewing artificial intelligence simply as another technology trend, Adam argues that it represents a fundamental shift in how businesses operate. As routine tasks become increasingly automated, employers will need different skills, different organisational structures and new approaches to recruitment and training. The challenge for Sussex is not simply adopting AI, but preparing people, businesses and institutions to thrive alongside it. 👤 About Adam Stafford Adam Stafford is Founder and CEO of Fresh Egg, one of Sussex's longest-established digital marketing and web performance agencies. Founded in Worthing in 2000, Fresh Egg has grown from a three-person start-up into a nationally recognised agency working with organisations including John Lewis, Vitality and the Open University. Alongside leading the business, Adam has championed digital skills development through initiatives including the Fresh Egg Academy and CharityWise, supporting charities and future digital professionals across Sussex. 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Adam Stafford Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue 📣 Get involved 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events 👉 https://sussexintelligence.com — research, insight and analysis on Sussex's future

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode #51 The Problem With One-Size-Fits-All Devolution Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Andrew Griffith MP – Member of Parliament for Arundel and South Downs; Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade 🔍 Episode summary Can one model of devolution work for every part of England? In this episode, Richard Freeman speaks with Andrew Griffith MP about what devolution could mean for Sussex, and why he believes Whitehall often underestimates the diversity of places it is trying to reform. Drawing on experience in both business and government, Andrew reflects on representing one of Sussex's largest rural constituencies, the challenges facing small businesses, infrastructure and planning, and whether a Sussex mayor can genuinely make better decisions than Westminster. Together they explore the balance between local identity and regional strategy, why transport remains one of Sussex's biggest barriers to growth, and whether devolution risks becoming another layer of government unless accompanied by meaningful powers and funding. The discussion also examines the importance of rural economies, the future of the South Downs, the county's growing wine industry and why Sussex's distinctive character should shape, rather than be squeezed into, a national model of devolution. --- This episode is brought to you in partnership with You All Right, Mate?, the workplace programme from Different Hats, helping organisations build healthier, more resilient cultures through honest conversation, connection and psychological safety. 🎯 In this episode Why Andrew believes Sussex needs devolution with genuine local powers Whether a directly elected mayor can make a practical difference The economic importance of rural Sussex Why transport infrastructure remains a long-standing challenge Lessons from Covid for local businesses and communities The future of planning inside the South Downs National Park How Sussex's wine industry is building an international reputation Why Whitehall often struggles with place-based policymaking Whether devolution should look different in rural and urban England What success could look like for Sussex over the next decade 🧠 Key themes Devolution needs meaningful powers Andrew supports decisions being made closer to local communities but argues that genuine devolution requires more than new governance structures. Without significant funding and decision-making authority, new institutions risk becoming another administrative layer. Rural economies deserve greater attention Much of Sussex's economy depends on small businesses, farming, tourism, hospitality and specialist rural industries that often receive less policy attention than larger urban economies. Infrastructure shapes opportunity Long-standing transport issues, particularly along the A27, continue to constrain economic growth, investment and connectivity across Sussex. National policies rarely fit every place One-size-fits-all policymaking often struggles to reflect the realities of places like Sussex, where cities, market towns, villages and protected landscapes exist alongside globally significant businesses. Identity matters Andrew argues that successful devolution should strengthen Sussex's identity while respecting the strong local loyalties that already exist across its towns, villages and communities. Local resilience matters Reflecting on Covid, Andrew highlights the adaptability of Sussex's small businesses and argues that future economic policy should better recognise and support local enterprise. 💬 What Andrew says "The smartest, best decisions are made close to local people." "Nobody ever came to my surgeries asking for a Sussex mayor." "One-size-fits-all doesn't work." "The world is simply a more challenging place than it has been for most of my adult life." "If there was a greater pride in being from Sussex, that would be a success." 🌿 Why rural Sussex matters While discussions about economic growth often focus on cities, Andrew argues that much of Sussex's long-term prosperity depends on its rural economy. Farming, food production, tourism, vineyards, hospitality and thousands of small independent businesses contribute significantly to the county's identity and economic resilience. Any future mayoral authority, he argues, will need to balance urban investment with the needs of countryside communities and protected landscapes. 👤 About Andrew Griffith MP Andrew Griffith has been Member of Parliament for Arundel and South Downs since 2019. Before entering politics he spent over two decades at Sky, becoming one of the youngest finance directors in the FTSE 100 before serving as Chief Operating Officer. He also chaired Just Eat during a significant period of its growth. Since entering Parliament he has held ministerial responsibilities across business, trade, science, innovation and the Treasury, including serving as Director of the Number 10 Policy Unit. He currently serves as Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade. 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Andrew Griffith MP Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue 📣 Get involved 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events 👉 https://sussexintelligence.com — research, insight and analysis on Sussex's future

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode #50 Can Place-Based Experiments Fix Broken Politics? Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Polly Mackenzie – public policy thinker, former senior government adviser 🔍 Episode summary Can devolution do more than simply move power around? Could it fundamentally change how Britain solves problems? In this episode, Richard Freeman speaks with one of Britain's leading public policy thinkers, Polly Mackenzie, about why many of today's biggest challenges cannot be solved by traditional government structures alone. Drawing on experience inside Whitehall, think tanks, universities and social innovation, Polly argues that Britain's institutions have become too slow, too fragmented and too risk-averse to deal with modern challenges. Instead, she makes the case for a new culture of place-based experimentation, where local leaders are trusted to test ideas, learn quickly and build stronger collaboration across public services. Against the backdrop of Sussex's emerging devolution settlement, the conversation explores whether a future mayoral authority could become a laboratory for more agile government, bringing together health, housing, education, policing and economic development around shared local outcomes rather than departmental silos. Along the way they discuss democratic frustration, state capacity, local leadership, innovation, public sector culture and why solving complex problems often depends less on finding new ideas than creating better conditions for people to work together. --- This episode is brought to you in partnership with the Sussex Intelligence Unit, a new independent research platform from the team behind Sussex And The City. Sussex is changing. Devolution is reshaping how major decisions and major investment get made, but without the right evidence, how can it deliver what our communities need? The Sussex Intelligence Unit answers that challenge. It's the first independent cross-sector platform to look at growth, infrastructure, governance, and belonging across East Sussex, West Sussex, Brighton & Hove. New data, fresh analysis, evidence-led insight designed to put businesses, voluntary sector organisations, and policy makers ahead of what's next, because the decisions made today will shape Sussex for a generation. For the intelligence you need, visit www.sussexintelligence.com --- 🎯 In this episode Why frustration has become Britain's defining political emotion What Polly means by being a 'policy entrepreneur' Why many public problems cut across government departments How devolution could strengthen state capacity The leadership skills modern public services increasingly need Why collaboration matters more than organisational structures Fiscal devolution and the future of English mayors Why experimentation should become part of public service culture The role of 'Test, Learn and Grow' in government reform Whether Sussex could become a national model for place-based innovation 🧠 Key themes Modern problems require joined-up government Challenges including housing, chronic health conditions, youth unemployment and public safety span multiple organisations, making traditional departmental structures increasingly ineffective. Devolution is about more than governance Done well, devolution creates opportunities for places to coordinate services, build stronger partnerships and make decisions closer to the communities they affect. Leadership is becoming more relational Future public leaders will need to convene organisations, build trust and create space for collaboration, rather than simply manage hierarchical systems. Innovation depends on experimentation Public institutions often reward certainty over curiosity. Polly argues that genuine improvement requires permission to test ideas, learn from failure and continuously adapt. Place creates better policy Local government can become a platform for solving complex problems because people, services and institutions are physically closer together and better able to collaborate. Sussex has an unusual opportunity With a new strategic authority being created alongside local government reorganisation, Sussex has a chance not simply to redesign governance, but to rethink how public services innovate and work together. 💬 What Polly says "The dominant emotion of our time is frustration." "There are very rarely new ideas. It's the patient, diligent work of getting things done that matters." "Freedom to succeed is the same as freedom to fail." "If everybody is constantly trying to make things five per cent better, that's transformative." "Entrepreneurial tinkering never gets too tidy." 🧠 Why this matters for Sussex As Sussex prepares for an elected mayor and a new Strategic Authority, there is an opportunity to think differently about how public services are designed. Rather than simply creating another layer of governance, Polly argues that devolution should enable places to become more experimental, bringing together organisations around shared local challenges, giving leaders permission to innovate and creating cultures where learning is valued as highly as certainty. For Sussex, success may depend less on constitutional reform than on whether local institutions are prepared to collaborate, experiment and embrace a more entrepreneurial approach to public leadership. 👤 About Polly Mackenzie Polly Mackenzie is one of Britain's best-known public policy thinkers. She served as Director of Policy to Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg during the 2010-2015 UK Coalition Government, playing a significant role during the first wave of English devolution. She later became Chief Executive of the think tank Demos, co-founded the Women's Equality Party, helped establish Martin Lewis's Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, and served as Chief Social Purpose Officer at the University of the Arts London. Today she writes the influential How To Run A Country blog and is a regular commentator on British politics, democracy, public sector reform and institutional change. 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Polly Mackenzie Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue 📣 Get involved 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events 👉 https://sussexintelligence.com — research, insight and analysis on Sussex's future

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode #49 What Sussex devolution means to a 20-year-old Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Joe Herd 🔍 Episode summary What does Sussex devolution look like through the eyes of someone who will live with its consequences for the next 50 years? Most Sussex And The City episodes feature politicians, academics, business leaders or public sector decision-makers. This conversation takes a different approach. Recorded on Worthing seafront, Richard Freeman is joined by 20-year-old Brighton resident Joe Herd for an open discussion about devolution, democracy, trust and political participation. Joe is not a councillor, civil servant or policy expert. He is simply a young Sussex resident who became curious about devolution and wanted to understand what it could mean for the place where he grew up. The conversation begins with the question: why does devolution matter? For Joe, the appeal lies in the possibility of a more collaborative and constructive form of politics than many people associate with Westminster. Together, Richard and Joe explore whether moving power closer to communities could help rebuild trust, improve participation and create a stronger sense of ownership over local decisions. Along the way they discuss local government reorganisation, the future Sussex mayor, citizens' assemblies, regional identity, public engagement and the challenge of explaining political change in ways that people actually understand. Despite the scale of the changes underway, relatively few younger people are actively involved in conversations about devolution. If Sussex is entering a new chapter of self-government, how can the next generation become active participants rather than passive observers? -- This episode is brought to you in partnership with Trust for Developing Communities - a Brighton & Hove charity working alongside communities to tackle inequality and create lasting, community-led change. TDC delivers community development, youth work, research and training across the city, supporting people and neighbourhoods to build confidence, connection and power. Its youth work helps young people feel safer, more connected, and more able to shape the places they live. At a time when Sussex is facing major decisions about devolution, democracy and the future of local services, TDC's work is a reminder that change only works when people are genuinely involved, especially those whose voices are too often missing from the room. To find out more, visit trustdevcom.org.uk. -- 🎯 In this episode Why devolution caught the attention of a 20-year-old Sussex resident Whether local politics feels more constructive than national politics Trust and confidence in democratic institutions The impact of local government reorganisation What younger people think about political participation The challenge of building a Sussex-wide identity Citizens' assemblies and new approaches to democracy The future role of a Sussex mayor Why communication matters as much as governance structures What success could look like for Sussex devolution 🧠 Key themes Devolution offers a different political conversation For younger people frustrated by national political division, devolution can represent a more practical and collaborative way of approaching local challenges. Trust cannot be taken for granted Public confidence in institutions remains fragile. New structures alone will not rebuild trust without genuine engagement and transparency. Young people are largely absent from the debate Despite being the generation most affected by long-term decisions, relatively few younger residents are participating in discussions about Sussex's future governance. Sussex still needs a shared story The county contains diverse communities with different identities and priorities. Building a stronger sense of common purpose will be one of devolution's biggest challenges. Participation matters People are more likely to support political change when they feel involved in shaping it rather than simply being informed after decisions have been made. Democracy works best when it feels local Many of the issues people care most about (housing, transport, public spaces and opportunity) are experienced locally, making local decision-making particularly important. 💬 What Joe says "I think devolution feels like an alternative to the combative and destructive nature of national politics." "It's about moving power closer to the population." "A lot of it comes down to trust." "People need to feel like they're doing the politics, not that politics is being done to them." "There is a Sussex identity somewhere, but making people feel connected to it is the challenge."   👤 About Joe Herd Joe Herd is a Brighton-born student and lifelong Sussex resident. Having studied history, Spanish and music, he developed a growing interest in politics, governance and democratic participation. His curiosity about devolution led him to contact Sussex and the City to better understand the changes taking place across Sussex and Brighton. Joe represents a perspective that is often missing from policy discussions: that of younger residents who will inherit the long-term consequences of today's decisions and whose engagement will help shape the future success of devolution. 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Joe Herd Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue 📣 Get involved 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events 👉 https://sussexintelligence.com — research, insight and analysis on Sussex's future

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode #48 Universities, Knowledge and the Future of Sussex Prosperity (Part Two) Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Professor Sasha Roseneil – Vice-Chancellor, University of Sussex 🔍 Episode summary What role should universities play in the future of Sussex? As devolution reshapes local decision-making and the higher education sector faces mounting financial pressures, universities are being forced to think differently about their purpose, their partnerships and their place within local economies. In this episode, Richard Freeman speaks with Professor Sasha Roseneil, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sussex, about the future of higher education and why universities remain critical to innovation, economic growth and social mobility. This conversation follows Richard's earlier discussion with Jo Havers from the University of Brighton and forms the second part of a wider exploration of how Sussex's universities contribute to the region's future prosperity. Together they discuss the challenges currently facing the sector, including funding pressures, changing attitudes towards degrees, student finance and the future relationship between education and work. Sasha argues that universities are far more than providers of qualifications. They are places where new knowledge is created, where future industries emerge and where people develop the adaptability needed to thrive in an uncertain world. The discussion also explores the University of Sussex's growing civic role within the county. From the Civic University Agreement to skills development, research partnerships and economic strategy, the conversation examines how universities can help shape a more connected, innovative and ambitious Sussex. Along the way, they discuss artificial intelligence, quantum computing, regional identity and the opportunities that a future Sussex mayor could unlock through closer collaboration with higher education. This episode is brought to you in partnership with the Sussex Intelligence Unit, the independent research platform from the team behind Sussex and the City, providing evidence-led insight into growth, infrastructure, governance and belonging across Sussex. 🎯 In this episode Why universities are facing significant financial pressures Whether degrees still represent value in a changing economy How universities help people navigate uncertainty and change The University of Sussex's global outlook and local impact Why research universities matter for economic growth The Civic University Agreement and its ambitions for Sussex Collaboration between universities, colleges and employers The future relationship between higher education and devolution Quantum computing and the vision for a Sussex innovation cluster What long-term prosperity could look like across Sussex 🧠 Key themes Universities are more than teaching institutions Higher education plays a crucial role in generating knowledge, developing future industries and preparing people for complex and changing careers. Economic growth depends on research and innovation Universities sit at the centre of many of the technologies and industries that will shape future prosperity, from artificial intelligence to quantum technologies. Civic leadership is becoming more important Universities increasingly recognise their responsibility not just to global research communities, but also to the places and regions they serve. Sussex needs stronger collaboration The Civic University Agreement reflects a growing belief that universities, colleges, businesses and public institutions can achieve more by working together. Opportunity remains uneven Despite Sussex's strengths, significant inequalities persist across the county. Addressing these disparities will be central to any long-term vision for prosperity. Devolution creates new possibilities A future mayoral authority could provide new opportunities for strategic investment, partnership working and innovation-led economic growth. 💬 What Sasha says "Universities are the engines of economic growth." "What university, at its best, gives students is resilience, adaptability and the ability to ask difficult questions." "The whole region will be stronger if it wasn't as unequal as it is now." "We can do far more if we work together than if we work individually." "It's not about building boundaries around Sussex. It will be a strong region in a strong country in a globally connected world." 🧠 Why quantum could matter to Sussex The University of Sussex is home to world-leading research in quantum technologies and physics. The university is helping develop proposals for a Sussex-based quantum innovation cluster, building on strengths in research, advanced manufacturing and specialist engineering. The ambition is to create a globally significant centre for next-generation technologies within Sussex. 🎓 About Professor Sasha Roseneil Professor Sasha Roseneil has been Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sussex since 2022 and is one of the UK's leading social scientists. Before joining Sussex, she held senior leadership positions at University College London (UCL), where she served as Pro-Vice-Provost for Equity and Inclusion and Dean of the Faculty of Social and Historical Sciences, and previously at Birkbeck, University of London. Her academic work has focused on social change, citizenship, identities, relationships, gender, social movements and the ways people build communities and belonging. She has published extensively on questions of social transformation and has led major international research projects examining how societies adapt to cultural, economic and political change.   🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Professor Sasha Roseneil Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue 📣 Get involved 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events 👉 https://sussexintelligence.com — research, insight and analysis on Sussex's future ENJOY THESE PODCASTS? Please subscribe, like, share and review - it helps to spread the word.

