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.
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#19: The Lessons From North Yorkshire
09/07/2025
#19: The Lessons From North Yorkshire
The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 19: The Lessons From North Yorkshire Host: Richard Freeman Guest: James Farrar - Chief Executive, York & North Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority 🔍 Episode summary Sussex is heading for devolution—new unitaries, a directly elected mayor, and big expectations. So what does it really take to go from theory to action? Richard talks to James Farah, Chief Executive of the York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority, about how his region navigated local government reorganisation and launched a mayoral combined authority - then moved quickly from promises to projects. York & North Yorkshire (like Sussex) spans rural, coastal and urban communities, a national park, diverse economies and different political colours. James shares how they built trust, agreed an economic framework before the election, created “quick win” pipelines for year one, and put in place the relationships and rigour to sustain momentum. It’s a candid, highly practical conversation about power, place and delivery — packed with lessons Sussex can use now. This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Galloways Accounting – Sussex’s largest independent accountancy practice, with six offices from Worthing to Brighton to Eastbourne to Uckfield. They combine deep local knowledge with cutting-edge cloud tools to help family businesses, charities, tech start-ups and professional practices manage cash flow, R&D tax credits, payroll, succession planning and more. 👉 🎯 Why this matters “Where combined authorities work best, they don’t do to each other. The mayor doesn’t do to the councils, and the councils don’t do to the mayor. They work in partnership - on shared priorities, with shared resources.” “The big prize is certainty. Longer-term settlements let you plan 10 years out, build a pipeline, and be more ambitious. Then an integrated settlement lets you blend transport, skills, housing and net zero around outcomes for people and places.” 🧠 Topics covered include: The road to devolution: why York & North Yorkshire did local government reorganisation first, then launched the combined authority. “Day One readiness”: creating an economic framework (not a strategy) pre-election so any incoming mayor inherits agreed priorities - and can then add their flavour. Quick wins vs. long game: town-centre footfall projects, EV infrastructure and cultural boosts in year one, while planning bigger structural investments. How the machine works: the non-political executive team, statutory responsibilities, and why robust governance and assurance matter. Partnership, not push: the constitutional principle that local leaders must support local investment, and the human work of trust at political, CEO and director levels. Accountability & engagement: publishing plans and decisions, formal evaluation (including government gateway reviews), and the evolving challenge of two-way public engagement across rural areas. Competitive advantage & enablers: focusing on sectors with exponential potential while underpinning tourism, micro-businesses and town centres, enabled by skills, housing and connectivity. Housing & demographics: the cost/availability crunch pushing young people out - and why affordable housing is a central economic policy. What devolution unlocks: senior reach into Whitehall, multi-year funding certainty, and the path to integrated settlements that blend budgets around outcomes - and crowd in private finance “We’re not just a big city—we’re a region of 30+ towns. Invest in town centres and footfall to build momentum.” 📚 Further reading and references York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority – Devolution & Mayor https://yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk York & North Yorkshire Devolution Deal (Gov.uk) Levelling Up White Paper (executive overview) Centre for Cities – Metro Mayors explained Transport for the South East – Strategic Investment Plan (Sussex context) Local Government Reorganisation: lessons learned (LGA) https://www.local.gov.uk/topics/devolution/devolution-and-lg-reorganisation-hub 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: James Farrar Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded: Remote (Normandy ↔ Sussex) with thanks to the calm after the storm 📣 Get involved Want better public communication in Sussex? Want to help shape devolution so it actually works for people and places? 👉 — episodes, resources and events.
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#18: Bridges Not Borders; Rethinking Sussex’s Link To The World
08/31/2025
#18: Bridges Not Borders; Rethinking Sussex’s Link To The World
The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 19: Bridges Not Borders; Rethinking Sussex’s Link To The World Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Graham Precey – social impact leader (ex-Head of Sustainability, Legal & General); community convenor for the Newhaven–Dieppe (“Le Havre de Paix”) ferry decarbonisation effort; Normandy–Sussex bridge-builder 🔍 Episode summary Richard speaks with Graham Precey from across the Channel in Normandy to unpack why the Newhaven–Dieppe ferry is more than a boat: but a living bridge between Sussex and Normandy that carries tourists, freight, ideas and identity — and a testbed for decarbonising short-sea shipping. Graham traces a career in corporate social and environmental impact long before 'ESG' was a buzzword, and explains how that experience now fuels a community-led, binational mission: cutting ~41,000 tonnes of CO₂ from the route, protecting a 200-year lifeline, and turning Sussex’s “over-the-horizon” into an everyday, low-carbon local journey. This is a practical conversation about infrastructure that people can see and use — ferries, ports, pallets and power — and how open, ego-free convening is bringing councils, operators, businesses and residents together to solve a problem that matters. 🎯 Why this matters “It’s a bridge. 368,000 people and a whole lot of pallets cross it each year. It’s real economy, not just the cloud — and right now about 41,000 tonnes of carbon go straight up the funnel. We need to change that, and we are.” “If I were the Sussex mayor, I’d start with the real assets: Gatwick, Shoreham, Newhaven. They bring in people and trade you can count. Then ask: how do we make them work together — and cleaner — fast?” 🧠 Topics covered include: The ferry as a 200-year “living bridge”: culture, tourism, trade and identity Why short-sea decarbonisation (electric, hybrid, hydrogen, fuels) is urgent and doable Who pays (and why): the Normandy case for investment, carbon pricing pressures, fleet renewal Sussex’s three strategic gateways — Gatwick, Shoreham, Newhaven — and treating them as a system Open Space convening: dropping egos, myth-busting, and co-creating the agenda in public Practical wins: letters of support from Sussex bodies, technical working groups, Franco-British dialogue Making the route busier and fairer: pricing, signage, language, and lowering friction on both shores Devolution takeaway: how a mission-led mayoral programme could scale this approach to other regional challenges 📚 Further reading and references Newhaven–Dieppe Ferry (DFDS/Transmanche) – timetables, route and operator info 👉 Port of Newhaven – port information and development updates 👉 Département de la Seine-Maritime (Rouen) – the French public owner/funder behind the route 👉 Transport for the South East – regional transport strategy and investment pipeline 👉 The Crown Estate | Marine – UK seabed, offshore energy and marine leasing context 👉 Open Space Technology (Harrison Owen) – the facilitation method used in the Sussex–Normandy sessions 👉 International Maritime Organization (IMO) GHG Strategy – global decarbonisation framework for shipping 👉 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Graham Precey Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded: Remote (Normandy ↔ Sussex) with thanks to the calm after the storm This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Let’s Do Business Finance – powering the ambitions of entrepreneurs and small businesses across Sussex and beyond. As an accredited British Business Bank delivery partner, they’ve supported hundreds of start-ups and scale-ups with loans from £500 to £150,000 – filling the funding gap left by high street banks. With expert advice and tailored finance packages, they’re backing local jobs, boosting business confidence, and helping communities thrive. 