Sussex And The City

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

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 10: Investment In Sussex Skills Needs More Than Duct Tape And Goodwill Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Dan Shelley – Chair, Sussex Local Skills Improvement Plan Board This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Let's Do Business Finance – A British Business Bank-accredited lender, providing tailored funding and expert advice to new and growing ventures across Sussex since 2004. 👉 letsdobusinessfinance.co.uk 🔍 Episode summary In this deep-dive episode, Richard speaks with Dan Shelley, one of the South East's leading thinkers on skills and regional development, about the real infrastructure behind economic inclusion: adult education, technical training, and making the skills system actually work for Sussex. Dan unpacks the role of the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) – a pan-Sussex strategy he helped shape – and why aligning education and economic strategy is vital. From digital bootcamps to hospitality apprenticeships, he highlights the collaborative groundwork already underway – and sets out what's needed next, especially if Sussex is to make the most of devolved powers. 🎯 Why this matters for devolution With a mayoral combined authority likely on the horizon, the episode explores how a reformed skills agenda could: Unlock economic mobility for adults across Sussex Link funding to real-world job opportunities in growth sectors Join up fragmented provision under a clear regional framework Build anchor partnerships between FE, HE and employers Empower a more inclusive and dynamic workforce "The skills system is a big, beautiful mess – but Sussex is ready to tidy it up."   Topics include: What the LSIP actually is – and why it's already working Sussex's seven priority sectors – and the real skills gaps they face How devolution could shift adult education budgets and accountability Lessons from Liverpool and the Netherlands on region-led innovation Why FE is both vital and undervalued – and what needs to change Microbusinesses, public value, and the myth of trickle-down skills   📚 Further reading and links Sussex Chamber of Commerce – LSIP Information Hub Department for Education – Local Skills Improvement Plans Institute for Government – How the mayor of Liverpool City Region is addressing local skills shortages 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Dan Shelley 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

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 9: "If You Want To Talk About Devolution, Turn Up At The Food Bank" Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Kaia Allen-Bevan – Activist, speaker, founder of Youth The Gap, poet and education reformer This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Projects – A B Corp-certified workspace provider in the heart of Brighton's Lanes. Projects is building a better local economy by supporting freelancers, founders, and changemakers with flexible, welcoming workspaces, events, and community. 👉 projectsclub.co.uk 🔍 Episode summary What does grassroots activism have to do with devolution? In this powerful episode, Richard sits down with Kaia Allen-Bevan, a leading voice in education reform and racial justice, to explore what it really means to build a future where every community is heard. Founder of the award-winning social enterprise Youth The Gap, Kaia speaks from lived experience – growing up in Whitehawk, leading Brighton's Black Lives Matter protests at just 17, and now shaping national conversations on allyship, inclusion and structural change. This conversation unpacks how young people are engaging with power (or not), why policy language creates distance, and what politicians need to do differently if they truly want to build trust in Sussex's most marginalised communities. Topics include: How protest can be a start – not an end – for democratic engagement Why Sussex has an activist backbone – and why that should be embraced, not feared The difference between being visible and being listened to How local government structures and growth agendas can alienate the very people they aim to help Why devolution needs to mean decentralisation of trust and language, not just of Whitehall power Kaia's experience of breaking the odds – and why she's working to make sure others don't have to The danger of tokenism, and what real inclusion and co-creation look like in practice The vital role of community spaces, culture and grassroots organisations in holding democratic space What intergenerational collaboration needs to look like – and why it starts with calling people in, not out If you care about representation, accountability, or just understanding what the next generation of leaders really expect from the system – this episode might be unmissable. 👉 Explore Kaia's work and related resources: Youth The Gap – A social impact consultancy creating long-term systemic change in education Watch This Sp_ce – Diversity and inclusion consultancy focusing on allyship and anti-racism TEDx Talk – Does Revolution Need Decolonising? Kaia Allen-Bevan on LinkedIn 📚 Further reading and links Class Divide Report – Whitehawk (BBC) – The area Kaia references and its connection to social mobility Runnymede Trust – The State of Anti-Racism in England Brighton & Hove City Council – School Admissions Consultation – Referenced for accessibility critique Joseph Rowntree Foundation – Trust and Anti-Poverty Strategies – The link between community voice and effective policy 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Kaia Allen-Bevan 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

