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Latest news and information from Brighton & Hove and surrounding area
Made Smarter Adoption Programme
27 July 2026
Made Smarter South East is making it easier for makers, creators and manufacturers in the South East to innovate, upskill and grow their business by adopting industrial digital technologies.
Powering Local Business – Power your sustainability with a £5,000 grant and free Pod EV chargers
23 July 2026
Power your sustainability with a £5,000 grant and free Pod EV chargers 🌱
Fully funded AI and Digital Marketing apprenticeship training
Fully funded AI and Digital Marketing apprenticeship training and up to £5,000 in financial support available
Help shape the future of regulation for small businesses – Survey
Help shape the future of regulation for small businesses. Share your views and you could win £250
Government launches consultation to end one‑sided flexibility in zero‑hours and insecure work
22 July 2026
The Department for Business and Trade has opened a major public consultation on new measures designed to Make Work Pay and deliver greater security for people in zero‑hours and similar flexible contracts.
Brighton & Hove City Plan 2044: Have Your Say on the Future of the City
14 July 2026
Residents, businesses and organisations are being invited to help shape the future of Brighton & Hove as the city launches a major consultation on its new City Plan.
Sussex and Brighton Local Skills Improvement Plan 2026–2029 Approved, Setting a Shared Vision for Skills and Economic Growth
13 July 2026
The Sussex and Brighton Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) 2026–2029 has been approved by Skills England
Work begins on bespoke home for South East’s first 3D metal printer
Sussex contractor Pilbeam Construction has started work to refurbish a building at the University of Sussex to upgrade the mechanical workshop capabilities, including installing the South East’s only state-of-the-art 3D metal printer.
The UK–India FTA takes effect on 15 July: What businesses need to know
10 July 2026
The UK-India FTA: A new era of trade
Business failures in South East rise as UK administrations reach highest level since 2010
Business failures in the South East have continued to rise, with 102 companies filing for administration in the first six months of 2026 – up from 92 during the same period in 2025, according to analysis by South East law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter.
Event, 13 July: Coast to Career: Future of Blue and Green Jobs in Sussex
Sussex Leaders and Researchers Unite to Explore the Future of Blue and Green Jobs
Brighton Businesses Invited to Join One Health Tech’s Next Health Innovation Meeting
Businesses, innovators, founders and professionals with an interest in health, technology, data, wellbeing or community impact are being invited to attend the next One Health Tech Brighton meeting, following the success of a recent gathering of health technology innovators at The Walrus pub in Brighton.
Press Release: Sussex & Brighton Strategic Authority Announces Major Milestones and £117 Million Investment for the Region
The Sussex & Brighton Strategic Authority (SBSA) has announced a series of landmark achievements.
Sussex and Brighton Strategic Authority – Business Webinars
08 July 2026
The new Sussex and Brighton Strategic Authority has been established to drive economic growth across Brighton & Hove, East Sussex and West Sussex.
Sussex Energy Strengthens Regional Partnership to Deliver a Secure, Prosperous and Net-Zero Future
Sussex Energy has highlighted significant progress in building a resilient, low-carbon energy future for the region, with new initiatives supporting energy security, investment, job creation and community-led renewable energy projects across Sussex.
Newhaven Enterprise Zone delivers £62k funding for pub and restaurant
07 July 2026
A pizza restaurant and micropub are revitalising the high street after Newhaven Enterprise Zone (NEZ) granted them almost £62,000 of funding to help them open.
New Youth Jobs Grant Launches to Boost Employment Opportunities for Young People Across Great Britain
A major new government initiative- the Youth Jobs Grant - has officially launched
Gateway USA
Gateway USA is a Business Academy webinar series designed to help businesses gain the knowledge and tools to succeed in the US market.
*Invitation* Sussex Skills 2026 Conference – 13 October 2026
01 July 2026
Sussex Skills 26 is back!
The Sussex and Brighton Strategic Authority Webinars
The Sussex and Brighton Strategic Authority is a new public body working across all of Brighton and Hove, East Sussex and West Sussex to drive economic growth. From 2028 it will be led by a new elected Mayor as is already the case in much of the country such as London or Greater Manchester.
Sussex Bay publishes second annual report marking two years of coastal collaboration
30 June 2026
Sussex Bay has published its second annual report.
Small Business Britain – Have your voice heard! Paid research opportunities.
25 June 2026
Small Business Regulatory Taskforce - Register your interest to take part in focus groups.
