About Us
Background
During 2003/4 a group of local business leaders were meeting under the chairmanship of Grant Ashley (International Logistics Ltd.), along with some public sector support, to explore what might be done to tackle a number of key issues affecting the business parks around Burgess Hill. Of particular concern were matters of security, petty crime, traveller encampments, environment, communications and the need for business park co-ordination.
This led to the formation of BHBPA which was formerly launched in June 2004 by local MP the Rt. Hon. Nicholas Soames. Under Grant Ashley´s chairmanship the Association quickly established firm foundations and appointed Barry Swainston in the role of Business Parks Co-ordinator.
Working Together
Today, BHBPA is a business association representing some 200 to 300 businesses in the Burgess Hill area, located mainly on the Victoria, Sheddingdean, Bolney and Ditchling Common Business Parks. Working hard on behalf of the town´s businesses, the Association has a string of achievements to its credit. By working together businesses can achieve so much more than acting singly. So wherever in the area you are based, come along and find out more about us and how we can help.
Organisation
The Association is constituted as a Company Limited by guarantee with a board of directors drawn from the business community. The activities of the Association are managed and guided by a Steering Group whose membership is drawn from business leaders working alongside representatives from the public sector and sponsoring organisations.
Funding
In addition to membership subscriptions and business sponsorship, the Association has received funding from:
- Burgess Hill Town Council
- Mid Sussex District Council
- West Sussex County Council
- Oakmeeds College
- Sussex Enterprise.
Our effectiveness as an organisation depends on securing a sound financial basis in the long term and future public sector support must be matched with a proportional contribution from local business.
What can you do?
The Association has achieved a vast amount in the relatively short time it has been formed - please join us. You, and your business, will benefit. Membership represents outstanding value for money.
The BHBPA remit reaches far wider than simply Victoria Business Park. We are as much involved with those at Sheddingdean, Bolney and Ditchling Common. We also have a close affinity with CADIA, the influential Gatwick Diamond business organisation, which works on behalf of commerce from Redhill to Brighton.
Testimonials
"I am delighted to have a long-standing relationship with the BHBPA. Since its foundation the Association has gone from strength to strength and there is no doubt that it has brought huge benefits to its members and the business community as a whole through the partnerships it has formed with the local authorities, Sussex Police and local organisations. It is paramount that Burgess Hill businesses have an effective collective voice."
The Hon Nicholas Soames MP
"Burgess Hill Town Council is proud to be associated with BHBPA as the original sponsor. The Association has greatly improved links between business and the local authorities, which has resulted in benefits through the planning process, transport issues, the general environment of the business park and much more. We are keen to develop greater inward investment and community links through the partnership" David Carden, Town Clerk
"This association was started with a lot of effort from a few local businessmen and has proved to be a very powerful and useful tool for our business. The BHBPA has influence at the top level; when action is needed, the BHBPA gets it done. We are kept in touch with all that is happening on our doorstep and will often act because of what is published in the weekly emails / newsletters." Steve Mooney (Steven Mooney Machinery)
"The BHBPA is, for us, a valuable conduit to the Burgess Hill business community through advice, information and access to other businesses and resources within the area. It gives us a sense of belonging." Valerie Scott Finance Director (Icon Live Limited)
