The Sussex And The City Podcast

– Episode 24:

Sussex Microbusinesses Are Hiding In Plain Sight

Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Rachael Dines - Director, Shake It Up Creative

🔍 Episode summary

In this episode, Richard Freeman talks with Rachael Dines, founder of Worthing-based marketing agency Shake It Up Creative and a well-known voice in the Sussex small business community.

Rachel has worked at the heart of Sussex's microbusiness ecosystem, from mentoring start-ups to leading creative collaborations. Together, she and Richard explore what makes the network economy of Sussex so distinctive: thousands of small, agile firms driving innovation, culture, and growth - but often without the visibility, confidence, or joined-up strategy they deserve.

They discuss how devolution could reshape business support, how manufacturing and creative sectors can connect better, and why Sussex needs to define what Brand Sussex actually means if it's to compete nationally and internationally.

This is a candid, funny, and grounded conversation about ambition, burnout, and building something bigger, together.

"We're brilliant at starting things, but not always at finishing them. Devolution could give us the long-term stability to see plans through."

This episode is brought to you in partnership with: DMH Stallard, one of the region's most respected full-service law firms - combining technical expertise with a pragmatic, human approach. Whether advising individuals, businesses, or public sector bodies, they are known for delivering clear, commercially sound legal solutions. From property and planning law to dispute resolution, employment, and private client services, the firm's multi-disciplinary teams work closely with clients at every stage. In Sussex, they are particularly active in real estate, development, and supporting local government and growth sectors. DMH Stallard is also a proud supporter of community and cultural projects across the South East, investing time and expertise into the places where their teams live and work.

To explore their services or get in touch, visit dmhstallard.com

🎯 Why this matters

"If you can't control it, at least have your say; be heard. That's the kind of place I want to live in."

🧠 Topics covered include:

• How microbusinesses and freelancers underpin the Sussex economy
• Why Sussex creative and manufacturing sectors rarely mix, but why they should
• How devolution could bring more sector-focused collaboration and funding
• Why too few people even know devolution is happening — and why that matters
• The challenges of burnout, short-termism and confidence in small business leadership
• The power of creative clusters — and why Sussex could be a national hub
• What a Sussex Mayor could do to support local supply chains and inward investment
• Defining "Brand Sussex" - and turning smallness into a strategic strength

"If we have a Sussex mayor, I just hope they're someone who can see the bigger picture - who gets into communities and actually listens."

📚 Further reading and references

Shake It Up Creative

🎧 Production credits

Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Rachael Dines Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded: Projects, The Lanes - Brighton

📣 Get involved

Want a joined-up Sussex story? Want to help shape devolution so it actually works for people and places? 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events.