By Lara Southam, Head of Regeneration & Sustainable Economy at Mid Sussex District Council

As Head of Regeneration and Sustainable Economy at Mid Sussex District Council, my experience at UKREiiF 2024 was excellent. This event has boosted the Council’s inward investment brand, offering unprecedented opportunities to build the Council’s profile, develop strategic relationships, and position Mid Sussex as a prime destination for growth. In this blog, I’ll delve into how UKREiiF has helped to catalyse our inward investment strategy.

UKREiiF: The Gateway to Investment

When we first considered attending UKREiiF in 2023, it was a reconnaissance mission. We wanted to see if it was the right fit for a rural district like Mid Sussex. What we discovered was an event unparalleled in its ability to gather the most influential players in property, development, and investment under one roof. The potential was evident, and by the time UKREiiF 2024 came around, we knew we had to participate in a bigger way.

Mid Sussex is well located with great connectivity, both in terms of its location, with access to the south coast, Gatwick and London, and in terms of digital connectivity with a local full fibre network. It has significant potential, providing strategic employment allocations, delivering large housing schemes, and a proactive approach to supporting sustainable development. UKREiiF provided us with the perfect platform to showcase these opportunities on a national scale.

A Strategic Focus on Investment Opportunities

At UKREiiF 2024, our primary goal was to engage with investors and developers who could help us realise our ambitious plans for Mid Sussex. We presented a compelling case for why Mid Sussex is an ideal location for investment, emphasising our strategic employment sites, housing developments, and the support we offer to businesses looking to relocate or expand.

Employment and Development Sites

One of the key reasons for attending UKREiiF was to promote our employment sites and attract inward investment. Mid Sussex has a range of sites primed for development, including a major 48-hectare site for a science and tech park. These sites present opportunities for businesses to invest and tap into a skilled workforce, benefit from excellent transport links, and be part of a thriving community. Recognising the importance of digital connectivity, particularly in rural areas, we have already completed a local full fibre network which serves our major growth areas. This is 15km of dark fibre, ready to go. Our discussions with potential investors at UKREiiF were centred around these opportunities, highlighting the benefits of locating in a district that is proactive in its approach to economic growth.

Housing Projects and Urban Expansion

In addition to employment sites, we showcased our large-scale housing schemes. Our most significant project, the Brookleigh development, will deliver 3,500 new homes in partnership with Homes England. This project is a testament to our commitment to meeting housing need while maintaining the character and quality of life in Mid Sussex. At UKREiiF, we discussed the opportunities for investors to be involved, offering them a chance to contribute to—and benefit from—our district’s sustainable growth.

Building Relationships and Securing Investment

UKREiiF was not just about showcasing opportunities; it was about building the relationships that would turn these opportunities into reality. Over two days, we spoke to over 200 stakeholders, including investors, developers, and government representatives. This level of engagement was unprecedented, and it underscored the strong interest in what Mid Sussex has to offer.

Key Investment Leads

Our efforts at UKREiiF have already started to pay off. We are currently pursuing significant leads from the event. One involves an investor interested in bringing a new retail offering to one of our town centres, which would be a game-changer for our High Streets. And another involves renewed support from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) to help us deliver our ambitions.

These leads are the first steps in turning our strategic vision into tangible outcomes that will drive our district’s economic growth for years to come.

The Changing Investment Landscape

One of the most striking observations from UKREiiF 2024 was the evolving nature of the investment landscape. Compared to our experience in 2023, there was a noticeable shift towards inclusivity and national representation. More regions from the South, including rural districts like Mid Sussex, were actively participating, and this inclusivity is vital for ensuring that investment opportunities are spread evenly across the UK.

National and International Interest

The interest in Mid Sussex was not limited to local investors. We engaged with national and international stakeholders, all of whom recognised the potential of Mid Sussex. This level of interest has given us the confidence to continue promoting Mid Sussex as a prime location for investment, not just regionally but nationally and internationally.

A Level Playing Field

UKREiiF has helped to level the playing field for smaller districts like ours. It has provided a platform to compete with larger, more well-known regions and to showcase the unique opportunities that Mid Sussex offers. This event has shown that with the right approach and the right platform, even smaller districts can attract significant investment and drive economic growth.

Strategic Reflections and Future Directions

The success we experienced at UKREiiF 2024 has prompted us to refine our approach to inward investment.

One of the key lessons learned from UKREiiF is the importance of targeted engagement. While the broad interest we received was incredibly positive, we realised the value of focusing our efforts on those stakeholders who are most aligned with our goals. In 2025, we plan to take a more strategic approach, identifying and engaging with investors who can contribute to our vision for Mid Sussex.

Strengthening Partnerships

Collaboration has been another critical takeaway from UKREiiF. Working alongside our regional partners, has reinforced the importance of building strong, mutually beneficial relationships. These partnerships are essential for promoting our region and ensuring that we can compete effectively in the investment landscape.

Confidence in Our Offer

As a small rural district, it can be challenging to compete with larger, more urbanised areas. However, UKREiiF has shown us that our offer resonates with investors. This confidence will drive our efforts moving forward, as we continue to promote Mid Sussex as a prime location for investment.

Adapting to Emerging Trends

The investment landscape is continually evolving, and UKREiiF has highlighted some of the key trends that we need to be aware of. From the growing importance of sustainability to the increasing interest in mixed-use developments, these trends will shape our strategy as we move forward. By staying ahead of these trends, we can ensure that Mid Sussex remains an attractive destination for investors.

The Power of Networking and Collaboration

Beyond the formal meetings and presentations, UKREiiF was also about the connections that drive investment. Whether it was the daily interactions with stakeholders, the camaraderie with our regional partners, or the memorable encounters with industry leaders, these connections are what make UKREiiF such a powerful event.

Why Attend UKREiiF?

For those who have not yet experienced UKREiiF, I can highly recommend it. This event is more than just a networking opportunity; it is a platform for showcasing your area, building strategic relationships, and attracting the investment that can drive economic growth. Whether you are a small rural district like Mid Sussex or a larger metropolitan area, UKREiiF offers unparalleled opportunities to connect with the right stakeholders and to promote your region on a national stage. The insights gained and the connections made can have a lasting impact on your investment strategy and can help you to attract the capital needed to drive growth in your region.

An Open Invitation

If you are considering attending UKREiiF but are unsure if it’s the right fit, I encourage you to take the plunge. Attend for a day, engage with as many people as possible, and see for yourself the value that UKREiiF can bring to your investment efforts. And if you need advice or tips on how to make the most of the experience, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me.