Latest Valley Gardens Update Out Now
24 June 2026
The latest update to the Valley Gardens work is available here
SUSSEX SIX FOOD AND DRINK CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED IN LEWES DISTRICT
23 June 2026
Leading lights in the Lewes District food and drink industry came together at Middle Farm in West Firle this week to launch the Sussex Six Campaign in the district, urging people to eat and buy local produce [22 June 2026].
Small Business Saturday 2026 – The Nation’s Favourite Businesses
22 June 2026
Applications are now open!
Exciting opportunity to lead the city’s Business Growth Board
The Brighton & Hove Growth Board is seeking an experienced and values-driven leader to become the next Chair.
Call For Businesses to support the BAHBAs
17 June 2026
Sponsorship opportunities are running out for the 2026 Brighton & Hove Business Awards.
Hopscotch Children’s Nurseries ranked as leading UK apprenticeship employer by The Sunday Times
15 June 2026
Sussex nursery group climbs from 49th to 14th in The Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers this week and becomes the third highest-ranked childcare provider for apprenticeships in the UK.
Applications open for Brighton pop-up shop opportunity in Duke’s Lane
Local businesses, makers and emerging brands invited to apply for a two-week retail slot from 29 June to 26 July.
11 June 2026
The June edition of the Sussex LSIP Newsletter is out now.
10 June 2026
This month's issue shines a spotlight on a range of exciting opportunities currently available within the Sussex LSIP team
Got It – Protect It Start protecting what makes your business yours
09 June 2026
Got it - Protect it Get intellectual property rights: step-by-step
Shoreham Port Marks Record Growth and Major Milestones in 2025
Shoreham Port has released its Annual Review 2025.
Youth Employment Hub May Newsletter Out Now
08 June 2026
The Youth Employment Hub has shared its latest newsletter.
Brighton & Hove launches seafront prospectus to drive future investment
05 June 2026
Brighton & Hove City Council and the Seafront Development Board have unveiled a new prospectus setting out a bold long-term vision for a seafront fit for the future.
Sussex & Brighton Strategic Authority Shares Key Updates in Latest Newsletter
The Sussex & Brighton Strategic Authority has released its June 2026 newsletter, outlining major developments, upcoming milestones, and strategic priorities for the region as it continues to establish its role and impact.
Final Call for Views on Local Government Reorganisation in Sussex — Consultation Closes 15 June 2026
01 June 2026
Residents, businesses, and stakeholders across Sussex are being urged to have their say on proposed changes to local government structures before the consultation closes on 15 June 2026.
Optegra Eye Clinic Brighton Launches ‘Who Deserves To Be Seen’ Campaign to Celebrate Local Unsung Heroes
Community initiative invites nominations for local people making a real difference, with the winner receiving free vision correction treatment subject to clinical suitability
‘City Voice’ Members Sought for Brighton & Hove Review Panel on the Causes and Impacts of Inequality
27 May 2026
Brighton & Hove City Council has launched an independent review to capture lived experience to help examine the causes and impacts of inequality across the city and identify ways to improve life chances for residents.
Valley Gardens Phase 3 Latest Update
26 May 2026
The latest update from Valley Gardens Phase 3 is now available to download here.
Lloyds AI Skills Programme – supporting local SME growth
21 May 2026
Lloyds are currently offering a fully funded AI and data skills programme for SME businesses (typically up to £100m turnover / ~250 employees).
The Workplace Wellbeing Newsletter
20 May 2026
Last month’s Workplace Wellbeing Newsletter is packed with events, resources, and opportunities to support our health and wellbeing.
Help to Grow – A management programme to unlock your business potential
19 May 2026
A management programme to unlock your business potential, 90% funded by the government.
Brighton Chamber launches ticket ballot for Brighton Summit: Think Differently on 15 October
15 May 2026
For 13 years, Brighton Summit has been about bringing people together and having conversations that shape business and the city.
NEW DEMOS REPORT CALLS FOR ‘ECONOMIES OF COORDINATION’ TO UNLOCK GROWTH FOR YOUNG PEOPLE — HIGHLIGHTING THE CRITICAL ROLE OF BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS
14 May 2026
Coordination: Unlocking Growth and Opportunity for Young People in Britain’s Left‑Behind Neighbourhoods, warns that the UK’s economic stagnation and rising youth disadvantage cannot be reversed without transforming how local businesses work together
South East manufacturers get £3.1m digital transformation boost through Made Smarter
12 May 2026
Government-backed regional adoption programme continues from April 2026.
