Free workshops to boost business success
INDEPENDENT high-street businesses across East Sussex are being encouraged to attend free county council-backed business support workshops in the coming months.
Two programmes of in-person workshops and practical support aimed at helping local businesses improve footfall, visibility and trading confidence are part funded by East Sussex County Council and the East Sussex Growth Hub.
Experienced retail experts will deliver the workshops and provide follow-up support to owners of high-street businesses who run customer-facing enterprises such as shops, cafés and hospitality venues.
Councillor Penny di Cara, East Sussex County Council’s lead member for economy said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for business owners to get practical advice that will help them improve and I am delighted that we are able to support this initiative which will help our unique independent businesses.”
In the Wealden area six workshops are on offer in Uckfield and Hailsham, as well as three online virtual Q&A sessions. Topics covered in the workshops include branding and digital marketing, goals and planning, using Canva for social media and understanding ‘your ideal customer.’ The programme is being delivered by The High Street Experts and has also secured funding from central government and Wealden District Council.
Those taking part will be able to access an online toolkit, including short videos and downloadable workbooks and factsheets on practical topics for high street businesses. They will also be eligible for high street engagement and site visits.
Meanwhile, in coastal areas of the county, including Lewes, Eastbourne, Bexhill and Hastings, the ‘High Street Boost’ programme, which has also received government funding, is being delivered by Canny Insights.
Independent companies in the area can sign-up to four in-person high street workshops with a focus on practical, low-cost interventions to increase footfall, dwell time and sales.
Business-owners can attend any workshop across the county regardless of location and at least 24 businesses within this programme will receive one-to-one support including a detailed written action plan for their shop and suggested areas for growth.
The High Street Boost workshops will take place between 5:30pm-7pm and will take place in the following locations:
- Lewes on Tuesday, February 24
- Bexhill-on-Sea on Tuesday, March 10
- Hastings on Wednesday, March 11
- Eastbourne on Tuesday, March 17
The Wealden workshops will take place in Uckfield Civic Centre between 6pm-8pm on the following dates:
- Tuesday, February 17
- Tuesday, February 24
They will also take place in Hailsham, at Dippy Doodah's Café, between 6-8pm on the following dates:
- Tuesday, March 3
- Tuesday, March 10
- Tuesday, March 17
Commenting on the High Street Boost programme, Cllr di Cara said: “Whether you’re well established or still finding your feet, the programme is designed to offer practical, realistic ideas you can use in your own business. It will explore how to stand out on today’s high streets, improve first impressions, and make better use of simple online tools to bring customers through the door.
“Meanwhile, the scheme in the Wealden district is designed to help you step back, refocus and build a stronger, more confident business, with practical guidance from people who understand the realities of running an independent business.”
Both the Wealden and coastal workshops and business support programmes will be running until March 2026.
Independent business owners wishing to register their interest for either of the schemes can visit www.cannyinsights.com/high-street-boost-east-sussex/ or www.thehighstreetexperts.com/wealden-retail-support.
For further information about support for businesses visit www.eastsussexgrowthhub.org.uk.
Ends
Rebecca Durrant
Thursday, 12 February 2026