How we can help you
Business support
Find out about our support for SMEs in East Sussex to start, grow or relocate to the county.
East Sussex is a great place to invest. It is home to some of the brightest start-ups and leading brands and offers the most affordable commercial property available in the South East.
With you every step of the way our experienced team offer 12 hours of business support to new or existing businesses seeking to grow within the county. Our service is confidential, impartial and because we are fully funded, completely free of charge.
Read MoreFunding
Financial support is available to help SMEs in East Sussex to grow. We deliver the East Sussex Invest economic development programme on behalf of East Sussex County Council.
We will help you to access the right funding in the form of grants and business loans to help your business thrive. Even if you've been turned down by your bank, we can help, and because we're publicly funded our help is free, impartial and confidential.
We can help with business funding for a wide range of industries. If you’re looking to start or grow a business in East Sussex then talk to our team today.
Read MoreFind the right property
East Sussex has some of the best quality and the most affordable property in the South East. We'll help you find the best industrial units, office space or coworking available in East Sussex.
The right location and premises can be critical to attracting customers and employees. We work with commercial agents, developers and planning authorities to advise companies looking to grow their business and expand in East Sussex or move to the county.
Use our property search tool or get in touch for the latest updates on new developments. We will help you to find suitable business premises to rent or buy.
Read MoreWhy East Sussex?
Learn MoreCovid-19 Support
Access the information you need
The Government has set out a package of emergency measures to support businesses in response to the disruption caused by COVID-19.
In these challenging times, we have collated information that will help to keep you informed to what support is available to your business, subject to changing regulations and scheme deadlines.
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East Sussex by Sector
Manufacturing & Engineering
The UK is currently the 9th largest manufacturing nation in the world.
In East Sussex manufacturing is well represented with Hastings, a manufacturing hotspot with 14.5% of GVA in the borough. East Sussex has a higher percentage of commercial space dedicated to industrial use when compared to the national average.
Read moreDid You Know?
East Sussex by Sector
Creative and Digital Industries
East Sussex has the benefit of an incredible cultural sector which plays an important role for the entire region.
Culture means improved lives, improved urban and rural landscapes and is highly transformative in terms of income-generation, job creation and export earnings. We have some of the best arts and culture in the world.
Read moreDid You Know?
East Sussex by Sector
Food & Drink
Award-winning produce from our food and drink industry is in demand and enjoyed around the world.
Less than an hour from London by train or car, and with its close proximity to European markets, East Sussex offers a strong supply chain and distribution network, meaning it has the potential to support opportunities for new investment.
Read moreDid You Know?
East Sussex by Sector
Health & Life Sciences
Technology is transforming healthcare as life sciences pursue innovative solutions to help address today's challenges.
East Sussex has a small but growing life sciences and healthcare cluster of companies specialising in the research, development, and manufacture of medical devices, biotechnology, pharmaceutical products, and preparations and natural science and engineering research.
Read moreDid You Know?
East Sussex by Sector
Retail & Logistics
Large wholesalers find the space they need in East Sussex while smaller independents bring character and individuality to every town.
If thinking about starting a retail and/or distribution business, you will have thought about the location, whether physical space or online or both - all possibilities are open in East Sussex.
Read moreDid You Know?
East Sussex by Sector
Leisure & Lifestyle
Every year millions of visitors to East Sussex contribute a massive £1.4billion to the local economy.
Culture, tourism, leisure, and sport helps to create places where people want to live, work, and visit. Work and leisure are merging and in East Sussex, companies and individuals are using nature as a vehicle for reconnecting with ourselves and boosting our businesses.
Read moreDid You Know?
Explore East Sussex
View our map
With a population of just over half a million, East Sussex covers an area of 1,725 square kilometres (660 square miles) and includes the boroughs of Eastbourne and Hastings, and districts of Lewes, Rother and Wealden.
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