All business is symbiotic in nature. You can be inspiring your peers one day, learning from them the next. In the end, people buy people. That makes sharing our stories the most compelling way to connect with one another.
What’s needed is a platform to embrace and empower our regional business ecosystem. Where varied backgrounds and perspectives provide new context. Harnessing potential, enabling growth. And at the heart of it, a dedicated term of curators unlocking insights for the good of us all.
So we’re changing the way people think of connecting. Because we believe in self-reflection, rather than self-promotion. By demystifying the art of storytelling, we deliver authentic thought leadership through events, publishing and broadcast media.
We come together to discover, share and grow. But we won’t be limited by geography, or our imagination. Instead, we’ll seek out local leaders, visionaries and experts, wherever great businesses thrive. Growing communities, in partnership with the businesses that power them. And nurturing the enterpreneurial spirit in everyone.
THURSDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER
10:00AM - 3:00PM
WELCOME
The Sussex Business Show returns with its Game Themed B2B tradeshow for its third year!
The event has a fun undertone with a retro game theme, but it also has a thought provoking side too.
The show brings businesses together from across Sussex and beyond for the very best in networking, potential partnerships, and collaborations.
The show promotes a supportive environment for businesses to thrive, so it is a must-visit in the Sussex business calendar.
Thanks,
Sonny Cutting, Founder Sussex Business Show
BREAKFAST NETWORKING EVENT
Join us from 8:15am - 9:45am for our Breakfast Networking Event before the show opens at 10:00am.
Exhibitors: £25 +VAT
Attendees: £30 +VAT
Date: Thursday 25th September
Venue: Redroaster, Brighton Dome
THOUGHT LEADERS
30 minute keynotes with 10 minute intervals + Q&As
Emma Draper • Velvet • Founder
30 Minute Talk + 10 Min Q&A
From Barely Paying the Mortgage to a Multi-Million Pound Brand. How I built a business that brings joy — and profit.
Emma is an Entrepreneur, Founder and CEO of Award Winning Retail Store –Velvet Hove. Which is the hugely popular multi million pound retail business
Toby Moore • Possible • Co-Founder
30 Minute Talk + 10 Min Q&A
Reimagine How You Talk About Your Work.
Toby the TedX Brightonian who is Commercialising Earth & Space Missions | Developing pitches, talks, go-to-market plans with founders to reveal their work to
Pippa Moyle • City Girl Network • Founder
30 Minute Talk + 10 Min Q&A
The Power of Community-Led Marketing.
Pippa is the Visionary Entrepreneur behind the City Girl Network, a social network that empowers and connects with over 160K+ women in 25 Communities in the UK.
From Crisis to Community: Unlocking Business Success Through Collective Well-Being.
Kyriakos is an Entrepreneur, Founder of Nostos Restaurant, Nostos Catering UK, Be Well Live Well & Little Jasmine Therapies, and he’s an investor, mentor and lifelong learner. 10:20am 11:00am 11:40am
HEALTH & WELLBEING
BOOTCAMP
HEALTH & WELLBEING BOOTCAMP
10 minute talks with 5 minute intervals | No Q&A till the end
1 Sam Rehan Sam Rehan Wellbeing Silent Burnout: Spot It, Stop It, Shift It. 1:30pm
Jess Roper I am Fighting Fit
Thriving, not surviving, like a champion 1:45pm
Gavin Walsh Body Fixers
High-Performance Health Strategies for Leaders 2:00pm
Tiffany Tsoi SOJU Kpop Parties
Where Kpop Meets Kantenya: A Story of Cultural Crossover 2:15pm
Please head to the STUDIO THEATRE for our THOUGHT LEADER TALKS and the WELLBEING BOOTCAMP on the first floor, sit back, relax and listen to our inspiring speakers.
Our Thought Leaders are being looked after by award winning entrepreneur, Lyndsey Clay of Connected Brighton, and our Bootcamp Speakers for this year, are being introduced by Kelly Moreno, of Key Minds Leadership Development & Transformational Coaching.
KEYNOTE
SPONSOR
GAVIN WALSH
JESS ROPER SAM REHAN
EXHIBITORS
Network Xpress
Next Step Apprenticeships
Management Inspirations
Clear Sum Accounting
Gordian Solutions
Together Co
Amity Weddings
The Tiger’s Pen
Supercity UK
Sussex Beacon
BUBBLE LIFE
Victoria Healthcare
The Directors’ Hub
Whisky Solutions
Aquapax
Taylor Made Dreams
Zetetick Housing
Little Jasmine Health Spa
Sussex Business Show
Letters In Lights
Acumen Business Law
Brighton & Hove Museums
JPS Wealth Management
DRAGBUS
Coles BDS
Mercure Hotel Brighton
Harwoods Brighton
Tottenden Manor
Tell Me Lemon
OLIVER NICHOLAS
Brighton Centre
Everwell Associated Limited
Malmaison / Hotel Du Vin
Komedia Brighton
Sussex Asset Finance Ltd
Manny’s Kitchen CIC
BNI Pavilion
Official Dad Bag
Pier Pressure
Sussex Chamber of Commerce
Fresh Display
Brighton Toy & Model Museum
Datacove
Durban Curry Club
FSB
PL4TFORM
Hampshire Business Show Galloways Accounting Ltd
University of Brighton
Limited / Coir Products
Lord
Pest Control
Sussex Golf Club
and Change Placr Recruitment Platinum Media Group Platinum Media Group One HR Lemon Drizzle Hema Reset 20 Music Roots Innocentia VA Ltd Connected Brighton biamp.
Pipedrive
Business Clubs
ALL HAIL THE PRINT LORD
For over eight glorious years, Print Lord hath stood as steadfast Print Partner to the Sussex Business Show – a bond forged in banners, badges, and brand upon brand.
We take pride in crafting the very name badges that mark each noble guest, symbols not merely of entry, but of belonging. Every badge, poster, and print – wrought with precision, delivered with care – carries the spirit of connection that makes this gathering mighty.
Should you seek banners to command attention, merchandise to charm, or print that truly delivers, summon Print Lord. We remain ever at your service – on brand, on time, and with a touch of medieval majesty.
Long live the Sussex Business Show!
www.printlord.co.uk
Dance around to music in the room and then sit down!
5 Bottles of wine available! 5 Rounds and 1 bottle per winner! Last person sitting wins a bottle of Bolney Wine!
SPONSORED BY 12:00pm – 2:00pm: Come to the Ground floor Wine Bar. Follow the Music.
Looking after you, your family and your business. Come see
TESTIMONIALS
“We’ve known Sonny for a while now through the Brighton networking scene – and not only is he a great facilitator of connections, but a super nice chap too! He can’t do enough for others and their businesses and is someone that should be at the top of everyone’s speed dial list!”
Horne, Director Datacove
“I recently attended the Sussex Business Show at the Corn Exchange in Brighton, and it was an outstanding event! The venue was excellent, providing plenty of space for a wide variety of stands and exhibitors. Lots of local businesses giving me the opportunity to network with some great people.
The keynote speakers were a highlight of the day, offering valuable insights into various industries, business trends, and personal development. It was both inspiring and informative. The event was very well-organised, with a good flow between talks and plenty of time to browse the stands. I’d highly recommend the Sussex Business Show to anyone looking to connect with businesses in the area or learn from top professionals. Looking forward to next year’s event!”
Sonia Hawkes, Director Protect and Lend
“It was my first time exhibiting at a business show and I wasn’t too sure what to expect but Sonny and his team exceeded my expectations - even in the rain! What made it truly special was the range of businesses that were exhibiting, all leaning in to the game show theme creating a fun, vibrant and easy way to meet business leaders. I would highly recommended the Sussex Business Show to exhibitors (no matter their size) who would like to make an impact in Sussex and to attendees looking to build relationships with established brands and service providers.“
“A genuinely exciting, playful and super productive event. You can tell how much energy Sonny Cutting invests to make it a success and hats off to him and the whole team for providing such an incredible service to the business community. The atmosphere was terrific, I stayed way longer than I planned, and came home buzzing from the conversations and connections made and some tangible ideas to follow up. Thank you! Roll on 2025!!!“
Fiona Coffey, Director Tea & Tarot
Michael Cheetham, Director Amity Weddings
Jeremy
Redroaster 1st
Innovate with AI. Govern with confidence.
From exploring new tools to embedding AI across your business, we understand the challenges that come with innovation. At Cripps, we care about how our advice supports what really matters to you.
Our AI governance toolkit helps you harness technology with confidence – so you can build on principles of trust, fairness and accountability from the start. Solving your problems and championing your ambitions, we’ll work together to shape a future powered by responsible AI.
Discover how we can help you innovate responsibly: cripps.co.uk/aitoolkit
The Tiger’s Pen is an opportunity for early-stage entrepreneurs, known as “Tiger cubs,” to pitch their business ideas to a panel of seasoned investors. These start-up pitchers, who have only recently embarked on their business journey, had the chance to present their concepts, gain valuable feedback, and potentially secure up to £10,000 in capital investment along with mentorship from the investors. Like last year, the event was sponsored by Cripps and featured ten impressive start-up businesses pitching their innovative ideas.
The ten talented entrepreneurs who took to the stage were: Pitchers at Tiger's Pen 2025 STARTUPS, Lee Bridges, Mike Appleby, Bowen Tan, Rashmi Hayes, Nathan Boorman, Shivankit Kumar, Sophie Boulderstone, Nick Dunn, Lara Parry and Marilyn Chelliah. Each start-up had 10 minutes to present their ideas, aiming to inspire the panel of investors, showcase their potential, and compete for not only the investment but also the prestigious “Best Pitch Prize."
Investors at The Tiger's Pen:
The panel of investors included five experienced business leaders, ready to share their expertise and provide valuable insights, our investors included Aiden Dunning, Partner at Cripps, Matt Turner MBE, CEO of Creative Pod UK, Damien Burke, CEO of Custom Credit, Helena Jevons, Founder of Inflection Consulting and Stuart Noakes, Director from Carpenter Box.
The “Best Pitch Winner” award went to Marilyn Chelliah of Durban Curry Club, who stood out with her clear message, engaging presentation, and well-developed product. Congratulations to Marilyn on her welldeserved win!
Thank you to Jo Stuart, Ayres Consulting, Blue Billboard for the Tech Support and Brighton & Hove Museums for the Old Courthouse Space.
TESTIMONIALS
“We wanted to say thank you to Sonny and the team at Network Xpress, we had a fantastic event. We met some wonderful people, enjoyed great food and brilliant speakers, and had a thoroughly inspiring and thought provoking day.”
“Thank you for an absolutely great event. As a punter who pre-registered, your event offered me everything I expected. All the talks were relevant and useful and it was great to meet the exhibitors. I have emailed quite a few people already.”
Ami Prifti, Director Sussex Makeup Academy
“The event was well executed and the venue was ideal, the break out area was very useful in the bar area, as this allowed me to hold a couple of meetings there with colleagues and businesses. The exhibition was very relaxed and most of the exhibitors seemed to be having a very good day, plus of course the event was very well attended.”
“The Sussex Chamber of Commerce membership team had a great time at the Sussex Business Show. It was well-organised and there was a lot of footfall and activity, which made for an enjoyable day. We also had the opportunity to make some valuable connections. Based on our positive experience, the Sussex Chamber is keen to exhibiting again in 2024.”
Amanda Young, Head of Membership, Events and Training Sussex Chamber of Commerce
Terry Bower, Director Inside Stories
Mark Hadley, Innovation Advisor University of Brighton
CAPTION COMPETITION
WINNERS
Social Media Competition on LinkedIn. Follow us and join in the fun!
@SussexBizShow
Prizes given out this year included Hampers, Echo dots, Special Chocolates and Gingerbread Houses!
JUNE 2022
Should of gone to Nostos Hove! “
“
Samantha Watkins, Grafters Super Groups
This will be a day long remembered. Asteroids do not concern me Admiral, but that hat does! “
Rupert Rawcliffe, SRC Corporate Finance
“
JULY
2023
2023
Sonny’s Angels! “ “
Carol Whitney, DESTRIER VA Services
It’s going to take a bit more than a protein bar for my expertise Sonny! “ “
HarrietHarriet’sDean-Orange, of Hove
DECEMBER 2024
JANUARY 2025
Well that’s odd; I’m doing over 90 but there’s a fabulous gingerbread house coming up on my inside lane! “ “
Janet Webb, J Webb Consulting
Which iconic yellow character is always hungry for dots and ghosts?
In which year was Space Invaders first released?
Name a character from Street Fighter
Name two video games released in 1980
What is the main objective in Donkey Kong?
