SBT issue 501

SHARING BUSINESS STORIES FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS

FROM AI HYPE TO REVENUE RECOVERY HOW EVOLVE PROTECTS PIPELINE, UNLOCKS REVENUE & DRIVES REAL ADOPTION IN THE AGE OF AI

SBT POW E R E D B Y:

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W E LCO M E

Welcome Welcome to Issue 501 of Sussex Business Times.

After the celebrations and reflections surrounding our landmark 500th issue, there’s something quite exciting about turning the page and beginning the next chapter.

Because while milestones give us a moment to pause and reflect… the real magic is always in what comes next.

And this issue feels like a perfect example of that.

Across these pages, you’ll find stories of innovation, resilience, leadership and transformation from businesses and individuals across Sussex who continue to push forward, adapt and evolve in an ever-changing world.

A strong theme running throughout this edition is AI, technology and the future of business, but importantly, many of the conversations featured here remind us that whilst technology may accelerate progress, it is still people, relationships and human connection that sit at the heart of meaningful business growth.

Our cover story with Bruce Bignell and Evolve explores this brilliantly, looking beyond the hype of AI and focusing instead on systems, adoption and “revenue recovery” helping businesses unlock value already sitting within their pipeline and customer relationships.

Elsewhere, we explore leadership in the age of AI, neurodiversity in the workplace, founder transitions, trust in modern marketing, commercial property, tax changes and the evolving landscape of business support across Sussex.

There are also some fantastic community and celebration stories in this issue, including highlights from the Acumen Business Convention, the continuing impact of the Starr Trust, and reflections from our very special 500th Issue celebration evening at Soho House Brighton.

As always, what makes Sussex Business Times special is not simply the businesses featured, but the people behind them.

The founders navigating uncertainty.

The leaders trying to build healthier cultures.

The organisations creating impact beyond profit.

And the individuals brave enough to share their stories honestly.

Thank you, as always, to our readers, contributors, partners and supporters for continuing to be part of this journey.

Here’s to Issue 501, and the exciting road ahead.

Jackie Irving Managing Director & Publisher Sussex Business Times

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 3

Issue 501

Contents NEWS & BUSINESS

06 — A Hospice Garden in West Sussex for Bereaved Parents Has Re-Opened 08 — The AI Shift: A Leadership Test for Every Business 10 — Commercial Property Transactions: What Businesses Should Look Out For 12 — Honouring Piers Street: A Lifetime in Surveying 14 — Your Teams Are Already Neurodiverse. The Question is How to Harness It 16 — Devil’s Dyke Distillery Celebrates Double Gold Win at The Gin Guide Awards 2026 18 — Thank You to the Amazing Businesses Rallying Behind the Starr Trust 20 — Brighton & Hove’s Next Economy Needs More Confidence

VALUE ADDED PARTNER STORIES 22 — Lemon Drizzle: Making Social Media a Piece of Cake

Cover 501

24 — London Women’s Clinic: Supporting Every Path to Parenthood

FOUNDER TRANSITIONS

26 — Would You Take £15 Million if it Meant Missing Every Bedtime Story?

FINANCE

28 — Making Tax Digital: Are You Prepared?

30 — What Happens When Business Partners Retire at Different Times?

Managing Director/Publisher Jackie Irving jackie@countybusinessclubs.co.uk 07727 243202

32 — Could Your Mortgage Be Costing You More Than It Should?

LEGAL

34 — AI, Ambition and the Future of Legal Services

COVER STORY

36 — From AI Hype to Revenue Recovery How Evolve is Helping Businesses Protect Pipeline, Unlock Revenue & Drive Real Adoption in the Age of AI

MOTORING NEWS

42 — Rivervale Van Leasing: From Single Vans to Full Fleet Solutions Chairman/Chief Storyteller Sam Thomas sam.thomas@countybusinessclubs.co.uk 07894 762304

TECH & AI

44 — What Today’s Buyers Need to See Before They Commit Online 46 — Alignment Over Automation: The Real Competitive Advantage in an AI-Driven World

DIRECTORS & FOUNDERS

Production & Design

48 — Why The Directors’ Hub Exists

Kim Butler

NETWORKING & EVENTS

kim@lifemediagroup.co.uk

All material in this publication is strictly copyright and all rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The views expressed in Sussex Business Times Magazine do not necessarily represent the view of The Business Group Sussex Ltd. Every care is taken in compiling the contents but the publishers of Sussex Business Times Magazine assume no responsibility for any damage, loss or injury arising from the participation in any offers, competitions or advertisement contained within Sussex Business Times Magazine. All prices featured in Sussex Business Times Magazine are correct at the time of going to press.

Copyright The Business Group Sussex Ltd. 2024 ©

4 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

50 — Acumen Business Convention 2026

54 — 500 Issues. Thousands of Stories. One Powerful Reminder.

BRAND GROWTH

58 — A More Elevated Way to Position Your Business

RECRUITMENT

60 — Placr Recruitment: Tailored Recruitment Solutions

WINE OF THE MONTH

62 — Digby Fine English Leander Pink NV Brut

Unlock Full Market Value Through Enfranchisement Contact Jo Ironside on 0800 84 94 101 Offices across the South East

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 5 www.mayowynnebaxter.co.uk

MONTH LY N E WS SP ON S OR

A hospice garden in West Sussex for bereaved parents has re-opened A hospice garden in West Sussex for bereaved parents has re-opened with new facilities, thanks to a £20,000 donation from Bupa Foundation.

Stars bereavement

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suite is at the heart of Chestnut Tree

House, the children’s hospice for Sussex

and South East Hampshire. Its

private garden – Stars garden – now has added family-friendly features

including a beautiful chrome water

sphere, raised planters and a snug area for families to be together.

Any local family can use Stars – their

baby, child, or young person does not need to have been cared for by the

hospice prior to their death. In this way, Chestnut Tree House supports families

6 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

affected by a sudden bereavement, too.

The refurbishment includes a new patio which parents may use to be able to push a pram for the first time.

Associate Director of Children’s Services at Southern Hospice Group Sharon Wheeler was at a special opening

ceremony in March with representatives from Bupa. She said: “For those

experiencing the death of a child, the

suite and garden are vital to help create

lasting memories of their child, however long they may have had together. It

provides a safe, calm, dignified and

private space much more like a family

home than a hospital. A huge thank you

to our grounds and facilities teams,

who oversaw the refurbishment with such care and sensitivity, ensuring

every detail of the garden was created

thoughtfully and gently for the families who need it most.”

Angela used the Stars bereavement

suite when her daughter Charlie died at eight years old and said that having the garden meant so much to her. “Being able to step outside while still having

privacy gave me the space to breathe

when everything inside felt overwhelming.

In those moments, it helped to have

somewhere quiet where I could gather myself before going back in.”

MO N TH LY N EWS SP O N SO R

She added: “What made it even more

special was the care and attention that has clearly been given to the whole

space. Every part of the garden feels thoughtful and gentle, created with

families in mind who are going through the hardest moments of their lives. It became a small place of calm in the

middle of so much heartbreak, and I’m so grateful it was there.”

Bupa Foundation helps to create

healthier communities and donated

£20,000 to support the Stars Garden

refurbishment. Sue Chambers is Chair of the Bupa Foundation Brighton

Community Committee which has

been supporting Southern Hospice Group since June 2024. Through

their engagement, Bupa colleagues have volunteered, fundraised and

the Group has received grants for

specific projects. She said: “We knew that the space was important for all the families – parents and siblings

alike. We wanted to help make the

garden even more child-friendly with additional areas of privacy for the

parents, with areas to rest, play and

reflect. The work we have supported also means the garden will be low

maintenance and sustainable whilst promoting wildlife, too.”

Chestnut Tree House – which is part of Southern Hospice Group – has

cared for more than 1,400 children

and young people since it opened in

2003. But hospices across the UK are

facing a funding crisis with Hospice UK reporting that two in five are planning cuts to services.

CEO of Southern Hospice Group Stuart

Palma (pictured) said support from Bupa Foundation and other partners was

vital in maintaining a holistic service for families’ needing hospice care

as government funding had not kept

pace with rising costs. “It costs almost £9 million to run Chestnut Tree

House, with the NHS grant only funding

less than a tenth of these costs. Our

palliative and end-of-life care is essential for so many families, and spaces like

Stars allow us to deliver that specialist care in a setting more appropriate to

children and families. We know it means the world to so many, so a huge thank

you to everyone at Bupa Foundation for

helping us improve this precious place.”

The garden even inspired one family

to create their own special memorial

garden at home following the death of

their daughter Lottie unexpectedly at two years old. Mum Leanne said: “Chestnut Tree House holds a very special place in our hearts. The garden brought us

together at a difficult time, from seeing the wildlife, including some resident pigeons in their nest, and spotting

ladybirds, too. We found the water

feature so relaxing to listen to whilst we

were there, we decided to create our very own garden area in memory of Lottie and bought our own version of the feature before we left Chestnut.”

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 7

The AI Shift: A Leadership Test for Every Business

By David Harding

Artificial Intelligence

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is no longer a future consideration for

business leaders, it

is already reshaping

the way organisations operate across every sector.

From professional services and

manufacturing to retail, hospitality and finance, businesses across

Sussex are actively exploring how AI can improve efficiency, strengthen

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decision-making and create competitive advantage. Yet while leadership

teams are understandably focused on

opportunity, there is another side to the

those investing the most in technology, but those investing the most in

communication and leadership.

conversation that many organisations

The Human Side of AI

uncertainty among employees.

For many employees, AI raises difficult

are still struggling to address -

Working closely with leadership

questions:

teams across the region, I continue

• Will my role change?

organisations making the greatest

• How do I keep up with this pace

to see one clear pattern emerge. The progress with AI are not necessarily

• Will my skills still matter? of change?

MO N TH LY N EWS SP O N SO R

However, once leadership opened up

communication, explained the strategy

and demonstrated how AI would support rather than replace employees, attitudes began to shift positively.

Communication Is Critical One of the biggest mistakes

organisations can make is assuming employees will simply “adapt” to AI without guidance.

Introducing AI requires clear, consistent and ongoing communication. Leaders must explain:

Leadership in a Changing Landscape The rise of AI represents more than a technological development, it marks a significant cultural shift in how businesses operate.

For leaders, the real test is not whether AI will impact their organisation. That is already happening. The real question is whether they can lead through this transition in a way that builds confidence, trust and engagement among their people.

The organisations that will thrive in the years ahead are unlikely to be those

• Why AI is being introduced

with access to the most tools alone.

• How roles may evolve

communicate clearly, listen carefully

• What the intended outcomes are

They will be the ones with leaders who

• What support and training will be

and bring their teams with them

available

through change.

Importantly, leaders must also

Looking Ahead

known yet. Transparency builds trust,

Across Sussex, businesses are

acknowledge that not all the answers are even during periods of uncertainty.

Employees are far more likely to embrace change when they feel These are not unreasonable concerns.

They are human reactions to significant change.

The challenge for leaders is

included in the journey rather than

having change imposed upon them.

Making AI Practical

navigating one of the most significant workplace transformations in decades.

AI will continue to evolve rapidly, but successful adoption will depend less on the technology itself and more on the quality of leadership behind it.

For business leaders, now is the time to start the conversation, not

recognising that AI adoption is not

Another common challenge is that AI

people project. When organisations

engage with confidently.

uncertainty quickly fills the gap, often

The businesses succeeding with AI are

and falling morale.

everyday work. When employees can see

To find out more about leadership

In several businesses I have worked

improves customer service, speeds up

opportunities through Vistage Sussex,

created concern among teams because

the narrative changes.

had not been properly explained.

AI becomes a tool to enhance productivity

simply a technology project, it is a fail to communicate clearly,

leading to resistance, disengagement

with, the introduction of AI initially

the purpose behind the technology

often feels too abstract for employees to

those making it practical and relevant to

business, but what kind of culture and leadership will be needed to make that change successful.

how AI reduces repetitive administration,

support and peer advisory

processes or supports better outcomes,

contact David Harding.

Employees assumed automation meant

rather than a threat to job security.

confidence suffered.

That shift in perception is essential.

replacement. Productivity dipped and

just about what AI can do for your

vistage.co.uk

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 9

Commercial Property Transactions: What Businesses Should Look Out For For many

Monthly News

businesses, premises are far more than simply a place to

operate. Whether it

is an office, retail unit, warehouse, or

hospitality venue, commercial property often represents a significant financial commitment and plays an important role in long-term growth. Buying,

selling, or leasing business premises can therefore involve complex legal and commercial considerations.

Understanding the key issues

involved can help businesses make

informed decisions and avoid costly complications later.

10 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Understanding the Type of

of the lease and the responsibilities

Commercial property transactions

Businesses should ensure the structure

including buying or selling premises,

term plans. A lease can provide flexibility

refinancing existing property assets, or

or expand in the future, while ownership

Transaction

placed on both landlord and tenant.

generally fall into several categories,

of the transaction aligns with their long-

entering into a commercial lease,

for companies that may wish to relocate

undertaking development projects.

can offer stability and potential

Each type of transaction brings

investment value.

different legal considerations. For

The Importance of Due Diligence

involve investigating the title, reviewing

One of the most important stages of any

finance arrangements are properly

diligence. This involves investigating the

contrast, focuses heavily on the terms

before the deal is finalised.

example, purchasing a property will

property searches, and ensuring that

commercial property transaction is due

secured. Leasing premises, by

legal and practical aspects of a property

MO N TH LY N EWS SP O N SO R

sign. Commercial leases set out the

appear straightforward at first, but they

a property and outline the rights and

considerations. Careful investigation and

terms under which a tenant occupies

often involve complex legal and practical

responsibilities of both parties.

clear advice at an early stage can help

Important provisions to review carefully

ensure the property arrangement works

include the length of the lease, rent review

for them in the long term.”

repairing obligations, and any break

James has over 25 years’ experience

the lease early. In many commercial leases,

charities, and pension companies

the property, which can lead to significant

property matters, including leasehold

clauses, service charge arrangements,

clauses that allow either party to terminate

advising individuals, businesses,

tenants may be responsible for maintaining

on a wide range of commercial

costs if the building’s condition has not

transactions, development projects, and

been fully assessed beforehand.

commercial property acquisitions.

