Member News

After almost 5,000 people voted in a free vote, with no nominees to pick from, we’re incredibly excited to announce that Komedia came out top in the Chortle Awards last week! Thanks so much to everyone who voted, winning an award like this is a real boost to an independent, grassroots venue like ours.

Microsoft 365 Copilot is a suite of AI-driven tools designed to boost productivity and streamline workflows. It can generate content, automate tasks, and provide intelligent insights. However, adopting Copilot can be challenging, especially in gaining 'buy-in' from employees.

The Chichester office of Sussex and South East accountancy firm Carpenter Box continues to go from strength to strength, thanks to a successful recruitment drive and an office refurbishment that’s providing further room to grow.

Newhaven’s reputation as a hub for grassroots arts is growing thanks to a cash injection of £100,000 from Newhaven Enterprise Zone (NEZ).

Responding to the latest IMF forecasts for the UK and Global economies, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:  

CharoGaia® has officially launched in the UK—a luxury, sustainable compost blend made with coir and biochar, designed for gardeners who care deeply about the earth and the quality of the food they grow. Available in 20L bags, CharoGaia® is the newest innovation from the makers behind CoirProducts by Salike®, a trusted name in ethical, eco-conscious gardening.

Attending a festival should help people to feel a certain way. That might be a spiritual experience at Glastonbury or a sense of luxury at upmarket Love Supreme in the heart of the Sussex countryside.

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

Manufacturers need to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) or risk missing out on transformational business benefits, members of South East-based METALL (The Manufacturing Engineering and Technology Alliance) heard at their latest meeting.

Brighton, Sussex – April 2, 2025 – Peter Finnigan, Relationship Manager, and David Witham, Fund Manager for the Sussex Cancer Fund, were pleased to host Dr. Timothy John Charles Fooks, the new High Sheriff of West Sussex for 2025, on Wednesday, April 2nd. The visit provided a unique opportunity to showcase the work of the Sussex Cancer Fund, as well as to highlight the ongoing impact the charity has across the region.

As we approach the monumental milestone of 10 years in business, Salike® is reflecting on a decade of success, growth, and dedication to our customers and the environment. Since launching in 2015, Salike® - the parent company of UK’s largest coir portfolio, CoirProducts.co.uk® - has been at the forefront of the country’s gardening industry, transforming the way gardeners view and use coir-based products within the UK. From our first coir-based range to being a trusted partner by the community of growers across the country, our journey has been one of innovation, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

Responding to the latest labour market data, published by the ONS this morning, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: 

I have recently received multiple reports of a new scam from cloned corporate identities of law firms. Business owners across the UK are receiving letters and emails threatening the loss of their trademark from firms falsely claiming to be IP Attorneys.

Responding to the news that the UK Global Tariff is being paused on dozens of products, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: 

Responding to the announcements from the Chancellor and Business and Trade Secretary to support UK exporters, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said: 

And let your hair down for the après-racing party!

Preston Manor reopened in style on Saturday with a sunshine-soaked Edwardian fête. Visitors were among the first to enjoy the new audio tour, which offers a vivid glimpse into life at the manor through the voices of its former residents - both above and below stairs

Responding to the latest ONS data on trade, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said:  

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

Led by MA Creative Writing student and former mental health nurse Deborah Humphrey, alongside MA Creative Writing alumna Karina Patfield, this initiative provides a safe, inclusive space for people to share their stories, connect with others, and explore the emotional realities of a cancer diagnosis.

Sussex Cancer Fund is proud to be supporting this ambitious and potentially life-changing project with £60,000 of funding. We’re joining forces with Action Against Cancer, who are also generously contributing £60,000 awarded to Professor Georgios Giamas, Professor of Cell Signalling at the University of Sussex, with the project lead Dr Stephen Robinson. Together, we’re helping to make this important research happen.

In today's fast-paced world, small businesses really need to stand out to get noticed. With costs climbing and foot traffic dwindling, along with all the changes in the digital marketing scene, many owners are on the lookout for effective marketing strategies that won’t break the bank. That’s where vehicle signage comes into play — it's a one-time investment that gives your brand round-the-clock exposure.

South East accountancy firm Carpenter Box is extending its office network into East Sussex with news that it is to merge Lewes-based Clark Brownscombe into its south coast operations.

Pioneers in the industry, Salike®, today announced the launch of DomusCoir®, a new luxury houseplant compost. Crafted from responsibly sourced coir and nutrient-rich compost, DomusCoir® by Salike® offers plant lovers an elevated, eco-conscious growing medium designed to nurture both plants and interiors.

Since acquiring Tottington Manor 4 Years Ago, the growth and the brand positioning of their restaurant has achieved huge recognition, only one year after the launch of their TERRA Restaurant Sussex.

A snap poll, by the British Chambers of Commerce award-winning Insights Unit, of more than 600 business has revealed the extent to which UK firms expect to be hit by US tariffs

Brighton’s renowned Preston Manor has welcomed visitors back, offering a fresh experience and introducing its very first tearoom.

Reacting to news of a 10% tariff on all UK exports to the US and higher tariffs for other countries, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said: 

The North Sea Transition Taskforce has called on the Government to rapidly establish a long-term, integrated plan to deliver a just energy transition in the North Sea.  

West Sussex councils have submitted their draft interim plan for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) to the Minister for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon, outlining their progress and seeking guidance on several critical issues to ensure a successful final submission in September 2025.

The Western Boulevard bus service improvement scheme to widen the junction between The Boulevard and The Broadway has now been completed.

Wealden District Council is supporting One You East Sussex to bring free NHS Health Checks back to towns across Wealden.

Ahead of the second reading of the Employment Rights Bill in the House of Lords this afternoon, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: 

How best to navigate the complexities of the current tax and investment landscape in a volatile economic environment?

Reacting to the planned introduction of an extra 25 percent tariff on UK exports of cars and other automotives to the United States, William Bain, BCC Head of Trade Policy, said:  

Responding to the Chancellor’s Spring Statement, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce said: