Member News

The growth strategy of Sussex and South East accountancy firm Carpenter Box, part of Sumer Group, the fastest-growing mid-market accountancy practice, continues apace, with news that it is merging with Hove-based Boormans Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers.

West Sussex County Council has launched Skills Bootcamps, an exciting new initiative designed to help people gain the skills local employers are looking for.

Responding to President Trump’s decision to charge import duties for low value goods entering the US, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy, said:  

Responding to the launch of the Government’s Small Business Plan, Alex Veitch, Director of Policy at the BCC, said: 

Property maintenance forms the backbone of any successful investment, especially for businesses. It doesn’t just preserve the building, but it also ensures you’re staying compliant with safety regulations. With the scope of commercial maintenance so broad, these are the key areas you need to focus on for operational efficiency.

Most SME business owners would agree that insurance premiums are an unwelcome but very necessary business expense. They can be a significant annual overhead cost, premiums invariably rising from year to year, even if you do not claim.

Worried your Microsoft 365 setup isn’t as secure as it should be?

Sussex Cancer Fund are thrilled to announce that Active Outlook, the free physical activity programme for people living with and beyond cancer, is expanding to Worthing from July 2025. Thanks to ongoing support from the Sussex Cancer Fund and the Macmillan Horizon Centre, the service will now be available in Worthing, Brighton, Sidley, and Eastbourne, helping even more people access specialist exercise support throughout their cancer journey.

Help to Grow Management is a Government funded programme set up to support SMEs to grow.  Over 10,000 SME leaders have completed Help to Grow nationally and the university of Brighton have just had the 250th business leader complete the programme in a certificate awarding celebration.

Accountants, business and wealth advisers Kreston Reeves is to move to new offices in central Brighton following a prolonged period of growth in the City.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is calling on MPs to support key amendments to the Employment Rights Bill, when it returns to the Commons. 

A bold step forward has been taken by Wealden District Council in its commitment to climate action.

An office should be more than a space to work—it’s a statement about who you are as a company. That’s why a CAT B office fit out is such a critical opportunity. It allows you to transform an empty shell into a workspace that reflects your brand, supports your team’s needs, and creates an environment where people want to be.

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:    

AI assistants like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and meeting transcription tools have quickly become part of everyday business workflows. They help teams write reports faster, summarise meetings, draft emails, and even debug code. While this has led to a surge in productivity, it has also introduced new security and compliance risks.

As industries shift toward sustainable practices, Salike® continues to provide innovative, eco-friendly alternatives to plastic and peat-based landscaping materials.

Part-time Hybrid (home & Office) position available

Sussex man who nearly died after colliding with hearse cycles 950 miles for charity

Responding to the release of the EU’s draft mandate for UK negotiations on removing checks on food and drink and eliminating carbon charges, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy, said: 

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

Sussex’s tourism, hospitality, and creative industries gain a powerful new tool. Advertise Smarter with audioXi from Bauer Media.

London Gatwick Airport has opened applications for its largest retail tender since 2017, inviting expressions of interest for pop-up shop units in both the North and South Terminals.

Ahead of her Mansion House speech tonight, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is urging the Chancellor to carry out further reforms to unlock business investment.  

Responding to the latest GDP data, published by the ONS this morning, David Bharier, Head of Research at the BCC, said:

After the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill was introduced to Parliament today, Jonny Haseldine, Head of Corporate Governance and Business Environment Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: 

“We believe the government has made the right decision in ruling out zonal pricing. Its Clean Power Mission has the right ambition; to ensure that the UK’s electricity system can be decarbonised and made secure for the future.  

-Fewer than one fifth (18%) of micro-exporters (fewer than 10 employees) increased export orders in Q2, with 29% reporting a decrease.  -By comparison, 29% of large exporters (more than 250 staff) increased their export orders with a fifth (20%) reporting a drop.  -More than a quarter (27%) of all SME exporters surveyed reported a decrease in export orders   -Just over half (51%) said they saw no change in their export orders, and 22% an increase 

A pioneering research project investigating how psychological stress may influence the development and progression of endometrial cancer is underway, thanks to significant support from the Sussex Cancer Fund. The charity has contributed £25,679 to help fund this collaborative study led by Professor Melanie Flint at the University of Brighton.

A new working group has been launched with a £100,000 investment from the Newhaven Enterprise Zone (NEZ) to boost tourism and grow the town’s visitor economy, with £50,000 to be delivered over the first 12 months.

Set in the heart of the East Sussex countryside, Buxted Park Hotel is more than just a grand country house – it’s a destination for truly memorable experiences. Whether you’re joining us for a relaxed Sunday lunch, planning a private celebration, or organising a business meeting, our historic surroundings and impeccable service provide the perfect setting

Marshall-Tufflex, leading UK manufacturer of high-quality cable management solutions, has had its on-going commitment to sustainable practices recognised by two prestigious industry awards – the ‘Sustainable Stand’ award at CEF Live and the 1066 Business Awards ‘Sustainability Champion’ Award 2025.

💡 Heard of Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions but not sure what they mean for your business? More companies are being asked to report their carbon footprint are you ready? We’ve created a quick, practical factsheet to help you understand what’s expected and how to take action.

Focus SB is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Ciaran Mitchell as its Managing Director Designate.

It starts small. A plastic bag picked up on the way home. A plastic pot that seemed too convenient to resist. A bit of clingfilm, a throwaway packet, a forgotten wrapper.

Dr Jo Stokoe, Consultant Oncologist at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, has completed an extraordinary feat, swimming solo across the treacherous North Channel in aid of the Sussex Cancer Fund and the RNLI.