Newhaven Enterprise Zone

What Newhaven Enterprise Zone does

Newhaven Enterprise Zone (NEZ) is a publicly funded economic development and regeneration initiative jointly operated by Lewes District Council and Eastbourne Borough Council, headquartered in Newhaven, East Sussex. Established to drive sustainable, inclusive, and quality growth in Newhaven, NEZ spans approximately 79 hectares across eight development sites — Avis Way (26.7ha), East Quay (18.95ha), North Quay (13.4ha), Town Centre (5.91ha), Eastside North (5.2ha), Railway Quay (4.65ha), Bevan Funnell (2.4ha), and Eastside South (2.26ha) — with a stated vision for Newhaven to become a thriving town by 2030. The Enterprise Zone does not operate proprietary technology; its core 'products' are grant programmes (Town Centre Revitalisation Fund up to £7,500 with 25% match funding, Business Growth Fund, Transforming Newhaven Investment Fund, Community Fund up to £5,000), cultural programming via the BN9 programme and Marine Workshops venue managed by Towner Eastbourne, and curated property offerings for industrial, manufacturing, creative, and marine/maritime tenants.

The organisation serves a diversified tenant and community base. Enterprise tenants include Surrey NanoSystems (developer of Vantablack ultra-black coatings, at Eastside South), King & McGaw (fine art printing, 80-100 staff across 40,000+ sq ft), Tomsetts Distribution (logistics), Plas-Tech, and Brightwell. SMB and grant recipients include Mamoosh (bakery), ABYSS Brewing (pop-up at The Sidings), and community organisations such as Haven Young Creatives. The active Avis Way and North Quay Business Forum has ~30 member businesses; the Made in Newhaven creative network exceeds 100 businesses. Across the zone, tenant businesses collectively employ approximately 1,800 people, with Newhaven's population growing 9% versus the 8% national average.

NEZ does not earn commercial revenue. Its business model is publicly funded grant administration and economic development services, with delivery channelled through partnerships: The Company Connector administers the Town Centre Revitalisation Fund; Sussex Community Foundation manages the Community Fund; HNW Architects provides free shopfront design consultations; and Towner Eastbourne produces the BN9 cultural programme. The strategic agenda is set by 'Newhaven Unleashed' (2023-2026) and its successor umbrella 'Newhaven Forward' (2026-2028), targeting 55,000m² of new commercial floorspace over a 25-year horizon, with leadership currently held by Programme Manager Michelle Connors following the May 2025 departure of Programme Director Corinne Day.

Name

Newhaven Enterprise Zone

Legal name

Newhaven Enterprise Zone

Website

https://newhavenenterprisezone.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Newhaven Enterprise Zone is a publicly funded economic development initiative jointly operated by Lewes District Council and Eastbourne Borough Council, supporting business growth, regeneration, and creative economy development across 79 hectares in Newhaven, East Sussex.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Sector Economic Development & Regeneration

NAICS

Land Subdivision (23721)

SIC

Investors, Nec (6799), Non-Operating Establishments (9995)

akta.pro primary industry

Economic Development & Business Licensing (Local) (BPAIACAN)

akta.pro secondary industries

Real Estate Development & Feasibility Advisory (Highest-and-Best-Use, Entitlements Support) (BPAJANAC), New Construction & Builder Sales (BPAJAAAB)

Keywords

• Economic regeneration services
• Enterprise zone incentives
• Business grant funding
• Commercial property development
• Town centre revitalization

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Enterprise Zone Incentive Schemes: NEZ operates as a government-funded economic development initiative offering business rate relief, grants, and investment incentives to attract businesses to the Newhaven area. The zone does not generate commercial revenue but distributes public funding to stimulate economic growth.

