Growth Hub
What is the West Sussex Growth Hub?
The West Sussex Growth Hub can give your business:
- time - quick and easy access to the advice and information you need
- experience - we understand business and the challenges you face
- knowledge - our experienced and friendly support team will help guide you to achieve your business goals
Whether you’re a start-up or established business West Sussex Growth Hub is here to help. We can help with things like finance, digital marketing, or finding grants and funding opportunities.
Business support clinics
Following the success of our first round, we are running a second series of free business support clinics from June through to the end of 2025.
Book a free business support clinicFuture CEO - Peer programme for business owners
Future CEO is a peer-led leadership programme for ambitious business owners who want to grow, think bigger and lead with confidence.
This isn’t just another seminar or workshop. It’s a practical, honest space where local leaders tackle real challenges together and learn from each other’s experiences.
You’ll take part in 6 monthly sessions with a small, carefully selected group of business leaders, all in a structured and confidential setting.
Each session is guided by an experienced facilitator who will:
- present a current business challenge
- explore the challenge through open questions and peer insights
- commit to specific actions
- reflect on what worked next time
In addition to group sessions, you’ll receive 3 hours of 1-to-1 coaching, tailored to your business and sector.
We've got 2 groups running; one in Horsham and one in Worthing, both hosted by the Brewhouse & Kitchen.
Who should apply
This programme is for established business owners who are:
- leading a business with £250k+ turnover
- employing 5 or more people
- trading for 2+ years
- open to sharing, listening and supporting others
We’re looking for curious, forward-thinking leaders who want to improve - not just in strategy, but in how they lead, think and connect.
To protect openness and trust, competitive businesses will not be placed in the same group.
Priority access is now open. Only 16 places are available across the county and demand is expected to be high.
Horsham sessions will be on the second Thursday of the month from 9.30am to 1pm. Worthing sessions will be on the second Friday of the month from 9.30am to 1pm.
In order to pre-register, express your interest and secure priority access, email wscc.growthhub@westsussex.gov.uk.
There’s no commitment at this stage - just a chance to be first in line when we open.
If you’d like to know more and discuss the programme or refer someone who would benefit, feel free to get in touch.
Contact us
Use our online form or get in touch with us directly on wscc.growthhub@westsussex.gov.uk about any aspect of business support. One of our team will be in touch to arrange a call or meeting in person.
Growth hub contact form (external link)Meet the team
Gail Winne-Davies
Gail comes from a family of business owners, and although her roots are in finance, she understands the array of difficulties faced by local companies.
Her lived experience enables her to take a broad view of challenges before isolating key points to focus upon. She strives to help owners achieve manageable goals, resulting in the creation of a pathway to growth.
Despite her 15 years working with them, in her spare time Gail loves nothing more than to socialise with her family.
Taygan Paxton
Taygan's role positions her perfectly to do what she loves. She is dedicated to helping local businesses thrive in a competitive landscape, and her passion for enhancing community engagement gives her valuable insight into the problems they face and the solutions available to solve them.
As a social media advisor and manager, she helps organisations amplify their voice online. She also delivers a tailored triage service to identify key opportunities, streamline strategies, and drive meaningful results.
In her spare time, Taygan channels her creativity into music, performing as an acoustic singer-songwriter across West Sussex and beyond.
Luke Brice
Like most entrepreneurs, Luke had a flare for business from a young age. From selling milkshakes from his classroom at school, to pointing out inefficiencies in a café in Australia, his overarching desire in business is make life easier for both business owners and their customers.
After a 7 year career in the Metropolitan Police, Luke set up his first official business in the trade sector, growing and selling up after 5 years. He then set up and scaled a nationwide security company which restructured to a full spectrum group of facilities companies before again selling in 2022.
He now enjoys a mix of different business interests, and helping other business owners to achieve their goals, whatever they may be.
Testimonials
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“They have provided support, mentoring and funding to ensure that my business is able to grow and thrive whilst supporting and giving back to the local economy.
Gail kindly funded a day with a Growth Specialist on the topic of sales, which provided a roadmap of actions for us to roll out. The biggest support however, has been Gail’s extensive network. Whether you’re interested in building a local network, offering apprenticeships, struggling with recruitment or need up-skilling in certain areas, Gail knows the right people and organisations to sign post you towards, saving a lot of time and effort in the process.
Thank you for your ongoing support for local businesses - it really does make a difference.”
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“I recommend anyone stuck in any part of their business to use this amazing free service that helps small businesses locally.”
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“I had no idea such support existed. I have got many years’ experience of project management, time management and delivery but when it’s your own business, it’s so hard to see a way forward. Thanks again for making the start to the day a good one.”
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“It's put my mind at rest about what I need to be doing.”
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"Gail was very knowledgeable and provided valuable insights. Her friendly and professional approach made the discussion productive and engaging. She listened attentively to our concerns and offered constructive feedback and advice. I highly recommend her services to any business seeking expert advice and strategic support.”
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“I really appreciate all the detail and different options.”
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“Gail was really helpful and kind, and didn’t make me feel daft for asking questions that have been on my mind for a while but hadn’t asked. Having a face to face meeting was really valuable and enjoyable and I now have some ideas for managing my numbers simply and appropriately for the size of my business. Thanks Gail.”
