 We recently welcomed councillors from Wealden District and East Sussex County Council on a tour of local businesses that have benefited from the Rother and Wealden Rural Business Grants Programme.
Cllr Penny di Cara, Cllr James Partridge, and Cllr Stephen Shing visited five businesses supported through the programme’s first round. Each showcased how grant funding is helping to drive innovation and resilience - from farm diversification and green transport to expanding production, creating jobs, and improving the visitor economy. The councillors had the chance to speak directly with business owners and see first-hand how the grants have helped accelerate projects that might otherwise have remained out of reach.
If you run a business in Rother, there is still time to apply. The second round of the programme is open, with grants available for capital projects that support business growth, sustainability, and productivity.
 Creative businesses across East Sussex are invited to apply for the next round of the Create South East programme, which is now accepting applications.
Following the success of the first cohort, which supported over 120 creative enterprises, the programme offers intensive business support to help founders develop the skills and confidence to attract investment. Participants will benefit from expert-led workshops, tailored advice from industry professionals, and valuable connections to potential funders.
If you're a growing creative business based in Sussex, Kent or Essex, this is a fantastic opportunity to access high-quality, fully funded support to help take your next step. But don’t delay - the deadline to apply is Monday 16 June at 12pm.
For help with your application, contact: createsoutheast@wearecreative.uk
 Are you running a hotel, guesthouse, holiday let, campsite, or other type of tourist accommodation in Hastings or Rother? Local councils want to hear from you.
Hastings and Rother Councils have appointed tourism consultants Tomorrow’s Tourism Ltd to carry out a review of visitor accommodation across the area. The aim is to better understand the opportunities and challenges facing local operators - and to use that insight to inform future planning policy.
If you own or manage tourist accommodation, you’re invited to complete a short online survey to share your experiences. Your feedback will help shape the long-term support and strategy for the local visitor economy. The deadline for responses is Friday 20 June.
 The Sussex Chamber Construction Forum is back this summer, bringing together professionals from across the industry for networking, insight and forward-thinking discussion.
Taking place on 17 June 2025 in Felbridge, Gatwick, this morning event will explore some of the key challenges and opportunities facing the construction sector today. Topics will include new approaches to sustainability, supply chain pressures, and how businesses can prepare for a greener future. The agenda features the "ReEnergise" session, which looks at ways to reduce carbon emissions and energy costs without upfront investment.
If you're working in construction in East Sussex or the wider region, this is a valuable opportunity to stay informed, build connections, and learn how others are adapting in a changing industry landscape.
 A new online resource is now available to help small retailers thrive on the high street. Powering the High Street, from Enterprise Nation, brings together expert advice, cost-saving tips and access to local retail opportunities - all in one place.
This free platform offers support through a range of content, including guides, webinars, podcasts, and sustainability advice tailored to small businesses. Whether you're looking to boost footfall, reduce overheads or improve your shop’s digital presence, Powering the High Street has tools designed to help you succeed.
Download the free guide and explore everything on offer now.
Found this newsletter useful? Has it been forwarded to you? Subscribe below to receive all our updates.
|