Pricing tiers

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Newhaven Enterprise Zone (NEZ) is a public-sector economic development initiative that delivers business rate relief, multiple grant programmes (Town Centre Revitalisation Fund up to £7,500, Business Growth Fund, Transforming Newhaven Investment Fund, and Community Fund up to £5,000), and commercial property development across approximately 79 hectares of eight sites in Newhaven, East Sussex. It also supports the local creative economy through the Creative Newhaven network, the BN9 arts programme, and the Marine Workshops venue, funded and steered jointly by Lewes District Council and Eastbourne Borough Council.

Product overview

Newhaven Enterprise Zone is a local economic development initiative operated by Lewes District Council and Eastbourne Borough Council. Rather than a single unified product, it offers a portfolio of interconnected grant programmes (Town Centre Revitalisation Fund, Business Growth Fund, Transforming Newhaven Investment Fund, Community Fund), creative economy support (Creative Newhaven network, BN9 Programme), and commercial property development services (Enterprise Zone Sites, Business Directory). The Marine Workshops venue serves as a flagship creative hub for arts events. The offering functions as an economic catalyst programme designed to drive sustainable, inclusive, and quality growth in Newhaven by 2030.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Creative Newhaven: A group of people who meet every two months to help develop Newhaven's creative eco-system. A supportive network harnessing Newhaven's creative talent and potential for the town's benefit.
• BN9 Programme
• Newhaven Forward

