Member News

The recent addition of 387 new affordable homes across the district in 2023/24 provided much-needed relief to some residents, but the need remains high.

Final preparations are underway at Brighton’s prestigious Preston Manor, featuring a brand-new visitor experience and its first-ever tearoom.

Reacting to the latest inflation published by the ONS this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said:

The BCC has met with Ambassadors from across the EU to make the case for a trade relations reset that benefits businesses on both sides. 

As the Sussex Chamber of Commerce celebrates its vibrant community, we’re excited to shine the spotlight on Newman Business Solutions, a cherished member marking a monumental milestone this year—45 years in business!

Following direct debits for Council Tax and Business Rates being taken early over the Christmas period, Wealden District Council has released the findings of an external Communications Review into how residents were informed.

From Sussex to Dubai. Six weeks into the new year, Creative Pod has already reached one of its 2025 goals by tapping into international markets, explicitly growing its client base in the United Arab Emirates.

If your business employs more than 10 full-time equivalent employees, your business will need to get ready to conform to the new UK business waste and recycling regulations which come into effect on the 31st March 2025.

One in three new hires fail at work according to CIPD magazine Personnel Today. What’s going wrong? This article shares a few more vital statistics identifying a significant issue affecting anyone hiring permanent, part time or sub-contracted support staff. Other surveys of the employment market by HR Review show a startling decline in CV accuracy and Linkedin biographies.

As part of our award-winning, innovative “test and scale” approach to fleet decarbonisation, we have expanded our trial of hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) from three to 15 vehicles. This allows us to further evaluate the viability of this alternative fuel in dealing with roadside recovery demands in real-world settings.

Komedia have teamed up with Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus, the biggest gay men’s chorus in UK outside of London, to raise funds and awareness at our monthly night of queer and alternative comedy Down the Hatch.

Following four incredible semi-final heats, the winner of the 2025 Komedia New Comedy Award, in association with the award-winning Comic Boom comedy club and Arts Journalist Victoria Nangle, has been announced as Sydney May, who wowed the judges with her solid delivery and witty twists.

Having taken the world by storm over the past couple of years, every company wants to integrate AI into their business. Within this paradigm, Microsoft Copilot is a versatile and potent assistant that could be the perfect tool to meet your business needs. However, this model is complex and intricate.

Reacting to the proposals for new reciprocal tariffs outlined by the US Government today, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy, said: 

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

A fun Easter event for all the family

To mark National Apprenticeship Week (10-16 February), West Sussex County Council is reminding local businesses about funding available to train their staff and new learners.

It will equip you with an essential tool kit of digital and creative skills that employers demand, helping you to create an impressive portfolio of work that will make you the stand-out applicant for any hiring manager, help you to develop your freelance skills or give your start up a rocket powered digital boost.

The Video Skills Bootcamp is a face-to-face training programme designed to give you professional competence in video editing and film production. It uses the latest industry software and equipment

The BCC is urging Government to help firms grow as it considers its future spending plans. 

Steady increase in production demand throughout 2024 and into 2025 has led Pentagon to make a notable change to their production capacity. For over 20 years the UK based Plastic Injection Moulder have operated across a two-shift pattern with the factory operating 16 hours a day but from early February capacity is being extended across 24 hours.

As we move into 2025, office design trends are shifting to focus on employee well-being, flexibility, and connection, while also embracing traditional design principles. With political and cultural changes influencing the workplace, such as the UK’s potential shift to a four-day workweek, we’re seeing new ideas emerge in office interiors to inspire your latest office fit out. Here are the top trends for 2025:

Responding to the Chancellor’s speech in Oxford this morning, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said:

Paul Goossens, operations manager at SafeSite Facilities takes a look at what’s new in 2025 and picks out his top trends for the year ahead.

-Results from the BCC’s Trade Confidence Outlook survey for Q4 of 2024 found that:  -More than a quarter (26%) of SME exporters saw overseas sales decline  -Just over half (52%) reported no change in their exports and less than a quarter (22%) experienced a rise.  -The proportion of firms increasing exports has remained at least 10 percentage points lower than for domestic sales since the pandemic and Brexit. 

Having been at the forefront of revolutionising the UK’s gardening industry with coir-based products since its inception in 2015, Salike® announced new additions to its innovative range. With a range of new composts, and other accessories for growers set to be introduced to the market this year, Salike® continues to lead with impact providing pioneering solutions for sustainable growing and gardening.

Responding to reports that the Chancellor is preparing to support expansion plans at three UK airports, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: 

Contemplating an upgrade to Microsoft 365 Business Premium? Let’s explore the key benefits to determine if this premium subscription is a worthwhile investment for your organisation’s needs.

Reacting to the latest GDP data released this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: 

New year, new role! Two accountants who began their careers as trainees at Carpenter Box will join as new Partners in 2025 at the rapidly expanding South East and Sussex based firm.

In today’s increasingly digital world, protecting your business from cyber threats has never been more critical.

Reacting to the latest inflation data released this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: 

An independent taskforce has met for the first time to ensure the North Sea’s strategic transition from oil and gas to a renewable future, while safeguarding up to 200,000 jobs. 

Sussex community groups were celebrating this week as London Gatwick announced the recipients of £30,000 from the third round of the London Gatwick Foundation Fund, across Crawley, Horsham, Mid Sussex and Wealden.

South East businesses accounted for 11% of administrations in 2024 – the third highest region in the UK – according to analysis by Sussex law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter.

For any growing business, managing fixed costs is important. No less so, when it comes to deciding the best strategy for office space and how you decide to accommodate your growing team. The pandemic changed a lot. Hybrid and flexible working became the norm and led to many businesses questioning the value of long-term, costly office leases. Meanwhile, funkily designed co-working spaces have increased in popularity due to their flexible contracts and costs. But how do the two options really add up for your business?

Why CoirCoins are the perfect choice for growers

In the wake of the Labour Autumn 2024 budget, Sussex businesses are facing a landscape of potential long-term economic complexities and challenges. As tax policies and business regulations continue to evolve, savvy business owners are recognising the critical importance of robust succession planning.

The Telemarketing Company (TTMC) proudly marks 35 years in business, reflecting on its journey from a boutique agency founded in 1990 in Steyning, West Sussex, to becoming one of the UK’s leading providers of outsourced voice services. Over the decades, telemarketing has evolved into a sophisticated, data-driven channel, and TTMC has remained at the forefront by delivering high-quality, agile and ethical services.