Introduction

Starting a business in Sussex involves navigating local requirements that can differ from one council to another. This guide provides a county-wide overview of standard business regulations, followed by detailed insights into the specific rules, support, and registration processes for each council area. The goal is to make it easier for entrepreneurs to understand what’s required — from registering a business and securing premises to connecting with local growth networks.

County-wide Regulations

Across Sussex, every business must follow a set of county-wide regulations before trading.

Key requirements include registering with HMRC (for sole traders) or Companies House (for limited companies), registering with Environmental Health for food businesses at least 28 days before opening, obtaining a Premises Licence for alcohol or late-night entertainment where applicable, applying for planning permission for change of use or external works, and registering for Business Rates where relevant.

Local Growth Hubs such as Locate East Sussex and the Coast to Capital Growth Hub provide one-to-one advice and funding navigation for startups across the county.

Council-by-Council Breakdown

Brighton & Hove City Council

Brighton is Sussex’s start-up capital, with a dense cluster of creative and digital businesses. Businesses should register nationally (HMRC/Companies House) and check local requirements via the council website. If you plan to prepare or sell food, you must register with Environmental Health at least 28 days before opening (Brighton & Hove City Council Environmental Health). Alcohol sales and entertainment require a Premises Licence. Planning permissions are commonly needed in conservation areas such as The Lanes and North Laine, and outdoor seating often requires separate approval. Local support is strong — BIPC Brighton (Jubilee Library), the Brighton & Hove Economic Partnership, Plus X Innovation and university incubators offer mentoring, IP advice and workspace options.

Chichester District Council

Chichester’s economy leans on retail, tourism and artisan businesses. Expect close scrutiny of signage and shopfront changes in the historic city centre. Food businesses should register with Environmental Health 28 days prior to trading, and pre-opening inspections are standard. The Pop-Up Shop Scheme offers temporary retail space for trialling new products, while the Chichester Business Support Programme provides one-to-one startup guidance.

Crawley Borough Council

Crawley benefits from proximity to Gatwick Airport, which shapes local demand in logistics, travel and tech. Firms in transport or airport services may need additional sector-specific permits. Warehouse or industrial conversions typically require full planning consent in designated commercial zones. The Crawley Growth Programme and Manor Royal BID offer grants and business-improvement support for local firms.

Horsham District Council

Horsham covers market towns and rural areas; planning rules differ across the district. Farm-shop conversions and barn adaptations generally require full planning applications. Food and hospitality businesses should register with Environmental Health 28 days prior to opening. The Horsham Business Initiative and West Sussex Grow Digital programme provide training in sustainability and digital skills for local entrepreneurs.

Lewes District Council

Lewes is a hub for creative and environmentally focused enterprises. With many listed buildings, planning approvals can take longer due to heritage considerations. Food businesses and retailers must register in advance; market traders also need street-trading permissions. Locate East Sussex supports green-startup funding and advice.

Hastings Borough Council

Hastings is known for its independent retail and arts scene. Seafront and Old Town locations are subject to conservation and signage controls. Home-based food producers face detailed hygiene checks. The council works with Locate East Sussex to provide mentoring and targeted creative-industry funding.

Eastbourne Borough Council

Eastbourne’s local economy mixes tourism with growing health and lifestyle sectors. Food businesses must register 28 days before trading, and outdoor seating or temporary structures require separate permissions. Eastbourne BID and Locate East Sussex provide funding advice and pop-up retail opportunities.

Arun District Council (Bognor Regis & Littlehampton)

Arun focuses on coastal regeneration, encouraging startups in leisure, tourism and green industries. Food businesses should register with Environmental Health at least 28 days before opening. Alcohol and street-trading licences are required for hospitality. The Coastal Regeneration Fund and local BIDs support marketing and small grants for tourism projects.

Adur & Worthing (Joint Authority)

Adur and Worthing operate a joint regulatory system, simplifying many applications for new businesses. Food and licensing applications can be made through a shared portal, and pre-application planning advice is strongly recommended. The Business Hothouse and local mentoring networks are active here, offering grants, training and peer support for first-time founders.

Mid Sussex District Council

Mid Sussex — covering Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath and East Grinstead — has a balanced local economy and growing development activity. The Burgess Hill Growth Area presents opportunities for logistics, manufacturing and green tech. Planning is generally straightforward outside conservation zones, and Mid Sussex works with Coast to Capital and Mid Sussex Business Association (e.g., Haywards Heath) to deliver grants and business programmes.

Summary: What’s Shared and What Varies

• Business Registration: Register with HMRC or Companies House before trading.
• Food Business Registration: Required 28 days before opening; inspections vary.
• Premises Licensing: Required for alcohol, late-night food, entertainment; local variation applies.
• Planning Permission: Needed for change of use or signage; heritage areas need extra scrutiny.
• Business Rates Relief: Available for many small premises; criteria vary by council.
• Startup Support: Growth Hubs and local programmes available; Brighton, Worthing, Lewes and Mid Sussex generally provide the broadest local networks.

Takeaway

Register early, check local planning and licensing requirements, and contact your council’s business support team. Local Growth Hubs often provide free mentoring and funding guidance that can significantly reduce early-stage risk.