Welcome to the latest edition of the Mid Sussex Business Directory First published in 1997 the Directory has become one of the District Council's most successful publications and has proved to be a valuable tool to the local business community. The contents have been comprehensively revised for this new edition, and new features added. The business listings have been completely updated for this latest edition and, once again, the Directory provides an invaluable list of the wide range of organisations that can provide advice, information, training and support to the business community in Mid Sussex- from new start ups to major employers.

The Directory is also available on-line via the District Council's website, www.midsussex.gov.uk where it will be continuously updated and revised to reflect the ever-changing world of business in Mid Sussex.

The Directory illustrates the superb range of high quality services and products in Mid Sussex. It will continue to help Mid Sussex companies source local trading partners and markets for their products and services right on the doorstep, thus avoiding the need for expensive long distance trading with companies further afield. For companies located outside Mid Sussex the Directory provides you with the information you need to identify new partners and markets for your products and services.

Publication of the Directory has coincided with a very exciting time for Mid Sussex. Two major initiatives are now underway since the last edition. First is the creation of the "Gatwick Diamond", a business led initiative aiming to promote the area around Gatwick Airport as a major international centre for business growth and economic development. Mid Sussex forms a major part of this vibrant economic hub. The second is the formation of the Better Mid Sussex Partnership. This is a ground breaking public and private sector initiative aimed at revitalising the town centres of our three main towns, Burgess Hill, East Grinstead and Haywards Heath. So there has never been a better time to be part of the business community of Mid Sussex! You can read more about these projects in the following pages.

The District Council will continue to play a key role and to do all it can to help the local economy to thrive and grow into the future. A healthy economy benefits everyone living and working in Mid Sussex, so if you think there are other ways that the Council can help your business, please let us know.

In the meantime I wish you and your business every success for the future!