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Building a thriving local economy

A fresh vision for Horsham District

Building a thriving local economy

Our District will be known as an easy place to do business. We’ll work to overcome challenges and keep our high streets thriving, both in Horsham town and across the district.

Council Plan Priorities 2023-2027

Click on each priority to see specific actions, goals and targets in our Annual Plan for 2024-2025 below.

  1. Fast-track new businesses with start-up packages and pop-up shops.
  2. Support flexible workers with hot-desking and meeting facilities.
  3. Help deliver Horsham’s first Business Improvement District.
  4. Pursue public realm improvements in our towns and villages.
  5. Promote business and culture with new events.
  6. Improve digital access in rural areas.
  7. Campaign for improvements in public transport.
  8. Promote Horsham District as a destination for food and drink tourism.
  9. Support initiatives to help people find work.

Read the Annual Plan for 2023-2024

Annual Plan 2024-2025

  1. Fast track new businesses with start-up packages and pop-up shops.
    • Seek opportunities to use Horsham District Council owned buildings for incubator and move on units.
    • Support rural businesses and community groups with development grants.
  2. Support flexible workers with hot-desking and meeting facilities.
    • Identify buildings in rural areas and Horsham town centre for potential co-working venues and contribute to the capital cost of setting the facilities up.
  3. Help deliver Horsham’s first Business Improvement District (BID).
    • Work in collaboration with the BID to improve the economic vitality of the town centre.
  4. Pursue public realm improvements in our towns and villages.
    • Consult on wide ranging public realm improvements in Horsham town centre.
    • Implement public realm improvements and provide accessible travel options in Blackhorse Way, Horsham.
    • Establish an infrastructure development fund for Billingshurst.
  5. Promote business and culture with new events.
    • Continue to deliver a programme of community events, to promote a range of free and low cost activities for families including Sussex Sounds, Love Parks week and school holiday activities.
    • Deliver a large, free community event to bring people together and celebrate the District.
    • Explore the feasibility of expanding Sussex Sounds to other markets across the District.
  6. Improve digital access in rural areas.
    • Continue to lead the West Sussex wide rural connectivity project board including:
      • Working with the Government on Project Gigabit.
      • Overseeing the use of West Sussex top up vouchers.
      • Reviewing the opportunities for 4G and 5G mobile broadband.
  7. Campaign for improvements in public transport.
    • Initiate conversations regarding public transport provision at strategic sites.
  8. Promote Horsham District as a destination for food and drink tourism.
    • Develop the Plate Up Local project to get more local food and drink onto local menus and in retailers, including publicity campaigns and networking events.
  9. Support initiatives to help people find work.
    • Hold a job and skills fair to find opportunities for upskilling and employment.