👉 📣 Get involved Care about cleaner, faster, fairer Sussex connectivity? Want the new Sussex mayor to consider ideas like the Newhaven–Dieppe link to become a flagship for green growth? Explore more episodes, resources and events: 👉 sussexandthecity.info
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#17: The Case For Bold, Female-led Climate Entrepreneurship In Sussex
08/25/2025
#17: The Case For Bold, Female-led Climate Entrepreneurship In Sussex
The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 17: The Case For Bold, Female-led Climate Entrepreneurship In Sussex Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Maddy Cooper – Founder of Flourish This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Plus Accounting – The leading B Corp certified firm of Chartered Accountants dedicated to Brighton & Hove. Serving growth sectors from video game studios and creative industries to healthcare, property, life sciences and cutting-edge tech, their team support start-ups, scale-ups and long-established enterprises with tailored tax planning, R&D claims, audits and advisory. 👉 🔍 Episode summary Richard speaks with Maddy Cooper, founder of Flourish – a Brighton-based agency pioneering the intersection of sustainability and artificial intelligence. After two decades running big-brand campaigns, Maddy walked away to build something new: a platform that helps businesses turn genuine sustainability investments into legally compliant, motivating marketing. In this conversation, she shares candid reflections on the barriers facing ambitious founders in Sussex, the risks of “greenhushing,” and why the region must decide whether it wants to stay small and safe – or back the kind of scale-ups that could put it on the global map. This is a bold take on female-led innovation, AI, climate responsibility and what devolution could mean for businesses that want to do good and grow fast. This is a good companion piece to episode 15, and the conversation with Simon Chuter. 🎯 Why this matters "Businesses in Brighton and Sussex have an opportunity to thrive if they really embrace sustainability. But too often I see small-scale thinking. Big, bold, ambitious thinking requires bravery — without it, we’ll be blocked in our growth." 🧠 Topics covered include: Why sustainable marketing is a growth driver, not a “nice-to-have” The legal and reputational risks of greenwashing Sussex’s habit of celebrating smallness vs the need for scale What Cambridge and Singapore get right about growth and innovation Why Sussex risks being left behind without deliberate support for scale-ups Female-led entrepreneurship and the leadership gap What a Sussex mayor could do: showcase scale-ups, convene academia and business, and fuel ambition with funding Sustainability as competitive differentiation for Gen Z and Gen Alpha consumers "A business like Flourish can be – and will be – the next Brandwatch or bigger. But no one here is helping me do that. At the intersection of sustainability and AI we can transform industries, careers and communities. What’s missing is the support, the money, and the ambition." 📚 Further reading and references – courses and research on sustainable business – guidance on avoiding greenwashing – national innovation funding and support programmes – Brighton-born global social intelligence and analytics scale-up 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Maddy Cooper Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton 📣 Get involved Want better public communication in Sussex? Want to help shape devolution in a way people understand?👉 – for more episodes, resources and events.
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#16: Why I Want To Be Mayor (Parts Two & Three)
08/18/2025
#16: Why I Want To Be Mayor (Parts Two & Three)
The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 16: Why I Want To Be Mayor (Parts Two & Three) Host: Richard Freeman Guests: Tim Loughton – former MP for East Worthing & Shoreham Paul Marshall – Leader of West Sussex County Council This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Different Hats – founded by Sam Thomas in 2024, Different Hats brings together 20 years of helping Sussex businesses tell stories that convert. From producing over 100 podcast episodes to hosting live events and building a powerful network of regional leaders, they’re shaping authentic storytelling that sparks change. 👉 🔍 Episode summary Richard sits down with two heavyweight West Sussex Conservative figures — Tim Loughton and Cllr Paul Marshall — who until August were both contenders for the party’s Sussex mayoral nomination. Though neither are in the race now as Katy Bourne secures the nomination, their perspectives reveal much about what’s at stake as Sussex prepares for devolution. Tim draws on 27 years in Parliament to argue that a Sussex mayor could finally secure the infrastructure and investment the county he feels it has long been denied. Paul, meanwhile, reflects on his time as leader of West Sussex County Council, emphasising productivity, connectivity and collaboration as the pillars of a future Sussex economy. Between Westminster experience and local government pragmatism, both men paint different but overlapping pictures of what Sussex needs from its first mayor - and the risks if we don’t get it right. 🎯 Why this matters "We’re the seventh largest economy in England, but we’ve seen so much money drain to the Treasury without enough coming back. Sussex needs far greater control over how we invest in our own infrastructure. That’s why I became a convert to devolution — because other metro mayors are getting things done that I could never achieve as an MP." – Tim Loughton "Connectivity leads to opportunity. Poor connectivity leads to poor outcomes. If you can’t move easily across Sussex — east to west, north to south — you can’t unlock productivity or create the standard of living people deserve. A mayor’s role is to convene, to align ambitions, and to deliver on that long-term." – Cllr Paul Marshall 🧠 Topics covered include: Why Sussex should see itself as one county, not fragments Lessons from Manchester, Liverpool and other devolved regions The A27, housing pressures, and the talent drain Why productivity in Sussex lags behind the South East The balance between economic growth and inclusion How devolution could fix fragmented decision-making The mayor as convener: collaboration not command Risks of over-politicisation and the need for public trust 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guests: Tim Loughton & Cllr Paul Marshall Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton 📣 Get involved Want better public communication in Sussex? Want to help shape devolution in a way people understand? 👉 – for more episodes, resources and events.
