New initiative launched to champion Chichester and drive future growth
Businesses, organisations and partners from across the Chichester District gathered at Pallant House Gallery on Wednesday 16 September for the launch of a major new community-wide initiative designed to raise the profile of Chichester and the wider area, strengthen the economy, attract investment and create jobs.
The event marked the launch of 'Chichester's Story', a new place narrative that captures the area's unique identity and provides a clear, consistent framework for promoting its strengths, opportunities and ambitions to a wider audience.
A key part of the Chichester Regeneration Strategy, the initiative aims to help businesses, organisations and residents tell a shared story about the area, raising awareness of everything Chichester has to offer while supporting investment, growth and opportunity.
Speakers at the launch included representatives from Chichester Chamber of Commerce, The Goodwood Group, Thesis Technology, Chichester Festival Theatre and Chichester BID.
Details were also announced of a new Place Board and Ambassador Programme, which will bring together businesses, cultural organisations, community groups and public sector partners to champion Chichester and the wider area through a shared identity and consistent message.
Developed through extensive engagement with residents, businesses, partners and community representatives, the new place narrative reflects the area's distinctive blend of heritage, culture, natural beauty and ambition for the future.
Working with specialist consultants thinkingplace, Chichester District Council carried out more than 40 place conversations and six workshops, alongside a public survey that attracted more than 500 responses. The findings helped shape both the new place narrative and visual identity, providing a practical framework that organisations can use to tell a compelling and consistent story about Chichester.
Research and experience from destinations across the UK, including York, Bath and Shrewsbury, demonstrate that strong place branding can help attract investment, support local businesses, strengthen visitor economies and contribute to wider economic growth.
Councillor Adrian Moss, Leader of Chichester District Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Property, opened the event and explained how the new initiative seeks to build on Chichester's existing strengths while creating a clear and confident identity that supports future prosperity for the city and wider district: Chichester is an exceptional place, bringing together heritage, culture, innovation, natural beauty and strong community spirit. Through this work, we want to help businesses, residents and organisations tell a shared story about what makes our area special.
A strong and shared identity can help raise awareness of everything Chichester has to offer, supporting our ambition to attract investment, visitors, talent and new opportunities.
We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to shaping the place narrative and brand, whose insight and local knowledge have been invaluable. By working together, we can celebrate our strengths, strengthen our reputation and support sustainable growth that benefits everyone who lives, works, studies or visits here.
The event also showcased the experiences of local business leaders and organisations that have chosen to invest, grow and thrive in Chichester. Ana Palmer, Managing Director of Thesis Technology, spoke about the advantages of running a business in the district: Chichester is a fantastic place to run a business. Its strong infrastructure and proximity to London and other major cities make it highly connected, while its unique mix of countryside, coastline and culture offers an exceptional quality of life.
Were fortunate to have a thriving business community, supported by the University, high-quality commercial space and a wealth of places to meet, collaborate and innovate.
Having grown up here, I know first-hand what makes Chichester special. We love running our business here because it combines connectivity and opportunity with an outstanding environment and plenty to enjoy outside of work. Id encourage any business, investor or visitor to come and experience everything Chichester has to offer.
Cadyn Lewis, owner of KDYN Music Limited, which operates a music production studio and record label and works with artists from around the world, shared his experience of building a business in Chichester. Originally from London, Cadyn chose to establish his business in the city after receiving support from Chichester District Council's Economic Development team.
I love Chichester - its a place that inspires creativity. Im passionate about the music scene here. There are some fantastic musicians, and what stands out is the focus on craft and creativity. Unlike bigger cities where image can sometimes take centre stage, people here are genuinely passionate about making great music.
The artists who come here love it too. One artist on my label, who has performed at Wembley Stadium, sees Chichester as a home away from home. She finds it a great place to be creative.
Chichester is a special place. Its warm, supportive and full of opportunity. Since starting my business here, Ive found people incredibly encouraging and willing to open doors, which has made a real difference. Id definitely encourage anyone to come to Chichester to discover what it has to offer.
Helen Marshall, Chair of Chichester BID (Business Improvement District), highlighted the collaborative approach that has shaped the project: What has been achieved in such a short time is a real credit to the strong group of organisations and individuals who have helped shape Chichesters story. From the very start, there has been a collective determination to move quickly from planning to delivery and make a tangible difference for Chichester.
We are now taking the next step by creating a Team Chichester approach, bringing together the Place Board and ambassadors from across the area to celebrate our strengths and champion our future.
The Place Board will consist of representatives from partner organisations across Chichester and the surrounding areas. The Board will oversee the Ambassador Programme and support the ongoing delivery of the place branding project, ensuring Chichester is promoted in a unified, confident and effective way.
The Ambassador Programme will encourage local businesses, organisations and individuals to become advocates for the area, helping to showcase Chichester's cultural, economic and environmental assets and strengthen its reputation regionally, nationally and internationally.
The attached image features: John Till from thinkingplace; Lloyd McNeill, Goodwood Estate; Paul Rolfe, Chichester Chamber of Commerce; Helen Marshall, Chichester BID; Ana Palmer, Thesis Technology; Jess Blake-Lobb, Chichester Festival Theatre; and Adrian Moss, Leader of Chichester District Council.