#52: Is Sussex Ready For The AI Economy?

#52: Is Sussex Ready For The AI Economy?

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode #52 Is Sussex Ready For The AI Economy? Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Adam Stafford – Founder & CEO, Fresh Egg 🔍 Episode summary Artificial intelligence might be reshaping the Sussex labour market faster than education, government and business can adapt. Is this a priority for devolution? In this episode, Richard Freeman speaks with Adam Stafford, founder and CEO of Worthing-based digital agency Fresh Egg, about the future of work, entrepreneurship and what Sussex needs to do if it wants to remain competitive in a rapidly changing economy. Having built Fresh Egg from a spare bedroom in Worthing into one of the UK's leading digital marketing and web performance agencies, Adam reflects on nearly three decades of technological change, and argues that the AI revolution is unlike anything businesses have experienced before. Together they discuss how automation is transforming entry-level jobs, why employers are struggling to plan for skills that barely existed six months ago, and whether universities, colleges and government can realistically keep pace with the speed of change. The conversation also explores why Sussex's economy is powered by ambitious small businesses, how a future mayor could better connect business, education and innovation, and why creating the right conditions for entrepreneurs may be one of the most important investments the region can make. --- This episode is brought to you in partnership with the University of Brighton's Help to Grow programme, supporting ambitious SME leaders across Sussex with practical leadership, innovation and business growth support through a government-funded executive development programme. 🎯 In this episode * How Fresh Egg grew from a Worthing start-up into a national digital agency * Why Worthing became home for a successful technology business * How AI is changing digital businesses at unprecedented speed * Why entry-level jobs are becoming increasingly difficult to create * Whether education can keep pace with technological change * Why small businesses drive innovation * The future relationship between business and skills development * What Sussex needs to become more competitive nationally * How devolution could support entrepreneurship and innovation * Why collaboration between business, education and government matters 🧠 Key themes AI is transforming work faster than institutions can respond Adam argues that businesses are already redesigning roles around artificial intelligence, while education systems and public policy struggle to adapt to technology that evolves almost weekly. Small businesses drive innovation Sussex's economy depends heavily on founder-led businesses that can experiment, adapt and innovate quickly, often moving faster than larger organisations. Skills need continual reinvention Traditional career pathways are becoming less predictable. Future success will depend on adaptability, continuous learning and the ability to work alongside rapidly evolving technologies. Sussex needs a stronger business identity While the county has significant strengths across digital, creative industries and entrepreneurship, Adam believes Sussex could do far more to promote itself as a destination for ambitious businesses and skilled people. Growth is about more than infrastructure Alongside transport and housing, economic growth depends on supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening local networks and creating an environment where businesses can evolve with confidence. Collaboration creates resilience Closer partnerships between business, education and local leadership could help Sussex respond more effectively to technological disruption and prepare the workforce for emerging industries. 💬 What Adam says "Technology is moving at a pace no one has seen before." "The businesses that will get through the next few years are the smaller organisations who can move quickly." "The curriculum simply can't keep up with the pace of change." "Wouldn't it be nice if running a small business could become a little bit easier?" "What is the thing that we want Sussex to become recognised for?" 🤖 Why AI changes the conversation Rather than viewing artificial intelligence simply as another technology trend, Adam argues that it represents a fundamental shift in how businesses operate. As routine tasks become increasingly automated, employers will need different skills, different organisational structures and new approaches to recruitment and training. The challenge for Sussex is not simply adopting AI, but preparing people, businesses and institutions to thrive alongside it. 👤 About Adam Stafford Adam Stafford is Founder and CEO of Fresh Egg, one of Sussex's longest-established digital marketing and web performance agencies. Founded in Worthing in 2000, Fresh Egg has grown from a three-person start-up into a nationally recognised agency working with organisations including John Lewis, Vitality and the Open University. Alongside leading the business, Adam has championed digital skills development through initiatives including the Fresh Egg Academy and CharityWise, supporting charities and future digital professionals across Sussex. 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Adam Stafford Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue 📣 Get involved 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info [https://sussexandthecity.info/] — episodes, resources and events 👉 https://sussexintelligence.com [https://sussexintelligence.com/] — research, insight and analysis on Sussex's future

