SHARING BUSINESS STORIES FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS
SAME HEART. NEW CHAPTER.
JACKIE IRVING TAKES THE REINS AS SBT ENTERS AN EXCITING NEW ERA
SBT POW E R E D B Y:
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ISSUE 505 FREE
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W E LCO M E
Welcome Issue 505 - Same Heart. New Chapter. Welcome to Issue 505 of Sussex Business Times! Well, this is a rather special edition for me, and one that marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for SBT.
After ten incredible years at the helm, Sam is stepping away from the magazine to dedicate his
time and energy to his You Alright Mate? movement. I feel incredibly honoured and privileged to be taking the reins, working alongside Lee Mansfield as we continue to build on everything that has been achieved over the past decade.
As many of you will know, Sam and I have worked together for several years, and what a journey it has been! From countless networking
events and fundraising initiatives to meeting some truly inspirational people across Sussex, we have shared so many wonderful experiences. Our cover story this month is particularly close to my heart. I share a little about our journey together, the lessons I've learnt along
the way and my excitement about what lies ahead. Although the faces behind SBT may be changing, our passion for celebrating and connecting the Sussex business community remains exactly the same.
And what better way to begin this new chapter than with another fantastic edition showcasing the people and businesses that make Sussex such a special place?
This month, we feature some wonderful examples of businesses making a positive difference, including KNIGHT & KNOXLEY's
celebration of Brighton & Hove's independent businesses, Cognitive Law achieving B Corp Certification and Plus Accounting sharing its continued commitment to people, community and purpose.
We also celebrate the incredible generosity of our local community, from the Starr Trust's cyclists tackling the Scottish Highlands to a moving personal challenge raising money for Cancer Research UK. Stories like these remind me why I love what we do and why supporting our local community will always be at the heart of SBT.
With plenty of business insights, networking news and exciting events on the horizon, there is certainly lots to look forward to as we head towards the end of another busy year.
Finally, I want to say a huge thank you to Sam for believing in me, to Lee for his continued support and, most importantly, to all of you, our wonderful readers, contributors, advertisers and supporters. I genuinely couldn't be more excited about what comes next. Here's to new beginnings, continued friendships and many more Sussex business stories! Enjoy the issue! Jackie Irving
Managing Director & Publisher, Sussex Business Times
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 3
Issue 505
Contents SHARING BUSINESS STORIES FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS
Cover Story
32 Same Heart. New Chapter. A New Chapter for SBT – Jackie Irving reflects on her journey with Sam Thomas as she takes the reins and looks ahead to an exciting new era for the magazine.
Monthly News
6 KNIGHT & KNOXLEY champions Brighton & Hove's independents with The Local Edit 8 Fatboy Slim performs charity gig at new creative and incubator hub in Kemptown
SAME HEART. NEW CHAPTER.
JACKIE IRVING TAKES THE REINS AS SBT ENTERS AN EXCITING NEW ERA
SB T P O W E R E D B Y:
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 1
ISSUE 505 FREE
Cover 505
10 The CEO's Autumn Reset: What Needs to Change Before 2027? 12 Planning Policy Is Ever Evolving. Predicting It Is the Harder Part 14 Sussex Needs to Be the Place That Tries New Things
Marketing & Founder Transitions 16 The Social Slice: Trends Are a Tool, Not a Strategy
18 Four Weeks Away From Work. One Thing Became Undeniable
Finance
20 Should You Incorporate Your Property Business? 22 Beyond the Impact Report: What Comes Next for Plus Accounting? 24 Company Director? Why Salary and Dividends Shouldn't Limit Your Mortgage
Legal
26 Cognitive Law Becomes B Corp Certified 28 Could You Sell Your Business Tomorrow? Seven Problems That Can Reduce the Value of an SME
Motoring & Technology 36 Tyre Safety Month
38 Tech Connected Brings Sussex Business Community Together to Explore AI and Cyber Security 40 Four Lessons From a Summer of Real Conversations With Real Businesses
Managing Director/Publisher Jackie Irving jackie@countybusinessclubs.co.uk 07727 243202 Production & Design Kim Butler kim@lifemediagroup.co.uk
Charity
42 Sussex Children Invited to Design Their Own 'Pawtrait' for Rockinghorse 44 100km for Mum: Walking the Distance for Cancer Research 46 Sussex Cyclists Brave the Scottish Highlands for the Starr Trust
Networking & Events
48 Sussex Business Show 2026: Ten Years at the Top of Our Game 50 Eastbourne DigiFest 2026 Returns With a Sharp Focus on AI Leadership 52 From Christmas Party to City-Wide Celebration: The Rise of the Brighton Girl Awards 54 Sussex Cricket Foundation: An Afternoon With Harmison & Hoggard
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
56 The Brighton & Hove Business Show Returns in 2027
Partnerships, Growth & Recruitment 58 Brighton Has the Ideas. Now It Needs the Backing 60 Compliance Doesn't Have to Be Complicated 62 Why the Best Candidate May Not Have the Perfect CV
Lifestyle & Events
64 Her Future Self: Women, Wealth and Wellness 66 Sussex Business Times' Wine of the Month
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 5
The Loal Edit: The West Pier
KNIGHT & KNOXLEY champions Brighton & Hove’s independents with The Local Edit Independent Brighton & Hove estate agency KNIGHT & KNOXLEY is using its growing marketing platform to champion fellow independent businesses across the city with the launch of The Local Edit – a new film series celebrating the people, places and businesses that make Brighton & Hove unique.
Monthly News
As KNIGHT &
and personalities behind them.
to grow its presence
Recent features have included The
KNOXLEY continues across the city,
including the recent
opening of a new Hove base at Hove Town Hall alongside its established Brighton office, the agency wanted to ensure that growth also created opportunities to support the wider
independent community around it. The Local Edit takes viewers behind the scenes of some of Brighton &
Hove’s best-loved independents, using
cinematic short films and conversations to tell the stories of the people, ideas
6 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Joker, Halisco and Lunch at Brighton
Open Market. Each film goes beyond
simply showcasing the business, instead exploring the people and stories behind it and celebrating the independent
and entrepreneurial spirit that runs throughout the city.
Having been an independent Brighton business for more than 10 years,
KNIGHT & KNOXLEY understands the importance of a strong local network. The agency has built an established
audience through its property marketing
and social channels and wanted to use that platform to give greater visibility
to other independent businesses and encourage people to discover and support what is on their doorstep.
“Brighton has such a strong independent spirit, and being an independent
business ourselves, supporting that
community has always felt important to
us,” said Luke Shaw, Managing Director at KNIGHT & KNOXLEY.
“As our business and our audience have grown, particularly with our
expansion into Hove, we wanted to
use that platform to shine a light on
MO N TH LY N EWS SP O N SO R
The Local Edit: The Joker
The Local Edit: Lunch Deli
The Local Edit: Halisco
Hove Announcement
other independents too. There are
brilliant people doing interesting things all over Brighton & Hove, and The
Local Edit gives us a way to tell their
stories and hopefully introduce them to a new audience.”
The series builds on KNIGHT &
KNOXLEY’s long-standing involvement in Brighton’s creative and independent community. From showcasing local
artists in its office gallery to hosting
free seasonal film nights at the Duke
of York’s Picturehouse, the agency has consistently looked for ways to use its spaces and platform to support and connect with the city around it. The Local Edit is a natural
continuation of that approach. It uses the same creative eye and
emphasis on storytelling that KNIGHT & KNOXLEY brings to its property marketing, but turns the camera
towards the businesses, people and
www.knightandknoxley.com
Hove’s character.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/
The launch marks another step in
Facebook: www.facebook.com/
places that contribute to Brighton &
KNIGHT & KNOXLEY’s continued growth across Brighton & Hove.
With its new Hove base now open alongside its Brighton office, the
knightandknoxley
knightandknoxleypropertysales Youtube: www.youtube.com/@ knightandknoxley
independent agency is strengthening its
The Local Edit: The Joker:
firmly rooted in the local community that
watch?v=0hTvd3XBd2A
presence across the city while remaining has supported its growth.
Further episodes of The Local Edit will be released across KNIGHT &
KNOXLEY’s social channels, featuring independent businesses, people,
neighbourhoods and landmarks from across Brighton & Hove.
For more information, follow KNIGHT & KNOXLEY on social media or visit the agency’s website.
www.youtube.com/
The Local Edit: Lunch Deli:
www.youtube.com/watch?v= Bz-0yj-WiMg
The Local Edit: Halisco: www.youtube.com/
watch?v=O47c15ksOko
The Local Edit: The West Pier: www.youtube.com/
watch?v=xoh8WGJxYLs Hove Announcement: www.youtube.com/
watch?v=JjsLReb1SOM
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 7
MONTH LY N E WS SP ON S OR
Fatboy Slim performs charity gig at new creative & incubator hub in Kemptown
Yolk House unveils Rock Place East – an eclectic combination of coworking, business innovation and residential apartments to a new corner of Kemptown.
Monthly News
Brighton, 11
Designed for freelancers, founders and
Boutique coworking
and creative industries, it's a place where
opening the doors
- tucked snugly in the lively heart of
September 2026.
hub Yolk House is
of Rock Place East, its newest space
growing teams across the digital marketing work and community naturally overlap
Kemptown and just moments away from
in Kemptown, and the latest step in its
the Brighton seashore.
creative quarter.
Featuring hot desks, private offices,
Part workspace, part members' club,
proofed phone booths and an original
existing Rock Place West as the latest
hire and networking shindigs, Rock
model, which features coworking
to Yolk House's existing Brighton
apartments to rent, all under one roof.
around 175 members. It’s a carefully
exciting expansion across Brighton's
retro-themed meeting rooms, sound-
Rock Place East opens opposite the
events space available for corporate
take on Yolk House’s “hybrid hospitality”
Place East adds around 100 desks
desks, corporate events spaces and
community, raising the headcount to
8 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
considered scale-up – responding to
Brighton’s rapidly growing co-working
scene, without losing the foundations of ‘authentic connection’ upon which Yolk House has built its reputation.
Together, Rock Place East and West will realise Yolk House's ambition of
establishing Kemptown as Brighton's
answer to Silicon Beach – as a creative, entrepreneurial and incubator hub. This complements Yolk House’s Farringdon hub in London, with members able to move fluidly between each location.
Jim Lewcock, the co-founder of Yolk House is also a local entrepreneur
MO N TH LY N EWS SP O N SO R
and angel investor who runs BLUE14
fundraiser for Martlets Hospice
bringing new service, laundry and
portfolio investments that are based in
The new space launched on September
contributing directly to the Brighton
charity fundraiser, kicking off with an
expansion are already underway…
at Brighton’s Yellowave Volleyball club,
For more information about Yolk
Place with local DJs providing evening
or contact heloise@hooton.co /
(an angel syndicate) and has several the Farringdon and Brighton hubs.
Says Jim, “ Focusing on creative and
digital marketing freelancers and startups as our tenants leads to natural
collaborations and potential investment to help them grow – It’s a truly connected community”. What’s next In Spring 2027, seven bohemian-style apartments will be added above the
space, creating short and long-term lets for digital nomads or conference/event visitors to Brighton.
Christian Mealing, Lewcock’s Yolk
House co-founder, is responsible for the build and design of the spaces, and has a clear vision for its appeal.
“If you come to Brighton, you don’t really want a franchised template, you want to be surprised and inspired by your
surroundings. We have weaved a rich
variety of decor into the spaces of our
high-spec build, from cult music album
covers and original vintage wall papers, to hand painted murals by local artists and comfy sofas on shag pile carpet”. Launching with Fatboy Slim-led
10th, with ‘Yolk House Fest’ – a day-long afternoon beach volleyball tournament
cleaning roles to the area and
economy. And plans to continue the
before an exclusive party back at Rock
House, visit www.yolkhouse.com,
entertainment, including Brighton-
07538 887134.
resident Fatboy Slim himself.
Catering was an equally local affair,
About the Founders:
with fish and chips from a chippy on St
Jim Lewcock is an entrepreneur and
from the café on the corner.
and e-commerce companies, including
The event was also an opportunity to
independent agencies in the UK. Jim’s
provides essential services to people in
environment through Yolk House, where
illness. Over the past five years, Yolk
and collaborate to grow. He also runs
Martlets, and this year it has already
of successful founders who themselves
House Fest ticket prices going towards
marketing entrepreneurs.
James’ Street and proper bacon butties
investor in over 20 digital marketing
Supergroup – now one of the largest
fundraise for Martlets Hospice, which
vision is to create an incubator-like
Sussex who are affected by life limiting
people naturally connect over a cuppa
House has raised over £80,000 for
BLUE14 - an angel investment syndicate
pledged £50,000 – with 100% of Yolk
are seeding the next generation of
this important cause.
