Save The Date for an informative Construction Update and Discussion
The construction sector is evolving at pace, driven by digital innovation, sustainability imperatives, and complex regulatory shifts. The Sussex Chamber Construction Forum is your opportunity to stay ahead, gain practical insights, and connect with key players shaping the industry’s future.
Join contractors, developers, suppliers, and industry stakeholders for a focused, forward-looking event exploring the challenges and opportunities impacting construction in Sussex and beyond.
As energy costs soar and carbon legislation tightens, Sussex businesses are under pressure to make meaningful changes. Enter ReEnergise—a bold initiative spearheaded by Manor Royal BID to support local businesses in transitioning to low-carbon energy solutions without the burden of upfront investment.
ReEnergise is delivered in partnership with two expert organisations:
BHESCo (Brighton & Hove Energy Services Co-op) – a not-for-profit social enterprise specialising in community energy solutions. BHESCo designs and delivers bespoke energy-saving and clean energy projects that help organisations reduce consumption, lower emissions, and take control of their energy use.
STax – specialists in capital allowances and tax relief strategies. STax helps businesses unlock hidden tax savings through investments in energy efficiency measures, making sustainable improvements financially viable and tax-efficient.
Together, this collaboration enables businesses to cut energy costs, reduce emissions, and access significant tax relief—with minimal risk or capital outlay.
In this session, you’ll hear from:
Steve Sawyer, Executive Director, Manor Royal BID
Kayla Ente MBE, Founder & CEO, BHESCo
Katie Jarvis, Commercial Development Specialist, STax
Learn how this model is being successfully applied in the Manor Royal area, and how it can benefit businesses across the region.
With new technologies and sustainability goals reshaping the industry, workforce readiness has never been more important. We’re delighted to welcome Claire Witz and expert panellists to discuss the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) and its relevance to construction.
This session will cover:
How to address skills shortages and future-proof your workforce
Insights into collaborative training and development initiatives
Real-world examples of workforce transformation in the construction sector
Gain expert insights on modern construction techniques, digital transformation, and sustainability
Understand how to take advantage of energy and tax-saving initiatives like ReEnergise
Learn about strategies for building a skilled, adaptable workforce
Connect with a broad network of industry leaders, peers, and decision-makers
Leave with actionable ideas to strengthen and future-proof your business
Book now to avoid disappointment! Stay tuned for an insightful and engaging discussion that will help you stay ahead in the construction industry.
CEO, Sussex Chamber of Commerce
Ana Christie is CEO of Sussex Chamber of Commerce supporting and campaigning for the business community.
Ana’s extensive business experience both in the UK and internationally, began in aviation, hospitality, then hotel project development. Previously she managed the London Aquarium, a major attraction, before relocating to the Philippines as Executive Vice President of an HR recruitment consultancy and subsequently locating to the British Deputy High Commission in India. Back in the UK, Ana joined a pharmaceutical company overseeing the project management of global clinical trials.
Ana joined the Sussex Chamber of Commerce in 2014 as Chief Executive and has since grown and developed the business membership organisation through the services provided to support business economic growth and performance in the area. She campaigns on key issues through the British Chambers who represent the national and global interests of business in government.
Ana is also an experienced in Martial Arts and in her spare time is a Karate instructor.
Founder & CEO, Brighton & Hove Energy Services Co-op (BHESCo)
Kayla Ente MBE is the founder and CEO of Brighton & Hove Energy Services Co-op (BHESCo). With a background in accountancy and economics, Kayla established BHESCo in 2012 with the goal of leveraging innovative financing and community investment to develop new clean energy projects. Her award-winning ‘Pay As You Save’ business model has enabled the development of 64 community energy projects which will collectively reduce carbon emissions by 8,744 tonnes and save project customers £3.7 million on energy costs. In 2021, Kayla was awarded and MBE for services to community-led energy saving initiatives.
Commercial Development Specialist, Stax, Part of EMW Law LLP
At STax, part of EMW Law LLP, our mission is to unlock the full potential of your commercial property, turning it into a high-performing asset that exceeds today’s standards and expectations.
Established in 2011, STax stands at the forefront of property consultancy, offering a unique blend of services that integrates Property Broker, Capital Allowance, and Grant Application services under one roof.
With over 97 years of collective experience in property and a track record of identifying and claiming over £500 million for our clients, we are not just consultants; we are industry leaders recognised by numerous awards.
Speak with Katie Jarvis our Commercial Development Specialist to learn more about Property, Capital Allowance, and Grant Application services and how we can help you unlock the hidden potential in your commercial property.
Executive Director, Manor Royal
Steve has been the Executive Director of the Manor Royal BID Company, the largest “industrial” Business Improvement District in the country, since it was created in 2013. He has over 20 years economic development, BID management and place-making experience as well as experience of the private and public sector in disciplines from finance and performance improvement to corporate policy and planning. Steve has a Masters in psychological research, design and analysis, and a Merit in the British BIDs Certificate in BID Management a course on which he now teaches.
He is currently a serving member of the British BIDs National Advisory Board, Chair of the British BIDs Industrial BIDs Group, Chair of the Crawley Town FC Community Foundation, Chair of Creative Crawley and a Trustee of various other local charities.
Steve was born and raised in Crawley, where he still lives having raised his own children Ben, Jake and Sam (triplets).
Owner, Witzend Consulting
Have Your Say on Workforce Skills and Apprenticeships
The Sussex Chamber’s Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) team, in collaboration with the University of Brighton, is inviting employers like you to share your insights on workforce skills needs and Apprenticeships.
This interactive session is designed to: