I think the biggest problem you face is the lack of suitable employers in the area. There aren’t any supermarket RDCs and reasonable size haulage companies seem to be sadly lacking too. There are plenty of removal companies, some skip operators and some quarries, but I imagine none of those are what you are looking for. Granted Newhaven is not too far away but I can’t think of a name operating out of there.
In your position -and I’m not too far off your age- I would be looking for a medium size haulage company that requires a non yard shunter - someone to load vehicles for other drivers and tip trailers locally with maybe the odd local run. Are there any pallet distribution companies nearby?