High Streets Support
Free workshops to boost business success on the high streets of East Sussex
High-street businesses across East Sussex are being encouraged to attend a series of fully-funded business support workshops in February and March 2026.
Two distinct programmes – Wealden High Streets Engagement and Support and High Street Boost – will deliver in-person workshops and practical support aimed at helping local businesses improve footfall, visibility and trading confidence.
Experienced retail experts will deliver the workshops and provide follow-up support to owners of high-street businesses who run customer-facing enterprises such as shops, cafés and hospitality venues.
Wealden High Streets Engagement and Support
For towns in Wealden, six workshops are on offer, as well as three online virtual Q&A sessions. Topics covered in the workshops include branding and digital marketing, goals and planning, using Canva for social media and understanding ‘your ideal customer’.
Those taking part will also be able to access an online toolkit, including short videos and downloadable workbooks and factsheets on practical topics for high street businesses. They will also be eligible for high street engagement and site visits.
Workshops are held every Tuesday evening between 6pm and 8pm on the following dates:
- 10 February (Uckfield Civic Centre)
- 17 February (Uckfield Civic Centre)
- 24 February (Uckfield Civic Centre)
- 03 March (The Pumpkin Patch, Hailsham)
- 10 March (The Pumpkin Patch, Hailsham)
- 17 March (The Pumpkin Patch, Hailsham)
These will be followed by a series of short, online webinars:
- 20 March, 10 am
- 26 March, 10 am
- 30 March, 10 am
For more information and to sign up, visit www.thehighstreetexperts.com/wealden-retail-support
The Wealden High Streets Engagement and Support programme is funded by HM Government and the partnership of East Sussex County Council, East Sussex Growth Hub and Wealden District Council. The programme of support is being delivered by The High Street Experts, who have more than 35 years of independent retail and small business experience, and continue to run their own businesses alongside this work.
High Street Boost
In the coastal areas of the county, including Lewes, Eastbourne, Rother and Hastings, the High Street Boost programme offers four in-person high street workshops with a focus on practical, low-cost interventions to increase footfall, dwell time and sales.
Independent business owners can attend any workshop across the county regardless of location, and at least 24 businesses within this programme will also receive one-to-one support including a detailed written action plan for their shop and suggested areas for growth.
The High Street Boost workshops will take place between 5:30pm and 7pm on the following dates:
- 24 February (Lewes)
- 10 March (Bexhill-on-Sea)
- 11 March (Hastings)
- 17 March (Eastbourne)
For more information and to sign up, visit www.cannyinsights.com/high-street-boost-east-sussex
The High Street Boost programme is funded by HM Government, East Sussex County Council and East Sussex Growth Hub. The programme of support is being delivered by nationally-known retail expert Graham Soult from Canny Insights.
Next steps
Independent business owners wishing to register their interest for either of the schemes can visit the programme deliverers’ websites – The High Street Experts or Canny Insights – for more information.