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 8: Why Sussex Culture Punches Above Its Weight   Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Stuart Drew – CEO and Director, De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill-on-Sea This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Creative Crawley – Reimagining Crawley's identity through world-class public performance, co-created art, and cultural infrastructure. From artist residencies to their million-pound Creative Playground programme, they're growing a new creative economy in the heart of West Sussex. 👉 creativecrawley.com 🔍 Episode summary In this bold and wide-ranging episode, Richard Freeman is joined by cultural powerhouse Stuart Drew, long-serving Director of the iconic De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill. They unpack the serious role of culture in economic growth, skills, tourism – and why Sussex's creative institutions are already delivering public value by stealth. As regional devolution looms, Stuart argues it's time for leaders to stop treating the arts as an optional extra. From pioneering skills pathways and radical programming to building a pan-Sussex cultural brand, this conversation explores the real potential of culture to lead, not follow, the next phase of regional transformation. Topics include: The architectural brilliance and civic mission of the De La Warr Pavilion Why Sussex is more than the sum of its parts – and how Coastal Cultural Trail became a model for partnership The birth of Sussex Modern, and what it reveals about fragmented narratives and missed opportunities Making the case for culture in tourism, inward investment and regeneration Why the cultural sector is already delivering on skills and economic participation A candid take on the risks of asset transfer, unstable funding, and weak advocacy What the incoming mayor must understand about microbusinesses and cultural infrastructure How art can be a safety net where youth clubs and children's services have vanished Why joined-up mobility (including trains!) might be a powerful cultural enabler This is a rallying cry for policymakers, funders and mayors: invest in what's already working, and stop asking culture to prove itself again and again. 👉 Explore Sussex's creative sector and the De La Warr Pavilion: dlwp.com sussexmodern.org.uk experiencesussex.com Culture East Sussex Creative County West Sussex Brighton & Hove Culture Alliance 👉 Stay up to date with the wider project at sussexandthecity.info 📚 Further reading and links 📚 Further reading and links Creative Crawley: Building creative leadership and cultural infrastructure in Crawley Culture In Our City: Created to support cultural and creative workers in Brighton & Hove with opportunities for professional development and skills support.  Coastal Cultural Trail: A low-budget marketing experiment that became a model Sussex Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP): Pan-regional tourism strategy with a cultural core Local Skills Improvement Plans – Sussex: How creative skills fit into wider workforce planning Talent Accelerator and Coastal Catalyst: A pathway programme creating jobs, apprenticeships and visibility for creative careers 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Stewart Drew Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton 📣 Get involved Devolution isn't just a government thing. It's a people thing. 👉 Share your ideas, explore resources and shape what's next at sussexandthecity.info

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 7: It's Time For A Sussex Digital Strategy   Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Rose Tighe – Innovation strategist, product leader, and co-lead of Brighton AI This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Magenta Associates – A Sussex-based, B Corp certified and employee-owned PR and communications agency using responsible communications to drive social and environmental change - including athical AI adoption. 👉 magentaassociates.co 🔍 Episode summary In this future-facing episode, Richard Freeman sits down with product innovation heavyweight and grassroots organiser Rose Tighe to ask: is Sussex and Brighton already a tech region – and if so, why isn't anyone coordinating it? From leading product strategy at Amazon and Sky, to co-creating Brighton AI (a 1,800-strong community of digital doers), Rose has spent decades navigating change – and building systems that make it useful. Now, she's at the heart of a regional conversation about what good digital infrastructure actually looks like. This episode explores how devolution could help shape a bold, collaborative, regional tech strategy - if we get it right. Topics include: What Brighton's tech community already knows – and what it's missing The power of low-code and no-code tools for new ideas, careers and equity How to make sense of fragmented innovation – and avoid duplication What a Sussex-wide digital strategy could learn from elsewhere Why coordination trumps chaos: Sussex as a live testbed for civic innovation Making sure digital decisions are data-informed – and community-owned How AI, ethics and public purpose need to grow hand-in-hand The need for a shared voice across local authorities, not competitive silos What tech professionals aren't being told about devolution – and why that matters This is a pragmatic and passionate call to action - for mayors, freelancers, policymakers and product teams alike. 👉 Want to help shape a regional tech strategy? Start by exploring Brighton AI and other tech meetups supported by Silicon Brighton 👉 Stay up to date with the wider project at sussexandthecity.info 📚 Further reading and links Brighton AI: A community exploring the impact of AI, ethics, innovation and skills techUK's Local Digital Capital Index: A framework for understanding tech readiness and digital infrastructure techUK's Mayoral Manifesto: To support vibrant digital economies and better public services Silicon Brighton: Community-led digital events and learning Greater London Authority: London Datastore: An open data platform as referenced in the episode Local Skills Improvement Plan (Sussex): Strategic roadmap for skills planning across the region 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Rose Tighe Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton 📣 Get involved Devolution isn't just a government thing. It's a people thing. 👉 Share your ideas, explore resources and shape what's next at sussexandthecity.info

