Sussex Bay - One Bay. One Hundred Miles. One Percent.
Sussex Bay is preparing to launch 1% for Sussex Bay, a simple new way for businesses to invest directly in the place where they live, work and do business.
Sussex Bay receives no public core funding. Everything it does is made possible through donations and competitive grants. Its team of two works across an area of 1.7 million residents and 100 miles of Sussex coastline, so every contribution genuinely matters. Every year, at least 100 businesses work with Sussex Bay, donating their time, expertise or, where they can, financial support. 1% for Sussex Bay builds on that generosity by inviting businesses to pledge 1% of their revenue or profit to help nature, people and the coastal economy thrive across the region.
The first business to pledge 1% of its revenue is WRAP in Brighton, one of Sussex Bay's work homes and a place that has become part of its extended team. Just seconds from Brighton Station, WRAP is an independently owned, family-friendly co-working community bringing together businesses, creatives and organisations that want to make a positive difference. The WRAP team has collaborated with Sussex Bay on events and an exhibition exploring the region's relationship with the ocean. Sussex Bay says it is incredibly grateful to the WRAP team for backing the organisation in such a tangible way.
WRAP has now been joined by Sussex Impact Pathway as the second 1% business. Sussex Bay thanked both organisations for their faith in the initiative and for demonstrating what locally rooted businesses can make possible when they choose to invest back into the place around them.
The organisation also acknowledged Sam Zindel and the team at Propellernet, who supported Sussex Bay before the scheme had officially launched. That early support helped the organisation get established and develop its work across the region.
Sussex Bay also expressed its gratitude to several of the region's Chambers of Commerce for their support, encouragement and advice as it developed its work with the business community. It gave particular thanks to Sarah at Brighton Chamber and Tracie Davey at Worthing & Adur Chamber, whose advice and willingness to connect the organisation with local businesses helped shape its approach to working with the region's business community.
Funds raised through the initiative will support practical projects identified through the Blueprint for Seascape Recovery. These include the region's first native oyster restoration project, now getting underway in parts of Littlehampton. Native oysters can help filter coastal waters, create habitat for other species and support healthier, more resilient marine ecosystems. Sussex Bay is also supporting the Sussex Dolphin Project in purchasing a new research vessel to continue its conservation and research work across Sussex Bay.
The 1% for Sussex Bay initiative will sit within the growing Sussex Bay Alliance, bringing together businesses, communities, schools, charities and organisations that want to play a role in the future of the Bay.
For businesses unable to make a financial contribution, there are many other ways to get involved. Time, expertise, connections and practical support can be just as valuable. For those able to pledge 1%, the initiative aims to make giving back to Sussex Bay simple, visible and meaningful.
One hundred miles. 1.7 million people. One Bay. And 1% can make a difference.