Sussex And The City

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 32: EMERGENCY PODCAST! Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Martin Webb, independent candidate for Mayor of Sussex & Brighton   No Sussex mayor until 2028 The government is set to delay the first elections for newly created regional mayors in four areas - Greater Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk, Hampshire and the Solent, and Sussex and Brighton. The BBC reports that ballots originally scheduled for May 2026 will now be held in 2028, with a formal announcement expected shortly.  🔗 Read the BBC report  These mayoralties are the political centrepiece of the government's drive to devolve power and fast-track regional growth. Mayors will chair new strategic authorities with powers over transport, housing, skills and, in some areas, policing. Pushing the polls back delays who will set priorities, who will bid for investment, and who will hold authority over major local programmes - just as unitary council reorganisation is being completed. Government reasoning vs political reaction The official explanation is that more time is needed to finish local government reorganisation so new authorities are properly set up before voters choose mayors. Those following the Sussex And The City project since May will recognise this as a familiar concern. But others think the move is politically charged. The Conservatives' James Cleverly has already accused the administration of "subverting democracy". Reform UK's Zia Yusuf suggested ministers were trying to blunt his party's chances, while the Liberal Democrats' Zoe Franklin warned "democracy delayed is democracy denied."   What this means for Sussex & Brighton Campaigns and candidates: The delay gives parties more time to select and prep candidates, but it also creates a longer campaign window and uncertainty for would-be contenders and local parties. It would not be a surprise if some of the announced candidates change over the next two years. Policy and delivery: With mayoral powers on hold, strategic decisions that require a regional political voice - major transport projects, strategic housing plans, and coordinated skills investment - may be deferred or handled piecemeal by existing councils. Local reorganisation: The stated reason - finishing unitary reorganisation - underscores how tightly linked the mayoral timetable is to structural changes at council level; Sussex's new mayoralty depended on those legal and administrative building blocks being in place. Political arithmetic: A later election could shift the advantage depending on national polling and local campaigning; opponents argue the delay will change the political landscape. What to watch next Formal announcement and rationale: The government's statement will be important for the detail; whether the delay is purely administrative or also strategic. Local reaction: Councils, business groups, civic organisations and candidates will respond; look for joint statements calling for clarity on timelines and transitional arrangements. Practical continuity: How will work on devolution, bids for investment and partnership arrangements be sustained during the gap? Who will be accountable for interim decisions? Election mechanics: Will the delay change the electoral system, timing with other polls, or the way the new authorities transition in 2027–28? A short verdict The postponement is a big procedural and political shift. If ministers are right that more time is needed for a lawful, orderly handover from two-tier councils to new unitaries, the delay may be sensible. But it will only be accepted by local voters if the extra time is used to finish the structural work and to show, with practical, visible plans, that the mayoralty will deliver better services and clearer local leadership.   Sussex And The City So, this was always a possibility, but is big news we didn't expect today. You tell us - would you like us to continue this project until the elections take place, or do you think we need to pause until nearer the time?   🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue 📣 Get involved Want a joined-up Sussex story? Want to help shape devolution so it actually works for people and places? 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events.

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 31: Why I Want To Be Mayor (Part Five)  Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Martin Webb, independent candidate for Mayor of Sussex & Brighton 🔍 Episode summary In this wide-ranging conversation, Richard sits down with Martin Webb — a man whose CV could easily be many separate careers. Martin was a defining figure in Brighton's 90s and 00s nightlife, running clubs, bars and restaurants across the city. He has also ran his own local media empire, been a business mentor on Channel 4, a columnist for The Telegraph, a small business author, and, in a twist that surprises many, a frontline volunteer police sergeant for nearly a decade. Now he's running as the only declared independent candidate for Mayor of Sussex & Brighton - self-funding the campaign, clocking up millions of TikTok views, and arguing that Sussex needs "a very honest, grounded, authentic approach" untied to party politics. The conversation explores how his life in hospitality, policing and community work informs his vision for the new mayoralty; a role Martin describes as "not about me at all. It's about getting the best outcomes for Sussex and Sussex people." He has views on housing, anti-social behaviour, nightlife, farming, collaboration between towns, and the "post-Brighton" identity crisis Sussex needs to solve to make devolution work.   This episode is brought to you in partnership with: THE GIFT @ The Old Market Home of THE GIFT, a bold new winter feast-game-ritual-show running 3–21 December, step inside The Old Market in Hove for a 360° world of live music, cabaret artists, clowns, communal play and Sussex-made food from Mallow, Pio Mai and CLOUD NINE. Inspired by Columbia's Theatre of the Senses, America's Burning Man and Berlin's Social Muscle Club, THE GIFT is about connection, mischief and the messy joy of being alive. Get tickets this Christmas from 👉 theoldmarket.com 🎯 Why this matters "I want to be an independent now. I don't think the mayor needs to be aligned to one particular problem. I want to speak and act to do good for the people of Sussex." For many voters, the idea of a non-party mayor - one who refuses donors and funds the campaign personally - challenges the assumption that the mayoralty must be run by a big political machine. Martin argues that independence is not a gimmick, but the only way to escape party whipping and focus solely on place first, politics second. He also speaks frankly about the state of Sussex: "People are fed up with how dangerous our streets are, how much housing costs, how much of our environment is at risk from massive over-development." He says his proposed solutions - from Sussex Marshals to a countywide buying group - reflect his entrepreneurial background, his voluntary policing experience, and his belief that 'common-sense' collaboration has been missing. 🧠 Topics covered include: What independence really means in a region used to red–blue–yellow politics Why Martin left the Labour selection process How policing experience fuels his plans for safety, patrols and anti-social behaviour "Sussex Marshals" - volunteers to free up police time Tackling the housing crisis through brownfield-first development AirBnB controls and licensing Protecting rural Sussex from "disproportionate" mega-developments The future of nightlife and why towns need tailored NTE strategies A Sussex buying cooperative for small businesses How TikTok has made him unexpectedly popular with younger voters Overcoming anti-Brighton sentiment and building one Sussex story What Sussex could look like in 2046 if devolution works "From week one, I'll be tackling the crisis we have got with anti-social behaviour, theft and shoplifting." 📚 Further reading and references Martin Webb – campaign website Martin Webb on TikTok Martin Webb in Facebook Martin Webb on Instagram 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Martin Webb Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded: Regency Radio, Lancing 📣 Get involved Want a joined-up Sussex story? Want to help shape devolution so it actually works for people and places? 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events.