Businesses should also consider

Planning Ahead

or subletting in the future, as this can

Ultimately, whether a business is leasing

expands or relocates.

professional advice are essential. Careful

The Transaction Process

diligence, and a clear understanding of

whether the lease allows assignment

provide useful flexibility if the business

Although each deal is unique, most

Typical checks include confirming

ownership, identifying any restrictions or rights affecting the land, and

reviewing planning permissions

to ensure the intended use of the

property is permitted. Environmental considerations may also arise,

particularly where land has previously been used for industrial purposes.

Restrictions such as covenants or

rights of way can limit how a property

can be used or developed. Identifying these issues early allows businesses

to assess whether the premises truly

meets their operational needs before committing to the transaction.

Key Considerations in Commercial Leases

For businesses leasing their premises, the lease agreement is one of the

most important documents they will

businesses avoid unexpected risks and

or purchasing premises, preparation and negotiation of lease terms, thorough due legal obligations can help ensure the

transaction supports the organisation’s

commercial property transactions follow a

long-term objectives.

with “heads of terms”, which outline the

Commercial property decisions

the parties. Solicitors are then instructed to

of a business. Taking the time to

conduct searches, and raise enquiries

those decisions can help companies

similar structure. Negotiations often begin key commercial points agreed between

often shape the future direction

draft and review the legal documentation,

understand the legal framework behind

regarding the property.

move forward with confidence.

Once both parties are satisfied with the

If you are considering buying,

terms of the agreement, contracts are

premises, taking early legal advice

legally binding. Completion follows,

the success of the transaction. The

interest is formally transferred.

Oakley Solicitors regularly supports

Timescales can vary depending on

sectors, helping them navigate the

and whether issues arise during the

risks before they arise.

results of these investigations and the

selling, or leasing commercial

exchanged and the transaction becomes

can make a significant difference to

when ownership or the leasehold

Commercial Property team at Bennett

the complexity of the transaction

investigation or negotiation stages.

A Practical Perspective As James Pitcairn explains:

“Commercial property transactions can

businesses across a wide range of

legal process and identify potential

To learn more about commercial property services, visit www.

bennettoakley.co.uk or speak to a member of the team for guidance tailored to your business needs.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 11

MONTH LY N E WS SP ON S OR

Honouring Piers Street: A Lifetime in Surveying At the end of March, Sussex Surveyors marked the retirement of Partner Piers Street, who concluded an exceptional career spanning nearly six decades in the surveying profession.

Beginning his career

Monthly News

in 1967 with his first

valuation report, Piers has since advised

on an extraordinary

range of properties and client matters.

While the precise number of surveys he has undertaken is impossible to

quantify, his depth of experience and contribution to the profession are

beyond question. Aptly named, Piers

Street has spent a lifetime quite literally looking down streets of properties

across Brighton and the South Coast.

12 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

A third-generation surveyor, Piers

started his professional life in his family’s London office, developing an early and

enduring understanding of property. He went on to build extensive experience across London, North Norfolk and

Sussex, working across both residential and commercial sectors. Qualifying as

a Valuer in 1978, he earned a reputation for delivering clear, balanced and dependable advice.

Clients valued not only his technical expertise but also his approach.

Piers embodied a traditional sense of

professionalism, courtesy and integrity.

Testimonials frequently highlight his

calm, patient manner, particularly when supporting clients navigating complex

or distressing property matters. He took the time to explain issues clearly and thoughtfully, never losing sight of the human side of his work.

Piers joined Sussex Surveyors in 1997, based in the firm’s Hove office, and

became a Partner, playing a significant

role in shaping its growth and reputation.

MO N TH LY N EWS SP O N SO R

The firm has long been recognised as

a trusted independent practice across

the South East, and Piers’ contribution

has been central to maintaining its high standards of professional advice.

His work encompassed a wide range of

instructions, including RICS HomeBuyer Reports, residential and commercial valuations for probate and taxation

purposes, as well as commercial rent

reviews. Across all areas, he was known for his thorough, methodical approach and attention to detail, qualities that

provided reassurance to clients making important decisions.

Within the firm, Piers was a valued

colleague and mentor. His experience, sound judgement and willingness to support others made him a trusted presence during both routine work

and more challenging periods. Over

summer days spent at Arundel Castle

navigated significant events including

and his hospitality, occasions that reflect

the years, the business successfully

cricket ground, enjoying both the game

financial crises, Brexit and the global

his ability to bring people together.

counsel proved invaluable.

As Sussex Surveyors looks to the

Yet, as colleagues will attest, it is Piers’

Street’s remarkable contribution. His

impression. He brought energy and

have left a lasting legacy within the firm

pandemic, times during which his steady

future, it does so with gratitude for Piers

character that leaves the greatest

professionalism, wisdom and character

enthusiasm to his work, coupled with

and across the wider property community.

lift spirits even in the most testing

He retires with the sincere thanks of

was infectious, drawing colleagues into

very best wishes for a long, healthy and

a sharp sense of humour that could

situations. This sense of enthusiasm

colleagues and clients alike, and with

the office not just for work, but for the

well-earned retirement.

enjoyment of his company.

sussexsurveyors.com

Outside of surveying, Piers is a passionate cricket enthusiast and has shared this

interest generously with colleagues, clients and friends. Many will fondly remember

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 13

MONTH LY N E WS SP ON S OR

Your teams are already neurodiverse.

The question is how to harness it.

By Jess Rad, Founder, The WomenHood

This year, at the age of

Monthly News

43, I found out I was

neurodivergent. I spent decades masking,

misunderstanding,

neurodivergent population. It is the

neurodivergent capital of the UK. And

we are sitting on an extraordinary and largely untapped opportunity.

being misunderstood, burning out, and

The data is hard to ignore.

harder than it looked like everyone else

Our city has the highest LGBTQ+

wondering why I had to work so much

did. It wasn't until my late diagnosis of

AuDHD that things began to make sense.

Not just for me, but for the teams I'd

led, the relationships I'd navigated, the moments I'd got wrong! So much of it

wasn't failure. It was a communication gap that nobody had named.

That personal journey is what drives much of what I do through The

WomenHood. And it's what brought

me to a growing conviction: Brighton

and Hove is not just a city with a high

14 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

population in the country, and the overlap between LGBTQ+ and

neurodivergent identity sits between 30

and 70 percent. Our EHCP rate runs 9% above the national average. Our SEN

support rate is 27% above the national average. NHS Sussex has described

demand for neurodivergent support as "unprecedented." Brighton and Hove

has more ND charities per capita than anywhere comparable in the UK. And

the City Council itself acknowledges that our autistic population is "significantly

higher" than national norms. We are a

city with a thriving neurodivergent arts

ecosystem and a cultural infrastructure being built in real time.

We are not anomalous. We are

leading! The question for our business community is whether we are ready to lead with intention.

Your teams are already neurodivergent.

The question is whether you know it.

Conservatively, one in five people is

neurodivergent. In Brighton and Hove, that figure is almost certainly higher.

Which means in any business with more than five people, ND talent is already in your organisation. They may not have

told you. They may not know themselves yet. But they are there.

MO N TH LY N EWS SP O N SO R

And here is what many business

leaders don't realise: the cost of not understanding them is significant.

Burnout from masking, the exhausting

performance of passing as neurotypical, is one of the leading causes of sick

leave, attrition, and underperformance in neurodivergent employees. Conflict

rooted in communication differences that were never named. Misunderstandings that calcify into reputations. People not fulfilling their potential because

the environment was designed for a

neurotype that doesn't reflect theirs.

These are not edge cases. They are

happening in businesses across this city right now.

In challenging economic times, this matters more, not less.

We are operating in a difficult economic climate. Business leaders are under

pressure to do more with less, to retain their best people, to stay competitive in an uncertain landscape. In that

context, culture, communication, and

wellbeing are not soft priorities. They are commercial ones.

ADHD brains frequently think in ways that disrupt the status quo, making

connections others miss, challenging

deep into how neurodivergent minds

unquestioned, and generating the kind

often go unspoken, and the practical tools

Autistic thinkers often bring unmatched

It is an invitation for business leaders,

kind of deep expertise that others

a safe, welcoming environment as an act

are significantly overrepresented in

Show up curious.

thinking and an instinct for opportunity.

I am a national award-winning social

that we need this kind of thinking more

and an ambassador for Amaze, the

your teams.

families of disabled children. I founded

Small cultural and environmental

city has everything it needs to become

norms, psychological safety, flexibility

What we need now is for the business

assumptions that have gone

communicate, the differences that so

of ideas that move businesses forward.

that make connection easier for everyone.

precision, systems thinking, and the

managers, and teams to learn together in

simply can't replicate. Dyslexic leaders

of collective leadership. Bring your team.

entrepreneurship, bringing big-picture

It is in moments of economic challenge

entrepreneur, a proud parent carer,

than ever. And it already exists within

Sussex-based SEND charity supporting The WomenHood because I believe this

adjustments, clearer communication

a national model for neuro-inclusion.

in how work gets done, can unlock

community to step in.

is not charity. It is strategy.

The demand is only growing. The

performance across an entire team. This

We have a chance to unite this city

opportunity is here.

around something that matters.

NeuroCurious: Unlocking Communication,

This is why I created NeuroCurious, a

at thewomenhood.com Use code SBT10

18 June, PLATF9RM Hove. Find out more

not-for-profit events series on a mission

for 10% off tickets.

neurodiversity. After two sold-out events,

Proudly sponsored by PLATF9RM,

Communication, takes place on 18 June

thanks to Joyfully Different and Lucky Saint

to normalise, diversify, and celebrate the third, NeuroCurious: Unlocking

Freedom Works and Plus Accounting, with

at PLATF9RM Hove. This session goes

for their partnership and support.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 15

MONTH LY N E WS SP ON S OR

Devil’s Dyke Distillery Celebrates Double Gold Win at The Gin Guide Awards 2026 Southwick, West Sussex. Devil’s Dyke Distillery is celebrating a major international success after winning two Gold Awards at The Gin Guide Awards 2026, one of the world’s largest and most respected dedicated gin competitions.

The independent

Monthly News

Sussex distillery,

founded by local

distiller Faye CollyerRolls, received Gold

for both its Devil’s Dyke Limoncello Gin

and Devil’s Dyke Chilli & Lime Gin in the Flavoured Gin category.

Hundreds of gins from 36 countries

entered The Gin Guide Awards 2026,

with entries judged through a rigorous blind tasting process by a panel of

gin experts, including distillers, spirits

buyers, authors and mixologists. Each gin was assessed on appearance,

aroma, flavour, mouthfeel, finish and

overall quality, with no influence from

branding, marketing or country of origin.

According to The Gin Guide, the Gold Award means the gins were among the very highest scoring in their

category during blind tastings, requiring consistently high scores from judges

across the key characteristics of each gin. The awards also limit the number

of Golds presented, helping to maintain their credibility, value and recognition

among both the trade and consumers.

For Devil’s Dyke Distillery, the double

Gold win marks a huge moment for a small Sussex business built on local

inspiration, hands-on production and a love of flavour-led spirits.

Faye said:

“I still can’t quite believe it. One Gold

Award would have been incredible, but to win two for both of our flavoured

gins is just amazing. These products

16 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

are so personal to me.

The Limoncello Gin is made with hand-zested Amalfi lemons, and the Chilli & Lime Gin uses cayenne chillies grown right here at the distillery garden. There is so much work, testing, tweaking and love behind every bottle, so to have them recognised on an international stage is a really emotional moment.”

Devil’s Dyke Distillery is based in Southwick and takes its name and inspiration from the famous Devil’s Dyke landmark in the South Downs. The distillery’s signature style is rooted in Sussex, nature, storytelling and small-batch production, with botanicals and flavour combinations designed to capture a sense of place as well as a sense of fun.

The award-winning Limoncello Gin combines Devil’s Dyke’s gin with homemade limoncello, made using the zest of Sfusato Amalfitano lemons.

Bright, zesty and sunshine-filled, it has become a favourite in spritz-style serves and summer cocktails.

The Chilli & Lime Gin brings together the distillery’s gin with fresh lime zest and cayenne chillies grown at the distillery garden. It delivers citrus brightness with a warm chilli finish, making it a popular choice for bold cocktails and spicy serves.

Faye added: “We are small, but we are mighty,

and this award shows that small local producers can stand alongside the very best in the world. I’m unbelievably proud, and so grateful to everyone who has bought a bottle, come to a cocktail class, visited us at events or supported the distillery in any way.”

The win comes during a busy period for Faye and Devil’s Dyke Distillery, with sold-out cocktail masterclasses, local collaborations, festival appearances and the continued growth of the Sussex Distillers Festival, which Faye co-founded to champion independent drinks producers across the county.

Devil’s Dyke Limoncello Gin and Devil’s Dyke Chilli & Lime Gin are available from Devil’s Dyke Distillery online and at selected local events and stockists. www.devilsdykedistillery.com

Explore all of our leasing deals, visit rivervale.co.uk to find out more.

Offer subject to status and availability. Excess mileage charges apply. A processing fee of £219 + VAT is payable. Rentals shown are for customer-maintained contracts, with optional maintenance packages available at an additional cost. Images are for illustration purposes only. Full terms and conditions are available on our website. We will receive a commission and / or quality derived bonus for introducing you to one of our panel of leasing companies or finance providers. © 2026 Rivervale Contract Hire and Leasing, a division of Rivervale Cars Ltd. Registered in England No. 4898201. VAT No. 831 9582 10. A1-A3 Evershed Way Shoreham-by-Sea BN43 6QB. Rivervale Cars Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We act as a broker, not a lender.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 17

MONTH LY N E WS SP ON S OR

"Thank You to the Amazing Businesses Rallying Behind the Starr Trust" This month, we have been overwhelmed by the generosity of some truly remarkable businesses and individuals across Sussex.

