On Friday 5th July, Wilton Park will host SussExport 2024, a unique and free event supporting local businesses that have their sights set on global trade, and a space for business, government and civil society to discuss how to promote Sussex in the global marketplace. Local MP, Andrew Griffith, and Tom Cargill, CEO of Wilton Park, convened the first event four years ago.
Taking place on the day after US Independence Day, this year’s event will have a distinct US theme, with US and UK diplomats, trade representatives and companies sharing their stories and ideas.
Wilton Park, near Steyning, is ideally placed to link regional businesses with global markets. As an executive agency of the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) it has a 77-year history of being a place for international dialogue and tackling complex global issues. In the past year along, Wilton Park has hosted 70 dialoges nd welcomed over 3,200 participants from 137 countries to the secluded 16th century home at Wiston House.
Keynote speakers and panellists at SussExport 2024 will deliver a series of interactive sessions and discussions looking at Sussex as the place to do business. With its excellent transatlantic links out of Gatwick Airport, and maritime trade at Shoreham Port, it is easy for Sussex to connect with trading partners in the US and around the world. The Department of Trade and the US Embassy will be at the event to meet with businesses and explore opportunities, alongside local businesses who are already successfully exporting overseas.
This year’s focus on the US reflects the country’s potential as an expanding market for Sussex businesses, with exports from the UK to the US increasing by 9.3% or £16.3 billion, between 2022 and 2023. The US was the UK's largest trading partner in the four quartees to the end of Q4 2023, accounting for 17.6% of total UK trade.*
Also popular at the SussExport events is the Sussex producers exhibition, showcasing local food and drink. The event is delivered in partnership with East and West Sussex County Councils and Wiston Estate.
Andrew Griffith MP said:
“I am delighted that SussExport is now in its fourth year, bringing together business founders, entrepreneurs, and trade experts to explore together how they can create growth and take Sussex into the US and the world. It is very generous of Wilton Park to host this again with support from West and East Sussex County Councils, and I hope many more businesses will come along to benefit from the connections and enjoy the magnificent setting.”
If you run a business and would like to find out more, please contact Wilton Park - [email protected]. Spaces are limited and you will need to register to attend.
* Trade data sourced from the latest ONS publication of UK toral trtade: all countries seasonally adjusted data
