Sussex And The City
Sussex And The City
Podcast Description
Sussex And The City is the essential podcast for anyone curious about the future of place, power, and prosperity in Sussex.
Hosted by Richard Freeman, each episode unpacks the people, policies and economics shaping one of the UK’s most complex and compelling regions.
Focused on forthcoming devolution and local government reorganisation, we're telling the Sussex and Brighton story in the 21st century.
From climate action and infrastructure to growth, enterprise and identity, this is where business leaders, community voices, policy wonks and creative thinkers share bold ideas for what Sussex could become.
Join us for lively conversations, expert insights and provocative questions at a time of major change — whether you’re in Brighton or Battle, Crawley or Chichester.
New episodes weekly. Always independent. Of, from, and for, Sussex.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores themes such as devolution, local government reorganisation, climate action, and regional identity, encapsulating the complexities of Sussex's future. Example episodes include discussions on the shift to unitary authorities, comparing Sussex’s governance to other regions like Greater Manchester, and addressing pressing issues like housing and transport, providing a forum for innovative ideas and collective learning.
Sussex And The City is the essential podcast for anyone curious about the future of place, power, and prosperity in Sussex.
Hosted by Richard Freeman, each episode unpacks the people, policies and economics shaping one of the UK’s most complex and compelling regions.
Focused on forthcoming devolution and local government reorganisation, we’re telling the Sussex and Brighton story in the 21st century.
From climate action and infrastructure to growth, enterprise and identity, this is where business leaders, community voices, policy wonks and creative thinkers share bold ideas for what Sussex could become.
Join us for lively conversations, expert insights and provocative questions at a time of major change — whether you’re in Brighton or Battle, Crawley or Chichester.
New episodes weekly. Always independent. Of, from, and for, Sussex.
The Sussex And The City Podcast
– Episode 12:
If No One Understands Devolution, What’s The Point?
Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Flo Powell – Co-Managing Director, Midnight Communications
This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Plus Accounting – Brighton & Hove’s B Corp chartered accountants, supporting Sussex’s growth sectors with tailored business advice, tax planning, R&D claims and more. 👉 plusaccounting.co.uk
🔍 Episode summary
Richard speaks with Flo Powell, PR strategist and co-owner of Brighton-based agency Midnight Communications, about trust, language, and the colossal communications challenge facing Sussex’s devolution journey.
With 30 years of regional insight, Flo doesn’t pull punches. She shares sharp reflections on how local authorities handle public engagement, why badly written surveys aren’t just annoying – they’re dangerous – and what might happen if a mayor is introduced before people understand what one even is.
This episode unpacks why messaging matters now more than ever – and what it will take for Sussex to speak with a unified, human voice.
🎯 Why this matters
If you want 1.7 million people to back structural change, they need to know what it means for their lives, homes and businesses. Flo argues that the devolution process risks failure if leaders don’t:
Resist hiding behind jargon and PDF consultations
Acknowledge the crisis of trust in local institutions
Start talking like people, not like technocratic systems
Invest in clarity, transparency and real engagement
Recognise that good comms is infrastructure
“People won’t engage if they don’t know what they’re being asked. This is a once-in-a-generation moment – and the messaging is miles off.”
🧠 Topics covered include:
Why its easy for local government to get communication wrong
The ‘survey trap’ and how to actually ask useful questions
Building credibility in a climate of political mistrust
The challenge of explaining an elected mayor role clearly
What makes Sussex unique – and what should be protected
Lessons from brand storytelling, crisis comms and tourism strategy
“Trust is rock bottom. So you’ve got to lead with humanity – not bureaucracy.”
📚 Further reading and references
Midnight Communications – Flo’s award-winning PR and content agency
Experience Sussex – Visitor economy brand referenced in the episode
Brighton Chamber – Construction Voice – Event series cited in discussion
🎧 Production credits
Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Flo Powell Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton
📣 Get involved
Want better public communication in Sussex? Want to help shape devolution in a way people understand?👉 sussexandthecity.info – for more episodes, resources and events.
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.