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 30: Opportunity In Sussex Starts With Being Seen Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Donna O'Toole — founder of August Recognition; co-founder of Rewards App 🔍 Episode summary In this week's episode, Richard meets Donna O'Toole - multi-award-winning entrepreneur, awards strategist and lifelong Sussex resident - whose journey from Arundel Castle to global business owner is as remarkable as it is rooted in place. Donna grew up in the grounds of Arundel Castle, where her family worked as part of the staff, before entering care at aged 15 and being given an unusual, life-shaping choice: foster care, a children's home, or what she recalls as "a home for girls with potential".   She took the third option, kickstarting a life defined by resilience, ambition and a razor-sharp instinct for spotting opportunity. By 19 she had founded Sussex's first dental nurse agency; in her 30s she returned to education, graduating in English Linguistics from the University of Sussex; and today she runs an international recognition consultancy from the tiny village of Chailey — proving, quite happily, that world-class businesses don't need glass towers. Richard and Donna explore Sussex's confidence problem, the county's quietly world-class business ecosystem, and why a future Mayor must pay attention to the overlooked arts of storytelling and narrative. Donna argues that too many Sussex businesses stay small not for lack of potential, but for lack of visibility, and that giving people the courage to "pitch up, not shrink down" could change the shape of our local economy. This episode is a generous, grounded and surprisingly emotional reminder that recognition isn't always vanity, it can be fuel for bigger things.   This episode is brought to you in partnership with: YMCA Downslink Group - For over a century, the YMCA has been supporting young people across Sussex and Surrey. Every night, they provide safe housing for more than 650 young individuals facing homelessness, offering not just shelter but also the support needed to rebuild their lives. Beyond housing, this charity delivers a range of services including mental health counselling through YMCA Dialogue, family mediation, and youth advice centres in Brighton & Hove and Crawley. Their e-wellbeing platform offers digital mental health resources tailored for young people.  They reach over 7,000 children, young people, and families each year, helping them navigate challenges and achieve their potential. To learn more or support their mission, visit ymcadlg.org. 🎯 Why this matters Sussex will soon elect its first ever Mayor; someone expected to champion the county, raise its national profile, and create space for ambition, growth and innovation across places that haven't always been encouraged to think big. Donna argues that starts with confidence: "You can achieve anything that you want to achieve, just so long as you believe in yourself and you set some goals and you work at it." And with visibility: "Aim high and pitch up. You don't need to always think local… you're serving your clients nationally. So why are you not getting national recognition?" Sussex isn't short of creativity, entrepreneurship or grit. But we are short of a shared narrative about success, and as Donna wants devolution to support a new strategy, confidence and culture change. 🧠 Topics covered include: Growing up in Arundel Castle, and how early instability shaped Donna's resilience The extraordinary "home for girls with potential" and its lifelong impact Starting Sussex's first dental nurse agency as a teenager Why awards can matter for business growth, leadership confidence and community impact How Sussex founders underplay their achievements The barriers holding back small businesses from competing nationally What the King's Awards for Enterprise tell us about real economic trends How the pandemic shifted recognition from financial metrics to people-first stories Why a Sussex Mayor must understand the power of storytelling, ambition and visibility How she thinks her new business will make recognition more inclusive The need for county-wide consistency in employer support Why success for Sussex must be defined by more than GDP or headcount "It's hard to read the label when you're sitting inside the jam jar." 📚 Further reading and references Donna's website August Recognition – awards & recognition consultancy The King's Awards for Enterprise Dent Global / Key Person of Influence 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Donna O'Toole Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded: At Projects The Lanes, Brighton 📣 Get involved Want a joined-up Sussex story? Want to help shape devolution so it actually works for people and places? 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events.

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 29: Sussex Money Matters: Tackling Debt And Building Trust Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Emma Norledge - Deputy CEO, Wave Community Bank 🔍 Episode summary What if the future of devolution wasn't just about power – but about money that stays in Sussex? In this episode, Richard Freeman talks to Emma Norledge, Deputy Chief Executive of Wave Community Bank, a not-for-profit credit union helping thousands of people across East Sussex, Brighton and Kent access fair, local finance. Credit unions aren't really banks as we know them; they're still fully regulated by the Financial Services Authority but act as people-powered cooperatives that keep savings circulating in local economies. In an era of financial exclusion, payday loans and disappearing high street banks, Emma explains how Wave's model of 'people helping people' is focused on transforming lives, from rent deposit schemes to small loans and financial education. They explore what devolution might mean for community finance, why money and wellbeing are inseparable, and how a Sussex mayor could champion smarter, fairer funding systems that rebuild trust from the ground up. "Credit unions get in your soul and you believe in what you do; and it's not an industry, it's a movement."   This episode is brought to you in partnership with: YMCA Downslink Group - For over a century, the YMCA has been supporting young people across Sussex and Surrey. Every night, they provide safe housing for more than 650 young individuals facing homelessness, offering not just shelter but also the support needed to rebuild their lives. Beyond housing, this charity delivers a range of services including mental health counselling through YMCA Dialogue, family mediation, and youth advice centres in Brighton & Hove and Crawley. Their e-wellbeing platform offers digital mental health resources tailored for young people.  They reach over 7,000 children, young people, and families each year, helping them navigate challenges and achieve their potential. To learn more or support their mission, visit ymcadlg.org. 🎯 Why this matters "Councils will come to us and say, 'We'd like to do this – what do you think?' And we might say, 'Well, that won't work for that reason, but we could do it this way.'" 🧠 Topics covered include: What credit unions are and how they keep money local The evolution from East Sussex Credit Union to Wave Community Bank How local savings can finance local loans and community wellbeing The challenge of financial exclusion and the need for inclusive banking Partnerships with councils, advice networks and housing providers What devolution could mean for community finance and social investment How structural change might affect local accountability and support systems The role of credit unions in preventing crime and tackling loan sharks Financial literacy as a public health issue Lessons from Manchester's 'Sound Pound' initiative for Sussex "There hasn't been a bank in Newhaven for years… and that is an opportunity for the credit unions to step in and say, 'We are here, and we do help you, and we do care.'" 📚 Further reading and references Wave Community Bank Association of British Credit Unions (ABCUL)  Illegal Money Lending Team  Greater Manchester Credit Unions: Sound Pound Network   🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Emma Norledge Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded: On location 📣 Get involved Want a joined-up Sussex story? Want to help shape devolution so it actually works for people and places? 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events.