Christian Mealing is the operations
Independently owned by Jim Lewcock
lead behind Yolk House, managing the
East is just the latest in a series of
day running of the company’s three
local community. Since opening Rock
Previously, Christian worked with Jim
invested more than £5 million into
Works, a 200 strong media business,
and Christian Mealing, Rock Place
entire build, refurbishment and day to
contributions from Yolk House to the
spaces in Farringdon and Brighton.
Place West in 2020, Yolk House has
as Operations Director at The Specialist
Kemptown, with this latest expansion
before Jim sold it in 2018.
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 9
MONTH LY N E WS SP ON S OR
The CEO’s Autumn Reset: What Needs to Change Before 2027? By David Harding, Vistage Chair Monthly News
There is something about September and October that creates a natural reset point for business leaders.
The summer is behind us, teams are back, diaries are filling up again and suddenly the end of the year doesn’t feel very far away. Before long, conversations will turn to Christmas, year-end numbers and plans for 2027. But there is still time to make a difference to this year. For CEOs and business owners, autumn is a valuable opportunity to stop, look objectively at the business and ask a simple question:
10 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
What needs to change before we enter 2027? Not what needs to be added to next year’s strategy. Not what you hope will improve eventually. What needs to change now? Look back before you look forward Most businesses started 2026 with targets, priorities and ambitions. How many of those are still genuinely driving the organisation? Nine months into the year, priorities can easily become diluted. New opportunities appear. Problems demand attention. People leave or join. Customers change their behaviour. Economic conditions shift.
Before setting another list of objectives for 2027, revisit the commitments you made at the beginning of this year. Which have you achieved? Which have stalled? Which are no longer relevant? And, importantly, which have been quietly pushed down the agenda because they were difficult? Sometimes the most useful thing a CEO can do is acknowledge that something isn't working and change direction. Identify what is slowing the business down Growth is not always about doing more. In fact, one of the most valuable
MO N TH LY N EWS SP O N SO R
questions I regularly encourage leaders to consider is: What is getting in our way? It could be an inefficient process that everyone has simply learnt to tolerate. A technology problem. A lack of accountability. A product or service that absorbs resources without delivering sufficient return. Or perhaps decisions are still being escalated to the CEO when they should be made elsewhere. Small frustrations become expensive when multiplied across an organisation. Use the autumn to identify the friction within your business. Ask your leadership team what repeatedly slows them down and, crucially, ask your employees too. The answers may be very different.
gets it from £5 million to £10 million. Yet founders and CEOs can remain attached to responsibilities they should have handed over years ago. Take an honest look at your diary. How much of your week is spent on activities that genuinely require the CEO? If you are constantly solving operational problems, approving relatively minor decisions or becoming the bottleneck for your team, something needs to change. The question isn't simply, “What should I be doing?” It is also, “What should I stop doing?” Creating space to think, challenge and plan is part of the job.
Have the conversations you’ve been avoiding
Check whether your leadership team is aligned
Most CEOs have at least one conversation they know they need to have.
Ask five members of your senior team to name the company's three biggest priorities between now and the end of the year.
Perhaps someone in the senior team isn't performing at the level the business now requires. Maybe two departments aren't working effectively together. Perhaps expectations haven't been made clear, or an issue has been allowed to continue because tackling it feels uncomfortable. Leaving those conversations until January doesn't make them easier. Good leadership isn't about avoiding difficult conversations. It is about having them constructively, fairly and early enough for something to change. If you already know there is an issue, ask yourself what you are waiting for. Challenge your own role As businesses evolve, the CEO's role needs to evolve with them. What got a company from £1 million to £5 million in revenue may not be what
Would you receive the same three answers? Alignment can feel obvious when everyone sits around the same boardroom table, but that doesn't necessarily mean it exists. Before 2027, make sure your leadership team understands what matters most, who owns each priority and how success will be measured. If everything is a priority, nothing is. A smaller number of clearly understood objectives will usually achieve far more than a long list that nobody can remember. Don't wait until January There is a temptation to treat January as the moment everything changes. New strategy. New targets. New habits.
New structure. But businesses don't suddenly become more effective because the calendar changes. The decisions you make during the final months of 2026 will determine the position you start from in 2027. Addressing a problem now gives you three months of progress rather than three more months of frustration. That might mean changing a process, strengthening the leadership team, investing in technology, stopping an unprofitable activity or simply becoming much clearer about what the organisation is trying to achieve. Give yourself somewhere to think One of the challenges of being a CEO is finding the space to think objectively about your own business. Inside the organisation, everybody ultimately looks to you. That can make it difficult to challenge your assumptions or admit that you don't yet have the answer. This is one of the reasons I believe peer groups can be so valuable for business leaders. Sitting alongside other CEOs who understand the pressures of leadership gives you somewhere to test your thinking, hear different perspectives and be challenged on the decisions you may have been putting off. As we move through the final quarter of 2026, don't simply focus on getting to Christmas. Use this period as a reset. Look at what is working, confront what isn't and decide what needs to be different. Because the strongest start to 2027 won't come from a New Year's resolution. It will come from the decisions you make now.
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 11
MONTH LY N E WS SP ON S OR
Planning policy is ever evolving. Predicting it is the harder part.
Planning legislation moves quickly. A council's housing land supply can fall below the five years it is required to demonstrate, and a planning application that would otherwise have been refused can suddenly be approved. In some authorities, it is now six years rather than five.
The practical
Monthly News
consequence matters to anyone advising on a property
transaction. When a
council cannot demonstrate its supply,
the presumption in favour of sustainable development is engaged, and the bar to secure permission gets materially
lower. Sites never included in a local
plan can suddenly become achievable. Development that was remote a year ago can be a live application today.
This is not an abstract policy point.
It is why development risk has to be treated as a disclosure issue at the point of purchase.
12 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
If you were buying a house in an area of
major flood risk, that would be disclosed as best practice guidance, and for good reason. It affects enjoyment, value,
marketability and the lender's security. Development in the vicinity can carry
exactly the same consequences. A site
identified for allocation, an application in
the pipeline, or a consent already granted nearby can alter amenity, outlook, access and value in ways no inspection of the property itself will reveal.
Not disclosing that information
accurately can also carry significant
professional indemnity exposure for the acting solicitor.
Orientfield v Bird & Bird: the case that reset the duty
In 2015, the High Court handed down judgment in Orientfield Holdings
Ltd v Bird & Bird LLP. A buyer had
instructed the firm on the purchase of a £25m property in St John's Wood,
north London. The firm commissioned a planning search, which revealed
proposals to redevelop two nearby
schools into a six-storey academy of
nearly 1,500 pupils, within 300 metres of the house.
The buyer exchanged contracts, paid a
deposit of £2.575m, and then rescinded before completion after learning of
MO N TH LY N EWS SP O N SO R
Paul Addison
the scheme. The firm argued it could
disregard development more than 100 metres away. The court disagreed.
Having chosen to carry out the search,
the firm was under a duty to explain the results fully to its client. It was found negligent, and the buyer recovered
£1.8m in damages plus interest and
costs. The Court of Appeal upheld the
converted it into a caravan site over the
is anything that has not reached that
August bank holiday.
stage yet: a draft allocation the council
The buyers claim they were victims
pre-application discussion that never
deceit". They are now seeking a refund
assembled by a developer.
damages and expenses.
Orientfield shows what happens when
Whatever the outcome, the case
obtained but not interpreted. The search
of "fraudulent misrepresentation and of the £3.15m they paid, along with
has consulted on but not adopted, a
becomes public, or a site quietly being
that gap meets a report that was
exposes the gap at the heart of how
is only half the job.
complaint is about what they were not
For the lender, the property is security.
have walked away.
value, marketability or saleability strikes
it. Not to decide whether the client
Why this matters to buyers, solicitors
was made, and often at a loan-to-value
and lenders
position that looked sound at completion.
A £3m country home and the field
For the buyer, the loss is rarely
This is just one example from a scarily
quiet enjoyment they thought they had
at DevAssist, showing how development
outcome in 2017.
The principle is simple: a solicitor who acquires information material to a
client's decision is under a duty to bring
it to that client's attention. Not to assess would care. To report it.
next door
You may have seen the story in
The Telegraph concerning a couple who purchased a country home for
approximately £3m, only to find the field next door was designated as a traveller site. The land had been sold in July
last year to four traveller families, who
development risk is handled. Their
told, and by whom, when they could still
financial alone. It is the loss of the
bought, and a question mark over resale. For the solicitor, the exposure is
professional. Conveyancing enquiries
An adjacent development that affects
directly at the asset against which a loan
fast-growing list of case studies we hold can directly affect all three parties we
protect: buyers, solicitors and lenders. www.devassist.co.uk
and local authority searches surface
what the local authority already knows and will put in writing. Their blind spot
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 13
MONTH LY N E WS SP ON S OR
Sussex Needs To Be The Place That Tries New Things By Richard Freeman
The phrase ‘best
Monthly News
practice’ sounds reassuring and
sensible. And in
long-established,
replicated products and services, it
is. But it can also mean waiting until
somebody else has done something
first, written a report about it, evaluated
it, produced some guidance and created enough reassurance that everyone else can safely copy it.
Because devolution in Sussex will need to be different to places like
Greater Manchester and London, we
14 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
have an opportunity over the next few years to do almost the opposite of ‘best practice’.
As we prepare for devolution and a
new strategic authority, perhaps one of the most valuable things we can
ask for is permission to experiment. I have been thinking about this after
three very different conversations on the Sussex And The City podcast. Polly Mackenzie, the former
government policy director and now
self-described “policy entrepreneur”,
talked about something wonderfully unfashionable - tinkering.
She pointed me towards the argument
that one of Britain’s historic strengths was not simply giant industrial breakthroughs, but a culture of people continually
altering, testing and improving things. Make something 5% better. See what happens. Learn. Try again.
Applied to government, that feels almost radical.
Our public institutions have become
MO N TH LY N EWS SP O N SO R
extremely good at trying to prevent
bad things happening (understandably so, because public money requires accountability). But the unintended
consequence is that it can become safer to keep running an inadequate service
than to try an alternative which might fail. Polly’s formulation is that freedom to
succeed has to include freedom to fail. How do we apply that to an emerging Sussex & Brighton region?
Rather than expecting our new regional institutions immediately to produce
the perfect transport strategy, skills
system, housing model or economic programme, what if we deliberately created space to test things?
Try something in Newhaven. Something different in Chichester. Let Hastings
experiment with one model and Crawley with another. Measure what happens. Compare them. Abandon the failures without holding an expensive public inquiry into whose fault they were. Then spread the things that work. Dr Catja de Haas is already thinking like this in Chichester.
Her emerging Chichester Urban
Laboratory (Chi Lab) deliberately isn't
designed as another substantial institution. The idea is lighter, connecting local
problems with researchers, universities,
professionals and communities; holding
small hackathons and design charrettes; conducting research; proposing
interventions; then seeing whether ideas can become actual projects.
Some might work. Some won't. That is the point.
A town becomes somewhere in which
research doesn't simply become another feasibility study, but creates prototypes
that can be tested in the real world. If
residents redesign a street. Somebody
Worthing, Lewes or Eastbourne can
everyone why, and saves the next town
something works in Chichester, perhaps
tries something that doesn't work, tells
steal it shamelessly.
from making the same mistake.
Then there is Mark Beaumont in
This requires more than celebrating
Newhaven.
‘innovation’ (a word so overused it is in
Mark's approach is less policy
requires infrastructure for experimentation.
up entrepreneurialism. He has built
Small pots of accessible funding
enterprises in and around a town whose
whether something worked. Universities
His argument is that constraint itself can
partnership with businesses sharing
laboratory and more sleeves-rolled-
danger of meaning almost nothing), it
businesses, charities and social
matched with ata that allows us to tell
economic challenges are hardly secret.
opening their expertise to places, in
create ingenuity.
ideas, leading to councils being able to
Businesses in places such as Newhaven
And, crucially, political leaders prepared
say yes without requiring 14 forms first.
have often had to fight harder, find
to defend intelligent failure.
connections and work with what is
Devolution gives Sussex an opportunity
different routes, make unexpected already around them.
to build institutions closer to the problems
Mark's own company, Lanoguard,
shouldn't use that opportunity simply to
they are supposed to solve – but we
is a rather glorious example - a rust-
recreate Whitehall beside the seaside.
derived from South Downs sheep's wool.
The more interesting possibility is to
protection business built around lanolin,
Sussex sheep meet industrial machinery. And this mash up culture is what is
make Sussex somewhere that tries things.
exciting.
Some will fail.
There is a danger that devolution
And that’s OK
strategies. Big investment propositions.
Because if everything works first time, we
becomes very grand, very quickly. Big Big institutions describing economic
clusters using increasingly big diagrams. We need some of that, but economies
probably weren't experimenting at all.
Listen to all of these interviews and more at sussexandthecity.info
and places rarely change solely because someone produced a sufficiently
impressive strategy. They change
because hundreds of people try things. A college changes a course with
employers. A council tests a different approach to an empty building. A
community experiments with how a neglected public space is used. A
business discovers a new application for an old material. Researchers and
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 15
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TH E SO C I A L SL I C E SP O N SO R
Trends Are a Tool, Not a Strategy
You don’t need to jump on every trend. You just need to know when one can make your content better. If you’ve spent any
The Social Slice
time on social media recently, you’ll know
there’s always a new trend to jump on. A
new sound. A particular Reel format. A meme. A phrase that suddenly seems
to be everywhere. And then comes the
inevitable thought: Should my business be doing this?
My answer is usually: only if it makes sense.
Trends can be brilliant for increasing
reach, making your content feel current and showing a bit more personality. But using a trend simply because everyone else is doing it doesn’t
necessarily make good content. The
Photo by Michael Cheetham
question shouldn’t be “How can I make this trend work for my business?” It should be “Does this trend help me communicate something I actually
want to say?” There’s a difference. If you’re a hairdresser and a
trending audio gives you the perfect
opportunity to show a transformation, go for it. If you’re a restaurant and a popular Reel format gives you a
funny way to showcase your team,
brilliant. If you’re an accountant and
a trend helps you explain a common
tax misconception in a way people will actually watch, even better.
The trend is enhancing the content.
It isn’t the content. And that’s the bit businesses can sometimes forget.
There can be a strange pressure to keep up with social media, particularly when you see other businesses seemingly
jumping on every trend within minutes.
effectively, and you certainly don’t need
a spreadsheet of which businesses
chase a few extra views. Social media
They’re looking for something useful,
toolbox, not your entire toolbox. Use
But your audience probably isn’t keeping
to sacrifice your brand voice just to
participated in the latest TikTok trend.
trends should be a tool in your content
interesting, entertaining or relatable.
them when they make your content
So before you spend an hour trying to
more relevant.
into the latest viral format, ask yourself
And when they don’t? There will be
work out how to shoehorn your business three things:
Does it fit my brand?
Does it make sense for my audience? Does it add something to what I’m trying to say?
more engaging, more entertaining or
another one along in approximately five minutes.
@lemondrizzlesocial
lemondrizzlesocial.co.uk
If the answer is no, you have my full permission to scroll on by.
There’s also nothing wrong with being
a little late to the party. A trend doesn’t have to be brand new for you to use it
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 17
FOUN DE R TRANS I T I O NS S P ON S OR
Four Weeks Away From Work. One Thing Became Undeniable By Joel Lawton – Founder Transition Expert
I didn't write my SBT
Founder Transitions
article in August. This
bothered me initially. The familiar voices came in: What
about staying visible? What about the pipeline? The fears of someone used to controlling how they're perceived. But I took four weeks off. Completely.
Four weeks with my family. No work, no emails, no delivery.
The moment I stepped out of it,
something became crystal clear,
something I've been building all along without quite seeing it for what it is. What I Was Always Doing
For thirteen years, I led a team of 100
18 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
people, mostly field-based. I took pride in bringing them together.
Not the standard pub nights or generic team building events. I'd look for real experiences where people actually
connected through something shared. I understood what people needed. That required empathy. Sensitivity to how
they wanted to feel part of something. Understanding of how to create moments that mattered.
And it worked. The team was strong. People felt connected.
What I didn't see, my value in that. I saw my worth in the operations. The
budgeting. The planning. The systems.
The business structure. Those were
the "real" work. The serious bits. The building of the business.
Those parts of me, empathy, sensitivity,
understanding, I was proud of what they created. But I didn't acknowledge them
as a super power. And yet that was who I was, who I am.
That became something I did not understand for years.
What I'm Actually Building
Over the last four years, something has shifted. I started IceBreakers Brighton,
men gathering, cold water, remembering how to be present with each other,
building real connection and belonging. Simple and became undeniably real.
FO U N D ER TR A N SI TI O N S SP O N SO R
Then ‘Your Away Day’. A full day, in
nature, away from the desk and the
noise. Walking together. Talking about what actually matters. Sitting round a
fire. Getting honest about what's is really going on. I've facilitated dozens of these now. Watched what happens when people slow down.
And once that's there, something
shifts. People become more creative
and productive from a positive energy source. I see more honesty because
the pretence has fallen away. Humans willing to risk something real because someone in the room genuinely
understands what they're navigating.
And one-to-one coaching. Slowing
"From feeling disconnected to feeling
see what's actually true about themselves
Wager from Advice Cloud, reflecting on
founders down. Creating space for them to and their lives, how that interacts with the business they are creating.
part of something special." - Rebecca the team Away Day.
“It helped me take a step back from
Three different offerings. Different scales.
my business and reconnect with a
single one, I'm doing the same thing:
lose touch with." - Megan, Founder of
Different formats. But underneath every
part of myself that I had started to
creating the conditions where people
Make Good.
can show up without the performance.
Where they understand themselves and each other differently.
It's not a technique. It's the work itself. What Actually Happens
When you slow people down. When you create space. When you get them out of the usual environment.
Real trust emerges. Not the transactional kind. But the kind where people take off the armour. Where they tell you
what's actually true. Where vulnerability becomes clarity, not weakness.
But it IS the thing. It's not secondary to strategy or planning or systems. It's not the flavour on top of something more important. The way I work, that's what I'm actually building for everyone else. And I'm not apologising for August. I'm not apologising for stepping out of visibility for four weeks to be with my family. Not regreting the SBT column I didn't write. Because what August revealed is that I've been building something that matters. My kids at 9 and 12. My partner. The ordinary weeks that make up a life. The real time with people I love. That's not a trade off with the work.
That shift. From disconnected to
That's the work showing me what it's actually about.
That's what happens when we slow
Being more human is the future of work.
real connection.
If you are an established founder asking “what is next?” or a leader who want to create a real shift in their team.
belonging. From lost to reconnected. down and create the conditions for
My Way of Working IS The Thing
This is what August made undeniable. I've been this person my whole life.
Let's talk
www.inyourcorner.co/contact
The empathy. The sensitivity. The
understanding of what people need. I
just didn't name it as the value. I treated it as the vehicle for the "real" work, the operations, the growth, the systems.
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 19
FI N A NCE S PO NS O R
Should you incorporate your property business? David Crowter, Partner, Carpenter Box Are you a property
Finance
business owner looking to grow
and protect your
investments? If so,
incorporating your business might be the strategic move you need. While the idea of incorporation can seem
daunting, it can in some cases offer
many advantages. Here we explore how incorporating a property business can
be beneficial and the important factors you need to consider.
20 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
What is incorporation?
implications arising from doing so.
Incorporation usually refers to the
suitable for all property businesses
by an individual or a partnership to a
be considered. It is important to look
business, it involves transferring the
together with the owners' objectives,
property business to the company.
plans, before deciding whether
This route may not therefore be
transfer of a business owned and run
and individual circumstances should
company. In the case of a property
at the property portfolio as a whole,
assets and activities of the existing
financing arrangements and future
There are many reasons to consider incorporating a property business but there are tax and commercial
incorporation is appropriate.
Incorporation can give rise to taxes
including Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and
F I N A N C E SP O N SO R
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT). In some
circumstances, when certain conditions are satisfied, one or both of these taxes may be nil. Understanding the position in your case is an important part of
assessing the overall cost and benefits of incorporation. Tax efficiency At present, the rates of tax of most
companies ranges from 19% to 26.5% depending on profits, compared to
individuals who are currently taxed at rates of 20%, 40%, or 45%.
However, for some individuals finance
costs related to residential property may not obtain full income tax relief. This
restriction does not apply to a limited company.
Differences in tax rates and rules
underscores the potential benefits of operating as a company, though the
quantum will vary depending upon how much of the profit is withdrawn.
A company may offer improved tax efficiency for cases where:
• the individual in subject to income
tax at the highest income tax rate but does not spend or require all of the
profits (which can accumulate in the company), and/or
• the business has significant finance costs on residential property.
Flexibility and control In today’s landscape, flexibility over changes in ownership is a crucial
aspect that can significantly influence the growth of a company. With an
incorporated property business, this flexibility is enhanced. Shares can
be seamlessly transferred to family members, which not only helps to
ensure smooth transitions and maintain the stability of the enterprise but can
also facilitate
future tax planning.
Incorporation can be particularly valuable for family-owned
property businesses considering
succession. Mortgaged properties
In the case of
mortgaged property, it is important to
discuss plans with
lenders early on. In our view, a sound
and sensible form
of incorporation is
one that includes the express consent of lenders and can, in
some cases, involve a change in the
David Crowter
lender to facilitate the transaction.
Existing mortgage arrangement do not typically transfer to a company, so the financing position should be reviewed at an early stage. This can help
identify any refinancing requirements, associated costs or practical issues before the incorporation proceeds. In our experience, the costs of or
inability to obtain new lending is one of the most common reasons why incorporation is not suitable. Summary Incorporation of a property business is a strategic move that can offer
considerable advantages in some
process can however require a lot of time and energy.
Every property business is different, so it is important to consider both
the immediate tax consequences of incorporation and the longer-term commercial implications. Taking
professional advice before making any
changes can help ensure that the chosen structure supports your wider objectives. For further guidance on the
incorporation of your property
business, please do not hesitate to
contact our award winning tax team on 01903 234094 or visit
www.carpenterbox.com
cases, from potential tax savings to
greater flexibility in ownership changes. It may also create opportunities for
longer-term investment, succession and business planning. Navigating through the complexities of this
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 21
FI N A NCE S PO NS O R
Beyond the Impact Report: What Comes Next for Plus Accounting? Publishing an Impact Report gives us an opportunity to stop, take stock and look at what we have achieved. But perhaps more importantly, it makes us ask: what comes next? We have recently
Finance
shared our Year 2 B
Corp Impact Report at Plus Accounting, so that question
feels particularly relevant.
The past year has seen our commitment to people, community and the
environment continue to develop
alongside the business itself. We have
supported local charities and community organisations, invested in initiatives for young people, continued to champion Brighton’s creative and business
communities and looked for practical
ways to reduce our environmental impact. There is plenty we are proud of. But the B Corp Certification has never been
about reaching a point where we can say the job is done.
22 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
For us, the real value comes from
continuing to challenge ourselves about where we can make a difference next.
Growing the business without losing the community
One thing that has become particularly
important over the past year is our own Plus community.
Our team has grown considerably, bringing new people, skills and perspectives into
the firm. That growth is exciting, but it has
also reinforced something important: while we put a lot of energy into supporting the
community outside our doors, we need to give the same thought to the community within them.
Our recent team day at Hove Lagoon was a good example of bringing the two together.
The day included a team beach clean, giving everyone the opportunity to
spend some time helping to look after a part of the city we call home. But it was equally valuable simply having
our people together, away from desks, emails and deadlines.
As teams grow, those opportunities for
people to connect don’t always happen
naturally. Making time for them matters. It is part of creating a business where
people know the colleagues beyond their immediate team, feel connected to the wider organisation and understand the
values we are collectively working towards. That might not be the first thing that springs to mind when talking about
impact, but we think it should be part of the conversation.
F I N A N C E SP O N SO R
Keeping our connection with Brighton
What started as a fun way of bringing
huge role in how we think about
into an annual event we are incredibly
Our home city continues to play a
businesses together has developed
community impact.
proud of, combining a bit of healthy
Brighton & Hove has an extraordinary
meaningful funds for local organisations.
and community organisations, and we
This year, the tournament will support The
play in helping that ecosystem thrive.
vital support to young people experiencing
mix of businesses, charities, creatives
competition with the opportunity to raise
believe professional firms have a role to
Clock Tower Sanctuary, which provides
Sometimes that means financial support.
homelessness in Brighton & Hove.
using our network or helping to shine
This is a great example of the kind of
initiatives already doing the work.
developing. It isn’t simply about Plus
One of the projects we’re particularly
team, clients, contacts and other local
BookBenches Art Trail, which will bring
allows the impact to extend much further.
