We are delighted to announce that we are collaborating with Local Fuels, Ricardo and H2 Green to explore developing a renewable green energy hub at Shoreham Port. When operational the hub will provide clean fuel for locally based fleets and be a catalyst for the decarbonisation of transport across the region. We are aiming for a full investment decision in the second half of 2022.
Business groups representing more than 20,000 businesses across London and the South East issue support for Gatwick Airport’s Northern Runway plans
• 36 business groups across Sussex, Surrey, Kent and London pledge support for Gatwick Airport’s plans
• Letter to Transport Secretary says the pandemic has demonstrated that benefits Gatwick generates cannot be taken for granted and urges supporters to make their voice heard
• Gatwick Airport’s Northern Runway public consultation will run until 1st December 2021 with information available at www.gatwickairport.com/futureplans
In a joint letter to the Secretary of State for Transport, representatives of more than 20,000 businesses across Sussex, Surrey, Kent and London, have come together to pledge their support for Gatwick Airport’s Northern Runway Project.
This low-impact plan, designed to maximise the use of existing infrastructure, involves moving the centre-line of Gatwick’s current Northern Runway 12 metres, to enable it to be used for departing flights alongside the existing Main Runway.
Led by the Gatwick Diamond Initiative, 36 business groups across the region – including the Sussex, Surrey, London and Kent Chambers of Commerce, Brighton and Hove Economic Partnership, British International Freight Association and the South East Construction Expo – have put their names to the letter of support.
Many of the businesses represented by these organisations have benefitted from Gatwick’s supply chains, from the millions of tourists who fly into the airport each year and from the diverse economic clusters that have flourished in the region due to the connectivity and opportunities offered by the airport.
In the letter, issued today, the groups said they recognised the benefits that Gatwick had generated for the region in previous years, but state that the pandemic demonstrated that these benefits cannot be taken for granted, including the 18,400 new jobs and £1.5 billion the airport’s Northern Runway plan would deliver for the region’s economy.
Brett North, Chair, Gatwick Diamond Initiative said: “Gatwick Airport is the epicentre of the South East economy, and plays an important role in attracting and retaining businesses, strengthening the diversity of our economy. Gatwick’s plans for the northern runway and its continuing commitment to invest in its infrastructure offers opportunities for employment, retaining a skilled workforce and the continued economic success of the region.”
Ana Christie, CEO, Sussex Chamber of Commerce said: “In order to meet passenger demand and our increased desire to travel, by bringing the Northern Runway into use would provide greater customer choice and generate greater economic benefits for the region. The expansion would support the revival of the area through new opportunities in procurement, supply chain spending and jobs growth.”
Louise Punter, CEO, Surrey Chamber of Commerce said: “One of the key advantages of businesses setting up in Surrey is the easy access to international markets. We are very supportive of the developments at Gatwick to ensure this advantage continues to be maximised in the coming years.”
Jo James, OBE, CEO, Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce said: “Gatwick Airport is a major part of the infrastructure and connectivity that is so vital to businesses across Kent & the South East. This project makes the best use of an existing asset and brings with it extra benefits for our members and the wider economy.”
Richard Burge, CEO, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry said: “LCCI strongly supports Gatwick Airport’s Northern Runway plans. This expansion would be vital in boosting both the London and the UK economy, as well as helping to cement London’s position as a premier global city in which to do business, and vital to the inflow of tourism, trade and investment to the UK.”
The 36 groups now urge their members to respond to Gatwick’s public consultation and show support for future growth and prosperity across the region, before the 1 December deadline.
Can a four-day week ever be a win-win for both employees and employers? Hear from an expert panel, where we’ll investigate and discuss the four-day week at the next Big Debate from Brighton Chamber.
The Coast to Capital LEP is recruiting to several upcoming vacancies for representatives for the Coast to Capital Skills Advisory Panel, the Skills 360 Board:
Start-up Day is back for 2021! Do you have a business idea? Have you got a small business and would like to grow it? Join us for a day!
Come along to the Business & IP Centre (BIPC) in Jubilee Library Brighton on Thursday 11th November 2021, 10:00-17:00 and be part of a FREE National Network event Start-Up Day 2021, in partnership with Santander.
Stay for the whole day or just come for a couple of hours!
During the day there will be the opportunity to:
• learn about how we can help you start and grow your business,
• meet experts from local business support organisations,
• watch live-streamed inspirational talks from the British Library's BIPC in London with a focus on sustainability in business
• attend our in-person database information sessions
• and network with your peers.
Light refreshments will be on offer throughout the day.
As this is an in-person event, please do register your place even if you don’t stay for the full day, as we need to manage the attendee numbers in the Centre to keep everyone safe.
There will be different activities you can attend in our networking, workshop and conference rooms.
Further details on what to expect on the day and to register your place: Start-Up Day 2021 Tickets, Thu 11 Nov 2021 at 10:00 | Eventbrite
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY TOUR TO VISIT BRIGHTON & HOVE
Brighton & Hove’s small firms encouraged to sign up for free support and profiling from campaign’s UK roadshow
Small Business Saturday’s national roadshow will be coming to Brighton & Hove in November to shine a spotlight on the city’s entrepreneurs, and local firms are being encouraged to sign up and get involved.
Arriving at Jubilee Square in Brighton on 23rd November, ‘The Tour’ will visit and profile independent businesses as it swings by the city with a fleet of zero emissions vehicles - including an electric van, car and scooter, as well as a ‘delivery style’ push bike.
There will be an opportunity for local business owners, leaders and experts from across the small business community to be interviewed live on Small Business Saturday’s social media channels.
They will also be able to take part in a month-long, jam-packed online programme of free training and skills support that will run alongside, including virtual workshops, webinars and mentoring, on a range of small business topics.
Michelle Ovens, CBE, director of Small Business Saturday, said:
“We are so excited to get back on the road and put the spotlight on fantastic small businesses in Brighton & Hove and across the country, as well as opening up skills and networking opportunities to millions of entrepreneurs online,”
“I would encourage all small businesses across East Sussex to get involved, whether it is in person or digitally.”
Now in its ninth year in the UK, Small Business Saturday is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which celebrates small business success and encourages consumers to 'shop local' and to support businesses in their communities.
Setting off from the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, The Tour has a strong focus on sustainability, to highlight the critical role of small businesses in helping the UK achieve its goal of becoming net zero by 2050.
All of the action from The Tour can be followed live on Small Business Saturday’s Facebook and Instagram channels and the full Tour digital programme can be viewed at https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/the-tour.
To get involved in The Tour and book one-to-one mentoring sessions, small businesses should visit the ‘My Business Section’ on the Small Business Saturday website.
The Tour will be located in Jubilee Square in Brighton & Hove City centre on Tuesday 23rd November, between 10am and 2pm for those wishing to drop by.
