Mid Sussex District Council has signed a new contract with the Sussex Film Office, a collaboration that is set to promote Mid Sussex as a top filming and photography destination.

The Sussex Film Office, a local company based in West Sussex, will be offering Mid Sussex District Council a comprehensive filming service, covering many aspects including advertising and booking in production companies. They will also work to actively promote Mid Sussex as an attractive destination for filming and photography.

Ian Gibson, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Economy and Housing at Mid Sussex District Council, said: "We are thrilled to announce this partnership with the Sussex Film Office. This collaboration not only streamlines our filming processes but also positions Mid Sussex as an attractive and sought-after location for film and photography projects.

"We are looking forward to working closely with the Sussex Film Office as we begin to create engaging stories against the backdrop of our district. The new partnership highlights our commitment to showcasing the unique features and stunning landscapes that define Mid Sussex and we are excited to see the positive impact it will bring to our community."

This collaboration marks a strategic move for Mid Sussex District Council as it aims to build on past successes in the region. Notably, the Urban Park in Burgess Hill played host to the filming of the acclaimed Grace series. By entering into a formal contract with the Sussex Film Office, the Council aims to showcase Mid Sussex's diverse and picturesque landscapes as a recurring choice for film-makers.

With a shared vision for promoting Mid Sussex's unique offerings, this partnership is set to increase the appeal of the district on a broader scale.

To find out more, please visit: https://www.midsussex.gov.uk/business-licensing/filming-in-mid-sussex/ 

Mid Sussex District Council is pleased to announce that a planning application has been approved for a new state-of-the-art Centre for Outdoor Sport in Burgess Hill.

Situated on an 8.6-hectare block of land within the Brookleigh development, the Centre for Outdoor Sport will provide first-class facilities for the district and would not have been possible without the support from Homes England. The sports mix, refined over three years through extensive engagement, consultation and data analysis, will complement the district's existing sports infrastructure, offering a variety of sports like football, rugby, and cricket.

The proposed layout includes features such as a floodlit 3G football pitch, an artificial grass rugby pitch, a modern changing facility, three junior natural turf football pitches, a full-sized natural turf football pitch, and an artificial cricket wicket with a turf outfield. Additionally, a fully equipped play area will cater for the younger members of the community, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all.

The Centre for Outdoor Sports and Brookleigh are focused on creating a vibrant community with facilities to support active, healthy lifestyles and access to outdoor space, with over half of Brookleigh dedicated to public open space.Although a small number of trees will be removed for site development at the Centre for Outdoor Sport, the Council and Homes England are committed to maintaining and enhancing biodiversity with a thorough planting plan and ensuring all trees are replaced by their native counterpart. This guarantees a net increase in the number of trees, meets biodiversity goals, and felled trees will be repurposed on-site for ecological benefits including creating new natural habitats. Overall, more than 200,000 new trees and shrubs will be planted as part of the wider Brookleigh development.

Chris Hobbs, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Customer Services, said: "We are really pleased to see the approval of the Centre for Outdoor Sport in Burgess Hill, a facility that will undoubtedly become a cornerstone of community life, and we are eagerly looking forward to commencing the work on this project later this month.

"This achievement marks a significant milestone in our journey, and we extend our gratitude to Homes England for their invaluable partnership. Together, we are working to create an exceptional recreational hub that will enhance the lives of residents and sports enthusiasts both in our local community and also further afield.

"The development of the CFOS is just, however, one piece of the jigsaw of sports provision across the district. We are working with a number of community groups and sports clubs to review what's already in place and to explore new opportunities for improvement."

Graham Hyslop, Project Director at Homes England, said: "The Centre for Outdoor Sport will be a fantastic facility for Burgess Hill, providing access to top-quality sports provision.Homes England is committed to providing the right supporting infrastructure to enable Brookleigh to grow into a sustainable community. We're working closely with Mid Sussex District Council to see this new community come to life."

The acquisition of the site by Mid Sussex District Council incurs no costs to residents' council tax funds, as it is generously provided by Homes England, the Government's housing and regeneration agency. Furthermore, Homes England is contributing £4.75 million through Section 106 funding towards the development and future maintenance of the facility. The entire £6 million project cost will be fully covered by Section 106 contributions from local developments.