Freight Innovation Fund Accelerator 2026 – Cohort 5 – Closing 1st June
11 May 2026
The 5th Freight Innovation Fund Accelerator will support SMEs through a two‑phase programme.
SussexDigital launches to connect the county’s digital community
07 May 2026
A new platform aimed at bringing together Sussex’s growing digital and tech community has launched.
LAST CHANCE TO APPLY FOR 2026 RAMPION COMMUNITY FUND GRANTS
The Rampion Wind Farm’s Community Benefit Fund has made a last call for 2026 applications, closing on 19th May
*Invitation* Maple Review Roundtable: Brighton
01 May 2026
Small Business Britain is holding a Maple Review Roundtable on 7th May, 10:30 - 12:00 in Brighton.
Sussex Innovation Launches Search for Deep Tech Innovators
29 April 2026
Sussex Innovation, the business incubator owned by the University of Sussex, has announced AccelerateTech, a competition to identify early-stage businesses with unique ideas leveraging deep tech.
Business Academy events taking place this May
28 April 2026
Business Academy - a free UK Government service offering a programme of events designed to support UK businesses at every stage of growth.
Brighton & Hove (41 spaces) and Oxford (25) are the South East’s leading coworking hubs [Q1 2026 Report]
27 April 2026
Brighton & Hove and Oxford are two of the South East’s leading coworking markets, each with distinct pricing dynamics.
UK EMPLOYERS CALLED TO TAP INTO 9.6MILLION STRONG TALENT POOL – The UK’s inaugural Fair Chance Week opens doors for working-age people with criminal records
The Fair Chance Business Alliance (FCBA) encourages UK employers to tap into a talent pool of 9.6 million working-age people with criminal records.
Shoreham Port Selected to Host Freight Innovation Fund Accelerator 2026
24 April 2026
Supporting SME innovation through live freight trials.
Workplace Wellbeing Newsletter April – August 2026
23 April 2026
This month’s Workplace Wellbeing Newsletter is packed with events, resources, and opportunities to support our health and wellbeing.
nexfibre announces £2.3 million broadband investment in Adur
22 April 2026
Investment follows the announcement of nexfibre’s acquisition of Netomnia, unlocking £3.5 billion of investment in the wider UK economy
FareShare Sussex & Surrey launches Earth Raise appeal to tackle hunger and food waste crisis
21 April 2026
FareShare Sussex & Surrey is calling for support as part of Earth Raise, a national matched fundraising appeal, as it continues to help people facing hunger while reducing food waste and carbon emissions.
Santander X UK Awards 2026
20 April 2026
Win a share of £150,000 and take your business to the next stage - The Santander X UK Awards 2026
*Reminder* Call for Applications: Chair of the Brighton & Hove Business Growth Board
17 April 2026
Local Businesses Invited to Help Brighton & Hove Students “Flourish” Through Ground‑Breaking Mentoring Programme
Brighton Hove & Sussex Sixth Form College (BHASVIC) is calling on local businesses and employers to support Flourish, a proven mentoring programme that is transforming educational outcomes for students facing socio‑economic disadvantage.
RAMPION FUND 2026 INVITES SUSSEX COMMUNITY APPLICATIONS FOR £150,000 FUND
14 April 2026
Rampion Wind Farm’s Community Benefit Fund 2026 is now open until 19th May with £150,000 in grants available to support charities, community groups and not-for-profit organisations to fund environmentally friendly projects in Sussex.
Side Hustle Lab from Small Business Britain
13 April 2026
Gain practical insights, develop key skills, and start or improve your side hustle
Latest Youth Employment Hub Newsletter
The update includes upcoming events and activities for young people aged 16-25 who are NEET and looking to explore their next steps.
Fragile gains in small business confidence at risk from April cost rises
Small business confidence is crawling back from historic lows – but without government action, fresh cost pressures could drag it straight back down, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has warned.
Newhaven businesses offered up to £15,000 to grow and go low carbon
01 April 2026
Businesses in Newhaven can apply for grants of up to £15,000.
Call for Applications: Chair of the Brighton & Hove Business Growth Board
27 March 2026
Shoreham Port Shortlisted for Port of the Year at 2026 Fishing News Awards
Shoreham Port has been shortlisted for Port of the Year at the 2026 Fishing News Awards.
Advance notice of major works affecting trains on the Brighton Main Line for nine days in February 2027
26 March 2026
Rail closures announced for early 2027.
Valley Gardens Phase 3 Update
Get the latest Valley Gardens update here.
