In summary
Welcome to the latest news from FSB Sussex. Here you will find details of local business activity and events. You can also follow us on X and Facebook @FSBSussex.
This month we invite you to two in-person networking events in Eastbourne and Brighton. Come along to network with fellow business owners over refreshments. We look forward to seeing you!
In the meantime, if you require business support, please contact me [email protected]
Featured news and events
Eastbourne DigiFest.
The best of creative, digital and tech in the South East
Eastbourne DigiFest is back by popular demand on Thursday 10 October 2024, showcasing the best of creative, digital and tech in the South East. It’s a jam-packed, one-day conference showcasing the best of the region’s thriving CDT sector. With three speaker stages for back-to-back talks and workshops, opportunities for learning and discussion are endless.
Specialists from the sector will delve into their areas of expertise, sharing their knowledge in all areas including AI, Instagram, e-commerce, digital marketing, and software development.
Running in parallel will be an exhibition showcasing many of the South East’s innovative businesses giving people the chance to make new connections, network, and find new collaborative partners.
Eastbourne In-Person Networking
Tuesday 9 July, 10am-12 noon
Business networking with Tracey Wells, proud owner of the award-winning Home & Castle Estate Agents in Sussex. Tracey has cultivated invaluable relationships through effective networking, earning her a reputation as one of the region's most successful networkers. She will share her insights on how to network effectively.
In other news
Help to Grow a Business
Looking for guidance on how to make your young business grow? Need to re-energise your established business? The BIPC at Jubilee Library, Brighton is running a workshop on Thursday 16 July which will cover: Your core purpose – what value you bring to your target market, Identifying your target market, Standing out from the crowd – what differentiates you from your competition.
Save water and money in your business this summer
South East Water are offering free water efficiency visits for businesses until October 2024. The aim is to help save water for people and the environment, now and in the future.
The programme is running in partnership with Aqualogic (WC) Ltd, a company with over 30 years of experience in providing water efficiency advice and solutions. They will survey the water supply, provide advice, make recommendations in relation to improving the efficiency and cost effectiveness of water usage and install water saving devices.
The engineer will explain the audit findings and provide recommendations on where water can be saved through the installation of water efficient products. The engineer will also look for unaccounted water usage, or “customer side leakage” and repair any internal leakage.
A full report of the audit will be provided following the visit, and South East Water will fund the installation of the water saving devices that can help businesses save water and money.
Register your interest for a visit here
Still in the news
Flexible AI Upskilling Fund pilot
A £7.4 million pilot scheme to subsidise the cost of AI skills training for small and medium-sized enterprises
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) recently announced a £7.4 million pilot scheme to subsidise the cost of AI skills training for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Professional Business Services sector.
Through this pilot programme, eligible businesses can apply for funding for up to 50% of the cost of AI skills training and other AI upskilling activities. This refers to training which supports employees to develop their technical skills and/or understanding of AI to be able to develop, deploy, or use AI in their role.
This pilot scheme is funded through the £37.5 million Labour Market Evaluations and Pilots fund, announced by the Chancellor at Spring Budget 2023.
Funding will be provided by DSIT in the financial year (FY) of April 2024 to March 2025. Successful applicants must be able to complete delivery of training and submit invoices for reimbursement via grant funding by February 2025.
Apply for a Flexible AI Upskilling Fund pilot.
Creative Catalyst Challenge Fund
The Creative Catalyst Challenge Fund is a grant fund enabling creative talent to apply their capacity for innovation to tackle a specific challenge within the industry.
A £250,000 funding pot is available and is intended to be used for the research and development of an innovative new product/system or process that decarbonises or reduces waste within the Creative Industries, reducing the impact on climate and/or leading towards net zero.
The proposed new product/system or process will enable companies to build upon their creative and commercial ideas, creating opportunity for business growth.
More information here. Deadline for applications is 22 July at 9am.
More news and activity near you
- Kent and Medway
- Surrey
- More from FSB South East England
Get in touch
Your FSB Development Manager for Sussex is Alison Turner. If you'd like more information about the topics above, or if you have news about this area that you'd like to share, please get in touch.
- email us: [email protected]
- follow us on x: @FSBSussex
- follow us on Facebook: @FSB.Official.Sussex