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Spring, is that you?
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Spring is almost here - we promise. While we’re all still waiting for the sun to make a proper appearance, we’ve been busy gathering a fresh batch of business news, support programmes, events and opportunities to help you kick-start the next few months.
This edition is packed with things you might actually want to read (we checked): from funding and free training to digital help, and a few events we think are genuinely worth leaving the house or office for.
So, grab a coffee, take a quick break from your inbox, and have a scroll. Your next big idea, grant, or business boost might be hiding in here. As always, we’re here if you need us! No jargon, no judgement, just practical support.
About us
We’re the West Sussex Growth Hub! Your friendly, fully funded business support team. Funded by the Department for Business and Trade and delivered through West Sussex County Council, we offer free, impartial support tailored to what your business really needs.
We work with all kinds of businesses, from start ups and sole traders to growing SMEs. Our job is to understand your goals (or challenges!) and connect you with the right advice, programmes or resources to help you move forward.
Get in touch with the team today.
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Calling all Mid Sussex food and drink producers!
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A great opportunity is available for a limited number of local businesses to access free mentoring and training to help achieve the SALSA food safety certification, designed specifically for small and medium-sized producers.
This support is delivered through the SALSA ‘Support from the Start’ scheme, in collaboration with Horsham District Council and funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Interested? Contact catrinhughes@salsafood.co.uk.
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Made Smarter South East: Helping local businesses innovate and grow
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Made Smarter South East is supporting makers, creators and manufacturers across the region to innovate, upskill and unlock new growth by adopting industrial digital technologies.
This fully funded programme offers eligible SMEs access to a team of digital transformation experts who can help identify opportunities, overcome barriers, and put the right tools and processes in place to support long term growth.
Through Made Smarter, businesses can develop a tailored digital action plan designed to guide their transformation journey.
Participants may also benefit from:
• Training programmes to boost digital skills across the workforce
• Match funded grants to invest in new hardware or software
• Leadership development support to strengthen strategic capability
Delivered from April 2025 and now extended until March 2027, the programme offers a valuable opportunity for South East SMEs to accelerate their digital adoption and stay competitive.
Apply now.
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Get your business ready to apply for a Green LEAP grant
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Horsham District Council has announced a new round of Green LEAP small business grant funding to support local businesses, which will open to applications on Friday 10 April 2026, at 12 noon.
Through the Green LEAP scheme, small Horsham District based businesses can apply for up to £5,000 towards climate-friendly projects to improve their sustainability and reduce their carbon footprint, which in turn will reduce their operational costs and attract new customers.
Businesses are advised to start reviewing their business plans now, so they can submit their applications early, as they will be required to include a detailed plan in their grant application. It is important businesses prepare early as funding is limited, with applications closing on Monday 20 April 2026 at 12 noon.
Find out more here.
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Fully funded occupational health training for SME employers
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Small and medium sized employers across England can now benefit from free, Government funded occupational health training designed to help line managers spot early signs of health-related issues and better support their staff.
The programme will train up to 5,000 SME line managers up to the 31st March, giving them the practical skills to recognise issues such as fatigue, behaviour changes, or rising absence, and to take early, supportive action. By helping employees stay healthy and in work, the course aims to reduce costly sickness absence, boost productivity, and retain skilled staff.
This free training offers SMEs an invaluable opportunity to build confidence, improve wellbeing, and create healthier, more resilient workplaces.
To sign up for a course, check out the website here.
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Employment Rights Bill webinars
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The Business Academy will be delivering two specialist sessions for UK SMEs focused on understanding the forthcoming Employment Rights Bill 2025. These sessions will be delivered by ACAS, giving businesses direct access to expert guidance on the key measures within the Act, the actions employers will need to take, and the wider implications for their organisations.
Each session will also include a Q&A, offering attendees the chance to ask questions and gain clarity on how the new legislation applies to their specific circumstances.
Click the date below to sign up for a session:
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Strengthen your Cyber Security with Cyber Essentials
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Cyber attacks are no longer something that “only big companies” need to worry about. In fact, 1 in 2 small businesses in the UK experienced a cyber attack or breach last year, and many of these incidents were preventable with some simple security measures.
That’s where Cyber Essentials comes in.
Cyber Essentials is a Government backed cyber security standard designed specifically to help small and medium sized businesses protect themselves from the most common online threats. It focuses on practical, straightforward steps you can take right now to reduce your risk.
Free tools & support available
SMEs can access a range of free guidance, including:
• The Cyber Action Toolkit - a step-by-step guide to help you improve your security at your own pace.
• Readiness Tools and Self-Assessment Questions - to help you understand what’s required for certification.
• 30 minute consultations with a Cyber Advisor - to discuss the steps you need to take.
You can explore all these resources and learn more here.
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How to get ready for Making Tax Digital
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If you didn't know by now, big changes are coming to how self-employed people and landlords manage their tax. But don’t worry, we’re here to make it feel a lot less scary and a lot more doable. Think of this as your friendly heads-up (and gentle nudge!) before Making Tax Digital (MTD) becomes your new normal.
Who’s affected and when?
HMRC is rolling out MTD in stages, based on your gross income. That’s everything you earn from self-employment and/or property before expenses. If your income hits these levels, MTD becomes mandatory from:
- April 2026 if you earn £50,000+
- April 2027 if you earn £30,000+
- April 2028 if you earn £20,000+ (legislation in progress)
If you’re in any of those bands, you’ll need to keep digital records and submit quarterly updates using MTD-compatible software.
A webinar you’ll actually want to attend
To help you ease into the new system (without the stress sweats), HMRC is hosting a live online webinar and it’s packed with the good stuff.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Plan for MTD: Who’s affected, what’s changing, and when your turn comes around.
- Prepare for MTD: Who in your business will handle what, and how to pick the right
- software.
- Take action: How to authorise your agent and officially sign up.
- Use MTD day-to-day: Submit updates, stay compliant, and even spot opportunities to make running your business smoother.
Sign up here.
Thursday 12th March at 1:45 PM
Online with HM Revenue & Customs
If you’ve ever said, “I’ll deal with it later”, consider this your friendly reminder from us here - later is now. Join the session, get ahead, and feel confident before the deadlines creep up.
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