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#15: Small Is Beautiful - But Sussex Needs Scale
08/10/2025
#15: Small Is Beautiful - But Sussex Needs Scale
The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 15: Small Is Beautiful - But Sussex Needs Scale Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Simon Chuter - business growth strategist, founder of Scale Up Sussex, former Head of Centres & Investment Services at Sussex Innovation This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Kreston Reeves – one of the UK’s leading accountancy and advisory firms and one of the first to achieve B Corp status. With offices in Brighton, Chichester and beyond, they help Sussex businesses grow with clarity, confidence and purpose – from tax strategy and audit to ESG reporting and succession planning. 👉 krestonreeves.com 🔍 Episode summary In this candid conversation, Richard sits down with Sussex-born-and-bred enterprise champion Simon Chuter to explore how devolution could shape a more joined-up, ambitious business landscape – and why the mayoralty’s first job should be to fund what works. Simon draws on over a decade supporting founders, scale-ups and investors across the county – from student entrepreneurs at the University of Sussex to experienced business leaders seeking growth capital. He makes the case that Sussex has all the ingredients for a thriving scale-up culture, but too often fails to connect its pockets of excellence into a coherent regional story. This episode digs into what scaling really means, why it matters for job diversity, and how barriers like talent, finance, leadership, markets and infrastructure could be tackled with smart, evidence-based investment. 🎯 Why this matters "I'd like to think that it's possible to create a grand narrative, to create a grand community across the region, across the county of Sussex - it’s certainly possible, but there are huge pockets of inequality, not just in the county, but in the city that we're sat in now. Telling a cohesive story that brings people together when you've got different politics across the region, different ideas, different values, different sets of beliefs, is… messy. That’s what I’m getting my head around now - slowly but surely." 🧠 Topics covered include: What makes Sussex unique – and why cohesion is hard but possible Why scaling isn’t about “corporate behemoths” but about good jobs for good people The five big barriers holding back business growth How to build a county-wide mentoring culture that works across sectors Why the mayor should scale-up the scale-up programmes Lessons from investment networks and university-linked entrepreneurship Avoiding guff: making collaboration real, not performative "It's about creating good jobs. That’s fundamentally what it's about for me: good jobs for good people in good places. How do we create an economy whereby people can do really great work, in a way that has significant impact? The way we do that is by growing businesses who can employ at that scale. Small is beautiful, yes — but there’s an opportunity to do something else as well. It’s additive rather than a takeaway." 📚 Further reading and references 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Simon Chuter Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton 📣 Get involved Want better public communication in Sussex? Want to help shape devolution in a way people understand?👉 – for more episodes, resources and events.
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#14: We Can Be Better At Communicating Complexity
08/03/2025
#14: We Can Be Better At Communicating Complexity
The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 14: We Can Be Better At Communicating Complexity Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Natalie Orringe - Founder, Strategy + Impact This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Be Well. Live Well. – A data-led workplace wellbeing model helping Sussex employers boost performance and productivity by putting health at the heart of their culture. 👉 🔍 Episode summary Richard speaks with Natalie Orringe, one of the UK's most thoughtful voices on public engagement, communications and strategic leadership. A former agency director turned local government insider, Natalie shares what she learned as the first-ever Chief Marketing Officer in a London borough – and why local government communications roles like that matter more than ever in a climate of public cynicism, fractured trust, and rapid political change. Now based in Brighton, she works across public and private sectors helping leaders make their strategy meaningful, human and heard. This is a good companion piece to episode 12, and our chat with Flo Powell. 🎯 Why this matters Now Sussex is getting an elected mayor and a new tier of governance, it also needs a total reboot in how it talks to people. Natalie argues that clarity, storytelling, and genuine dialogue must sit at the heart of the process Communications isn't an add-on – it's how trust is built Good consultation starts early and is relentlessly honest Regional identity is up for grabs – so let’s define it, together Consultation literacy must be nurtured, not assumed 💬 “People aren’t stupid – but they’re sick of being spoken down to.” 🧠 Topics covered include: Why communications is the scaffolding of public trust How councils can stop performative consultation and start meaningful engagement What went wrong with devolution comms – and how to fix it Why marketing skills are central to public sector success The dangers of inconsistency, opacity and missed feedback loops What Sussex can learn from Essex, Southend, and solar farms Why we must stop fearing complexity – and start telling better stories “Employers say they want talent. But they need to take responsibility for building it – not just hoping someone else will.” 📚 Further reading and references – Natalie’s consultancy – Brighton-based loneliness charity chaired by Natalie – Campaign tackling slow payments to small businesses 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Natalie Orringe Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton 📣 Get involved Want better public communication in Sussex? Want to help shape devolution in a way people understand?👉 – for more episodes, resources and events.
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#13: Sussex Is Full Of Talent. But Employers Aren't Finding It.
07/27/2025
#13: Sussex Is Full Of Talent. But Employers Aren't Finding It.