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 28: Why Sussex Needs To Look After Its Shopkeepers Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Shiv Misra - founder of Kindly 🔍 Episode summary In this episode, Richard Freeman talks with Shiv Misra, founder of Kindly, a Brighton homegrown supermarket with a difference; fair prices, no plastic, and no gimmicks. Shiv's story is one of grit, optimism and retail reform, building something sustainable in every sense of the word. From taking over the old HISBE store to juggling a day job in IT and and growing a new model of retail, Shiv explains what independent retailers really need to survive: lower rates, shared logistics, smarter supply chains and genuine support from local government. Could a region built on small business pride could use devolution to back its entrepreneurs; the grocers, cafés, makers and market traders who give Sussex its identity?  This episode is a good companion to #24 with Rachael Dines. "If the big players don't do it, then more of the small players need to — so people still get the convenience and choice they need."   This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Shake It Up Creative – the Worthing-based marketing and web agency helping organisations stand out with style, strategy and substance. From brand builds and slick websites to demystifying PR and SEO, they're known for straight-talking advice and a collaborative mindset. The team runs free online help sessions via #ShakeItHub and offers pro bono mentoring through BIPC, Community Works and Enterprise Nation. Finalists at the 2025 Independent Agency Awards for Best Promotional Campaign, they prove bold, beautiful marketing is possible with small teams and smart budgets. 👉 shakeitupcreative.com   🎯 Why this matters "People want to do good, but they don't want to do it at the cost of either convenience or choice. We're trying to bring in a food revolution where we change the way we consume things." 🧠 Topics covered include: How independent retail defines Sussex's economic identity Why small shops need joined-up business support post-devolution The case for shared logistics hubs and collective delivery schemes Rate relief, rent reform and how councils can reward sustainable practice The untapped potential of farm-to-shelf supply networks Building a county-wide loyalty scheme to connect towns and traders Learning from HISBE's legacy and what Kindly is doing differently Surviving cost-of-living crises as a micro-retailer What local leadership could do to protect small business resilience Making refill and repair retail part of mainstream shopping, not the niche "Unity is power — Sussex's small shops could speak with one voice if councils did the same." 📚 Further reading and references Kindly – Brighton's refill-first, plant-based supermarket Federation of Small Businesses – Sussex 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Shiv Misra Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded: On location 📣 Get involved Want a joined-up Sussex story? Want to help shape devolution so it actually works for people and places? 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events.

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 27: Is Art Sussex' Civic Superpower? Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Lesley Samms - founder of Pure Arts Group 🔍 Episode summary In this conversation, Richard Freeman sits down with artist mentor, curator and Pure Arts Group founder Lesley Samms – a powerhouse advocate for visual artists across Sussex and beyond. Lesley shares her journey from leaving behind corporate success at Coca-Cola to becoming a champion of grassroots creativity, community connection and artistic confidence. Based in Battle, she has built networks that help artists find purpose, audiences and each other. The conversation explores what Sussex's visual-arts story reveals about the county's identity; from Charleston and Farleys Farm to Hastings Fat Tuesday, Coastal Currents and beyond. Lesley calls for a new regional strategy for the arts, one that values experimentation, supports young artists, and ensures the creative economy doesn't just survive but thrives under devolution. "Don't wait to be discovered - lift up the talent that's already here."   This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Creative Crawley – since becoming a charitable trust in 2021, Creative Crawley has transformed Crawley into a creative hub with a year-round programme of public performances, exhibitions and workshops across pop-up venues and makerspaces. Their flagship Creative Playground initiative, backed by a £1 million Arts Council England grant, has supported artist residencies and community co-creation projects, while the pilot Creative Village is testing the potential for a permanent cultural hub to sustain local artists and drive economic growth. Through partnerships with local, national and international artists, educators and creative organisations, Creative Crawley is nurturing new creative economies, inspiring civic pride, and redefining cultural leadership in the South East. 👉 creativecrawley.com   🎯 Why this matters "Visual artists aren't decoration. They're what make places human; they connect us, they challenge us, they make us think." 🧠 Topics covered include: The visual arts DNA of Sussex Why Brighton doesn't own all the creativity in Sussex The human networks that sustain the arts outside big cities How visual artists fuel wellbeing, identity and local economies The funding gap: making grants and opportunities accessible The need for a Sussex-wide cultural strategy under devolution Why grassroots creativity deserves national attention Public art as problem-solving – lessons from Crawley and elsewhere The call for every Sussex town to have an 'artist of the year' Residencies, mentoring and the importance of space to experiment "Art isn't just there to look pretty. It's there to make you feel something; to remind you that there's more than one way to see the world." 📚 Further reading and references Pure Arts Group – Lesley's artist network and consultancy Towner Eastbourne – Turner Prize host and regional anchor Charleston Trust – home of the Bloomsbury set Farleys House & Gallery – Lee Miller & Roland Penrose De La Warr Pavilion – cultural icon of Bexhill Phoenix Art Space – Brighton's artist-led studios Coastal Currents – Hastings and St Leonards arts festival South East Open Studios – regional artist showcase   🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Lesley Samms Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded: Projects, The Lanes - Brighton 📣 Get involved Want a joined-up Sussex story? Want to help shape devolution so it actually works for people and places? 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events.

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 26: Can Sussex Lead On Closing The Loop? Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Steve Creed - co-founder of Circular Brighton & Hove 🔍 Episode summary In this conversation, Richard Freeman sits down with Steve Creed – a Canadian-born sustainability consultant and leading voice in Sussex's circular-economy movement. Steve has spent decades connecting the dots between food, housing, transport, climate and culture, helping councils, housing groups and social enterprises to think differently about waste and regeneration. As co-founder of Circular Brighton & Hove and Vice Chair of the Adur Community Land Trust, he's long argued that Sussex could be a test-bed for joined-up, low-waste, regenerative growth – if it stops treating every issue in isolation. The discussion (a good companion to episode 20, and our chat with Jenny Andersson) explores Earth Overshoot Day, trust in politics, measuring real progress, and why the circular economy is less about jargon and more about people, compost and community power. Steve believes devolution is not a tidy fix, but a rare window to design something better — if civil society leads the charge before the politicians do. "In the forest, there's no waste. Trees fall, rot, feed the soil - everything has a purpose. The circular economy is just learning from that."   This episode is brought to you in partnership with: DMH Stallard – one of the South East's most respected full-service law firms, combining technical expertise with a pragmatic, human approach. With offices across Sussex, DMH Stallard advises individuals, businesses and public bodies across property, planning, dispute resolution, employment and private client services, and is particularly active in real-estate development and public-sector growth. The firm also proudly supports community and cultural projects across the region, investing time and expertise in the places where its teams live and work. 👉 dmhstallard.com     🎯 Why this matters "Trust is missing. Maybe the grassroots have to rebuild it first - business, civil society, local innovators - before the politicians catch up." 🧠 Topics covered include: What the circular economy really means beyond policy buzzwords How Circular Brighton & Hove helped shape a city-wide sustainability roadmap Why Earth Overshoot Day could be a Sussex-wide performance indicator The role of the mayor in connecting food, transport, housing and climate policy How devolution could enable joined-up, systems-level innovation Re-thinking Gross Value Added and other economic measures Trust and accountability in the new mayoral structure Lessons from Sussex Bay and community-led regeneration The potential of Sussex's micro-business ecosystem to drive growth "Pragmatic radicalism" - how small shifts across every sector add up   "Any mayor who wants to succeed will need new ways to measure progress — not just GDP, but how long it takes Sussex to reach Earth Overshoot Day." 📚 Further reading and references Circular Brighton & Hove – local hub for sustainable systems change Brighton & Hove City Council – Circular Economy Route Map Adur Community Land Trust Brighton & Hove Food Partnership – Community Composting and Food Networks Global Footprint Network – Earth Overshoot Day Data and Country Dashboards Sussex Bay – Seascape Restoration Partnership West of England Combined Authority – Green Innovation 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Steve Creed Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded: Projects, The Lanes - Brighton 📣 Get involved Want a joined-up Sussex story? Want to help shape devolution so it actually works for people and places? 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events.