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 6: The Ocean Doesn't Care About Political Boundaries Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Dr Lewis White – Marine Scientist and Research Lead, Sussex Bay This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Be Well. Live Well. – An integrated wellbeing model transforming Sussex organisations through diagnostic-driven action plans. Powered by Little Jasmine Therapies and Nostos restaurant and catering group. 👉 bewelllivewell.co.uk 🔍 Episode summary In this episode, Richard Freeman talks to marine scientist Dr Lewis White, the research lead for Sussex Bay — a bold and growing coalition driving environmental and economic recovery across 100 miles of coastline. Lewis is no ordinary scientist. A global expert in aquatic genetics, he brings a powerful, pragmatic perspective to the role of nature in regional development. With Sussex Bay gaining international attention and cross-party praise, this conversation explores why the coast is an untapped asset for health, jobs and sustainable growth. From ecosystem restoration to inclusive governance, this episode dives into: Why Sussex Bay is a model for post-devolution regional planning The myths of environmental work as separate from economy and education How over 400 collaborators are already making decisions without borders in Sussex What it really means to centre local voices in nature recovery Making environmental policy digestible (and fundable) through natural capital The case for cross-sector language that policymakers and scientists can both use Ocean literacy and the public's emotional connection to the sea How marine conservation can unlock jobs, boost wellbeing, and fight hidden homelessness Advice for Sussex mayoral candidates: don't bolt environment on — build it in Lewis also explains how a £50m investment target is a call to build infrastructure that doesn't just withstand climate change, but actively improves lives. This is an inspiring and grounded take on how regionalism can work with nature, not despite it. 👉 Sign up for updates, resources and events at sussexandthecity.info 📚 Key references and further reading Sussex Bay: A strategic partnership for marine and coastal nature recovery across Sussex. Ocean Literacy by UNESCO: Understanding how the sea affects us and how we affect the sea. DEFRA Natural Capital Programme: UK government's approach to ecosystem valuation, once led by Lewis. The Living Coast Biosphere: Brighton & Lewes UNESCO Biosphere, collaborating on coastal resilience. Local Nature Recovery Strategies (DEFRA): Legal requirement for each county to plan for biodiversity and green infrastructure. 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Dr Lewis White Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton 📣 Get involved Want to join the conversation on devolution, environment and the Sussex of the future? 👉 sussexandthecity.info

