This free and interactive business planning programme has been created for business leaders in East Sussex. Whether you are the owner, the chief executive, the managing director, or the general manager, this is a chance for you to create and develop your business plan with not only the guidance and […]
Newhaven continues on “upward curve” with new store opening
Newhaven has a new leading retailer in the town after The Range opened their latest store today. Employing 80 people and home to an Iceland outlet, staff were ready to welcome hundreds of socially distanced local shoppers to the opening of the home, leisure and garden specialist. Councillor James MacCleary, […]
Help for businesses from local councils
Business rates relief boosted with new £1.5 billion pot On 25 March 2021 the Government announced new business rates relief for those affected by COVID-19 outside the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors. The details of this announcement can be found here: www.gov.uk/government/news/business-rates-relief-boosted-with-new-15-billion-pot Still awaiting detailed guidance and timelines from the Government […]
Applications open for a Pavement Licence
Food and drink businesses can apply for a Pavement Licence to put chairs and tables outside their premises. The application process is simple and licenses are usually granted within ten days.Businesses will need to make sure there is enough space for pedestrians – this includes a minimum of two metres […]
New government programme to help businesses grow
The government’s new Help to Grow: Management programme offers the chance to take your business to the next level. Join other senior business leaders in a practical management training programme, with 1-1 mentorship, delivered across the UK by leading business schools accredited by the Small Business Charter. The 12-week programme […]
Be on your guard against Covid con, businesses warned
Businesses across the county are being warned to be on their guard against scammers after fake Government letters were delivered in Eastbourne and Hailsham. The hand-delivered letters, claiming to be from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, falsely claim that all businesses must, by law, have Covid-safe air […]
Business Hothouse – A package of free expert business support
If you run a business in the Lewes, Seaford, Newhaven, Peacehaven and surrounding areas, or are thinking of starting one, do take advantage of the package of free business support available to you through the Business Hothouse programme.The Business Hothouse offers free support to start-ups and established businesses in the […]
Business Restart Grants
Eastbourne and Lewes Councils are open for applications to the new Restart Grant scheme announced by government on the 3 March 2021. The scheme is open to help non-essential retail, hospitality, leisure, accommodation, gyms, sports and personal care businesses re-open safely as Covid-19 restrictions are lifted. For information on the […]
Are You Preparing to Reopen Your Business?
Whether you are reopening following lockdown, opening a new business or simply diversifying what you offer, then this free scheme offers friendly advice to help you understand what you need to do to meet your legal obligations when reopening. From fire safety and signposting allergens in your menu to hosting an outdoor event, a series of handy […]
Extra help for businesses to cover Covid-19 losses
We are currently accepting applications under the Exceptional Hardship, Business Adaptation and Self-employed schemes. Following a recent review, the council expanded the Additional Restrictions Grant so that it can support more businesses through these schemes: Exceptional Hardship Scheme: Aimed at micro, small and medium sized businesses, this is designed to […]
Lewes District Council fast tracks summer al fresco fun for all
Lewes District Council will shelve a raft of usual licencing requirements to give customers at pubs, restaurants and cafes the opportunity to enjoy more al fresco drinking and dining during the summer months. The council decision will help hospitality businesses that have been shut because of the Covid-19 pandemic and […]
Is your business ready to grow?
Digital Islands is running a programme of business support funded through East Sussex County Council (under the banner of the South East Business Boost European Regional Development Fund). They have three spaces left for the next wave, which starts in three weeks time. Each business receives an initial 2-3 consultation […]
Cabinet triggers funding opportunity for businesses in Lewes district
Cabinet councillors at Lewes District Council have earmarked a funding pot for businesses in the district and self-employed who are suffering exceptional hardship, including those that have not been able to access any of the government Covid-19 support. Councillor James MacCleary, Leader of Lewes District Council, said: “We are increasingly […]
Local businesses invited to help shape the East Sussex Wellbeing at Work Programme
East Sussex Public Health and partners are developing the East Sussex Wellbeing at Work Programme to be launched later this year. The programme will contain a free award-based accreditation scheme to recognise East Sussex employer’s commitment to improving health and wellbeing in the workplace, and it will support local employers […]
Free and impartial skills information and support businesses from Transform
How can Transform help my business?They can help you to address current and future skills gaps through government funded apprenticeships, traineeships and workforce skills training.They offer impartial, one-to-one advice and support about how to source and access workforce training, in line with your business objectives.Did you know?Hiring an apprentice is […]
Council supports National Apprenticeship Week
APPRENTICESHIPS in East Sussex will be given a boost this week as the county council supports National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), which runs from February 8 – 14. As well as highlighting the national campaign, the council is officially launching its £600,000 Transform programme this week which supports businesses to access […]
Prioritising community testing in East Sussex – request to complete survey
Community testing is being rolled out in East Sussex to identify people who unknowingly have Covid-19. Testing of people without symptoms (asymptomatic) will enable anyone unknowingly carrying the virus to isolate, along with their contacts thus reducing the spread of the virus in the community. To make best use of […]
Keep your business moving: New video explainers on doing business with Europe
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has launched a series of new, on demand videos to help businesses familiarise themselves with the new rules and the actions they should take. Businesses can find out more about 18 topics, including importing and exporting, trade, data, and audit and accounting. […]
Take your company to the next level in 2021
Are you a business leader responsible for the development and delivery of the company business plan? Would you benefit from guidance on producing the ideal business plan for your company? Join Locate East Sussex for their free business planning programme running from 3 February – 10 March 2021. Led by […]
Have you got a great business idea for 2021 but don’t know where to start?
