Sussex Enterprise launched their Business Parks Initiative in 1999 to establish a unified voice for business in key towns in the county. The early years saw useful and effective associations established in Burgess Hill and Crawley. Spurred on by these successes Sussex Enterprise approached East Grinstead Town Council and local business leaders to look at the opportunity to set up a similar organisation in East Grinstead.

A steering committee was established and an association formed in 2004. Under the chairmanship of Nicholas Soames MP the new organisation became effective working on and resolving issues for local business. Soon after formation we were for example able to resolve the long running saga of the lack of street names on the Birches Industrial Estate and take up Electricity supply problems to businesses on the north side of East Grinstead directly with EDF Energy.

In 2006 Chris Parker was appointed as Chief Executive and the association now has a high calibre representative who is able to devote time to the EGBA.  Chris is a retired Chartered Civil Engineer with a wealth of experience gained in running major civil engineering projects around the world.

It became clear that most issues faced by local businesses  are either common or connected, so whether you are a manufacturer or service company, large scale business or sole trader, the EGBA is keen to have you join, as together we can connect and support local businesses.