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.

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode #46 Why Devolution Should Help Build Better Digital Public Services Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Will Callaghan – Tech Resort / local government digital consultant   🔍 Episode summary Richard Freeman speaks with Will Callaghan, a public sector digital specialist and volunteer leader at Eastbourne-based Tech Resort, about digital exclusion, local government reform and why being offline now means being locked out of work, benefits, healthcare, education and everyday services. Will explains how Tech Resort supports people who cannot afford devices, data or basic digital confidence, and why demand for this support has grown sharply. The conversation also explores LocalGov Drupal, a Sussex-born civic tech project now used by councils across the UK and Ireland. As Sussex moves towards devolution and local government reorganisation, this episode asks what kind of digital region Sussex wants to become. Not just one with AI strategies and better websites, but one that designs public services around the people most likely to be excluded. --- This episode is brought to you by Advice Cloud.   Public sector procurement can be complex, and right now, with councils reorganising, budgets tightening, and technology decisions that will shape services for years, getting it right has never mattered more.   Advice Cloud are a Sussex-based team of procurement specialists who've helped over 600 organisations win public sector business, with clients typically seeing their bid success rate increase by at least a third. They harness smart technology to stay ahead, but at the heart of everything is a real team who know and understand your business - so whether you're a tech company trying to crack public procurement frameworks, or a public sector buyer trying to make better technology choices, you get real advice from people who genuinely know this world.   Book a free consultation at advice-cloud.co.uk   🎯 In this episode What digital inclusion really means Why digital poverty affects working-age adults as well as older people How lack of phones, data and broadband deepens poverty Why Universal Credit, job applications and health support now depend on digital access How Tech Resort supports people across Eastbourne, Hastings and beyond Why digital inclusion should become a statutory responsibility What devolution could mean for digital strategy in Sussex How local government reorganisation will affect council staff and services Why councils need to stop rebuilding the same digital tools repeatedly How LocalGov Drupal became a Sussex civic tech success story 🧠 Key themes Digital exclusion is not a side issue. It is now central to poverty, employability, health access and public service reform. Technology can save money, but badly designed digital change can also push people further away from help. Devolution gives Sussex a chance to build a proper digital inclusion strategy across the whole region, rather than relying on patchy local provision. Local government reorganisation will place huge pressure on council staff, systems and services. Digital change needs to be humane, not just efficient. Sussex already has serious civic tech expertise. Projects like LocalGov Drupal show how councils can collaborate, share code and avoid wasting public money. The future digital region should not only be about AI, automation and innovation. It should be about access, dignity and public services that work for everyone.   🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Will Callaghan Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue 📣 Get involved 👉 sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode #45 Where Does A National Park Fit Into Devolution? Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Vanessa Rowlands – Chair, South Downs National Park Authority; Chair, National Parks England 🔍 Episode summary The South Downs National Park is one of Sussex's core systems for water, climate resilience, biodiversity, tourism, farming, health and long-term prosperity. Richard Freeman speaks with Vanessa Rowlands, Chair of the South Downs National Park Authority and Chair of National Parks England, about where protected landscapes fit into devolution. As Sussex prepares for new regional governance, the conversation asks whether a future mayor can genuinely plan for growth without understanding land, water and nature. The South Downs is unusual. It stretches across Hampshire and Sussex, includes large market towns such as Lewes, Petersfield, Petworth and Midhurst, and works across multiple council boundaries. Can Sussex think strategically about the systems that do not fit neatly inside administrative lines? The conversation explores planning, farming, chalk aquifers, tourism, nature recovery, renewable energy, flooding, rural businesses and the need to stop treating environment and economy as separate conversations. This episode is brought to you in partnership with EQ Investors. EQ Investors helps people invest with purpose, long-term thinking and a commitment to positive impact. Their work supports clients to make informed decisions while considering the wider social and environmental effects of where money is invested. It reflects a growing recognition that prosperity is not just about short-term returns, but about building a more resilient future. Find out more at eqinvestors.co.uk 🎯 In this episode What the South Downs National Park Authority actually does Why national parks are more than conservation bodies How the South Downs fits into Sussex devolution Why water security could become a defining issue for Sussex The role of chalk aquifers, wetlands and sustainable land management How nature recovery and economic growth can support each other Why protected landscapes should be seen as infrastructure What tourism growth could mean for Eastbourne, Lewes and the wider park How farming, food supply chains and rural businesses fit into the devolution debate What a future Sussex mayor needs to understand about land, climate and place 🧠 Key themes The National Park is infrastructure, not backdrop. It supports water supply, flood mitigation, biodiversity, tourism and public wellbeing. Growth depends on environmental capacity. Housing, business expansion and tourism all rely on land, water, energy and climate resilience. Devolution could overlook bodies that already think strategically. The South Downs National Park Authority works across boundaries, but protected landscapes need a clearer role in emerging regional structures. Water is the hidden strategic issue. Flooding, drought, aquifers, wastewater and soil health may become as politically important as housing and transport. The countryside is economically active. Farming, tourism, green finance, rural businesses and cultural assets are part of the real economy, not an add-on. Sussex needs a better story about itself. The region's rural, coastal, urban and cultural assets need to be joined up into a clearer proposition. 💬 What Vanessa says "These countryside protected landscapes aren't just passive places. They are critical pieces of national infrastructure." "How can we be good neighbours for everybody else?" "We've got to start creating this story about Sussex and drawing people into it." "Everything we do across any national park can always be related to water." "Nature is our business."   🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Vanessa Rowlands Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue 📣 Get involved 👉 sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Bonus episode Andy Burnham in 2022: How A Mayor Measures Impact Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Andy Burnham – Mayor of Greater Manchester 🔍 Episode summary This special bonus episode goes back into the archive, sharing Richard Freeman's January 2022 interview with Andy Burnham, originally recorded for The Possibility Club. At the time, Burnham was already one of the most prominent voices in English devolution. Today, his arguments about Westminster centralisation, regional power, transport, homelessness, young people, skills and public trust feel directly relevant to Sussex as it begins its own devolution journey. The conversation explores what it means to lead a region with visibility, convening power and a clear story of place. Burnham argues that devolution should start with people's lives, not abstract structures, and that impact should be measured through "names, not numbers". For Sussex, the episode offers some perspective. If a future mayor is to mean anything, they will need to do more than manage structures. They will need to build trust, connect councils, businesses, charities and communities, and make regional leadership feel human. 🎯 In this episode Why Andy Burnham believes England is too centralised What Greater Manchester can teach Sussex about devolution Why regional leaders need power, visibility and a clear story How Burnham measures impact through human stories, not just statistics Why young people, transport, skills and homelessness became mayoral priorities How creativity and culture shape civic leadership Why collaboration has to start from the grassroots How a mayor can use convening power to bring people together 🧠 Key themes Devolution is not just about structures. Burnham argues that real devolution should give places the power to act on the issues affecting people's lives. Impact needs to be human. Data matters, but Burnham makes the case for measuring change through lived experience and real stories. Young people need a stronger place in regional policy. The conversation covers life readiness, mental health, skills and whether education is preparing young people for the world they are actually entering. Collaboration works best when it starts from place. Burnham describes how Greater Manchester brought councils, charities, businesses, faith groups and communities together around shared missions. Sussex should pay attention. The episode raises useful questions about what kind of mayoral leadership Sussex might need: visible, practical, collaborative and rooted in local identity. 💬 What Andy says "Politics lives too much in the world of numbers and statistics." "It should all be about names, not numbers." "To build resilience, you need to take power out and enable places and people and organisations to do much more for themselves." "Devolution creates that possibility." "Collaboration starts with where you are." "If you build collaboration from the bottom up, that actually is the way to make more impactful, meaningful change." 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Andy Burnham Original podcast: The Possibility Club Producer / editor: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Produced by: always possible 📣 Get involved 👉 sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events

The Sussex And The City podcast – Episode #43 Inside Brighton's Fight For The Future High Street Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Gavin Stewart – Chief Executive, Brilliant Brighton BID / Executive Director, Brighton Economic Growth Board 🔍 Episode summary Brighton and Hove has always had a complicated relationship with its own story. To some, it is one of the UK's most creative, entrepreneurial and culturally alive cities. To others, it is a place under pressure from rising rents, empty shops, homelessness, graffiti, changing consumer habits and a fragile public realm. In this episode, Richard Freeman speaks with Gavin Stewart, Chief Executive of Brilliant Brighton (Business Improvement District) and Executive Director of the Brighton & Hove Economic Growth Board, about what is really happening in the city centre economy. Gavin explains the role of the Business Improvement District, how businesses collectively fund projects such as Christmas lights, street dressing, security ambassadors and support for local traders, and why Brighton's high street story is more nuanced than the familiar 'UK city in decline' narrative. The conversation explores vacancy rates, independent retail, landlords, inward investment, tourism, the changing purpose of the high street, and what Brighton needs to do if it wants to remain distinctive, resilient and economically important. As Sussex moves towards devolution and a future mayoral authority, Brighton's role becomes even more significant. Is it the region's economic engine, its cultural shop window, its tourism magnet or something more complex? And how can Brighton's success create a ripple effect across the wider Sussex economy? This is a conversation about high streets, but also about confidence, identity, partnership, investment and what kind of city Brighton & Hove wants to become. This episode is brought to you in partnership with Brighton Hive. Brighton Hive is a growing community built on the idea that business works better when it behaves a bit more like nature. Founded by Kyriakos Baxevanis, the award-winning entrepreneur and former Sussex and the City podcast guest, Brighton Hive brings together people, organisations and purpose-led brands to create something more connected, more human and more useful than going it alone. Inspired by how a natural hive functions, it is about everyone playing a part, sharing skills, supporting each other and building something bigger than any single business. Rooted in Brighton and focused on food, wellbeing and community, the Hive is already home to ventures including Nostos Greek Restaurant, Little Jasmine Spa and Be Well Live Well. Find out more at brightonhive.co.uk 🎯 In this episode Why Brighton's city centre story is more complicated than "boom" or "decline" What a Business Improvement District actually does How Brighton businesses collectively invest in the city centre experience Why Brighton's retail vacancy rate is lower than many people assume How independent shops help shape the city's distinct identity Why landlords are such a powerful but under-discussed force in high street change What inward investment could look like for Brighton and Hove How tourism, retail, housing, schools, culture and lifestyle all shape the local economy Why devolution could change how Brighton works with the rest of Sussex What a future Sussex mayor should understand about Brighton's economic role 🧠 Key themes Brighton is not collapsing, but it is under pressure. The city centre still performs strongly in many areas, but rising costs, changing shopping habits and public realm challenges are affecting confidence. Independent businesses remain central to Brighton's identity. The city's character depends on small, creative and distinctive traders, particularly in areas such as the North Laine and The Lanes. Vacancy rates only tell part of the story. Empty units are visible and send a negative signal, even when the data shows Brighton performing better than the national average. Landlords have a major influence over the future of the high street. Rent levels, lease terms and the willingness to back more experimental uses all shape what kind of city centre can emerge. The high street needs to become more than retail. Culture, leisure, circular economy, repair, food, events, social infrastructure and public experience all matter. Devolution could help Brighton make a stronger case for investment, but only if the city works in genuine partnership with the rest of Sussex rather than behaving like the whole region revolves around it.  💬 What Gavin says "We've got one of the lowest vacancy rates in the country." "We all believe in the city so much, and we all really want it to succeed." "We're not a cookie-cutter type place." "It's a market, and there's very little we can do to curb those businesses opening up." "Our success is a partnership." "The diversity of that group is absolutely its strength." "There is an opportunity for much more leisure usage of the high street." "I'm a big believer in working together. I'm a big believer in this region." You might enjoy our podcast investigation into the first 20 years of Brighton & Hove as a city THE BRIGHTON PARADOX 🎧 Sussex And The City production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Gavin Stewart Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue 📣 Get involved 👉 sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode #42 "The Antidote To Division Is Community" Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Kevin Richmond – former CEO, Sussex Community Foundation   🔍 Episode summary Sussex is full of wealth, talent, creativity and civic energy. It is also home to deep inequality, entrenched coastal deprivation, loneliness, mental health pressures and communities facing rising need. In this episode, Richard Freeman speaks with Kevin Richmond, founding CEO of Sussex Community Foundation, about what he has learned from nearly 20 years connecting local philanthropy with grassroots organisations across the county. Kevin explains what community foundations do, why small charities are often closest to the people most in need, and how local giving can reach places that bigger systems often miss. The conversation explores the gap between the wealth that exists in Sussex and the needs that sit alongside it, from Hastings and Bexhill to Eastbourne, East Brighton, Crawley, Littlehampton and beyond. As Sussex moves towards devolution, Kevin argues that the voluntary and community sector cannot be treated as an afterthought or emergency safety net. It is part of the core infrastructure of the county: trusted, local, responsive and often holding communities together long before official systems arrive. This is a conversation about money, but also about trust, power, pride, inequality, local agency and why any serious future plan for Sussex has to start with the people already doing the work. This episode is brought to you in partnership with Impact Initiatives. Impact Initiatives is a community-led charity proving that local action still packs a punch. Working across Brighton and Hove and beyond, Impact Initiatives supports people facing some of life's toughest challenges, from social isolation and homelessness to mental health pressures and financial hardship. Their approach is practical, compassionate and rooted in the belief that everyone deserves the chance to feel connected and valued. Through community hubs, peer support networks and targeted wellbeing programmes, they help turn loneliness into belonging and crisis into stability. It is steady, often quiet work, but its impact ripples widely across Sussex neighbourhoods. Find out more at impact-initiatives.org.uk 🎯 In this episode What Sussex Community Foundation does and why it exists Why most charities are small, local and often hard to find How philanthropy can reach grassroots organisations with deep community trust What Kevin has learned from nearly 20 years of Sussex giving Why coastal deprivation remains one of the county's most entrenched challenges How local charities help people regain confidence, connection and agency Why philanthropy cannot replace public services, but can take risks and back local action How devolution could strengthen or weaken local community power Why Sussex's wealth does not always connect with Sussex's need What a future Sussex mayor should understand about the voluntary sector 🧠 Key themes Small charities are often closest to the people and places experiencing the greatest need, but they are not always visible to donors, public bodies or larger institutions. Philanthropy works best when it builds trust, backs local people and strengthens community agency, rather than parachuting in solutions from outside. Sussex contains sharp contrasts: significant wealth, vibrant communities and deep-rooted deprivation often exist very close together. The coastal strip faces long-term economic challenges that cannot be solved by charity alone, but grassroots organisations are essential to any meaningful response. Devolution could bring useful strategic focus, but there is a real risk that localism is weakened if power moves further away from communities. The voluntary sector should be seen as civic infrastructure, not a back-up plan. It carries weight across health, education, loneliness, poverty, youth opportunity and community resilience. 💬 What Kevin says "Our mission is to build a fairer and more equal Sussex through investing in local community action." "The vast majority of the charity sector is grassroots." "Sussex is full of people who see a problem and say, let's sort this out." "The grassroots is where the hope is." "Philanthropy can never be a substitute for public services." "You don't solve things by parachuting in." "Invest and let go of control." "Giving back is one of the most rewarding things you can do in your life." ENJOY THESE PODCASTS? Please consider giving a rating or review on your podcast platform of choice. 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Kevin Richmond Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue 📣 Get involved 👉 sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode #41 Why Culture Should Be Infrastructure In A Devolved Sussex Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Louise Blackwell – producer, cultural strategist and founder of Creative Crawley 🔍 Episode summary Culture is often treated as the product of a vibrant place, and a thriving economy. A mural here, a festival there, something colourful once the serious work of housing, transport and economic growth has been done. This episode makes a very different argument. Richard Freeman speaks with Louise Blackwell, one of the most influential cultural producers working in Sussex, about Crawley, creativity and why arts and culture should be understood as part of the region's civic infrastructure. Louise grew up in Crawley before building a major national career in the arts, including co-founding Fuel, one of the UK's most respected independent producing organisations. More recently, she has brought that experience back into Sussex through Creative Crawley and Crawley's Creative Playground, securing £millions in funding to help local people shape what culture looks like in their own town. Together they explore why Crawley matters in the cultural life of Sussex, how culture can improve safety, confidence, belonging and public space, and why devolution creates a rare opportunity to rethink the role of creativity across the county. This month, it was confirmed in parliament that arts, culture and high street regeneration will become the responsibilities of directly elected mayors and their strategic authorities. So it is timely to discuss power, participation, identity, regeneration, young people, civic pride, and who gets to tell the story of Sussex next, through the lens of devolution. Read the prospectus for culture in West Sussex co-convened by Louise to focus the mind on the opportunity of devolution. This episode is brought to you in partnership with Wild Purpose. Wild Purpose helps build stronger communities through nature and intergenerational understanding. This week is Global Intergenerational Week, which champions meaningful connections between generations across the world. Wild Purpose works across Sussex and beyond, running learning and community programmes that bring adults of all ages together to understand one another, gain fresh perspectives and grow life skills. Their co-mentoring programme, community connection walks, conversation cafes, and growing and creative allotment sessions are all designed with a collaborative, nature-based ethos. In a county shaped by coastline, countryside and a strong independent spirit, Wild Purpose asks what becomes possible when we take the connection between people and place seriously. Find out more at wildpurpose.org 🎯 In this episode Why Crawley deserves a stronger place in Sussex's cultural story How Louise's own Crawley upbringing shaped her career in the arts Why Creative Crawley was created How local people helped identify the town's cultural gaps and opportunities Why murals, festivals and creative activity can be part of civic infrastructure How culture can support safety, pride, belonging and regeneration Why Crawley's diversity, young population and location make it culturally important What devolution could mean for arts and culture across Sussex How cultural strategy can connect tourism, skills, innovation and community life Why Sussex needs to tell a bigger, bolder cultural story 🧠 Key themes Culture is not an optional extra. It shapes how people feel about where they live, how they use public space, and how communities build confidence and connection. Crawley has often been underestimated in Sussex's cultural identity, but its diversity, young population, new town heritage and location between London, Brighton and Gatwick give it huge creative potential. Creative work becomes more powerful when it is rooted in listening. Louise describes how residents, community groups, businesses and local leaders have helped shape Creative Crawley's approach. Devolution could create new opportunities for Sussex to think more strategically about culture, but only if creativity is understood as central to growth, skills, health, tourism and place-making. Sussex's cultural story is bigger than the familiar postcard version. It includes Crawley, Worthing, Chichester, Bexhill, Eastbourne, Brighton, rural communities, grassroots festivals, underground music, contemporary circus, youth theatre and creative education. The challenge is not just to celebrate culture, but to organise it better, resource it more intelligently, and connect it to the places and people who are too often left out of the story. 💬 What Louise says "There is something going on here, because it's not just me advocating." "What is missing is places and opportunities for people to come together and for their lives to get better through arts and culture." "We have such a broad definition of what creativity and culture is." "Nobody's taking it for granted that arts and culture is valuable. I have to show it by doing." "Where the money lies is where the power lies." "It could change the lives of people in Sussex and change the perspective of Sussex as the most exciting cultural destination in the UK." WANT TO ASK QUESTIONS OF NATIONAL AND LOCAL POWER BROKERS? Join us for a special online briefing and Q+A on 30 April 2026, 1 - 2.30pm BOOK TICKETS >> HERE 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Louise Blackwell Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue 📣 Get involved 👉 sussexandthecity.info - episodes, resources and events

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode #40 Most Of Sussex Is Countryside. But Who Speaks Up For It? Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Paul Steedman – CPRE Sussex 🔍 Episode summary Chats about Sussex often jump straight to the coast, the cities, Gatwick, growth sectors or investment opportunities. But most of the county is not urban and not coastal. It is farmland, woodland, river systems, villages, protected landscapes and the spaces in between. In this episode, Richard speaks with Paul Steedman from the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) - Sussex Chapter, about why the countryside needs to be taken far more seriously in conversations about growth, devolution and the future shape of Sussex. This is a good companion episode to our conversation with Jeremy Kerswell at Plumpton College about skills in the rural economy. Recorded at a moment when the region is being asked to think strategically about housing, transport, clean energy and economic growth, this discussion looks at what is at stake for rural Sussex and for the county as a whole. Paul brings a long view to the conversation. CPRE has spent decades campaigning for the protection, regeneration and long-term future of the countryside. But this is not about saying no to change, rather than what kind of change Sussex needs, where it should happen, and who gets to shape it. Together they explore the pressures facing the countryside, from housing and planning to food systems, transport, climate adaptation and energy infrastructure, and ask whether devolution could help Sussex think more clearly and more strategically about the relationship between its urban and rural futures. ---- This episode is brought to you in partnership with Plumpton College. Set in the heart of the South Downs, Plumpton College is one of the UK's leading specialist colleges for agriculture, wine, animal management, environmental conservation and sustainable land use. Celebrating 100 years this year, Plumpton continues to train the next generation of farmers, winemakers, conservationists and food producers who will help shape Sussex's future. From world-class wine education to research in agri-tech, sustainable farming, enterprise and nature recovery, Plumpton combines practical learning with deep expertise. In a county defined by its countryside, coast and land-based innovation, Plumpton remains one of Sussex's most important institutions. Find out more at plumpton.ac.uk --- 🎯 In this episode Why the Sussex countryside is too often overlooked in conversations about growth and devolution What CPRE Sussex is really trying to protect, and what it is not How planning policy is shaping pressure on green space and rural communities Why housing need and countryside protection do not have to be in conflict What devolution could mean for transport, energy and strategic planning in Sussex How rural voices could be lost in new governance structures unless they are built in properly Why food security, local supply chains and farming infrastructure matter more than ever What a Sussex mayor should understand about countryside, climate and land use Why public transport remains one of the biggest long-term issues for rural Sussex How the relationship between towns, cities and countryside could define Sussex's future 🧠 Key themes The countryside is not just a backdrop to Sussex life. It is central to the county's economy, identity, health, food systems and environmental resilience. Debates about growth in Sussex often lean too heavily towards urban development and headline housing numbers, without fully understanding the wider value of rural land and communities. There is a strong case for better strategic planning across Sussex, particularly around transport, energy, housing and climate adaptation. Devolution could help with that, but only if environmental responsibilities are built in from the start. The tension between local democracy and strategic governance is becoming sharper. Rural communities may benefit from joined-up decision-making, but they also risk becoming more remote from power. Housing is part of the answer, but not in its current form. The discussion highlights the need for the right homes in the right places, including social rent, better options for downsizing, and development that is connected to transport and community need. Food, farming and countryside infrastructure are too often treated as niche issues, when in reality they are part of Sussex's long-term economic and social stability. 💬 What Paul says "People have a deep love for the Sussex countryside." "The countryside is not just economics. It's about health, wellbeing, and what makes Sussex an attractive place to be." "Growth, per se, is not necessarily a great outcome." "There's been something missing for a good long while now, which is strategic level planning." "You can never do democracy on the cheap." "The housing we need is housing for social rent." "Rural Sussex bus networks and indeed restoring some train services would make a really big difference to people's lives."     🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Paul Steedman Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue 📣 Get involved 👉 sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode #40 Why The Sussex Plan Doesn't Yet Add Up Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Peter Lamb MP – Member of Parliament for Crawley 🔍 Episode summary Local government in Sussex is on the brink of its biggest structural change in decades. Councils may be merged, boundaries redrawn, and a new mayoral authority introduced - but what does that actually mean in practice? In this episode, Richard Freeman speaks with Peter Lamb, MP for Crawley and former leader of Crawley Borough Council, about the realities behind local government reorganisation and devolution. Recorded just before the government delayed its decision on Sussex's future structure, this provocative conversation offers a candid, insider perspective on how these reforms are being shaped, and challenged, from within. Peter brings a rare combination of experience: a former council leader who understands how local government works on the ground, now sitting in Parliament as part of the governing party. His view is direct and, at times, sharply critical of his own government. Together they explore whether the case for reorganisation still holds, what's at stake for places like Crawley, and whether devolution can genuinely deliver better outcomes for Sussex - or simply add another layer of complexity. This episode is brought to you in partnership with Crawley Innovation Centre. Located at the heart of Manor Royal, one of the South East's most significant business districts, Crawley Innovation Centre provides flexible workspace, meeting facilities and on-site support for growing companies. Designed for start-ups, scale-ups and established teams, it offers a professional base without unnecessary friction, alongside a strong focus on collaboration and community. With excellent transport links, including easy access to Gatwick, it connects Sussex businesses to national and international markets. Find out more at crawley-ic.co.uk 🎯 In this episode Why the original financial case for local government reorganisation is being questioned How merging councils could affect accountability and local representation The political tensions behind decisions on council size and structure What reorganisation could mean for Crawley and similar urban economies Why Sussex's geography makes governance particularly complex The risks of creating large authorities that don't reflect local identities The promise of devolution, and why it still matters How a Sussex mayor could reshape investment, transport and growth Why transport infrastructure remains one of the region's biggest challenges How economic strategy can fail when it ignores real-world geography 🧠 Key themes Local government reorganisation is being driven as much by politics as by economics. The original argument around cost savings appears weaker when applied to smaller, proposed unitary authorities. There is a growing tension between efficiency and accountability. Larger councils may streamline services, but risk becoming too distant from the communities they serve. Sussex is not a single, unified economy. It is a collection of distinct areas - coastal, rural and urban - each with different priorities, which makes a single governance model difficult to get right. Devolution still offers potential benefits, particularly in transport, housing and economic coordination. But the current approach may not align with how people actually live and work across the region. The balance between local identity and regional strategy remains unresolved, and will shape whether these reforms succeed or fail. 💬 What Peter says "The case for reorganisation just doesn't stack up financially in the way it's being presented." "You end up with local government that's too big to be accountable and too distant to understand communities." "Crawley is a very different economy to much of Sussex, and that matters when you're designing governance." "Devolution is the right idea. But the way we're doing it risks missing the point." "You can't build a strategy if you don't understand how places actually function." ENJOY THESE PODCASTS? PLEASE SUPPORT OUR CROWDFUNDER Every £ supports production costs. Join us for a special online briefing and Q+A on April 30th BOOK TICKETS 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Peter Lamb MP Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue 📣 Get involved 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode #38 Universities, Knowledge And The Future Of Sussex Prosperity (Part One) Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Joanna Havers - Associate Director for Knowledge Exchange, University of Brighton 🔍 Episode summary Universities are often discussed in terms of teaching and research. But there is a third role that is becoming increasingly important: knowledge exchange. In this episode, Richard Freeman speaks with Jo Havers, Associate Director for Knowledge Exchange at the University of Brighton, about the role universities play in shaping the Sussex economy, partnerships and innovation. As the conversation around devolution and a potential Sussex mayoral authority gathers pace, the role of universities as anchor institutions becomes critical. Universities connect research, talent and ideas with businesses, public services and communities - but their contribution to local growth is often poorly understood. Jo sits right at that intersection between the university and the wider world. Her work focuses on building partnerships that link research, student talent and industry needs with real economic and social outcomes. Together they explore how universities are hoping to help shape the next chapter of Sussex's economic story. ---- This episode is brought to you in partnership with Plus Accounting. Founded in Brighton in 1992, Plus Accounting is the city's leading B Corp-certified firm of chartered accountants, supporting businesses that are shaping the Sussex economy. Their clients range from video game studios and creative agencies to hospitality brands, life sciences companies, property developers and fast-growing tech firms. Whether you're launching a start-up, scaling a business, or running a long-established organisation, Plus offers specialist support in tax planning, audit, R&D tax relief, and strategic business advice. They combine technical expertise with a genuine understanding of the local economy — helping businesses grow sustainably and responsibly. To find out more, visit plusaccounting.co.uk   --- 🎯 In this episode Why knowledge exchange is now a central part of what universities do How universities support business growth, community organisations and local government The role of universities as anchor institutions in regional development Why Sussex's economy is diverse but fragmented compared with other regions The opportunities and blind spots within the UK Government's Industrial Strategy Why graduate talent and higher-level skills must be part of regional growth plans The importance of building a shared economic narrative for Sussex How universities help students connect with local SMEs and career pathways Why productivity should be about better outcomes, not simply "more output" 🧠 Key themes: Modern universities are no longer simply places of teaching and research. They increasingly act as civic partners, connecting knowledge, research and talent with local economic and social challenges. Sussex has strong sectors - from creative industries and engineering to green growth and digital technology - but they are dispersed rather than clustered. That creates resilience but makes it harder to tell a clear economic story. Skills policy often focuses on lower-level training. But a regional growth strategy must also include graduate talent, research capability and innovation capacity. A Sussex mayor could provide the coordinated leadership and national voice needed to bring together universities, businesses and public institutions around a shared regional strategy. What Jo says "Knowledge exchange is really what it says on the tin; taking academic learning and asking how it can benefit society, culture, communities and the economy." "Sussex isn't a single industrial cluster. It's a conurbation of different strengths, and we need to start telling that story." "Students want to stay here. The challenge is creating the opportunities that allow them to do that." "Productivity can't just mean more jobs and more output. It has to mean better outcomes for people and communities." --- ENJOY THESE PODCASTS? PLEASE SUPPORT OUR CROWDFUNDER Every £ supports production costs. --- 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Joanna Havers Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue 📣 Get involved 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode #37 Can Dolphins Be A Symbol Of A Prosperous Future Sussex? Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Lloyd Gofton – Director, Sussex Dolphin Project 🔍 Episode summary Richard is joined by Lloyd Gofton, ocean communications specialist, conservation leader and Director of the Sussex Dolphin Project. Together they explore how dolphins have become more than a remarkable coastal sighting, but instead emerging instead as a symbol of a future Sussex that is environmentally ambitious, science-led and ready to place its natural assets at the heart of its identity and growth. With more than 25 years' experience in communications, Lloyd began his career in PR, marketing and digital strategy, running his own agency for over a decade and working with global brands and NGOs including WWF, Greenpeace, RSPCA and Médecins Sans Frontières. A mid-career shift into conservation saw him move from corporate storytelling to environmental campaigning, later working with Wildlife Heritage Areas, Conservation Careers and Blue Planet Society. In Sussex, he is best known as one of the driving forces behind the Sussex Dolphin Project. Since 2018, the volunteer-led initiative has gathered vital data on dolphins, whales and porpoises in the eastern English Channel – an area long overlooked in formal marine research. What began as a mission to prove cetaceans are present off the Sussex coast has grown into a pan-Sussex citizen science movement spanning Brighton, Worthing, Eastbourne, Hastings and beyond. Pods of up to 500 dolphins, humpback whale sightings and thousands of public reports are reshaping how residents see their own coastline. Dolphins, Lloyd explains, are the "gateway species" to ocean literacy – a compelling hook that draws people into wider questions about biodiversity, protection and our relationship with the sea. As Sussex considers devolution and a new era of regional identity, this episode asks whether the ocean could move from backdrop to centre stage; as science, skills, wellbeing and sustainable economic opportunity. ---- This episode is brought to you in partnership with Newhaven Enterprise Zone. Newhaven Enterprise Zone's mission is to transform Newhaven into a thriving and dynamic business destination by 2030, with a repurposed town centre designed to support growth sectors and boost the economy. Its investment plan includes seven key initiatives, including targeted grant programmes to drive productivity, business growth and inward investment – helping to create sustainable, inclusive jobs that benefit the whole community. For the wider Sussex economy, this signals a shift towards higher value employment, stronger skills pipelines and enterprise rooted firmly in place. Newhaven Enterprise Zone is working to ensure Sussex leads rather than follows. Find out more at newhavenenterprisezone.com --- 🎯 Why this matters The English Channel is often framed as a shipping corridor. In reality, it is a biodiverse and globally significant marine environment. Citizen science projects like the Sussex Dolphin Project are turning community curiosity into usable research data, and local pride into conservation action. As devolution conversations focus on housing, transport and economic growth, this episode highlights the strategic importance of natural capital, eco-tourism, marine research and environmental identity in shaping Sussex's long-term direction. If Sussex wants a distinctive regional narrative, the sea may be one of its strongest and most unifying assets. 🧠 Topics covered include: Lloyd's shift from corporate communications to ocean conservation The role of the National Oceanography Centre in global climate science Why dolphins are the "gateway species" to ocean literacy How citizen science strengthens marine research The evidence for whales and dolphins in the eastern English Channel Building protection through data and storytelling Balancing eco-tourism with conservation ethics Regional identity and the politics of devolution How Sussex could position itself as a marine innovation leader --- ENJOY THESE PODCASTS? PLEASE SUPPORT OUR CROWDFUNDER Every £ supports production costs. --- 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Lloyd Gofton Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue 📣 Get involved Have you spotted dolphins off the Sussex coast? Should marine conservation sit at the heart of Sussex's devolved future? 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode #36 From Vineyards To Data Labs - Don't Underestimate Sussex' Rural Economy Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Jeremy Kerswell – Principal & Chief Executive, Plumpton College   🔍 Episode summary Richard is joined by Jeremy Kerswell, Principal and Chief Executive of Plumpton College, one of the UK's last remaining independent specialist land-based colleges, set across 800 hectares at the foot of the South Downs. Plumpton is not an ordinary college campus. It is a commercial farm producing millions of litres of milk, a vineyard bottling tens of thousands of bottles each year, a butchery, a dairy, an equine centre, a horticultural hub in Brighton, and a major regional employer serving agriculture, viticulture, forestry and environmental management. Jeremy, who grew up in Sussex before returning a decade ago to lead the college, reflects on what it means to run an education institution that is also a business, a working estate and a skills engine for a sector facing national shortages. The conversation explores the productivity challenge in farming and food, the rapid advance of technology in land-based industries, and the growing demand for apprenticeships and higher-level technical skills. It also tackles rural transport barriers, infrastructure gaps and the reality that accessing education in Sussex is often far harder than it looks on a map. "Feeding the world and saving the planet are the two biggest global challenges we face – and they can be achieved in harmony." This episode asks whether devolution could finally align transport, housing, skills and economic growth in a way that works for rural Sussex just as much as its towns and cities. This episode is brought to you in partnership with Gaby Hardwicke Solicitors. Gaby Hardwicke is one of Sussex's most established law firms, supporting individuals, families and businesses across Eastbourne, Bexhill and Hastings. From commercial and employment law to family, property and dispute resolution, they anchor expert legal services firmly in the region. But a standout strength is their dedicated Rural & Agricultural team, advising farmers, estates and landowners on land management, diversification, succession, environmental schemes and the shifting economics of countryside life. In Sussex, where our rural economy, landscape and identity are entwined, this expertise matters. Gaby Hardwicke helps the county grow, adapt and protect what makes it unique, blending modern legal knowledge with deep local understanding. Visit gabyhardwicke.co.uk. 🎯 Why this matters Land-based industries are often dismissed as traditional or declining. In reality, they are technologically advanced, globally connected and facing significant skills shortages. Sussex's rural economy is central to its identity, landscape and visitor appeal – yet transport, infrastructure and fragmented governance make long-term planning difficult. Jeremy argues that if Sussex is to lead in sustainable land management, food innovation and environmental technology, it will need joined-up strategy, employer-led skills planning and fewer structural silos. 🧠 Topics covered include: What it really means to run a college that is also a farm and commercial estate The national skills gap in agriculture, viticulture and environmental management Robotics, data and digital literacy in modern farming Why land-based industries are more advanced than many assume The cost and complexity of rural transport for students SEND, socio-economic barriers and access to education in Sussex Whether devolution could genuinely join up skills, infrastructure and growth Why Sussex should be leading the UK in sustainable land management What a successful Sussex in 2035 might look like 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Jeremy Kerswell Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue 📣 Get involved Should Sussex lead the UK in green growth and land-based innovation? Can devolution fix transport, skills and infrastructure for rural communities? 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode #35 Growing A Global Business In Sussex Could Be So Much Easier Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Matt Barker – Founder & CEO, MPB 🔍 Episode summary Richard is joined by Matt Barker, founder and chief executive of MPB, one of Sussex's biggest global business success stories - built from modest roots in Brighton and now operating at serious international scale. What began as an eBay side project while Matt was a student has grown into the world's largest platform for buying, selling and trading professional photography and video equipment, employing more than 500 people globally, with over half still based in Brighton. Matt talks candidly about why MPB succeeded because of Brighton's culture and creativity - and why it often succeeded in spite of the city's infrastructure, property market and lack of meaningful business engagement. The conversation ranges from devolution and leadership, to skills gaps, transport, commercial space, and his perception that there is a failure to recognise Sussex's own success stories until they're already global. "I don't think MPB would be what it is if it hadn't been founded in Brighton. But I also don't think Brighton really noticed us until about three years ago." This episode is about what it really takes to grow a business in Sussex - and what a future Sussex mayor will need to understand if devolution is going to deliver anything more than new structures and old habits. 🎯 Why this matters Matt argues that Sussex risks missing a once-in-a-generation opportunity if devolution is shaped by the same voices, the same reports, and the same transactional approaches to business. If Sussex wants growth that sticks, and spreads beyond Brighton, it needs to understand why so many businesses never make it past a certain point, and why those that do often have to look elsewhere for leadership support. This is a challenge to policymakers, councils and future mayors: listen earlier, engage properly, and fix the basics. 🧠 Topics covered include: How MPB grew from a student eBay project into a global platform Why Brighton's creativity and diversity mattered more than formal support The invisible ceiling facing Sussex businesses at 20–50 staff Why CEO-level support networks don't really exist locally Commercial property, listed buildings, and the constant fight for space What a Sussex mayor should actually understand about growth businesses Why devolution risks being shaped by the "usual suspects" Brighton's uneasy relationship with the rest of Sussex Transport, skills and connectivity; and what really holds growth back Why fixing cleanliness, perception and basic infrastructure matters more than shiny strategies 📚 Further reading and references MPB – company background and global platform 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Matt Barker Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue 📣 Get involved Want devolution that actually works for businesses and places? Want Sussex leadership that understands how growth really happens? 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode #34 Devolution Is Only As Local As It Feels Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Cllr Julia Hilton – Deputy Leader, Hastings Borough Council 🔍 Episode summary Richard is joined by Cllr Julia Hilton, Deputy Leader of Hastings Borough Council and one of Sussex's most outspoken voices on local government reorganisation and devolution. Julia brings a fiercely place-based perspective, shaped by her background as a landscape architect, artist and community organiser. The conversation is unapologetically Hastings-first; not as a brand or 'policy problem', but as a lived place with strong neighbourhood identities, deep inequalities, creative energy and a long memory of top-down regeneration that hasn't landed well. "We don't just accept the status quo. We always want to test stuff … bringing that creativity and that sort of slight edginess to parts of East Sussex that can feel a bit comfortable." Together, Richard and Julia dig into what devolution could actually mean for Hastings, and what it absolutely must avoid. They explore the risks of losing local knowledge through council reorganisation, the dangers of chasing abstract growth metrics, and why things like retrofitting homes, buses that work, and neighbourhood trust may matter more than glossy skills strategies with acronyms nobody asked for. This is a conversation about power close to the ground, and whether Sussex's next chapter will be written with towns like Hastings, or merely about them. This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Let's Do Business Finance – an accredited British Business Bank delivery partner, providing Start Up Loans and Growth Guarantee loans from £500 to £150,000 to hundreds of Sussex businesses since 2004. By filling the finance gap left by high street lenders, they've helped new ventures launch, supported businesses to invest in growth, and sustained local jobs across Sussex and beyond. 👉 https://letsdobusinessfinance.co.uk 🎯 Why this matters "What people want to see in Hastings is … really good quality council housing and affordable housing, upgrading our council stock, celebrating our heritage, celebrating our green spaces, and making the most of all those … Pretty much everyone will agree on that." Julia's argues that devolution without trust, local knowledge and meaningful measures of success risks repeating the mistakes Hastings has already lived through. 🧠 Topics covered include: Hastings' topography — and how hills, green space and fragmentation shape communities Why regeneration has often felt done to rather than built with The erosion of trust through endless consultation with little change Political pluralism in Hastings; and what it says about trust in politics Skills, climate work and retrofitting as realistic economic pathways Youth employment in a small-business, seasonal economy The risk of devolution becoming a "hustle for our patch" Why transport and housing are the non-negotiable delivery tests The danger of losing neighbourhood knowledge in a new unitary system Hastings' role as a challenging, creative force in the Sussex story 📚 Further reading and references Hastings Borough Council – shaping places portfolio Index of Multiple Deprivation – East Sussex profiles Get Sussex Working Plan 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Cllr Julia Hilton Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Produced by: always possible 📣 Get involved Want devolution that actually reflects lived places? Want Sussex leadership shaped from the ground up? 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events.

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 33: Devolution Can Make Us More 'Sussex'. But It Is A Big Leadership Challenge Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Rt Hon Peter Kyle MP – Secretary of State for Business and Trade; MP for Hove & Portslade 🔍 Episode summary This episode opens a new year and a new series of Sussex And The City, recorded at a moment of political shift but strategic acceleration. Richard Freeman sits down with Peter Kyle MP – one of the most influential figures in the current government and a long-standing Sussex representative – to explore what devolution could actually mean for Sussex beyond the headlines. Peter reflects on his own Sussex story, growing up in Bognor Regis and West Sussex, leaving school with no qualifications, experiencing homelessness, and later finding opportunity through work, education and community organising. That lived experience runs through the conversation, shaping how he thinks about power, place, social mobility and leadership. The discussion ranges from the structural weaknesses of the Sussex economy – where ports, towns, universities and Gatwick all "point to London, not each other" – to the opportunities devolution could unlock if leadership is used to connect rather than centralise. This episode grapples with big questions: Can Sussex ever act as a single region? Can growth be genuinely inclusive? And what kind of leadership is needed to make devolution work for places that don't look or vote the same? "It's not about trying to change Sussex – just trying to make us more Sussex." This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Kreston Reeves – one of the UK's leading accountancy and advisory firms, and one of the first to achieve B Corp status. With offices in Brighton, Chichester and across the South East, Kreston Reeves works with ambitious businesses, charities and individuals across manufacturing, education, property, tech and the arts. From tax strategy and audit to succession planning and ESG reporting, their advice combines national expertise with deep local knowledge. 👉 krestonreeves.com 🎯 Why this matters Sussex is entering a long transition period. The mayoral election timetable may have shifted, but the decisions shaping the region's future are already being made. Peter argues that devolution is not a tidy fix, but a leadership test; one that requires bridging deep economic, geographic and political divides. "We are a divided set of communities – and that shouldn't be the case." The episode challenges the idea that growth alone is enough, asking how infrastructure, skills, housing, transport and opportunity can be aligned so that prosperity spreads rather than concentrates. 🧠 Topics covered include: Peter Kyle's Sussex upbringing and route into public life Why Sussex's economy fails to "add up to more than the sum of its parts" Coastal towns, rural communities and unequal access to opportunity Growth vs place: why GDP alone isn't enough The role of devolution in connecting ports, towns, universities and Gatwick AI, skills and why technology could either widen or close divides Leadership, collaboration and working across political difference Why devolution is a community enterprise, not a single-leader fix "The mayoralty isn't going to take power away from everywhere – but it will have the ability to facilitate." 📚 Further reading and references UK Government – industrial strategy (10-year framework) Peter Kyle visits University of Sussex OECD – regional development  OECD – decentralisation and regional development GOV.UK Institute for government – local growth plans (devolution context) OECD GOV.UK – secretary of state for business and trade (GOV.UK) UK Parliament – spoken contributions (Peter Kyle)    🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Peter Kyle MP Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey (Lo-Fi Arts) Production management: Letitia McConalogue 📣 Get involved Want to understand what devolution really means for Sussex? Want clearer, more human conversations about power and place? 👉 sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events.

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 32: EMERGENCY PODCAST! Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Martin Webb, independent candidate for Mayor of Sussex & Brighton   No Sussex mayor until 2028 The government is set to delay the first elections for newly created regional mayors in four areas - Greater Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk, Hampshire and the Solent, and Sussex and Brighton. The BBC reports that ballots originally scheduled for May 2026 will now be held in 2028, with a formal announcement expected shortly.  🔗 Read the BBC report  These mayoralties are the political centrepiece of the government's drive to devolve power and fast-track regional growth. Mayors will chair new strategic authorities with powers over transport, housing, skills and, in some areas, policing. Pushing the polls back delays who will set priorities, who will bid for investment, and who will hold authority over major local programmes - just as unitary council reorganisation is being completed. Government reasoning vs political reaction The official explanation is that more time is needed to finish local government reorganisation so new authorities are properly set up before voters choose mayors. Those following the Sussex And The City project since May will recognise this as a familiar concern. But others think the move is politically charged. The Conservatives' James Cleverly has already accused the administration of "subverting democracy". Reform UK's Zia Yusuf suggested ministers were trying to blunt his party's chances, while the Liberal Democrats' Zoe Franklin warned "democracy delayed is democracy denied."   What this means for Sussex & Brighton Campaigns and candidates: The delay gives parties more time to select and prep candidates, but it also creates a longer campaign window and uncertainty for would-be contenders and local parties. It would not be a surprise if some of the announced candidates change over the next two years. Policy and delivery: With mayoral powers on hold, strategic decisions that require a regional political voice - major transport projects, strategic housing plans, and coordinated skills investment - may be deferred or handled piecemeal by existing councils. Local reorganisation: The stated reason - finishing unitary reorganisation - underscores how tightly linked the mayoral timetable is to structural changes at council level; Sussex's new mayoralty depended on those legal and administrative building blocks being in place. Political arithmetic: A later election could shift the advantage depending on national polling and local campaigning; opponents argue the delay will change the political landscape. What to watch next Formal announcement and rationale: The government's statement will be important for the detail; whether the delay is purely administrative or also strategic. Local reaction: Councils, business groups, civic organisations and candidates will respond; look for joint statements calling for clarity on timelines and transitional arrangements. Practical continuity: How will work on devolution, bids for investment and partnership arrangements be sustained during the gap? Who will be accountable for interim decisions? Election mechanics: Will the delay change the electoral system, timing with other polls, or the way the new authorities transition in 2027–28? A short verdict The postponement is a big procedural and political shift. If ministers are right that more time is needed for a lawful, orderly handover from two-tier councils to new unitaries, the delay may be sensible. But it will only be accepted by local voters if the extra time is used to finish the structural work and to show, with practical, visible plans, that the mayoralty will deliver better services and clearer local leadership.   Sussex And The City So, this was always a possibility, but is big news we didn't expect today. You tell us - would you like us to continue this project until the elections take place, or do you think we need to pause until nearer the time?   🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue 📣 Get involved Want a joined-up Sussex story? Want to help shape devolution so it actually works for people and places? 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events.

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 31: Why I Want To Be Mayor (Part Five)  Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Martin Webb, independent candidate for Mayor of Sussex & Brighton 🔍 Episode summary In this wide-ranging conversation, Richard sits down with Martin Webb — a man whose CV could easily be many separate careers. Martin was a defining figure in Brighton's 90s and 00s nightlife, running clubs, bars and restaurants across the city. He has also ran his own local media empire, been a business mentor on Channel 4, a columnist for The Telegraph, a small business author, and, in a twist that surprises many, a frontline volunteer police sergeant for nearly a decade. Now he's running as the only declared independent candidate for Mayor of Sussex & Brighton - self-funding the campaign, clocking up millions of TikTok views, and arguing that Sussex needs "a very honest, grounded, authentic approach" untied to party politics. The conversation explores how his life in hospitality, policing and community work informs his vision for the new mayoralty; a role Martin describes as "not about me at all. It's about getting the best outcomes for Sussex and Sussex people." He has views on housing, anti-social behaviour, nightlife, farming, collaboration between towns, and the "post-Brighton" identity crisis Sussex needs to solve to make devolution work.   This episode is brought to you in partnership with: THE GIFT @ The Old Market Home of THE GIFT, a bold new winter feast-game-ritual-show running 3–21 December, step inside The Old Market in Hove for a 360° world of live music, cabaret artists, clowns, communal play and Sussex-made food from Mallow, Pio Mai and CLOUD NINE. Inspired by Columbia's Theatre of the Senses, America's Burning Man and Berlin's Social Muscle Club, THE GIFT is about connection, mischief and the messy joy of being alive. Get tickets this Christmas from 👉 theoldmarket.com 🎯 Why this matters "I want to be an independent now. I don't think the mayor needs to be aligned to one particular problem. I want to speak and act to do good for the people of Sussex." For many voters, the idea of a non-party mayor - one who refuses donors and funds the campaign personally - challenges the assumption that the mayoralty must be run by a big political machine. Martin argues that independence is not a gimmick, but the only way to escape party whipping and focus solely on place first, politics second. He also speaks frankly about the state of Sussex: "People are fed up with how dangerous our streets are, how much housing costs, how much of our environment is at risk from massive over-development." He says his proposed solutions - from Sussex Marshals to a countywide buying group - reflect his entrepreneurial background, his voluntary policing experience, and his belief that 'common-sense' collaboration has been missing. 🧠 Topics covered include: What independence really means in a region used to red–blue–yellow politics Why Martin left the Labour selection process How policing experience fuels his plans for safety, patrols and anti-social behaviour "Sussex Marshals" - volunteers to free up police time Tackling the housing crisis through brownfield-first development AirBnB controls and licensing Protecting rural Sussex from "disproportionate" mega-developments The future of nightlife and why towns need tailored NTE strategies A Sussex buying cooperative for small businesses How TikTok has made him unexpectedly popular with younger voters Overcoming anti-Brighton sentiment and building one Sussex story What Sussex could look like in 2046 if devolution works "From week one, I'll be tackling the crisis we have got with anti-social behaviour, theft and shoplifting." 📚 Further reading and references Martin Webb – campaign website Martin Webb on TikTok Martin Webb in Facebook Martin Webb on Instagram 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Martin Webb Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded: Regency Radio, Lancing 📣 Get involved Want a joined-up Sussex story? Want to help shape devolution so it actually works for people and places? 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events.

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 30: Opportunity In Sussex Starts With Being Seen Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Donna O'Toole — founder of August Recognition; co-founder of Rewards App 🔍 Episode summary In this week's episode, Richard meets Donna O'Toole - multi-award-winning entrepreneur, awards strategist and lifelong Sussex resident - whose journey from Arundel Castle to global business owner is as remarkable as it is rooted in place. Donna grew up in the grounds of Arundel Castle, where her family worked as part of the staff, before entering care at aged 15 and being given an unusual, life-shaping choice: foster care, a children's home, or what she recalls as "a home for girls with potential".   She took the third option, kickstarting a life defined by resilience, ambition and a razor-sharp instinct for spotting opportunity. By 19 she had founded Sussex's first dental nurse agency; in her 30s she returned to education, graduating in English Linguistics from the University of Sussex; and today she runs an international recognition consultancy from the tiny village of Chailey — proving, quite happily, that world-class businesses don't need glass towers. Richard and Donna explore Sussex's confidence problem, the county's quietly world-class business ecosystem, and why a future Mayor must pay attention to the overlooked arts of storytelling and narrative. Donna argues that too many Sussex businesses stay small not for lack of potential, but for lack of visibility, and that giving people the courage to "pitch up, not shrink down" could change the shape of our local economy. This episode is a generous, grounded and surprisingly emotional reminder that recognition isn't always vanity, it can be fuel for bigger things.   This episode is brought to you in partnership with: YMCA Downslink Group - For over a century, the YMCA has been supporting young people across Sussex and Surrey. Every night, they provide safe housing for more than 650 young individuals facing homelessness, offering not just shelter but also the support needed to rebuild their lives. Beyond housing, this charity delivers a range of services including mental health counselling through YMCA Dialogue, family mediation, and youth advice centres in Brighton & Hove and Crawley. Their e-wellbeing platform offers digital mental health resources tailored for young people.  They reach over 7,000 children, young people, and families each year, helping them navigate challenges and achieve their potential. To learn more or support their mission, visit ymcadlg.org. 🎯 Why this matters Sussex will soon elect its first ever Mayor; someone expected to champion the county, raise its national profile, and create space for ambition, growth and innovation across places that haven't always been encouraged to think big. Donna argues that starts with confidence: "You can achieve anything that you want to achieve, just so long as you believe in yourself and you set some goals and you work at it." And with visibility: "Aim high and pitch up. You don't need to always think local… you're serving your clients nationally. So why are you not getting national recognition?" Sussex isn't short of creativity, entrepreneurship or grit. But we are short of a shared narrative about success, and as Donna wants devolution to support a new strategy, confidence and culture change. 🧠 Topics covered include: Growing up in Arundel Castle, and how early instability shaped Donna's resilience The extraordinary "home for girls with potential" and its lifelong impact Starting Sussex's first dental nurse agency as a teenager Why awards can matter for business growth, leadership confidence and community impact How Sussex founders underplay their achievements The barriers holding back small businesses from competing nationally What the King's Awards for Enterprise tell us about real economic trends How the pandemic shifted recognition from financial metrics to people-first stories Why a Sussex Mayor must understand the power of storytelling, ambition and visibility How she thinks her new business will make recognition more inclusive The need for county-wide consistency in employer support Why success for Sussex must be defined by more than GDP or headcount "It's hard to read the label when you're sitting inside the jam jar." 📚 Further reading and references Donna's website August Recognition – awards & recognition consultancy The King's Awards for Enterprise Dent Global / Key Person of Influence 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Donna O'Toole Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded: At Projects The Lanes, Brighton 📣 Get involved Want a joined-up Sussex story? Want to help shape devolution so it actually works for people and places? 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events.

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 29: Sussex Money Matters: Tackling Debt And Building Trust Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Emma Norledge - Deputy CEO, Wave Community Bank 🔍 Episode summary What if the future of devolution wasn't just about power – but about money that stays in Sussex? In this episode, Richard Freeman talks to Emma Norledge, Deputy Chief Executive of Wave Community Bank, a not-for-profit credit union helping thousands of people across East Sussex, Brighton and Kent access fair, local finance. Credit unions aren't really banks as we know them; they're still fully regulated by the Financial Services Authority but act as people-powered cooperatives that keep savings circulating in local economies. In an era of financial exclusion, payday loans and disappearing high street banks, Emma explains how Wave's model of 'people helping people' is focused on transforming lives, from rent deposit schemes to small loans and financial education. They explore what devolution might mean for community finance, why money and wellbeing are inseparable, and how a Sussex mayor could champion smarter, fairer funding systems that rebuild trust from the ground up. "Credit unions get in your soul and you believe in what you do; and it's not an industry, it's a movement."   This episode is brought to you in partnership with: YMCA Downslink Group - For over a century, the YMCA has been supporting young people across Sussex and Surrey. Every night, they provide safe housing for more than 650 young individuals facing homelessness, offering not just shelter but also the support needed to rebuild their lives. Beyond housing, this charity delivers a range of services including mental health counselling through YMCA Dialogue, family mediation, and youth advice centres in Brighton & Hove and Crawley. Their e-wellbeing platform offers digital mental health resources tailored for young people.  They reach over 7,000 children, young people, and families each year, helping them navigate challenges and achieve their potential. To learn more or support their mission, visit ymcadlg.org. 🎯 Why this matters "Councils will come to us and say, 'We'd like to do this – what do you think?' And we might say, 'Well, that won't work for that reason, but we could do it this way.'" 🧠 Topics covered include: What credit unions are and how they keep money local The evolution from East Sussex Credit Union to Wave Community Bank How local savings can finance local loans and community wellbeing The challenge of financial exclusion and the need for inclusive banking Partnerships with councils, advice networks and housing providers What devolution could mean for community finance and social investment How structural change might affect local accountability and support systems The role of credit unions in preventing crime and tackling loan sharks Financial literacy as a public health issue Lessons from Manchester's 'Sound Pound' initiative for Sussex "There hasn't been a bank in Newhaven for years… and that is an opportunity for the credit unions to step in and say, 'We are here, and we do help you, and we do care.'" 📚 Further reading and references Wave Community Bank Association of British Credit Unions (ABCUL)  Illegal Money Lending Team  Greater Manchester Credit Unions: Sound Pound Network   🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Emma Norledge Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded: On location 📣 Get involved Want a joined-up Sussex story? Want to help shape devolution so it actually works for people and places? 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events.