A very special thank

Monthly News

you goes to Acumen Business Law,

whose outstanding

support has earned

them our Business of the Month

award, alongside Sussex Business

Times Magazine and DoubleTree by

Hilton Brighton, all of whom have gone above and beyond to help the Starr

Trust continue its life-changing work

with young people across our region.

Business of the Month: Acumen Business Law

Acumen Law was founded in 2007 by

18 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Penina Shepherd, who built the firm

from the ground up with a clear vision: to change the way legal services are delivered.

The firm has been recognised

among the Financial Times' Top 50 Groundbreaking & Innovative Law

Firms in the UK and Europe, was voted by the Observer as a "Rising Star" and won many local accolades too.

Now celebrating their 18th year, the

firm has chosen to mark this milestone by giving back, and their support of

the Starr Trust has been nothing short of exceptional.

Through their recent Acumen Business

Convention, the team raised nearly £3,000 for the Trust through an exciting heads and tails fundraiser on the day, whilst

Penina personally took the time to mentor one of the young people supported by

the charity, offering guidance on how to pursue a career in law.

Penina Shepherd, Founder and CEO

of Acumen Business Law, said: Penina Shepherd, Founder & CEO of Acumen Law, said: "I'm delighted to have

been able to support the Starr Trust

through our recent Acumen Business Convention and I hope the funds

raised on the day help to continue that

MO N TH LY N EWS SP O N SO R

incredible impact. In addition, we were so pleased to be able to guide one of

the young people the Starr Trust have been supporting by giving advice and

guidance on how to pursue their dream of becoming a Lawyer."

Sussex Business Times Magazine -

DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton - PreLoved Clothing Sale

DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton threw open

come together for such a worthy cause.

We look forward to continuing our

support and hope the funds raised make a real difference to the young people the

their doors to host a fantastic Pre-Loved

Starr Trust works with."

community in a wonderful celebration of

Tracey Starr of the Starr Trust said:

The event was a tremendous success,

special thanks to Penina, Rekha of

penny going towards supporting young

Sam and Jackie of Sussex Business

and welcoming atmosphere made it

generous support, we were able to

hotel's genuine commitment to making a

life-changing differences to many

Clothing Sale, bringing together the local sustainable fashion and charitable giving.

"We are so grateful to Acumen, with

raising £560 through Vinted, with every

DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton, and

people through the Starr Trust. The warm

Times Magazine. Through this

a truly special occasion, reflecting the

raise an incredible amount, making

positive difference in the local community.

young people."

Jackie Irving-Wilkinson, Managing

Rekha Sohun, General Manager of

Could your business help us support

Magazine, said: "Our 500th edition

"At DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton

500th Issue Celebration

Sussex Business Times Magazine marked a landmark 500th edition at a special VIP

celebration evening at Soho House, where

generous guests helped raise funds for the Starr Trust through a charity raffle, raising an impressive £1,464.70 on the night.

Director of Sussex Business Times is a milestone that celebrates not just our journey, but the strength of our

community. Choosing to support the

Starr Trust reflects our commitment to

supporting local families and creating a lasting impact across Sussex."

DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton, said:

even more young people?

Metropole, we believe that businesses

Please visit starrtrust.org for upcoming

the communities they are part of. So it

tracey@starrtrust.org to explore how

have a responsibility to positively impact

events, or contact Tracey directly at

was a privilege to host the Pre-Loved

you could get involved.

were delighted to see so many people

www.starrtrust.org

Clothing Sale for the Starr Trust, and we

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 19

MONTH LY N E WS SP ON S OR

Brighton & Hove’s next economy needs more confidence Brighton and Hove has always had a complicated relationship with itself.

Depending on who is

Monthly News

talking, it is either one of the most creative, entrepreneurial and

culturally alive places

in the country, or a city sliding into

decline, with empty shops, high rents, visible poverty and public frustration doing the rounds as evidence.

As ever, the truth is more interesting than either version.

In a recent Sussex And The City

podcast, Gavin Stewart, Chief Executive of Brilliant Brighton and Executive

20 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Director of the Brighton Economic

Growth Board, offered a grounded view of the city’s economy. His is neither

complacent or gloomy, but alert to the gap between perception and reality.

Brighton city centre often feels, to residents and visitors alike, as if

it is under pressure. Some much-

loved independent businesses have

disappeared, costs are rising and footfall patterns are changing.

Yet the Business Improvement District area has a vacancy rate of around

3.6%, with the wider city centre at

around 8.5%, compared with a national average of roughly 14%.

That doesn’t mean everything is fine, but it means that Brighton’s problem is not

simple decline, but the harder challenge of managing success, fragility and expectation at the same time.

Brighton’s independent business culture remains one of its greatest assets. The North Laine and Lanes still give the

city a texture many comparable places have lost. Planning decisions dating

back decades, which protected smaller units from being knocked through into

MO N TH LY N EWS SP O N SO R

larger chains, have helped preserve that character.

The result is a city centre

that can still feel distinctive, human and surprising.

But this distinctiveness is not guaranteed. As

Gavin Stewart points out, landlords are one of the most powerful forces

shaping the future of the

high street. When national

or international brands pay over the odds for smaller

units, this can reset rental

expectations across a street and landlords will take this over a new independent.

Small, solo shops then face higher costs because the property market around them has shifted.

help set a more coherent economic

Brighton’s city centre economy is

Hove playing a central role without

visitor economy, cultural life, housing

merely its hinterland.

nightlife and transport – which all form

Brighton & Hove, as the biggest city in

obviously a mix of shops, restaurants, market, universities, public realm,

story for the region, with Brighton & behaving as if the rest of Sussex is

businesses generating serious revenue with small teams. It has cultural and social value that does not show up neatly in Treasury metrics, and retail areas that may need to become even more experiential, circular, cultural and locally rooted.

part of the same ecosystem.

the South East outside of London, is

That is also why Brighton has often

and a cultural shop window. But its

well as it might. It has strong lifestyle

visible benefit for Hastings, Chichester,

pretending its problems are charming

base, access to the South Downs and

Sussex. A stronger regional economy

to protect what makes the city

and international recognition. Yet it

needs the ripple effects to be designed,

dynamics that weaken independence,

proposition: the landing page, pitch,

The emerging Local Visitor Economy

other places use to attract employers,

The message is come to Brighton,

an economic engine, a visitor magnet

The next decade should not be about preserving Brighton in amber, or

struggled to sell itself economically as

success has not always translated into

appeal, a serious creative and digital

Crawley, Worthing, Lewes or rural

quirks. It should be about confidence

coast, good cultural infrastructure

needs more than Brighton doing well. It

different, to challenge the property

has lacked a clear inward investment

visible, communicated and celebrated.

evidence and coordinated story that

Partnership points in that direction.

investors and talent.

but also explore the South Downs,

Could Sussex devolution help

the independent food scene and the wider cultural offer. But campaigns

A future Sussex mayor will not be able

communications infrastructure.

behaviour, homelessness or weak

The bigger question is what growth

transport connections. But they could

position Brighton as a net benefit to the wider Sussex economy.

the wine economy, the coastal towns,

change this?

to magic away high rents, antisocial

to invest in public experience, and to

need to become investment and

should mean. Brighton contains

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 21

VAP STO RI E S S PO N S OR

Value Added Partner Stories We chat to Amy Wonnacott, Founder of Lemon Drizzle.

Tell us your Story?

been myself. Building a business

on. We are small and mighty, and we

Lemon Drizzle was

circumstances has tested my resilience

that same spirit. Our sweet spot is the

love for creativity

backing her own judgement every single

pushing forward, and ready to grow.

to be seen. Growing up, I was always

are very real. Pushing through both

Tell us a story/fact about yourself that

differently, to stand out rather than blend

better version of myself.

went on to do professionally. I am myself

What has been your greatest or

content creator based in Brighton. After

to date?

design, marketing, and content creation,

This one is easy. The Brighton Girl

How do you define Success?

of 2 redundancies to give small and

this year and grew impressions from

Success, to me, is synonymous with

of bold, strategic social media presence

Standing on that stage in front of 300

recognise in themselves, not physically, but

us apart is the combination of creative

was my "HURRAH" moment. It was the

them. What I have learned is that strength

VAP Strories

born out of a genuine

while navigating challenging personal

work best with businesses that share

in ways I didn't anticipate. As a woman

1-5 person team that is ambitious,

and a belief that every brand deserves

day, self-doubt and the glass ceiling

encouraged by my Mum to think

has made me a stronger founder and a

in, and that mindset shaped everything I a social media manager, strategist, and years of developing my skills across

proudest business achievement

people might not know?

I used to dance and act professionally. I

danced so much that I ended up dancing on Her Majesty's Theatre in the West

End! Can't do the splits any more though.

I founded Lemon Drizzle off of the back

Awards. I led the social media strategy

growing businesses access to the kind

50k to over 200k in just four months.

strength. It is something most people don't

that actually moves the needle. What sets

people and seeing that result celebrated

emotionally. I know because I was one of

thinking and clear strategy. We don't just

proof of concept I had always believed in.

shows up in the smallest moments, in

they connect with the right people, tell

What type of clients do you

forward when it would be easier not to.

From follower growth to client sign-ups,

looking to meet?

make things look good, we make sure the right story, and deliver real results. our work speaks for itself.

What has been your biggest business challenge to date?

Honestly? My biggest challenge has

22 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

currently work with and who are you

Our client base is deliberately varied.

Social media strategy can be adapted to almost any industry with the right

research and understanding, and that

variety is something we genuinely thrive

showing up on a hard day, in pushing

Everyone has that capacity, which means everyone has the ability to succeed. www.lemondrizzlesocial.co.uk

Making Social Media a piece of cake.

We bring a unique blend of strategic expertise and creative flair, helping businesses thrive online & get visibility.

SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGY

Social media strategy that turns your platforms into powerful tools for growth and connection.

CONTENT CREATION & DESIGN

Content creation, Instagram Reel editing, and social media design that helps brands stand out online.

BOOK A FREE DISCOVERY CALL amy@lemondrizzlesocial.co.uk

lemondrizzlesocial.co.uk 07860126184

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT

Hands-on, results-focused social media management designed to make your online presence effortless and effective.

CONSULTANCY & TRAINING

Social media consultancy and training tailored to help businesses confidently manage and grow their online presence.

WORKSHOPS & EVENTS

Workshops and events designed to help businesses and creatives level up their social media and brand presence. www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 23

VAP STO RI E S S PO N S OR

Value Added Partner Stories We chat to London Women's Clinic (LWC)

VAP Strories

Tell us your Story?

opened in February 2026 in Preston

What has been your greatest or

Established in 1985,

at 169 Preston Road, LWC Brighton

to date?

Clinic (LWC) is a

be warmer, and more spacious -

London Women’s

UK fertility provider with over four

Park. Located in a Victorian property has been thoughtfully designed to

somewhere that feels welcoming and

decades of experience and over 40,000

safe, rather than clinical or sterile.

Street centre in London provides

What has been your biggest business

families created. Our flagship Harley

treatment procedures and laboratory services supported by experienced clinical teams. LWC’s network of

challenge to date?

Working on the renovation of the

proudest business achievement

On 2nd February 2026 it was a proud

moment to open the doors to our brandnew Brighton clinic. Our focus now is

providing the same quality of care as the top professionals in Harley Street but

that feels local to Sussex. We want the

clinic to work for the people of Brighton and Sussex and that means letting the

strategically placed satellite clinics,

new LWC Brighton clinic was a real

Tunbridge Wells and Canterbury in the

came with nuances. We had to be

investigations and monitoring closer to

company, we offer such cutting-edge

What type of clients do you currently

Egg Bank and London Sperm Bank

core fundamentals of IVF have stayed

meet?

network offering every possible pathway

metaphor for this – an old building at its

including Brighton, Bromley, Guildford,

challenge. Being a fragile, older building

South, provide access to consultations,

creative with our problem solving. As a

home. Our partners Kind iVF, London

technology but at the same time the

allow us to provide an integrated

the same. The building feels like a

to parenthood. Our LWC Brighton clinic

24 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

core but restored for a modern purpose.

community shape the way we provide treatment whilst giving them the best outcome that we possibly can.

work with and who are you looking to

LWC has been a consistent advocate for equitable access to fertility treatment,

VA P STO R I ES SP O N SO R

supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals,

single women and others historically underrepresented in reproductive

healthcare. This welcoming and inclusive attitude has been fundamental to the development of LWC’s new Brighton clinic. Known as the fertility clinic of

choice for the LGBTQ community across the country, a large part of our client

base are same sex couples and single women. Having forged a reputation in the IVF treatment of same-sex female

couples, LWC published the first study of its kind on shared motherhood also known as reciprocal IVF. Our partner,

London Sperm Bank, is now after fifteen years recognised to be the sole provider of UK donor sperm supplying over 85% of UK licensed centres. This has driven

our treatment of solo mothers and samesex couples. In our research and clinical programmes in egg freezing, LWC has

established ourselves as Britain’s largest

and leading IVF centre making a growing

proportion of our patients women wishing

to preserve their fertility for the future. Our

and professional trajectory over the

the opening of London Egg Bank as part

moment in Dr Ahuja and LWC’s history

company grow to be the UK’s largest and

back where it all began.

for the donation treatment of women

How do you define Success?

egg freezing programme also includes

next three decades. It was a defining

of the JDH network which has seen the

to open a clinic in Cambridge in 2024

only source of home-based donor eggs unable to produce their own eggs.

Tell us a story/fact about yourself that people might not know?

Success at LWC Brighton is defined

by our patients leaving our care with a happy, healthy baby. We understand

that this may not be an easy journey for

In 1977, LWC’s Scientific and Managing

all our patients, so our aim is to provide

Cambridge to begin his doctoral studies in

For us this means a specialist service

Robert Edwards, the Nobel Prize–winning

quality of care for everyone whatever their

Director, Dr Kamal Ahuja, arrived in

an expert and empathetic experience.

reproductive physiology under Professor

delivered with understanding and the best

scientist behind the world’s first IVF

background and circumstances.

at the centre of global excitement, with

www.londonwomensclinic.com

birth. The Marshall Laboratory was then the imminent arrival of Louise Brown,

the first IVF baby, signalling a revolution in reproductive medicine. Professor

Edwards remained the single greatest influence on Dr Ahuja’s scientific

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 25

FOUN DE R TRANS I T I O NS S P ON S OR

Would you take £15 million if it meant missing every bedtime story?