As the project progresses, stakeholders, residents, and sports enthusiasts are encouraged to keep up to speed with opportunities for engagement via the Mid Sussex District Council Engagement Hub. To find out more, please visit: https://engage.midsussex.gov.uk/cfos

For more information about progress at Brookleigh, follow the Facebook page @Brookleigh.BH or visit the website at burgesshill.net/housing/brookleigh. 

The Department for Transport has awarded the partnership over £10 million, which combined with £11.6 million from Metrobus (Go Ahead) and almost £3 million from the other partners brings the total for the project to over £24 million.

West Sussex County Council is the lead partner and Cllr Joy Dennis, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at the county council, said:

"Not only is this great news for West Sussex, but it's great news for the region that we have been successful in our bid for funding and can progress with the rollout of 43 new hydrogen powered buses across the counties.

"This exciting project is another example of our drive to offer low carbon transport options in line with the West Sussex County Council Plan's theme of protecting the environment, and our priority of developing a sustainable and prosperous economy."

The buses will operate across a wide area of Sussex, Surrey and Kent to connect rural areas with local towns and London Gatwick. Destinations will include Burgess Hill, Crawley, East Grinstead, Haywards Heath, Horsham, Worthing, Brighton, Caterham, Dorking, Redhill and Tunbridge Wells.

Nick Hill, Commercial Director, Metrobus said: "We are delighted to be awarded match funding from the government's ZEBRA 2 fund for 43 new hydrogen buses making our hydrogen fleet one of the biggest in the country. Our contribution to this project is £11.6 million which we consider to be a critical investment in providing zero emission buses on the Metrobus network for our customers.

"Buses are one of the most sustainable ways to travel. Hydrogen buses release zero emissions at the tailpipe, helping to reduce carbon emissions and create cleaner air for everyone.

"This project is an excellent example of what can be achieved through partnership working by putting the transport needs of local people first."

When fully operational, it will be one of the biggest fleets of hydrogen powered buses in the country and the only one operating in rural areas. 

Following the dedicated efforts of its officers and Councillors in completing Carbon Literacy Training, Mid Sussex District Council is proud to announce its successful accreditation as a Bronze Carbon Literate Organisation (CLO).

This achievement marks a significant milestone in the Council's commitment to sustainability and positive environmental practices.

Councillor Ian Gibson, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Economy and Housing, said: "We're very proud to have attained the bronze certification as a Carbon Literate Organisation. This achievement highlights our ongoing commitment to sustainability and our efforts to play a positive role in addressing climate change.

"We are committed to building upon this achievement and furthering our work towards achieving net zero as a Council. This recognition motivates us to continue our sustainability efforts and to inspire others to join us in making a meaningful impact on the environment."

The Carbon Literate Organisation (CLO) accreditation, awarded by The Carbon Literacy Project, signifies the Council's dedication to promoting Carbon Literacy within its operations and it reflects the commitment to addressing climate change as part of corporate social responsibility. Mid Sussex District Council is dedicated to educating its workforce about sustainable practices and actively supporting the community in adopting eco-friendly behaviours that reduce carbon emissions.

To find out more about Carbon Literacy, please visit the Carbon Literacy Project (CLP) Website: Home - The Carbon Literacy Project https://www.midsussex.gov.uk/about-us/press-releases-and-publications/mid-sussex-district-council-achieves-bronze-certification-as-a-carbon-literate-organisation/ 

Opportunity Mid Sussex, the inward investment platform of Mid Sussex District Council, will promote 70 hectares of employment space at one of the UK's premier real estate, investment, and infrastructure shows.

Representatives from Mid Sussex District Council will attend UKREiiF in Leeds from 21-23 May 2024 to promote and showcase the area to investors, building on the many strengths of the district and the significant growth being delivered.

The expert team will join industry leaders to talk about the opportunities for development in the district, take part in debates and network to effect positive change and generate further investment.

Opportunity Mid Sussex is looking forward to letting investors and the Government know that Mid Sussex is open for business, that this is a council focused on positive change and delivering results.