#51: The Problem With One-Size-Fits-All Devolution

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode #51 The Problem With One-Size-Fits-All Devolution Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Andrew Griffith MP – Member of Parliament for Arundel and South Downs; Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade 🔍 Episode summary Can one model of devolution work for every part of England? In this episode, Richard Freeman speaks with Andrew Griffith MP about what devolution could mean for Sussex, and why he believes Whitehall often underestimates the diversity of places it is trying to reform. Drawing on experience in both business and government, Andrew reflects on representing one of Sussex's largest rural constituencies, the challenges facing small businesses, infrastructure and planning, and whether a Sussex mayor can genuinely make better decisions than Westminster. Together they explore the balance between local identity and regional strategy, why transport remains one of Sussex's biggest barriers to growth, and whether devolution risks becoming another layer of government unless accompanied by meaningful powers and funding. The discussion also examines the importance of rural economies, the future of the South Downs, the county's growing wine industry and why Sussex's distinctive character should shape, rather than be squeezed into, a national model of devolution. --- This episode is brought to you in partnership with You All Right, Mate? [https://www.different-hats.co.uk/programmes/all#tier-1], the workplace programme from Different Hats, helping organisations build healthier, more resilient cultures through honest conversation, connection and psychological safety. 🎯 In this episode * Why Andrew believes Sussex needs devolution with genuine local powers * Whether a directly elected mayor can make a practical difference * The economic importance of rural Sussex * Why transport infrastructure remains a long-standing challenge * Lessons from Covid for local businesses and communities * The future of planning inside the South Downs National Park * How Sussex's wine industry is building an international reputation * Why Whitehall often struggles with place-based policymaking * Whether devolution should look different in rural and urban England * What success could look like for Sussex over the next decade 🧠 Key themes Devolution needs meaningful powers Andrew supports decisions being made closer to local communities but argues that genuine devolution requires more than new governance structures. Without significant funding and decision-making authority, new institutions risk becoming another administrative layer. Rural economies deserve greater attention Much of Sussex's economy depends on small businesses, farming, tourism, hospitality and specialist rural industries that often receive less policy attention than larger urban economies. Infrastructure shapes opportunity Long-standing transport issues, particularly along the A27, continue to constrain economic growth, investment and connectivity across Sussex. National policies rarely fit every place One-size-fits-all policymaking often struggles to reflect the realities of places like Sussex, where cities, market towns, villages and protected landscapes exist alongside globally significant businesses. Identity matters Andrew argues that successful devolution should strengthen Sussex's identity while respecting the strong local loyalties that already exist across its towns, villages and communities. Local resilience matters Reflecting on Covid, Andrew highlights the adaptability of Sussex's small businesses and argues that future economic policy should better recognise and support local enterprise. 💬 What Andrew says "The smartest, best decisions are made close to local people." "Nobody ever came to my surgeries asking for a Sussex mayor." "One-size-fits-all doesn't work." "The world is simply a more challenging place than it has been for most of my adult life." "If there was a greater pride in being from Sussex, that would be a success." 🌿 Why rural Sussex matters While discussions about economic growth often focus on cities, Andrew argues that much of Sussex's long-term prosperity depends on its rural economy. Farming, food production, tourism, vineyards, hospitality and thousands of small independent businesses contribute significantly to the county's identity and economic resilience. Any future mayoral authority, he argues, will need to balance urban investment with the needs of countryside communities and protected landscapes. 👤 About Andrew Griffith MP Andrew Griffith has been Member of Parliament for Arundel and South Downs since 2019. Before entering politics he spent over two decades at Sky, becoming one of the youngest finance directors in the FTSE 100 before serving as Chief Operating Officer. He also chaired Just Eat during a significant period of its growth. Since entering Parliament he has held ministerial responsibilities across business, trade, science, innovation and the Treasury, including serving as Director of the Number 10 Policy Unit. He currently serves as Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade. 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Andrew Griffith MP Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue 📣 Get involved 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info [https://sussexandthecity.info/] — episodes, resources and events 👉 https://sussexintelligence.com [https://sussexintelligence.com/] — research, insight and analysis on Sussex's future

#50: Can Place-Based Experiments Fix Broken Politics?

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode #50 Can Place-Based Experiments Fix Broken Politics? Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Polly Mackenzie – public policy thinker, former senior government adviser 🔍 Episode summary Can devolution do more than simply move power around? Could it fundamentally change how Britain solves problems? In this episode, Richard Freeman speaks with one of Britain's leading public policy thinkers, Polly Mackenzie, about why many of today's biggest challenges cannot be solved by traditional government structures alone. Drawing on experience inside Whitehall, think tanks, universities and social innovation, Polly argues that Britain's institutions have become too slow, too fragmented and too risk-averse to deal with modern challenges. Instead, she makes the case for a new culture of place-based experimentation, where local leaders are trusted to test ideas, learn quickly and build stronger collaboration across public services. Against the backdrop of Sussex's emerging devolution settlement, the conversation explores whether a future mayoral authority could become a laboratory for more agile government, bringing together health, housing, education, policing and economic development around shared local outcomes rather than departmental silos. Along the way they discuss democratic frustration, state capacity, local leadership, innovation, public sector culture and why solving complex problems often depends less on finding new ideas than creating better conditions for people to work together. --- This episode is brought to you in partnership with the Sussex Intelligence Unit, a new independent research platform from the team behind Sussex And The City. Sussex is changing. Devolution is reshaping how major decisions and major investment get made, but without the right evidence, how can it deliver what our communities need? The Sussex Intelligence Unit answers that challenge. It's the first independent cross-sector platform to look at growth, infrastructure, governance, and belonging across East Sussex, West Sussex, Brighton & Hove. New data, fresh analysis, evidence-led insight designed to put businesses, voluntary sector organisations, and policy makers ahead of what's next, because the decisions made today will shape Sussex for a generation. For the intelligence you need, visit www.sussexintelligence.com [https://www.sussexintelligence.com] --- 🎯 In this episode * Why frustration has become Britain's defining political emotion * What Polly means by being a 'policy entrepreneur' * Why many public problems cut across government departments * How devolution could strengthen state capacity * The leadership skills modern public services increasingly need * Why collaboration matters more than organisational structures * Fiscal devolution and the future of English mayors * Why experimentation should become part of public service culture * The role of 'Test, Learn and Grow' in government reform * Whether Sussex could become a national model for place-based innovation 🧠 Key themes Modern problems require joined-up government Challenges including housing, chronic health conditions, youth unemployment and public safety span multiple organisations, making traditional departmental structures increasingly ineffective. Devolution is about more than governance Done well, devolution creates opportunities for places to coordinate services, build stronger partnerships and make decisions closer to the communities they affect. Leadership is becoming more relational Future public leaders will need to convene organisations, build trust and create space for collaboration, rather than simply manage hierarchical systems. Innovation depends on experimentation Public institutions often reward certainty over curiosity. Polly argues that genuine improvement requires permission to test ideas, learn from failure and continuously adapt. Place creates better policy Local government can become a platform for solving complex problems because people, services and institutions are physically closer together and better able to collaborate. Sussex has an unusual opportunity With a new strategic authority being created alongside local government reorganisation, Sussex has a chance not simply to redesign governance, but to rethink how public services innovate and work together. 💬 What Polly says "The dominant emotion of our time is frustration." "There are very rarely new ideas. It's the patient, diligent work of getting things done that matters." "Freedom to succeed is the same as freedom to fail." "If everybody is constantly trying to make things five per cent better, that's transformative." "Entrepreneurial tinkering never gets too tidy." 🧠 Why this matters for Sussex As Sussex prepares for an elected mayor and a new Strategic Authority, there is an opportunity to think differently about how public services are designed. Rather than simply creating another layer of governance, Polly argues that devolution should enable places to become more experimental, bringing together organisations around shared local challenges, giving leaders permission to innovate and creating cultures where learning is valued as highly as certainty. For Sussex, success may depend less on constitutional reform than on whether local institutions are prepared to collaborate, experiment and embrace a more entrepreneurial approach to public leadership. 👤 About Polly Mackenzie Polly Mackenzie is one of Britain's best-known public policy thinkers. She served as Director of Policy to Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg during the 2010-2015 UK Coalition Government, playing a significant role during the first wave of English devolution. She later became Chief Executive of the think tank Demos, co-founded the Women's Equality Party, helped establish Martin Lewis's Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, and served as Chief Social Purpose Officer at the University of the Arts London. Today she writes the influential How To Run A Country [https://howtorunacountry.substack.com/] blog and is a regular commentator on British politics, democracy, public sector reform and institutional change. 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Polly Mackenzie Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue 📣 Get involved 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info [https://sussexandthecity.info/] — episodes, resources and events 👉 https://sussexintelligence.com [https://sussexintelligence.com/] — research, insight and analysis on Sussex's future

#49: What Sussex Devolution Means To A 20-Year-Old

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode #49 What Sussex devolution means to a 20-year-old Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Joe Herd 🔍 Episode summary What does Sussex devolution look like through the eyes of someone who will live with its consequences for the next 50 years? Most Sussex And The City episodes feature politicians, academics, business leaders or public sector decision-makers. This conversation takes a different approach. Recorded on Worthing seafront, Richard Freeman is joined by 20-year-old Brighton resident Joe Herd for an open discussion about devolution, democracy, trust and political participation. Joe is not a councillor, civil servant or policy expert. He is simply a young Sussex resident who became curious about devolution and wanted to understand what it could mean for the place where he grew up. The conversation begins with the question: why does devolution matter? For Joe, the appeal lies in the possibility of a more collaborative and constructive form of politics than many people associate with Westminster. Together, Richard and Joe explore whether moving power closer to communities could help rebuild trust, improve participation and create a stronger sense of ownership over local decisions. Along the way they discuss local government reorganisation, the future Sussex mayor, citizens' assemblies, regional identity, public engagement and the challenge of explaining political change in ways that people actually understand. Despite the scale of the changes underway, relatively few younger people are actively involved in conversations about devolution. If Sussex is entering a new chapter of self-government, how can the next generation become active participants rather than passive observers? -- This episode is brought to you in partnership with Trust for Developing Communities - a Brighton & Hove charity working alongside communities to tackle inequality and create lasting, community-led change. TDC delivers community development, youth work, research and training across the city, supporting people and neighbourhoods to build confidence, connection and power. Its youth work helps young people feel safer, more connected, and more able to shape the places they live. At a time when Sussex is facing major decisions about devolution, democracy and the future of local services, TDC's work is a reminder that change only works when people are genuinely involved, especially those whose voices are too often missing from the room. To find out more, visit trustdevcom.org.uk [http://trustdevcom.org.uk/]. -- 🎯 In this episode * Why devolution caught the attention of a 20-year-old Sussex resident * Whether local politics feels more constructive than national politics * Trust and confidence in democratic institutions * The impact of local government reorganisation * What younger people think about political participation * The challenge of building a Sussex-wide identity * Citizens' assemblies and new approaches to democracy * The future role of a Sussex mayor * Why communication matters as much as governance structures * What success could look like for Sussex devolution 🧠 Key themes Devolution offers a different political conversation For younger people frustrated by national political division, devolution can represent a more practical and collaborative way of approaching local challenges. Trust cannot be taken for granted Public confidence in institutions remains fragile. New structures alone will not rebuild trust without genuine engagement and transparency. Young people are largely absent from the debate Despite being the generation most affected by long-term decisions, relatively few younger residents are participating in discussions about Sussex's future governance. Sussex still needs a shared story The county contains diverse communities with different identities and priorities. Building a stronger sense of common purpose will be one of devolution's biggest challenges. Participation matters People are more likely to support political change when they feel involved in shaping it rather than simply being informed after decisions have been made. Democracy works best when it feels local Many of the issues people care most about (housing, transport, public spaces and opportunity) are experienced locally, making local decision-making particularly important. 💬 What Joe says "I think devolution feels like an alternative to the combative and destructive nature of national politics." "It's about moving power closer to the population." "A lot of it comes down to trust." "People need to feel like they're doing the politics, not that politics is being done to them." "There is a Sussex identity somewhere, but making people feel connected to it is the challenge." 👤 About Joe Herd Joe Herd is a Brighton-born student and lifelong Sussex resident. Having studied history, Spanish and music, he developed a growing interest in politics, governance and democratic participation. His curiosity about devolution led him to contact Sussex and the City to better understand the changes taking place across Sussex and Brighton. Joe represents a perspective that is often missing from policy discussions: that of younger residents who will inherit the long-term consequences of today's decisions and whose engagement will help shape the future success of devolution. 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Joe Herd Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue 📣 Get involved 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info [https://sussexandthecity.info/] — episodes, resources and events 👉 https://sussexintelligence.com [https://sussexintelligence.com/] — research, insight and analysis on Sussex's future

#48: Universities, Knowledge And The Future Of Sussex Prosperity (Part Two)

