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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#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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