Mid Sussex is an ideal location for businesses to grow and flourish, with new employment space planned, fantastic landscapes in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Park, and excellent transport links by rail, road, and air. This event will further put Mid Sussex on the map and showcase the huge potential for investment and growth that the region has to offer.

With a cluster of businesses offering highly skilled work in sectors such as engineering and advanced manufacturing, MedTech, life sciences, Agri-tech, computer games development, multi-media software development, as well as e-commerce, financial and professional services, this is a fantastic opportunity for developers to create spaces for businesses to grow.

In addition, a further 40,000m2 of employment space is now available at Panattoni Park Burgess Hill and ready for tenant fit-out, much of which is available for high value technology-led businesses.

Panattoni, the largest logistics developer in the UK and Europe, said demand for the high-quality commercial space has already been strong and will be promoting the space at UKREiiF.

David McGougan, Panattoni's development director in the South East, said: "Our core business plan at Panattoni is to go into regions which are undersupplied with commercial property, especially in the South East. We saw there was an opportunity for us to speculatively develop this site to deliver much needed employment and space for businesses to grow.

"Mid Sussex already has an existing industrial base and a very strong demographic in terms of availability of labour and excellent access to motorways.

"It's a great place to live and work. It's close to both the seaside and the countryside, you've got the universities, plus cities and towns nearby to visit including London and Brighton which are both easily accessible by train. It has huge potential to grow."

Opportunity Mid Sussex will champion a total of 22 housing sites and seven employment sites, across the district, many of which are already in development and the allocation for a new Science and Technology Park when they attend UKREiiF.

Businesses already based in the area include Swiss multinational healthcare company Roche Diagnostics, multinational engineering company Continental AG, which develops Advanced Driver Assistance Systems from its hub in Burgess Hill and Universal Quantum the groundbreaking quantum computing start-up that has chosen Haywards Heath as its HQ.

Working in partnership with Homes England, the £1bn+ Burgess Hill Strategic Growth Programme in the heart of Mid Sussex is expected to deliver 5,000 homes and 15,000 jobs as well as major infrastructure improvements. It includes 25,000m2 of employment space, a Science and Technology Park in Burgess Hill, which will cost £250m to develop, providing 100,000m2 of employment space and 2,500 new jobs.

The UK's Real Estate, Investment, and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) will take place in Leeds in May 2024.

Opportunity Mid Sussex (OMS) will exhibit at the event, which draws over 10,000 attendees and 150 exhibitors, to highlight and promote the district.

For more information, please visit: https://www.opportunitymidsussex.co.uk/

MSDC is proud to be participating in Carbon Literacy Action Day (CLAD) on 4th December by running its second Carbon Literacy staff training programme to mark the Carbon Literacy Project's annual day of action. This year, CLAD coincides with COP28, so while world leaders are negotiating and discussing global climate policy in Dubai, Carbon Literacy learners worldwide will be educating and empowering themselves on how to take meaningful action on climate change.

Carbon Literacy Training is a world-renowned training initiative. Becoming certified carbon literate requires undertaking training accredited by the Carbon Literacy Project. This focuses on building understanding of climate change and its impacts, why taking action is so important and what we can do as individuals, communities and in our workplaces to reduce our carbon footprints. By continuing to deliver Carbon Literacy Training to staff, MSDC is aiming to become an official Carbon Literate Organisation (CLO) to demonstrate their commitment to taking positive action on sustainability and achieving their net zero targets.

Councillor Ian Gibson, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Economy and Housing said: "We are pleased to support Carbon Literacy Action Day, empowering ourselves with the knowledge to take action on climate change. Mid Sussex District Council is dedicated to reducing our carbon footprint, paving the way toward a sustainable future for the region." 

Development is well under way at Panattoni Park, Burgess Hill, as real estate developer, Panattoni, advances the construction of a diverse range of speculative units. Situated in a well-established Mid Sussex location, these units start from just 8,138 sq ft, designed to meet the varied requirements of businesses spanning different scales. This development also presents a selection of units ideally suited for SMEs seeking to expand or establish their footprint within the region.

Located on a 22-acre site, the development expects to have "local reach and national impact" with 1.1 million consumers accessible within 45 minutes' drive.