What series features a hero named Link?
In the original 80’s arcade hit, Frogger. What did the character have to cross to get to safety?
Which console did Sonic the Hedgehog debut on?
6
LAST YEAR 2024
AT THE SUSSEX BUSINESS SHOW
ACCESS SUPPORT AND ADVICE
Hurstpierpoint, Haywards Heath, Crawley, Hove,
Chichester
CASE STUDIES
ROBERT CARPENTER
Please introduce yourself and your role?
Robert Carpenter FCA FIoD CertCII
FRSA, CEO & Founder of Management Inspirations Limited. I am also the Directors’ Hub Ambassador.
Please give a brief background to what you do?
I am a qualified Chartered Accountant. On qualifying I went to London to work for The Press Association and then for AMV. BBDO as Finance Director for a number of each of their group companies. In 2004 I established Management Inspirations Limited initially as a business consultancy, but for the past 12 years I have focused on professionally valuing and selling businesses across the UK.
What’s so special about the Directors’ Hub?
I joined the Directors’ Hub in Hurstpierpoint when it was the only hub and we had about 8 members. As it has grown, it has remained focused on being a peer-to-peer group, allowing members to discuss and resolve issues that only business leaders can understand. Running a business is hard enough, but having the support of likeminded people is essential. It is never forgotten that as with life, business has to be fun as well as serious, and our meetings are the same.
What do people get out of the hub?
Members have the confidence to discuss anything and everything about their business without being judged, in a confidential forum, and with the probability that another member has had a similar problem and is able to provide a solution. Also, many members work on their own at home, and the Directors’ Hub gives them an opportunity to meet others in the same situation to discuss serious and light-hearted topics. As well as monthly meeting, many issues get discussed on Hub WhatsApp groups.
How many people are in the hubs in Sussex?
There must now be at least 40 members of the Directors’ Hub across the 7 hubs currently.
How do you know the founder, Sonny Cutting?
I have known Sonny for about 5 years (although it seems much longer!)
JANET WEBB
Please introduce yourself and your role?
I am Janet Webb, a Learning and Development Consultant. I am also the Hub leader for Worthing.
Please give a brief background to what you do?
I develop people at all levels but specialise in supporting new managers into post.
What’s so special about the Directors’ Hub?
When you are a lone ranger in business it can become very isolating. You need other people to bounce ideas off, to feel supported and challenged by and to hold you to account. It’s part of what drives success.
What do people get out of the hub?
After every meeting I feel utterly fired up and ready to take on challenges with a new enthusiasm.
Why should people join the Hub?
I would definitely recommend joining a hub – it keeps me focussed, helps me tackle problems and is an on-going resource I would struggle without.
BOBBY LAMBKIN-WILLIAMS
Please introduce yourself and your role?
Hi, I’m Bobby Lambkin-Williams, the owner of Atomic Canyon.
Please give a brief background to what you do?
I’ve been running Atomic Canyon for a little while now and we’re an accountancy firm specialising in music industry clients. So we look after artists, music producers, record labels, and anyone in and around the music industry. We look after other creatives too, but music is our focus.
What’s so special about the Directors’ Hub?
My business started out as a sideline until October 2022 when I decided to take it full-time. Since then I’ve been really getting to grips with what it means to run your own business and I’ve found myself doing things I never thought I’d be doing as an accountant. Like managing my marketing, networking and building a sales pipeline. I do a fair amount of networking but the Director’s Hub is different because it’s not actually networking. It’s a support network for business owners like me, who are going through the same problems as I’m facing. Or who have been through the same things and can help the rest of the group by sharing their experiences and advice.
How has the hub impacted your business?
Based on your experience in the hub, would you recommend it to others?
The Hub has helped me overcome some of the biggest obstacles I’ve faced at this stage of my business growth and the advice I’ve had from other Hub members has definitely saved me from making some common mistakes. If you’re a Sussex-based small-business owner, definitely.
What key takeaways help you in the hub?
Pizza
What’s your best bit of advice for a sole director?
Do what you can to build a business network around you. Networking isn’t just about generating leads, it’s just as much about building a network of strategic partners and contacts so you can support each other.
Which hub are you part of?
Hove
The hub caters for lunch and evening hubs, which do you prefer?
Evenings. My lunchtimes are usually taken up with meetings and looking after clients.
