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 2014- 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 email
• Wealden Business Focus
• Website: www.wealden.gov.uk
• Twitter: @WealdenETC
• 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 2013-2027
(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 2014. Funds will then be available to spend from April
2015.
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 2014- 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: 01892 602884 / M: 07985 812010
Twitter: @WealdenETC
(available: Monday – Wednesday)
Streets Ahead Project
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
• Uckfield Pevensey• Crowborough Wadhurst• Hailsham Willingdon• Heathfield Mayfield• Polegate Forest Row
HoramAlfristonHerstmonceuxRotherfield
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 TeamEmail- [email protected]
www.wealden.gov.ukTwitter @Wealden ETCFb- streetsaheadcommunity
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