Sussex Leaders and Researchers Unite to Explore the Future of Blue and Green Jobs
A new event bringing together academics, policymakers, business leaders and practitioners will explore the future of blue and green employment opportunities across Sussex’s coastal communities.
Event, 13 July: Coast to Career: Future of Blue and Green Jobs in Sussex will take place on Monday 13 July from 3:30pm to 5:30pm at the Brighton Unitarian Church in central Brighton. The event marks the launch of Flourishing at Work, a new research mobilisation group at the University of Sussex Business School focused on addressing key questions shaping the future of work.
Supported by , the event will feature research presented by Dr Rachel J. Wilde from UCL, highlighting findings from the Great Yarmouth area on the challenges facing coastal communities, particularly younger people seeking access to quality jobs, skills and career opportunities.
The research will be examined in a Sussex context through a panel discussion featuring Caroline Baxter, Leader of Worthing Borough Council and Chair of the Greater Brighton Economic Board; Dean Spears, Head of Sussex Bay; and Tim Rowkins, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Net Zero and Environmental Services at Brighton & Hove City Council.
The event highlights increasing opportunities emerging from Sussex’s blue and green economy, including careers in marine technology, engineering, environmental monitoring, habitat restoration, data, construction, design and nature-positive business. Organisers hope the discussion will help strengthen connections between education providers, employers, researchers and policymakers while supporting pathways into future employment sectors.
The initiative also aligns with ongoing work to develop a Centre for the Blue Economy in Sussex, supporting innovation, skills development and nature recovery across the region’s coastal economy. Through the Sussex Bay Alliance, businesses are being encouraged to collaborate on projects that contribute to environmental sustainability while building economic opportunities for local communities.
Recent work funded by Sussex Bay and delivered by Meaningful Futures CIC has already brought together young people and employers from institutions including BHASVIC, Northbrook College and Brighton MET to explore skills pathways and opportunities within emerging blue and green industries. Insights from this pilot programme are helping shape future approaches to workforce development in Sussex.
The event is free to attend and includes light refreshments and networking opportunities with researchers from the Flourishing at Work group. Advance booking is required.
Event Details
Event: Coast to Career: Future of Blue and Green Jobs in Sussex
Date: Monday 13 July
Time: 3:30pm – 5:30pm
Venue: Brighton Unitarian Church, New Road, Brighton
Admission: Free, advance booking required
About Sussex Bay
works with businesses, communities and partners across Sussex to support nature recovery, sustainable economic growth and the development of a thriving blue and green economy. Through initiatives such as the Sussex Bay Alliance, the organisation connects businesses with opportunities to collaborate, develop skills and contribute to environmental and economic resilience.