By Joel Lawton – Founder Transition Expert Would you take

Founder Transitions

£15 million in 10 years if it meant missing every

bedtime story,

every birthday, every sports day,

every ordinary Tuesday evening with the people you love?

It's an uncomfortable question. Not because it's realistic, because it

forces us to name the trade-off we're already making.

Founders are providers We provide for our clients. We provide for our teams. We provide for our families.

Who gets the best of us?

I didn't see it at the time. But looking

In 2020, my kids were 3 and 6. I was

missing what life was about.

million business.

A moment of realisation

I was contributing. Financially. Building

This pattern, missing what matters,

missing the emotional side completely.

unique to me.

I was waking at 3am, mind racing.

I sat opposite a founder recently. End

my partner. Masking it with drinking.

through the business plan, the team

commuting to London, running a £3

security. Growing the business. But

Snapping at the kids. Barely speaking to

The business got my energy, my

back, the pattern was clear. I was

going numb to protect ourselves, isn't

of our coaching session. We'd been

structure, what needed to happen next.

focus, my presence. My family got

Then came the pause. The silence. The

what was left over.

thing they'd been holding back.

I'd arrive home exhausted. My kids

"I'm worried I won't be able to feel the

would want to play. I'd be checking emails, half-listening.

success by the time I get there."

It landed hard. Not because it was

Without meaning to, I was showing my

dramatic. Because it was true.

being present.

They were building something

kids that being busy mattered more than

26 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

remarkable. Growing fast. Hitting

milestones. But they couldn't feel any of it. Going numb. The wins weren't registering anymore.

This is what can happen when we

keep moving forward without pausing.

When fear and uncertainty drive us to keep achieving, hoping the next milestone will finally bring peace.

We disconnect from the present because

it's safer than facing what we're sacrificing.

The business keeps growing. The metrics keep climbing.

But the human version of us is not there in any of it.

The reality that arrives You've built something. It's done.

It's working.

FO U N D ER TR A N SI TI O N S SP O N SO R

So what is enough?

That question terrifies most founders.

Because answering it means looking at what you've been missing.

This isn't about blame. The societal

structures we operate within, the identity we formed around being a founder,

the building phase where everything

depended on us, all of it led us here.

You were told: work hard, build

something, provide for your family.

No one mentioned the cost. That the

person you're becoming might not be the person you want to be. That the

moments you're missing don't come back. That you might reach the goal

When we're securing our family's

apart when the identity dissolved.

us, we have to ask what we're actually

The founder I mentioned? They're

and feel nothing.

financial future but our they barely sees

This doesn't happen to everyone. But it

building for.

doing the work now too. Building better

asking: is this happening to me?

This isn't about choosing between

also building their human road map,

happens to enough of us that it's worth

systems for the business, yes. But

business success and family. It's not

rebuilding their capacity to be present.

Bronnie Ware worked in palliative

either/or.

To feel. To connect.

weeks and recorded what they wished

But if they're learning to live without you,

It's not quick. It's not comfortable. But

care. She sat with people in their final they'd done differently. The fourth

that's worth stopping for.

it's the work that actually matters.

worked so hard."

The work

business and still lose everything that

These people missed their children

In 2020, I faced this question. My kids were young enough that I could still

If something's been sitting with you,

companionship. They spent decades

change course. So I did.

this might be where it shifts.

then I'll slow down."

I restructured the business to fit my life.

The Clearing: half a day, one to one,

The target kept moving. The people they

relationship with alcohol. Built practices

honest about where you are, where

most common regret: "I wish I hadn't

growing up. They missed their partner's telling themselves, "Once I hit this target,

Because you can build a £15 million

made it worth building in the first place.

Worked three days a week. Changed my

in nature. A carefully held space to get

loved learned to live without them.

that helped me be present.

you want to be, and what's actually in

traded, it was too late.

It wasn't easy. The inner critic was

The question that matters

your position."

What's the point of building something

But I knew the truth. The business was

By the time they realised what they'd

loud: "Other people would kill to be in

remarkable if you're too numb to feel it?

successful. I wasn't.

there, physically present but mentally

Three years later, I exited. And

When we're in the room but not really

somewhere else, our family feels the gap.

the way.

Book a free conversation:

www.inyourcorner.co/coaching

because I'd done the work, I didn't fall

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 27

FI N A NCE S PO NS O R

Making Tax Digital: are you prepared?

David Crowter, Partner and Head of Private Client Services, Carpenter Box

With the new tax

Finance

year now underway, many businesses

and individuals are adapting to the

changes introduced by Making Tax Digital (MTD). From April 2026, sole traders and landlords with income over £50,000 are required to comply with the new rules,

including submitting quarterly updates to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

It is estimated that around 900,000

individuals have now been brought into

MTD. For those affected, this represents a significant shift in how tax affairs are

managed, and early preparation has been key to ensuring a smooth transition.

What is Making Tax Digital?

Making Tax Digital is a UK government

28 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

initiative designed to modernise the tax system. Its aim is to improve the accuracy of tax reporting by

encouraging better, more timely recordkeeping and reducing the risk of errors.

MTD introduces a more advanced

digital platform within HMRC, enabling features such as improved security,

pre-population of data and prompts to

help taxpayers stay compliant. It forms

part of the Government’s wider effort to reduce the tax gap.

What does MTD involve?

In simple terms, MTD introduces three key requirements:

• Maintaining digital records of your income and expenses

• Submitting quarterly updates to HMRC

• Completing a year-end declaration to finalise your tax position

Importantly, while the reporting process

has changed, the payment deadlines for tax remain the same as under the SelfAssessment system.

Using approved software

One of the most significant changes

under MTD is the requirement to use

software to maintain records and submit information to HMRC.

Whether you already use accounting software or are new to digital

bookkeeping, it is essential to ensure

that your chosen system is compatible

with MTD requirements. HMRC does not

provide its own software, but most major providers offer compliant solutions.

F I N A N C E SP O N SO R

Digital records can be maintained using

Understanding

spreadsheets, provided they are digitally

A key feature

dedicated accounting software or linked to submission tools.

Beyond compliance, using software

brings wider benefits. These include

improved efficiency, fewer errors, better visibility over your financial position

and enhanced cash flow forecasting.

For many businesses, MTD acts as a

catalyst to modernise systems and gain better financial insight.

Who will be affected?

MTD is being given a phased

introduction, applying to sole traders

and landlords based on the following income thresholds:

• From 6 April 2026 – individuals with income over £50,000

• From 6 April 2027 – individuals with income over £30,000

• From 6 April 2028 – individuals with income over £20,000

The threshold is based on your most recent submitted tax return. For

example, your 2024/25 tax return

determines whether you are required to

comply from April 2026. Voluntary sign-

up is also available for those who prefer to adopt the system earlier.

If you jointly own property, only your share of the rental income is taken into account.

Are there any exemptions?

There are some automatic exemptions from MTD. For instance, if you are

submitting a tax return as a trustee or as a personal representative of a taxpayer who has died, there is no need to sign up for MTD. Generally, HMRC will tell you if you are automatically exempt.

In addition to automatic exemptions, there are situations where an exemption can be applied for. So, it pays to check whether

your situation might mean you can apply.

quarterly updates of MTD is the requirement to submit

quarterly updates summarising income and

expenses. These

updates are not full tax returns. They provide HMRC

with a snapshot of financial activity throughout the year, without

requiring detailed

tax adjustments at each stage.

David Crowter

By default,

quarterly reporting

Permitted methods include importing

submissions due shortly after each

integrations. Manual processes such as

can elect to use calendar quarters,

are not allowed.

accounting processes.

Summary

Where there are multiple income

shift in how tax is reported and managed.

and property income, separate quarterly

also provide an opportunity to improve

can result in multiple submissions

and reduce errors.

periods align with the tax year, with

data, emailing files and system

quarter ends. Alternatively, businesses

copying and pasting or retyping figures

which may better align with internal

Making Tax Digital represents a significant

sources, such as both self-employment

While the changes are substantial, they

updates are required for each. This

processes, gain better financial visibility

throughout the year.

Understanding your obligations, using

End-of-year requirements

the right software and maintaining

reporting, a year-end declaration

ensuring compliance.

traditional Self-Assessment tax return

For further information or guidance

for the year.

member of our Private Client team

Digital links and compliance

carpenterbox.com.

Despite the move to quarterly

is still required. This replaces the

and confirms your final tax position

accurate digital records are key to

on Making Tax Digital, contact a on 01903 234094 or visit www.

MTD requires all data transfers between systems to be made digitally. This

includes submitting quarterly updates, making corrections and filing the yearend declaration.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 29

FI N A NCE S PO NS O R

What happens when business partners retire at different times?

The idea sounds simple in theory.

You and your

Finance

business partner (or partners) work hard

to build a successful company, sell it at

the right time, and then retire together.

It sounds straightforward and rewarding for everyone.

But in reality, things rarely go that smoothly.

In so many owner-managed businesses,

retirement timelines drift apart. Sometimes the gap is decades, but often it is just

a few years. When this happens, it can create tension right when clarity and alignment are most important.

30 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Why timelines drift apart

debts, and saving money outside

obvious. A significant age gap between

supporting children, paying school fees,

spanning generations, or a new partner

invest extra income.

lead to different outlooks on the future.

For many owners, selling the business

But more often, the gap is harder to see.

This gap in readiness can quickly

In some cases, the difference is

the business. The other might still be

shareholders, a family business

or may not have had the same chance to

joining the ownership structure can all

Even a three- to five-year age difference

is how they plan to fund retirement. become a problem.

between shareholders can create a

Start with the numbers

to leave, while the other still wants to

shareholders need to be clear about one

real divide. One partner may feel ready

Before looking at solutions, both

focus on growth.

thing: their ‘financial freedom figure’.

One shareholder may have spent years

to leave the business and still keep the

building up their pension, reducing

This is the amount of money needed lifestyle they want.

F I N A N C E SP O N SO R

Without knowing this number, talks about leaving the business can get

confusing. One partner might think a

sale will work for both, only to find out it suits them but not the other.

It is important to understand both

positions, not just your own. When

each shareholder knows exactly what they need, discussions become more practical and less about opinions.

The importance of an honest

willing to buy out the other, either right away or over time.

This can work well if key employees are

brought into the ownership structure too.

For example, the remaining shareholder might take a bigger stake and offer minority shares to future leaders.

This approach can: •p rovide an exit route for the retiring partner

conversation

•g ive the remaining shareholder greater

things can get uncomfortable.

•c reate a clear progression path for

For many business owners, this is where

It is common for partners to work

together for years without really talking about their long-term personal plans.

Most decisions are made for the good of the business, like hiring, investing, and

growing, rather than for individual goals.

When retirement becomes a priority, those differences start to show.

Avoiding the conversation rarely helps.

Unspoken expectations can lead to

frustration, affect decision-making and,

over time, damage what may have been a strong working relationship.

Having an early, open, and honest discussion based on facts, not

assumptions, is much more likely to lead to a good outcome.

Exploring practical solutions

Once both parties understand their

financial position and preferred timeline, a range of options can be considered.

The right approach will depend on

the individuals involved, the structure of the business and the strength of

the management team, but there are several well-established routes.

Staggered exits and internal buyouts

In many cases, one shareholder may be

control

senior team members

Alternative ownership structures

In some cases, alternative models like

employee ownership can offer a balanced solution. These setups let founders

step back gradually while keeping the business culture and legacy intact.

Start earlier, keep options open

Timing may be the most important factor in all of this.

Transitions do not happen overnight.

Building a management team, preparing people for ownership, or getting the

business ready to sell all take time. Starting early lets you make decisions carefully instead of reacting at the last minute.

Over time, this can help create a setup

A common challenge, but a

the next generation of leaders.

Misaligned retirement timelines are

where ownership passes smoothly to

Management buyouts (MBOs)

If there is a strong management team, a management buyout is another option.

This lets one shareholder leave while

others stay invested, or sometimes, it gives all shareholders a way to exit together.

However, this option takes planning.

Senior managers need time to show they

can lead, secure funding, and build trust in their ability to run the business well.

manageable one

common. They are a natural result of building a business with others over many years.

The key is to face the issue early, not avoid it.

With a clear understanding of financial needs, open communication, and a

willingness to look at different options,

it is often possible to find a solution that works for both the people involved and the business they have built together.

External sale or investment

www.southoverwealth.co.uk

outside investors or selling to another

Southover Wealth is an Appointed Representative

Depending on the business, bringing in company may be a solution.

of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority)

In some cases, this can allow one

shareholder to exit earlier, while the other remains involved for a period before stepping away.

For some partnerships, a close look

for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.

at the finances may show that both

shareholders can leave sooner than they thought. For others, it may show that

more growth is needed before selling together makes sense.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 31

FI N A NCE S PO NS O R

Could Your Mortgage Be Costing You More Than It Should?

By Rob Starr MBE, CEO at Seico Mortgages Whether you're a

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What Happens If You Do Nothing?

When your fixed rate ends, your lender automatically moves you onto their Standard Variable Rate (SVR). The

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Why Planning 12 Months Ahead Makes All the Difference

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32 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

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www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 33

LEGAL S PO NS O R

AI, Ambition and the Future of Legal Services: How Jonathan Lea Network Is Rethinking the Modern Law Firm For years, the legal profession has been warned that artificial intelligence would replace junior lawyers, shrink teams, and reduce opportunities for young people entering the industry.

At Jonathan Lea

Legal

Network (JLN), the reality has been

very different. AI has not reduced junior

recruitment; it has increased it - on

one condition: they must be AI-literate, curious, adaptable, and enthusiastic

about using technology intelligently to improve outcomes for clients.

