West Sussex County Council has worked with partners and business representatives to produce an Economic Strategy 2025 to 2035 for West Sussex. The strategy’s vision is:
By 2035, West Sussex will capitalise on its dynamic businesses, excellent international connectivity and outstanding natural assets to amplify innovation, opportunity and growth. We will ensure a more productive, inclusive and sustainable economy.
The Strategy sets out five key ambitions to achieve the vision:
- Boost productivity growth, investment and innovation.
- Ensure that we have a dynamic and skilled workforce.
- Boost green innovation, enhance natural capital and support the transition to net zero.
- Deliver new development and infrastructure and maximise the benefits of our international transport hubs.
- Sustain our distinctive and vibrant places and grow our visitor economy.
The strategy was informed by the West Sussex economic collaboration work which took place in 2023 and by an Economic Evidence Report. A broad range of partners, stakeholders, business and business representatives contributed to the strategy.
The West Sussex Economic Strategy was adopted by the county council in March 2025.
- West Sussex Economic Strategy (PDF, 260KB)
- West Sussex Economic Strategy - Evidence report (PDF, 1MB)
- West Sussex Economic Collaboration (PDF, 682KB)
Action Plan
An initial high-level Action Plan has been developed for the West Sussex Economic Strategy.
The Action Plan will be updated regularly as activities conclude and new opportunities arise. This plan has drawn on the work of the Economic Collaboration Action Plan (2024) and has been updated in line with the new Economic Strategy.
Activities in the Action Plan have been grouped into three categories. They are:
- confirmed Government funded activities for example Growth Hub or Careers Hub
- known activities from current provision and commitments for example Local Visitor Economy Partnership, Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone
- new areas for focus that need further planning, to progress the strategy’s strategic priorities
Updates on the Action Plan will be published on this page.