🌟 CONNECT TO WORK – Workforce Solutions for Local Employers (Mini Expo)
Unlock the Workforce Solutions Your Business Needs
If your business is finding it increasingly difficult to recruit, train and retain staff, this event is designed for you. Connect to Work brings together local authorities, public sector partners and specialist support providers to help employers tackle workforce challenges with confidence. Join us for a practical mini expo and discover the free support, advice and services available to businesses across the region.
This is your chance to discover what’s working right now—and how your organisation can benefit immediately.
🌱 Why You Should Attend
By attending, employers will:
- ✔ Learn how to fill vacancies quickly and confidently
- ✔ Discover how Skills Bootcamps can support recruitment and upskilling
- ✔ Meet expert teams offering free, practical guidance
- ✔ Build connections with local authorities and business services
- ✔ Network with employers facing similar challenges
Whether you're looking for new staff, want to upskill your workforce, or simply want to understand what support is available, this event gives you everything in one place.
🎤 What to Expect
A focused, business‑friendly format featuring:
- Short, practical presentations you can apply immediately
- Real employer stories to show what works
- A mini expo showcasing local, free‑to-access services
- Interactive discussions and open networking
This event is built for busy employers—clear, practical, high‑value.
🕘 Programme
Connect to Work: Helping Employers Recruit Inclusively with Confidence
08:30 – 09:00
Arrival, Registration & Refreshments
- Open networking
- Expo stands open (Employability & Skills, Transform, Careers Hub, Task Groups, Growth Hub, Wellbeing at Work)
09:00 – 09:10
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Host: Amanda Young - Sussex Chamber / Local Authority
Speaker: Connect to Work representative, East Sussex County Council
09:10 – 09:25
Connect to Work: Helping Employers Recruit with Confidence
- What the programme offers
- Employer benefits
- Success stories
- How to get involved today
Speaker: Connect to Work Lead
09:25 – 09:45
Skills Bootcamps: Free Recruitment & Workforce Training
- How Bootcamps work
- How employers can use them
- Job outcomes
- Free support available
Speaker: Skills Bootcamp Lead
09:45 – 10:00
Wellbeing at Work East Sussex - Improve your workplace health in East Sussex!
The Wellbeing at Work Programme supports East Sussex employers to improve the health, wellbeing, and engagement of their workforce through a free accreditation framework, training, and practical support. It is designed for organisations of all sizes and sectors.
Featuring:
- Free workplace wellbeing accreditation programme for employers.
- Wellbeing awards and accreditation at different levels.
- Free training, including Mental Health First Aid, Wellbeing Champion and Menopause Awareness courses.
- Resources and practical support to improve employee health and wellbeing.
- Access to workplace wellbeing best practice, guidance and tools.
- Recognition for organisations committed to creating healthy, supportive workplaces
Focus: More than 150 businesses are already accredited through the programme across East Sussex.
10:00 – 10:20
Panel Chat: “What Employers Need Now”
Featuring:
- A local employer using Connect to Work or Skills Bootcamps
- Local authority representative
-
Wellbeing at Work East Sussex representative
- LSIP representative - Mel Butcher from LSIP (Local Skills Improvement Plan))
Focus: real‑world hiring challenges and how local programmes are helping employers respond.
10:20 – 12:00
Business Support Mini Expo
Featuring:
- Employability & Skills Team
- Transform Service
- Careers Hub
- Task Groups
- Growth Hub
- Wellbeing at Work
- Internal job brokerage support
Stand fees:
- Free for local authorities (please contact us [email protected])
- Private stands - £80 + VAT (Limited Stands Available)
11:10 – 12:00
Networking & Event Close
Mini expo remains open.
🎟️ Be Part of the Workforce Conversation That’s Changing Our Region
Spaces are limited—and demand is high.
Join us and discover practical solutions that can make a real difference to your business.
👉 Book Your Place Today
👉 Invite Your HR or Recruitment Team
👉 Share with Other Employers Looking for Support
Members Mini Expo Stand – £60 + VAT
Showcase your business at the event with a Mini Expo Stand, exclusively for Sussex Chamber members.
Your package includes:
- Space for marketing materials and a pop‑up banner
- A visible spot to engage attendees and make new connections
Ideal for raising your profile, promoting your services, and meeting tourism and hospitality leaders across Sussex. Limited spaces available.
Sponsored by
Would You Like to Be a Speaker at One of Our Events?
Speaking at our events is a great way to raise your profile, showcase your expertise, and connect with potential customers and partners. It's an opportunity to position yourself as a trusted voice in your industry while increasing awareness of your business. We welcome speakers from all sectors and experience levels. If you have knowledge, insights, or a success story to share, we'd love to hear from you. Interested? Get in touch and help inspire our business community.
Melanie Butcher