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 25: Why I Want To Be Mayor (Part Four) Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Dr Ben Dempsey - Liberal Democrat candidate for Mayor of Sussex & Brighton 🔍 Episode summary In this special episode, Richard Freeman sits down with Ben Dempsey, the newly selected Liberal Democrat candidate for Mayor of Sussex & Brighton – and only the second confirmed name on the ballot paper for the 2026 election. Born and raised in Haywards Heath, educated at the University of Sussex, and with a career spanning international development, humanitarian aid and environmental conservation, Ben makes the case that he can link global experience with deep local roots. They discuss why he's running, how he plans to unite a politically fragmented county, and why he believes fairness, civility and practical action must define Sussex's new devolved future. From housing and buses to biodiversity and local democracy, this is a grounded conversation about what leadership might look like for a county ready to reinvent itself. "If we can capture a proud Sussex identity - radical, creative, beautiful - that's our untapped economic power."   This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Shake It Up Creative – the Worthing-based marketing and web agency helping businesses stand out with style, strategy and substance. Whether it's building a slick website, crafting a brand from scratch, or demystifying PR and SEO, Shake It Up brings clarity and confidence to marketing. Known for their collaborative mindset and straight-talking advice, they've supported hundreds of startups, charities and SMEs through their #ShakeItHub initiative and mentoring with BIPC, Community Works and Enterprise Nation. 🏆 Finalists at the 2025 Independent Agency Awards for Best Promotional Campaign. 👉 shakeitupcreative.com   🎯 Why this matters "A Sussex mayor will only work if we show early wins - and buses are the place to start." 🧠 Topics covered include: Ben's journey from Save the Children to Sussex environmental researcher What motivated him to stand as the first Mayor of Sussex & Brighton The challenge of uniting a politically diverse and divided region How transport connectivity and bus reform could be Sussex's biggest early win Why housing fairness and environmental recovery can (and must) coexist Lessons from Sussex's natural capital – Knepp, Ashdown Forest, and Sussex Bay How to build public trust in devolution after years of political fatigue Why tone and civility matter as much as policy in rebuilding trust His first 100-day priorities: buses, biodiversity, and quick wins for local councils "We can weave nature into a landscape that contains people. That's what Sussex has always done." 📚 Further reading and references Ben Dempsey – Liberal Democrat Candidate for Mayor of Sussex & Brighton Liberal Democrat Voice – "We Will Win With Unity, Not Division" Knepp Wilding Project Sussex Bay – Seascape Restoration Partnership Ashdown Forest Research and Conservation 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Ben Dempsey Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded: Projects, The Lanes - Brighton 📣 Get involved Want a joined-up Sussex story? Want to help shape devolution so it actually works for people and places? 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events.

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 24: Sussex Microbusinesses Are Hiding In Plain Sight Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Rachael Dines - Director, Shake It Up Creative 🔍 Episode summary In this episode, Richard Freeman talks with Rachael Dines, founder of Worthing-based marketing agency Shake It Up Creative and a well-known voice in the Sussex small business community. Rachel has worked at the heart of Sussex's microbusiness ecosystem, from mentoring start-ups to leading creative collaborations. Together, she and Richard explore what makes the network economy of Sussex so distinctive: thousands of small, agile firms driving innovation, culture, and growth - but often without the visibility, confidence, or joined-up strategy they deserve. They discuss how devolution could reshape business support, how manufacturing and creative sectors can connect better, and why Sussex needs to define what Brand Sussex actually means if it's to compete nationally and internationally. This is a candid, funny, and grounded conversation about ambition, burnout, and building something bigger, together. "We're brilliant at starting things, but not always at finishing them. Devolution could give us the long-term stability to see plans through."   This episode is brought to you in partnership with: DMH Stallard, one of the region's most respected full-service law firms - combining technical expertise with a pragmatic, human approach.   Whether advising individuals, businesses, or public sector bodies, they are known for delivering clear, commercially sound legal solutions. From property and planning law to dispute resolution, employment, and private client services, the firm's multi-disciplinary teams work closely with clients at every stage.   In Sussex, they are particularly active in real estate, development, and supporting local government and growth sectors. DMH Stallard is also a proud supporter of community and cultural projects across the South East, investing time and expertise into the places where their teams live and work. To explore their services or get in touch, visit dmhstallard.com 🎯 Why this matters "If you can't control it, at least have your say; be heard. That's the kind of place I want to live in." 🧠 Topics covered include: How microbusinesses and freelancers underpin the Sussex economy Why Sussex creative and manufacturing sectors rarely mix, but why they should How devolution could bring more sector-focused collaboration and funding Why too few people even know devolution is happening — and why that matters The challenges of burnout, short-termism and confidence in small business leadership The power of creative clusters — and why Sussex could be a national hub What a Sussex Mayor could do to support local supply chains and inward investment Defining "Brand Sussex" - and turning smallness into a strategic strength   "If we have a Sussex mayor, I just hope they're someone who can see the bigger picture - who gets into communities and actually listens." 📚 Further reading and references Shake It Up Creative 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Rachael Dines Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded: Projects, The Lanes - Brighton 📣 Get involved Want a joined-up Sussex story? Want to help shape devolution so it actually works for people and places? 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events.

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 23: Minding The Gap - Sussex Transport And Transparency Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Paul Bromley - Community Rail Line Officer, Southeast Communities Rail Partnership 🔍 Episode summary In this episode, Richard speaks with Paul Bromley, former political journalist, local newspaper editor, and now a leading voice in community rail and sustainable transport. From Brighton to Bognor, Hastings to Haywards Heath – Sussex's transport network is both its greatest enabler and its biggest frustration. Paul unpacks what a Sussex Mayor could actually do to fix the tangle of private operators, bus companies, and disjointed infrastructure, and how new devolution powers could transform how we move around the region. They also discuss the collapse of local journalism, the decline of regional scrutiny, and whether a new mayoral structure could spark a renaissance in accountability media across Sussex. This is an episode about Minding The Gap - Sussex Transport And Transparency – from trains and timetables to truth and trust.   This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Morgan Sindall Construction – one of the UK's leading construction and regeneration groups with a growing footprint across Sussex. From education and healthcare to urban regeneration and sustainable housing, Morgan Sindall is building a greener, fairer Sussex. The company invests in local supply chains, creates jobs and apprenticeships, and partners with councils and colleges to deliver community benefit on every project. 👉 morgansindall.com   🎯 Why this matters "A Sussex Mayor will only work if they can achieve three things – funding, funding and funding." 🧠 Topics covered include: How a Sussex Mayor could bring buses, trains and roads under one joined-up plan Why end-to-end journeys – not just station-to-station – are key to sustainable travel Lessons from Andy Burnham's Manchester model and its B Network The opportunities and risks of rail nationalisation in 2026 How transport links drive local growth, climate action, and tourism The urgent need for local transport expertise and investment in regional skills Why local journalism matters – and how devolution could bring back accountability "It's not about Brighton versus East Sussex or West Sussex – it's about seeing Sussex as a whole." 📚 Further reading and references South East Communities Rail Partnership Greater Manchester B Network Office of Rail and Road – Passenger Statistics   🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Paul Bromley Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded: Projects, The Lanes - Brighton 📣 Get involved Want a joined-up Sussex story? Want to help shape devolution so it actually works for people and places? 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events.