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode #48 Universities, Knowledge and the Future of Sussex Prosperity (Part Two) Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Professor Sasha Roseneil – Vice-Chancellor, University of Sussex 🔍 Episode summary What role should universities play in the future of Sussex? As devolution reshapes local decision-making and the higher education sector faces mounting financial pressures, universities are being forced to think differently about their purpose, their partnerships and their place within local economies. In this episode, Richard Freeman speaks with Professor Sasha Roseneil, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sussex, about the future of higher education and why universities remain critical to innovation, economic growth and social mobility. This conversation follows Richard's earlier discussion with Jo Havers from the University of Brighton and forms the second part of a wider exploration of how Sussex's universities contribute to the region's future prosperity. Together they discuss the challenges currently facing the sector, including funding pressures, changing attitudes towards degrees, student finance and the future relationship between education and work. Sasha argues that universities are far more than providers of qualifications. They are places where new knowledge is created, where future industries emerge and where people develop the adaptability needed to thrive in an uncertain world. The discussion also explores the University of Sussex's growing civic role within the county. From the Civic University Agreement to skills development, research partnerships and economic strategy, the conversation examines how universities can help shape a more connected, innovative and ambitious Sussex. Along the way, they discuss artificial intelligence, quantum computing, regional identity and the opportunities that a future Sussex mayor could unlock through closer collaboration with higher education. This episode is brought to you in partnership with the Sussex Intelligence Unit [https://sussexintelligence.com], the independent research platform from the team behind Sussex and the City, providing evidence-led insight into growth, infrastructure, governance and belonging across Sussex. 🎯 In this episode * Why universities are facing significant financial pressures * Whether degrees still represent value in a changing economy * How universities help people navigate uncertainty and change * The University of Sussex's global outlook and local impact * Why research universities matter for economic growth * The Civic University Agreement and its ambitions for Sussex * Collaboration between universities, colleges and employers * The future relationship between higher education and devolution * Quantum computing and the vision for a Sussex innovation cluster * What long-term prosperity could look like across Sussex 🧠 Key themes Universities are more than teaching institutions Higher education plays a crucial role in generating knowledge, developing future industries and preparing people for complex and changing careers. Economic growth depends on research and innovation Universities sit at the centre of many of the technologies and industries that will shape future prosperity, from artificial intelligence to quantum technologies. Civic leadership is becoming more important Universities increasingly recognise their responsibility not just to global research communities, but also to the places and regions they serve. Sussex needs stronger collaboration The Civic University Agreement reflects a growing belief that universities, colleges, businesses and public institutions can achieve more by working together. Opportunity remains uneven Despite Sussex's strengths, significant inequalities persist across the county. Addressing these disparities will be central to any long-term vision for prosperity. Devolution creates new possibilities A future mayoral authority could provide new opportunities for strategic investment, partnership working and innovation-led economic growth. 💬 What Sasha says "Universities are the engines of economic growth." "What university, at its best, gives students is resilience, adaptability and the ability to ask difficult questions." "The whole region will be stronger if it wasn't as unequal as it is now." "We can do far more if we work together than if we work individually." "It's not about building boundaries around Sussex. It will be a strong region in a strong country in a globally connected world." 🧠 Why quantum could matter to Sussex The University of Sussex is home to world-leading research in quantum technologies and physics. The university is helping develop proposals for a Sussex-based quantum innovation cluster, building on strengths in research, advanced manufacturing and specialist engineering. The ambition is to create a globally significant centre for next-generation technologies within Sussex. 🎓 About Professor Sasha Roseneil Professor Sasha Roseneil has been Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sussex since 2022 and is one of the UK's leading social scientists. Before joining Sussex, she held senior leadership positions at University College London (UCL), where she served as Pro-Vice-Provost for Equity and Inclusion and Dean of the Faculty of Social and Historical Sciences, and previously at Birkbeck, University of London. Her academic work has focused on social change, citizenship, identities, relationships, gender, social movements and the ways people build communities and belonging. She has published extensively on questions of social transformation and has led major international research projects examining how societies adapt to cultural, economic and political change. 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Professor Sasha Roseneil Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue 📣 Get involved 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info [https://sussexandthecity.info/] — episodes, resources and events 👉 https://sussexintelligence.com [https://sussexintelligence.com] — research, insight and analysis on Sussex's future ENJOY THESE PODCASTS? Please subscribe, like, share and review - it helps to spread the word.