Hove while supporting Amaze and its
And, naturally, we’ll also be hoping this
and young people.
its strong track record of runners-up
Sometimes it means giving our time, a light on brilliant organisations and
excited about is the upcoming Amaze creativity to the streets of Brighton &
work with families with disabled children
It combines so many things we value:
community activity we want to continue making a donation; it brings together our businesses around a shared cause and
might finally be the year Plus converts finishes into a trophy…
community, creativity, accessibility and
Impact is an ongoing commitment
looking forward to playing our part and
sustainability, ESG or B Corp activity to
sure purpose remains part of everyday decision-making as the business changes and grows. Our Year 2 Impact Report captures another chapter in that process. It gives us a chance to celebrate progress, recognise the contribution of our team and partners, and identify where we still have work to do. What we’re most interested in now is the next chapter. That means continuing to support the communities around us, finding new opportunities to use our skills and resources positively, reducing our impact on the environment and, importantly, making sure the people within Plus continue to feel part of a strong community of their own. Because ultimately, being a responsible business isn’t something that happens once a year when an Impact Report is published.
a celebration of the city itself. We are
There can be a temptation with
seeing ‘The Story Trail’ come to life.
focus heavily on milestones: certification
It’s something we proudly keep choosing to do.
Bringing the Football Cup back for
hours completed or reports published.
www.plusaccounting.co.uk
another year
achieved, money raised, volunteering Those things matter because
We’ll also be returning to the pitch this
measurement creates accountability.
Charity Football Cup.
But the bigger challenge is making
October for another Plus Accounting
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 23
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24 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
F I N A N C E SP O N SO R
Company Director? Why salary and dividends shouldn't limit your mortgage Many Sussex company directors often find they cannot borrow what they require when looking for a mortgage. Most lenders will assess personal drawings, typically salary and dividends from the business, and this can seriously hamper limited company directors. Seico Insurance & Mortgages explains why choosing the right lender matters. "We regularly speak
Finance
to company directors who have built
successful, profitable businesses, yet are
told they can borrow far less than they expected. More often than not, their
position is much stronger than that first figure suggests. The problem isn't their business; it's that the lender's way of
assessing their income simply doesn't
fit their circumstances,” says Rob Starr MBE, CEO of Seico Group.
Picture a director with a 50%
shareholding whose limited company made a £200,000 net profit last year.
Whilst they only took £40k of dividends,
search across the full range of lenders
of dividends. The right lender would offer
each director's circumstances. Seico’s
they could if required have taken £100k
to find those whose approach suits
the same client a mortgage of £605,000.
brokers take the time to understand
and provide a safety net, or simply to
Think before you change your pay
so applications go to the lenders most
lenders they approached would only
A common reaction to a low borrowing
Following sensible advice, they draw a modest salary of £10,000 and
dividends of around £40,000, leaving
the rest in the business to fund growth minimise their personal tax bill. The offer a mortgage of £250,000.
When that director applies for a mortgage, many lenders will base their calculation entirely on that £50,000. According to
both the individual and their business,
likely to view them favourably, helping to
avoid unnecessary delays and the risk of
figure is to draw larger dividends. That
a declined application.
and affect company cash flow. Seico's
Find out what's possible
first, to find out what is possible from
If you're a company director planning
with your accountant for the required
Seico's experienced mortgage brokers
can increase a director's personal tax bill advice is to speak to a mortgage broker the whole market. They will then liaise
a move or remortgage, speak to one of
documentation to support the application.
first to find out what's possible.
require your latest set of accounts to be
Call: 01273 778888 or Email:
no older than 18 months old.
mortgages@seicogroup.com
alongside the director's share of the
The right lender makes the difference
www.seicogroup.co.uk
above, some lenders would base mortgage
As a whole of market mortgage broker,
same limited company director.
Financial Conduct Authority, Seico can
Seico, this isn't necessarily a mistake by the lender, it's just their criteria. Not all lenders think alike While many lenders assess salary plus dividends, others may consider salary company's net profit. In the example
calculations on an income of £110k for the
It's worth noting that most lenders will
directly authorised and regulated by the
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 25
LEGAL S PO NS O R
Cognitive Law becomes B Corp Certified A huge congratulations to Cognitive Law for achieving B Corp certification. We spoke with Lucy Tarrant, MD of Cognitive Law to understand more about what it is and why it matters.
Legal
What has Cognitive
with a commitment to creating positive
Cognitive Law
“B” stands for Benefit, referring to a
Corp Certification,
all stakeholders, including workers,
Why does this matter to Sussex
environment, rather than focusing solely
From our perspective the announcement
Law achieved? has achieved B
impact for people and the planet.
business that creates a benefit for
joining a small but growing group of
communities, customers, and the
for meeting high standards of social
on shareholder profit.
transparency and accountability.
Why is B Corp Certification important
What is B Corp Certification?
For Cognitive Law, B Corp Certification
purpose-led UK law firms recognised and environmental performance,
to the firm?
B Corp Certification is an internationally
is more than a badge. It’s a standard to
businesses that meet high standards of
building our Brighton-headquartered
transparency and accountability.
years now, always trying to put people,
B Lab, certified B Corps are evaluated
heart of how we operate.
workers, customers, community and
The application process alone is a
recognised accreditation awarded to
which we want to be held. We have been
social and environmental performance,
boutique consultancy law firm for 12
Assessed by the non-profit organisation
clients, community and purpose at the
across areas including governance, the environment.
gruelling task, as any other company
Unlike many business accreditations,
to. Cognitive Law was assessed on
organisation rather than a single product
business – Governance, Workers,
demonstrate that they balance profit
Customers. The certification reflects
which has completed it will attest
B Corp Certification looks at the whole
evidence across 5 aspects of the
or service, requiring businesses to
Community, Environment and
26 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
both the practices already embedded
in Cognitive Law and the commitments strengthened through the process.
business leaders?
is significant not simply because another local business has achieved B Corp
Certification, but because it shows that
professional services firms, including law firms, can make positive impact part of their commercial model.
There can be a negative perception about law firms in relation to their
fees, their outlook and their approach.
Cognitive Law wanted to demonstrate
that not all law firms are created equal. We wanted to show that a law firm can be commercially successful while still taking its responsibilities to people, clients, communities and the wider
world seriously. The legal sector has
changed, and we are thriving by giving lawyers flexibility and autonomy,
supporting clients with care and clarity,
L EGA L SP ON SO R
and contributing positively to the communities in which we work.
The B Corp process has made us
examine every part of our business. It has challenged us, strengthened our policies and encouraged us to keep improving.
We are proud of what we have achieved, but we also see this as the beginning of the next stage of our journey.
How is Cognitive Law different?
Cognitive Law was founded in 2014 with the intention of offering a different way
of practising law. Its consultancy model gives experienced lawyers the freedom to manage their own time, clients and
workload, while being supported by the systems, structure and community of a
regulated firm. It is a model built around flexibility, autonomy and trust.
The model also supports local economic activity by allowing consultants to work within the communities where they are based, building trusted relationships
with local clients, suppliers, referrers and organisations.
How does Cognitive Law support its local community?
The firm’s head office is based in Brighton, and it defines its local
community as Sussex. However, as a consultancy law firm, its community reach extends further through its
network of consultant lawyers, who
are based in different areas across the South of England and beyond.
Cognitive Law actively works with local suppliers, venues, print providers,
technology providers and professional service firms wherever we can. It also
supports the local business community through the First Friday Lunch Club, a
not-for-profit monthly networking event in Brighton and Hove. The event brings together professionals from different sectors, supports local restaurants
and gives charities a platform to speak
directly to the local business community.
How did Cognitive Law demonstrate
Cognitive Law is proud to support a
within the firm?
number of charities close to the firm’s
heart, including Focus Foundation, The
Southern Hospice Group, The Starr Trust and George’s Rockstars. This support
includes monthly donations, volunteering, fundraising, speaking opportunities and consultant-led charity initiatives.
What does B Corp Certification mean for clients?
For clients, B Corp Certification provides another way of showing that Cognitive
Law takes its responsibilities seriously. The firm supports both individuals and businesses through important, and
often stressful, legal matters. Whether
advising on a business issue, a property matter, a dispute, family law, later
that it supports fairness and flexibility Cognitive Law is a female-led firm,
founded by Managing Director Lucy
Tarrant, and has more female consultants than male consultants. The firm is
committed to fair pay, with all employees paid above the living wage. It is also part of the Brighton Living Wage campaign,
which promotes fair pay across the city. Flexible working is the bedrock of the
firm’s culture. Cognitive Law supports
flexibility in working location and hours, including part-time work, flexitime,
remote working and job-sharing. Our team is more important than where,
when or how they work, and no working option is off the table.
life planning or future arrangements,
Is B Corp Certification the end of
communication, personal service and
Not at all. For Cognitive Law, becoming
its approach is centred on clear practical advice.
Because our lawyers work flexibly they
can make the choice to carry out home
visits for clients who can’t or don’t want to visit the office. They can offer out-of-
hours appointments for clients who work regular office hours.
What does B Corp Certification mean for consultant lawyers?
For consultant lawyers, the certification reflects the type of firm Cognitive Law
is continuing to build. The consultancy model allows experienced lawyers to build successful practices outside of
the traditional office-based structure. It gives lawyers the freedom to work for
themselves, without being by themselves. We believe that if lawyers are able
to work in a way that suits their own
lives, they are able to give more to their
the journey?
B Corp Certified gives us a framework
for continued improvement; and a public
commitment to keep learning, measuring and holding itself accountable.
For Sussex business leaders, Cognitive Law’s certification is a reminder that
responsible business does not have to
sit separately from commercial success. It can shape how a business recruits,
serves clients, supports suppliers, builds community and plans for the future.
Cognitive Law is proud to be building
a different kind of law firm - one where experienced lawyers can work with
flexibility and autonomy, where clients receive clear and personal advice at
a time and place that suits them, and
where the business contributes positively to the communities it is part of.
https://www.cognitivelaw.co.uk/
clients; whilst also having more scope
to contribute to local causes, build local relationships and support organisations that matter to them.
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 27
LEGAL S PO NS O R
Could You Sell Your Business Tomorrow? Seven Problems That Can Reduce the Value of a SME Over the next few years, we are likely to see increasing numbers of long-established owner-managed businesses changing hands. Part of that is simply
Legal
demographics. Many entrepreneurs who
founded or acquired businesses in the
1980s, 1990s and early 2000s are now reaching the point where retirement, succession or simply having more
freedom outside work is becoming a
priority. For some, the next generation
does not want to take over. Others have
spent decades building significant value in their companies and understandably want to realise some of that wealth
while they are still young and healthy enough to enjoy it.
28 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
There are other drivers too.
Consolidation is taking place across
numerous sectors, private equity and
trade buyers continue to look for wellrun profitable SMEs, while advances
in technology and AI are encouraging
some owners to consider whether they want to lead their businesses through another major period of change. Tax is also becoming a more
prominent part of the conversation.
The Capital Gains Tax rate applying
to gains qualifying for Business Asset Disposal Relief has risen from 10%
before April 2025 to 18% for qualifying
disposals from 6 April 2026, with
the lifetime limit on qualifying gains remaining at £1 million. Changes to Business Property Relief for
Inheritance Tax have also altered the succession-planning landscape for
some owners of valuable businesses. None of this means that business
owners should rush into a sale for tax reasons. It does mean that anyone
expecting to exit, sell down or pass on a
business within the next five or ten years should be planning considerably earlier than they might have done previously. At The Jonathan Lea Network, our
L EGA L SP ON SO R
corporate team advises founders, shareholders and management
teams on acquisitions, business
sales, investments, reorganisations and succession arrangements. A
recurring theme is that the best exits are often created years before the transaction actually happens.
Here are seven issues business owners should address.
1. Who actually owns the company? It sounds straightforward, but historic
share issues can become surprisingly complicated.
We encounter incomplete statutory
registers, missing share certificates, incorrect Companies House filings and inadequately documented transfers or allotments.
Most problems can be fixed. The difficulty comes when they are
discovered halfway through due
diligence with a buyer expecting completion within weeks.
A clean capital structure makes a business easier to buy and
immediately gives a purchaser greater confidence in its governance.
2. Are the shareholders properly tied together?
Businesses frequently begin with
founders who trust one another and see little need for detailed documentation.
Ten or twenty years later, circumstances may be very different.
A good shareholders' agreement
should cover decision-making, share transfers, departures, deadlock, restrictive covenants and what
happens following death or incapacity. These arrangements matter even
if a sale never happens. But during an acquisition, uncertainty around
ownership or shareholder rights can become a serious obstacle.
3. Does the company actually own its intellectual property?
For technology, engineering,
consultancy, creative and other
signature while a multimillion-pound sale is underway.
4. Are key employees properly incentivised and protected?
Buyers are interested in future earnings, not simply historic accounts.
That usually means retaining the people
knowledge-based businesses,
responsible for generating those earnings.
of the company's value.
Employment contracts, confidentiality
Yet software, designs, branding or other
therefore need to be appropriate.
founders, freelancers or contractors
EMI options, growth shares or other
intellectual property may represent much
provisions and restrictive covenants
IP may originally have been created by
Businesses should also consider whether
without appropriate assignments.
incentive arrangements could help retain
A sophisticated purchaser will
and motivate important employees.
investigate this.