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 28: Why Sussex Needs To Look After Its Shopkeepers Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Shiv Misra - founder of Kindly 🔍 Episode summary In this episode, Richard Freeman talks with Shiv Misra, founder of Kindly, a Brighton homegrown supermarket with a difference; fair prices, no plastic, and no gimmicks. Shiv's story is one of grit, optimism and retail reform, building something sustainable in every sense of the word. From taking over the old HISBE store to juggling a day job in IT and and growing a new model of retail, Shiv explains what independent retailers really need to survive: lower rates, shared logistics, smarter supply chains and genuine support from local government. Could a region built on small business pride could use devolution to back its entrepreneurs; the grocers, cafés, makers and market traders who give Sussex its identity?  This episode is a good companion to #24 with Rachael Dines. "If the big players don't do it, then more of the small players need to — so people still get the convenience and choice they need."   This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Shake It Up Creative – the Worthing-based marketing and web agency helping organisations stand out with style, strategy and substance. From brand builds and slick websites to demystifying PR and SEO, they're known for straight-talking advice and a collaborative mindset. The team runs free online help sessions via #ShakeItHub and offers pro bono mentoring through BIPC, Community Works and Enterprise Nation. Finalists at the 2025 Independent Agency Awards for Best Promotional Campaign, they prove bold, beautiful marketing is possible with small teams and smart budgets. 👉 shakeitupcreative.com   🎯 Why this matters "People want to do good, but they don't want to do it at the cost of either convenience or choice. We're trying to bring in a food revolution where we change the way we consume things." 🧠 Topics covered include: How independent retail defines Sussex's economic identity Why small shops need joined-up business support post-devolution The case for shared logistics hubs and collective delivery schemes Rate relief, rent reform and how councils can reward sustainable practice The untapped potential of farm-to-shelf supply networks Building a county-wide loyalty scheme to connect towns and traders Learning from HISBE's legacy and what Kindly is doing differently Surviving cost-of-living crises as a micro-retailer What local leadership could do to protect small business resilience Making refill and repair retail part of mainstream shopping, not the niche "Unity is power — Sussex's small shops could speak with one voice if councils did the same." 📚 Further reading and references Kindly – Brighton's refill-first, plant-based supermarket Federation of Small Businesses – Sussex 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Shiv Misra Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded: On location 📣 Get involved Want a joined-up Sussex story? Want to help shape devolution so it actually works for people and places? 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events.

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 27: Is Art Sussex' Civic Superpower? Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Lesley Samms - founder of Pure Arts Group 🔍 Episode summary In this conversation, Richard Freeman sits down with artist mentor, curator and Pure Arts Group founder Lesley Samms – a powerhouse advocate for visual artists across Sussex and beyond. Lesley shares her journey from leaving behind corporate success at Coca-Cola to becoming a champion of grassroots creativity, community connection and artistic confidence. Based in Battle, she has built networks that help artists find purpose, audiences and each other. The conversation explores what Sussex's visual-arts story reveals about the county's identity; from Charleston and Farleys Farm to Hastings Fat Tuesday, Coastal Currents and beyond. Lesley calls for a new regional strategy for the arts, one that values experimentation, supports young artists, and ensures the creative economy doesn't just survive but thrives under devolution. "Don't wait to be discovered - lift up the talent that's already here."   This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Creative Crawley – since becoming a charitable trust in 2021, Creative Crawley has transformed Crawley into a creative hub with a year-round programme of public performances, exhibitions and workshops across pop-up venues and makerspaces. Their flagship Creative Playground initiative, backed by a £1 million Arts Council England grant, has supported artist residencies and community co-creation projects, while the pilot Creative Village is testing the potential for a permanent cultural hub to sustain local artists and drive economic growth. Through partnerships with local, national and international artists, educators and creative organisations, Creative Crawley is nurturing new creative economies, inspiring civic pride, and redefining cultural leadership in the South East. 👉 creativecrawley.com   🎯 Why this matters "Visual artists aren't decoration. They're what make places human; they connect us, they challenge us, they make us think." 🧠 Topics covered include: The visual arts DNA of Sussex Why Brighton doesn't own all the creativity in Sussex The human networks that sustain the arts outside big cities How visual artists fuel wellbeing, identity and local economies The funding gap: making grants and opportunities accessible The need for a Sussex-wide cultural strategy under devolution Why grassroots creativity deserves national attention Public art as problem-solving – lessons from Crawley and elsewhere The call for every Sussex town to have an 'artist of the year' Residencies, mentoring and the importance of space to experiment "Art isn't just there to look pretty. It's there to make you feel something; to remind you that there's more than one way to see the world." 📚 Further reading and references Pure Arts Group – Lesley's artist network and consultancy Towner Eastbourne – Turner Prize host and regional anchor Charleston Trust – home of the Bloomsbury set Farleys House & Gallery – Lee Miller & Roland Penrose De La Warr Pavilion – cultural icon of Bexhill Phoenix Art Space – Brighton's artist-led studios Coastal Currents – Hastings and St Leonards arts festival South East Open Studios – regional artist showcase   🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Lesley Samms Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded: Projects, The Lanes - Brighton 📣 Get involved Want a joined-up Sussex story? Want to help shape devolution so it actually works for people and places? 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events.

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 26: Can Sussex Lead On Closing The Loop? Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Steve Creed - co-founder of Circular Brighton & Hove 🔍 Episode summary In this conversation, Richard Freeman sits down with Steve Creed – a Canadian-born sustainability consultant and leading voice in Sussex's circular-economy movement. Steve has spent decades connecting the dots between food, housing, transport, climate and culture, helping councils, housing groups and social enterprises to think differently about waste and regeneration. As co-founder of Circular Brighton & Hove and Vice Chair of the Adur Community Land Trust, he's long argued that Sussex could be a test-bed for joined-up, low-waste, regenerative growth – if it stops treating every issue in isolation. The discussion (a good companion to episode 20, and our chat with Jenny Andersson) explores Earth Overshoot Day, trust in politics, measuring real progress, and why the circular economy is less about jargon and more about people, compost and community power. Steve believes devolution is not a tidy fix, but a rare window to design something better — if civil society leads the charge before the politicians do. "In the forest, there's no waste. Trees fall, rot, feed the soil - everything has a purpose. The circular economy is just learning from that."   This episode is brought to you in partnership with: DMH Stallard – one of the South East's most respected full-service law firms, combining technical expertise with a pragmatic, human approach. With offices across Sussex, DMH Stallard advises individuals, businesses and public bodies across property, planning, dispute resolution, employment and private client services, and is particularly active in real-estate development and public-sector growth. The firm also proudly supports community and cultural projects across the region, investing time and expertise in the places where its teams live and work. 👉 dmhstallard.com     🎯 Why this matters "Trust is missing. Maybe the grassroots have to rebuild it first - business, civil society, local innovators - before the politicians catch up." 🧠 Topics covered include: What the circular economy really means beyond policy buzzwords How Circular Brighton & Hove helped shape a city-wide sustainability roadmap Why Earth Overshoot Day could be a Sussex-wide performance indicator The role of the mayor in connecting food, transport, housing and climate policy How devolution could enable joined-up, systems-level innovation Re-thinking Gross Value Added and other economic measures Trust and accountability in the new mayoral structure Lessons from Sussex Bay and community-led regeneration The potential of Sussex's micro-business ecosystem to drive growth "Pragmatic radicalism" - how small shifts across every sector add up   "Any mayor who wants to succeed will need new ways to measure progress — not just GDP, but how long it takes Sussex to reach Earth Overshoot Day." 📚 Further reading and references Circular Brighton & Hove – local hub for sustainable systems change Brighton & Hove City Council – Circular Economy Route Map Adur Community Land Trust Brighton & Hove Food Partnership – Community Composting and Food Networks Global Footprint Network – Earth Overshoot Day Data and Country Dashboards Sussex Bay – Seascape Restoration Partnership West of England Combined Authority – Green Innovation 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Steve Creed Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded: Projects, The Lanes - Brighton 📣 Get involved Want a joined-up Sussex story? Want to help shape devolution so it actually works for people and places? 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events.

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 25: Why I Want To Be Mayor (Part Four) Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Dr Ben Dempsey - Liberal Democrat candidate for Mayor of Sussex & Brighton 🔍 Episode summary In this special episode, Richard Freeman sits down with Ben Dempsey, the newly selected Liberal Democrat candidate for Mayor of Sussex & Brighton – and only the second confirmed name on the ballot paper for the 2026 election. Born and raised in Haywards Heath, educated at the University of Sussex, and with a career spanning international development, humanitarian aid and environmental conservation, Ben makes the case that he can link global experience with deep local roots. They discuss why he's running, how he plans to unite a politically fragmented county, and why he believes fairness, civility and practical action must define Sussex's new devolved future. From housing and buses to biodiversity and local democracy, this is a grounded conversation about what leadership might look like for a county ready to reinvent itself. "If we can capture a proud Sussex identity - radical, creative, beautiful - that's our untapped economic power."   This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Shake It Up Creative – the Worthing-based marketing and web agency helping businesses stand out with style, strategy and substance. Whether it's building a slick website, crafting a brand from scratch, or demystifying PR and SEO, Shake It Up brings clarity and confidence to marketing. Known for their collaborative mindset and straight-talking advice, they've supported hundreds of startups, charities and SMEs through their #ShakeItHub initiative and mentoring with BIPC, Community Works and Enterprise Nation. 🏆 Finalists at the 2025 Independent Agency Awards for Best Promotional Campaign. 👉 shakeitupcreative.com   🎯 Why this matters "A Sussex mayor will only work if we show early wins - and buses are the place to start." 🧠 Topics covered include: Ben's journey from Save the Children to Sussex environmental researcher What motivated him to stand as the first Mayor of Sussex & Brighton The challenge of uniting a politically diverse and divided region How transport connectivity and bus reform could be Sussex's biggest early win Why housing fairness and environmental recovery can (and must) coexist Lessons from Sussex's natural capital – Knepp, Ashdown Forest, and Sussex Bay How to build public trust in devolution after years of political fatigue Why tone and civility matter as much as policy in rebuilding trust His first 100-day priorities: buses, biodiversity, and quick wins for local councils "We can weave nature into a landscape that contains people. That's what Sussex has always done." 📚 Further reading and references Ben Dempsey – Liberal Democrat Candidate for Mayor of Sussex & Brighton Liberal Democrat Voice – "We Will Win With Unity, Not Division" Knepp Wilding Project Sussex Bay – Seascape Restoration Partnership Ashdown Forest Research and Conservation 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Ben Dempsey Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded: Projects, The Lanes - Brighton 📣 Get involved Want a joined-up Sussex story? Want to help shape devolution so it actually works for people and places? 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events.

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 24: Sussex Microbusinesses Are Hiding In Plain Sight Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Rachael Dines - Director, Shake It Up Creative 🔍 Episode summary In this episode, Richard Freeman talks with Rachael Dines, founder of Worthing-based marketing agency Shake It Up Creative and a well-known voice in the Sussex small business community. Rachel has worked at the heart of Sussex's microbusiness ecosystem, from mentoring start-ups to leading creative collaborations. Together, she and Richard explore what makes the network economy of Sussex so distinctive: thousands of small, agile firms driving innovation, culture, and growth - but often without the visibility, confidence, or joined-up strategy they deserve. They discuss how devolution could reshape business support, how manufacturing and creative sectors can connect better, and why Sussex needs to define what Brand Sussex actually means if it's to compete nationally and internationally. This is a candid, funny, and grounded conversation about ambition, burnout, and building something bigger, together. "We're brilliant at starting things, but not always at finishing them. Devolution could give us the long-term stability to see plans through."   This episode is brought to you in partnership with: DMH Stallard, one of the region's most respected full-service law firms - combining technical expertise with a pragmatic, human approach.   Whether advising individuals, businesses, or public sector bodies, they are known for delivering clear, commercially sound legal solutions. From property and planning law to dispute resolution, employment, and private client services, the firm's multi-disciplinary teams work closely with clients at every stage.   In Sussex, they are particularly active in real estate, development, and supporting local government and growth sectors. DMH Stallard is also a proud supporter of community and cultural projects across the South East, investing time and expertise into the places where their teams live and work. To explore their services or get in touch, visit dmhstallard.com 🎯 Why this matters "If you can't control it, at least have your say; be heard. That's the kind of place I want to live in." 🧠 Topics covered include: How microbusinesses and freelancers underpin the Sussex economy Why Sussex creative and manufacturing sectors rarely mix, but why they should How devolution could bring more sector-focused collaboration and funding Why too few people even know devolution is happening — and why that matters The challenges of burnout, short-termism and confidence in small business leadership The power of creative clusters — and why Sussex could be a national hub What a Sussex Mayor could do to support local supply chains and inward investment Defining "Brand Sussex" - and turning smallness into a strategic strength   "If we have a Sussex mayor, I just hope they're someone who can see the bigger picture - who gets into communities and actually listens." 📚 Further reading and references Shake It Up Creative 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Rachael Dines Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded: Projects, The Lanes - Brighton 📣 Get involved Want a joined-up Sussex story? Want to help shape devolution so it actually works for people and places? 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events.

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 23: Minding The Gap - Sussex Transport And Transparency Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Paul Bromley - Community Rail Line Officer, Southeast Communities Rail Partnership 🔍 Episode summary In this episode, Richard speaks with Paul Bromley, former political journalist, local newspaper editor, and now a leading voice in community rail and sustainable transport. From Brighton to Bognor, Hastings to Haywards Heath – Sussex's transport network is both its greatest enabler and its biggest frustration. Paul unpacks what a Sussex Mayor could actually do to fix the tangle of private operators, bus companies, and disjointed infrastructure, and how new devolution powers could transform how we move around the region. They also discuss the collapse of local journalism, the decline of regional scrutiny, and whether a new mayoral structure could spark a renaissance in accountability media across Sussex. This is an episode about Minding The Gap - Sussex Transport And Transparency – from trains and timetables to truth and trust.   This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Morgan Sindall Construction – one of the UK's leading construction and regeneration groups with a growing footprint across Sussex. From education and healthcare to urban regeneration and sustainable housing, Morgan Sindall is building a greener, fairer Sussex. The company invests in local supply chains, creates jobs and apprenticeships, and partners with councils and colleges to deliver community benefit on every project. 👉 morgansindall.com   🎯 Why this matters "A Sussex Mayor will only work if they can achieve three things – funding, funding and funding." 🧠 Topics covered include: How a Sussex Mayor could bring buses, trains and roads under one joined-up plan Why end-to-end journeys – not just station-to-station – are key to sustainable travel Lessons from Andy Burnham's Manchester model and its B Network The opportunities and risks of rail nationalisation in 2026 How transport links drive local growth, climate action, and tourism The urgent need for local transport expertise and investment in regional skills Why local journalism matters – and how devolution could bring back accountability "It's not about Brighton versus East Sussex or West Sussex – it's about seeing Sussex as a whole." 📚 Further reading and references South East Communities Rail Partnership Greater Manchester B Network Office of Rail and Road – Passenger Statistics   🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Paul Bromley Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded: Projects, The Lanes - Brighton 📣 Get involved Want a joined-up Sussex story? Want to help shape devolution so it actually works for people and places? 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events.

