One big driver behind local government reorganisation, and a move towards devolution in Sussex and Brighton, is sustainable economic growth.
But will be that be made easier, by thinking more regionally rather than district-by-district?
š Growth sectors and industrial clusters
Sussex doesnāt have a single dominant industry - but it does have a rich tapestry of economic strengths:
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Creative, digital, and cultural industries in Brighton, Lewes, Hastings and along the coast, generating over Ā£2bn GVA and employing up to 50,000 people.
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Logistics and e-commerce, particularly in Eastbourne and coastal hubs, with over 240% growth in recent years.
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Professional services and financial services flourishing in Brighton, Crawley, and Horsham.
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Green economy activity from offshore wind (Rampion) in Newhaven, circular economy startups, and emerging nature recovery work (e.g. Sussex Bay). The South Downs National Park is the most economically active national park in England.
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A growing visitor economy, aiming to increase its value from Ā£5bn to Ā£7.5bn by 2034, anchored by the Sussex LVEP and a strategy focused on quality, sustainability, and international reach.
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High manufacturing productivity areas like Worthing, Uckfield and major enterprise zones such as Manor Royal near Gatwick are growing faster than other parts of the south east.
But challenges are stark: youth unemployment in Hastings and Worthing is rising, workforce ageing is acute in rural districts like Wealden and Chichester, and Brightonās wage levels trail other city economies despite its high skills base.
š What might LGR and devolution change?
The proposed changes would create one or more unitary councils and a Sussex & Brighton mayoral combined authority. This brings potential benefits - but also risks.
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Potential benefits:
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Joined-up planning: A Spatial Development Strategy could finally break down fragmented economic development and infrastructure delivery across councils.
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Dedicated funding: A devolved investment pot, as seen in West Midlands and Greater Manchester, would let Sussex plan long-term projects without constant bidding.
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Clear leadership: A directly elected mayor could act as a powerful advocate for strategic transport, housing, skills and investment, rather than piecemeal local lobbying.
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Support for clusters: Sector strategies and investment zones could be better aligned with the real industrial geography of Sussex, from wine tourism in the Downs to data and health tech in the Brighton-Gatwick corridor.
ā ļø Key risks:
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Loss of local voice: Smaller towns may feel overlooked in favour of city-focused strategies. Governance and engagement need to be inclusive.
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Capability gaps: Delivering on devolved powers will require strong regional institutions - and Sussex doesnāt have a track record (yet) of joined-up delivery at this scale.
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Uneven impact: Without clear strategic planning, some areas may be left behind, especially rural or coastal communities without obvious growth engines.
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Over-centralisation: Thereās a risk of power being concentrated in Brighton or Crawley if other areas donāt assert their value and voice in the new structures.
š What it means for business
Larger businesses could benefit from more coherent investment pipelines, better transport links, and region-wide lobbying muscle. SMEs could gain through streamlined planning, skills funding aligned with need, and new commercial zones supported by mayoral powers.
But success depends on the region agreeing what it wants to be known for.
As the government increasingly ties investment to ānational growth missionsā, Sussex will need to define and evidence its unique offer - whether thatās clean growth, digital infrastructure, or a reinvention of the UKās visitor economy.
What does growth mean to your part of Sussex?
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