Business for Sussex Bay: A panel talk on nature, community & action

What role can businesses play in restoring nature at a regional scale and what does that actually look like in practice?

Across Sussex, more than 100 businesses have already stepped forward to support Sussex Bay - a regional collaboration working to restore our ocean while supporting thriving coastal communities and sustainable local economies, across 100 miles of coastline for 1.7 million residents.

The interest is there but what does it really mean to be part of it? This conversation is about how businesses can help, not as spectators, but as active participants.

This panel brings together local business, sustainability leaders and regional partners to explore how that ambition turns into action. From practical steps businesses can take, to how we work together at a local level, we’ll focus on what makes a real difference.

Sussex Bay is a community-born regional collaboration working to restore our ocean while supporting thriving coastal communities and sustainable local economies, across 100 miles of coastline for 1.7 million residents. It is the first regional blueprint for nature restoration.

Sussex Impact Pathway works with small businesses to take practical action on sustainability and social impact, through the B Corp framework. We focus on making this work feel achievable and collaborative, helping businesses connect with each other and play a meaningful role in collective action initiatives like Sussex Bay.

Meet your speakers

Ella Turner (Panel host), Sussex Bay Advisory Group; Co-Founder, Sussex Impact Pathway

Ella Turner is Co-Founder of Sussex Impact Pathway and a specialist in leadership, sustainability and governance.

Her work focuses on helping organisations take practical action and collaborate in ways that lead to meaningful, lasting change. Ella also serves as Chief of Staff to Worthing West MP Dr Beccy Cooper, bringing a strong public policy and place-based perspective to her work.

She is a member of the Sussex Bay Advisory Group and particularly interested in how Sussex Bay can bring businesses together to play a meaningful role in restoring our coast and local environment.

Dean Spears, Head of Sussex Bay and Panelist

Dean Spears is Head of Sussex Bay, a pioneering regional initiative to restore the health of our sea, coast and rivers. An intrapreneur and geographer, he brings a vision for shaking things up through radical collaboration, kindness and hope. With over 20 years’ experience across sustainability, ethical finance, education, government and the charity sector, his work focuses on the power of place, connecting people, nature and opportunity along the Sussex coast.

Dean also serves as Chair of the Sussex Marine and Coastal Forum. He is a regular public speaker, including two TEDx talks