The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 13: Sussex Is Full Of Talent. But Employers Aren't Finding It. Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Dan Wallman - Founder, TechNative Digital This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Different Hats – Strategic storytelling, curated events and creative content from Sam Thomas and co, helping Sussex leaders spark real change across business and communities. 👉 🔍 Episode summary Richard speaks with Dan Wallman - a long-time force in Sussex creative/digital learning and founder of Tech Native Digital - about why our tech skills system hasn't been working, and what it will take to build one that does. From pioneering creative training at DV8 Sussex to helping shape the region’s Local Skills Improvement Plan, Dan has spent 20 years connecting talent with opportunity. As a partner piece to episode 10, exploring the further education and policy approach to the labour market in Sussex, this episode gets under the skin of what local employers need. And how digital bootcamps, and a focus on junior career pathways, are some practical tools Sussex needs to help people thrive where they live. With devolution and a regional mayor on the way, Dan argues that we need to go full throttle on a digital skills revolution. 🎯 Why this matters A regional, employer-led approach to tech training that is inclusive and bold could: Close the gap between training and real-world jobs Align funding with current and future industry needs Boost participation in digital, creative and green tech sectors Enable long-term career pathways for underrepresented groups Support economic growth and social mobility “Bootcamps alone won’t fix this. We need strategy, collaboration and systems that actually work for people.” 🧠 Topics covered include: Why bootcamps work – and where they don’t The rise of tech-led training models co-designed by employers Systemic barriers to meaningful employer engagement How AI, better knowledge of neurodiversity and new tools are reshaping access The problem with vanishing junior roles What devolution could unlock for tech, skills and inclusion The critical importance of scaling pilots that work “Employers say they want talent. But they need to take responsibility for building it – not just hoping someone else will.” 📚 Further reading and references – Dan’s digital skills bootcamp and consultancy – Work experience innovation platform by Jim Byford – Dan’s former creative college supporting thousands of learners in Brighton and Bexhill 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Dan Wallman Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton 📣 Get involved Want better public communication in Sussex? Want to help shape devolution in a way people understand?👉 – for more episodes, resources and events.
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#12: If No One Understands Devolution, What’s The Point?
07/20/2025
#12: If No One Understands Devolution, What’s The Point?
🔍 Episode summary Richard speaks with Flo Powell, PR strategist and co-owner of Brighton-based agency Midnight Communications, about trust, language, and the colossal communications challenge facing Sussex’s devolution journey. With 30 years of regional insight, Flo doesn’t pull punches. She shares sharp reflections on how local authorities handle public engagement, why badly written surveys aren’t just annoying – they’re dangerous – and what might happen if a mayor is introduced before people understand what one even is. This episode unpacks why messaging matters now more than ever – and what it will take for Sussex to speak with a unified, human voice. 🎯 Why this matters If you want 1.7 million people to back structural change, they need to know what it means for their lives, homes and businesses. Flo argues that the devolution process risks failure if leaders don’t: Resist hiding behind jargon and PDF consultations Acknowledge the crisis of trust in local institutions Start talking like people, not like technocratic systems Invest in clarity, transparency and real engagement Recognise that good comms is infrastructure “People won’t engage if they don’t know what they’re being asked. This is a once-in-a-generation moment – and the messaging is miles off.” 🧠 Topics covered include: Why its easy for local government to get communication wrong The ‘survey trap’ and how to actually ask useful questions Building credibility in a climate of political mistrust The challenge of explaining an elected mayor role clearly What makes Sussex unique – and what should be protected Lessons from brand storytelling, crisis comms and tourism strategy “Trust is rock bottom. So you’ve got to lead with humanity – not bureaucracy.” 📚 Further reading and references – Flo’s award-winning PR and content agency – Visitor economy brand referenced in the episode – Event series cited in discussion 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Flo Powell Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton 📣 Get involved Want better public communication in Sussex? Want to help shape devolution in a way people understand?👉 – for more episodes, resources and events.
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#11: Why I Want To Be Mayor (Part One)
07/13/2025
#11: Why I Want To Be Mayor (Part One)
The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 11: Why I Want To Be Mayor (Part One) Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Sally-Ann Hart – former MP for Hastings & Rye This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Digital Islands – Delivering fully funded business support to small firms across Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight since 2017. 👉 🔍 Episode summary This week, Richard meets someone who actively wants to lead devolution in Sussex and Brighton. Sally-Ann Hart, the former Conservative party MP for Hastings & Rye, is seeking her party's nomination to become the first directly elected mayor for the region. They discuss why she wants the job, what she learned representing one of the UK’s most deprived constituencies, and her priorities for a region grappling with inequality, infrastructure gaps, and identity. Sally-Ann reflects on her time in Parliament during the COVID-19 pandemic, her passion for early intervention, and how she thinks coastal towns like Hastings have been misunderstood and overlooked for too long. 🎯 Why this matters for devolution This is the first time on the podcast we’ve heard directly from someone who wants the mayoralty – and the power that comes with it. Sally-Ann outlines how she’d approach leadership of a 1.7 million–strong region, and makes the case that: The mayor must unite coastal, urban, and rural communities Economic growth and job creation must be priority one Existing skills strategies can be scaled, not reinvented Private investment and local pride are key tools for regeneration Data and accountability must be baked into the new system 🧠 Topics include: What a regional mayor could do that councils can’t Lessons from Hastings and the challenge of changing culture Coastal regeneration, the blue economy, and green jobs The need for tailored plans, not blanket policies Dealing with political division and bringing partners together Building trust, dashboards, and visibility for the mayor’s office 📚 Further reading and references: 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Sally-Ann Hart Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton 📣 Get involved Want to help reimagine democracy, identity and regional change in Sussex? Join the conversation and find resources at
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#10: Investment In Sussex Skills Needs More Than Duct Tape And Goodwill
07/06/2025
#10: Investment In Sussex Skills Needs More Than Duct Tape And Goodwill