Products and services

• NEZ Transforming Newhaven Investment Fund A grant programme providing investment funding for transformative projects in Newhaven, part of the Newhaven Forward 2026-2028 initiative. Targeted at businesses and projects that drive meaningful regeneration impact in the Enterprise Zone.
• NEZ Business Growth Fund A grant programme designed to support business growth and expansion within the Newhaven Enterprise Zone, available to eligible businesses operating in or relocating to Newhaven.
• NEZ Community Support Programme A grant programme providing support to community organisations that benefit the Newhaven area, distributed as part of the Newhaven Forward funding package covering 2026-2028.
• NEZ Town Centre Revitalisation Fund A grant fund designed to enhance the appearance of town centre shopfronts, with grants of up to £7,500 available to eligible businesses requiring 25% match funding. Up to £100,000 has been made available under the fund, delivered via The Company Connector and supported by HNW Architects design consultations.
• Creative Newhaven A creative network group meeting every two months to develop Newhaven's creative eco-system, supported by Towner Eastbourne and the Enterprise Zone. The network brings together artists, makers, and creative practitioners.
• BN9 Programme A cultural programme of events, exhibitions, and creative activities at Marine Workshops (BN9 Studio, Atrium, The Sidings), funded by NEZ and managed by Towner Eastbourne.
• Marine Workshops Post-industrial riverside gallery spaces and courtyard in Newhaven, comprising BN9 Studio, Atrium, and The Sidings, hosting arts events and available for hire. Operates as NEZ's flagship creative hub.
• Enterprise Zone Development Sites Eight individual development sites covering approximately 79 hectares across Newhaven, including Avis Way (26.7ha), East Quay (18.95ha), North Quay (13.4ha), Town Centre (5.91ha), Eastside North (5.2ha), Railway Quay (4.65ha), Bevan Funnell (2.4ha), and Eastside South (2.26ha), offered for industrial, business, and mixed-use development.
• Newhaven Business Directory A searchable directory of businesses operating within Newhaven, filterable by service sector and business zone, provided by NEZ to help locate and connect with zone tenants.
• Newhaven EZ Community Fund A community grants scheme supporting charities and not-for-profit organisations that benefit the Newhaven area, administered through Sussex Community Foundation with grants up to £5,000.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1,800 employees in Enterprise Zone businesses
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• Towner EastbournecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTowner Gallery Eastbourne serves as the creative producer for the BN9 programme, managing arts events and exhibitions at Marine Workshops and The Sidings. NEZ funds Towner to support the creative eco-system in Newhaven. The partnership drives cultural regeneration and creative community development.
• The Company ConnectorcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerGrant funding specialist led by managing director Jeremy Taylor, responsible for distributing Town Centre Revitalisation Fund grants to eligible businesses. Has previously worked with NEZ, London Gatwick, and Crawley Borough Council.
• HNW ArchitectssupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSussex-based architectural firm that produced a design guide for NEZ to help businesses improve shopfronts for maximum impact. Provides free one-hour consultation for grant applicants.
• Sussex Community FoundationcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerManages the NEZ Community Fund on behalf of the Enterprise Zone, distributing grants up to £5,000 to community groups and charities benefiting the Newhaven area.
• Lewes District CouncilcoreOthersOne of the Data Controllers for NEZ alongside Eastbourne Borough Council. Owns multiple Enterprise Zone sites including Railway Quay and Town Centre areas. Primary public sector partner driving regeneration.
• Eastbourne Borough CouncilcoreOthersJoint Data Controller with Lewes District Council for Newhaven Enterprise Zone. Supports the initiative as part of cross-council economic development efforts.
• Look Again NewhavensupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganisation producing creative events and festivals in Newhaven including the Look Again Festival with murals and cultural activities that have brought positive vibrancy to the town.
• Hospitable Environment CICsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity interest company running youth arts programmes including Emerging Sussex exhibition. Works with NEZ to deliver creative events and community activities at venues like Hillcrest Centre.
• Westcott LeachsupportingOthersOwnership entity for Eastside South development site (2.26ha) offering industrial and warehouse facilities for businesses looking to grow in Newhaven.
• Newhaven Port & Properties LtdsupportingOthersOwner of East Quay site (18.95ha) ideal for electrical and electronic engineering industries, businesses establishing export markets, and those working with Rampion offshore wind farm.
• Newhaven Developments LLPsupportingOthersOwnership entity for Eastside North development site (5.2ha) providing bespoke development opportunities for companies looking to develop and grow in Newhaven.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Teesworks: UK Enterprise Zone in the Tees Valley covering a large industrial footprint. Directly comparable as a publicly-led regeneration initiative that markets development sites and offers incentives to attract employers.
• Sci-Tech Daresbury Enterprise Zone: UK Enterprise Zone in the North West focused on science and technology businesses. Comparable as a publicly-led Enterprise Zone offering tailored incentives and development sites to attract high-value tenants.
• MIRA Enterprise Zone: UK Enterprise Zone centred on the HORIBA MIRA advanced engineering and test facility. Comparable as a publicly-led Enterprise Zone positioning itself around a high-tech anchor tenant.
• York Central Enterprise Zone: UK Enterprise Zone focused on rail-led development adjacent to York station. Comparable as a publicly-led Enterprise Zone offering incentives to attract businesses to a multi-phase development site.
• London Luton Enterprise Zone: UK Enterprise Zone anchored on London Luton Airport with a focus on business growth and logistics. Comparable as a government-designated zone offering rate relief and development sites to tenants.
• Dundee Waterfront Enterprise Zone: Scottish Enterprise Zone focused on waterfront regeneration in Dundee. Directly comparable as a publicly-led enterprise zone combining site development with grant and incentive programmes.

Broad incumbents

• Tees Valley Combined Authority: Mayoral combined authority overseeing economic development and regeneration across the Tees Valley, including Teesworks. Comparable as a publicly-backed body funding and coordinating regeneration initiatives.
• West Midlands Combined Authority: Combined authority overseeing economic strategy, housing, and transport for the West Midlands. Comparable as a publicly-backed regional body coordinating regeneration funding and business support.
• Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership: Regional economic development body covering the Black Country in the West Midlands. Comparable as a publicly-backed entity coordinating business growth, skills, and regeneration across a defined geography.

Regional players

• Opportunity North East: Private/public economic development body in north-east Scotland. Comparable as a partnership-led initiative driving business growth, investment, and regeneration across a defined regional economy.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/newhaven-enterprise-zone

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Newhaven Enterprise Zone