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 5: We Know Sussex Can Be Braver About Housing   Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Dick Shone – Founder and Managing Director, Boutique Modern This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Silverstone Communications – Sussex's specialists in stakeholder engagement for planning, development and infrastructure. Helping councils, developers and communities shape more inclusive, transparent growth. silverstonecommunications.co.uk   🔍 Episode summary In this ground-level episode of Sussex And The City, Richard Freeman visits the world of modular construction, circular supply chains and pragmatic social housing – by way of a brilliant conversation with Dick Shone, the founder of Boutique Modern, the UK's first B Corp certified modular housing manufacturer. From a Newhaven-based factory, Boutique Modern is quietly building one of the most forward-thinking models for affordable, sustainable housing in the country. Their work with councils across Sussex is already proving that locally-built, high-quality homes don't need to cost the earth – environmentally or financially. Dick explains why modular is not prefab, why his company insists on sourcing within 25 miles, and how modern housebuilding should start with listening to how people actually live. He also makes a strong case for a Sussex-wide skills and housing strategy that's rooted in real opportunity – and calls on all future mayoral candidates to see what's happening in his factory before they make big promises. This episode is about what our economy is for, and what it means to build places we're proud of. Topics include: What modular housebuilding actually is (and isn't) How Boutique Modern slashed building waste to under 4% Working with local authorities across Sussex The power of hyper-local supply chains and job creation Challenges and opportunities in a devolved commissioning landscape The desperate need for homes that match how people really live today Rethinking value: affordability, sustainability, and wellbeing Tackling hidden homelessness with offsite manufactured solutions Plans for a modular construction skills hub in Newhaven Why Sussex should be shouting louder about its regional innovation This is essential listening for: Council leaders, housing officers and planning professionals Developers and housing associations looking for next-generation models Devolution watchers tracking how powers over housing might shift Skills and education leads working on workforce pipelines Anyone who cares about building fair, affordable, sustainable places to live   Do you get our free, bite-sized emails on everything that is happening in real time? 👉 Sign up for regular updates on devolution and change in Sussex 📚 Key references and further reading Boutique Modern – Sussex-based modular housing pioneers Modernise Or Die – The Farmer Review of UK Construction Labour Model (2016) – Report referenced in the episode Homes England Strategic Plan – Guidance on regional housing investment Newhaven Enterprise Zone – Supporting local innovation and growth   Sussex And The City project hub Explore resources, blogs and events connected to this podcast and the wider public engagement programme >> sussexandthecity.info Sussex And The City LinkedIn page 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Dick Shone Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia Mc Conalogue Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton 📣 Get involved Want to contribute your voice to the debate on devolution in Sussex? Visit sussexandthecity.info to find out more, sign up for future events, and access resources.

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 4: Devolution Is A No-Brainer... And This Is Not A Brighton Takeover   Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Cllr Bella Sankey – Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Strategy + Impact - The Sussex-based consultancy helping leaders in government, business and charity shape change with communication strategies that drive real results.   🔍 Episode summary Richard Freeman speaks with Councillor Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, about the city's central role in kickstarting the Sussex devolution process - and why she believes this is a no-brainer for the region. Bella shares her case for why more power and funding should flow out of Westminster and into Sussex, and why collaboration across East Sussex, West Sussex and Brighton is not just possible - but essential. She addresses the scepticism, acknowledges fears, and lays out her vision for a more inclusive, connected, and empowered future for communities across the region. This is Bella speaking as a political leader and strategist - but also as someone who knows that trust, transport, and teamwork are going to make or break devolution in Sussex. Topics include: Why devolution is essential to boost investment, skills, and public transport Whether Sussex can replicate Greater Manchester's success — and what's different What Brighton brings to the table — and why this isn't a "takeover" The political balancing act of setting up a mayoral Combined Authority Risks and opportunities for party politics and public trust What a new mayor should prioritise first How energy independence and coastal economies could power future growth The role of the Greater Brighton Economic Board and lessons from existing collaborations This is a must-hear episode for: Local government professionals and councillors in Sussex Voters and residents curious about what devolution really means Businesses and organisations wondering what a Sussex mayor might change Advocates for regional democracy, inclusive growth, and climate leadership Anyone who wants to make sure this once-in-a-generation shift actually works Do you get our free, bite-sized emails on everything that is happening in real time? 👉 Sign up for regular updates on devolution and change in Sussex 📚 Key references and further reading Devolution: A Plan for a More Local, More Accountable Government (White Paper) Brighton & Hove City Council – News and Leadership Greater Brighton Economic Board Sussex Energy Strategy – Launch and vision (2023) Sussex And The City project hub Explore resources, blogs and events connected to this podcast and the wider public engagement programme. sussexandthecity.info Sussex And The City LinkedIn page 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Cllr Bella Sankey Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia Mc Conalogue Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton 📣 Get involved Want to contribute your voice to the debate on devolution in Sussex? Visit sussexandthecity.info to find out more, sign up for future events, and access resources.