The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 10: Investment In Sussex Skills Needs More Than Duct Tape And Goodwill Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Dan Shelley – Chair, Sussex Local Skills Improvement Plan Board This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Let’s Do Business Finance – A British Business Bank-accredited lender, providing tailored funding and expert advice to new and growing ventures across Sussex since 2004. 👉 🔍 Episode summary In this deep-dive episode, Richard speaks with Dan Shelley, one of the South East's leading thinkers on skills and regional development, about the real infrastructure behind economic inclusion: adult education, technical training, and making the skills system actually work for Sussex. Dan unpacks the role of the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) – a pan-Sussex strategy he helped shape – and why aligning education and economic strategy is vital. From digital bootcamps to hospitality apprenticeships, he highlights the collaborative groundwork already underway – and sets out what’s needed next, especially if Sussex is to make the most of devolved powers. 🎯 Why this matters for devolution With a mayoral combined authority likely on the horizon, the episode explores how a reformed skills agenda could: Unlock economic mobility for adults across Sussex Link funding to real-world job opportunities in growth sectors Join up fragmented provision under a clear regional framework Build anchor partnerships between FE, HE and employers Empower a more inclusive and dynamic workforce “The skills system is a big, beautiful mess – but Sussex is ready to tidy it up.” Topics include: What the LSIP actually is – and why it’s already working Sussex’s seven priority sectors – and the real skills gaps they face How devolution could shift adult education budgets and accountability Lessons from Liverpool and the Netherlands on region-led innovation Why FE is both vital and undervalued – and what needs to change Microbusinesses, public value, and the myth of trickle-down skills 📚 Further reading and links 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Dan Shelley Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton 📣 Get involved Want to help reimagine democracy, identity and regional change in Sussex? Join the conversation and find resources at
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#9: “If You Want To Talk About Devolution, Turn Up At The Food Bank”
06/29/2025
#9: “If You Want To Talk About Devolution, Turn Up At The Food Bank”
The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 9: “If You Want To Talk About Devolution, Turn Up At The Food Bank” Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Kaia Allen-Bevan – Activist, speaker, founder of Youth The Gap, poet and education reformer This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Projects – A B Corp-certified workspace provider in the heart of Brighton’s Lanes. Projects is building a better local economy by supporting freelancers, founders, and changemakers with flexible, welcoming workspaces, events, and community. 👉 🔍 Episode summary What does grassroots activism have to do with devolution? In this powerful episode, Richard sits down with Kaia Allen-Bevan, a leading voice in education reform and racial justice, to explore what it really means to build a future where every community is heard. Founder of the award-winning social enterprise Youth The Gap, Kaia speaks from lived experience – growing up in Whitehawk, leading Brighton’s Black Lives Matter protests at just 17, and now shaping national conversations on allyship, inclusion and structural change. This conversation unpacks how young people are engaging with power (or not), why policy language creates distance, and what politicians need to do differently if they truly want to build trust in Sussex’s most marginalised communities. Topics include: How protest can be a start – not an end – for democratic engagement Why Sussex has an activist backbone – and why that should be embraced, not feared The difference between being visible and being listened to How local government structures and growth agendas can alienate the very people they aim to help Why devolution needs to mean decentralisation of trust and language, not just of Whitehall power Kaia’s experience of breaking the odds – and why she’s working to make sure others don’t have to The danger of tokenism, and what real inclusion and co-creation look like in practice The vital role of community spaces, culture and grassroots organisations in holding democratic space What intergenerational collaboration needs to look like – and why it starts with calling people in, not out If you care about representation, accountability, or just understanding what the next generation of leaders really expect from the system – this episode might be unmissable. 👉 Explore Kaia’s work and related resources: – A social impact consultancy creating long-term systemic change in education – Diversity and inclusion consultancy focusing on allyship and anti-racism 📚 Further reading and links – The area Kaia references and its connection to social mobility – Referenced for accessibility critique – The link between community voice and effective policy 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Kaia Allen-Bevan Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton 📣 Get involved Want to help reimagine democracy, identity and regional change in Sussex? Join the conversation and find resources at
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#8: Why Sussex Culture Punches Above Its Weight
06/22/2025
#8: Why Sussex Culture Punches Above Its Weight
The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 8: Why Sussex Culture Punches Above Its Weight Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Stuart Drew – CEO and Director, De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill-on-Sea This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Creative Crawley – Reimagining Crawley’s identity through world-class public performance, co-created art, and cultural infrastructure. From artist residencies to their million-pound Creative Playground programme, they're growing a new creative economy in the heart of West Sussex. 👉 🔍 Episode summary In this bold and wide-ranging episode, Richard Freeman is joined by cultural powerhouse Stuart Drew, long-serving Director of the iconic De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill. They unpack the serious role of culture in economic growth, skills, tourism – and why Sussex’s creative institutions are already delivering public value by stealth. As regional devolution looms, Stuart argues it’s time for leaders to stop treating the arts as an optional extra. From pioneering skills pathways and radical programming to building a pan-Sussex cultural brand, this conversation explores the real potential of culture to lead, not follow, the next phase of regional transformation. Topics include: The architectural brilliance and civic mission of the De La Warr Pavilion Why Sussex is more than the sum of its parts – and how Coastal Cultural Trail became a model for partnership The birth of Sussex Modern, and what it reveals about fragmented narratives and missed opportunities Making the case for culture in tourism, inward investment and regeneration Why the cultural sector is already delivering on skills and economic participation A candid take on the risks of asset transfer, unstable funding, and weak advocacy What the incoming mayor must understand about microbusinesses and cultural infrastructure How art can be a safety net where youth clubs and children’s services have vanished Why joined-up mobility (including trains!) might be a powerful cultural enabler This is a rallying cry for policymakers, funders and mayors: invest in what’s already working, and stop asking culture to prove itself again and again. 👉 Explore Sussex’s creative sector and the De La Warr Pavilion: 👉 Stay up to date with the wider project at 📚 Further reading and links 📚 Further reading and links : Building creative leadership and cultural infrastructure in Crawley : Created to support cultural and creative workers in Brighton & Hove with opportunities for professional development and skills support. : A low-budget marketing experiment that became a model : Pan-regional tourism strategy with a cultural core : How creative skills fit into wider workforce planning and : A pathway programme creating jobs, apprenticeships and visibility for creative careers 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Stewart Drew Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton 📣 Get involved Devolution isn’t just a government thing. It’s a people thing. 👉 Share your ideas, explore resources and shape what’s next at
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#7: It's Time For A Sussex Digital Strategy
06/15/2025
#7: It's Time For A Sussex Digital Strategy