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 22: "Communities have an expectation" Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Cllr Sophie Cox - Leader of Worthing Borough Council 🔍 Episode summary In this conversation, Richard sits down with Cllr Sophie Cox, Leader of Worthing Borough Council and one of the youngest council leaders in Sussex. Sophie took on the top job just days before the 2024 local elections – and now faces the challenge of steering Worthing through historic structural change. As district and borough councils prepare to merge into new unitaries by 2028, Sophie offers an honest, on-the-ground perspective on what this means for local democracy, frontline services and community power. She shares why Worthing's Thriving Together initiative is setting a new benchmark for participatory engagement, and how councils must learn when to lead, when to listen – and when to get out of the way. This episode asks big questions about how local government reorganisation and devolution intersect, and what's at stake for towns like Worthing as Sussex heads toward its first ever mayoral election in 2026.   This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Digital Islands – established in 2017 by Gavin McWhirter, they deliver fully funded business support programmes in partnership with local authorities across Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. From half-day workshops and one-to-one mentoring at the East Sussex Business Hub, to in-person marketing clinics and peer networking, they've helped hundreds of small firms start, grow and thrive. 👉 digitalislands.co.uk 🎯 Why this matters "Councils need to evolve and change as communities need us to – and sometimes that's about just getting out of the way and allowing things to happen naturally and organically." 🧠 Topics covered include: How Worthing's grassroots cultural energy is shaping a new story of place What it means to be a council for the community – and the expectations it creates The Thriving Together model of community engagement Balancing political leadership with officer-led delivery in times of change The looming impact of local government reorganisation on district and borough councils How Sussex Bay and Worthing Festival show councils can seed projects, then step back Why turnout in the 2026 mayoral election is crucial – and how to get residents to care "It doesn't have to start with another layer of government. We need to open up the conversation, look at all the options, and make sure community voice is truly embedded." 📚 Further reading and references Worthing Borough Council – Thriving Together MHCLG: Local Government Reorganisation Guidance Sussex Bay – seascape restoration partnership   🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Cllr Sophie Cox Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded: Projects, The Lanes - Brighton 📣 Get involved Want a joined-up Sussex story? Want to help shape devolution so it actually works for people and places? 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events.

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 21: Why Brighton's Nightlife Matters For All Of Sussex Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Nick Connaughton – Co-CEO & Executive Director, The Old Market (TOM) 🔍 Episode summary Richard sits down with Nick Connaughton, the Australian-born co-director of The Old Market in Hove, to explore the realities of running an independent cultural venue at a time of financial pressure, rapid change, and new opportunities. Nick talks about The Old Market's history – from 19th century trading space to equestrian school, to an arts hub rescued by the creators of Stomp. Today, TOM thrives on "performance at the messy edges": projects that blur music, theatre, technology and community. This episode explores how Sussex's creative sector could tell a bigger regional story under devolution – and whether Brighton's nightlife and cultural ecosystem can survive without a bold, joined-up strategy that connects with the wider Sussex story.   This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Galloways Accounting, Sussex's largest independent accountancy practice. With six offices from Worthing to Brighton to Eastbourne to Uckfield, they combine deep local knowledge with cutting-edge cloud accounting tools. They support family businesses, charities, tech start-ups and professional practices - helping clients streamline finances, manage cash flow and plan for growth. Their specialist teams in R&D tax credits, payroll and succession planning keep Sussex enterprises competitive and compliant. To see how Galloways powers smarter financial decisions across our county, visit wearegalloways.com   🎯 Why this matters "I wonder whether I had slightly rose-tinted glasses… because I think in my head, if Brighton and Sussex have it sorted, there's great arts institutions, great venues, great cultural organisations, an abundance of NPOs. They must be really well networked, connected together, and everything must flow really perfectly between them all. But I guess a lot of what I've come to realise… is that there is a lack of resource, there are very small teams, there is competition over audiences, competition over artists." 🧠 Topics covered include: The Old Market's transformation into an independent charity and its "messy edges" programming Brighton and Sussex as cultural ecosystems – are venues working together or competing for scraps? Why devolution could reset the relationship between councils, venues and artists Technology, wellbeing and live performance – where TOM's #TomTech programme is heading next The case for a night-time economy strategy (and maybe a Sussex 'nighttime economy tzar') Why venues shouldn't try to be everything to everyone The need for bold vision alongside basic survival "It's trying to get back to, I think, what does a cultural ecosystem look like? Even looking at the example of a forest canopy: you need those really tall trees up there, but sometimes if they get too tall, they do block out a lot of the light underneath. And then, similarly, if you get too thick a mid-growth or an undergrowth, then everything starts to die out. So it's trying to think quite clearly about, what is our role in that ecosystem?" 📚 Further reading and references The Old Market, Hove Arts Council England – Place strategies UK Music – This Is Music 2024 Report   🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Nic Connaughton Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded: Projects, The Lanes - Brighton 📣 Get involved Want a joined-up Sussex story? Want to help shape devolution so it actually works for people and places? 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events.

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 20: From Polycrisis To Possibility: A Regenerative Sussex Vision Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Jenny Andersson – founder, The Really Regenerative Centre 🔍 Episode summary What if Sussex stopped "greening" the old system and started building a regenerative one? Richard talks with Jenny Andersson, whose Really Regenerative Centre helps places and organisations align economy, culture and ecology with living-systems principles. Jenny argues that Sussex could lead in bioregional transformation, from food systems and bio-based construction to cross-Channel place identity, but only if we drop short project cycles and back long-horizon, participatory, whole-place design. How can we think properly about scale vs. ecosystems, profit and purpose, and why a mayor must be a visionary convener, not just a manager. Jenny has spent a decade exploring regenerative design — aligning economy, culture and ecology with the principles that have sustained life for 3.8 billion years. She argues Sussex could lead the world in food reform, climate-friendly housing, and bio-based materials — but only if it dares to move beyond short projects and embrace long-term transformation.   This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Kreston Reeves – one of the UK's leading accountancy and advisory firms and among the first to achieve B Corp status. With offices in Brighton, Chichester and beyond, they help Sussex organisations grow with clarity, confidence and purpose — from tax strategy and audit to ESG reporting and succession planning. 👉 krestonreeves.com 🎯 Why this matters "Over 1000s of years in Sussex, you can see that there's always been a culture of making, not making in vast numbers, but making small runs of incredibly high quality product." "This shift, this leap to having a regenerative economy, is about us learning how to really deeply and radically collaborate and look at the good of the whole before we look at individualism." 🧠 Topics covered include: What regeneration really means — "the impulse of life to continue to create the conditions conducive to life." Sussex as a 'bay and a bowl': geology, history and cross-Channel ties. From shipbuilding to Rolls Royce and Montezuma's — the thread of quality making in West Sussex. Why nutrient-dense local food and regenerative farming matter more than scale. The clash between "constant growth on a finite planet" and working with ecosystems. The need for radical collaboration and "new forms of governance and finance raising" to rebuild food and housing systems. Why Sussex needs a "We need a person who really understands… how do all those different stories of place come together in shared purpose to make a whole?": "Somebody that is really developing a co-creative, multi stakeholder, participatory process… not spreadsheets and GDP figures." "We need a person who really understands… how do all those different stories of place come together in shared purpose to make a whole?" 📚 Further reading and references The Really Regenerative Centre CIC Groundswell Regenerative Agriculture Sussex Bay South Downs National Park – Ecology & Biodiversity Scotland The Bread Doughnut Economics Action Lab New European Bauhaus 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Jenny Andersson Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded: Projects, The Lanes - Brighton 📣 Get involved Want better public communication in Sussex? Want to help shape devolution so it actually works for people and places? 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events.

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 19: The Lessons From North Yorkshire Host: Richard Freeman Guest: James Farrar - Chief Executive, York & North Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority 🔍 Episode summary Sussex is heading for devolution—new unitaries, a directly elected mayor, and big expectations. So what does it really take to go from theory to action? Richard talks to James Farah, Chief Executive of the York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority, about how his region navigated local government reorganisation and launched a mayoral combined authority - then moved quickly from promises to projects. York & North Yorkshire (like Sussex) spans rural, coastal and urban communities, a national park, diverse economies and different political colours. James shares how they built trust, agreed an economic framework before the election, created "quick win" pipelines for year one, and put in place the relationships and rigour to sustain momentum. It's a candid, highly practical conversation about power, place and delivery — packed with lessons Sussex can use now.   This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Galloways Accounting – Sussex's largest independent accountancy practice, with six offices from Worthing to Brighton to Eastbourne to Uckfield. They combine deep local knowledge with cutting-edge cloud tools to help family businesses, charities, tech start-ups and professional practices manage cash flow, R&D tax credits, payroll, succession planning and more. 👉 wearegalloways.com 🎯 Why this matters "Where combined authorities work best, they don't do to each other. The mayor doesn't do to the councils, and the councils don't do to the mayor. They work in partnership - on shared priorities, with shared resources." "The big prize is certainty. Longer-term settlements let you plan 10 years out, build a pipeline, and be more ambitious. Then an integrated settlement lets you blend transport, skills, housing and net zero around outcomes for people and places." 🧠 Topics covered include: The road to devolution: why York & North Yorkshire did local government reorganisation first, then launched the combined authority. "Day One readiness": creating an economic framework (not a strategy) pre-election so any incoming mayor inherits agreed priorities - and can then add their flavour. Quick wins vs. long game: town-centre footfall projects, EV infrastructure and cultural boosts in year one, while planning bigger structural investments. How the machine works: the non-political executive team, statutory responsibilities, and why robust governance and assurance matter. Partnership, not push: the constitutional principle that local leaders must support local investment, and the human work of trust at political, CEO and director levels. Accountability & engagement: publishing plans and decisions, formal evaluation (including government gateway reviews), and the evolving challenge of two-way public engagement across rural areas. Competitive advantage & enablers: focusing on sectors with exponential potential while underpinning tourism, micro-businesses and town centres, enabled by skills, housing and connectivity. Housing & demographics: the cost/availability crunch pushing young people out - and why affordable housing is a central economic policy. What devolution unlocks: senior reach into Whitehall, multi-year funding certainty, and the path to integrated settlements that blend budgets around outcomes - and crowd in private finance "We're not just a big city—we're a region of 30+ towns. Invest in town centres and footfall to build momentum." 📚 Further reading and references York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority – Devolution & Mayor https://yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk York & North Yorkshire Devolution Deal (Gov.uk) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/york-and-north-yorkshire-devolution-deal Levelling Up White Paper (executive overview) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/levelling-up-the-united-kingdom Centre for Cities – Metro Mayors explained https://www.centreforcities.org/metro-mayors/ Transport for the South East – Strategic Investment Plan (Sussex context) https://transportforthesoutheast.org.uk/our-vision/strategic-investment-plan/ Local Government Reorganisation: lessons learned (LGA) https://www.local.gov.uk/topics/devolution/devolution-and-lg-reorganisation-hub 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: James Farrar Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded: Remote (Normandy ↔ Sussex) with thanks to the calm after the storm 📣 Get involved Want better public communication in Sussex? Want to help shape devolution so it actually works for people and places? 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events.

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 19: Bridges Not Borders; Rethinking Sussex's Link To The World Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Graham Precey – social impact leader (ex-Head of Sustainability, Legal & General); community convenor for the Newhaven–Dieppe ("Le Havre de Paix") ferry decarbonisation effort; Normandy–Sussex bridge-builder 🔍 Episode summary Richard speaks with Graham Precey from across the Channel in Normandy to unpack why the Newhaven–Dieppe ferry is more than a boat: but a living bridge between Sussex and Normandy that carries tourists, freight, ideas and identity — and a testbed for decarbonising short-sea shipping. Graham traces a career in corporate social and environmental impact long before 'ESG' was a buzzword, and explains how that experience now fuels a community-led, binational mission: cutting ~41,000 tonnes of CO₂ from the route, protecting a 200-year lifeline, and turning Sussex's "over-the-horizon" into an everyday, low-carbon local journey. This is a practical conversation about infrastructure that people can see and use — ferries, ports, pallets and power — and how open, ego-free convening is bringing councils, operators, businesses and residents together to solve a problem that matters. 🎯 Why this matters "It's a bridge. 368,000 people and a whole lot of pallets cross it each year. It's real economy, not just the cloud — and right now about 41,000 tonnes of carbon go straight up the funnel. We need to change that, and we are."  "If I were the Sussex mayor, I'd start with the real assets: Gatwick, Shoreham, Newhaven. They bring in people and trade you can count. Then ask: how do we make them work together — and cleaner — fast?"  🧠 Topics covered include: The ferry as a 200-year "living bridge": culture, tourism, trade and identity Why short-sea decarbonisation (electric, hybrid, hydrogen, fuels) is urgent and doable Who pays (and why): the Normandy case for investment, carbon pricing pressures, fleet renewal Sussex's three strategic gateways — Gatwick, Shoreham, Newhaven — and treating them as a system Open Space convening: dropping egos, myth-busting, and co-creating the agenda in public Practical wins: letters of support from Sussex bodies, technical working groups, Franco-British dialogue Making the route busier and fairer: pricing, signage, language, and lowering friction on both shores Devolution takeaway: how a mission-led mayoral programme could scale this approach to other regional challenges 📚 Further reading and references Newhaven–Dieppe Ferry (DFDS/Transmanche) – timetables, route and operator info 👉 https://www.dfds.com/en/passenger-ferries/ferry-routes/ferries-to-france/newhaven-dieppe Port of Newhaven – port information and development updates 👉 https://www.newhavenport.co.uk/ Département de la Seine-Maritime (Rouen) – the French public owner/funder behind the route 👉 https://www.seinemaritime.fr/ Transport for the South East – regional transport strategy and investment pipeline 👉 https://transportforthesoutheast.org.uk/ The Crown Estate | Marine – UK seabed, offshore energy and marine leasing context 👉 https://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/en-gb/what-we-do/marine/ Open Space Technology (Harrison Owen) – the facilitation method used in the Sussex–Normandy sessions 👉 https://openspaceworld.org/wp2/ International Maritime Organization (IMO) GHG Strategy – global decarbonisation framework for shipping 👉 https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/HotTopics/Pages/Cutting-GHG-emissions.aspx 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Graham Precey Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded: Remote (Normandy ↔ Sussex) with thanks to the calm after the storm This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Let's Do Business Finance – powering the ambitions of entrepreneurs and small businesses across Sussex and beyond. As an accredited British Business Bank delivery partner, they've supported hundreds of start-ups and scale-ups with loans from £500 to £150,000 – filling the funding gap left by high street banks. With expert advice and tailored finance packages, they're backing local jobs, boosting business confidence, and helping communities thrive. 👉 letsdobusinessfinance.co.uk     📣 Get involved Care about cleaner, faster, fairer Sussex connectivity? Want the new Sussex mayor to consider ideas like the Newhaven–Dieppe link to become a flagship for green growth? Explore more episodes, resources and events: 👉 sussexandthecity.info

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 17: The Case For Bold, Female-led Climate Entrepreneurship In Sussex Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Maddy Cooper – Founder of Flourish This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Plus Accounting – The leading B Corp certified firm of Chartered Accountants dedicated to Brighton & Hove. Serving growth sectors from video game studios and creative industries to healthcare, property, life sciences and cutting-edge tech, their team support start-ups, scale-ups and long-established enterprises with tailored tax planning, R&D claims, audits and advisory. 👉 plusaccounting.co.uk 🔍 Episode summary Richard speaks with Maddy Cooper, founder of Flourish – a Brighton-based agency pioneering the intersection of sustainability and artificial intelligence. After two decades running big-brand campaigns, Maddy walked away to build something new: a platform that helps businesses turn genuine sustainability investments into legally compliant, motivating marketing. In this conversation, she shares candid reflections on the barriers facing ambitious founders in Sussex, the risks of "greenhushing," and why the region must decide whether it wants to stay small and safe – or back the kind of scale-ups that could put it on the global map. This is a bold take on female-led innovation, AI, climate responsibility and what devolution could mean for businesses that want to do good and grow fast. This is a good companion piece to episode 15, and the conversation with Simon Chuter.   🎯 Why this matters "Businesses in Brighton and Sussex have an opportunity to thrive if they really embrace sustainability. But too often I see small-scale thinking. Big, bold, ambitious thinking requires bravery — without it, we'll be blocked in our growth."   🧠 Topics covered include: Why sustainable marketing is a growth driver, not a "nice-to-have" The legal and reputational risks of greenwashing Sussex's habit of celebrating smallness vs the need for scale What Cambridge and Singapore get right about growth and innovation Why Sussex risks being left behind without deliberate support for scale-ups Female-led entrepreneurship and the leadership gap What a Sussex mayor could do: showcase scale-ups, convene academia and business, and fuel ambition with funding Sustainability as competitive differentiation for Gen Z and Gen Alpha consumers "A business like Flourish can be – and will be – the next Brandwatch or bigger. But no one here is helping me do that. At the intersection of sustainability and AI we can transform industries, careers and communities. What's missing is the support, the money, and the ambition." 📚 Further reading and references Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership – courses and research on sustainable business UK Competition & Markets Authority: Green Claims Code – guidance on avoiding greenwashing Innovate UK – national innovation funding and support programmes Brandwatch – Brighton-born global social intelligence and analytics scale-up 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Maddy Cooper Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton 📣 Get involved Want better public communication in Sussex? Want to help shape devolution in a way people understand?👉 sussexandthecity.info – for more episodes, resources and events.

