Our Legacy

Coast to Capital, founded in 2011 and incorporated in 2012 was the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) for West Sussex, Brighton and Hove, Lewes District, East Surrey and Croydon.

Established by the Government as one of 39 LEPs across England to identify and support local strategic growth priorities, encourage business investment and promote economic development, Coast to Capital embraced its mission to drive economic growth and sustainable success in our vibrant and exceptionally well-connected region.

Our aims were to create and maintain the right conditions for enterprise and high growth entrepreneurship; make Coast to Capital an attractive business location for start-up and growth businesses; and address critical infrastructure issues that hold back entrepreneurship.

Celebration of Success

Coast to Capital has played a vital role in economic development, growth and support over the years. Take a look at our Celebration of Success document here.

Local Industrial Strategy

Since 2012, we have provided strategic leadership across a range of economic, social and environmental agendas, providing support in collaboration with private, public and education partners to maximise the creative and innovative talents across our region.

Local Industrial Strategy

Build Back Stronger, Smarter and Greener

In 2021 we launched Build Back Stronger, Smarter, and Greener, a framework for future investment to transform productivity in the Coast to Capital region, and help recover from the economic effects of Covid-19.

Build Back Stronger, Smarter, and Greener

Gatwick 360

In 2018 we published Gatwick 360 Strategic Economic Plan, setting a vision for the region to 2030 along with the identification identifying eight key priorities with the potential to make the greatest difference to our economy.

Gatwick 360 Strategic Economic Plan

Gatwick Freeport bid

In response to the Government’s call for proposals, in 2020 Coast to Capital led a consortium that included Gatwick Airport, Crawley Borough Council, Manor Royal Business Improvement District and West Sussex County Council in submitting an innovative bid for a Gatwick Freeport.

Gatwick Freeport bid

Our Investments

We have made significant levels of strategic investments through our Local Growth Deal and the management of our Growing Places Fund. We have successfully attracted more than £300million of public investment to upgrade our regional infrastructure and to invest in the growth of business in the region. These investments have resulted in positive outputs to include;