The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 7: It's Time For A Sussex Digital Strategy Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Rose Tighe – Innovation strategist, product leader, and co-lead of Brighton AI This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Magenta Associates – A Sussex-based, B Corp certified and employee-owned PR and communications agency using responsible communications to drive social and environmental change - including athical AI adoption. 👉 🔍 Episode summary In this future-facing episode, Richard Freeman sits down with product innovation heavyweight and grassroots organiser Rose Tighe to ask: is Sussex and Brighton already a tech region – and if so, why isn’t anyone coordinating it? From leading product strategy at Amazon and Sky, to co-creating Brighton AI (a 1,800-strong community of digital doers), Rose has spent decades navigating change – and building systems that make it useful. Now, she’s at the heart of a regional conversation about what good digital infrastructure actually looks like. This episode explores how devolution could help shape a bold, collaborative, regional tech strategy - if we get it right. Topics include: What Brighton’s tech community already knows – and what it’s missing The power of low-code and no-code tools for new ideas, careers and equity How to make sense of fragmented innovation – and avoid duplication What a Sussex-wide digital strategy could learn from elsewhere Why coordination trumps chaos: Sussex as a live testbed for civic innovation Making sure digital decisions are data-informed – and community-owned How AI, ethics and public purpose need to grow hand-in-hand The need for a shared voice across local authorities, not competitive silos What tech professionals aren’t being told about devolution – and why that matters This is a pragmatic and passionate call to action - for mayors, freelancers, policymakers and product teams alike. 👉 Want to help shape a regional tech strategy? Start by exploring and other tech meetups supported by 👉 Stay up to date with the wider project at 📚 Further reading and links : A community exploring the impact of AI, ethics, innovation and skills : A framework for understanding tech readiness and digital infrastructure : To support vibrant digital economies and better public services : Community-led digital events and learning : An open data platform as referenced in the episode : Strategic roadmap for skills planning across the region 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Rose Tighe Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton 📣 Get involved Devolution isn’t just a government thing. It’s a people thing. 👉 Share your ideas, explore resources and shape what’s next at
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#6: The Ocean Doesn't Care About Political Boundaries
06/08/2025
#6: The Ocean Doesn't Care About Political Boundaries
The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 6: The Ocean Doesn't Care About Political Boundaries Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Dr Lewis White – Marine Scientist and Research Lead, Sussex Bay This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Be Well. Live Well. – An integrated wellbeing model transforming Sussex organisations through diagnostic-driven action plans. Powered by Little Jasmine Therapies and Nostos restaurant and catering group. 👉 🔍 Episode summary In this episode, Richard Freeman talks to marine scientist Dr Lewis White, the research lead for Sussex Bay — a bold and growing coalition driving environmental and economic recovery across 100 miles of coastline. Lewis is no ordinary scientist. A global expert in aquatic genetics, he brings a powerful, pragmatic perspective to the role of nature in regional development. With Sussex Bay gaining international attention and cross-party praise, this conversation explores why the coast is an untapped asset for health, jobs and sustainable growth. From ecosystem restoration to inclusive governance, this episode dives into: Why Sussex Bay is a model for post-devolution regional planning The myths of environmental work as separate from economy and education How over 400 collaborators are already making decisions without borders in Sussex What it really means to centre local voices in nature recovery Making environmental policy digestible (and fundable) through natural capital The case for cross-sector language that policymakers and scientists can both use Ocean literacy and the public’s emotional connection to the sea How marine conservation can unlock jobs, boost wellbeing, and fight hidden homelessness Advice for Sussex mayoral candidates: don’t bolt environment on — build it in Lewis also explains how a £50m investment target is a call to build infrastructure that doesn’t just withstand climate change, but actively improves lives. This is an inspiring and grounded take on how regionalism can work with nature, not despite it. 👉 Sign up for updates, resources and events at 📚 Key references and further reading : A strategic partnership for marine and coastal nature recovery across Sussex. : Understanding how the sea affects us and how we affect the sea. : UK government’s approach to ecosystem valuation, once led by Lewis. : Brighton & Lewes UNESCO Biosphere, collaborating on coastal resilience. : Legal requirement for each county to plan for biodiversity and green infrastructure. 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Dr Lewis White Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton 📣 Get involved Want to join the conversation on devolution, environment and the Sussex of the future? 👉
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#5: We Know Sussex Can Be Braver About Housing
06/01/2025
#5: We Know Sussex Can Be Braver About Housing
The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 5: We Know Sussex Can Be Braver About Housing Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Dick Shone – Founder and Managing Director, Boutique Modern This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Silverstone Communications – Sussex’s specialists in stakeholder engagement for planning, development and infrastructure. Helping councils, developers and communities shape more inclusive, transparent growth. 🔍 Episode summary In this ground-level episode of Sussex And The City, Richard Freeman visits the world of modular construction, circular supply chains and pragmatic social housing – by way of a brilliant conversation with Dick Shone, the founder of Boutique Modern, the UK’s first B Corp certified modular housing manufacturer. From a Newhaven-based factory, Boutique Modern is quietly building one of the most forward-thinking models for affordable, sustainable housing in the country. Their work with councils across Sussex is already proving that locally-built, high-quality homes don’t need to cost the earth – environmentally or financially. Dick explains why modular is not prefab, why his company insists on sourcing within 25 miles, and how modern housebuilding should start with listening to how people actually live. He also makes a strong case for a Sussex-wide skills and housing strategy that’s rooted in real opportunity – and calls on all future mayoral candidates to see what’s happening in his factory before they make big promises. This episode is about what our economy is for, and what it means to build places we’re proud of. Topics include: What modular housebuilding actually is (and isn’t) How Boutique Modern slashed building waste to under 4% Working with local authorities across Sussex The power of hyper-local supply chains and job creation Challenges and opportunities in a devolved commissioning landscape The desperate need for homes that match how people really live today Rethinking value: affordability, sustainability, and wellbeing Tackling hidden homelessness with offsite manufactured solutions Plans for a modular construction skills hub in Newhaven Why Sussex should be shouting louder about its regional innovation This is essential listening for: Council leaders, housing officers and planning professionals Developers and housing associations looking for next-generation models Devolution watchers tracking how powers over housing might shift Skills and education leads working on workforce pipelines Anyone who cares about building fair, affordable, sustainable places to live Do you get our free, bite-sized emails on everything that is happening in real time? 👉 📚 Key references and further reading – Sussex-based modular housing pioneers – Report referenced in the episode – Guidance on regional housing investment – Supporting local innovation and growth Sussex And The City project hub Explore resources, blogs and events connected to this podcast and the wider public engagement programme >> Sussex And The City 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Dick Shone Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia Mc Conalogue Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton 📣 Get involved Want to contribute your voice to the debate on devolution in Sussex? Visit to find out more, sign up for future events, and access resources.
