Meet Ana Christie, CEO of Sussex Chamber of Commerce
A dynamic and influential leader dedicated to supporting businesses across Sussex. With a deep understanding of the local business landscape, Ana provides valuable insights that help companies navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and drive growth.
Read more about her perspectives on the Sussex business community.
With Ana`s extensive experience and strategic vision, Ana works tirelessly to advocate for local businesses, offering valuable insights and fostering connections that drive growth and success.Through her leadership, the Chamber has become a prominent voice for businesses, championing their needs and creating opportunities for them to thrive.
Ana’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the region’s business landscape has made her a trusted resource and a powerful ally for companies looking to expand and succeed.
The Sussex Chambers' new partnership with Reveela Technologies, a forward-thinking digital AI publishing platform.This collaboration provides Sussex businesses with an opportunity to enhance their visibility and share their stories innovatively and sustainably.
Through Reveela, Chamber members can easily publish content that reaches a wider audience, strengthening connections and increasing their influence both locally and beyond.This partnership reflects Ana's commitment to providing businesses with the tools they need to thrive in a digital world.
Sussex and Brighton Devolution Consultation
Officials from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government are keen to engage with the Sussex community on the Devolution proposals.
Government is currently consulting on a proposal to establish a Mayoral Combined County Authority across the local government areas of West Sussex, East Sussex and Brighton and Hove, and is keen for as many individuals and stakeholders as possible to get involved and respond to the consultation. The three councils have come together to join the government’s Devolution Priority Programme, which aims to have a Mayor for Sussex elected in May 2026 and the establishment of a new Combined County Authority across the area. This new institution would sit above the existing councils and would take on devolved powers and funding, which are currently administered by central government from Whitehall – meaning these would be decided at a more local level.
The powers and funding on offer include transport, such as public transport, control of adult skills funding, greater powers of housing, increased support for investment and business growth, and a role in environment and climate change and improving health outcomes. It would also mean the area is represented at the national level through the Prime Minister’s Council of the Nations and Regions and the Deputy Prime Minister’s Mayoral Council, which would provide the area with a stronger voice and advocate with central government. The consultation seeks views on the proposed geography for this Mayoral Combined County Authority, how it is organised and the potential impacts it could have, for example, on the local economy and environment.
Consultation closes 13 April 2025 - So please do get involved. You can access the consultation here: https://consult.communities.gov.uk/lggc/sussex-and-brighton-devolution-consultation/
Business without Borders
Businesses are facing challenging times. The national insurance and minimum wage hikes are pushing firms to make tough decisions simply to balance the books. Changes to the employment rights legislation in the coming months are adding further costs and concern for businesses. Boosting business investment is fundamental for the UK to achieve stronger growth in the long term. Our immediate solutions for government are clear – accelerate business rate reform, green light more infrastructure projects and boost exports. Businesses need support to get the UK thriving, working and trading.
Only 49% of firms say they expect their turnover to increase in the next twelve months. 32% expect profits to fall. Extremely challenging times ahead for us all, however, we have seen how, over the last few years, businesses have persevered, shown innovation and resilience.
How can Sussex Chamber help?
Future-proofing your business is critical. We have hundreds of business members that can support your business in various ways – from a new customer or new supplier to saving on costs. Membership is a very small price to pay to protect your business (with prices varying from £1 per day upwards) to access essential free and discounted business services, free marketing and editorial services, and connections with other members (your supply chain and customers) through our member community groups, events and forums. As a business membership organisation, we provide key networking opportunities and sector forums (to learn, share best practices and meet others), a variety of training courses (to retain your existing workforce), and international trade services to connect with the rest of the world.
Contact us now to ensure you are maximising your benefits.
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk
Future Skills Website: www.futureskillssussex.co.uk
Future Proofing Business - Jan/Feb 2025
Future Proofing Business - Ana Christie, CEO
It’s evident that the Autumn Budget is already exacting a heavy toll on business owners, who are having to make some tough calls as a result; whether it’s scaling back their investment intentions, putting up their prices, or potentially even thinking about reducing their workforce levels.
The British Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey for the final quarter of 2024 shows that increases in Employer National Insurance Contributions and the minimum wage announced in the Autumn Budget has led to many businesses revising their profitability projections downward, as well as placing any plans for investment or hiring on hold.
- 63% of businesses say tax, including national insurance, is now a concern, following the Chancellor’s Budget – the highest level since 2017
- Business confidence has slipped to its lowest level since the aftermath of the mini-Budget in Autumn 2022
- A majority of firms (55%) now expect prices to go up in the next three months, with labour costs the biggest driver
- Only 20% of businesses have increased investment in the past three months – 24% have decreased
- Business conditions are weak, with only 24% of firms reporting increased cash flow and 30% a decrease
Taxation is now by far the principal cost pressure facing businesses, with labour costs and inflation also high on business leaders’ agendas. The manufacturing sector in particular fared worst, with sales, orders, recruitment and investment now at the lowest level since the height of the pandemic.
How can Sussex Chamber help?
Future-proofing your business is critical. We have hundreds of business members that can support your business in various ways. Membership is a very small price to pay to protect your business (with prices varying from £1 per day upwards) to access essential business services. Access free HR, Legal, H&S and Tax advice, free Chamber finance finder, free marketing and editorial services, and connections with other members (your supply chain and customers) through community groups. As a business membership organisation, we provide key networking opportunities and sector forums (to learn, share best practices and meet others), a variety of training courses (to retain your existing workforce), and international trade services to connect with the rest of the world.
We represent a diverse business community, from SME’s to multi-nationals, help shape government policy, and drive change to propel growth in Sussex.