According to founder Jonathan Lea, the rise of AI is fundamentally reshaping

how legal services are delivered, how law firms operate internally, and how

young lawyers develop professionally.

34 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

“Contrary to popular perception, we’ve actually found that bright, inquisitive

junior lawyers who fully embrace AI are often significantly more effective than

some experienced lawyers who refuse to use it properly,” he explains.

“That is not because experience no

longer matters - it absolutely does - but because experience alone is no longer

enough. If you are not using AI intelligently and consistently throughout your work, you are inevitably going to miss things,

overlook possible strategies, take longer

to complete tasks, and ultimately become too expensive for many clients.”

“AI isn’t optional for us anymore,” says Lea. “It’s a prerequisite.”

AI Has Changed Delivery - But Not The Economics Of Legal Work Within 15 minutes of one client enquiry, the firm produced a detailed indicative fee estimate, arranged a discovery video call and drafted a lengthy guidance note setting out alternative legal and commercial strategies.

“All of that was completed in roughly the same amount of time it would traditionally take to send a simple follow-up email,” he says.

L EGA L SP ON SO R

Yet AI has not rewritten law-firm economics.

“AI allows us to get far more done, to a much higher standard, in far

less time,” he says. “But legal work

still requires careful review, strategic thinking, supervision, accountability

and ongoing client communication.”

“As a result, we still largely charge on a time incurred basis and, unless a

matter is particularly straightforward,

we continue to work from fee estimates rather than fixed fees - broadly in the same way as before AI.”

In corporate work, AI supports transaction structuring, due diligence, drafting, risk

analysis and negotiation strategy. When

dealing with a share sale or acquisition, for example, AI tools may instantly analyse documents, highlight inconsistencies, identify missing protections, suggest

negotiation points and summarise key

risks - all before a lawyer applies their own commercial judgment and experience.

“The AI email assistant will often pre-

draft detailed, commercially sensible and professionally worded responses for fee earners which with a few minor tweaks are largely ready to send.”

The Firms Embracing AI - And The Firms Resisting It

coming from lawyers

who are integrating AI

into everything they do.”

The market, he argues,

is not choosing between “AI or lawyers”, but

between lawyers who

use AI effectively and those who are slower to adapt.

“No serious AI-

enabled firm is saying clients should blindly rely on ChatGPT

instead of obtaining

“Historically, experience was partly

legal advice,” he explains.

built through years of repetitive drafting

“Of course legal judgment, accountability,

learning dramatically because junior

strategy remain critically important. The

dynamically rather than simply reading

and document review. AI accelerates

commercial understanding and human

lawyers can interrogate information

issue is that lawyers who refuse to use

documents passively for hours.”

slower, less thorough and less cost-

But oversight remains essential.

AI are increasingly at risk of becoming

effective than lawyers who embrace it.”

“AI still requires a deep-thinking, clever

Jonathan emphasises that AI is not being

he says. “The quality of the output will

JLN uses secure enterprise-level AI

or junior fee earner has real underlying

accountable for advice given to clients.

good supervision and direction from

The firm also uses several AI platforms,

members.”

better in different areas. In some cases,

He warns that firms resisting change risk

and assiduous person to use it properly,”

used recklessly or without oversight.

never be good enough unless the lawyer

systems, with solicitors remaining fully

ability in the first place, together with

having found that different tools perform

experienced solicitors and other team

one AI platform is used to critique or

falling behind.

assistance of another.

“The uncomfortable reality is that clients

themselves by arguing that solicitors are

The Next Generation Of Lawyers

times, better strategic thinking, and more

clients to fear relying on AI tools,” he says.

AI is accelerating the development of

Lea believes the legal sector is now splitting.

“Some firms are still trying to market

somehow ‘better than AI’ and encouraging

“You still see messaging suggesting that AI is something risky or inferior compared to a traditional lawyer.”

“But that misses the point entirely. The best outcomes are not coming from

lawyers competing against AI. They are

cross-check work generated with the

increasingly expect faster turnaround cost-efficient delivery,” he says.

junior lawyers too.

“Firms trying to persuade clients

“A capable junior using AI well can

to harness it effectively may find

sometimes communicate in a more

to fear AI rather than learning how themselves left behind.”

sophisticated and commercially effective way than a lawyer with many years of

experience who does not embrace the technology,” says Lea.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 35

From AI Hype to Revenue Recovery How Evolve is helping businesses protect pipeline, unlock revenue from dormant data and drive real adoption in the age of AI.

By Bruce Bignell | Founder, Evolve Your Business It is good to be back

Cover Story

on the front cover

of Sussex Business Times, although I

have to admit this

month did not quite go to plan.

The photo you see on the cover is not

from a fresh photoshoot. It is an image

from the Sussex Business Show in 2025 (where I hosted a pre-event breakfast), because I was not able to make the

planned photo shoot this time around.

I had broken my jaw, my face was

36 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

swollen, and I looked a little too much

like Tom Cruise in Vanilla Sky, or Kanye West, (watch the Thru the Wire video,

and you’ll get an idea what I looked like), for anyone’s comfort.

It has been one of those months where the diary keeps moving, the business

keeps demanding your attention, but life has a funny way of throwing surprising

and sometimes painful things into your path. So how do you respond?

Well, it got me thinking about systems a

lot. My team have really stepped up in

my absence, and I've had a lot of patient customers and prospects that I've been dealing with. I've valued all their time.

And, oddly enough, that has made me

think even more about the theme I always

wanted to write about this month: recovery.

Not personal recovery, I mean

business recovery. More specifically, revenue recovery.

Because most businesses are leaking revenue somewhere.

C OV ER STO RY SP ON SO R

They may not call it that. They may not even see it. It is rarely one dramatic

failure. It is usually a series of small gaps.

A proposal that was sent and never

properly followed up. A lead that went

cold but was never reactivated. A client account that had more potential but

was not nurtured. A CRM full of useful

information that nobody quite trusts. A

pipeline that looks healthy on paper but is

helping businesses build revenue

recovery systems: practical, usable, commercially focused systems that

help them recover the value already sitting inside their pipeline, their customer base and their data.

And that is also why Evolve [26] feels so important.

quietly leaking value at every stage.

Evolve [26] and the new role of sales

Over the last few years, Evolve has

We're proud to sponsor and exhibit

worked with businesses across

different sectors that all face a version of the same problem. They are not

short of ambition. They are not short of activity. In many cases, they are

not even short of leads. What they are missing is a system.

That is why the work we are doing now is increasingly focused on

again at Silicon Brighton's, Evolve [26] event, where we will be talking about AI, automation, sales, CRM & data…

not as separate subjects, but bringing those conversations together and

asking a more useful question: how do we build businesses that can

actually capture, protect and grow revenue in the world we are now operating in?

Because the world has changed.

The role of sales has changed. The expectations of customers have changed. The tools available to

businesses have changed. And, whether we like it or not, AI is forcing every

company to rethink how work gets done.

But I do not believe the answer is to

rush towards AI for the sake of it. The

businesses that win will not be the ones who simply add more tools. They will

be the ones who define processes and understand what should be done by

people, what can be done by machines, and how to connect the two in a way that makes the business stronger.

This is what our keynote session at

Evolve [26], taking place at the Brighton Centre on Friday 26th June, tackles

this head-on. Sean Evers, VP Sales at

Pipedrive, will be presenting a session

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 37

COVE R STO RY S P ON S OR

called “Regain Control of Sales in the

Machine tasks vs human tasks

The businesses that embrace this

but powerful: AI is not just replacing

• Machine tasks: Data enrichment,

efficient. They will become more human

Age of AI.” His core argument is simple tasks; it is unbundling them.

For years, the role of a salesperson has

been bundled together into one broad job description. A salesperson researches

prospects. They update the CRM. They

write follow-up emails. They make calls.

They prepare proposals. They chase

decisions. They manage relationships.

They forecast revenue. They report

activity. They try to understand customer needs. They keep opportunities alive.

Some of that work is deeply human.

Some of it is repetitive, administrative

and process-led. The rise of AI forces us to separate the two. Sean’s framework asks a practical question of every task

in the sales role: should you automate it, augment it, or leave it alone?

“AI is not removing the need for great salespeople.

It is exposing what great salespeople should really be spending their time on.”

38 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

properly will not just become more

call summaries, CRM prompts,

where it matters most. They will give

follow-up reminders, pipeline

prompts, better structure and better

research, workflow automation,

their teams better information, better

analysis, reporting support

visibility, so that their people can do the

• Human tasks: Trust, empathy,

work only people can do.

judgement, negotiation, creativity,

This is also where the technology is

building, strategic conversations

and our own Evolve Pipedrive Sidekick

AI gives us the opportunity to redesign

agents and adoption tools are starting to

role and ask: which parts require

actually use, rather than sitting as

commercial context, relationship

genuinely catching up. Pipedrive’s Nova (EPS) are both examples of how AI

work. It allows us to take a salesperson’s

appear inside the platforms salespeople

human skill, and which parts are

another disconnected layer on top.

slowing that human down?

We want to move the conversation

If a salesperson is spending hours

beyond “Should we use AI?” and

information, trying to remember who

improve the way our business captures

updating records, searching for

towards “Where does AI genuinely

to follow up with, writing the same

and protects revenue?”

reports together, then we should not be

Because AI on its own does not fix a

going into the customer conversation.

sales process. It does not automatically

system problem.

data good. It does not replace leadership.

email repeatedly or manually pulling

surprised when their best energy is not

broken pipeline. It does not create a clear

That is not a people problem. That is a

improve adoption. It does not make bad

C OV ER STO RY SP ON SO R

But when AI is applied to the right

somewhere between the marketing

right human behaviour around it, it can

account management function and the

system, with the right process and the unlock a significant advantage.

Revenue recovery: finding the money

team, the sales team, the CRM, the

leadership reporting. Nobody intends for it to happen. But it happens.

already inside the business

A lead comes in and is not followed

One of the biggest mistakes businesses

but then stalls. A proposal is sent, but

make is assuming growth always has

to come from more. More leads. More campaigns. More outreach. More activity. More noise.

Of course, new business matters. But

before a business spends more money

trying to create new opportunities, it should ask a more uncomfortable question: how much revenue are we already losing from the opportunities we have?

This is the heart of revenue recovery.

“Most businesses do not need more leads before they fix the revenue they are already leaking.”

up quickly enough. A deal progresses

the next step is unclear. A salesperson leaves, and their knowledge leaves

with them. A customer buys once, but nobody maps the wider opportunity.

A database contains years of dormant

contacts, but no one knows which ones are worth reactivating.

Where pipeline leakage happens • Leads not followed up quickly enough

• Proposals sent without clear next steps • Deals stuck in the wrong stage • Dormant contacts ignored

• Customer accounts underdeveloped • Poor CRM data quality

• Weak handovers between teams • No reactivation process in place

At Evolve, we are increasingly helping

Our revenue recovery work is built around

inside their revenue operation. For

recover between 3 - 8% of pipeline

businesses look at the hidden leakage many companies, that leakage sits

the idea that businesses can often

leakage by improving the systems

around their existing opportunities,

data and customer relationships. For

some businesses, that is hundreds of

thousands of pounds left of the table. For others, it is the difference between a flat year and a growth year.

The important point is that this is not about squeezing more out of already

stretched teams. It is the opposite. It is about building systems that make the right actions clearer.

“Revenue recovery is not a CRM exercise. It is a commercial recovery exercise.”

This is where our work with one of the UK’s leading commercial drainage,

plumbing and pump engineering firms, has become an important proof point.

They are a growing business backed by private equity, with acquisitions accelerating. Their planned works

process was losing significant value

because of missing purchase orders.

Without a PO number, work could

not proceed and invoices could not be raised. The previous process for

chasing those POs involved printing A3 tracking sheets, exporting lists into

Excel and literally chasing line-by-line

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 39

COVE R STO RY S P ON S OR

with rulers and pens. They knew and we knew, this was not scalable.

We built a repeatable, measurable POchasing system inside Pipedrive, with

automated email cadences, escalation logic, client-specific exception rules

and reporting dashboards that gave the

leadership team full visibility. The strategic impact: if 10% of the roughly £500,000

of monthly PO leakage is recovered, that is £50,000 a month…. £600,000 a year.

No new salespeople. No new tools.

Just a system built around the data and behaviour that was already there.

What a Revenue Recovery system should do

The opportunity is not just to generate new leads from scratch. It is to

intelligently identify the revenue that already has some history with the

hits. People are busy. Old habits return.

The CRM becomes inconsistent. The

process gets followed by some people

and ignored by others. Managers ask for

• Identify stalled opportunities

business. It is more efficient, more

• Improve follow-up discipline

respectful of the customer journey.

At Evolve, one of our major areas of

• Support salespeople with clearer

In the current economic climate, that

through the Evolve Pipedrive Sidekick,

• Improve leadership reporting

Buying decisions are taking longer.

• Recover dormant leads and accounts • Create better pipeline visibility

strategic and, when done well, more

next actions

matters. Budgets are being scrutinised.

• Drive more revenue from existing data

Sales cycles are less predictable. Teams

Revenue Recovery is not just about

necessarily being given more resources.

is about knowing which opportunities

ones that look after the revenue they

are being asked to do more without

chasing every possible opportunity. It

The businesses that thrive will be the

are worth recovering. Focus creates

have already worked hard to create.

better recovery.

Adoption: where systems become

reports, but the data is incomplete.

focus is driving better user adoption or EPS. The idea behind EPS is simple: people need support in the flow of

work, not just in a training session that happens once and is forgotten.

Good adoption is not created by telling people to use a system. It is created

by helping them understand how the

system helps them do their job better.

sitting on years of customer, prospect

something that, as a CRM and sales

“If your system only works for the people who already like systems, it is not good enough.”

Some of it is out of date. But within

important thing we talk about internally.