Particularly in owner-managed
Resolving ownership years in advance is
management team below the founder
a former developer and obtain their
a purchaser.
considerably easier than trying to locate
businesses, developing a credible
can materially improve attractiveness to
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 29
LEGAL S PO NS O R
5. What would due diligence uncover? One of the most useful exercises an owner can undertake is to imagine
giving a buyer and its lawyers access to the company's records tomorrow. What would they find? Unsigned contracts, unusual termination
clauses, unresolved disputes, employment problems, data protection issues,
customer concentration or poor corporate records can all affect price or deal terms. At The Jonathan Lea Network, we
and piece of knowledge sits with one
increasingly encourage growing
person, a buyer inevitably sees risk.
permanently "due diligence ready"
The businesses most attractive to
once an offer arrives.
depth, documented processes, recurring
A well-prepared data room can completely
properly incentivised employees.
businesses to think about remaining rather than beginning a frantic clean-up
change the tone of a transaction.
acquirers tend to have management revenues, diversified customers and
For an owner, this has another advantage:
6. Is the property position secure?
building a business capable of operating
Property issues can easily hold up
life long before any eventual sale.
acquisitions.
without you can improve your quality of
Preparing for the transaction before
A buyer may investigate leases,
there is a transaction
planning matters, rights to assign and
A really good M&A lawyer should do
were ever obtained.
Purchase Agreement once a price has
break rights, rent reviews, alterations, whether necessary landlord consents
Where premises are critical to operations, uncertainty can directly affect the
considerably more than produce a Share been agreed.
They should understand what buyers
commercial viability of the transaction.
look for, where due diligence problems
This is also why having corporate
and what can be done years beforehand
property specialists can be particularly
negotiating position.
lawyers working closely with commercial valuable on an M&A deal.
7. Can the business operate without
arise, how deal structures affect risk
to put a seller in the strongest possible
The Jonathan Lea Network has
developed a highly experienced and
its founder?
commercially focused corporate team
Perhaps the most important issue is not
and management teams throughout
purely legal.
Sussex and across the UK.
If every key decision, customer relationship
Our work encompasses acquisitions and
30 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
advising entrepreneurs, SMEs, investors
disposals, reorganisations, shareholder arrangements, investment rounds, employee equity incentives and the wider commercial work required to help ambitious businesses grow. We combine experienced lawyers with a modern, technology-led way of working. That allows our corporate, commercial, employment, property, tax and dispute resolution specialists to collaborate efficiently around a transaction while keeping the focus firmly on the client's commercial objectives. For an owner thinking about selling within the next few years, therefore, the most useful question may not yet be: "Who is going to buy my business?" It may be: "If the right buyer appeared tomorrow, would my business actually be ready to sell?" Thinking about selling your business? If a sale, management buyout or succession could be on the horizon in the next few years, it pays to start preparing early. The Jonathan Lea Network’s corporate team can help you identify and address issues that could affect the value, attractiveness or saleability of your business before a buyer appears. To discuss your plans with our corporate team, email wewillhelp@ jonathanlea.net, call 01444 708640 or visit www.jonathanlea.net.
From Start-Up to Sale Supporting Your Business at Every Stage
Growing a business takes time and brings different opportunities and decisions, from investment and acquisition through to succession and sale. Our expert team works closely with business owners and senior managers to cut through complexity, anticipate issues early, protect your interests and deliver commercially focused outcomes. Our Main Areas of Expertise Mergers & acquisitions Company & group reorganisations Corporate finance & venture capital Business disputes Restructuring & insolvency
Commercial property Intellectual property & brand protection Employment law Equity incentive schemes Commercial contracts & day-to-day business advice
Client-centred, efficient and commercially astute, our expert team uses advanced technology and AI to deliver practical legal guidance at every stage of your business +44 (0)1444 708 640 wewillhelp@jonathanlea.net www.jonathanlea.net
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 31
A New Chapter for SBT By Jackie Irving Twelve years of friendship, seven years of working together, countless events, meetings, magazines, fundraising campaigns, laughs and memories — and now, an exciting new chapter. I feel incredibly
Cover Story
honoured and
genuinely privileged that Sam has
entrusted me to take
SBT forward while he turns his attention to his hugely important You Alright Mate? movement.
But before I talk about what comes next, I think it's worth sharing a little about
how we got here. Because if you had
told me twelve years ago that I would
one day be taking over Sussex Business Times, I would never have believed you! It all started when Sam walked into the
Domestic & General offices, where I was
32 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
working at the time, to convince me to
enter a team into his FirmBalls football tournament. Little did I know that this
would be the beginning of a friendship and working relationship that would change the course of my life.
A few years later, in December 2017, I supported Sam's very first issue of Sussex Business Times, a special
edition dedicated to Rockinghorse Children's Charity. Again, I had
absolutely no idea what that decision would eventually lead to.
Fast-forward to 2020. The world was in the middle of a global pandemic, and
after being made redundant from my role
at Domestic & General, I found myself at a crossroads, wondering what on earth I was going to do next.
So, I reached out to Sam, and we arranged to meet for a coffee at Malmaison.
Who would have thought that one
coffee, six years ago, would lead to me
sitting here today, preparing to take over the magazine?
There was no real job description, no grand plan and certainly no
conversation about me one day
becoming Managing Director. The
idea was simply that I would come on board, work alongside Sam and help
C OV ER STO RY SP ON SO R
him build something special for the Sussex business community.
And what a journey it has been! When you have worked alongside
someone for so many years, it becomes about much more than just business.
Sam and I have shared some fantastic
experiences, and I feel incredibly lucky to have been part of the journey. From working together on the
magazine to hosting some brilliant
events, raising significant amounts of
money for charity and getting involved in the local community, there has
certainly never been a dull moment! But what makes this journey particularly
special to me is how much I have grown along the way.
Over the years, Sam has continually pushed me outside my comfort
zone. Whether that was standing up in front of a room full of people to
host an event, building relationships with business owners or taking
responsibility for putting together and publishing a magazine, there have
been so many occasions when I have found myself doing things I never imagined I would be capable of.
If you had told me back at school that one day I would be hosting business events, publishing a magazine and
eventually running a business, I probably would have laughed!
But that is one of the things I am most grateful to Sam for.
He has continually believed in me,
sometimes more than I have believed in myself. He has encouraged me,
challenged me and, on more than one occasion, given me that little push I
needed to step outside my comfort zone. And while I might not always have thanked
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 33
COVE R STO RY S P ON S OR
34 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
C OV ER STO RY SP ON SO R
him for it at the time, looking back, I can
and I am particularly looking forward
a coffee at Malmaison during one of the
have helped me grow and flourish, both as
clients, some of whom have been with us since the very beginning.
eventually lead to me becoming Managing
a businesswoman and as a person.
There have been plenty of challenges
Those relationships mean a great deal
But I think that just goes to show the
also been so many moments that I will
supporting them, championing their
relationships.
have met some incredible people, built
businesses grow.
You never quite know where a
importantly, hopefully made a genuine
At the same time, there is a real sense of
opportunities might come from saying yes
see just how much those experiences
to continuing to work with our existing
along the way, of course, but there have
to me, and I am excited to continue
look back on with enormous pride. We
achievements and helping their
some fantastic relationships and, most
difference to the community around us.
momentum and excitement around SBT,
Working with Sam has been an absolute
coming on board. City Girl Network,
pleasure. He is someone I have huge respect for, both personally and
professionally, and while I am obviously
going to miss having him alongside me, I couldn't be prouder of what he is now dedicating his time and energy to with You Alright Mate?
The work he is doing is incredibly
important, and I know just how much
passion, determination and heart he puts into everything he takes on. His mission
to help the world see success differently
and ensure that the next generation grows up knowing they are already enough is something I wholeheartedly believe in. I have no doubt that he will continue
to make a real difference, and I will be
cheering him on every step of the way.
As for SBT, I am incredibly excited about what comes next.
Taking the reins is a huge responsibility,
but it is also a fantastic opportunity. And while there was certainly a time when
the thought of taking on this role would have terrified me, everything I have
experienced and learned over the past
few years has brought me to this point. I now feel ready to embrace whatever
with some fantastic new clients recently
most uncertain periods of my life would Director of Sussex Business Times.
incredible importance and power of
conversation might lead, what
or how the people you meet along the way might change the direction of your life.
Lemon Drizzle, Prior Media and Marketing
Sometimes, all it takes is someone
the exciting names we are now working
opportunity and encouraging you to
and NatWest Accelerator are just a few of with, and I am really looking forward to
seeing where those relationships take us. Of course, I won't be doing this alone. I
will be working alongside Lee Mansfield,
believing in you, giving you an believe in yourself.
And for that, Sam, I will always be incredibly grateful.
Sam's business partner and friend for
After twelve years of friendship and so
looking forward to taking SBT into its
feels strange to be stepping into this new
the past decade, and together we are next chapter.
For me, this isn't about changing
everything that makes SBT what it is.
many years of working side by side, it
role without him. But perhaps it is also
the perfect time for both of us to take the next step in our respective journeys.
It is about building on the foundations
As Sam often talks about, success
continuing to champion local businesses
about the relationships we build, the
that Sam and the team have created, and organisations, creating great
opportunities for our clients and remaining firmly connected to the community.
Because that is what SBT has always been about.
isn't simply about what we achieve. It's experiences we share and the positive
impact we have on the people around us. And when I look back on our journey together, I think we have achieved something pretty special.
People. Relationships. Community.
I am enormously proud of what we
whole story so special.
the opportunities, experiences and
And perhaps that is what makes this
When I think back to Sam walking into
the Domestic & General offices all those
years ago to convince me to enter a team into FirmBalls, or returning a few years
have built, incredibly grateful for memories we have shared, and
genuinely excited about what the future
holds — for SBT, for our clients, and for Sam and You Alright Mate?
this next chapter has in store.
later to persuade me to support his very
Here's to the next chapter. And to
We have built some wonderful, long-
imagined that this would be the outcome.
you never know where that next
standing relationships over the years,
first issue of SBT, I could never have
And I certainly couldn't have imagined that
the power of relationships, because conversation might lead!
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 35
MOTO RI NG N E WS S P ON S OR
Tyre Safety Month
A quick tyre check can take less than five minutes, but it could make all the difference to your safety, fuel economy and peace of mind.
This Tyre Safety
Motoring News
Month, we’re helping
you understand what to check, when to
check it and when to
get expert support.
Have you checked your tyres recently? If you’ve ever wondered how to check your tyres, what tread depth means
or whether your tyre pressure is right, you’re not alone. Tyre safety can feel
technical, but the basics are simple and they can help keep you safer on the
road. Here’s a straightforward guide to
what to look for, how often to check and when to ask for help.
direct contact with the road, so their condition affects braking, handling, fuel efficiency and overall safety. Worn, underinflated or damaged tyres can: • Increase stopping distances • Reduce fuel efficiency • Make your car harder to control • Cause dangerous blowouts In the UK, over 6 million tyres are driven with illegal tread depth every year. That puts drivers at risk of reduced safety, MOT failure and fines of up to £2,500 per tyre, plus three penalty points. The good news is that most tyre
Why Tyre Safety Matters
issues are easy to spot if you know
Why tyre safety matters: Your tyres
checks below: tread depth, pressure
are the only part of your vehicle in
36 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
what to look for. Start with the three and visible damage.
How to Check your Tyre Tread Depth Tread depth is one of the most important aspects of tyre safety. For cars, vans, and minibuses under 3.5 tonnes, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, but many experts recommend replacing tyres at 3mm for better grip. To test it, use the 20p coin test: • Insert the coin into the tread groove. • If the outer edge is hidden, your tread is likely legal. • If you can see the rim, the tread may be too shallow. Check across the full width of the tyre. If tread is uneven, it could point to wheel alignment or suspension issues. Tyre Pressure: Are You Checking It Enough? Tyre pressure: are you checking it
MOTO R I N G N EWS SP ON SO R
enough? Driving on tyres with the wrong
or sun exposure. These weaken the
• Extend tyre lifespan
handling, higher fuel consumption and
•U neven wear: This could be due to
• Prevent breakdowns and MOT failures
pressure can cause uneven wear, poor an increased risk of blowouts. Check
your tyre pressure at least once a month
tyre’s structure.
poor alignment or imbalanced tyres.
and before any long journey. Here’s how:
Sealant Kits vs Spare Tyres
1. Find the correct PSI – It’s in your
Modern cars often come with sealant
vehicle handbook, driver’s door frame or fuel cap.
