Parliamentarians, business leaders and representatives from across Sussex gathered at the Houses of Parliament to mark Sussex Day and highlight the county’s economic, cultural and tourism contribution to the Gatwick Diamond, the South East and the wider UK.
The Sussex Day reception was hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the South East and Gatwick Diamond Growth Gateway on 16 June, bringing together MPs, local authority representatives, tourism organisations and businesses connected to Sussex.
Attendees heard how Sussex contributes to sectors including aviation, tourism, food and drink production, advanced manufacturing, creative industries and international trade. Discussions also focused on the county’s role within the Gatwick Diamond economic area and its connections to investment and growth across the South East.
Mims Davies, MP for East Grinstead and Uckfield and Chair of the APPG, said: “Sussex has so much to offer and Sussex Day is a chance to celebrate the people, places and businesses that make our county what it is. Bringing everyone together in Parliament helps showcase the contribution Sussex makes locally, nationally and internationally, while creating new opportunities for collaboration and growth.”
The event highlighted Sussex’s visitor economy, which generated £4 billion in 2024, alongside the county’s position as a centre for English wine production, its links to London Gatwick Airport and its role in supporting employment, investment and connectivity across the region.
Representatives from Experience Sussex, Sussex and Brighton, Ridgeview and other organisations outlined how partnerships across East Sussex, West Sussex and Brighton & Hove are promoting the county as a destination for visitors, businesses and investors.
Geri Silverstone, Secretariat for the APPG for the South East and Gatwick Diamond Growth Gateway, said: “Sussex Day is about telling the story of a county that combines heritage, innovation and opportunity. Seeing parliamentarians, businesses and local leaders come together under one roof showed how much enthusiasm there is to champion Sussex and build on the partnerships that help the region thrive.”
The reception concluded with thanks to Mims Davies MP, Andrew Griffith MP, Alison Griffiths MP, Dr Kieran Mullan MP, Peter Lamb MP, John Milne MP, Siobhan Basford, Amanda Mays, Mardi Roberts, Gill Morris, Sussex and Brighton, Experience Sussex and Ridgeview for their support in helping deliver the event and promote Sussex Day at Westminster.