🌟 CONNECT TO WORK – Workforce Solutions for Local Employers (Mini Expo)

Unlock the Workforce Solutions Your Business Needs

If your business is finding it harder than ever to recruit, train, and retain staff, this event is designed for you. Connect to Work brings together the very best local support, practical solutions, and real‑world expertise to help employers tackle workforce challenges with confidence.

Join us for a dynamic morning that blends powerful insights, short practical sessions, real employer stories, and a lively mini expo packed with free support 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 (proposed: Mel from Transform/LSIP)

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.

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