The units will be built to a BREEAM rating of 'Very Good' and an EPC rating of 'A' and will benefit from 15% roof lights, electric charging points for vans and cars and up to 7.5 MVa of available power.

The development is expected to be ready by early 2024.

Agents at Panattoni Park Burgess Hill are DTRE, Lambert Smith Hampton and SHW. Contact details for all agents are available at: https://panattoni.co.uk/burgesshill/

Watch the development of the units on site in real-time at: https://panattoni.reachtimelapse.co.uk/burgesshill/

Mid Sussex is rapidly emerging as a hub for engineering, as highlighted at the launch of this year's Mid Sussex STEM challenge.

At the heart of this year's challenge lies the task of designing a hovercraft capable of lifting half a kilo and completing a circuit around Borde Hill's South Lawn. The launch event, held in the Mid Sussex District Council Chamber, saw the participation of students from local secondary schools, supported by cabinet members from Mid Sussex District Council, town Mayors, the local MP, and the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex.

Nick Green, Director at Flowserve introduced the event and Jeremy Crooks, STEM Ambassador, responsible for judging and guiding the project's design, emphasised the essential elements students must explore lift, motors, thrust, fins, steering, and the preparation of presentations for Sussex University professors and hovercraft experts. The endeavour is supported by engineering and medical companies Thales, Conti Engineering, Flowserve, PSM Marine Engineering, Adelphi, Nuffield Hospital, Bike Smart, Edwards, and Balfour Beatty. Each company will assign a STEM Ambassador to collaborate with the nine participating secondary schools.

Ruth de Mierre, Chairman of Haywards Heath Town Team, shed light on the rationale behind initiating the STEM Challenge: "Research shows that, in the South East, we'll need at least 30,000 engineers a year; so, when our Haywards Heath Town Team heard of the skills required by many local companies we, with their support, set up our STEM Challenge to inspire our students with the diverse opportunities and excitement which could be their future." 

The engineering sector not only significantly contributes to the local economy but also opens a wide spectrum of opportunities for aspiring professionals. Globally, the UK manufacturing industry ranks 8th by value output, further accentuating the pivotal role of engineering in the region's landscape.

Universal Quantum (UQ), a Haywards Heath based business which builds quantum computers that empower humanity to solve its most complex challenges, was named as one of Bloomberg's '25 UK Startups to Watch'.

The inaugural Bloomberg UK's Startups to Watch canvassed the UK to find 25 startups that represent the diversity and innovation of the country's startup scene. Universal Quantum were selected from more than 1,500 applications, with Bloomberg editors considering applications based on a number of criteria including: the scope of the problem being tackled, creativity of ideas, investors and customers traction and commitment to diversity.

In receiving the recognition, UQ's CEO, Sebastian Weidt, stated: "We have indeed come a long way since the inception period of working out of the University of Sussex. The last year especially has been a period of exponential leaps – from the growth of the team, our new centre of excellence in Haywards Heath, to winning the largest government contract for quantum computing to date, with the German Aerospace Center (DLR). We are grateful for this recognition, as it crowns our recent efforts. We aim to build on this and continue to drive the development of scalable ion-trapped quantum computers that will aid the applications that will propel humanity forward."

This accolade came ahead of the Chancellor's autumn statement last week, which unveiled fantastic news for the UK's science and tech sector, including the announcement of five groundbreaking new quantum missions.

This statement and Universal Quantum's award underpin Mid Sussex's thriving science and tech economy. The region's quantum successes highlight groundbreaking innovation taking place in the region, and a planned science and tech park, bolstered by government backing, will stand as a pivotal milestone for the region. 

Opportunity Mid Sussex are delighted to announce that they will take part in the UK's premier Real Estate, Investment, and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) taking place in Leeds in May 2024.

Opportunity Mid Sussex (OMS) will be exhibiting at the event, which draws over 10,000 attendees and 150 exhibitors, to highlight and promote the district. Through active participation in panel debates and showcasing their forward-thinking vision, OMS will highlight the region's distinctive strengths that make it an appealing hub for business growth. They'll spotlight the fantastic features that contribute to an outstanding quality of life, establishing Mid Sussex as an excellent place for both living and working. Additionally, OMS will emphasise the Council's proactive 'open for business' approach, signalling readiness to collaborate with new investors, developers, and businesses.