2. U se a pressure gauge – Available at petrol stations or as a handheld device.
3. C heck when tyres are cold – After driving, pressure readings may be inaccurate.
4. Adjust if needed – Inflate or deflate to the recommended level.
Signs of Tyre Damage Tyres can suffer hidden damage that
isn't always obvious. Here’s what to look for during regular checks:
• Cracks, bulges or cuts: These can
only work if the puncture is small, in the
according to the latest finalized annual
your vehicle has a spare wheel, check it
year-on-year. Total tyre-related
These are designed for short distances
jumped 14% to 667.
injured in tyre-related crashes,
tread and the sealant is still in date. If
data, marking a sharp 19% increase
regularly, especially if it’s a space-saver.
casualties across all severities also
and lower speeds only.
• 1 in 5 motorway breakdowns on the
Rotating and Balancing Tyres
tyre issues, accounting for over 51,500
Rotating your tyres helps even out
• Sidewall cracks: A sign of ageing
Strategic Road Network still involve annual incidents.
• In fatal crashes where tyres were
wear across all four tyres. It is generally
a factor, 75% were due to poor
can help reduce vibration, improve
• UK drivers waste an estimated
recommended every 6,000 miles and comfort and support longer tyre life.
Even if you do regular visual checks, a
blowout later.
due to tyres
be useful for temporary fixes, but they
should be replaced.
debris may cause a slow leak or
• 2+ million MOT failures each year are • 201 people were killed or seriously
Why Routine Tyre Checks Are Worth It
• Embedded objects: Nails or sharp
The Facts: UK Tyre Safety in Numbers
kits instead of spare tyres. These can
signal internal damage. Bulges are
especially serious and mean the tyre
• Lower fuel costs
maintenance
£1 billion annually in fuel due to underinflated tyres
www.rivervale.co.uk
professional service can catch issues
you might miss. Tyre maintenance can: • Improve grip and handling
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 37
T ECH NO LO GY S PO N S OR
Tech Connected Brings Sussex Business Community Together to Explore AI and Cyber Security
Business leaders and professionals from across Sussex and the Gatwick Diamond came together at Crawley Innovation Centre on Wednesday 9 September for the latest Tech Connected event, combining networking, fresh coffee and conversation with an insightful look at one of the biggest issues facing businesses today: the impact of artificial intelligence on cyber security.
Tech Connected
Tech
was created to
provide a relaxed and accessible
environment where
local businesses can connect, build
relationships and explore the technology and trends shaping the way we work. The September event saw attendees
arrive at Crawley Innovation Centre for
a morning of networking, refreshments and knowledge sharing, with plenty of
opportunities to meet new contacts and catch up with familiar faces.
Adding to the relaxed atmosphere was a refreshment truck serving freshly made coffees and teas alongside pastries
throughout the morning – providing the
perfect accompaniment to conversations
38 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
and introductions before the main presentation began.
AI and the evolving cyber threat landscape
The guest speaker for September was
Jenna Vreugdenhil from Kaseya, who
delivered a session on The Impact of AI
on the Evolving Cyber Threat Landscape. Jenna works across Europe, the
Middle East and Africa and regularly
speaks about cyber security, emerging
technology and the growing influence of
AI. Her session explored how rapidly the cyber threat landscape is changing and why businesses of every size need to take cyber resilience seriously.
It is a particularly timely subject. AI is
increasingly being used to strengthen
cyber security, but the same technology is also giving cyber criminals the ability to make existing threats faster, more
scalable and increasingly sophisticated. Recent guidance from the National
Cyber Security Centre has similarly
highlighted the changing landscape, warning that AI is accelerating the
speed, scale and sophistication of
cyber threats and encouraging business leaders to consider risk, readiness and
accountability as part of their approach to cyber resilience.
During the Tech Connected session, Jenna shared a number of thoughtprovoking statistics and real-world
examples, prompting discussion among attendees about how organisations can better prepare themselves.
TEC H N O LO GY SP ON SO R
One of the key themes to emerge
was that cyber security can no longer simply be viewed as an IT issue.
Technology may form an important part of an organisation’s defence,
but people, processes, training and
business continuity planning all have a role to play.
This is reinforced by Kaseya’s 2026
Cybersecurity Outlook Report, which
identifies human error and inadequate
training as major areas of vulnerability. The research also found that 37% of
businesses surveyed had experienced a full day or more of downtime following a cyber incident.
Creating connections beyond the presentation
While technology and education are central to Tech Connected, the event is equally focused on bringing people together.
The morning provided plenty of time for attendees to exchange ideas, discuss their own experiences and make
connections with other professionals from the local business community.
Crawley Innovation Centre once again
provided the setting for the event,
affected by cancer, as well as their
together innovators, entrepreneurs and
emotional and practical support,
Gatwick Diamond.
for people to connect with others who
offering a space designed to bring
families and carers. The charity offers
growing businesses from across the
complementary therapies and a place
The September gathering built on the
understand what they are going through.
momentum of Tech Connected’s launch
Throughout the year, Tech Connected
appetite for business networking that
business community to help raise
useful, relevant content.
valuable work it does for people across
earlier this year and demonstrated the
is proud to use its events and growing
combines meaningful connections with
awareness of the charity and the
Rather than technology being something
the local area.
discussed only by those working within
It’s another important part of what Tech
make the conversation accessible to the
together, creating connections and
the sector, Tech Connected aims to
Connected is about – bringing businesses
wider business community – whether
supporting the wider community.
technology or simply want to understand
Following another successful event,
attendees are already embracing new how it could affect their organisation.
attention now turns to the next Tech
Supporting Olive Tree Cancer Support
November, from 4pm–6pm at Crawley
Connected gathering on Wednesday 4
Community is an important part of Tech
Innovation Centre.
Cancer Support is our charity partner
It promises another opportunity for
Connected, which is why Olive Tree for the year.
businesses to connect, learn and continue the conversations around the technology
Based in Crawley, Olive Tree Cancer
shaping the future of business.
supportive environment for people
www.tech-connected.co.uk
Support provides a welcoming and
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 39
T ECH NO LO GY S PO N S OR
Michel, Bruce, Sean and Edie at Evolve
Four lessons from a summer of real conversations with real businesses
Bruce Bignell, founder of Pipedrive CRM specialists Evolve. After 117 sales calls, the pattern was impossible to ignore, most businesses did not have a lead problem. They had a follow-up problem. Most businesses I
Tech
speak to are leaking
revenue. Not through one disaster, but
through small gaps, a
quote that is never chased, a lead with no owner, a deal that stalls because nobody knows the next step.
In several businesses, we found
opportunities worth hundreds of
thousands sitting inactive, unowned
or poorly followed up. This can mean between 3 and 8 per cent of annual revenue sitting in the pipeline. On a
£10 million business that is £300,000 to £800,000 a year.
40 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
That is not a theory from a white paper.
Since Silicon Brighton’s EVOLVE [26] at
the Brighton Centre in June, the team and I have been on 150 recorded sales calls.
That is more than 66 hours of businesses telling us, in their own words, where the money goes. The same problems kept
coming up, whether the business was a
five-person team or a company that had already outgrown Salesforce.
This summer was a great reminder for me. 1. The heavyweight and the starter tool wanted the same thing
One company came to us from
Salesforce, a giant system that
had become heavier than the sales process it was meant to serve.
Another, a firm of surveyors, came
the other way. They had outgrown a
starter tool that could not cope with five sources of leads.
Both asked for the same thing.
Something simple the team will
actually use. Something that talks to
the rest of their tools. Something they will not have to rip out in two years. Underneath that brief was the real
purchase. The people in charge owned a revenue number, but did not feel
TEC H N O LO GY SP ON SO R
in control of the system producing
it. They were buying a pipeline they could see, steer and trust.
2. Stop asking whether the data was
typed in. Ask whether the process ran. CRM projects stall when people stop
using the system. Training manuals do not fix that. Nobody reads them.
When we moved a payments company onto Pipedrive this summer, each
team got a short session built around its own job. Phase one was live in six weeks. We also found more than 300 leads sitting with the wrong owners. Nobody chased them, because nobody knew they were theirs.
Training starts adoption. It does not keep it alive. The useful question is no longer
more. Not because they are more
talented. Because the work is visible. 3. AI is excellent at the boring jobs, and useless on a mess
Everyone asks about AI. After a
summer of calls, the honest answer is dull. It is brilliant at checking a data
set in five minutes instead of 45. It is
no use at all when contacts belong to nobody, duplicates have multiplied, and an upload has quietly created hundreds of copies.
On monthly calls this summer we
have been clearing that mess before
anyone is allowed to get excited about automation. Clean the data first. Then
use AI. The other way round is theatre.
“did the data get entered?” It is “did the
4. You might not need more leads
follow-up happen, every time?”
The money is often already in the
team run the process, yes or no? Did the
That is why the next action now lives
inside the CRM record itself. You can
see how often the process is followed, and set that against the close rate.
The teams that stay on process close
business, quotes that went quiet,
For one client we built a simple chase on purchase orders - the paperwork that means they get paid. Clients running this kind of system have seen conversion improve by around 15 per cent, and about a fifth less time spent managing enquiries. A CRM is not a project you finish. It is the operating system for what happens next, who owns the opportunity, what happens now and whether the process was followed. That is the gap we help businesses close inside Pipedrive. If you want a blunt look at your own numbers, there is a calculator at
weevolvebusiness.com. Or say hello. We are Worthing-based, and always up for a coffee. www.weevolvebusiness.com
hello@weevolvebusiness.com +44 (0)1273 011187
enquiries that died in an inbox, clients
nobody has spoken to in a year. Buying more leads will not fix a leaky follow-up process. It only fills a bucket that still has holes in it.
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 41
CH A RITY S PO NS O R
Sussex children invited to design their own ‘Pawtrait’ for local children’s hospital charity
Rockinghorse Children's Charity launches creative drawing challenge for ages 4 – 11, in partnership with vet and animal campaigner Dr Marc Abraham OBE. Rockinghorse
Charity
Children's
Charity, the
Sussex-based children's
hospital charity, is calling on
primary school children across the county to put pen to paper for Pawtraits, a new animal
drawing challenge launching on 28 September 2026.
Children aged 4–11 are invited
to create their own Pawtrait, an
imaginative animal drawing, in one of three categories:
• Draw your own pet – their own animal
Key dates:
the imagination and creativity Sussex's
Sussex primary schools
drawing, however wild or wonderful, helps
window open
who need them most."
in each category
Julie Billings, Community Manager
ceremony, Brighton
added, "We're so excited to launch
Once they have created their Pawtrait,
Sussex to get involved. It's a wonderful
website by visiting www.rockinghorse.
classroom while raising vital funds for
•S eptember – Challenge launched in •2 8 September – 31 October – Entry
friend, if they have one
•M id-October – Judges select winners
creature that's never existed
•L ate October – Exhibition and awards
• A fictional animal – a brand-new • A super animal – an animal with an amazing superpower
children bring to their Pawtraits; every
make these visits possible for sick children
at Rockinghorse Children's Charity
Pawtraits and invite schools across
Entries can be submitted online for a
it can be uploaded on the charity’s
way to bring creativity into the
raised going towards Rockinghorse's
org.uk/pawtraits
the work we do supporting sick babies,
Alexandra Children's Hospital in Brighton.
Dr Marc Abraham OBE, vet, author,
therapy animals to the bedsides of
Rockinghorse Ambassador, is really
calm during hospital stays.
campaign. He said, "As a vet, I've seen
All entries will be judged by a special
between animals and children, plus
Ambassador Dr Marc Abraham OBE,
especially to a child who's feeling unwell.
entry forms, posters and assembly
and animal welfare campaigner. Winning
“That's exactly what Rockinghorse's
and Rockinghorse's mascot Rocky is
turned into real soft toys and celebrated
patients at the Royal Alexandra Children's
ceremony in Brighton this October.
judge, I'm really looking forward to seeing
minimum donation of £3, with every penny Pets as Therapy sessions at the Royal
children and young people at the Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital and right
These sessions bring specially trained
campaigner, broadcaster, and
across Sussex.
seriously ill children, offering comfort and
pleased to be supporting this new
“We'd encourage every school to share
first-hand the incredible bond that exists
amazing animals their pupils can imagine."
how much comfort an animal can bring,
Schools across Sussex are being sent
panel including Rockinghorse
veterinary surgeon, broadcaster, author
the entry form with parents and see what
materials to help spread the word,
designs from each category will be
Pets as Therapy sessions do for young
available for school visits on request.
at a public exhibition and awards
Hospital in Brighton. As a proud Pawtraits
To find out more, visit the Rockinghorse
42 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
website at www.rockinghorse.org.uk
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 43
CH A RITY S PO NS O R
100km for Mum: Walking the Distance for Cancer Research
Like so many others,
Charity
our family’s lives were rocked when my
mum was diagnosed with cancer in
September 2024. Responding well to immunotherapy, it seemed like she would make a full recovery.
