1. A C E S One Voice

2. The Alliance of Chambers in East Sussex Christina Ewbank Facilitator 14 th January 2014 2

3. Doing Business in East Sussex Working alone Minimal support Risky in weak economy Individual SMEs To network To sell Share ideas and best practice Gain support Join the local Chamber Access to larger networks More support A louder voice Strength in numbers Work as a group with the LEP Chambers link together East Sussex becomes THE place to do business

4. Locate East Sussex / ESCC Perception Study April 2012 310 businesses outside East Sussex interviewed Only 17% described East Sussex as a good business location When respondents were familiar with East Sussex, the view was far more positive London businesses were the least positive about the county as a business destination

5. Locate East Sussex / ESCC Perception Study April 2012 42 commercial property advisers interviewed Over half located in the county Only 19% of external advisers would recommend the county Brighton outscored all other East Sussex towns General lack of awareness about available business

6. The Alliance of Chambers in East Sussex (ACES) Bexhill Crowborough Eastbourne FSB Hailsham Hastings Heathfield IoD Lewes Newhaven Peacehaven Seaford Uckfield In partnership with: Amber Rudd MP Charles Hendry MP Greg Barker MP Stephen Lloyd MP Spencer Dale Chief Economist Bank of England Matthew Hancock Minister for State Business & Skills Rob Goodwill Minister - Road Transport Derek Godfrey Vice Chair SELEP Nigel Hannam & Roy Galley Wealden District Council Becky Shaw Chief Executive ESCC & Rupert Clubb ESCC Director Economic Development

7. ACES “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts” Aristotle

8. ACES Agreed Goals One voice For business in East Sussex to influence policy makers For structured, strategic approaches to all local authorities to achieve stated goals Infrastructure Improve the road and rail infrastructure in East Sussex A21, A27, Ashford/Hastings Link, Lewes/Uckfield/Tonbridge Link Connectivity Provide fast speed Broadband to rural and urban East Sussex, as a matter of urgency Close East Sussex mobile ‘not’ spots Marketing Promote East Sussex as the place to do business outside London Develop the coastal, urban and rural tourism offer across the county Skills Develop links between business, schools and colleges to ensure all students develop the skills needed for our businesses Influence local authorities to provide skills training as required in rural areas as well as urban

9. And… To give our members access to more businesses across East Sussex If you’re in your local Chamber you’re in ACES and ….there’s NO CHARGE!!!

10. Tasks for ACES – Develop ACES identity, communications and website – Business conference and exhibition (ESCC / SME Conference) – Member networking opportunities – Support services for smaller chambers – E.g. free telephone answering service – Communication and working with – Member Chambers – The FSB – The IoD – Local authorities – Parliament – The SELEP – Press and media – Locate East Sussex – Lets’ Do Business Group – Town Centre Management Teams

11. Events Spencer Dale Chief Economist of the Bank of England - September 2013 Joint members pilot - November 2013 attracted 185 business people – Chandlers BMW Hailsham – Uckfield, Hailsham and Eastbourne Chambers Joint members evening on 25 th March 2014 – Cooden Beach Hotel Bexhill – All ACES Chamber Members

12. ACES Culture “If you light a lamp for someone else it will also brighten your path” Buddha