OMS will also share insights into the local authority's inward investment plans, as well as some of the key opportunity sites including: the planned government-backed science and tech park, Panattoni Park Burgess Hill, Homes England employment land and the Brookleigh residential development, among others; emphasising the region's unique dynamics that make it an attractive destination for businesses to prosper. 

Participation in the 2024 forum is the next step for Mid Sussex District Council to raise the profile of the district and the key investment opportunities available, following the launch of Opportunity Mid Sussex last year. Using the forum as an opportunity to highlight the districts thriving growth sectors which include scientific research and development & life sciences, horticulture & viticulture, computer and electronic products, digital and creative industries, financial services and fintech.

Mid Sussex businesses are among 107 small and medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in West Sussex awarded grants as part of the Low Carbon Across the South and East (LOCASE) programme which helps SMEs grow sustainably and improve their energy efficiency through funding and business support.

Of the businesses awarded, 21% were based in Mid Sussex, representing an exciting step forward for the district's small enterprises; supporting businesses as they transition to a low carbon economy as well as supporting delivery of Mid Sussex District Council's net zero aspirations, which aim to reduce the District's emissions and their impact on climate change.

Among those awarded locally were Courier Express who used their grant to upgrade warehouse space with LED lighting and sensors; Hassocks Community Association – a venue whose funding will allow them to install room-based thermostatic controls and invest in solar PV; cheese manufacturer Sussex High Weald Dairy who will use LoCASE funding for the installation of approximately 38 Kw of PV solar panels on the roof of the cheese factory and offices; and educational enterprise - How to Basically whose grant will help to insulate the premises which were built circa 1900 and to replace the existing heating with an Air Source Heat Pump.

How To Basically, Haywards Heath said: "It's saved us from using inefficient heating systems such as electric heaters, instead the air source heat pump is very efficient, and we have reduced our carbon footprint and utility bills."

More about LoCase grants can be found here: https://locase.co.uk/ 

Grow Digital West Sussex, which will be delivered between September 2023 and March 2024, with four series each comprising six events across the county, will feature workshops on topics including customer journey, using AI to manage costs and forecasts and practical skills for building an online presence.

Companies that attend in-person will later be able to access valuable one-to-one mentoring from experienced business mentors.

Grow Digital West Sussex is jointly funded by West Sussex County Council and the district and borough councils in the county including Mid Sussex. It is being delivered by experienced local companies Freedom Works, Wired Sussex, Creative Bloom and Shake It Up Creative.

Cllr Steve Waight, the County Council's Cabinet Member for Support Services and Economic Development, said: "Grow Digital West Sussex gives small businesses the digital know-how to tackle key challenges like increasing their productivity, working smarter and finding new customers. I'm sure our businesses will want to take advantage of this excellent, free, locally delivered growth support.

"The County Council is committed to supporting the growth of our businesses across the whole county: a sustainable and prosperous economy is one of the priorities in Our Council Plan."

Jon Trigg, the Founder and MD of lead delivery partner Freedom Works, said: "What businesses really want is practical support they can implement easily, and that is what Grow Digital West Sussex offers, as well as the opportunity for business owners and leaders to network with like-minded souls.

"Furthermore, the ongoing support through the programme's mentorship scheme with local digital growth experts, who understand the landscape and challenges, will have a huge impact in ensuring the knowledge and support gets put to practical benefit."

Businesses based in West Sussex can find more details and book places via Eventbrite.

For more information, please contact the team via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

A Mid Sussex business is one of three Sussex businesses that will be given help to innovate and grow thanks to new partnerships with the University of Brighton, supported by UK government funding.

The £476,453 of funding secured by the University from Innovate UK will support the delivery of three new Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) projects. KTPs bring together universities, qualified graduates and businesses to deliver tailor-made research and development projects focusing on tackling business challenges, embedding new knowledge and enabling sustainable growth.

Local Mid Sussex business Consort Frozen Foods, a frozen food and ice cream specialist based in Burgess Hill, will work with academics from the School of Business and Law to embed management knowledge and tools to critically analyse business performance and identify and exploit opportunities to diversify sales into new markets, eliminate seasonality issues and improve overall profitability.

