Member News

Responding to the deal agreed at the UK-EU Leaders’ Summit, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:  

With around 36% of UK internet users now turning to AI for online searches, the way people discover information is rapidly changing.

This year marks a special milestone for us at Wave Community Bank - your local not for profit credit union — we’re celebrating 25 years of supporting financial wellbeing in our local community!

An exclusive opportunity for Sussex Chamber members to decarbonise their properties and claim significant tax relief.

The British Chambers of Commerce is calling for Monday’s EU reset summit to mark a sea change in the UK’s trade relationship with Europe so business can prosper. 

For nearly four decades, CILS International has been at the forefront of durable label manufacturing, delivering precision-engineered solutions to industries where failure is not an option. From laboratories and industrial facilities to defence and aerospace sectors, our labels are trusted by global leaders to perform flawlessly in the most demanding environments.

Wealden District Council’s Infrastructure and Community Spaces Grants programme has allocated funding to support 12 impactful projects across the district.

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

Storing substances that could be hazardous to human health is a requirement by UK law. While many substances can be a risk, the good news is, when stored and used correctly they almost never do. In this blog, we take a look at good storage principles and types of cabinets and cages that can help you keep your workplace safe.

After more than seven years at the helm of the Newhaven Enterprise Zone (NEZ), Corinne Day, the founding programme director has stepped down from her role. The process to recruit Corinne’s replacement is underway.

Responding to the publication of the Immigration White Paper, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director Public Policy, at the British Chambers of Commerce said: 

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:  

Mick Satiar, CTO from the inTEC GROUP is back to share some essential tips that all organisations should be following right now to enhance their cyber security: 🛡️ Staff Training 🛡️ Multi-Factor Authentication 🛡️ Conditional Access 🛡️ System Updates 🛡️

Too many businesses delay investing in cyber protection due to cost concerns, only to discover the price of a breach is far higher.

-Only 20% of direct public sector procurement spend was with SMEs in 2024 – a similar figure to 2023 (19%)    -£45.4 billion was spent by Government directly with SMEs last year, up from £42.4 billion in 2023  -Median spend per SME remained at £31,000 in 2024  -Local Government is the part of the public sector spending the most with SMEs – £28.1b in 2024 

Let’s Do Business Finance gets lending boost

A hands-on training programme in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for business, taught by industry professionals at our tech training centre in central Brighton.

Reacting to news of an agreement in principle for a free trade deal between the UK and India, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy, said:   

Tenant expectations in the commercial property sector are evolving faster than ever. According to a recent LMG survey, 88% of UK landlords say tenant demands have increased significantly over the past two years. This shift, driven by hybrid working and new workplace priorities, is forcing landlords to rethink their approach—placing a stronger emphasis on employee experience, sustainability, smart technology, and lease flexibility.

-More than a third (35%) of UK firms expect to grow in the next year, while 41% forecast ‘business as usual’ and 22% expect to downsize   -Four in 10 businesses (38%) see the UK domestic market as the biggest opportunity   -Online remains a key driver of growth for businesses – firms expect proportion of e-commerce sales to increase by 25%

SafeSite Facilities in Littlehampton has promoted Kerry Glyde to stock manager, appointed Rob Blakeman as business development manager and Jack Lowdell as sales manager to support its growth strategy.

As UK summers continue to heat up, maintaining a cool and comfortable workplace is more important than ever. At 4Facilities, we understand that a well-maintained air conditioning system supports employee wellbeing, improves productivity, and helps reduce energy costs. To keep your business running smoothly during the warmer months, here are ten practical tips to ensure your air conditioning performs at its best this summer.

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: