Sussex And The City

Sussex And The City is the essential podcast for anyone curious about the future of place, power, and prosperity in Sussex. Hosted by Richard Freeman, each episode unpacks the people, policies and economics shaping one of the UK's most complex and compelling regions.Focused on forthcoming devolution and local government reorganisation, we're telling the Sussex and Brighton story in the 21st century. From climate action and infrastructure to growth, enterprise and identity, this is where business leaders, community voices, policy wonks and creative thinkers share bold ideas for what Sussex could become.Join us for lively conversations, expert insights and provocative questions at a time of major change — whether you're in Brighton or Battle, Crawley or Chichester.New episodes weekly. Always independent. Of, from, and for, Sussex.

Sussex And The City is a society podcast hosted by always possible, with 57 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

always possible hosts Sussex And The City, a society show with 57 episodes published.

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  Episode #25

  #57: The Global Medtech Story Hiding In Sussex

  Aug 16, 202633 minS2

  The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode #57 The Global Medtech Story Hiding In Sussex Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Tim Rose – UK General Manager, Elekta Episode summary Does Sussex really understand the scale of the businesses, technologies and expertise already operating here? Sussex is often described as a small business economy; a place of SMEs, freelancers, independents and microbusinesses. That is certainly part of the story. But it can obscure another Sussex economy; one built around advanced manufacturing, engineering, medical technology and businesses operating on a genuinely global scale. In this episode, Richard Freeman speaks with Tim Rose, UK General Manager of Elekta, one of Sussex's largest employers and one of the county's international success stories. From its campus at Manor Royal in Crawley, Elekta designs and manufactures sophisticated radiotherapy technology used to treat cancer around the world. Machines have been manufactured on the site since the 1960s; it is approaching its 6,500th machine, while the technology produced there has contributed to the treatment of more than 350 million patients globally. Yet outside medical technology and advanced manufacturing, relatively few people in Sussex know the scale of what is happening there. Richard and Tim use Elekta as a starting point for a much bigger conversation about whether Sussex is sufficiently good at identifying, connecting and promoting its economic strengths. They discuss the cluster of globally significant engineering and technology businesses around Crawley and the Gatwick Diamond, and whether devolution could help connect these strengths more intelligently with Brighton, Worthing, Shoreham, Newhaven and the east of the county. That raises a fundamental question about the emerging Sussex economy. Should places continue to compete and plan primarily within their existing boundaries, or could transport, skills, housing and infrastructure increasingly be considered as interconnected economic corridors? Skills are central to the conversation too. Elekta works with universities, colleges and schools across Sussex, providing apprenticeships, graduate routes, STEM experiences and opportunities for neurodiverse young people. Tim argues that making these careers visible matters; world-leading engineering opportunities can exist only a few miles from a young person's home while remaining almost completely outside their field of vision. And with strategic mayoral authorities taking a greater role in skills, transport and economic development, Richard and Tim explore whether devolution could turn individual examples of good practice into something more systematic. Tim's ultimate argument is for a clearer "One Sussex" economic message – not pretending that Hastings, Crawley, Brighton and Chichester have identical economies, but making a stronger collective case for investment, infrastructure, talent and growth. This episode is brought to you in partnership with the NatWest Accelerator Hub at the University of Brighton. Designed for ambitious founders and early-stage businesses, including those too young or small for many conventional business support programmes, the hub offers free workshops, expert coaching and practical support around finance, sales, funding and leadership, alongside a dedicated app and business community. Search NatWest Accelerator Brighton to find out more. In this episode The global medical technology being designed and manufactured in Crawley Why some of Sussex's biggest economic success stories remain surprisingly invisible Elekta's role in the global treatment of cancer Artificial intelligence and MRI technology in modern radiotherapy The advanced manufacturing cluster around Crawley and Manor Royal Why large employers need strong local SME supply chains Whether Sussex should think in terms of economic corridors rather than council boundaries Transport and housing as barriers to recruitment and growth The economic potential of Gatwick, Shoreham and Newhaven Partnerships between employers, universities, colleges and schools Apprenticeships and alternative routes into advanced engineering Making STEM careers visible to young people Creating better opportunities for neurodiverse talent What greater mayoral responsibility for skills could mean for employers Tim's argument for a stronger "One Sussex" economic proposition Key themes Sussex may be underselling its strongest businesses Elekta illustrates a curious Sussex problem. Globally significant technology is being developed and manufactured here, yet much of the population has little idea it exists. If Sussex wants to attract investment and talent, identifying and communicating these strengths becomes economically important rather than simply an exercise in civic pride. Economic geography does not neatly follow council boundaries Crawley, Gatwick, Brighton, Worthing, Shoreham and Newhaven have very different identities, but businesses, workers, supply chains and infrastructure connect them. Devolution creates an opportunity to consider whether these relationships should shape economic strategy more than historic administrative borders. Infrastructure is economic policy For a business employing around 750 people on its Crawley campus, transport is not an abstract policy discussion. It determines who can realistically work there. Tim argues that better connections and affordable housing are therefore essential ingredients in attracting and retaining skilled people. Skills need to become a Sussex-wide system Individual employers already have strong relationships with schools, colleges and universities. The opportunity presented by devolution is to connect these activities, so that access to an employer or career does not depend upon whether one particularly proactive school happens to know about it. Young people cannot aspire to jobs they cannot see One of the clearest challenges in the episode is visibility. Sussex can possess excellent STEM jobs, apprenticeships and graduate careers while simultaneously having young people living nearby who have no idea those opportunities exist. "One Sussex" should not mean one identical Sussex Tim's case is not that every part of the county has the same economic needs. He explicitly identifies the differences between the Gatwick economy and the south coast. The argument is instead that Sussex could present a more coherent external proposition while retaining those important local distinctions. About Elekta Elekta is a Swedish-headquartered global medical technology company specialising in precision radiation oncology. Radiotherapy machines have been manufactured on the Manor Royal in Crawley site since the 1960s, with the business subsequently becoming part of Elekta in the 1990s. The Sussex campus now combines manufacturing, engineering, research and development. Among the technologies discussed in the episode is Elekta Unity, which combines radiotherapy with live MRI imaging to allow clinicians to see and respond to tumours during treatment. Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Tim Rose Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Get involved https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events https://sussexintelligence.com — research, insight and analysis on Sussex's future

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  Episode #24

  #56: The Letter That Started This Whole Devolution Conversation

  Aug 9, 202638 minS2

  The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode #56 The Letter That Started This Whole Devolution Conversation Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Chris Hare – historian, writer, community educator Episode summary This episode goes back to where Sussex And The City effectively began. Well over a year before this episode was released, Worthing historian Chris Hare distributed an open letter to thousands of local households questioning the rapidly emerging plans for Sussex devolution and local government reorganisation. One of those letters landed on Richard Freeman's doormat, and helped prompt the conversations that eventually became this podcast. Much has changed since Richard and Chris recorded this conversation. At the time, Sussex appeared to be heading towards a mayoral election in May 2026. That election has since been postponed until 2028; the government has confirmed its preferred structure for East Sussex and Brighton & Hove, subject to approval; and the final decision for West Sussex has been delayed until October 2026. But that makes this conversation more interesting rather than less. Chris questions whether what Sussex is experiencing is really devolution at all. If power is genuinely being transferred closer to communities, he asks, why do so many important decisions and resources remain concentrated in Whitehall? And why reorganise councils before addressing the financial pressures that have left many local services struggling? Richard asks whether larger authorities could eventually have the scale to take on more responsibility? Could a Sussex mayor build the strategic capacity needed to tackle transport, infrastructure, economic development and perhaps eventually issues such as water? And could reconnecting Sussex as a political geography create a stronger regional identity? The result is a deliberately sceptical conversation about something often missing from the technical discussion of devolution: democratic legitimacy. Because reorganising institutions is relatively straightforward. Persuading people that the institutions belong to them is much harder. --- This episode is brought to you in partnership with Worthing Theatres and Museum, Worthing's home for live entertainment, heritage, cinema, exhibitions and cultural experiences. Across venues including the Connaught Theatre and Cinema, Pavilion Theatre, Assembly Hall and Worthing Museum, WTM plays an important role in the cultural and civic life of the town – making it a particularly fitting partner for a conversation about local identity, heritage and belonging. Find out more at wtm.uk . In this episode The letter that helped inspire Sussex And The City Why Chris Hare became concerned about devolution Whether people actually asked for local government reorganisation The difference between institutional reform and genuine devolution Why council finances matter more than council boundaries Whether a Sussex mayor will have enough meaningful power Water, public services and the limits of local control The tension between efficiency and genuinely local government Why Greater Manchester may not be an easy model for Sussex Public consultation, political cynicism and democratic trust Whether Sussex still has a meaningful shared identity The risks of concentrating power in a directly elected mayor Whether independents could reshape politics in the new unitary councils Key themes Reorganisation is not necessarily devolution Chris's central challenge is that changing boundaries and institutions does not automatically move meaningful power towards communities. His test is about who controls the money, who controls essential services, and who can actually make decisions? The legitimacy question has not disappeared The timetable may have changed since this conversation was recorded, but Chris's underlying challenge remains about whether residents understand why these reforms are happening, and do they believe they have meaningfully influenced them? Scale creates a democratic trade-off Larger authorities may be able to coordinate services and infrastructure more effectively. But the bigger the geography, the greater the risk that government feels remote. The debate is therefore not simply about the right-sized council , but about how strategic scale and neighbourhood power coexist. Sussex identity could become more important Chris recognises Sussex as an unusually ancient political geography, while also acknowledging that today's county bears little resemblance to historic Sussex. Devolution could nevertheless provide a new reason for people to reconsider what Sussex means as a contemporary place. A mayor needs more than powers The discussion highlights an overlooked element of mayoral government - personality and leadership. Formal powers matter, but so do the ability to convene, persuade, build public trust and make a new institution feel relevant. Political apathy is an outcome, not an explanation Chris draws on historically much higher election turnouts to challenge the idea that people simply aren't interested in local democracy. His argument is that people participate when they believe institutions matter and their involvement can change something. What Chris says "Why bring about changes that no one's asked for?" "Democracy depends, one, on people being informed and, two, on people being engaged." "To me, devolution is about giving power to the people." "Whatever you create, the first thing you've got to do is convince people that it's a thing and that they relate to it." "Creating new elected posts, if they haven't got the real power and they haven't got the real resources, won't cut the mustard." ✉️ The letter that started the conversation Chris distributed around 3,000–3,500 copies of his open letter across different parts of Worthing, deliberately trying to reach different neighbourhoods, ages and economic circumstances. Some residents shared his concerns; others essentially told him there was little point objecting because the changes would happen anyway. That second response becomes one of the most important threads in the episode. If people assume political decisions are inevitable regardless of their involvement, the problem facing devolution is much deeper than choosing the right council boundaries. It is about rebuilding the belief that participation itself matters. About Chris Hare Chris Hare is a Worthing-born historian, writer, oral historian and community educator whose work explores the relationship between Sussex's history, local identity and contemporary community life. He has researched and written about local history since his teenage years and has led community history projects across Sussex through History People UK. Chris also brings direct experience of local politics: he served as a West Sussex County Councillor from 1989 to 1997 and stood for Parliament in Worthing West at the 1997 general election. Although he subsequently stepped away from party politics, he has remained closely involved in Worthing's civic life. Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Chris Hare Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Get involved sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events sussexintelligence.com — research, insight and analysis on Sussex's future

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  Episode #23

  #55: The TikTok Influencer Making Sense Of Sussex Devolution

  Aug 2, 202637 minS2

  *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-69dc2385-b360-8328-b090-2bd5682a3b54-53" data-turn-id-container= "request-69dc2385-b360-8328-b090-2bd5682a3b54-53" data-testid= "conversation-turn-74" data-turn="assistant"> The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode #55 The TikTok Influencer Making Sense Of Sussex Devolution Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Charlotte (@thatisnewstome) – Political content creator Episode summary Can TikTok explain local government reorganisation better than official comms teams? As England undergoes its biggest programme of local government reform in half a century, it is likely that young(ish) people will discovering devolution and council reorganisation through short-form videos on social media rather than official consultation. In this episode, Richard Freeman speaks with Charlotte (@thatisnewstome) , whose TikTok and Instagram explainers have attracted a growing audience by making devolution, council restructuring and local politics accessible, engaging and surprisingly entertaining. Charlotte explains how she researches complex government proposals, distils hundreds of pages of consultation documents into digestible videos, and why she believes people deserve to understand the decisions that will shape their communities. Together they explore why Sussex has become one of the country's most intriguing devolution stories. From competing proposals for new unitary councils to debates over Brighton's boundaries, housing growth, local identity and mayoral powers, Sussex has become a national case study in the opportunities, and tensions, created by fast-track change. If people are learning about major constitutional change from independent creators rather than official communications, what does that say about the future of civic engagement? --- This episode is brought to you in partnership with the NatWest Accelerator Hub at the University of Brighton . Designed for ambitious founders and early-stage businesses with four or fewer employees, the Accelerator offers free coaching, expert-led workshops and practical support covering finance, sales, leadership and funding. Alongside a dedicated business community and digital tools, it helps entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses from the ground up. Find out more by searching NatWest Accelerator Brighton or visiting natwest.com/business/accelerator . In this episode Why Charlotte started explaining politics on TikTok and Instagram Making devolution understandable for everyday audiences Why government communication has struggled The difference between devolution and local government reorganisation Why Sussex has become a national devolution case study The politics behind competing council boundary proposals Housing, planning and Brighton's proposed expansion Why local identity shapes public opinion The future role of Sussex's elected mayor Whether social media is changing democratic participation Key themes Communication shapes public understanding Major constitutional reforms only succeed if people understand what is changing and why. Charlotte argues that accessibility is now as important as policy itself. Devolution is more than structural reform Behind changes to councils and elected mayors lie fundamental questions about democracy, accountability, identity and how local services are delivered. Sussex has become a national test case The county's debates over geography, housing, planning and local identity illustrate many of the tensions emerging across England's wider devolution programme. Local identity remains powerful Communities care deeply about where they belong. Administrative efficiency may drive reform, but people's emotional connection to place remains a significant factor in public debate. Social media is reshaping civic engagement Independent creators are increasingly helping people understand public policy, reaching audiences who may never engage with official consultations or traditional political reporting. Better communication builds better democracy Complex government reform needs clear explanation. Making politics understandable is becoming an increasingly important part of democratic participation. What Charlotte says "People shouldn't have to read 250-page PDFs to understand what's happening where they live." "Get informed, not overwhelmed." "Sussex has become one of the most interesting places to watch." "Politics becomes much more engaging when people can relate it to everyday life." "This is the biggest change to local government in 50 years." About Charlotte (@thatisnewstome) Charlotte is the creator behind @thatisnewstome , an independent TikTok and Instagram channel dedicated to making politics and public policy easier to understand. Drawing on extensive research into local government, devolution and elections, she produces short-form explainers that translate complex policy into clear, accessible content using graphics, humour and everyday analogies. Her work has built a growing audience interested in understanding how national decisions affect local communities. Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Charlotte (@thatisnewstome) Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Get involved https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events https://sussexintelligence.com — research, insight and analysis on Sussex's future

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  Episode #21

  #53: "You Can't Just Slide This Under The Mat And Say, 'Oh, We're Just Going To Do This, And Nobody's Going To Notice.'"

  Jul 19, 202637 minS2

  The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode #53 "You Can't Just Slide This Under The Mat And Say, 'Oh, We're Just Going To Do This, And Nobody's Going To Notice.'" Host: Richard Freeman Guests: Irene, Graham, Alan and Alexandra - Members of Hop 50+ at Impact Initiatives Episode summary In this special community edition of Sussex And The City , Richard Freeman visits the Cornerstone Community Centre in Hove to hear directly from members of the Hop 50+ programme run by Impact Initiatives about the future of Sussex. Rather than debating constitutional reform, the conversation focuses on buses that don't arrive, community spaces that keep people connected, concerns about mental health services, affordable housing, local identity and whether decision-makers truly understand everyday life. The discussion reveals widespread support for decisions being made closer to local communities, but also a clear warning. If Sussex is about to undergo its biggest governance change in a generation, residents believe they need to understand it, shape it and feel part of it. Devolution cannot simply happen to people. Along the way the group reflects on rural isolation, public transport, tourism, local newspapers, Airbnbs, culture, ageing well and what makes Sussex distinctive. Throughout, they return to one central question: can a future Sussex Mayor provide a long-term vision while remaining close enough to the communities they serve? The result is one of the most grounded conversations in the series; less about political structures and more about what good local leadership should actually feel like. --- This episode is brought to you in partnership with Sussex Community Foundation ; connecting people who care with the communities and causes making a difference across Sussex. Through grant-making, philanthropy and local partnerships, Sussex Community Foundation helps strengthen communities, reduce inequality and support grassroots organisations throughout the county. To find out more, visit sussexcommunityfoundation.org . --- In this episode Why many residents have never heard about Sussex devolution Community centres as essential public infrastructure Mental health, prevention and local wellbeing services Rural Sussex and fears of being overlooked Public transport, concessionary travel and accessibility Housing affordability, second homes and Airbnbs The decline of local newspapers and civic engagement Arts, tourism and protecting Sussex's character What people actually want from a Sussex Mayor Building a long-term vision that communities recognise as their own Key themes Devolution needs public consent Participants repeatedly argue that constitutional change cannot simply be announced. Residents need to understand what is happening, why it matters and how they can influence it. Community is preventative infrastructure From mental wellbeing to tackling loneliness, local community organisations provide services that reduce pressure elsewhere in the public sector. Rural and urban Sussex both matter Any future strategic authority will need to balance the needs of Brighton & Hove, coastal towns, market towns and rural communities rather than allowing one perspective to dominate. Better communication builds trust Many participants describe feeling disconnected from modern politics. Clear information, visible leadership and meaningful engagement are seen as essential if devolution is to succeed. Identity should unite rather than divide While local loyalties remain strong, contributors believe Sussex needs a clearer shared story that celebrates its coastline, countryside, culture and communities. Think beyond election cycles The group consistently calls for decisions that improve quality of life over decades rather than responding only to short-term political pressures. About Hop 50+ and Impact Initiatives Hop 50+ is a community programme delivered by Impact Initiatives , one of Sussex's largest charities supporting wellbeing, resilience and social connection across the county. Through activities, advice, volunteering and community events, the programme helps older residents remain active, connected and engaged within their local communities. Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guests: Irene, Graham, Alan and Alexandra Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Get involved https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events https://sussexintelligence.com — research, insight and analysis on Sussex's future

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  Episode #20

  #52: Is Sussex Ready For The AI Economy?

  Jul 12, 202637 minS2

  The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode #52 Is Sussex Ready For The AI Economy? Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Adam Stafford – Founder & CEO, Fresh Egg 🔍 Episode summary Artificial intelligence might be reshaping the Sussex labour market faster than education, government and business can adapt. Is this a priority for devolution? In this episode, Richard Freeman speaks with Adam Stafford, founder and CEO of Worthing-based digital agency Fresh Egg, about the future of work, entrepreneurship and what Sussex needs to do if it wants to remain competitive in a rapidly changing economy. Having built Fresh Egg from a spare bedroom in Worthing into one of the UK's leading digital marketing and web performance agencies, Adam reflects on nearly three decades of technological change, and argues that the AI revolution is unlike anything businesses have experienced before. Together they discuss how automation is transforming entry-level jobs, why employers are struggling to plan for skills that barely existed six months ago, and whether universities, colleges and government can realistically keep pace with the speed of change. The conversation also explores why Sussex's economy is powered by ambitious small businesses, how a future mayor could better connect business, education and innovation, and why creating the right conditions for entrepreneurs may be one of the most important investments the region can make. --- This episode is brought to you in partnership with the University of Brighton's Help to Grow programme , supporting ambitious SME leaders across Sussex with practical leadership, innovation and business growth support through a government-funded executive development programme. 🎯 In this episode How Fresh Egg grew from a Worthing start-up into a national digital agency Why Worthing became home for a successful technology business How AI is changing digital businesses at unprecedented speed Why entry-level jobs are becoming increasingly difficult to create Whether education can keep pace with technological change Why small businesses drive innovation The future relationship between business and skills development What Sussex needs to become more competitive nationally How devolution could support entrepreneurship and innovation Why collaboration between business, education and government matters 🧠 Key themes AI is transforming work faster than institutions can respond Adam argues that businesses are already redesigning roles around artificial intelligence, while education systems and public policy struggle to adapt to technology that evolves almost weekly. Small businesses drive innovation Sussex's economy depends heavily on founder-led businesses that can experiment, adapt and innovate quickly, often moving faster than larger organisations. Skills need continual reinvention Traditional career pathways are becoming less predictable. Future success will depend on adaptability, continuous learning and the ability to work alongside rapidly evolving technologies. Sussex needs a stronger business identity While the county has significant strengths across digital, creative industries and entrepreneurship, Adam believes Sussex could do far more to promote itself as a destination for ambitious businesses and skilled people. Growth is about more than infrastructure Alongside transport and housing, economic growth depends on supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening local networks and creating an environment where businesses can evolve with confidence. Collaboration creates resilience Closer partnerships between business, education and local leadership could help Sussex respond more effectively to technological disruption and prepare the workforce for emerging industries. 💬 What Adam says "Technology is moving at a pace no one has seen before." "The businesses that will get through the next few years are the smaller organisations who can move quickly." "The curriculum simply can't keep up with the pace of change." "Wouldn't it be nice if running a small business could become a little bit easier?" "What is the thing that we want Sussex to become recognised for?" 🤖 Why AI changes the conversation Rather than viewing artificial intelligence simply as another technology trend, Adam argues that it represents a fundamental shift in how businesses operate. As routine tasks become increasingly automated, employers will need different skills, different organisational structures and new approaches to recruitment and training. The challenge for Sussex is not simply adopting AI, but preparing people, businesses and institutions to thrive alongside it. 👤 About Adam Stafford Adam Stafford is Founder and CEO of Fresh Egg, one of Sussex's longest-established digital marketing and web performance agencies. Founded in Worthing in 2000, Fresh Egg has grown from a three-person start-up into a nationally recognised agency working with organisations including John Lewis, Vitality and the Open University. Alongside leading the business, Adam has championed digital skills development through initiatives including the Fresh Egg Academy and CharityWise, supporting charities and future digital professionals across Sussex. 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Adam Stafford Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue 📣 Get involved 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events 👉 https://sussexintelligence.com — research, insight and analysis on Sussex's future

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