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#4: "Devolution Is A No-Brainer... And This Is Not A Brighton Takeover"
05/25/2025
#4: "Devolution Is A No-Brainer... And This Is Not A Brighton Takeover"
The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 4: Devolution Is A No-Brainer... And This Is Not A Brighton Takeover Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Cllr Bella Sankey – Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council This episode is brought to you in partnership with: - The Sussex-based consultancy helping leaders in government, business and charity shape change with communication strategies that drive real results. 🔍 Episode summary Richard Freeman speaks with Councillor Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, about the city’s central role in kickstarting the Sussex devolution process - and why she believes this is a no-brainer for the region. Bella shares her case for why more power and funding should flow out of Westminster and into Sussex, and why collaboration across East Sussex, West Sussex and Brighton is not just possible - but essential. She addresses the scepticism, acknowledges fears, and lays out her vision for a more inclusive, connected, and empowered future for communities across the region. This is Bella speaking as a political leader and strategist - but also as someone who knows that trust, transport, and teamwork are going to make or break devolution in Sussex. Topics include: Why devolution is essential to boost investment, skills, and public transport Whether Sussex can replicate Greater Manchester’s success — and what’s different What Brighton brings to the table — and why this isn’t a “takeover” The political balancing act of setting up a mayoral Combined Authority Risks and opportunities for party politics and public trust What a new mayor should prioritise first How energy independence and coastal economies could power future growth The role of the Greater Brighton Economic Board and lessons from existing collaborations This is a must-hear episode for: Local government professionals and councillors in Sussex Voters and residents curious about what devolution really means Businesses and organisations wondering what a Sussex mayor might change Advocates for regional democracy, inclusive growth, and climate leadership Anyone who wants to make sure this once-in-a-generation shift actually works Do you get our free, bite-sized emails on everything that is happening in real time? 👉 📚 Key references and further reading Sussex And The City project hub Explore resources, blogs and events connected to this podcast and the wider public engagement programme. Sussex And The City 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Cllr Bella Sankey Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia Mc Conalogue Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton 📣 Get involved Want to contribute your voice to the debate on devolution in Sussex? Visit to find out more, sign up for future events, and access resources.
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#3: “We Need To Be Hungry - We Need To Be Challenged”
05/18/2025
#3: “We Need To Be Hungry - We Need To Be Challenged”
The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 3: “We Need To Be Hungry - We Need To Be Challenged” Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Kyriakos Baxevanis – entrepreneur, systems thinker, and founder of Little Jasmine Therapies & Spa, Nostos restaurant, Nostos Catering, Be Well Live Well, and The Brighton Hive This episode is brought to you in partnership with: - Brighton’s home for better business. With two spaces in the heart of The Lanes, Projects offers flexible work space options, including coworking, offices, meeting and event spaces - all designed to bring people together to do their best work. 🔍 Episode summary In this energetic third episode, Richard Freeman speaks to Kyriakos Baxevanis, a Greek-born entrepreneur who has spent the last 20 years building a portfolio of people-focused businesses across Brighton & Hove. From wellness and hospitality to housing and food systems, Kyriakos brings a systems lens to everything he does — and makes a compelling case for a more joined-up economic vision for Sussex. Through stories of grit, failure, reinvention and growth, Kyriakos shares his personal journey from sleeping on a friend’s sofa to founding one of Brighton & Hove’s most dynamic business empires. Topics include: Why mindset is the first barrier to business growth What hospitality and wellbeing can teach us about economic ecosystems Why Brighton’s strengths are also its risks: space, talent, housing The need for hospitality corridors between Worthing, Eastbourne, Crawley and Chichester Why businesses need to share, not just scale Lessons from running social networking clubs and housing for staff How a future Sussex mayor could unlock new regional coordination The power of 'agglomeration' — and why we need it here What growth means Economic strategy doesn't just start and end with inward investment and tech clusters. Kyriakos speaks candidly and passionately about why the region must think in systems for retail, hospitality and wellbeing - and why local businesses need incentives, tax cuts and an ambitious hunger in order to thrive. Do you get our free, bite-sized emails on everything that is happening in real time? 👉 📚 Key references and further reading Nostos – Kyriakos’ award-winning restaurant 👉 Help to Grow: Management – Government-backed programme Kyriakos references as a success 👉 The Economy of Hospitality: UK Hospitality Sector Report Industry insights into the impact of hospitality on regional economics 👉 Brighton & Hove Economic Strategy (2024 - 2027) Highlights from the council’s approach to business growth and skills 👉 Local Skills Improvement Plan (Sussex Chamber) Referenced in the episode as a regional skills planning framework 👉 OECD: The Role of Wellbeing in Economic Development Relevant to Kyriakos’ vision for workplace wellbeing as part of growth 👉 The Big Fat Greek Networking Club Kyriakos’ monthly networking event for SMEs and local leaders 👉 Sussex And The City project hub Explore resources, blogs and events connected to this podcast and the wider public engagement programme. Sussex And The City 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Kyriakos Baxevanis Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia Mc Conalogue Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton 📣 Get involved Want to contribute your voice to the debate on devolution in Sussex? Visit to find out more, sign up for future events, and access resources.