FlixBus Launch Coach Services in Brighton to New Destinations
FlixBus Launch Coach Services in Brighton to New Destinations.
The Great British Pitch
Beryl Launches Spring into cycling campaign
23 March 2026
Longer days are back!
Smaller business lending markets show signs of improvement, though equity investment declines in the South East
17 March 2026
Equity investment in the South East declined by 18% in number of deals and 41% in investment value.
Business Pre-Employment Forum 24 March 2026
12 March 2026
Join the BHCC Learning Services team at the Business Pre-Employment Forum aimed at supporting employers at Grace Eyre.
Made Smarter South East February newsletter
Sussex-Based Roebuck Estates Hosts UK’s Only Viticulture Academy for Sommeliers
11 March 2026
Head sommeliers and wine buyers from some of the UK’s most prestigious hospitality venues, including The Ritz, The Connaught, The Ned and The Berkeley yesterday (10.3.26) gathered at Roebuck Estates in the heart of Sussex
£150,000 Rampion Wind Farm Community Fund 2026 Dates Announced
06 March 2026
Shelley Bennett, Co-founder & Trustee of Pelican Parcels in Hove
Valley Gardens access update – March 2026
04 March 2026
This latest update provides details of the latest changes to pedestrian routes as construction continues.
About the Youth Employment Hub Latest News
03 March 2026
The Hub supports young people aged 16-25 in Brighton & Hove who are not in employment, education or training, or who would benefit from help exploring their next steps.
Newhaven to bid for UK Town of Culture 2028
Newhaven is preparing to submit an expression of interest to become the first UK Town of Culture as part of a new national competition launched by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
The Royal Society of Arts meets in Brighton
27 February 2026
The RSA welcomed Brighton and Sussex visitors to an open event at The Harbour Hotel on the seafront exploring community led projects with high social impact.
Association of Business Mentors (ABM) Offers FREE discovery session
The Association of Business Mentors (ABM) is the recognized professional body for business mentors in the UK.
Webinars on the Employment Rights Act from GOV.UK Business Academy
26 February 2026
The Business Academy (a free UK government backed online service) are hosing two sessions on the Employment Rights Bill 2025.
Volk’s Electric Railway Opportunity
25 February 2026
Brighton & Hove City Council is actively seeking a sponsor for the heritage asset Volks Electric Railway.
Now Available: Free Government‑funded occupational health training
24 February 2026
Small and medium‑sized employers across England can now benefit from free, Government‑funded occupational health training.
Roebuck Estates Appointed Exclusive English Sparkling Wine Partner of Brighton & Hove Museums for 2026
Roebuck Estates, one of England’s leading producers of vintage sparkling wine, has announced a new partnership with Brighton & Hove Museums.
Sussex Cricket Foundation releases 2025 Impact Report
Sussex Cricket Foundation Launches 2025 Impact Report Highlighting a Landmark Year for Recreational Cricket.
Cyber Essentials Campaign
19 February 2026
Cyber Essentials Campaign for SMEs
Changes to Employment Rights for employers and businesses
Get ready for changes to employment rights
Thinking of starting a business – Is a cooperative the right model for you
29 January 2026
Why a Co-Operatives
Brighton strengthens appeal to investors ahead of 2026
19 January 2026
Brighton & Hove Scale Up 2026
13 January 2026
Scale up - an 8 week funded programme designed to support your business grow.
Shoppers urged to shop local
04 December 2025
Shoppers are being encouraged to support local shops this winter
Circular Economy Skills Bootcamp
01 December 2025
Skills Bootcamp in the Circular Economy a 10-week training programme starting 22nd January 2026
Budget 2025 fact sheet: Tax support for businesses
27 November 2025
Sales Skills Bootcamp
14 November 2025
Sales Skills Bootcamp 8-week training programme starting 29 January 2026
Brighton & Hove Living Wage Campaign celebrates 1,000th employer sign-up
30 October 2025
Explore BIPC Services Anytime with On-Demand Videos
International Trade Week 2025
16 October 2025
International Trade Week 3-7 Nov 2025
The Small Business Retail Sessions 🎧
26 September 2025
Small Business retail sessions
Grant Funding Round-up
15 August 2025
Grants and funding available to local businesses
Brighton & Hove Small Business Rates Relief Review
07 August 2025
Business Rates Relief Review commencing 8th Aug
Help to Grow celebrate their 250th business leader graduate!
31 July 2025
Help to Grow hits milestone 250 business leaders helped at the University of Brighton
