Finding a voice

Our main objective at Worthing First is to listen to and understand the concerns of local businesses, and to make sure they have a voice where and when it matters.

Worthing has a strong and viable future - if it can grow and adapt to a changing world. It makes sense to be a part of that change so that it works for all of us.

At the core of growth is business, not just big business but talented, energetic small businesses who want to build a sustainable future and who want to be actively involved. Change is often hard to imagine and even harder to achieve,  but it’s vital in an ever more competitive and fast moving environment.

The Masterplan is essential to the future of Worthing.  One of our clear objectives at Worthing First is to see this major project actually happen, and to be involved in the process in any way we can, by contributing, encouraging and supporting the regeneration of key areas in our town.  By working with the Council and encouraging them Worthing businesses - large and small -can help to make the Plan a reality.

Positive change

In Worthing positive change to us means easier access to the town and more effective planning on transport issues; flexible and affordable office space and facilities for businesses; securing grants for start-ups, innovation and design; creating business opportunities for the next generation, and promoting Worthing as a desirable destination for both tourists and businesses. 

See how it all started HERE.

WF - working in partnership with

• Worthing Borough Council
• West Sussex County Council Economic Development
• West Sussex Economic Partnership
• South East England Development Agency (SEEDA)
• CADIA
• Worthing Chamber of Commerce
• Adur Economic Partnership
• Sussex Enterprise

What would we change and how?

Worthing First has 8 Working Groups split into two main categories:

Client focused -
Transport; Tourism, Creative Sector and Workforce Development & Recruitment represent the business community to third parties and actively look for the support of organisations and government bodies.

External  -
Marketing Communications, Inward Investment; Small & Home-based Business, Medium and Large Enterprise act as internal communications agencies, create opportunities for business generation within Worthing and beyond and act as the communication hub for Worthing First as a whole.

The WF campaign focus

Transport – to make it easier to get to and get around Worthing.

Tourism – lobby for an increase in the budget for promoting Worthing, currently only £55,000 per annum.

Creative Sector – currently under review

Workforce Development & Recruitment – currently under review

Marketing Communications & Inward Investment – highlight lack of grant aid for start-up and small businesses and encourage more support in line with other Sussex towns and cities.

Small & Home Business Group - currently under review

Medium & Large - currently under review

Do you want to be a part of the future of Worthing?

Worthing First represents and speaks for every business owner in Worthing.  That collective voice for positive growth is strong and focused and we’d like to keep it that way.  Your views are essential.

We want to stay on track by being well informed and aware of what is needed, which is why we need more business owners to work with us and share their opinions, criticisms, ideas and vision.

Please come and join us.