Future entrepreneurs in the Lewes district are being encouraged to take part in this year’s Local Enterprise & Apprenticeship Platform (LEAP) business start-up programme. Applicants will access a package of tailored support and be in with a chance to win a £2,500 grant to start their business. This free programme is funded by Lewes District […]
Ice Cream Concession on Seaford Promenade available for Tender
Seaford Town Council is pleased to invite tenders for a mobile ice cream concession on Seaford’s popular seafront. Seaford Town Council’s highly sought-after Mobile Ice Cream Concession spot, situated on Marine Parade at Bönningstedt Promenade, is available for tender. Bönningstedt Promenade is placed along the western part of the two-mile […]
Maria Caulfield MP welcomes new support for businesses
Lewes MP Maria Caulfield has welcomed new support for businesses announced by the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak. The government have already set out the economic package of support for businesses over the Winter, including monthly grants for closed businesses worth up to £3,000 per month, extending the furlough scheme to April […]
New website launches to support local manufacturers
Lewes District Council and Eastbourne Borough Council have launched a new website to promote local manufacturers. The new website – www.makelocal.info – showcases manufacturers across different sectors including food and beverage, plastics, chemical and pharmaceutical. Manufacturing is well represented across Lewes District and Eastbourne with a higher percentage of commercial space dedicated […]
SETTING UP SMEs FOR CHRISTMAS
● SINCE THE START OF THE PANDEMIC, 65% OF BUSINESS OWNERS FEEL THEIR BUSINESS HAS BECOME BETTER AT COMMUNICATING, WITH 23% AGREEING THAT NEW TECHNOLOGY HAS ALLOWED STAFF TO WORK MORE EFFICIENTLY ● 37% OF STAFF PLAN TO WORK IN DIFFERENT LOCATIONS THAN THEIR USUAL REMOTE ENVIRONMENT THROUGHOUT THE CHRISTMAS & NEW […]
NEARLY 5,000 JOBS TO BE SAVED AT PEACOCKS IF MANAGEMENT BUY-OUT GETS GO AHEAD
This could be some good news for our local stores. A management buy-out (MBO) proposal has been submitted to the administrators of fashion retailer Peacocks and if successful has the potential to prevent UK-wide store closures and save 4,908 people from redundancy. The bid from a senior eCommerce manager at […]
Greens call for extra support for small business hit by Covid
Lewes District Green Party has called for additional measures to support small businesses that have suffered heavy losses during the coronavirus pandemic, ahead of Small Business Saturday this weekend. As small companies across the district struggle to keep afloat due to the pandemic, local Greens have called for a five […]
New website launches to support local manufacturers
Lewes District Council and Eastbourne Borough Council have launched a new website to promote local manufacturers. The new website (makelocal.info) showcases manufacturers across different sectors including food and beverage, plastics, chemical and pharmaceutical. Manufacturing is well represented across Lewes District and Eastbourne with a higher percentage of commercial space dedicated […]
Free business support programme for heritage organisations Heritage Compass is a a brand-new business support programme which will help 150 small and medium-sized heritage organisations from across England to grow and sustain their businesses. Over two years, the programme will be offering tailored training, mentoring, peer learning and strategy development, […]
Applications invited for latest Covid-19 business grants
The application process for the recently announced Local Restriction Support Grants is now open and can be accessed via the Eastbourne Borough Council. Businesses that the government have said must close during the current lockdown can apply for grants of up to £3,000 per month. The criteria for the scheme […]
East Sussex Visitor Summit – Tuesday 24 November at 10am
Ask the experts how they are handling the latest Covid-19 situation This free virtual summit brings together hospitality experts who will be asked by by Rob Cottrill, Chief Executive of Lewes District and Eastbourne Borough Councils on how they built their businesses, and how they are coping with a second […]
Who to contact for business advice
If you need help understanding the schemes put in place to help businesses through the current COVID-19 situation contact Business East Sussex on 01273 335878 or visit southeastbusiness.org.uk/east-sussex. A business advisor will also be able to help you on a one to one basis on a range of matters including business […]
Live Q&A: Support for Businesses and help available through the Community Hubs | Thursday 5 November at 10am
Do note the new day! The weekly Live Q&A will take place on Thursday 5 November at 10am this week, to coincide with the first day of the new lockdown period. This week’s session will focus on the support available for businesses affected by Covid-19, for which Cllr James MacCleary will be joined by […]
How is your business doing in the current climate?
Your Eastbourne BID, the business-led, business-funded initiative to improve and enhance Eastbourne town centre has launched a business survey. They want to understand your current situation, growth prospects, and where you feel you might need further support. Next month, they will be holding a webinar with Caroline Ansell MP and […]
Got a new business idea? Here is what to do next
To give local residents and businesses more choice in accessing their business support services, Edeal has launched a series of free bite size webinars, and is hosting a free and Covid-secure business start-up workshop in Eastbourne on Monday 16 November. Edeal is funded by Lewes District and Eastbourne Borough Councils to provide free […]
Apply now for the next LEAP business start-up programme
Have you got a great business idea but don’t know where to start? Future entrepreneurs from Lewes, Seaford, Newhaven, Peacehaven and the surrounding areas are being encouraged to take part in next year’s LEAP business start-up programme to access a package of tailored support, and to be in with a […]
Second recovery summit: Working together to support people affected by Covid-19 in Lewes district
The second recovery summit for Lewes district highlighted the importance of working together to create new jobs, a more skilled workforce and giving struggling people the support they need in the wake of Covid-19. It was hosted online by Councillor Zoe Nicholson( pictured), Deputy Leader of Lewes District Council, on Wednesday (October 14) to bring together local businesses and voluntary and […]