Oxford Innovation Advice is pleased to announce it is partnering with East Sussex County Council to deliver a brand-new, targeted business support programme titled ‘Ambition to Action’.
The programme, funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocations for Eastbourne, Lewes, Wealden, and Rother Councils will offer tailored support to high-potential SMEs to stimulate economic growth and drive local innovation.
Ambition to Action has received £355,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, while responding directly to the challenges faced by East Sussex’s business community – from digital adoption and innovation readiness to workforce skills and access to finance.
The programme will work closely with ambitious businesses to remove barriers to growth, improve productivity, and strengthen resilience. Through a blend of in-depth diagnostics, one-to-one expert advice, and bespoke specialist consultancy, participating SMEs will benefit from engaging support to enhance sustainable growth opportunities.
Supporting Inclusive, Sustainable Growth
‘Ambition to Action’ is aligned with the East Sussex Prosperity Strategy 2050 and aims to deliver:
- Enhanced innovation and productivity across key sectors such as creative industries, green energy, advanced manufacturing, and health and care
- Increased employment opportunities, particularly in rural and coastal communities
- Greater export readiness and market diversification
- Support for the transition to a low-carbon economy
The programme will focus on businesses with significant growth potential, using Oxford Innovation Advice’s proven GROWTHmapper® diagnostic tool to co-create tailored action plans with each SME.
Jane Galsworthy, Managing Director at Oxford Innovation Advice comments, “We’re proud to be launching ‘Ambition to Action’ in partnership with East Sussex County Council. Supporting SMEs to innovate, grow, and compete globally is essential for creating inclusive and resilient local economies.”
Built for East Sussex Businesses
With over 30 years of experience of enabling ambitious businesses across the UK to grow and innovate, Oxford Innovation Advice brings deep expertise rooted in strong local partnerships to Specialise 2025. The programme complements existing county-wide support and will work in close collaboration with the East Sussex Growth Hub and local partners such as Sussex Chamber, and FSB.
Eligible SMEs will receive expert-led support in areas such as leadership and growth strategy, digital transformation and AI adoption, Net-zero and low-carbon transition, access to finance and innovation funding and export readiness and market expansion.
Get Involved
Businesses across East Sussex based in Eastbourne, Lewes, Rother, or Wealden that are looking to scale, diversify, or increase their productivity are encouraged to express interest now.
To find out more, visit: www.ambitiontoaction.co.uk/
