Member News

The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is entering its most commercially significant stage. From January 2026, CBAM moves from a transitional reporting regime into its definitive phase, where emissions data will directly drive financial charges on goods imported into the European Union.

Responding to the latest inflation data, published by the ONS this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: 

Sussex-based SaaS company Eventflow is supporting exhibition organiser Trans-World Events to work smarter and grow — not just by reducing admin, but by unlocking commercial value through better operational systems.

Join 300+ business professionals at Fontwell Park Racecourse on 12th March 2026 for a day of networking, connections, and growth opportunities.

There is something quietly satisfying about a garden that looks considered rather than controlled. Borders that feel intentional. Trees and shrubs that thrive without fuss. Soil that remains neat, nourished, and protected — without resorting to plastic, chemicals, or constant intervention.

Artificial intelligence can streamline operations, accelerate processes, and lift productivity. For leaders of small and medium‑sized businesses, the question is practical. If we invest in Microsoft 365 Copilot, how will it affect profit and performance? The answer blends hard numbers with human outcomes.

One in eight construction workers unprepared to deal with safety issues

Carpenter Box, part of Sumer Group, the UK’s fastest-growing mid-market accountancy practice, announced a merger with the Brighton office of Hartley Fowler, a highly respected accounting firm serving the Sussex area.

Accountants and business advisers Kreston Reeves and AAB have today announced a landmark deal, creating an accounting and advisory powerhouse with national and international reach for ambitious organisations and individuals. This will take the combined business beyond £200 million in annual revenue. 

We’re delighted to invite you to the Annual Fundraising Concert hosted by the University of Brighton’s School of Applied Sciences and Music Society on Wednesday 18th March 2026 in aid of Sussex Cancer Fund.

The feedback from Mark Armstrong's 'Modern Workplace' launch webinar earlier this month was fantastic - so we’re doing it again! 👏

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is calling for the Prime Minister’s visit to China to be rooted in pragmatism and focused on delivering for the UK economy. 

Reacting to today’s announcement of further transitional business rates relief for pubs and music venues, Kate Shoesmith, Director of Policy at the BCC, said: 

Local favourites Band of Dads will be taking to the stage this spring for a special live music night in aid of Sussex Cancer Fund, raising vital funds to support local cancer care across Sussex.

Many organisations are feeling the impact of rapid advances in AI, evolving cyber threats and the continued reliance on cloud services.

A total of 86% of construction industry professionals said they witnessed an accident on site that could have been prevented in the past year.

Responding to the latest inflation data, published by the Office for National Statistics, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: 

Reacting to the latest labour market data from the ONS published this morning, Patrick Milnes, Head of People and Work Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: 

Ensure you succeed at your next networking event!

Newhaven Enterprise Zone (NEZ) is inviting charities and not for profit organisations in the town to apply for a share of £18k of funding.

Responding to news that the US plans to introduce fresh 10% tariffs on UK goods, from next month, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said:

Wealden District Council’s leader has urged the government to go ahead with County Council elections this May despite a request from East Sussex County Council to cancel them.

Seven of the UK’s major business groups have written an open letter to the government to support its commitment to Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR). 

Reacting to the announcement on Northern Powerhouse Rail, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce said:

A new innovation centre that helps ambitious entrepreneurs grow their businesses has opened in Manor Royal Business District in Crawley, West Sussex, and is now inviting Sussex businesses to take a look at their unique offering.

After another fast-paced year, it’s time for our much-anticipated office design trends 2026 article.

The Adelphi Group of Companies has raised £2,110 for St Peter & St James Hospice, which provides compassionate hospice care in the heart of Sussex. Headquartered in Haywards Heath, Adelphi is an award-winning, family-owned UK manufacturer and supplier of packaging machinery and equipment, and a pharmaceutical distribution company. Adelphi chose the hospice as its Charity of the Year 2025 and over the last 12 months has run a wide range of staff-led fundraising activities.

In the BCC’s Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) Q4 2025, a third of firms (34%) said they are worried about business rates. This is the highest level since the BCC started asking the question in the Q2 QES of 2017. 

If you’re looking to make some changes this year to support your health and wellbeing, look no further than West Sussex Wellbeing!  

StarBox, the leading specialist accountants and business advisers in the content creator and influencer space, has recently advised client The Fellas Studio on its sale to Global, a significant deal in the creator economy. This is the first UK creator-led podcast studio to achieve a deal of this scale, and StarBox’s deep understanding of the booming content creator sector was a driver of the success of the deal.

Welcoming Andrew Nash as Business Development Manager for the Mid Sussex Area.

What are you thinking about your business for 2026? If I’m honest about what I’m thinking about this year, it isn’t “brand archetypes” or the latest trendy acronym. It’s leads. It’s pipeline. It’s whether the enquiries coming in are the kind you can actually turn into revenue, without your team spending half their week answering the wrong questions from the wrong people.

Mark Armstrong will be back in the New Year as the face (and cartoon) of our brand-new monthly webinar series!