West Sussex has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Archaeological evidence suggests that it was occupied by Mesolithic hunter-gatherers as early as 7500BC. In Roman Britain, the area was part of Regnum Belgicae and numerous remains from this period can still be seen today. The name ‘Sussex’ first appeared in 825AD when King Egbert of Wessex conquered the area. Since then it has been part of England, apart from a brief period of Danish control in the 11th century.
West Sussex covers an area of 1,400 square miles and is located on the south coast between Hampshire and Surrey. The county is divided into five districts: Adur, Arun, Chichester, Horsham and Worthing. It also includes two national parks – the South Downs and New Forest.
Motorway Access & Logistics
West Sussex is well connected to the rest of the country via motorways. The M23 runs through Crawley connecting Gatwick Airport to London and the M25. The M27 links Portsmouth to Southampton, while the A27 runs along the south coast providing access to Brighton and East Sussex. Other main roads include the A23 connecting Crawley to London and Brighton; and the A24 linking Worthing to Horsham.
The county is also home to two major ports - Chichester Harbour in West Wittering, and Shoreham-by-Sea. These provide a vital link between England’s south coast and Europe for trade, fishing boats, ferries and cruise ships.
Industry & Population
West Sussex has a diverse economy that includes manufacturing (aerospace, defence and automotive), financial services, agriculture and tourism. Horsham is the county’s largest town followed by Crawley – home to Gatwick Airport – and Worthing. Other major towns include Chichester, Bognor Regis, Littlehampton and Burgess Hill.
The population of West Sussex in mid-2020 was 809,600 according to the Office of National Statistics. This makes it one of the most populous counties in England after Greater London and Surrey.
Investment
West Sussex has seen significant investment over recent years including £200 million for improving local roads and rail links; £1.4 billion for the development of Gatwick Airport; and £2.4 billion for new housing in the county.
The area is also home to a number of successful business parks and research centres such as Crawley’s Manor Royal Business Park, West Sussex Science Park near Arundel, and Bognor Regis’ Innovation Park. These provide offices, laboratories and workshops for local businesses who are looking to grow or relocate.