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 16: Why I Want To Be Mayor (Parts Two & Three) Host: Richard Freeman Guests: Tim Loughton – former MP for East Worthing & Shoreham Paul Marshall – Leader of West Sussex County Council This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Different Hats – founded by Sam Thomas in 2024, Different Hats brings together 20 years of helping Sussex businesses tell stories that convert. From producing over 100 podcast episodes to hosting live events and building a powerful network of regional leaders, they're shaping authentic storytelling that sparks change. 👉 different-hats.co.uk 🔍 Episode summary Richard sits down with two heavyweight West Sussex Conservative figures — Tim Loughton and Cllr Paul Marshall — who until August were both contenders for the party's Sussex mayoral nomination. Though neither are in the race now as Katy Bourne secures the nomination, their perspectives reveal much about what's at stake as Sussex prepares for devolution. Tim draws on 27 years in Parliament to argue that a Sussex mayor could finally secure the infrastructure and investment the county he feels it has long been denied. Paul, meanwhile, reflects on his time as leader of West Sussex County Council, emphasising productivity, connectivity and collaboration as the pillars of a future Sussex economy. Between Westminster experience and local government pragmatism, both men paint different but overlapping pictures of what Sussex needs from its first mayor - and the risks if we don't get it right. 🎯 Why this matters "We're the seventh largest economy in England, but we've seen so much money drain to the Treasury without enough coming back. Sussex needs far greater control over how we invest in our own infrastructure. That's why I became a convert to devolution — because other metro mayors are getting things done that I could never achieve as an MP." – Tim Loughton "Connectivity leads to opportunity. Poor connectivity leads to poor outcomes. If you can't move easily across Sussex — east to west, north to south — you can't unlock productivity or create the standard of living people deserve. A mayor's role is to convene, to align ambitions, and to deliver on that long-term." – Cllr Paul Marshall 🧠 Topics covered include: Why Sussex should see itself as one county, not fragments Lessons from Manchester, Liverpool and other devolved regions The A27, housing pressures, and the talent drain Why productivity in Sussex lags behind the South East The balance between economic growth and inclusion How devolution could fix fragmented decision-making The mayor as convener: collaboration not command Risks of over-politicisation and the need for public trust   🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guests: Tim Loughton & Cllr Paul Marshall Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton 📣 Get involved Want better public communication in Sussex? Want to help shape devolution in a way people understand? 👉 sussexandthecity.info – for more episodes, resources and events.

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 15: Small Is Beautiful - But Sussex Needs Scale Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Simon Chuter - business growth strategist, founder of Scale Up Sussex, former Head of Centres & Investment Services at Sussex Innovation This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Kreston Reeves – one of the UK's leading accountancy and advisory firms and one of the first to achieve B Corp status. With offices in Brighton, Chichester and beyond, they help Sussex businesses grow with clarity, confidence and purpose – from tax strategy and audit to ESG reporting and succession planning. 👉 krestonreeves.com 🔍 Episode summary In this candid conversation, Richard sits down with Sussex-born-and-bred enterprise champion Simon Chuter to explore how devolution could shape a more joined-up, ambitious business landscape – and why the mayoralty's first job should be to fund what works. Simon draws on over a decade supporting founders, scale-ups and investors across the county – from student entrepreneurs at the University of Sussex to experienced business leaders seeking growth capital. He makes the case that Sussex has all the ingredients for a thriving scale-up culture, but too often fails to connect its pockets of excellence into a coherent regional story. This episode digs into what scaling really means, why it matters for job diversity, and how barriers like talent, finance, leadership, markets and infrastructure could be tackled with smart, evidence-based investment.   🎯 Why this matters "I'd like to think that it's possible to create a grand narrative, to create a grand community across the region, across the county of Sussex - it's certainly possible, but there are huge pockets of inequality, not just in the county, but in the city that we're sat in now. Telling a cohesive story that brings people together when you've got different politics across the region, different ideas, different values, different sets of beliefs, is… messy. That's what I'm getting my head around now - slowly but surely."   🧠 Topics covered include: What makes Sussex unique – and why cohesion is hard but possible Why scaling isn't about "corporate behemoths" but about good jobs for good people The five big barriers holding back business growth How to build a county-wide mentoring culture that works across sectors Why the mayor should scale-up the scale-up programmes Lessons from investment networks and university-linked entrepreneurship Avoiding guff: making collaboration real, not performative "It's about creating good jobs. That's fundamentally what it's about for me: good jobs for good people in good places. How do we create an economy whereby people can do really great work, in a way that has significant impact? The way we do that is by growing businesses who can employ at that scale. Small is beautiful, yes — but there's an opportunity to do something else as well. It's additive rather than a takeaway." 📚 Further reading and references ScaleUp Institute – What is a scale-up? OECD definition of scale-ups Logical Progression – A scale-up research report for the Brighton and Sussex economic area 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Simon Chuter Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton 📣 Get involved Want better public communication in Sussex? Want to help shape devolution in a way people understand?👉 sussexandthecity.info – for more episodes, resources and events.  

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 14: We Can Be Better At Communicating Complexity Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Natalie Orringe - Founder, Strategy + Impact This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Be Well. Live Well. – A data-led workplace wellbeing model helping Sussex employers boost performance and productivity by putting health at the heart of their culture. 👉 bewelllivewell.co.uk 🔍 Episode summary Richard speaks with Natalie Orringe, one of the UK's most thoughtful voices on public engagement, communications and strategic leadership. A former agency director turned local government insider, Natalie shares what she learned as the first-ever Chief Marketing Officer in a London borough – and why local government communications roles like that matter more than ever in a climate of public cynicism, fractured trust, and rapid political change. Now based in Brighton, she works across public and private sectors helping leaders make their strategy meaningful, human and heard. This is a good companion piece to episode 12, and our chat with Flo Powell.   🎯 Why this matters Now Sussex is getting an elected mayor and a new tier of governance, it also needs a total reboot in how it talks to people. Natalie argues that clarity, storytelling, and genuine dialogue must sit at the heart of the process  Communications isn't an add-on – it's how trust is built Good consultation starts early and is relentlessly honest Regional identity is up for grabs – so let's define it, together Consultation literacy must be nurtured, not assumed 💬 "People aren't stupid – but they're sick of being spoken down to."   🧠 Topics covered include: Why communications is the scaffolding of public trust How councils can stop performative consultation and start meaningful engagement What went wrong with devolution comms – and how to fix it Why marketing skills are central to public sector success The dangers of inconsistency, opacity and missed feedback loops What Sussex can learn from Essex, Southend, and solar farms Why we must stop fearing complexity – and start telling better stories "Employers say they want talent. But they need to take responsibility for building it – not just hoping someone else will." 📚 Further reading and references Strategy + Impact – Natalie's consultancy Together Co – Brighton-based loneliness charity chaired by Natalie Good Business Pays – Campaign tackling slow payments to small businesses 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Natalie Orringe Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton 📣 Get involved Want better public communication in Sussex? Want to help shape devolution in a way people understand?👉 sussexandthecity.info – for more episodes, resources and events.  

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 13: Sussex Is Full Of Talent. But Employers Aren't Finding It. Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Dan Wallman - Founder, TechNative Digital This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Different Hats – Strategic storytelling, curated events and creative content from Sam Thomas and co, helping Sussex leaders spark real change across business and communities. 👉 different-hats.co.uk 🔍 Episode summary Richard speaks with Dan Wallman - a long-time force in Sussex creative/digital learning and founder of Tech Native Digital - about why our tech skills system hasn't been working, and what it will take to build one that does. From pioneering creative training at DV8 Sussex to helping shape the region's Local Skills Improvement Plan, Dan has spent 20 years connecting talent with opportunity.   As a partner piece to episode 10, exploring the further education and policy approach to the labour market in Sussex, this episode gets under the skin of what local employers need. And how digital bootcamps, and a focus on junior career pathways, are some practical tools Sussex needs to help people thrive where they live. With devolution and a regional mayor on the way, Dan argues that we need to go full throttle on a digital skills revolution. 🎯 Why this matters A regional, employer-led approach to tech training that is inclusive and bold could: Close the gap between training and real-world jobs Align funding with current and future industry needs Boost participation in digital, creative and green tech sectors Enable long-term career pathways for underrepresented groups Support economic growth and social mobility "Bootcamps alone won't fix this. We need strategy, collaboration and systems that actually work for people."   🧠 Topics covered include: Why bootcamps work – and where they don't The rise of tech-led training models co-designed by employers Systemic barriers to meaningful employer engagement How AI, better knowledge of neurodiversity and new tools are reshaping access The problem with vanishing junior roles What devolution could unlock for tech, skills and inclusion The critical importance of scaling pilots that work "Employers say they want talent. But they need to take responsibility for building it – not just hoping someone else will." 📚 Further reading and references Tech Native Digital – Dan's digital skills bootcamp and consultancy Sussex Chamber – LSIP Hub – Local Skills Improvement Plan Dabbble – Work experience innovation platform by Jim Byford DV8 Sussex – Dan's former creative college supporting thousands of learners in Brighton and Bexhill 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Dan Wallman Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton 📣 Get involved Want better public communication in Sussex? Want to help shape devolution in a way people understand?👉 sussexandthecity.info – for more episodes, resources and events.  

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 12: If No One Understands Devolution, What's The Point? Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Flo Powell – Co-Managing Director, Midnight Communications This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Plus Accounting – Brighton & Hove's B Corp chartered accountants, supporting Sussex's growth sectors with tailored business advice, tax planning, R&D claims and more. 👉 plusaccounting.co.uk 🔍 Episode summary Richard speaks with Flo Powell, PR strategist and co-owner of Brighton-based agency Midnight Communications, about trust, language, and the colossal communications challenge facing Sussex's devolution journey. With 30 years of regional insight, Flo doesn't pull punches. She shares sharp reflections on how local authorities handle public engagement, why badly written surveys aren't just annoying – they're dangerous – and what might happen if a mayor is introduced before people understand what one even is. This episode unpacks why messaging matters now more than ever – and what it will take for Sussex to speak with a unified, human voice. 🎯 Why this matters If you want 1.7 million people to back structural change, they need to know what it means for their lives, homes and businesses. Flo argues that the devolution process risks failure if leaders don't: Resist hiding behind jargon and PDF consultations Acknowledge the crisis of trust in local institutions Start talking like people, not like technocratic systems Invest in clarity, transparency and real engagement Recognise that good comms is infrastructure "People won't engage if they don't know what they're being asked. This is a once-in-a-generation moment – and the messaging is miles off." 🧠 Topics covered include: Why its easy for local government to get communication wrong The 'survey trap' and how to actually ask useful questions Building credibility in a climate of political mistrust The challenge of explaining an elected mayor role clearly What makes Sussex unique – and what should be protected Lessons from brand storytelling, crisis comms and tourism strategy "Trust is rock bottom. So you've got to lead with humanity – not bureaucracy." 📚 Further reading and references Midnight Communications – Flo's award-winning PR and content agency Experience Sussex – Visitor economy brand referenced in the episode Brighton Chamber – Construction Voice – Event series cited in discussion 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Flo Powell Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton 📣 Get involved Want better public communication in Sussex? Want to help shape devolution in a way people understand?👉 sussexandthecity.info – for more episodes, resources and events.    

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 11: Why I Want To Be Mayor (Part One) Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Sally-Ann Hart – former MP for Hastings & Rye This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Digital Islands – Delivering fully funded business support to small firms across Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight since 2017. 👉 digitalislands.co.uk 🔍 Episode summary This week, Richard meets someone who actively wants to lead devolution in Sussex and Brighton. Sally-Ann Hart, the former Conservative party MP for Hastings & Rye, is seeking her party's nomination to become the first directly elected mayor for the region. They discuss why she wants the job, what she learned representing one of the UK's most deprived constituencies, and her priorities for a region grappling with inequality, infrastructure gaps, and identity. Sally-Ann reflects on her time in Parliament during the COVID-19 pandemic, her passion for early intervention, and how she thinks coastal towns like Hastings have been misunderstood and overlooked for too long. 🎯 Why this matters for devolution This is the first time on the podcast we've heard directly from someone who wants the mayoralty – and the power that comes with it. Sally-Ann outlines how she'd approach leadership of a 1.7 million–strong region, and makes the case that: The mayor must unite coastal, urban, and rural communities Economic growth and job creation must be priority one Existing skills strategies can be scaled, not reinvented Private investment and local pride are key tools for regeneration Data and accountability must be baked into the new system   🧠 Topics include: What a regional mayor could do that councils can't Lessons from Hastings and the challenge of changing culture Coastal regeneration, the blue economy, and green jobs The need for tailored plans, not blanket policies Dealing with political division and bringing partners together Building trust, dashboards, and visibility for the mayor's office   📚 Further reading and references: Sally-Ann Hart (Wikipedia) Sally-Ann Hart (They Work For You profile) All-Party Parliamentary Group on Coastal Communities (APPG) Levelling Up the South East – APPG Inquiry Report   🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Sally-Ann Hart Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton 📣 Get involved Want to help reimagine democracy, identity and regional change in Sussex? Join the conversation and find resources at sussexandthecity.info