Devastatingly, though, without warning
the cancer began spreading again, and Mum sadly passed in April this year.
She was an incredible mum to me and my sister Claire, a devoted and loving
wife to our dad Colin, and a wonderfully doting nana to my 6- and 2-year-old
children Ollie and Milo. She was also very active and healthy; Mum loved
44 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
being outside whatever the weather.
She had green fingers and could spend all day in her garden, and she and my dad loved walking – along the coast,
across the South Downs, through woods and countryside, and around National Trust parks and gardens. So many of our childhood memories were made
outdoors, either playing sport or walking
and cycling for miles on end. These were things Mum also loved doing with Ollie and Milo, and they adored doing with
their nana. She was full of enthusiasm and warmth, and incredibly kind,
generous and selfless. With endless
energy, she brought fun wherever she
went, and she was wonderfully playful.
Even in her final days Mum found solace in humour and laughter.
Over the weekend of the 5th and 6th September, Claire and I were able to
remember Mum by taking on the South Coast Challenge together, trekking
100km across the undulating Downs of
Sussex from Polegate, near Eastbourne, to Arundel. We had decided to do the
challenge when it appeared Mum would make a full recovery, to raise money for the incredible Cancer Research
UK and to make her proud. Following
Mum’s passing, the challenge of course
became far more meaningful. Being able to turn some of the sadness we had
C HA R I TY SP O N SO R
felt into something so positive was now hugely important to us.
We knew it was going to be tough, but bleary eyed at the start line at 7.30am
on the Saturday it suddenly hit us that
100km was a huge amount of steps over one weekend after a buy week of work! The first day was a mere 57km trek
across the South Downs, including the
Seven Sisters, before winding down into Brighton and across the coast to Hove. Five minutes into the trek, we were
suddenly climbing a very steep hill into the Downs, which had us both questioning
what on earth we had signed up for, but after that we were able to settle into a
rhythm and begin to enjoy the experience. There was something very special about completing the challenge together, not long after Mum’s passing. We talked,
laughed, and remembered Mum whilst
trekking across the stunning countryside she loved most. A gruelling 12 hours
later, we found ourselves trekking through
Brighton city centre on a Saturday
evening – an unusual experience! But it
meant the end of Day 1 was near, and by 7.45pm we finally made the first finishing line in Hove Park.
After a huge dinner and a restless
sleep, then came day two, which was
particularly challenging for Claire from
the beginning. A niggly injury to her hip
had worsened, and so what was already such a demanding challenge became
considerably harder. She is one of the most determined individuals I know,
though, so at 6.30am we set off at a
good pace from Hove Park, out into the
Downs again for a 43km walk to Arundel. This time largely in comfortable silence,
we focused on making it to the next rest
stop, rather than thinking about how much further we still had to go. It became much less about the distance and much more about simply putting one foot in front
of the other and finishing the challenge together. I’m sure Mum would have
been proud of us, and I could not have
been prouder of Claire, who continued on despite being in so much pain, still making good time despite her injury. By the time we finally reached the finish line at 7pm, we were exhausted, but with such a brilliant sense of achievement. It was a tough weekend – particularly for Claire but such a brilliant one. The South Coast Ultra Challenge will always be something Claire and I associate with Mum. We walked in her memory, along the South Downs and coast she loved so much, raising money for Cancer Research UK. They say, as with running marathons, that once you’ve completed one Ultra Challenge you catch the bug. That is certainly the case with both of us! I would absolutely recommend undertaking an Ultra Challenge, especially as a cathartic way to remember someone and to raise money for vital charities such as Cancer Research UK. https://www.justgiving.com/page/chrisstevens-31?utm_medium=FR&utm_ source=WA#supportersList
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Cyclists at Eilean Donan Castle
Sussex cyclists brave the Scottish highlands for the Starr Trust Twelve determined cyclists have taken on the wild Scottish highlands, battling relentless rain, howling winds and near-zero visibility to complete a gruelling 222-mile ride in aid of the Starr Trust, the Hove-based charity that helps young people aged 10 to 25 fulfil their potential through sport, arts and education. The three-day
Charity
challenge was the brainchild of Matt
Smith of Webtrends Optimize, who
put the ride together and stepped up as main sponsor, with The Implant
Centre coming on board as co-sponsor. Behind him stood a small but dedicated organising team: Tracey Starr of the
Starr Trust, who has driven the ride's planning and support year after year,
and ride leaders Chris Gilkes and Mark
Archer, who mapped out the routes and
led the group across some of Scotland's most beautiful, and most brutal, terrain.
46 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Day one - set the tone for what was
part of the support crew, kicked things
shores of Loch Lomond, and pedalled
loch before the rest of the group set
William, with the rain rarely letting up. A
cyclists stopped at the Dundreggan
a charming eighteenth-century coaching
dedicated rewilding centre, and
before the riders settled in for the night
Eilean Donan Castle, best known to
glorious views over Loch Linnhe.
Not content with a full day's cycling,
Day two - was the longest stretch of
ride leader Mark Archer carried on
to come. The group left Tarbet, on the
off with a spot of kayaking across the
90 miles along the lochside to Fort
off on two wheels. Along the way, the
welcome pause came at the Oyster Inn,
Rewilding Centre, the world's first
inn also known as the Ferryman's Inn,
paused for photos at the magnificent
at the Clan Macduff Hotel, taking in
film fans as a location in Braveheart. Dan Mace of The Implant Centre and
all, with a further 90 miles to cover en
over the bridge to the Isle of Skye and
Starr and Dean Brandon who were
group's stamina.
route to the Kyle of Lochalsh. Tracey
back, proof, if any were needed, of the
C HA R I TY SP O N SO R
Matt Smith of Webtrends Optimize with Mark Archer
Cycling alongside Loch Linnhe
The Implant Centre crew with Chris Gilkes
Final Destination Applecross Pass
Day three - shorter in distance but by
from across the Sussex business
the many young people who reach out
route through the Applecross Pass,
Cognitive Law, Will Beer of Servo
one help the Trust continue removing
the harder by pouring rain and visibility
Accountancy, Sam Attfield of Café
them the support they need to
view entirely. To make matters worse,
Team International, several of whom
scan the QR code below.
be closed. But there was a wonderful
very first time. Local favourites Truffles
Please scan the QR code to help the
bagpiper Jason Faulkner, booked to
Bakery and Tesco all pitched in with
far the toughest of the trip. A 41-mile
community, including Rich Bates of
to the charity for help. Rides like this
including a five-mile climb, was made all
Private Wealth, Paul Thatcher of THL
roadblocks for young people, giving
so poor the summit vanished from
Du Van and Ross Barnett of Socium
succeed and thrive. To donate, simply
the planned rest stop turned out to
were taking on the challenge for the
surprise waiting at the top: ex-military
Bakery, Gail's Bakery, Flour Pot
welcome the riders at the finish line,
food to keep the riders fuelled.
pipes through the wind and rain as the
For everyone involved, the ride was
the cyclists won't forget in a hurry.
spoke warmly of the camaraderie, the
None of it would have been possible
one another, with several, including a
behind the scenes. Alongside Tracey,
ahead to next year's challenge.
mechanics to Team England, British
The Starr Trust is an independent,
again kept everyone's wheels turning,
fully funded by Seico Insurance &
for many years.
community fundraising, events and
The ride also brought together cyclists
and businesses in order to support
climbed the pass himself and played his group reached the summit, a moment
without the team working quietly
Dean, Chris, Mark and Brown's Bikes,
team reach their target:
about far more than the miles. Riders
laughs and the support they had from
handful of first-timers, already looking
Cycling and the Tour de France, once
family-run charity, with running costs
just as they have done for the Starr Trust
Mortgages, and relies entirely on
If you'd like to get involved in
supporting the Starr Trust, please email: tracey@starrtrust.org www.starrtrust.org
donations from generous individuals
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 47
N ETWO RKI NG & EVE NTS S P ON S OR
Sussex Business Show 2026: Ten Years at the Top of Our Game
On 24th September, in the Corn Exchange at the Brighton Dome which was buzzing as the Sussex Business Show marked its tenth year.
With 75 exhibitors
Networking & Events
and just over 300 business guests
through the doors,
the day was packed
with conversations, connections, and friendly competition.
True to form, the show floor was full of games. Data Cove returned with their
ever-popular hook a duck, Lollipop Print kept visitors coming back with a couple
of addictive challenges which included a
toad in the hole game, and the Abruzzi sim racing rig drew a steady queue of wouldbe racers chasing the fastest lap. Crocus Paella kept everyone fuelled, serving
grazing pots to more than 200 people, and
Manny’s Kitchen served delicious samosas to keep everyone’s tastebuds dancing. Breakfast Networking
The day began with breakfast
networking at the Red Roaster, where
48 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
32 businesses met over coffee to chat and make connections before the show floor opened. Thought Leaders
Our four thought leaders shared their stories on stage: Lyndsey Clay of
Connected Brighton on The Community Code, Duncan Knight of DK. Business Growth on Success, Struggle and
Structure, Wesley Atkinson of Mint on
Relentless Resilience, and Fay Millar of Gingerbread World on Sink or Swim. Health and Wellbeing Boot Camp The Boot Camp also returned with
its health and wellbeing talks, all well
attended: Claire Elmes of Inspire You on the hidden cost of burnout, Tyler Slade of VS LIFE on how to play the game of life, Donna Holland of Rockinghorse
Children's Charity with lessons from
the frontline, and Nush Bagiolo of YB Aligned on body awareness.
Awards
This year's Customer Experience Award was judged by a mystery shopper
walking the stands, and went to Zing
Pop Games, with Toby Moore and ZoeBeth Hobbs. The Best Stand Award for creativity and fun went to Tottington
Manor, whose Wii dance-off had guests showing off their moves all day.
All in all, it was one of the best shows we've ever had, and people are still
posting about it on social media a week later. That's the best sign of all.
A huge thank you to every exhibitor,
guest, speaker, and supporter. Save the date: we'll see you on 23rd September
2027 at our new home, The Wing at the Brighton Centre.
N ETWO R K I N G & EV EN TS SP O N SO R
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N ETWO RKI NG & EVE NTS S P ON S OR
Eastbourne DigiFest 2026 returns with a sharp focus on AI leadership Eastbourne DigiFest, the region's Tech Conference for Business, is back at Kings Centre, Eastbourne, on Wednesday 14th October. This year's theme, "Working and Leading in the Age of AI," asks a question every business leader is currently wrestling with: are you ready for what's next? Now in its fourth
Networking & Events
year, Eastbourne
DigiFest has built
a reputation as the South East's go-
to event. It cuts through the hype,
jargon and noise, focusing on what
actually matters for business leaders, managers, founders and digital
professionals. Tools that once felt
experimental - AI, automation, new digital platforms - are now shaping everyday work. This year's line-up
helps attendees understand what's changing and how to respond with
confidence rather than panic, whether they're leading a team, running an SME or building their career.
Among this year's headline names
is Michael Gietzen. Eastbourne born
and proud of it, Michael has built one
of the world's largest experiential and event management companies from
the ground up. As CEO of the Identity Group of Companies, he creates
world-class business, sporting and
cultural experiences for governments, world leaders and some of the planet's biggest brands.
His message speaks directly to
this year's theme. In an age of AI,
automation and endless digital content, Michael argues that nothing replaces
what happens when a human being is
physically present in something built to
move them. It's a conviction the market backs up: in 2024, experiential spend
overtook digital advertising for the first time, and it has kept growing since.
50 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
At Eastbourne DigiFest, he shares how
Also speaking this year is Rebecca
without losing the human moments
Metro Bank, who brings more than 26
leaders can embrace new technology that change everything: how we feel
about a brand, what we believe, and what we do next.
Maher, Corporate Banking Director at
years of experience delivering strategic change across large and complex
organisations. Her talk, "Authentic
N ETWO R K I N G & EV EN TS SP O N SO R
Rebecca Maher
Leadership in the Rise of AI and
Automation: Why Human Leadership Matters More Than Ever," tackles a
question that's easy to skip over amid the rush to automate. What role does human leadership play in an AI-driven world? Rebecca's position is straightforward: as automation accelerates, trust,
accountability and human judgement become more important, not less.
Attendees can expect practical takeaways: how to balance AI-driven efficiency with
human judgement, build governance into AI adoption and create a culture where people and technology thrive together.