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 22: "Communities have an expectation" Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Cllr Sophie Cox - Leader of Worthing Borough Council 🔍 Episode summary In this conversation, Richard sits down with Cllr Sophie Cox, Leader of Worthing Borough Council and one of the youngest council leaders in Sussex. Sophie took on the top job just days before the 2024 local elections – and now faces the challenge of steering Worthing through historic structural change. As district and borough councils prepare to merge into new unitaries by 2028, Sophie offers an honest, on-the-ground perspective on what this means for local democracy, frontline services and community power. She shares why Worthing's Thriving Together initiative is setting a new benchmark for participatory engagement, and how councils must learn when to lead, when to listen – and when to get out of the way. This episode asks big questions about how local government reorganisation and devolution intersect, and what's at stake for towns like Worthing as Sussex heads toward its first ever mayoral election in 2026.   This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Digital Islands – established in 2017 by Gavin McWhirter, they deliver fully funded business support programmes in partnership with local authorities across Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. From half-day workshops and one-to-one mentoring at the East Sussex Business Hub, to in-person marketing clinics and peer networking, they've helped hundreds of small firms start, grow and thrive. 👉 digitalislands.co.uk 🎯 Why this matters "Councils need to evolve and change as communities need us to – and sometimes that's about just getting out of the way and allowing things to happen naturally and organically." 🧠 Topics covered include: How Worthing's grassroots cultural energy is shaping a new story of place What it means to be a council for the community – and the expectations it creates The Thriving Together model of community engagement Balancing political leadership with officer-led delivery in times of change The looming impact of local government reorganisation on district and borough councils How Sussex Bay and Worthing Festival show councils can seed projects, then step back Why turnout in the 2026 mayoral election is crucial – and how to get residents to care "It doesn't have to start with another layer of government. We need to open up the conversation, look at all the options, and make sure community voice is truly embedded." 📚 Further reading and references Worthing Borough Council – Thriving Together MHCLG: Local Government Reorganisation Guidance Sussex Bay – seascape restoration partnership   🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Cllr Sophie Cox Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded: Projects, The Lanes - Brighton 📣 Get involved Want a joined-up Sussex story? Want to help shape devolution so it actually works for people and places? 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events.

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 21: Why Brighton's Nightlife Matters For All Of Sussex Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Nick Connaughton – Co-CEO & Executive Director, The Old Market (TOM) 🔍 Episode summary Richard sits down with Nick Connaughton, the Australian-born co-director of The Old Market in Hove, to explore the realities of running an independent cultural venue at a time of financial pressure, rapid change, and new opportunities. Nick talks about The Old Market's history – from 19th century trading space to equestrian school, to an arts hub rescued by the creators of Stomp. Today, TOM thrives on "performance at the messy edges": projects that blur music, theatre, technology and community. This episode explores how Sussex's creative sector could tell a bigger regional story under devolution – and whether Brighton's nightlife and cultural ecosystem can survive without a bold, joined-up strategy that connects with the wider Sussex story.   This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Galloways Accounting, Sussex's largest independent accountancy practice. With six offices from Worthing to Brighton to Eastbourne to Uckfield, they combine deep local knowledge with cutting-edge cloud accounting tools. They support family businesses, charities, tech start-ups and professional practices - helping clients streamline finances, manage cash flow and plan for growth. Their specialist teams in R&D tax credits, payroll and succession planning keep Sussex enterprises competitive and compliant. To see how Galloways powers smarter financial decisions across our county, visit wearegalloways.com   🎯 Why this matters "I wonder whether I had slightly rose-tinted glasses… because I think in my head, if Brighton and Sussex have it sorted, there's great arts institutions, great venues, great cultural organisations, an abundance of NPOs. They must be really well networked, connected together, and everything must flow really perfectly between them all. But I guess a lot of what I've come to realise… is that there is a lack of resource, there are very small teams, there is competition over audiences, competition over artists." 🧠 Topics covered include: The Old Market's transformation into an independent charity and its "messy edges" programming Brighton and Sussex as cultural ecosystems – are venues working together or competing for scraps? Why devolution could reset the relationship between councils, venues and artists Technology, wellbeing and live performance – where TOM's #TomTech programme is heading next The case for a night-time economy strategy (and maybe a Sussex 'nighttime economy tzar') Why venues shouldn't try to be everything to everyone The need for bold vision alongside basic survival "It's trying to get back to, I think, what does a cultural ecosystem look like? Even looking at the example of a forest canopy: you need those really tall trees up there, but sometimes if they get too tall, they do block out a lot of the light underneath. And then, similarly, if you get too thick a mid-growth or an undergrowth, then everything starts to die out. So it's trying to think quite clearly about, what is our role in that ecosystem?" 📚 Further reading and references The Old Market, Hove Arts Council England – Place strategies UK Music – This Is Music 2024 Report   🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Nic Connaughton Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded: Projects, The Lanes - Brighton 📣 Get involved Want a joined-up Sussex story? Want to help shape devolution so it actually works for people and places? 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events.

