Tackle global supply chain challenges, rising costs, and inflation with expert insights to keep your projects on track
Join us for an exceptional opportunity to connect with professionals across the construction sector at the Sussex Chamber Construction Forum, hosted at the stunning Avisford Park in Arundel.
This exclusive event brings together a diverse group of industry experts, business leaders and professionals to foster meaningful dialogue, exchange insights, and address the key challenges facing the construction industry today.
Start your morning with a delicious full English breakfast. Enjoy a hearty meal while networking with like-minded individuals in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
This October, we will be focusing on some of the most pressing issues currently affecting the sector, including:
Global supplier challenges and supply chain disruption
Rising material and labour costs
The impact of inflation on project planning and budgeting
The event will feature engaging speaker sessions and expert presentations from key figures within the industry. These sessions will offer practical insights, real-world case studies, and strategies to help your business remain resilient and competitive in an evolving marketplace.
You will also have the opportunity to take part in open networking and Q&A segments, designed to encourage interaction, knowledge sharing, and the chance to make valuable new connections.
In addition, enjoy valuable insight into skills development in construction. We are pleased to welcome Mel Butcher, who will share their perspectives on workforce readiness and the future of skills in the sector. The discussion will highlight the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), offering guidance on how it supports businesses in bridging skills gaps and enhancing growth opportunities.
Speaker sessions exploring current construction industry challenges
Insights into global supply chains, rising costs and project budgeting
Key updates on the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP)
Networking with industry peers and decision-makers
Strategies for building a skilled and future-ready workforce
Full English breakfast in a beautiful countryside setting
Set against the backdrop of the scenic Avisford Park, this venue offers the ideal setting for productive conversations and meaningful connections.
We are offering sponsorship opportunities for this event. If you are interested in sponsoring, please contact [email protected].
If you would be keen to speak on any of the topics outlined above, we would love to hear from you.
Stakeholder Engagement Lead for the Sussex Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP)
Stakeholder Engagement Lead for the Sussex Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP)
Mel is an accomplished education and skills consultant with a deep-rooted passion for improving the UK’s skills landscape through collaborative, employer-driven approaches. With over two decades of experience in the post-16 education sector, Mel specialises in engaging employers, building strategic partnerships, and designing high-impact skills and apprenticeship programmes that are aligned with labour market needs.
She has led numerous regional and national projects that bridge the gap between education and industry, delivering workforce solutions across sectors including construction, engineering, and manufacturing, health, and social care. As Stakeholder Engagement Lead for the Sussex Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), Mel has worked closely with employers, skills providers, and sector bodies to produce evidence-based insights and recommendations that shape responsive, future-focused curriculum.
Her portfolio includes the successful design and launch of Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs), apprenticeship development, strategic policy interpretation, and quality improvement initiatives. Mel’s strengths lie in her ability to translate employer feedback and labour market intelligence into curriculum and strategy, driving forward projects that support growth, inclusivity, and sustainable skills development.
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.
Please accept {{cookieConsents}} cookies to view this content