Representatives from across Greater Brighton discussed ways to drive growth and prosperity at Coast to Capital’s ‘Big Debate’.
Held at The University of Brighton this week (Wednesday June 19, 2019), the focus was on discussing the Local Industrial Strategy (LIS) with the business community.
The organisation is currently negotiating a Local Industrial Strategy with government which, when published, will prioritise policy and investment in the local area.
This is in addition to the £300 million that Coast to Capital has already invested into a range of projects to regenerate our towns and cities.
At the event, the audience heard that Coast to Capital has commissioned research to explore the issues and opportunities for the future of the local area.
The morning kicked off with a tour of the University’s Advanced Engineering Centre which received a £7 million Local Growth Fund investment from Coast to Capital via Greater Brighton and was opened last April.
Innovative ideas were debated by a panel of local leaders including Andrew Conway (Director of Engineering at BAI Communications), Richard Hopkins (Managing Director at Fargro), Frances Rutter (Chief Executive and Principle at NESCOT College) and Chris Paddock (Director at Hatch Regeneris).
Coast to Capital also announced a new ‘call for projects’ that will be funded from remaining unallocated Growth Deal funding. This call specifically targets projects that contribute towards the Gatwick 360 Strategic Economic Plan.
It is a capital grant and the minimum funding that can be applied for is £500,000 and the maximum is £2 million. All projects will need to be at least 50% match funded and the Local Growth Funding must be fully spent before December 31 2020.
The full details can be found at www.coast2capital.org.uk/funding-and-grants.
Jonathan Sharrock, Chief Executive at Coast to Capital said: “We are working with the local business community and our political stakeholders to create a fantastic area to live, grow and succeed and the Coast to Capital team have been working relentlessly to make this happen.
“We are delighted to be spearheading our Local Industrial Strategy which brings together our diverse area to make a strong case for our future.”
A consultation on the LIS will be launched at the Coast to Capital AGM in September.