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 20: From Polycrisis To Possibility: A Regenerative Sussex Vision Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Jenny Andersson – founder, The Really Regenerative Centre 🔍 Episode summary What if Sussex stopped "greening" the old system and started building a regenerative one? Richard talks with Jenny Andersson, whose Really Regenerative Centre helps places and organisations align economy, culture and ecology with living-systems principles. Jenny argues that Sussex could lead in bioregional transformation, from food systems and bio-based construction to cross-Channel place identity, but only if we drop short project cycles and back long-horizon, participatory, whole-place design. How can we think properly about scale vs. ecosystems, profit and purpose, and why a mayor must be a visionary convener, not just a manager. Jenny has spent a decade exploring regenerative design — aligning economy, culture and ecology with the principles that have sustained life for 3.8 billion years. She argues Sussex could lead the world in food reform, climate-friendly housing, and bio-based materials — but only if it dares to move beyond short projects and embrace long-term transformation.   This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Kreston Reeves – one of the UK's leading accountancy and advisory firms and among the first to achieve B Corp status. With offices in Brighton, Chichester and beyond, they help Sussex organisations grow with clarity, confidence and purpose — from tax strategy and audit to ESG reporting and succession planning. 👉 krestonreeves.com 🎯 Why this matters "Over 1000s of years in Sussex, you can see that there's always been a culture of making, not making in vast numbers, but making small runs of incredibly high quality product." "This shift, this leap to having a regenerative economy, is about us learning how to really deeply and radically collaborate and look at the good of the whole before we look at individualism." 🧠 Topics covered include: What regeneration really means — "the impulse of life to continue to create the conditions conducive to life." Sussex as a 'bay and a bowl': geology, history and cross-Channel ties. From shipbuilding to Rolls Royce and Montezuma's — the thread of quality making in West Sussex. Why nutrient-dense local food and regenerative farming matter more than scale. The clash between "constant growth on a finite planet" and working with ecosystems. The need for radical collaboration and "new forms of governance and finance raising" to rebuild food and housing systems. Why Sussex needs a "We need a person who really understands… how do all those different stories of place come together in shared purpose to make a whole?": "Somebody that is really developing a co-creative, multi stakeholder, participatory process… not spreadsheets and GDP figures." "We need a person who really understands… how do all those different stories of place come together in shared purpose to make a whole?" 📚 Further reading and references The Really Regenerative Centre CIC Groundswell Regenerative Agriculture Sussex Bay South Downs National Park – Ecology & Biodiversity Scotland The Bread Doughnut Economics Action Lab New European Bauhaus 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Jenny Andersson Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded: Projects, The Lanes - Brighton 📣 Get involved Want better public communication in Sussex? Want to help shape devolution so it actually works for people and places? 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events.

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 19: The Lessons From North Yorkshire Host: Richard Freeman Guest: James Farrar - Chief Executive, York & North Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority 🔍 Episode summary Sussex is heading for devolution—new unitaries, a directly elected mayor, and big expectations. So what does it really take to go from theory to action? Richard talks to James Farah, Chief Executive of the York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority, about how his region navigated local government reorganisation and launched a mayoral combined authority - then moved quickly from promises to projects. York & North Yorkshire (like Sussex) spans rural, coastal and urban communities, a national park, diverse economies and different political colours. James shares how they built trust, agreed an economic framework before the election, created "quick win" pipelines for year one, and put in place the relationships and rigour to sustain momentum. It's a candid, highly practical conversation about power, place and delivery — packed with lessons Sussex can use now.   This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Galloways Accounting – Sussex's largest independent accountancy practice, with six offices from Worthing to Brighton to Eastbourne to Uckfield. They combine deep local knowledge with cutting-edge cloud tools to help family businesses, charities, tech start-ups and professional practices manage cash flow, R&D tax credits, payroll, succession planning and more. 👉 wearegalloways.com 🎯 Why this matters "Where combined authorities work best, they don't do to each other. The mayor doesn't do to the councils, and the councils don't do to the mayor. They work in partnership - on shared priorities, with shared resources." "The big prize is certainty. Longer-term settlements let you plan 10 years out, build a pipeline, and be more ambitious. Then an integrated settlement lets you blend transport, skills, housing and net zero around outcomes for people and places." 🧠 Topics covered include: The road to devolution: why York & North Yorkshire did local government reorganisation first, then launched the combined authority. "Day One readiness": creating an economic framework (not a strategy) pre-election so any incoming mayor inherits agreed priorities - and can then add their flavour. Quick wins vs. long game: town-centre footfall projects, EV infrastructure and cultural boosts in year one, while planning bigger structural investments. How the machine works: the non-political executive team, statutory responsibilities, and why robust governance and assurance matter. Partnership, not push: the constitutional principle that local leaders must support local investment, and the human work of trust at political, CEO and director levels. Accountability & engagement: publishing plans and decisions, formal evaluation (including government gateway reviews), and the evolving challenge of two-way public engagement across rural areas. Competitive advantage & enablers: focusing on sectors with exponential potential while underpinning tourism, micro-businesses and town centres, enabled by skills, housing and connectivity. Housing & demographics: the cost/availability crunch pushing young people out - and why affordable housing is a central economic policy. What devolution unlocks: senior reach into Whitehall, multi-year funding certainty, and the path to integrated settlements that blend budgets around outcomes - and crowd in private finance "We're not just a big city—we're a region of 30+ towns. Invest in town centres and footfall to build momentum." 📚 Further reading and references York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority – Devolution & Mayor https://yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk York & North Yorkshire Devolution Deal (Gov.uk) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/york-and-north-yorkshire-devolution-deal Levelling Up White Paper (executive overview) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/levelling-up-the-united-kingdom Centre for Cities – Metro Mayors explained https://www.centreforcities.org/metro-mayors/ Transport for the South East – Strategic Investment Plan (Sussex context) https://transportforthesoutheast.org.uk/our-vision/strategic-investment-plan/ Local Government Reorganisation: lessons learned (LGA) https://www.local.gov.uk/topics/devolution/devolution-and-lg-reorganisation-hub 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: James Farrar Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded: Remote (Normandy ↔ Sussex) with thanks to the calm after the storm 📣 Get involved Want better public communication in Sussex? Want to help shape devolution so it actually works for people and places? 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events.

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 19: Bridges Not Borders; Rethinking Sussex's Link To The World Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Graham Precey – social impact leader (ex-Head of Sustainability, Legal & General); community convenor for the Newhaven–Dieppe ("Le Havre de Paix") ferry decarbonisation effort; Normandy–Sussex bridge-builder 🔍 Episode summary Richard speaks with Graham Precey from across the Channel in Normandy to unpack why the Newhaven–Dieppe ferry is more than a boat: but a living bridge between Sussex and Normandy that carries tourists, freight, ideas and identity — and a testbed for decarbonising short-sea shipping. Graham traces a career in corporate social and environmental impact long before 'ESG' was a buzzword, and explains how that experience now fuels a community-led, binational mission: cutting ~41,000 tonnes of CO₂ from the route, protecting a 200-year lifeline, and turning Sussex's "over-the-horizon" into an everyday, low-carbon local journey. This is a practical conversation about infrastructure that people can see and use — ferries, ports, pallets and power — and how open, ego-free convening is bringing councils, operators, businesses and residents together to solve a problem that matters. 🎯 Why this matters "It's a bridge. 368,000 people and a whole lot of pallets cross it each year. It's real economy, not just the cloud — and right now about 41,000 tonnes of carbon go straight up the funnel. We need to change that, and we are."  "If I were the Sussex mayor, I'd start with the real assets: Gatwick, Shoreham, Newhaven. They bring in people and trade you can count. Then ask: how do we make them work together — and cleaner — fast?"  🧠 Topics covered include: The ferry as a 200-year "living bridge": culture, tourism, trade and identity Why short-sea decarbonisation (electric, hybrid, hydrogen, fuels) is urgent and doable Who pays (and why): the Normandy case for investment, carbon pricing pressures, fleet renewal Sussex's three strategic gateways — Gatwick, Shoreham, Newhaven — and treating them as a system Open Space convening: dropping egos, myth-busting, and co-creating the agenda in public Practical wins: letters of support from Sussex bodies, technical working groups, Franco-British dialogue Making the route busier and fairer: pricing, signage, language, and lowering friction on both shores Devolution takeaway: how a mission-led mayoral programme could scale this approach to other regional challenges 📚 Further reading and references Newhaven–Dieppe Ferry (DFDS/Transmanche) – timetables, route and operator info 👉 https://www.dfds.com/en/passenger-ferries/ferry-routes/ferries-to-france/newhaven-dieppe Port of Newhaven – port information and development updates 👉 https://www.newhavenport.co.uk/ Département de la Seine-Maritime (Rouen) – the French public owner/funder behind the route 👉 https://www.seinemaritime.fr/ Transport for the South East – regional transport strategy and investment pipeline 👉 https://transportforthesoutheast.org.uk/ The Crown Estate | Marine – UK seabed, offshore energy and marine leasing context 👉 https://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/en-gb/what-we-do/marine/ Open Space Technology (Harrison Owen) – the facilitation method used in the Sussex–Normandy sessions 👉 https://openspaceworld.org/wp2/ International Maritime Organization (IMO) GHG Strategy – global decarbonisation framework for shipping 👉 https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/HotTopics/Pages/Cutting-GHG-emissions.aspx 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Graham Precey Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded: Remote (Normandy ↔ Sussex) with thanks to the calm after the storm This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Let's Do Business Finance – powering the ambitions of entrepreneurs and small businesses across Sussex and beyond. As an accredited British Business Bank delivery partner, they've supported hundreds of start-ups and scale-ups with loans from £500 to £150,000 – filling the funding gap left by high street banks. With expert advice and tailored finance packages, they're backing local jobs, boosting business confidence, and helping communities thrive. 👉 letsdobusinessfinance.co.uk     📣 Get involved Care about cleaner, faster, fairer Sussex connectivity? Want the new Sussex mayor to consider ideas like the Newhaven–Dieppe link to become a flagship for green growth? Explore more episodes, resources and events: 👉 sussexandthecity.info

