Surrey and Sussex Producers Navigate Changing Economic Landscape
The Local Coastline and Fields Facing New Realities
Our beautiful South East landscape, stretching from the rolling pastures of Surrey to the bustling harbour of Shoreham-by-Sea, has always been defined by its traditional industries. Yet, a decade after the momentous decisions that reshaped our relationship with Europe, local food producers are navigating an incredibly complex economic landscape. In Surrey, beef farmer Simon Maiklem has watched his specialized market for exporting high-pedigree cattle to Europe vanish overnight, with Irish competitors stepping into the void. Meanwhile, down on the Sussex coast, the maritime community feels equally strained. Jim Partridge of Monteum Ltd, a long-standing fish merchant in Shoreham, describes the current state of Channel fish stocks as “chalk and cheese” compared to his early days in the trade. For local independent fisherman Mark Ball, hopes of gaining exclusive control over coastal waters have been met with frustrating delays and a mountain of new export red tape. These challenges are not just business hurdles; they threaten the heritage of our historic market towns and coastal ports, leaving many to wonder how our local food supply chain will adapt in the coming years.
Economic Shifts and the Rise of Local Trades
As traditional sectors like farming and fishing face these structural headwinds, the local economy is seeing a fascinating shift in where capital and labor are flowing. While agricultural margins tighten, the home improvement sector across Surrey and Sussex is experiencing an unprecedented boom. Many local workers who might have once looked to agricultural or maritime support roles are finding lucrative opportunities in domestic construction. Guilford builders report a significant surge in residential projects, as homeowners choose to adapt their current properties rather than navigate a volatile housing market. High-end renovations, particularly a professional loft conversion or a comprehensive loft refurbishment, have become the go-to solutions for growing families in our commuter-belt towns. This pivot toward domestic trade has kept the local skilled labour market buoyant, providing a vital economic cushion for the region. However, it also highlights a stark contrast: while our urban and suburban areas thrive on property development and modern home improvements, our rural and coastal producers are left fighting to preserve legacy businesses that have sustained South East families for generations.
What Lies Ahead for Our South East Communities
For residents across Surrey and Sussex, the ongoing evolution of our primary industries carries direct consequences for our daily lives, from the price of fresh food to the preservation of our iconic green spaces and working harbours. Supporting our local producers has never been more critical. By choosing to buy directly from farm shops, visiting Shoreham’s fish markets, and asking for locally sourced produce in our supermarkets, we can help bridge the financial gap for neighbours like Simon Maiklem and the teams at Monteum Ltd. At the same time, we must keep a close eye on local planning policies and coastal management decisions that affect these heritage trades. As our economy naturally leans more toward residential services—fueled by the steady demand for skilled trade work like a loft refurbishment—we must strive for a balanced ecosystem. We need to ensure that as our homes grow and adapt, we do not lose the vital agricultural and maritime foundations that make the South East such a rich, self-sustaining place to live. Stay involved in community consultations and support the local businesses that keep our historic fields and waters alive.
Source: Brexit: 10 years on farmers and fishermen give their views