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#2: Devolution In Sussex? It Will Fail Without More Trust
05/11/2025
#2: Devolution In Sussex? It Will Fail Without More Trust
The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 2: Devolution In Sussex? It Will Fail Without More Trust Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Emily O’Brien – Green Party councillor, Cabinet Member for Climate, Nature and Food Systems (Lewes District Council), and Deputy Chair of the Local Government Association’s People and Places Board (speaking in a personal capacity) This episode is brought to you in partnership with: – A Sussex-based consultancy helping leaders in government, business and charity shape change with communication strategies that drive real results. 🔍 Episode summary In this thought-provoking second episode, host Richard Freeman is joined by Emily O’Brien – a councillor, campaigner and sustainability expert – to explore the democratic tension at the heart of Sussex’s devolution plans. Emily doesn’t hold back in describing the current proposals as a “weird halfway house,” warning that what’s billed as a decentralising revolution may, in practice, centralise power even further. With deep insight and real urgency, she argues that what's on the table could strip away local democratic accountability, weaken community agency, and concentrate too much influence in the hands of a single elected mayor and a tiny executive board. But this isn’t just critique – Emily offers practical alternatives for building a model that truly empowers people and places across Sussex. Topics include: Why the current proposals risk being “fake devolution” The dangers of speed over sense: rushed timescales and lack of local consultation The case against a single elected mayor – and fears of political imbalance The importance of governance design and proportional representation The risk of a top-heavy Combined Authority with weak scrutiny What’s missing: climate and nature duties, transparent funding, public engagement Opportunities for better housing delivery, green investment, and collaborative transport What citizens, councillors and civil society can do to shape what comes next This is a critical listen for anyone who wants to understand what’s at stake as Sussex stands on the brink of the biggest governance change in a generation. 👉 📚 Key references and further reading Government White Paper: “Devolution: A Plan for a More Local, More Accountable Government” (December 2023) The foundational document outlining current proposals for mayoral combined authorities, unitary restructuring, and regional powers. 👉 Local Government Association (LGA): People and Places Board Emily O’Brien serves as Deputy Chair. This board leads LGA’s work on devolution, regional governance and local empowerment. 👉 Institute for Government: Devolution in England: Local government reorganisation Clear explainer on the difference between unitary authorities, combined authorities, and the role of metro mayors. 👉 Joseph Rowntree Foundation – Principles for fair and inclusive devolution A critique of centralising tendencies in English devolution and why legitimacy depends on accountability, subsidiarity and community voice. 👉 Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority – Governance Model An example referenced by Emily, this combined authority has faced scrutiny for lack of clarity in accountability and voter engagement. 👉 Private Eye Magazine – Investigations into Tees Valley and West of England mayoralties Referenced in the episode as cautionary tales of mayoral overreach and the dangers of weak scrutiny. 👉 The Climate Coalition – Why local climate leadership matters Relevant to Emily’s call for statutory climate and nature duties alongside growth. 👉 Homes England – Strategic plan and regional investment data Emily references the challenge of unlocking Homes England funding for housebuilding at local level. 👉 Sussex Bay and The Living Coast Biosphere Examples of existing pan-regional collaboration across Sussex focused on green growth and environmental recovery. 👉 👉 Sussex And The City project hub Explore resources, blogs and events connected to this podcast and the wider public engagement programme. Sussex And The City 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Emily O'Brien Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton 📣 Get involved Want to contribute your voice to the debate on devolution in Sussex? Visit to find out more, sign up for future events, and access resources.
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#1: Sussex Is Changing - But Is Anyone Paying Attention?
05/05/2025
#1: Sussex Is Changing - But Is Anyone Paying Attention?
The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 1: Sussex Is Changing - But Is Anyone Paying Attention? Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Geri Silverstone, founder of / regional lead at 🔍 Episode summary In the debut episode of Sussex and the city, host Richard Freeman sets the scene for one of the most pressing and under-discussed transformations affecting Brighton and the wider Sussex region: local government reorganisation and the introduction of a directly elected mayor. Joining Richard is political communications strategist Geri Silverstone, who unpacks the complexity of devolution in Sussex, the imminent shift to unitary authorities, and what this means for representation, power, and public services. They explore the risks, opportunities, and democratic dilemmas of a new combined authority model - asking what kind of leader Sussex really needs, and what’s at stake if we get it wrong. Topics include: The end of the two-tier system: abolishing district and county councils in favour of unitary authorities The role and powers of a new mayor for Sussex Comparisons with Greater Manchester, West Midlands, and Cambridgeshire Questions of identity, geography, and regional cohesion How we build “devolution literacy” and avoid a low-turnout disaster The priority issues: housing, transport, strategic oversight, and place-making With humour, insight, and urgency, Richard and Geri begin a public conversation that aims to inform, challenge, and prepare people across Sussex for the biggest governance shift in a generation. for regular emails on change, as it happens. 📚 Key references and further reading Government White Paper: “Devolution Revolution” (December 2023) Outlines proposals for mayoral combined authorities and restructuring of local governance. Local Government Association – Combined Authorities explainer Offers background on what combined authorities are and what powers they hold. Centre for Cities – “Do Metro Mayors Make a Difference?” Analysis of metro mayor effectiveness across the UK. Institute for Government – “Unitary local government” briefing What unitary councils are and why government is pushing for more of them. Sussex And The City project hub Explore resources, blogs and events connected to this podcast and the wider public engagement programme. COMING SOON Sussex And The City 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Geri Silverstone Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton 💡 Supported by always possible – building evidence, trust and visibility in a changing world Projects – workspaces designed for innovation and impact Plus Accounting – friendly Brighton-based accountancy firm 📣 Get involved Want to contribute your voice to the debate on devolution in Sussex? Visit to find out more, sign up for future events, and access resources.
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