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 17: The Case For Bold, Female-led Climate Entrepreneurship In Sussex Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Maddy Cooper – Founder of Flourish This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Plus Accounting – The leading B Corp certified firm of Chartered Accountants dedicated to Brighton & Hove. Serving growth sectors from video game studios and creative industries to healthcare, property, life sciences and cutting-edge tech, their team support start-ups, scale-ups and long-established enterprises with tailored tax planning, R&D claims, audits and advisory. 👉 plusaccounting.co.uk 🔍 Episode summary Richard speaks with Maddy Cooper, founder of Flourish – a Brighton-based agency pioneering the intersection of sustainability and artificial intelligence. After two decades running big-brand campaigns, Maddy walked away to build something new: a platform that helps businesses turn genuine sustainability investments into legally compliant, motivating marketing. In this conversation, she shares candid reflections on the barriers facing ambitious founders in Sussex, the risks of "greenhushing," and why the region must decide whether it wants to stay small and safe – or back the kind of scale-ups that could put it on the global map. This is a bold take on female-led innovation, AI, climate responsibility and what devolution could mean for businesses that want to do good and grow fast. This is a good companion piece to episode 15, and the conversation with Simon Chuter.   🎯 Why this matters "Businesses in Brighton and Sussex have an opportunity to thrive if they really embrace sustainability. But too often I see small-scale thinking. Big, bold, ambitious thinking requires bravery — without it, we'll be blocked in our growth."   🧠 Topics covered include: Why sustainable marketing is a growth driver, not a "nice-to-have" The legal and reputational risks of greenwashing Sussex's habit of celebrating smallness vs the need for scale What Cambridge and Singapore get right about growth and innovation Why Sussex risks being left behind without deliberate support for scale-ups Female-led entrepreneurship and the leadership gap What a Sussex mayor could do: showcase scale-ups, convene academia and business, and fuel ambition with funding Sustainability as competitive differentiation for Gen Z and Gen Alpha consumers "A business like Flourish can be – and will be – the next Brandwatch or bigger. But no one here is helping me do that. At the intersection of sustainability and AI we can transform industries, careers and communities. What's missing is the support, the money, and the ambition." 📚 Further reading and references Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership – courses and research on sustainable business UK Competition & Markets Authority: Green Claims Code – guidance on avoiding greenwashing Innovate UK – national innovation funding and support programmes Brandwatch – Brighton-born global social intelligence and analytics scale-up 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Maddy Cooper Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton 📣 Get involved Want better public communication in Sussex? Want to help shape devolution in a way people understand?👉 sussexandthecity.info – for more episodes, resources and events.

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 16: Why I Want To Be Mayor (Parts Two & Three) Host: Richard Freeman Guests: Tim Loughton – former MP for East Worthing & Shoreham Paul Marshall – Leader of West Sussex County Council This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Different Hats – founded by Sam Thomas in 2024, Different Hats brings together 20 years of helping Sussex businesses tell stories that convert. From producing over 100 podcast episodes to hosting live events and building a powerful network of regional leaders, they're shaping authentic storytelling that sparks change. 👉 different-hats.co.uk 🔍 Episode summary Richard sits down with two heavyweight West Sussex Conservative figures — Tim Loughton and Cllr Paul Marshall — who until August were both contenders for the party's Sussex mayoral nomination. Though neither are in the race now as Katy Bourne secures the nomination, their perspectives reveal much about what's at stake as Sussex prepares for devolution. Tim draws on 27 years in Parliament to argue that a Sussex mayor could finally secure the infrastructure and investment the county he feels it has long been denied. Paul, meanwhile, reflects on his time as leader of West Sussex County Council, emphasising productivity, connectivity and collaboration as the pillars of a future Sussex economy. Between Westminster experience and local government pragmatism, both men paint different but overlapping pictures of what Sussex needs from its first mayor - and the risks if we don't get it right. 🎯 Why this matters "We're the seventh largest economy in England, but we've seen so much money drain to the Treasury without enough coming back. Sussex needs far greater control over how we invest in our own infrastructure. That's why I became a convert to devolution — because other metro mayors are getting things done that I could never achieve as an MP." – Tim Loughton "Connectivity leads to opportunity. Poor connectivity leads to poor outcomes. If you can't move easily across Sussex — east to west, north to south — you can't unlock productivity or create the standard of living people deserve. A mayor's role is to convene, to align ambitions, and to deliver on that long-term." – Cllr Paul Marshall 🧠 Topics covered include: Why Sussex should see itself as one county, not fragments Lessons from Manchester, Liverpool and other devolved regions The A27, housing pressures, and the talent drain Why productivity in Sussex lags behind the South East The balance between economic growth and inclusion How devolution could fix fragmented decision-making The mayor as convener: collaboration not command Risks of over-politicisation and the need for public trust   🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guests: Tim Loughton & Cllr Paul Marshall Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton 📣 Get involved Want better public communication in Sussex? Want to help shape devolution in a way people understand? 👉 sussexandthecity.info – for more episodes, resources and events.

