What we do
- A business network of all the Chambers of Commerce and the FSB in East Sussex, we represent over 4,000 local businesses with 18,000 members of staff.
- If you have a business in East Sussex and are a member of one of the town Chambers or the FSB - then you're already a member of ACES. If you are not a member of your local Chamber or the FSB, dip a toe in the water and come and see us.
- We offer major business networking events and conferences and support each local Chamber of Commerce.
- We also work closely with policy makers, including Central Government and County, District and Borough Councils to overcome barriers to business and boost the economy of East Sussex.
- We provide fully funded business support to help you adapt your business to the fast changing environment you are trading in.
- We provide fully funded start-up support for new business entrepreneurs.
Devolution and
Local Government Reorganisation
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Local Government Reorganisation This is the replacement of East Sussex County Council and the five East Sussex Borough and District Councils with one, or two, Council(s) This is to remove the confusion between the responsibilities split between Tier 1 County Councils and Tier 2 Local Authorities. |
For example, the County Council is responsible for roads, pavements, potholes, education, social care and waste recycling sites, while the Boroughs and Districts are responsible for bins and waste collection, planning permissions, homelessness and housing.
This two tier system has been around for 50 years but needs improving so the Government sent out a white paper to create one new council responsible for everything. The governments expectations for East Sussex are detailed here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Follow this link for frequently asked questions about devolution and local government reorganisation.
Expanation Video
The councils in East Sussex want to listen to and work with local people, residents, stakeholders, and partners whilst making these changes. What you think is important to make sure that any new council(s) meets the needs and aspirations of our communities. If lots of people respond with different ideas, then they will look at those too.
Please tell them what you think by filling in this short survey.
Devolution
Above the East Sussex Unitary Authority, there will be a Combined Strategic Authority headed by an elected Mayor. This will cover the whole of Sussex, including East, Mid and West Sussex, Brighton and Hove.
If you fancy the job, the pay will be in the region of £170,000 per year and it will be a powerful position with direct links to the Cabinet and the Prime Minister.
A representative from the East Sussex Unitary Authority will sit on this Strategic Board to influence policy and funds in our area.
This two tier system has been around for 50 years but needs improving so the Government sent out a white paper to create one new council responsible for everything. The governments expectations for East Sussex are detailed here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Follow this link for frequently asked questions about devolution and local government reorganisation.
Expanation Video
The councils in East Sussex want to listen to and work with local people, residents, stakeholders, and partners whilst making these changes. What you think is important to make sure that any new council(s) meets the needs and aspirations of our communities. If lots of people respond with different ideas, then they will look at those too.
Please tell them what you think by filling in this short survey.
Devolution
Above the East Sussex Unitary Authority, there will be a Combined Strategic Authority headed by an elected Mayor. This will cover the whole of Sussex, including East, Mid and West Sussex, Brighton and Hove.
If you fancy the job, the pay will be in the region of £170,000 per year and it will be a powerful position with direct links to the Cabinet and the Prime Minister.
A representative from the East Sussex Unitary Authority will sit on this Strategic Board to influence policy and funds in our area.
Eastbourne Neighbourhood Board
Business Survey - for completion by Eastbourne businesses only please
The newly formed Eastbourne Neighbourhood Board is launching a significant survey aimed at identifying the current and future business needs in Eastbourne.
Business insights will contribute to a new economic strategy and inform the Neighbourhood Board’s four-year regeneration plan, set to be unveiled by the end of 2025. This plan is expected to channel up to £20 million in central Government funds into Eastbourne over the next decade. The survey findings will also be evaluated alongside the new seafront strategy and the Board’s planned engagement program.
We want your perspective on doing business in our town. Completing the survey should take no longer than five minutes. All responses will remain confidential, but the overall results may be shared with our partners in an anonymous, consolidated format in compliance with GDPR data protection regulations. If you wish to receive a copy of the findings, please include your contact details where requested. The survey will be open until the end of August 2025.
Please share the survey link with all your Eastbourne-based business contacts, as we aim to gather as many responses as possible to support our local economy's growth.
This survey offers a unique chance for Eastbourne businesses to communicate their needs, challenges, and aspirations. By providing your insights, you can help shape policies and initiatives that will promote sustainable growth, innovation, and prosperity in our community.
The economic future of Eastbourne is in our hands, and we want every business to have a voice in this process. The results will guide important investment decisions and development priorities. Your input is crucial, whether you run a small independent shop or manage a larger enterprise.
Thank you
Richard Garland
Chair of Eastbourne’s Neighbourhood Board
5 Minute Business Survey
The newly formed Eastbourne Neighbourhood Board is launching a significant survey aimed at identifying the current and future business needs in Eastbourne.
Business insights will contribute to a new economic strategy and inform the Neighbourhood Board’s four-year regeneration plan, set to be unveiled by the end of 2025. This plan is expected to channel up to £20 million in central Government funds into Eastbourne over the next decade. The survey findings will also be evaluated alongside the new seafront strategy and the Board’s planned engagement program.
We want your perspective on doing business in our town. Completing the survey should take no longer than five minutes. All responses will remain confidential, but the overall results may be shared with our partners in an anonymous, consolidated format in compliance with GDPR data protection regulations. If you wish to receive a copy of the findings, please include your contact details where requested. The survey will be open until the end of August 2025.
Please share the survey link with all your Eastbourne-based business contacts, as we aim to gather as many responses as possible to support our local economy's growth.
This survey offers a unique chance for Eastbourne businesses to communicate their needs, challenges, and aspirations. By providing your insights, you can help shape policies and initiatives that will promote sustainable growth, innovation, and prosperity in our community.
The economic future of Eastbourne is in our hands, and we want every business to have a voice in this process. The results will guide important investment decisions and development priorities. Your input is crucial, whether you run a small independent shop or manage a larger enterprise.
Thank you
Richard Garland
Chair of Eastbourne’s Neighbourhood Board
5 Minute Business Survey
Coastal Cultural Trail video hereFollow this video link and visit beautiful East Sussex for three world class galleries; Towner Eastbourne, the De La Warr Pavilion Bexhill-on-Sea and Hastings Contemporary, all in easy travelling distance by bike, train or bus.
Share this with all your contacts and meet up in East Sussex to enjoy unspoilt countryside, stunning coastline and beaches, world class culture and historic building, parks and gardens. If you would like to visit East Sussex, Explore Wealden here or Visit Eastbourne here and book your visit now. |
Towner Eastbourne - Art Fund Museum of the Year
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Call us for help free of charge on 01323 641144 or email us here if
you have been made unemployed or your business needs help during these difficult times.
This can include business growth, applying for business loans, finding new routes to your customers,
using social media, effective marketing, selling your business or winding it down.
We can provide you with 1-2-1 assistance so you are not on your own.
This support is fully funded by our local authorities, so there is no charge to you. (Subject to location and T&C.)
For more information about business grants and business support, visit the South East Business Hub, Edeal Enterprise Agency or Let's Do Business
For networking with like minded business people in your area, click on one of the Chambers of Commerce below.
Click on the logo below for a direct link to your local Chamber website:
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Rother District Council
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