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 3: "We Need To Be Hungry - We Need To Be Challenged"   Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Kyriakos Baxevanis – entrepreneur, systems thinker, and founder of Little Jasmine Therapies & Spa, Nostos restaurant, Nostos Catering, Be Well Live Well, and The Brighton Hive This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Projects  - Brighton's home for better business. With two spaces in the heart of The Lanes, Projects offers flexible work space options, including coworking, offices, meeting and event spaces - all designed to bring people together to do their best work.   🔍 Episode summary In this energetic third episode, Richard Freeman speaks to Kyriakos Baxevanis, a Greek-born entrepreneur who has spent the last 20 years building a portfolio of people-focused businesses across Brighton & Hove. From wellness and hospitality to housing and food systems, Kyriakos brings a systems lens to everything he does — and makes a compelling case for a more joined-up economic vision for Sussex. Through stories of grit, failure, reinvention and growth, Kyriakos shares his personal journey from sleeping on a friend's sofa to founding one of Brighton & Hove's most dynamic business empires.  Topics include: Why mindset is the first barrier to business growth What hospitality and wellbeing can teach us about economic ecosystems Why Brighton's strengths are also its risks: space, talent, housing The need for hospitality corridors between Worthing, Eastbourne, Crawley and Chichester Why businesses need to share, not just scale Lessons from running social networking clubs and housing for staff How a future Sussex mayor could unlock new regional coordination The power of 'agglomeration' — and why we need it here What growth means Economic strategy doesn't just start and end with inward investment and tech clusters. Kyriakos speaks candidly and passionately about why the region must think in systems for retail, hospitality and wellbeing - and why local businesses need incentives, tax cuts and an ambitious hunger in order to thrive. Do you get our free, bite-sized emails on everything that is happening in real time? 👉 Sign up for regular updates on devolution and change in Sussex 📚 Key references and further reading Nostos – Kyriakos' award-winning restaurant 👉 Nostos Help to Grow: Management – Government-backed programme Kyriakos references as a success 👉 Help to Grow - UK Government / University of Brighton The Economy of Hospitality: UK Hospitality Sector Report Industry insights into the impact of hospitality on regional economics 👉 UKHospitality.org.uk Brighton & Hove Economic Strategy (2024 - 2027) Highlights from the council's approach to business growth and skills 👉 Brighton-hove.gov.uk Local Skills Improvement Plan (Sussex Chamber) Referenced in the episode as a regional skills planning framework 👉 Future Skills Sussex OECD: The Role of Wellbeing in Economic Development Relevant to Kyriakos' vision for workplace wellbeing as part of growth 👉 Read the report The Big Fat Greek Networking Club Kyriakos' monthly networking event for SMEs and local leaders 👉 More info Sussex And The City project hub Explore resources, blogs and events connected to this podcast and the wider public engagement programme. sussexandthecity.info Sussex And The City LinkedIn page 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Kyriakos Baxevanis Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia Mc Conalogue Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton 📣 Get involved Want to contribute your voice to the debate on devolution in Sussex? Visit sussexandthecity.info to find out more, sign up for future events, and access resources.

