Message from EGBA Chair, Grahame Russell
When I saw Romesh Ranganathan at our beloved Chequer Mead theatre recently it made me think about the EGBA’s aspirations in relation to Romesh’s current campaign for the future of the BBC – one of the most trusted organisations in the world. “What has the BBC ever done for me?”. You may have seen it.
Of course I’m not suggesting for a moment that we have the same elevated status! But instead I do ask, on behalf of our local businesses, “What has the EGBA ever done for me?”. I want us to be able to answer that question with confidence.
We are benefitting from the ideas and creativity of some new EGBA committee members – all progressive, digitally-aware and experienced local business people. We’re taking things to a new level as we speak. But we need your support.
We will be sending out a short survey to as many businesses as possible – both members and non- members. What would you like to see from us?
As reported in last month’s newsletter EGBA has a key role in the Town Centre Improvement Plan. Its delivery has been confirmed as one of five priorities in the recently published joint Mid Sussex District Council/West Sussex County Council’s economic Growth Deal. This focuses on short, medium and long term adaptations for a changing town centre environment.
We are looking at ways of increasing ‘footfall’, generating new ideas for events, promoting investment in the town, and supporting our businesses on topics like parking, policing, utilities, Gatwick expansion and many community projects – including charity work and our relationship with local schools.
We want to see a strong partnership for business in EG with a focus on the ‘Virtuous Circle’ – local businesses sourcing from other local businesses, and consumers buying more locally and using the town’s hospitality venues more.
We encourage all of you to engage with us. Between us we can develop more ideas to support the town’s businesses more broadly – and your business specifically.
Best wishes
Grahame
28 September 2026