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Sussex And The City is an independent and non-political project, clarifying the major reorganisation affecting Sussex and Brighton over the next two years.

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🏭 What could a Sussex mayor learn from other areas about manufacturing?

Manufacturing and engineering are crucial but often underappreciated drivers of Sussex’s economy.

There are over 3,700 manufacturing companies across Sussex, 83% of which are micro businesses.

Yet, all making companies face serious challenges: skills shortages, ageing leadership, gaps in training provision, and an outdated image that hampers recruitment.

There's an opportunity to look seriously at what works elsewhere - especially when it comes to strengthening manufacturing and supply chains.

In other regions, Combined Mayoral Authorities have shown that local leadership matters. The best examples have built ecosystems where manufacturing can adapt, grow, and lead innovation.

If Sussex and Brighton put the local economy at the heart of a devolution deal, a Sussex Mayor could:

Direct investment into localised training hubs, tailored to real industry needs (such as CNC machining, automation, and decarbonisation skills that Sussex manufacturers urgently need).
Champion apprenticeships and T-level placements in local SMEs, easing recruitment problems exacerbated by skills gaps.
Lead a manufacturing brand campaign to modernise the sector’s image, attract younger talent, and highlight career pathways beyond the "dirty workshop" stereotype.
Broker innovation partnerships between universities, colleges and micro-manufacturers, building on Sussex’s strengths in areas like green tech, photonics, and advanced materials.
Simplify access to finance and R&D support, learning from how mayors elsewhere have de-risked innovation for small firms.

Here’s what we can learn:

🛠️ 1. Strategic clustering works

West Midlands Combined Authority invested heavily in creating industry-specific clusters, like Coventry & Warwick Gigapark, focused on electric vehicles and battery manufacturing. They didn't just promote individual firms - they built the supply chain and infrastructure around them.

➡️ In Sussex: We can think bigger about clusters in advanced manufacturing (e.g. precision engineering, green tech near Shoreham Port, Hastings or Crawley/Gatwick) and build skills, planning, and transport around those clusters - not in isolation.

🧑‍🏫 2. Skills are the foundation

Greater Manchester Combined Authority used devolved skills funding to co-design technical training with employers - from entry-level apprenticeships to higher-level R&D roles. This created real pipelines into manufacturing jobs.

➡️ In Sussex: A mayor could tie new adult skills and apprenticeships programmes directly to local strengths - like high-end composites, food manufacturing, or sustainable materials—not just generic training offers.

🚚 3. Transport is a supply chain issue

Tees Valley Combined Authority linked investment in port infrastructure and roads directly to support its chemicals and processing industries - cutting costs, emissions and boosting competitiveness.

➡️ In Sussex: Strategic transport improvements (A27 upgrades, coastal rail connectivity) could be aligned with supporting goods movement between manufacturing hubs, not just commuter traffic.

📈 4. Leadership attracts investment

In areas like Liverpool City Region, having a visible, region-wide industrial strategy has unlocked bigger private investment because businesses see long-term commitment.

➡️ In Sussex: A strong mayoral industrial plan - naming priority sectors and investment zones - could give manufacturers confidence to expand, invest, and innovate across the county.

So what could a regional vision for Sussex and Brighton include?

Mapped manufacturing clusters across the coast and inland towns.
Targeted funding to modernise equipment, processes, and digital capabilities.
Regional hubs for advanced manufacturing skills and innovation.
Infrastructure plans that explicitly support local production and logistics.
A clear industrial story that positions Sussex as a place where clean growth and smart manufacturing thrive together.

Agree? Disagree?

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