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 2: Devolution In Sussex? It Will Fail Without More Trust   Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Emily O'Brien – Green Party councillor, Cabinet Member for Climate, Nature and Food Systems (Lewes District Council), and Deputy Chair of the Local Government Association's People and Places Board (speaking in a personal capacity) This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Strategy+Impact – A Sussex-based consultancy helping leaders in government, business and charity shape change with communication strategies that drive real results. 🔍 Episode summary In this thought-provoking second episode, host Richard Freeman is joined by Emily O'Brien – a councillor, campaigner and sustainability expert – to explore the democratic tension at the heart of Sussex's devolution plans. Emily doesn't hold back in describing the current proposals as a "weird halfway house," warning that what's billed as a decentralising revolution may, in practice, centralise power even further. With deep insight and real urgency, she argues that what's on the table could strip away local democratic accountability, weaken community agency, and concentrate too much influence in the hands of a single elected mayor and a tiny executive board. But this isn't just critique – Emily offers practical alternatives for building a model that truly empowers people and places across Sussex. Topics include: Why the current proposals risk being "fake devolution" The dangers of speed over sense: rushed timescales and lack of local consultation The case against a single elected mayor – and fears of political imbalance The importance of governance design and proportional representation The risk of a top-heavy Combined Authority with weak scrutiny What's missing: climate and nature duties, transparent funding, public engagement Opportunities for better housing delivery, green investment, and collaborative transport What citizens, councillors and civil society can do to shape what comes next This is a critical listen for anyone who wants to understand what's at stake as Sussex stands on the brink of the biggest governance change in a generation. 👉 Sign up for regular updates on devolution and change in Sussex 📚 Key references and further reading Government White Paper: "Devolution: A Plan for a More Local, More Accountable Government" (December 2023) The foundational document outlining current proposals for mayoral combined authorities, unitary restructuring, and regional powers.          👉 Read on GOV.UK   Local Government Association (LGA): People and Places Board Emily O'Brien serves as Deputy Chair. This board leads LGA's work on devolution, regional governance and local empowerment.          👉 About the board   Institute for Government: Devolution in England: Local government reorganisation Clear explainer on the difference between unitary authorities, combined authorities, and the role of metro mayors.          👉 Read here   Joseph Rowntree Foundation – Principles for fair and inclusive devolution A critique of centralising tendencies in English devolution and why legitimacy depends on accountability, subsidiarity and community voice.         👉 Read the report   Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority – Governance Model An example referenced by Emily, this combined authority has faced scrutiny for lack of clarity in accountability and voter engagement.       👉 Governance overview   Private Eye Magazine – Investigations into Tees Valley and West of England mayoralties Referenced in the episode as cautionary tales of mayoral overreach and the dangers of weak scrutiny.          👉 Subscribe for investigative reporting   The Climate Coalition – Why local climate leadership matters Relevant to Emily's call for statutory climate and nature duties alongside growth.          👉 Read the paper   Homes England – Strategic plan and regional investment data Emily references the challenge of unlocking Homes England funding for housebuilding at local level.         👉 Visit Homes England   Sussex Bay and The Living Coast Biosphere Examples of existing pan-regional collaboration across Sussex focused on green growth and environmental recovery. 👉 The Living Coast 👉 Sussex Bay   Sussex And The City project hub Explore resources, blogs and events connected to this podcast and the wider public engagement programme. sussexandthecity.info Sussex And The City LinkedIn page 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Emily O'Brien Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton 📣 Get involved Want to contribute your voice to the debate on devolution in Sussex? Visit sussexandthecity.info to find out more, sign up for future events, and access resources.

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 1: Sussex Is Changing - But Is Anyone Paying Attention? Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Geri Silverstone, founder of Silverstone Communications / regional lead at Devo Agency 🔍 Episode summary In the debut episode of Sussex and the city, host Richard Freeman sets the scene for one of the most pressing and under-discussed transformations affecting Brighton and the wider Sussex region: local government reorganisation and the introduction of a directly elected mayor. Joining Richard is political communications strategist Geri Silverstone, who unpacks the complexity of devolution in Sussex, the imminent shift to unitary authorities, and what this means for representation, power, and public services. They explore the risks, opportunities, and democratic dilemmas of a new combined authority model - asking what kind of leader Sussex really needs, and what's at stake if we get it wrong. Topics include: The end of the two-tier system: abolishing district and county councils in favour of unitary authorities The role and powers of a new mayor for Sussex Comparisons with Greater Manchester, West Midlands, and Cambridgeshire Questions of identity, geography, and regional cohesion How we build "devolution literacy" and avoid a low-turnout disaster The priority issues: housing, transport, strategic oversight, and place-making With humour, insight, and urgency, Richard and Geri begin a public conversation that aims to inform, challenge, and prepare people across Sussex for the biggest governance shift in a generation. SIGN UP HERE for regular emails on change, as it happens. 📚 Key references and further reading Government White Paper: "Devolution Revolution" (December 2023) Outlines proposals for mayoral combined authorities and restructuring of local governance. Read here (GOV.UK) Local Government Association – Combined Authorities explainer Offers background on what combined authorities are and what powers they hold. Read here (LGA) Centre for Cities – "Do Metro Mayors Make a Difference?" Analysis of metro mayor effectiveness across the UK. Read here Institute for Government – "Unitary local government" briefing What unitary councils are and why government is pushing for more of them. Read here Sussex And The City project hub Explore resources, blogs and events connected to this podcast and the wider public engagement programme. COMING SOON Sussex And The City LinkedIn page 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Geri Silverstone Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton 💡 Supported by always possible – building evidence, trust and visibility in a changing world alwayspossible.co.uk Projects – workspaces designed for innovation and impact projectsclub.co.uk Plus Accounting – friendly Brighton-based accountancy firm plusaccounting.co.uk 📣 Get involved Want to contribute your voice to the debate on devolution in Sussex? Visit sussexandthecity.info to find out more, sign up for future events, and access resources.