The Council is committed to supporting businesses in Wealden. We offer a range of services that aim to cater for the needs of local businesses. Community & Regeneration (Economic Development)

Our Business Services Our key areas of activity can be summarised as follows: Business Support Economic Development & Growth Market Towns & Rural Regeneration (Streets Ahead)

Business Support Small and micro businesses form a fundamental part of the Wealden economy with 80% of businesses in Wealden employing fewer than four people. The Council understands that Wealden’s future is about encouraging business to invest in the district, to create new jobs and safeguard jobs, and to foster innovation and skills. Wealden is a great place to do business and its a great place for the future. How do we support our businesses?

Our Business Support Activities Business help & advice Access to business finance Connecting with key Business Support Agencies Grant Fund EDEAL from Community Grant budget Developing business & education opportunities Business networking and events Promoting business news: WBF, website & Twitter New for sponsor of the Sussex Business Awards

Focus on two examples ….. 1 Business networking and events We recognise that networking and events are one of the best ways to support businesses enabling them to meet like-minded professionals, gain insight into local markets, discover local suppliers, learn from other professionals and find customers. Wealden Business Breakfast (supported by the FSB) Free Growth Workshops Linked In Workshop for Business Annual Business Conferences (BEST 2014) Wealden Careers Fair Access to Business Finance

Focus on two examples ….. 2 Promoting business news We recognise how important it is for businesses to keep up to date with all the latest business news from across Wealden, East Sussex and the South East. How do we help? Direct Wealden Business Focus Website: Adverts in East Sussex Business Guide

Economic Development & Growth : 1 We work with businesses, other councils and key partner organisations to promote economic growth and jobs. Wealden Area: WDC is committed to economic development and supports the continued implementation of the East Sussex Economic Development Strategy. Economic development across Wealden is also guided by the Wealden Local Plan (including our Strategic Sites Local Plan).

Economic Development & Growth : 2 East Sussex Area: Economic development is one of ESCC’s highest service area priorities, and ESCC actively engages with all East Sussex LA’s via the EAB (Economic Advisory Board) and the EDO (Economic Development Officers) to ensure implementation of the East Sussex Economic Development Strategy.

Economic Development & Growth : 3 South East Region: The South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) is driving economic development in East Sussex, Kent and Greater Essex. Businesses, local government and other key organisations from East Sussex, Essex, Kent, Medway, Southend and Thurrock are a part of the SELEP. The partnership's main objective is to help business to grow and to create new jobs. Business drives the partnership, working with local government and the other key partners.

Economic Development & Growth : 3 The South East LEP has been working on two vital strategies: the Strategic Economic Plan (SEP) and the European Structural and Investment Fund Strategy (ESIF). The SEP is being used to negotiate with Government for the Local Growth Deal, with a decision due to be announced before the end of July Funds will then be available to spend from April WDC is working with partners to identify projects that could be considered for this new funding.

Rural Regeneration Wealden Farmers Markets (WFM) WFM Seminar Community Chef/ cookery demonstrations New for Wealden & Eastbourne Walking Festival (27 Sept- 4 Oct) New for 2014 Pevensey Food & Wine Festival (30/ 31 August) The WARR Partnership/ Leader RDPE programme

Contact Details Sarah King Economic Development Officer Community & Regeneration Wealden District Council T: / M: E: (available: Monday – Wednesday)

Streets Ahead Project

Wealden's high streets, like Britain's high streets are going through a radical period of change due to an increase in internet shopping, out of town and supermarket shopping. Supported by the Community and Environment Committee a members working party was set up last year to review and determine how the Council could best support local efforts to stimulate the future health of Wealden’s high streets. Following Cabinet approval of the Streets Ahead project, it is now being developed supported by the Community and Development team.

Streets Ahead Project Streets Ahead Towns and Villages UckfieldPevensey CrowboroughWadhurst HailshamWillingdon HeathfieldMayfield PolegateForest Row Horam Alfriston Herstmonceux Rotherfield

Role of Community and Regeneration Team We may be unable to directly influence our communities spending habits But we can… Engage and support local businesses and further encourage partnership efforts Promote and encourage residents to ‘shop local’ Work with partners to monitor high street occupancies/ vacancies Champion the work of existing town partnerships Raise the profile, promote and share examples of good practice Work with partners to highlight what is ‘unique’ within our Towns/ Villages and promote wider to visitors

What’s happening already…

For further information… Sign up for the Streets Ahead newsletter Contact the Community and Regeneration Team - ETC Fb- streetsaheadcommunity