Collaborations in East Sussex
After the struggles of the last few years with lockdowns and uncertainty, many businesses have come together to reach new customers by teaming up.
Up to 80% of small and medium-sized businesses across the UK saw a negative impact on their revenue due to the pandemic and so many have been looking for opportunities to combat a difficult economic landscape.
East Sussex is full of small and upcoming businesses, from industries like food & drink to creative to retail, that are broadening their horizons by working with others to showcase their products. There are many advantages to collaborating with other businesses such as:
Expanding connections – Connections allow you to not only benefit from receiving help from other people but to also offer support in return. Relationships can help to increase your network as well as your effectiveness and providing a valuable service.
Cost effective – For a lot of people who are beginning their journey into building their career, cost can have a massive impact. Finding the space for setting up may be a pricey process and not necessary depending on the size of the business. Being able to share space with others (for example) can benefit both parties.
Fuel innovation – Innovation is essential in a business as it helps to keep products and services feeling fresh and up to date. This type of fuel will help to make your business more competitive and ever-growing.
The mentioned points above are just a selection of the many benefits of collaborating with other businesses. A few examples we have seen of this in East Sussex are:
takegoodcare, Newhaven and Eastbourne
The wellness lifestyle brand that provides a variety of vegan skincare and sustainable products, takegoodcare, was created by Barbara Rowe during the lockdown. She was supported by Locate East Sussex with advice during starting up, as well as finding it’s perfect home at the Newhaven Enterprise Centre.
Since the opening of the Foundry in Eastbourne, takegoodcare have expanded to their premises and are now a physical pop-up shop, open from 11am – 5pm daily. This opportunity has meant that Barbara is only using the space she needs for her shop and expanding her connections by networking with customers in Eastbourne as well as other local businesses.
HTH Church, Hastings
Holy Trinity Hastings Church have recently played a big part with looking at ways to collaborate with local organisations and businesses. Back in October they held a giveaway with Hastings Bookshop & Stooge Coffee which gave people the chance to win 3 books and a £5 voucher. HTH Church also worked with ‘We Dig Hastings’ to maintain new planters and bring some greenery to the area as well as their ‘perch by the church’ additional seating area opposite Stooge Coffee which is a great way of sharing their space with local businesses.
HTH Church are a great example of a bigger organisation giving opportunities to those around them from sharing space to giveaways and supporting other businesses in the community.
Wealden Craft Fairs, Heathfield, Horam, Herstmonceaux & Holy Cross Priory
Wealden Craft Fairs run across Heathfield, Horam, Herstmonceux, and Holy Cross Priory, with their exhibitors being local small homemade businesses ranging from those who make their own jewellery, timber craft, fabric & knitting crafts, cakes & bakes. Priding themselves on having a real community feel to them, the craft fairs events are hosted at the local village halls.
Heist, St Leonards
Founded in 2021, the food consortium HEIST Market is a permanent food market based in St Leonards. Bringing together a community of local businesses and produce, Heist offers food, beer, coffee and cocktails for people to enjoy in the open space layout with communal tables which allows visitors the opportunity to try a variety of food options ranging from street food to Asian cuisine.
The BBQ Project, Hastings & Battle
The BBQ Project, founded by Gavin Steedman in 2017, took a dream of starting his own kitchen and meeting customers wherever they are, allowing the freedom of travelling. Recently, they have partnered up with Gun Brewery Taproom, a brewery in Heathfield for customers to enjoy some skilfully crafted food alongside award winning beer, truly showcasing what an incredible place East Sussex is for the food & drink industry.
Locate East Sussex are excited to see the growth and development of evolving businesses in East Sussex as well as the future opportunities this will bring. If you would like to discuss the future growth plans for your business, then please get in touch.