Simon Renton, from Consort Frozen Foods, said: "Harnessing the university's RISE project as a stepping stone, this full-fledged KTP endeavour, underpinned by academic research and fresh graduate insight, paints an exciting trajectory for our expansion."

Iberian Lighting, a bespoke lighting manufacturing company specialising in craftsmanship and design and with an eco-conscious approach, based in St Leonards on Sea, will work with academics from the university's School of Business and Law, recently accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), to improve overall business profitability, productivity, and performance, enabling a business-wide digital transformation and embedding strategic branding capabilities to enter new markets.

Academics from the School of Sport and Health Sciences and the School of Business and Law will work with Guild Care, a Worthing based social care charity, to develop a new framework to assess the social impact of adult social care interventions, informing service design and to attract investment in new innovative approaches.

With partnerships ranging from twelve months to three years, KTP projects not only bridge expertise gaps but also embed transformative knowledge, systems, and methodologies.

The university has delivered 280 KTP projects to date, with 90% exceeding their objectives, earning them A grades, as acknowledged by Innovate UK.

Liz Johnson, KTP Manager at the University of Brighton, said: "KTPs are a prime example of effective innovation and collaboration between businesses and universities. Our projects with Guild Care, Iberian and Consort Frozen Foods will draw on wide-ranging academic expertise to deliver real-world innovation, addressing complex business challenges head-on."

SussExport 2023, a showcase of the very best of Sussex export businesses took place at Wilton Park in July - bringing together businesses, local economy and tourism leaders, and representatives from Government and Parliament, to highlight Sussex's thriving export enterprises.

Highlighting success stories that have emerged from the region, underscoring Sussex's global business potential, the one-day gathering provided an opportunity for stakeholders to share insights into challenges and opportunities and included a series of panels and discussions exploring Sussex' business footprint. Themes included heritage and tourism, the county's maritime connections, and the future of technology and industry locally.

The event, which showcased a diverse range of Sussex businesses included several product displays, alongside networking and workshops by the Department for International Trade and experts.

More on the event can be found here: https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/sussex-business-taking-on-the-world-sussexport-2023-convenes-at-wilton-park-4213827 

Mid Sussex District Council has granted approval for the redevelopment of a dilapidated industrial area into a commercial park and wellness centre in Goddards Green, near Burgess Hill.

The proposal for The Farmers Stores located on Gatehouse Lane in Goddards Green was approved on 10th August. At present, the site houses 11 structures utilised for various purposes such as car repairs, storage, and a salvage yard.

The forthcoming transformation involves the demolition of the existing buildings, making way for the construction of 19 modern units. These units are designated for a range of uses including business operations, light industrial activities, storage, and distribution. Additionally, an indoor wellness centre catering to sports and recreational fitness will be established on the premises.

A design statement accompanying the application and presented to the council highlighted that the project provides a valuable chance to rejuvenate an allocated employment site. The site aims to offer contemporary, sustainable, and efficiently designed facilities, which are much needed by both new and established local enterprises.

The anticipated impact of this initiative extends to the local community, as it is expected to generate new employment opportunities, attract new businesses to the vicinity, and enhance the overall economic prospects of the village. 

The application, which will deliver 260 Net Zero Carbon homes and represents the first Net Zero Carbon housing scheme of scale in the district, will be built jointly by Charles Church, part of Persimmon Homes, and Thakeham.

As well as delivering 260 Net Zero Carbon homes in a flagship development, both developers are keen to stress the important contribution that the new development will make to meeting local housing needs. House prices in Mid Sussex are nearly 12 times average earnings and almost a third higher than the national average. Alongside a range of affordable homes for private sale, 78 homes will also be made available for affordable rent and discounted market sale.

Daniel Castle, Managing Director of Persimmon Homes Thames Valley said:

"As well as delivering an innovative and pioneering housing scheme, we're also incredibly proud of our record in helping local people to get on the property ladder and own their home.

"At our most recent scheme in Burgess Hill, over half of all the homes sold privately on site helped a first-time buyer get on the property ladder. I hope we can deliver more of the same at Keymer Road."