For a salesperson, that might mean

systems because people are lazy. They

call, which opportunity needs attention

into how people actually work.

or where to find the information they

Most companies have experienced

having better visibility of team activity,

launched. There is a training session.

forecast confidence. For a new starter,

The leadership team is excited. The

because the guidance is built into the

The same applies to partnerships with

behaviour

data. Most established businesses are

In this section, I want to touch upon

and account data. Some of it is messy.

systems business, might be the most

that dormant data there may be real

Businesses do not fail to adopt new

knowing exactly what to update after a

fail because the system is not embedded

next, how to follow the sales process,

start ups, like Regen AI around dormant

commercial value: old conversations worth reopening, former customers

ready to return, prospects who were not ready then but may be ready now.

“A lost opportunity is not always lost. Sometimes it was just badly timed, poorly followed up, or left without a proper next step.”

40 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

need. For a manager, it might mean

this in some form. A new platform is

pipeline quality, stuck opportunities and

Everyone agrees it is important.

it might mean getting up to speed faster

implementation goes live. Then reality

way the platform works.

C OV ER STO RY SP ON SO R

Every business has that person who is

challenges facing businesses right

knows their customers, but does

wasting the opportunities, data and

experienced, commercially valuable, not love systems. They see CRM as

admin. They may update things late, inconsistently or only when chased.

The mistake is to treat that person as the problem. Often, they are actually the test.

Here is the truth most people will not

say out loud: reps abandon CRMs for

one reason. The system was designed for management, not for selling. When the platform feels like a reporting tool

rather than a selling tool, adoption will always be a battle. EPS is designed to flip that. It gives users clearer

guidance, supports better habits and

helps teams understand not just what to do, but why it matters.

now: how do we grow without talent we already have?

For me, that is the real conversation.

Not AI for the sake of AI. Not CRM for the sake of CRM. Not training for the sake of ticking a box. But

building commercial systems that

help businesses recover lost revenue,

strengthen relationships and give their people the confidence to perform.

This month, I have had my own reminder that recovery is not always glamorous.

Sometimes it is uncomfortable.

Sometimes it is slower than you want.

Sometimes you have to use an old

photo because a new one would simply scare off the faint hearted.

This is especially important as AI

But recovery matters.

platforms. The more powerful the

And in business, the companies that

becomes more embedded in business technology becomes, the more important adoption becomes. If people do not trust the system, understand the process

or believe the data, the technology will never deliver its potential.

“The future is not just AI. The future is AI plus adoption.”

Together For us, Evolve [26] at the Brighton

Centre, on June 26th is about helping

businesses understand the new world of AI, sales, revenue operations, with

practical and easy-to-use systems like

Pipedrive CRM. Our Revenue Recovery systems are about helping businesses capture the value they are currently

losing. The Evolve Pipedrive Sidekick (EPS) is about making sure those

systems are actually adopted by the people who need to use them.

Together, these three ideas form a

practical answer to one of the biggest

recover best are the ones that have the

right systems around them. That is what we are building at Evolve. And that is

what I believe more Sussex businesses will need in 20[26] and beyond.

Is Your Pipeline Leaking Revenue?

Most businesses we speak to don't

looks like when AI is in the room. Get your tickets now with a 50% discount - code PIPEDRIVEGUEST Friday June 26th, at the Brighton

Centre: https://evolve.siliconbrighton. com/#sign-up

2. Book a Revenue Recovery

Assessment We'll map your pipeline, identify where value is leaking and show you what a repeatable recovery system could look like inside your business. No obligation, no jargon, just the numbers.

3. Try the Evolve Pipedrive Sidekick

(EPS) If your team is already on Pipedrive but adoption is patchy, the EPS puts Evolve's expertise inside the app, right where your people are working. Available with all AfterCare plans.

How to Contact Evolve Visit www.weevolvebusiness.com, or reach us at hello@weevolvebusiness. com & (0)1273 011187.

You can also find us on the Pipedrive Partner Marketplace.

Scan to book a call

have a lead generation problem. They have a conversion problem, and they can't see it because it's buried in

their CRM data. The 3-8% of revenue sitting in stalled deals, missing POs

and dormant accounts isn't dramatic enough to make anyone's board report, but it adds up to tens or hundreds of thousands a year.

If anything in this article made you think

Bruce Bignell

Founder, Evolve Your Business www.weevolvebusiness.com

"that sounds like us," here are three ways to reach us.

1. Come to Evolve [26] Hear from

Sean Evers (VP Sales, Pipedrive) & the Evolve team on what sales actually

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 41

MOTO RI NG N E WS S P ON S OR

Rivervale Van Leasing: From Single Vans to Full Fleet Solutions

At Rivervale, we offer both car and van leasing to suit whatever you need. Whether you’re looking for a single van or managing a full fleet, we’re here to help make things easy.

Choosing the right

Motoring News

commercial vehicle matters. The right

setup can save you

money, improve how

your business runs, and keep you on the road without the hassle.

That’s why our van offering is built to be flexible and straightforward. We give you access to a wide range of

vans, great deals from our nationwide dealer network, and different funding

options so you can choose what works best for your business.

42 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Support for Single Van Requirements

get clear advice and tailored options that

Not every business needs a fleet

make the decision simple and efficient.

companies requiring just one vehicle,

We aim to remove the uncertainty from

approach to finding the right van.

is practical, reliable, and aligned with

manager. For sole traders, start-ups, or we offer a straightforward and guided

Our dedicated LCV specialist is

the process, ensuring you get a van that your operational needs from day one.

available to support you through

Scalable Fleet Services for Growing

understanding how the vehicle will be

For organisations that require multiple

and models, and helping you balance

provides a more comprehensive

navigating a complex market alone, you

new fleet or managing an existing one,

the entire process. This includes

Businesses

used, recommending suitable makes

vehicles, our Fleet Services department

specification with budget. Instead of

solution. Whether you are building a

MOTO R I N G N EWS SP ON SO R

our team of experienced fleet specialists is on

hand to support you at every stage.

At Rivervale, we make

fleet management simple, cost-effective, and

scalable. With over 20

years’ experience, 8,000 vehicles under Fleet

Management and 10,000+ vehicles on our fixed-

cost maintenance plan.

We support businesses of all sizes with end-to-

end solutions that reduce costs, improve efficiency, and keep you compliant.

From vehicle sourcing to disposal, our fully managed service is

backed by smart tools like

More Than Leasing: Flexible

Specialists to Help your Business

complete control over your fleet and

We understand that businesses have

Management team is in place to support

environments. That’s why we don’t just

journey, from a single van requirement

Competitive Pricing

of funding options designed to give you

combining specialist knowledge, strong

our extensive nationwide dealer partner

and manage your vehicles.

funding options, we provide a complete

from across the UK, giving you access

Alongside contract hire, we offer:

competitive supply opportunities.

Hire Purchase: Ideal for businesses

Working with multiple manufacturers and

outright, spreading the cost over an

the My Vehicle Manager app, giving you

Funding Solutions

drivers in one place.

different financial strategies and work

businesses at every stage of their

Nationwide Dealer Network &

offer contract hire; we provide a range

to a fully managed fleet operation. By

One of the key strengths of our offering is

greater control over how you acquire

supplier relationships, and flexible

network. This allows us to source vehicles to a wide selection of LCV options and

Our LCV Specialist and Fleet

end-to-end solution.

Whether you’re just starting out or

scaling an established fleet, our goal is

looking to eventually own the vehicle

to make the process as simple, efficient,

dealer partners means we can compare

agreed term.

dedicated specialists and nationwide

ensure you receive the best possible

Finance Lease: A flexible option

support you need to keep your business

remain flexible and responsive.

of the vehicle while benefiting from

Alongside this, our in-house pricing team

resale value advantages.

Refining our pricing structures to keep our

These funding solutions allow you

- combining external relationships with

with your financial planning, whether

benefit from both choice and value.

predictable monthly budgeting.

availability, pricing, and lead times to

deal. This breadth of access helps us

plays a critical role in ensuring value.

and cost-effective as possible. With

reach, we ensure you always have the

that allows businesses to retain use

moving forward.

structured payments and potential

To find out more, or to speak to one

offers competitive. This dual approach

to choose an approach that aligns

internal expertise - ensures customers

you prioritise ownership, flexibility, or

of our commercial or fleet specialists, visit rivervale.co.uk

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 43

T ECH & AI S PO NS OR

What today’s buyers need to see before they commit online

When people buy today, they have more choice than ever and less patience for getting it wrong. - By Jon Kennett Whether you're

Tech & AI

comparing software

providers, choosing a

local service business or buying trainers

online, the process often looks the same.

Search. Compare. Open six tabs. Ask

ChatGPT. Read a few reviews. Narrow the list. Then make a judgement call.

That last bit matters more than people think.

AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini have changed how people research. Buyers

can now compress hours of comparison into minutes. They arrive on websites

more informed, with stronger expectations and often a shortlist already in mind.

But there’s a catch.

44 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

The easier it becomes to compare

options, the harder it becomes to stand

out. Buyers can understand features and pricing quickly. What’s harder to judge is whether they actually trust you.

That trust influences commercial

decisions more than many brands

realise. People aren’t always choosing

the cheapest option or the one with the most features. Often they’re choosing

the option that feels lowest risk, easiest to work with or most likely to deliver.

Your website plays a bigger role in that decision than ever.

What trust looks like on a modern website

When someone lands on your website,

they start forming opinions immediately, usually before reading very much at

all. Most trust signals sit in three areas: proof, clarity and reliability.

Proof is showing evidence that you’ve done this before and done it well.

For consumer brands that might mean reviews with useful detail, customer

photography or signs that real people are buying and enjoying the product.

For B2B businesses, it tends to mean

case studies that explain the situation,

what changed and the outcome. Buyers want to understand whether you’ve

solved problems like theirs before, not just see a wall of logos.

Clarity is making it obvious who you are,

TEC H & A I SP ON SO R

what you do and who you’re for.

Too many websites still hide behind broad positioning statements and generic “solutions” language.

If visitors have to interpret your

message, you’ve created work at the

exact point they’re trying to reduce it.

Personality matters. Clear

communication matters more.

Reliability is often overlooked because it feels operational.

Pages that load properly. Forms that submit. Content that feels current.

Journeys that work on mobile.

People make assumptions from those details. If using the website feels

difficult, confidence drops quickly.

Answering the questions people rarely ask directly

Am I in the right place?

Named authors. Team pages. Clear

you understand their world. Relevant

response expectations.

honesty about where you fit all help.

Not everyone wants a sales call. Not

Can I afford this?

Good websites recognise both.

pricing, but buyers appreciate context.

A quick gut check

indicative investment levels help people

Take a look at your homepage and key

qualify themselves.

landing pages:

What happens if something goes

• Can someone tell within five seconds

People want fast confirmation that

examples, clear audience signals and

Not every business needs public

Example packages, starting points or

wrong?

Returns, support, delays, warranties,

service expectations. Buyers think about downside before they buy. Explaining this clearly reduces friction.

What happens after I click?

One of the biggest causes of hesitation is uncertainty. Explain the next steps.

Tell people what happens after an

enquiry, purchase or booking. Set realistic expectations.

Visitors usually won’t tell you why they left.

The human bit still matters

They’ll compare you with someone else

AI is becoming part of the buying

and move on.

Under the surface, there are normally four questions being asked.

journey whether people realise it or not.

At the same time, people are looking

ways to get hold of someone. Honest

everyone wants self-service either.

who you help and what you do?

• Is proof visible early?

• Are pricing, delivery or next steps easy to understand?

• Is the route after clicking clear?

• When did you last review any of this with actual customer feedback?

If those questions feel uncomfortable, that’s usually a useful signal.

Trust rarely comes from one redesign or

a shiny new feature. More often it comes from dozens of small decisions that

make people feel informed, reassured

and confident enough to move forward. www.bozboz.co.uk

harder for signs there’s a real business behind the website.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 45

T ECH & AI S PO NS OR

Alignment Over Automation: The Real Competitive Advantage in an AI-Driven World

By Alessandro Calzolari

Artificial Intelligence

Tech & AI

is transforming how

businesses operate.

Content can be

generated instantly,

workflows automated, and campaigns

optimised in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago. For many SME

owners, the focus has understandably

shifted toward adoption — which tools to use, how quickly to implement them, and

how to stay competitive in an increasingly automated marketplace.

Yet beneath that urgency lies a quieter issue.

Many businesses are not underperforming because they lack technology. They are underperforming because something

deeper is misaligned. Conversions feel slower. Buyers seem more cautious.

Marketing requires more effort to achieve the same results. The instinct is to refine tactics or add more automation. The

more difficult question is rarely asked: are we truly aligned with how our buyers are thinking and deciding?

I learned this lesson early in my career.

At twenty-one, I entered a competitive Italian market as a sales agent

representing thirteen electrical supply companies. My competitors had

decades of experience; I had none.

I believed that mastering product

knowledge and presenting confidently

would compensate for my inexperience.

It did not.

A potential client once explained that while other suppliers were

knowledgeable, they were too slow in

46 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

TEC H & A I SP ON SO R

sending quotes — delays that cost her contracts. The issue was not product

quality or pricing. It was responsiveness.

The sales representatives believed they were selling materials. She was buying reliability and speed. That subtle gap between perception and priority was costing them trust.

When I adjusted my focus from persuasion to alignment, my position in the market

changed. The advantage was not superior tools, but clearer understanding.

Today, I see the same pattern amplified by AI.

Technology has raised the baseline of

competence. Polished messaging and

proposals are no longer scarce. Output

is abundant. Attention and trust are not.

Many SMEs communicate as though their audience is ready to decide. In

reality, buyers are often still evaluating

risk, clarifying needs, or hesitating under

uncertainty. When messaging arrives at

the wrong psychological moment, it feels premature. When automation replaces understanding, it feels impersonal.

AI does not make businesses

replaceable. Misalignment does. AI simply reveals it faster.

timing, and trust. Businesses

In my work with founder-led businesses,

that remain irreplaceable will not

lack of tactics. It stems from structural

fastest, but those that are most

differentiation, projected confidence

buyers actually decide, and with the

underperformance rarely stems from a

necessarily be those that automate

gaps: diluted meaning, weakened

aligned — with who they are, with how

without internal coherence, and short-term

stage of readiness in the room.

acceleration without strategic calibration.

