Haywards Heath uniform business wins funding boost

Sussex Uniforms has been awarded a Be the Business grant of £25,000 from West Sussex County Council.

The company, based in Bridge Road Business Park will now be able to expand their production of school and sports uniforms and has just bought a new industrial.

Georgina Bradley, Director at Sussex Uniforms said: “This is a fantastic addition to our production department which will enable us to recruit more staff and accommodate the increasing demand for our service.

“In the six years since we set up, we have seen amazing growth and it’s so rewarding as a parent myself to offer other parents really affordable, top quality school uniform.

“And to be able to service all the clubs and businesses who are increasingly asking us to design their branded sports kits and workwear.”

To compete with other suppliers, Sussex Uniforms wanted to expand its inhouse production to reduce the need to outsource larger volumes.

A spokeswoman for the company said industrial embroidery machines are an ‘expensive investment’ and that before the grant the business was not in a position to buy the additional machinery. But the grant has meant Sussex Uniforms has been able to purchase a new four-head embroidery machine just in time for the busy summer period.

The believes having the machine will allow them to take on more schools, so ‘even more parents can benefit from affordable uniforms’.

Louise Goldsmith, Leader of West Sussex County Council and holder of the Economy portfolio, said she was ‘thrilled’ to hear this money is making a difference to a local company.

She said: “Supporting local businesses to grow and develop is a top priority for the County Council and we are committed to creating and supporting a vibrant economy here in West Sussex.

“In the last round of funding ‘Be the Business’ gave out grants totalling almost half a million pounds.

“Thanks to this money businesses are able to realise aspirations that may otherwise have been out of their reach, and this can only be a positive thing for West Sussex.”

Gary Marsh, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Development at Mid Sussex District Council, said: “This is exactly the success story that Mid Sussex District Council will support and continue to support as Sussex Uniforms expands.

“Retaining these types of companies is key to the development of the community in Mid Sussex, as well as allowing local residents the choice of work that fits in with their work/life balance.”

To find out more about Sussex Uniforms call 01444 227066 or email [email protected].

Alternatively visit the shop at Units 1&2 Bridge Road Business Park, Bridge Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 1TX.