Graduates should adjust “unrealistic” expectations on landing their dream job at a multinational.

The Government needs to work on its “confused” approach to renewable energy to help environmental technology firms plan more effectively.

And neighbouring councils should take a collaborative approach to supporting business growth because location differences are “negligible”.

These are some of the views of businesses following a comprehensive survey carried out for the Greater Brighton City Region Partnership.

The majority of businesses face similar issues regardless of whether they are in rural West Sussex or the Greater Brighton region.

But firms from different sectors required different support.

The Creative, Digital and IT (CDIT) sector find keeping up with technology a key challenge, while hospitality has the most pronounced recruitment difficulties.

Around a third cited skills or recruitment issues as a challenge.

Employability skills and work experience were considered more important than qualifications alone.

Employers found work readiness and communication skills common stumbling blocks.

Manual jobs were particularly hard to recruit because they are not seen as “attractive” to applicants.

The food and drink sector was particularly concerned over the scrapping of a scheme which allows low-skilled migrant workers to work seasonally on farms.

Nearly half (47%) of businesses employ at least one graduate – though 56% believe the degree was not necessary.

Small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) found graduates had an inflated view of their own value given a lack of experience.

In other areas, local authorities were urged to be honest about whether they can address business challenges and focus on areas where they can actually make a difference.

Energy efficiency improvements in public buildings should be used to stimulate the environmental technologies market.

Procurement was a common concern, with small businesses struggling to access large contracts because of complex tendering procedures.

A collective approach should be taken to lobbying for improved rail connections and promoting businesses in the capital and beyond.

And better partnerships need to built between business and higher education.

The Greater Brighton Economic Board, made up of political, business and educational leaders, met on Tuesday to discuss the findings of the report.

Ron Crank, chief executive of Coast to Capital LEP, said: “The message now for local authorities is to get on with implementation and work on these business cases.”