May’s meeting – with East Sussex County Council

At our May meeting, we’re delighted to be joined by East Sussex County Council, which will showcase a variety of services and programmes available to SMEs across the county, including current and upcoming support.

One such programme is Connect to Work – a free, voluntary recruitment scheme designed to help local employers access a diverse and motivated workforce. With fully funded support for both employers and employees, the scheme helps candidates grow and succeed in the right role, improving retention and reducing recruitment costs. It’s a simple, cost-effective solution for businesses looking to hire. Find out more about Connect to Work here.

For this meeting, we are also very pleased to welcome Paul Maynard, Partner and Employment Law specialist at Gaby Hardwicke Solicitors, to the chamber. Paul will be sharing his expert insights on the Government’s flagship Employment Rights Act 2025, some of which will already be in force by the time of our meeting, and which Paul regards as the most significant changes to employment law in a generation. What will be the impact of “day one” employment rights; the removal of the compensation cap and the abolition of fire and rehire? What do you need to be aware of when recruiting new staff and what steps should you be taking now to prepare for these changes?

This is a fantastic opportunity to hear from one of the region’s most respected employment law experts. With nearly three decades of experience at the forefront of employment law, Paul has advised a wide range of businesses – from SMEs to large organisations – helping them navigate the complexities of the employment relationship with confidence. Whether you’re hiring for the first time or looking to strengthen your existing processes, Paul’s practical and knowledgeable approach will leave you better equipped to make informed decisions when growing your team.

This meeting is a great opportunity for local businesses to not only hear about the services provided by East Sussex County Council, but also to gain invaluable legal insight into the world of employment from a renowned expert. It will provide practical guidance on how to protect your business and support your staff from day one, offering a platform for open conversation about how we as a community can work together to grow and thrive.

Join us at the Hastings Centre on the Ridge for our usual friendly style of informal networking over some breakfast before we hear from representatives from East Sussex County Council and Richard, with plenty of opportunities to network afterwards.

Getting there: There is on-site parking available at the Hastings Centre, which takes payment via Pay By Phone.