The Net Zero Carbon homes go far beyond what is required by current building regulations and will utilise a range of technologies and innovative materials in order to achieve Net Zero. This includes the use of PV solar panels, air source heat pumps and cylinders, wastewater heat recovery and specialist materials to maximise energy performance within the homes.

Calum Semark, Chief Operating Officer at Thakeham, commented:

"We are a local business and industry-leaders in sustainable homes so to be providing quality homes for Burgess Hill via an entirely zero carbon scheme is hugely significant for us. It will offer people the opportunity to live in highly energy-efficient homes, meaning low running costs and minimal environmental impact, both of which are increasingly important.

"We look forward to welcoming future residents in due course and know that this community will be a great place to live and an asset to the thriving Burgess Hill area."

The new development at Keymer Road will also offer a 10% biodiversity net gain, including the support of a nature recovery project, and a range of other community benefits including upgraded walking routes and sustainable transport links. Over £3.2m will be invested into education provision, £400,000 will be directed to local health services and almost £300,000 will be spent on upgrading sports facilities. 

Sussex Wine Tourism: A Plan for Growth was launched on Wednesday 14 June at the Houses of Parliament during a well-received reception hosted by Sir Peter Bottomley MP.

This ambitious plan aims to grow Sussex's wine tourism sector from its current value of £25 million to an impressive £283 million by 2040, generating over 3500 new jobs and securing Sussex's position as the UK's premier wine tourism destination.

The winelands of Sussex currently boast 138 vineyards, representing a quarter of the land in Great Britain under vine. Many are award-winning and open to the public, offering cellar door sales, tours, tastings, food and drink, shopping, accommodation as well as a variety of events and activities.

Eleven Sussex wine estates were present at the launch, showcasing their world-class wines and outstanding tourism experiences that complement the region's rich and distinctive landscape, heritage and cultural offerings. The event was well attended by MPs from across the Sussex region, as well as Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt, Minister for Media, Tourism and Creative Industries, Sir John Whittingdale OBE, and CEO VisitBritain/VisitEngland Patricia Yates.

Sussex Wine Tourism: A Plan for Growth has been overseen by Sussex Modern and the Sussex Visitor Economy Initiative.

Since 2017, Sussex Modern has been working collaboratively with regional partners, spanning not just wine, but also art and landscape, to change the perceptions of Sussex and raise its profile as a premier national and international visitor destination. In a year which sees the art gallery Towner Eastbourne host the Turner Prize, this ambition is now more pertinent than ever.

The Sussex Visitor Economy Initiative is a strategic partnership led by East Sussex County Council, West Sussex County Council and Brighton & Hove City Council, collaborating with a wide range of public and private sector partners and local destination management organisations. Its aim is to harness the opportunities that cross-county collaboration brings, grow the value of the visitor economy and raise the profile of Sussex as a national and international visitor destination.

VisitBritain/VisitEngland CEO Patricia Yates said: "We welcome the launch of Sussex Wine Tourism: A Plan for Growth, bringing together businesses and stakeholders from across the region to harness the significant opportunities to promote Sussex's wine tourism internationally, including to the valuable United States market. With a growing range of first-class wine and viticulture-inspired experiences on offer, from cellar tours and tastings to wine festivals, and with many vineyards offering luxury and boutique accommodation, wine tourism is boosting Sussex's profile on the international stage as a food and drink destination.

"With our research also showing strong interest from international travellers in trying British food and drink, Sussex's wine tourism offer is also an exciting proposition and incentive product for the business meetings market. At just over an hour away, the stunning Sussex wine region complements London's offer and showcases the richness of Britain's regional diversity."

Mardi Roberts, Vice Chair of the Sussex Visitor Economy Initiative as well as Director of Communications at Ridgeview Wine Estate, went on to say, "Sussex Wine Tourism: A Plan for Growth marks a significant milestone in the region's pursuit of becoming a premier wine tourism destination. By fostering collaboration, innovation and the celebration of Sussex's unique offerings, the plan sets the stage for remarkable growth in the years to come, solidifying Sussex's reputation as a must-visit location for wine enthusiasts and tourists alike."

The recently released UK and Scotland Attractiveness Survey underlines Mid Sussex's sustainable economic growth potential.