Member News

Sussex and Surrey manufacturers looking to grow overseas benefited from advice from one of the UK’s leading international trade experts at the latest meeting of METALL, the forum for the region’s manufacturing, engineering and technology businesses.

-52% of UK exporters say Britain's brand helps boost their sales: More than half see their association with Britain as a key driver of growth.  -1/3 of consumers seek out British brands: Despite global competition, the desire to buy British remains a draw for a good portion of the public.  -43% rise in Brand Closeness: Brands tapping into British associations see a 43% increase in consumer connection, proving the power of national ties.  -Brand Britain is seen as traditional, enduring, and witty: Despite challenges, these traits continue to define Britain in the minds of consumers. 

-BCC’s Trade Confidence Outlook for Q3 2024 shows a dip in SME exporters already poor performance on overseas sales.   -Under a quarter of exporting SME firms (22%) saw their overseas sales rise in Q3, compared to 27% in Q2.         -More than half of all SME exporters (54%) saw no change in overseas sales, and 24% reported a decrease.      B-CC’s SME export sales indicator has consistently underperformed compared to domestic sales indicators since the pandemic. 

We are proud to announce that The Sussex Sign Company has won the Roll-out Award at the UK Graphic Awards 2024! This prestigious honour acknowledges our outstanding work in delivering large-scale signage solutions across Sussex and reaffirms our position as a leader in the signage and graphics industry.

. Salike’s gardening for children’s range was initially introduced back in September, 2020.  A carbon-neutral company, this eagerly anticipated new range reaffirms Salike’s unwavering dedication to sustainability and education through GrowWithCoir. 

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Responding to the latest ONS labour market statistics, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:  

Sussex law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter has further expanded its growing family team with the appointment of experienced partner Marie Stock.

Reacting to news of the launch of the Government’s Industrial Strategy, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said: 

-The proportion of firms attempting to recruit new workers falls to its lowest level in three years at 56%.  -There are significant sectoral differences with transport (73%), hospitality (70%) and construction (67%) most likely to be attempting to recruit.   -Of those attempting to recruit 76% faced difficulties, up from 74% last quarter.  -Construction (85%), manufacturing (80%) and hospitality (76%) firms are the most likely to be facing recruitment problems. 

Responding to the latest ONS data on trade, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said:

Responding to the latest ONS data on GDP, David Bharier, Head of Research at the BCC, said:

Responding to the unveiling of the Government’s legislation on employment reform, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the BCC, said: 

Brighton’s biggest business networking event, the Brighton Business Expo, sponsored by EDF Energy is fast approaching. The free to attend event will be held at Brighton Racecourse, on Wednesday 16th October, from 10am to 2pm. ​​​​​​​

Small and independent retailers in Crawley can apply for a Shop Front and High Street grant of up to £5,000 to spruce up their shop front and help entice more customers.

Employ Crawley successfully hosted its first jobs fair at the new Town Hall. With over 200 live vacancies on offer, around 300 jobseekers were able to speak directly to employers to discuss the various roles available in the local area.

Labour facing shortfall of workers to build 1.5m homes

In a world where automated responses and impersonal interactions often dominate the customer experience landscape, it’s refreshing to encounter companies that truly prioritise the needs and satisfaction of their customers.

• Following improvements to business conditions in the first half of 2024, key indicators stalled or declined in Q3 – with manufacturing suffering the most. • Taxation is now more of a concern than inflation for business, cited by nearly half of firms (48%). • Business confidence has declined slightly, with 56% of firms expecting an increase in turnover in the next twelve months. • The proportion of firms expecting to put up prices has levelled off (39%) after falls earlier in the year. • Most firms (77%) are still not increasing levels of investment.

Driven by purpose, at CoirProducts of Salike®, we believe in using our platform not only to provide eco-friendly products but also to make a meaningful impact on our community and those who need our support. That’s why we are proud to announce our partnership with Save a Warrior UK, a charitable organisation dedicated to supporting veterans and first responders suffering from trauma-related issues. This collaboration reflects a shared passion for helping those who have given so much in service to their country, yet often face overlooked challenges in civilian life.

A career in accountancy continues to be a popular choice for many school and college leavers, university graduates and career changers, with Sussex and South East accountancy firm Carpenter Box announcing the recruitment of 26 new trainees – a record intake for the firm.

Demand for residential property is expected to boom in Brighton & Hove by 2040, according to Sussex law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter, following a major report, which predicts a surge in first time buyers, despite the challenges around affordability.

Sussex and South East-based accountancy firm Carpenter Box has been named a finalist In two categories of the prestigious Accounting Excellence Awards 2024.

Eastbourne DigiFest 2024 opens its doors at The Kings Centre, Eastbourne, at 8.45am on Thursday 10th October and the team couldn’t be more excited to welcome everyone.

UK’s leading coir portfolio, Salike®’s story is one rooted in a rich heritage of sustainability, innovation, and community. Having grown in popularity over the years, today Salike® continues to serve its customers with purpose, bringing an unmatched range of sustainable coir products for all. Crafting its products with care, directly from nature’s own resources, Salike is more than just a brand. Driven by an unwavering commitment to foster a greener and kinder future, the company’s mission is to inspire a movement of conscious consumers who believe that small actions lead to big impact. With coir being a natural, biodegradable, peat-free, and organic resource, Salike® takes pride in knowing that every product returns to the earth, decomposing seamlessly and leaving nothing but nourishment for future growth.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is calling for swift action by the Government to reform planning in England, to help stimulate business investment and unlock growth.

Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: 

Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said:   

A care home in Horsham has more than doubled in size following an innovative building project that has taken it from 26 bedrooms to 54.

Sussex community groups were jumping for joy this week as London Gatwick announced the recipients of £30,000 from the second round of the London Gatwick Foundation Fund of 2024, across Mid Sussex, Crawley and Wealden.

Local manufacturers can get the inside track on export strategies at next week’s meeting of METALL, the forum for manufacturing, engineering and technology businesses in Sussex and Surrey.

Reacting to the latest ONS data on inflation, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce said: 

In a bold move towards sustainability, The Sussex Sign Company has taken a major step by installing 57 solar panels on the roof of its Portslade facility. This initiative not only highlights the company’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint but also reflects a growing awareness among businesses of the need to adopt environmentally friendly practices.

We’re excited to announce that The Sussex Sign Company has been selected as a finalist in the UK Graphics Awards 2024! This recognition reflects our continuous commitment to delivering top-notch, innovative signage solutions within the industry.

The British Chambers of Commerce has endorsed the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) focus on services and digital trade as key priorities. 

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The Workplace Equity Commission, convened by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), has outlined more than 40 recommendations to improve employment opportunities and breakdown barriers for people in the workplace.