The question is no longer, “How do we

In an AI-driven world, efficiency alone

compete with AI?”

will standardise execution and level

It is, “Do we understand humans better

technical advantage.

than the machine does?”

The real advantage will belong to those

That question sits at the heart of my

deeply than any machine ever could.

explore how businesses can realign from

individuals navigating uncertainty,

irreplaceable in an AI-driven world.

will not differentiate you. Automation

who understand human readiness more

latest book, M.E.T.A Marketing, where I

Buyers are not algorithms. They are

within and remain not just visible, but

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 47

The Directors’ Hub

Peer to Peer Support for Directors, Founders and CEOs. In contrast with networking groups,

the Hub provides an opportunity for

sincere dialogue, trusted relationships, and true peer to peer support among

entrepreneurs who know what it is like to run a business. Unlike networking events which just tell everyone else

how wonderful life is, and how busy you’re. The hub tells the real story!

The community functions based on a growing number of local Hub groups

around Sussex, meeting on a monthly basis during lunch and selected supper clubs that take place in

Brighton, Hove, Worthing, Eastbourne, Chichester, Haywards Heath,

Horsham, Crawley and Hurstpierpoint.

The number of participants at each

meeting of any particular Hub does

not exceed twelve people in order to

ensure that high-quality conversations can take place, which would foster mutual respect and trust.

Besides regular Hub gatherings,

members of the community also have an opportunity to attend Spice Club, a business curry networking lunch

meeting organised by the Directors’ Hub

team once a month in Hurstpierpoint.

And soon, in Brighton.

Spice Club offers members and

their guests a space where they

can socialise and develop business.

Additional benefits of membership include participation in private

WhatsApp groups, quarterly socials, Hubbub podcast, collaboration

opportunities and access to more than 100 annual business events.

Reach out to its founder, Sonny Cutting to discuss membership.

Why The Directors’ Hub Exists Hello there, and welcome to The Directors’ Hub, Founders Support Club.

The Directors’ Hub started for a very simple reason. I needed a safe place to talk

honestly about business. The wins, the worries, the sleepless nights, and the decisions you can’t always share with your team or family.

It began with a conversation down the pub with Pippa Crouch of Global OHS. Then I met Paul Dallibar of Gordian Solutions at a networking event, followed by Jayna Shah of JPS Wealth Management. One conversation led to another, and the groups grew naturally from there.

Fast forward to today, and the Directors’ Hub supports 60+ directors with 9 active groups, and more launching across Sussex, and a few will be in Surrey and Kent.

I’m Sonny Cutting, an entrepreneur based in Sussex, and founder of Network Express

Limited. Under that umbrella sit The Directors’ Hub, The Sussex Business Show, The Tigers’ Pen, and The Entrepreneurs’ Blog, all built to do one thing well: support founders and directors without ego, fluff, or sales pitches.

Sonny has decided to run The Directors’ Hub full time from October and is currently exiting from the other brands to focus entirely on the support of Directors & Founders.

“Peer-to-peer mentoring, where every leader’s insight fuels the next success.”

Sonny Cutting, Founder directorshub.uk

48 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Haywards Heath Hub Hub Chair: Gary Smith | Simply Business Finance It can sometimes be difficult to celebrate one’s own business successes and to ask for help when needed.

Being a member and a hub leader of the Directors’ Hub helps to address this. During our meetings I can engage with like-minded business leaders where we can all collectively and confidentially share our wins and gather support from other members.

"I wouldn’t want to be without the benefits it can bring to me and my business."

Gary Smith is a director of Simply Business Finance, a finance broker firm that helps

businesses in any sphere find financial resources from many sources. Thanks to more

than 40 years of combined experience of the company and over 250 available lenders, Simply Business Finance helps customers in obtaining financing including loans, invoice, and asset finance, equipment finance, bridging loans, commercial mortgages,

among others. Moreover, the main focus of the firm is giving understandable advice without using professional jargon and helping businesses obtain funding in the most transparent manner.

Join Gary at Haywards Heath Hub and discover why peer-to-peer support has such a powerful impact.

Hurstpierpoint Hub Hub Chair: Paul Dallibar | Gordian Solutions Being a solopreneur can sometimes be a frustrating role. Having a group of peers such as The Directors’ Hub provides me with an opportunity to receive advice, support, and even a sounding board when I need it from people on a similar journey to my own.

Having a chance to conduct each meeting in the Hub and being able to add to its

success in any way possible gives me a good feeling since I am one of the people

responsible for creating the right atmosphere during each session. What I like the most about being in the Directors' Hub is the openness in the room. In some cases, working independently can become quite a lonely job, so it is important to have some people around me with whom I can discuss certain issues.

Paul is the founder of Gordian Solutions, which is a consulting firm and business

coaching organisation aimed at serving firms in the UK. As an independent consultant with over two decades of experience, he has had more than 800 startups among the businesses he has advised, enabling owners of such enterprises to become more successful and effective in their operations.

Join Paul at Hurst Hub and get real peer-to-peer support which makes so much difference.

N ETWO RKI NG & EVE NTS S P ON S OR

"I Have Never Seen Anything Like It" Nick Hewer, on the Acumen Business Convention 2026 The 2026 Acumen Business Convention welcomed 300 delegates from across Sussex and beyond. From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere was electric with conversations flowing while 'zebra waiters' and 'zebra dancers' brought Acumen’s signature flair to this business community gathering for a day unlike any other.

Sixteen

Networking & Events

years

on, the

convention continues

to break the mould, bringing together entrepreneurs, founders and decision-

makers for a day filled with

inspiration, entertainment and authentic connection.

Held at the Grand hotel

in Brighton, the Acumen

Business Convention was

organised entirely in-house by the Acumen team and planned by a core team

of five: Daniel Richards the driving force behind

the event, Alvin Ittoo who also served as compère,

Ben Rose and Gabi Devlin

who each ran a Speakers Arena while ensuring the day ran seamlessly and

Penina Shepherd who also opened the

unfolding AI revolution as falling into

three camps — the ‘tsunami group’, the ‘hype group’ and the ‘zen group’.

event on the day.

The Convention Keynote Nick Hewer,

Inspirational Speakers Take to

Apprentice and a successful entrepreneur,

One of the highlights of the 2026

being “This convention is extraordinary,

line-up of speakers, each bringing

extra compliment, coming from someone

Lord Sugar’s right-hand man on The

the Stage

took the stage with the first comment

convention was its exceptional

I’ve never seen anything like it!” Much the

insight, humour and valuable business

who has more than four decades in

experience to the audience.

business and television!

Opening the event, Penina Shepherd,

Nick captivated the audience with

reflected on the ‘AI tsunami’ facing both

with sharp commercial insight and

more widely, describing reactions to the

entrepreneurship.

“The Convention Keynote Nick

Hewer, Lord Sugar’s right-hand man on The Apprentice and a

successful entrepreneur, took

the stage with the first comment being “This convention is

extraordinary, I’ve never seen anything like it!”

Much the extra compliment, coming from someone who

has more than four decades in business and television!”

CEO & Founder of Acumen Law,

stories from combining dry humour

Matt Turner MBE, CEO of Creative

the business community and society

honest reflections on leadership and

on branding, innovation and authenticity

50 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Pod, delivered a thought-provoking talk in an increasingly crowded digital

N ETWO R K I N G & EV EN TS SP O N SO R

L to R- Nick Hewer, Marcos Jarvis, Penina Shepherd, Matt Turner MBE, Mike Turner, Rob Starr MBE

Alvin Ittoo, Acumen Law Partner and Convention Partner

landscape. In an unscripted moment during his presentation, he invited

Penina onto the stage to taste what

appeared to be a tin of dog food, only later revealing it was actually crushed marshmallow and Mars bar.

Rob Starr MBE shared the inspiring

story behind the Star Trust, described as “an accidental charity”, supporting young people by helping them take important first steps towards their

ambitions. His message centred on

beyond financial achievement alone.

in people, values that have become

Mike Turner, co-founder of Bird &

SEICO Insurance & Mortgages, and

behind building a thriving retail and

perseverance, positivity and believing synonymous with both his business, his extensive charitable work.

Mike Lawrence, MD of Global

WealthMap, explored the relationship

between wealth and wellbeing, speaking about what happiness truly means

and how success should be measured

Blend Tea Co., shares the honest story e-commerce business with a fiercely

loyal community. From packing tea in a spare bedroom, to having 30 retail

stores (and counting!) across the UK,

he reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped the brand you see today, and lessons learned along the way

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 51

N ETWO RKI NG & EVE NTS S P ON S OR

2026 Acumen Business Convention Partners

The breakout sessions featured local

partnerships long into the evening.

the Acumen Business Convention

Movies production, Andy Clements of

business event can be. As the

James of the Foundry. They all shared

unforgettable convention, the

a Legal Pub Quiz run by the Acumen

Live entertainment included an unexpected ‘singing waiters’ and, of course, some zebra dancers, ensuring the day felt engaging, energetic and memorable from beginning to end.

genuine human connection

Litigation), Fiona Wheeler (Employment

drivers of business success.”

Commercial lawyer).

“Sixteen years since its launch,

heroes such as Deborah Worley of Ark

continues to redefine what a

EDF Small Business Team and Garry

curtains closed on another

their extraordinary journey, alongside

biggest takeaway was simple:

heroes Ben Rose (Partner & Head of

remains one of the most powerful

Solicitor) and Gabi Devlin (Corporate &

Marcos Jarvis, who spoke powerfully

reflected the spirit of Acumen itself:

Sixteen years since its launch, the Acumen Business Convention continues to redefine what a business event can be. As the curtains closed on another unforgettable convention, the biggest takeaway was simple: genuine human connection remains one of the most powerful drivers of business success.

cancer-free, Marcos runs Warrior’s

different. Delegates connected over

www.acumenlaw.co.uk

reconnect with themselves, and find

lunch and over scrumptious Greek food

More Than Just a Business Event The audience was also moved by

Throughout the venue, the atmosphere

about overcoming Stage 4 cancer. Now

vibrant, welcoming and unapologetically

Breath, helping others build resilience,

coffee, continued conversations during

strength through challenge.

from Nostos Catering celebrated new

52 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

N ETWO R K I N G & EV EN TS SP O N SO R

Matt Turner MBE (CEO Creative POD), Penina Shepherd (CEO Acumen Law) and some ‘dog food’…

Mike Lawrence, CEO Global WealthMap

Rob Starr MBE, CEO of SEICO Insurance & Mortgages

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 53

N ETWO RKI NG & EVE NTS S P ON S OR

500 Issues. Thousands of Stories.

One Powerful Reminder.

By Sam Thomas, Chief Storyteller On 30th April at Soho

Networking & Events

House Brighton, something very

special happened.

We gathered to celebrate the 500th issue of Sussex Business Times, a milestone marking five decades of

storytelling, community and connection across Sussex business.

For me personally, it also marked 82

issues since taking stewardship of the magazine back in 2017.

54 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

But as I stood in that room looking around at familiar faces, friends, partners and people who have

supported this journey over the years, I realised this celebration was about far more than a magazine.

It was about people.

It was about relationships.

About stories.

About what happens when we create

spaces where people feel seen, heard and connected.

Over the past decade, one of my biggest learnings has been this:

In business, people don’t just want networking.

They want genuine connection.

They don’t crave more polished content or highlight reels.

They crave honesty.

Authenticity.

Humanity.

And Thursday night reminded me just how powerful that can be.

N ETWO R K I N G & EV EN TS SP O N SO R

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 55

N ETWO RKI NG & EVE NTS S P ON S OR

As part of the evening, I shared a poem

I had written especially for the occasion.

Many people know I love writing little

verses for milestone moments, but this

one felt particularly emotional to deliver.

At times my voice caught slightly.

Not because of nerves.

But because of the weight of what this journey has meant.

For years I thought I was simply helping produce a business publication.

But somewhere along the way, I realised Sussex Business Times had become something deeper.

A bridge between business and humanity.

Between success and struggle.

Between achievement and authenticity.

Because behind every business story is a human story.

56 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

And perhaps that’s why SBT has endured for 500 issues.

Not because of headlines or advertisements.

But because stories matter.

Stories help people feel less alone.

They challenge perspectives.

They inspire action.

And sometimes, they simply make someone say:

“Thank God it’s not just me.”

The evening was also an opportunity to support our incredible charity

partner, the Starr Trust, with guests

generously helping raise over £1,500

through the raffle on the night. Special thanks to Robert Starr MBE and

Tracey Starr for the extraordinary work

they continue to do supporting young people across Sussex.

Five hundred issues feels like a huge milestone.

But somehow, it also feels like the beginning of something new.

Here’s to the next chapter.

And here’s to keeping business human.

Scan the QR code to read the full poem from the evening.

N ETWO R K I N G & EV EN TS SP O N SO R

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 57

N ETWO RKI NG & EVE NTS S P ON S OR

The Brighton and Hove Business Show - Register Now! The Brighton and Hove Business Show will bring together local businesses, professionals, entrepreneurs and decision-makers for a packed day of networking, learning and opportunity on Thursday 4th June 2026.

Held at the Amex

Networking & Events

Stadium, the show gives visitors the chance to meet a wide range of

exhibitors, and build valuable face-toface relationships.

The exhibition floor will feature

businesses from a variety of sectors, with exhibitors offering expertise in areas such as finance, marketing,

HR, wellbeing, professional services,

technology, business support and more.

It is an ideal opportunity to explore fresh ideas, find trusted suppliers and have useful conversations all in one place.

The day will begin with the popular

networking breakfast, where speaker

Mia Neupauerova Shepherd will present Unresolved Conflict: The Silent Killer of

Organisational Success. Her session will explore why difficult conversations are

often avoided, how unresolved conflict

can damage wellbeing and performance, and why conflict resolution skills should be part of every employee wellbeing programme.

