A new cross-sector research unit opens today to give Sussex decision makers the regionally specific evidence needed
The Sussex Intelligence Unit (SIU) launches today as the first independent, cross-sector research platform for Sussex. It has been created to give businesses, public bodies, voluntary sector leaders and policymakers the research and insight they need to make better decisions about the region.
The launch comes as the Sussex and Brighton Mayoral Combined County Authority is confirmed, with a mandate to provide regional policy for strategy, economic growth, transport, housing, climate and the environment, public health and safety.
What the SIU does
The SIU produces regionally specific research, briefings and policy analysis across four connected areas: Growth, Infrastructure, Governance and Belonging. The aim is to build a shared, independent evidence base that can be used by decision makers across Sussex.
Richard Freeman, Founder of Always Possible and co-founder of SIU, said: “Decisions are being made now that will shape Sussex for a generation, yet too many are made without regionally specific research. We’re launching the Sussex Intelligence Unit to change that. It will be an independent evidence base, shared and used by decision makers across Sussex, and shaped for and by the people who live here. Our first project considers belonging to measure how Sussex feels as a place to live, not only how it performs as an economy.”
The Sussex Belonging Survey
SIU has launched the Sussex Belonging Survey, a longitudinal study tracking how people feel about identity, connection and opportunity where they live. The first wave opens in May and will be repeated every six months, allowing the SIU to see how belonging shifts over time and in response to milestones such as local elections.
To find out more or take part
Briefing #1: Economic Growth in Sussex
Also published today, the first SIU data briefing asks whether the Sussex economy is undervalued and how its long-term growth compares with the South East and England. Key findings:
- Sussex’s economy is worth £51.75 billion, around 2.4 per cent of England’s total.
- Sussex has grown 39.53 per cent in real terms since 2004, outpacing the South East (36.59 per cent) and England (34.11 per cent).
- Productivity is the main driver. Real-terms productivity is up 28.7 per cent since 2004, more than double the rate across England.
- Sussex still contributes £2.93 billion less to the English economy than its population share would suggest, once London is taken out of the comparison.
Launch event
The SIU was launched at an event hosted by Sussex and The City on Thursday 30 April. Speakers included Richard Freeman; Akash Puan, Director of Devolution at the Institute of Government; Natalie Orringe, co-Founder of SIU; and Mark Rogers, Interim Chief Executive of the Sussex and Brighton Mayoral Combined County Authority, who spoke on where Sussex goes next, the priorities for the new authority, and how decisions will be made over the coming months.
Get involved
To find out more about SIU, or discuss future projects, please contact co-Founders Richard Freeman ([email protected]) or Natalie Orringe ([email protected]).
About the SIU
The Sussex Intelligence Unit (SIU) is the first independent, cross-sector research group for Sussex, tracking Growth, Infrastructure, Governance and Belonging as a system. SIU is a partnership between Always Possible (strategy and business development), Strategy+Impact (communications, brand and publishing) and Nairne Consultancy Services Ltd (data analysis and economic insight).