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 15: Small Is Beautiful - But Sussex Needs Scale Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Simon Chuter - business growth strategist, founder of Scale Up Sussex, former Head of Centres & Investment Services at Sussex Innovation This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Kreston Reeves – one of the UK's leading accountancy and advisory firms and one of the first to achieve B Corp status. With offices in Brighton, Chichester and beyond, they help Sussex businesses grow with clarity, confidence and purpose – from tax strategy and audit to ESG reporting and succession planning. 👉 krestonreeves.com 🔍 Episode summary In this candid conversation, Richard sits down with Sussex-born-and-bred enterprise champion Simon Chuter to explore how devolution could shape a more joined-up, ambitious business landscape – and why the mayoralty's first job should be to fund what works. Simon draws on over a decade supporting founders, scale-ups and investors across the county – from student entrepreneurs at the University of Sussex to experienced business leaders seeking growth capital. He makes the case that Sussex has all the ingredients for a thriving scale-up culture, but too often fails to connect its pockets of excellence into a coherent regional story. This episode digs into what scaling really means, why it matters for job diversity, and how barriers like talent, finance, leadership, markets and infrastructure could be tackled with smart, evidence-based investment.   🎯 Why this matters "I'd like to think that it's possible to create a grand narrative, to create a grand community across the region, across the county of Sussex - it's certainly possible, but there are huge pockets of inequality, not just in the county, but in the city that we're sat in now. Telling a cohesive story that brings people together when you've got different politics across the region, different ideas, different values, different sets of beliefs, is… messy. That's what I'm getting my head around now - slowly but surely."   🧠 Topics covered include: What makes Sussex unique – and why cohesion is hard but possible Why scaling isn't about "corporate behemoths" but about good jobs for good people The five big barriers holding back business growth How to build a county-wide mentoring culture that works across sectors Why the mayor should scale-up the scale-up programmes Lessons from investment networks and university-linked entrepreneurship Avoiding guff: making collaboration real, not performative "It's about creating good jobs. That's fundamentally what it's about for me: good jobs for good people in good places. How do we create an economy whereby people can do really great work, in a way that has significant impact? The way we do that is by growing businesses who can employ at that scale. Small is beautiful, yes — but there's an opportunity to do something else as well. It's additive rather than a takeaway." 📚 Further reading and references ScaleUp Institute – What is a scale-up? OECD definition of scale-ups Logical Progression – A scale-up research report for the Brighton and Sussex economic area 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Simon Chuter Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton 📣 Get involved Want better public communication in Sussex? Want to help shape devolution in a way people understand?👉 sussexandthecity.info – for more episodes, resources and events.  

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 14: We Can Be Better At Communicating Complexity Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Natalie Orringe - Founder, Strategy + Impact This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Be Well. Live Well. – A data-led workplace wellbeing model helping Sussex employers boost performance and productivity by putting health at the heart of their culture. 👉 bewelllivewell.co.uk 🔍 Episode summary Richard speaks with Natalie Orringe, one of the UK's most thoughtful voices on public engagement, communications and strategic leadership. A former agency director turned local government insider, Natalie shares what she learned as the first-ever Chief Marketing Officer in a London borough – and why local government communications roles like that matter more than ever in a climate of public cynicism, fractured trust, and rapid political change. Now based in Brighton, she works across public and private sectors helping leaders make their strategy meaningful, human and heard. This is a good companion piece to episode 12, and our chat with Flo Powell.   🎯 Why this matters Now Sussex is getting an elected mayor and a new tier of governance, it also needs a total reboot in how it talks to people. Natalie argues that clarity, storytelling, and genuine dialogue must sit at the heart of the process  Communications isn't an add-on – it's how trust is built Good consultation starts early and is relentlessly honest Regional identity is up for grabs – so let's define it, together Consultation literacy must be nurtured, not assumed 💬 "People aren't stupid – but they're sick of being spoken down to."   🧠 Topics covered include: Why communications is the scaffolding of public trust How councils can stop performative consultation and start meaningful engagement What went wrong with devolution comms – and how to fix it Why marketing skills are central to public sector success The dangers of inconsistency, opacity and missed feedback loops What Sussex can learn from Essex, Southend, and solar farms Why we must stop fearing complexity – and start telling better stories "Employers say they want talent. But they need to take responsibility for building it – not just hoping someone else will." 📚 Further reading and references Strategy + Impact – Natalie's consultancy Together Co – Brighton-based loneliness charity chaired by Natalie Good Business Pays – Campaign tackling slow payments to small businesses 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Natalie Orringe Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton 📣 Get involved Want better public communication in Sussex? Want to help shape devolution in a way people understand?👉 sussexandthecity.info – for more episodes, resources and events.  

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 13: Sussex Is Full Of Talent. But Employers Aren't Finding It. Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Dan Wallman - Founder, TechNative Digital This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Different Hats – Strategic storytelling, curated events and creative content from Sam Thomas and co, helping Sussex leaders spark real change across business and communities. 👉 different-hats.co.uk 🔍 Episode summary Richard speaks with Dan Wallman - a long-time force in Sussex creative/digital learning and founder of Tech Native Digital - about why our tech skills system hasn't been working, and what it will take to build one that does. From pioneering creative training at DV8 Sussex to helping shape the region's Local Skills Improvement Plan, Dan has spent 20 years connecting talent with opportunity.   As a partner piece to episode 10, exploring the further education and policy approach to the labour market in Sussex, this episode gets under the skin of what local employers need. And how digital bootcamps, and a focus on junior career pathways, are some practical tools Sussex needs to help people thrive where they live. With devolution and a regional mayor on the way, Dan argues that we need to go full throttle on a digital skills revolution. 🎯 Why this matters A regional, employer-led approach to tech training that is inclusive and bold could: Close the gap between training and real-world jobs Align funding with current and future industry needs Boost participation in digital, creative and green tech sectors Enable long-term career pathways for underrepresented groups Support economic growth and social mobility "Bootcamps alone won't fix this. We need strategy, collaboration and systems that actually work for people."   🧠 Topics covered include: Why bootcamps work – and where they don't The rise of tech-led training models co-designed by employers Systemic barriers to meaningful employer engagement How AI, better knowledge of neurodiversity and new tools are reshaping access The problem with vanishing junior roles What devolution could unlock for tech, skills and inclusion The critical importance of scaling pilots that work "Employers say they want talent. But they need to take responsibility for building it – not just hoping someone else will." 📚 Further reading and references Tech Native Digital – Dan's digital skills bootcamp and consultancy Sussex Chamber – LSIP Hub – Local Skills Improvement Plan Dabbble – Work experience innovation platform by Jim Byford DV8 Sussex – Dan's former creative college supporting thousands of learners in Brighton and Bexhill 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Dan Wallman Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton 📣 Get involved Want better public communication in Sussex? Want to help shape devolution in a way people understand?👉 sussexandthecity.info – for more episodes, resources and events.