A major highlight of the event will be the keynote speaker session, taking place from 10.40am to 11.10am in the Gap

Solutions Lounge. This year’s keynote

speaker is Peter Godfrey, Chairman and Founder of Godfrey Investment Group.

With a career spanning senior roles at American Express, HSBC and

MasterCard, as well as board experience

58 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

with Brighton & Hove Albion Football

and how businesses can prepare.

corporate leadership and entrepreneurial

Jenny Legg, Founder of Bra Off, Defib

A Journey in Life and Business.

Aid, will lead an engaging session on

Visitors will also benefit from a varied

first aid in the workplace.

day. Camille Pierson, Naturopathic

Whether you are attending to generate

will present The Serious Business of

learn from experts or increase your

and wellbeing can improve energy,

Show offers a productive and inspiring

Club, Peter brings a valuable mix of

insight. He is also the author of PG Tips:

speaker programme throughout the

On and Director of Training Legs First confidence, awareness and inclusive

Health Coach and Founder of Float Spa,

leads, build partnerships, find suppliers,

Having Fun, exploring how fun, laughter

visibility, the Brighton and Hove Business

connection and workplace performance.

day for the local business community.

Lynda Goncalves MCIPD, Managing

Visitor registration is now open, and

Director of Sussex Human Resources

early booking is strongly encouraged.

on employment law changes in 2026

brightonandhovebusinessshow.uk

Limited, will deliver a practical session

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 59

BR AN D G ROWTH S P ON S OR

A more elevated way to position your business

Sussex Chamber membership offers more than access, support and connections.

It provides a carefully

Brand Growth

considered platform through which

businesses can

strengthen reputation,

extend reach and build a more visible presence within one of the region’s

most respected business communities.

For organisations seeking growth with

substance, it is a membership designed to be used, not simply held.

Share your story with confidence. At

the heart of that visibility is the opportunity

Lead the conversation. Editorial in the

brings together ambitious businesses, key

Edge, offers a more substantial platform

from across the region. It is a powerful

authority and depth.

connections, and open the door to new

Together, they help shape perception

the expo puts your organisation at the

Chamber’s business magazine, Business

decision-makers, and fresh opportunities

to present business expertise with

platform to raise your profile, build valuable

and position your organisation as a

credible and active voice in Sussex.

Extend your digital presence. Reveela, https://reveela.com/register/?ref_

code=1243 helps you amplify content,

business. Whether you exhibit or attend, heart of the Sussex business community.

Sussex Chamber Business Awards –

recognise success and raise your profile The Sussex Chamber Business Awards

celebrate the businesses and individuals

strengthen your online presence and

driving excellence across the region.

media and publishing.

achievement, strengthen credibility, and

achievements, insight and momentum

Sussex Chamber Business Expo –

sponsoring place your brand alongside

the Sussex Chamber network.

The Sussex Chamber Business Expo

to share news stories with clarity and

confidence. Member news blogs offer

an elegant way to showcase launches, while keeping the business visible across

60 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

take a more strategic approach to PR,

connect, showcase and grow

Entering offers the chance to showcase recognise your team. Attending and

success, ambition, and leadership in the Sussex business community.

B R A N D GR OW TH SP ON SO R

For businesses looking to enhance their

profile further, sponsorship opportunities and the Promoter package offer added promotional value. From e-newsletter

visibility and website page sponsorship to video, podcasts, case studies and

thought leadership through Chamber

channels, these options provide a more

deliberate and consistent way to remain front of mind. They are particularly

suited to organisations that want their marketing activity to feel more visible,

more professional and more intentional.

For organisations seeking the most comprehensive level of visibility,

Strategic Partner membership offers

Awards and other national events. It is

This is the premium membership for

that want to lead from the front and be

a distinctly elevated proposition.

a membership designed for businesses

established businesses enhancing

recognised accordingly.

enhanced promotional benefits

Whether you choose membership to

placement, a dedicated webpage,

create more meaningful opportunities,

complimentary premium Reveela

can be shaped around your ambitions.

a complimentary exhibitor stand at the

enhanced presence of its membership

complimentary event sponsorship, as

portfolio created to help businesses

annual Sussex Chamber Business

distinction and impact.

brand, influence and impact, it includes such as prominent homepage logo

build visibility, strengthen reputation or

extended editorial in Business Edge,

Sussex Chamber offers a pathway that

access, quarterly e-newsletter features,

From core promotional tools to the

Sussex Chamber Business Expo and

packages, it is a membership

well as complimentary places at the

present themselves with confidence,

Sussex Chamber Business Awards Introducing our Celebrity Speaker - Sally Gunnell OBE We are thrilled to welcome Sally Gunnell OBE as our celebrity host for this year’s Sussex Chamber Business Awards. Her

remarkable journey, outstanding achievements, and natural warmth promise to create an unforgettable evening filled with

celebration, inspiration, and fun. Sally remains the only woman ever to hold four major track titles concurrently - Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth. Since retiring from international athletics, Sally has developed a successful career path as a motivational and keynote speaker, TV presenter and ambassador for charities, brands and campaigns.

The Awards Evening

Become an Awards partner

recognise and celebrate the achievements

is a great way to raise your profile within Sussex and align your

Join us for an unforgettable evening as we of outstanding businesses, leaders, and innovators from across Sussex.

Book your tickets and join us!

Friday 10th July 2026 18:00 - 00:00

DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole

Becoming a partner at the Sussex Chamber Business Awards brand with excellence, innovation and community impact.

Key benefits for your business: • Brand Visibility: Feature your business in front of a highly engaged audience of local leaders and influencers.

• Targeted Exposure: Reach decision makers across multiple sectors, from startups to established enterprises.

• Networking Opportunities: Build lasting connections with clients, partners and collaborators.

• Community Impact: Showcase your commitment to

supporting local businesses and economic growth in Sussex.

Visit www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk or contact one of the team on 01444 259259.

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TAILORED RECRUITMENT SOLUTIONS

0333 7723787 07376 210442 www.placrrecruitment.co.uk

Who We Are

success for both businesses and candidates. Our team is

Recruitment is dedicated to delivering a personalised, high-quality

perfect fit.

With over two decades of recruitment experience, Placr service to both employers and candidates.

committed to understanding your specific needs and finding the

National Reach

Based in Sussex, our reach extends nationwide, and our mission

Though we’re based in Sussex, our recruitment services extend

is simple: we place the best candidates into the best companies,

across the UK. Whether you’re looking for talent locally or across

fostering growth and success for both

the country, we’ve got you covered.

Our Services

Industry Expertise

We specialise in permanent recruitment, ensuring long-term

tier candidates with leading companies in various industries.

Permanent Recruitment

Our expertise spans multiple sectors, allowing us to match top-

placr top job Location: Brighton and Hove Salary: £30-35k per annum Contract: Full-time Our property management client is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Property Manager to join our team on a full-time basis. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in property management and a proven track record of success in managing multiple residential properties.

Key Responsibilities: • Oversee the day-to-day operations of assigned properties, including leasing, maintenance, and tenant relations • Conduct regular property inspections to ensure properties are well-maintained and in compliance • Manage and coordinate all aspects of the leasing process, including marketing, showing units, and screening potential tenants • Prepare and manage property budgets, ensuring expenses are within budget

62 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Property Manager (residential)

• Negotiate and execute contracts with vendors and

service providers for property maintenance and repairs

• Monitor rental rates and market trends to make

recommendations for rent increases or decreases

• Develop and implement property-specific policies and

procedures to ensure efficient and effective operations

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business, real estate, or a related field • Minimum of 3 years of experience in property management, preferably in a supervisory role

• Strong knowledge of property management principles, practices, and procedures

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and property management software

• Knowledge of local and state laws and regulations related to property management

• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation

Mechanical Assembly Technician JOB PURPOSE:

You will be responsible for the assembly of UHV

Manipulation & sample handling sub-assemblies

including pre-test data recording and QC evaluation working in our UHV Cleanroom.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Location: Lower Dicker, UK • Hours: Full time SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Familiarity with the production of UHV compatible devices & instrumentation

• Previous experience in a low volume customised product manufacturing environment is preferred.

• Resilient under pressure, able to adhere to the predetermined timescales and deadlines.

• Assembling mechanical and electrical components to

• Basic IT skills.

•C arry out specialist UHV compatible instrument wiring

QUALIFICATIONS

build complex systems & electrical testing

•M aintain 'UHV clean' process standards with all 'in vacuum' component parts and sub-assemblies.

•S upport transition of new hardware from NPI through to routine production

• Maintain and updating existing manufacturing instructions

• Ideally a relevant engineering degree/HND/HNC

e.g., Mechanical Engineering, Electromechanical Engineering, QBE or time served apprenticeship candidates can be considered

• Mechanical engineering Level 3

• Previous experience in a high technology

manufacturing environment or clean room.

Tig Welder / Fabricator

Hours: Full time

The main purpose of this role will be:

• Understands the importance of quality, time frames

• To ensure all TIG Welding projects are completed in

and customer requirements.

conformance with specifications and set time scales.

• Looks for continuous improvement in quality and time

• Fabrication and welding of vacuum chambers, components and subassemblies as required in line with planned manufacturing operations to defined quality standards and timescales.

• Complete projects in accordance with planned schedules aligning fabrication and welding workload with machine shop operations.

•Q uality Control evaluations. Set up and running of leak checking operations using mass spectrometry equipment, (helium leak detectors) on all chamber vessels.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE • Manages personal workload, meeting all targets set.

• Works well within the team, maintaining effective relationships with colleagues in welding department.

• Demonstrates a flexible attitude coping with changing priorities in a fast paced environment.

saving solutions.

• Completes work in a effective and safe manner, following guidelines.

• Ability to prioritise projects throughout team to achieve targets incorporating CIT, (call in time / Overtime).

• Understands and works to the 5s program.

• Follow all health and safety regulations and seek to maintain and improve these standards.

QUALIFICATIONS • Minimum 3 years' experience in TIG welding PERSONAL QUALITIES/ATTRIBUTES • Good constructive communicator.

• Flexible and able to adapt to short term changes.

• Supports project completion through problem solving

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 63

W I N E O F TH E MO NT H S P ON S OR

County Business Clubs’ Wine of the Month May 2026 Digby Fine English Leander Pink NV Brut Background to

WOTM

Digby Fine English Founded following the 2009 harvest,

and delicate spice leaves a lasting impression. Overall,

this is a beautifully balanced sparkling rosé that delivers

both immediate charm and

Digby Fine English has established itself

underlying complexity.

wine houses. Rather than relying on a

Suggested Food Pairing

carefully selected vineyards across

The wine’s bright acidity and

allowing its winemaking team to create

it very versatile. It works

best of English terroir. The company

but truly shines alongside

elegant, traditionally made sparkling

prawn cocktail, lobster,

and ageing potential.

salmon. Its creamy texture

Leander Pink NV Brut was first released

cheeses.

renowned rowing institution Leander

For more substantial dishes,

iconic cerise colours, and a portion

with charcuterie, roast chicken and

development of future rowing talent.

goat’s cheese. The wine’s combination

Tasting Notes for the Wine

to bridge both delicate and savoury

as one of England’s leading sparkling

single estate, Digby sources fruit from Kent, Sussex, Hampshire and Dorset,

red-fruit character make

complex blends that express the

wonderfully as an aperitif

has built a reputation for producing

seafood dishes such as

wines that combine freshness, finesse

langoustines and smoked

in 2015 as a collaboration with the

also complements soft

Club. The wine celebrates the club’s

Leander Pink pairs beautifully

of sales is donated to support the

summer salads featuring berries or

Where to buy?

of freshness and richness allows it

The wine is available to purchase

flavours with ease.

wine at Spirit of the Downs Distillery by

presents a delicate salmon-pink hue

Awards for the wine

the monthly Sounds at the Distillery.

offers ripe strawberries, raspberries and

Leander Pink NV Brut has been awarded

Written for County Business Club by

cream, brioche and freshly baked pastry

Championships of Sparkling Wine,

and producer of Spirit of the Downs,

International Wine Challenge.

Brandies, Grape Vodkas and Liqueurs.

Digby Fine English Leander Pink NV Brut with a fine, persistent mousse. The nose

directly from Digby and we stock this

the bottle for £35 or £9 by the glass at

peach, together with subtle notes of

Gold and Best in Class honours at the

Michael Yeoman, English Wine Specialist

from extended lees ageing in the cellar.

while also earning recognition at the

award winning local artisan Sussex

On the palate, there is juicy red berry

fruit with crisp citrus freshness, it has

The wine has achieved impressive

The mousse is refined and persistent,

92 points from Decanter, 92 points

lingering finish of citrus zest, red fruits

from Wine Enthusiast.

a creamy texture and elegant acidity.

scores from leading critics, including

creating a luxurious mouthfeel. A

from Wine & Spirits and 91 points

64 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

TM

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BRIGHTON REGENCY 10 ROUND TABLE PRESENTS

LICENSE TO THRILL The Gala Royale S AT U R DAY 1 0 T H O C TO B E R 2 02 6 T H E H I LTO N - B R I G H TO N £ 9 0 P E R T I C K E T | B O O K E A R LY TO AVO I D D I S A P P O I N T M E N T !

D R I N KS R E C E P T I O N 6 P M T I C K E T I N C LU D E S 3 CO U RS E M E A L 1 /2 B OT T L E O F W I N E W E LCO M E D R I N K FA N TA ST I C E N T E RTA I N M E N T

ALSO ON THE NIGHT THERE WILL BE RAFFLE S I L E N T AU C T I O N V I RT UA L H O RS E R AC I N G AND MORE...

DRESS CODE - GOLD AND RED THEMED BLACK TIE (MEN - TUX, DINNER JACKETS AND SUITS, NO CASUAL WEAR) WOMEN - DRESSES/COCKTAILS DRESSES D O U B L E T R E E BY H I LTO N K I N GS R D, B R I G H TO N B N 1 2 F U

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F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N CO N TAC T B R RT E V E N TS@ G M A I L .CO M 0 74 0 1 8 8 5 5 8 0

BRIGHTON REGENCY 10 ROUND TABLE