Paul Hetherington, Vistage Chair, returns to the stage this year with a session on
AI generating real revenue for non-tech
businesses. As Paul puts it, "Eastbourne
DigiFest is fast becoming THE technology event of the year in Sussex. It’s a must
for MDs, CEOs and business owners in
the county." This year, he says, is about
"putting aside your fears of AI and mass automation, and learning how to get it
working for you rather than against you." Switchplane MD Tom Fielder, whose team organises the conference, is speaking on
how AI can turn organisational pain points into competitive advantage. He says the
aim every year with Eastbourne DigiFest is to "move the conversation on rather than repeat it." As he puts it, "Last year was
Michael Gietzen
about understanding what AI could do.
business professionals make sense of it
it, how you keep the human judgement
with those who can support them to
This year is about how you lead through
all, ask questions and build connections
and accountability that actually makes
grow and upskill."
you change faster than ever."
The event is headlined this year by
The programme also covers AI’s impact
Growth Hub. Lightning Fibre and East
recruitment to hiring and youth skills.
Sussex Innovation is a Pioneer Partner, the
partner at Loch Associates, ranked by
Exhibitor Partners and Global WealthMAP
500. She examines the legal and HR risks
Business Times returns as Media Partner
organisations work, while the tools around
sponsors Switchplane and East Sussex
beyond the boardroom, from HR and
Sussex College are Event Partners,
Victoria Regan is an employment law
University of Brighton and Agency53 are
Chambers and Partners and The Legal
sponsors the Networking Lunch. Sussex
businesses face as AI enters recruitment,
for the second year running.
decisions. Maria Bedoya-Toro, Head of
With over 400 attendees expected,
Innovation, challenges assumptions about
itself as the region's essential date
employers. Lucy Butt, CEO of Sussex
change. Alongside the speaker sessions,
honest account of adopting AI on a small
businesses and organisations from
reserved for large organisations with big
Digital, AxisOps, PRG Marketing
their careers, Ellie Hale hosts a youth panel
Centre of Excellence. Attendees get the
confidence and skills for a workplace being
first-hand and meet the people behind
performance management and disciplinary Programmes and Consultancy at Sussex
Eastbourne DigiFest has firmly established
AI and the junior hiring crisis facing UK
for business leaders navigating digital
charity Bramber Bakehouse, gives an
the exhibition space brings together
budget. It’s proof that these tools aren't
across the region, including Fountain
budgets behind them. For those earlier in
Communications, SystemActive and Cyber
exploring how young people are building
chance to see new tools and technologies
reshaped by digital change.
them face to face. Eastbourne DigiFest
Sarah Cronk, Event Organiser, says:
understand what's changing and to step
is where our region comes together to
"With so much being said about AI
confidently into the future.
to know where to start or what to
Book your conference ticket today at
and digital change, it can be difficult prioritise. Eastbourne DigiFest helps
eastbournedigifest.com.
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N ETWO RKI NG & EVE NTS S P ON S OR
From Christmas Party to CityWide Celebration: The Rise of the Brighton Girl Awards
In just three years, the Brighton Girl Awards have grown to become one of the city's most talked-about nights. Here's how it happened, and why 2027 is the year to get involved.
Ask most people what
Networking & Events
it takes to launch a
city-wide awards and they'll picture a big budget, a ballroom
and a committee. Ours started with a Christmas party.
In December 2023, the City Girl
Network hosted a festive get-together at PLATF9RM in Hove. Somewhere
between the prosecco and crisps, we
handed out three awards to the Business, Community and Brighton Girl, who had
made Brighton brighter that year. It was
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small and a little bit homemade. The room absolutely loved it.
That reaction told us something.
Brighton and Hove is full of brilliant people doing brilliant things, often
quietly and often without a stage to stand on.
So we built one for them. From party to phenomenon The following year, the Brighton Girl Awards became an event in their
own right, again at PLATF9RM.
Nominations poured in. The categories grew to cover everything from
Restaurant, Creative and Employer,
to Wellbeing Champion. Independent judging panels scored every finalist. The night felt less like an awards
ceremony and more like the whole city turning up to cheer each other on. Then came the leap. For 2026, we moved to the Old Market in Hove,
a venue with the scale, history and atmosphere to match what the
awards had become. The finalists
N ETWO R K I N G & EV EN TS SP O N SO R
were announced during a takeover at Churchill Square, which saw
hundreds of local people gather to
celebrate equality-powered brands. Over 250 people filled the room, from finalists and partners to community
groups and their biggest supporters.
The celebrations carried on long after the last trophy was handed out. The numbers beyond the room tell the story too. Across the
campaign, the 2026 Brighton Girl Awards reached 200,000 people.
That's 200,000 chances for a local business, a grassroots group or a
Why businesses are paying attention
and talked about. Not bad for something
If you run a business in Sussex, you'll
first-time founder to be seen, shared that began at a Christmas party.
None of it would have happened
without the businesses who backed
us. Sponsors including Search Seven,
Gold Arts Jewellers, London Women’s Clinic and Churchill Square put their
names behind the awards and helped
turn a brilliant idea into a night the city won't forget.
Bigger, bolder, brighter The 2027 Brighton Girl Awards will
return to the Old Market, on a much grander scale than anything we've done before.
We're working with lots of our amazing communities to shape what the best-
ever Brighton Girl Awards should look like. Which categories matter most?
How can we create the most impact? How do we make the night the best experience ever?
Those conversations keep the awards rooted in the city. They were never
meant to be a glossy, top-down affair.
They're a celebration made by Brighton, for Brighton, and the bigger we get, the more that matters.
know how hard it is to cut through.
Social feeds are crowded, ad costs keep creeping up, and a one-off sponsorship can feel like money spent on a banner nobody reads.
The Brighton Girl Awards work
differently. Our audience is local, loyal
Put simply, it's a chance to reach your audience, get in front of new customers and get the word out, all while being part of something the city cares about. And because the campaign runs all year, your support keeps working well beyond a single evening. A celebration worth backing
and engaged, and they care deeply
Today, the Brighton Girl Awards is one
them. When they see a brand standing
the city, reaching hundreds of thousands
about supporting the businesses around
of the most talked-about celebrations in
behind the awards, they see a brand
of people and growing every year.
that champions the city they love.
Our partnerships deliver far more than a
logo on the night, with sponsors receiving: ●A n on-the-day presence at The Old Market, putting you in the room with finalists, community leaders and a crowd that's there to celebrate.
●A year-long digital campaign across
What hasn't changed is the reason behind it. Brighton and Hove is full of people worth celebrating, and the Brighton Girl Awards exist to make sure they're seen. The 2027 awards, which will take place on Thursday 18th March, are set to be our biggest yet. We'd love your
City Girl Network, keeping your
business to be part of them.
from the moment nominations open to
To find out more about sponsoring
business at the forefront of the awards long after the winners are announced.
●A real connection to the stories that make the awards special, from the
the 2027 Brighton Girl Awards, contact Pippa Moyle at pippa@ citygirlnetwork.com.
nominees you help spotlight to the communities you help lift.
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N ETWO RKI NG & EVE NTS S P ON S OR
Sussex Crciket Foundation: An Afternoon with Harmison & Hoggard The Sussex Cricket Foundation is delighted to announce An Afternoon with Harmison & Hoggard, an exclusive fundraising event featuring former England fast-bowling stars Steve Harmison and Matthew Hoggard. Taking place
Networking & Events
on Thursday 3
December 2026 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole,
the event will offer a unique opportunity
to hear first-hand stories and behind-thescenes memories from two of England's most celebrated bowlers.
From unforgettable Ashes triumphs to
memorable dressing room anecdotes,
work of the Sussex Cricket Foundation
Harmison and Hoggard will share
across the county.
international careers, in what promises to
Gary Wallis-Tayler, Head of the Sussex
while raising vital funds to support the
to welcome Steve Harmison and Matthew
highlights from their distinguished
be an entertaining and insightful afternoon
54 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Cricket Foundation, said: "We are thrilled
Hoggard to Brighton for what will be a
fantastic afternoon. Both are true legends of the game, and their stories from some
of England's greatest cricketing moments will make this a special occasion for everyone attending.
BAG Y D O O G E E R F
ST 200 FOR THE FIR E GATE GH TH U16s THROU
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N ETWO RKI NG & EVE NTS S P ON S OR
The Brighton & Hove Business Show returns in 2027 The Brighton & Hove Business Show returns in 2027, with bookings now open for businesses wanting to exhibit at one of Sussex’s established business events. Networking & Events
Taking place on
Bookings for
2027 at the American
open now, with
Thursday 10 June
Express Community
Stadium, the show will
bring businesses together for a full day of
exhibiting, networking, speakers and new
Brighton 2027 are stands currently available from
£495 plus VAT.
connections. Visitor registration is free,
Eastbourne
place on the exhibition floor.
feedback
while businesses can already secure their
The value of getting businesses together face to face was clear at the recent
Eastbourne Business Show, held at
the Kings Centre on 9 September. The day attracted businesses from across Eastbourne and the wider Sussex
area, with exhibitors reporting strong conversations, new contacts and, in some cases, new business secured during the show itself.
There was a real mix of established
organisations and smaller businesses across the exhibition, alongside
speakers sharing their experience
throughout the day. More importantly, the show created plenty of
opportunities for proper conversations. Businesses met potential customers, caught up with existing contacts
and discovered other organisations working across the region.
With the Brighton & Hove Business
Show growing year on year, the 2027 event provides another opportunity
for businesses to put themselves in
front of the local business community, meet people face to face and build
relationships that can continue long after the show has finished.
56 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Show exhibitor
“It’s been
fantastic! We’ve met some really great people.
Some members
have been along to say hello,
but also new
businesses and
met some really great people.”
people who are starting up and want
Tracey Ledger, Eastbourne Coaches
been great. It’s been buzzing.”
“We’ve had an exciting day talking
some help, advice and support. It’s Alison Turner, FSB
to lots of other exhibitors. We’ve had
“It’s been really good. It’s a new
machine and I’ve been one of the
flurry this morning and some really
Emma Pearce, Lightning Fibre
to a couple of sign-ups this morning.”
Looking Ahead
experience for us. There was a good interesting conversations, which have led Terry Bower, Inside Stories
people enjoying the Space Invaders
speakers as well, so that was really fun.”
The Gatwick Business Show takes place
“It’s been really lovely to meet local
on Thursday 8 October 2026, from 10am
I’ve come across over the years
Park Resort. Businesses can book a
businesses. There are a few people
to 3pm, at the Pavilion Suite, Lingfield
through other networking events, so
stand or register to attend.
Sally Cranham, Current Utilities
brightonandhovebusinessshow.uk
it’s been really good fun.”
“It’s been fantastic for us today. We’ve been seeing lots of different people,
listening to people’s stories and we’ve
N ETWO R K I N G & EV EN TS SP O N SO R
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PARTN E RS H I PS & G R OWT H S P ON S OR
Brighton Has the Ideas. Now It Needs the Backing
Brighton has never been short of ideas. It’s not just a city that attracts creative people, it creates them. And it’s not hard to see why.
Photo by Ben Guerin
From getting lost in
Partnerships & Growth
The Lanes, to walking the seafront from
Hove to Kemptown, every corner of this
amazing city gets the mind turning. Inspiration is everywhere.
In just the past few years, various
rankings have crowned Brighton as
the UK's most entrepreneurial city, the
country's start-up capital and the best place to start a new business.
At NatWest, we know that these local
innovators – with the right support on hand to help them not just start their
business, but to scale and succeed –
58 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
will define the next decade of growth
across the UK. That’s why in May, we
launched our latest NatWest Accelerator, in partnership with the University of Brighton, right at the heart of their Moulsecoomb campus.
The NatWest Accelerator provides a place where Sussex’s founders can
flourish. Through our free membership, local entrepreneurs can embark on a journey of tailored support made
up of expert led masterclasses and
mentoring, professional workspaces and a vibrant peer network, all
designed to help early stage and
scaling businesses grow - without costing them a penny.
But this support doesn’t just start
and end in Sussex. The Accelerator
connects founders to a thriving digital
community, bringing together budding entrepreneurs and small business owners from across the UK.
By launching our Accelerator in
partnership with the University of
Brighton, we’re bringing our support
direct to the region’s entrepreneurs – helping Sussex’s innovators to scale and powering the local economy by
building Brighton’s new businesses. As part of our launch, we brought local business owners and entrepreneurs
together for our opening event under a
PA RTN ER SH I P S & GR OW TH SP O N SO R
Photo by Anthony Wade
simple question: Why Brighton? To us, the case was clear. This is a
city thriving with new ideas, ambitious founders who aren’t afraid to think
differently or challenge convention. Jobs in the IT, digital, and creative
sectors have grown by a whopping 40% in the past 5 years, and more
start-ups survive past the 5 year mark than the national average.
In addition to all of this, Brighton serves as an important centre point, bringing all of Sussex together, connecting
communities from the whole area. But success won’t happen by chance.
86% of businesses in Brighton are small, with only fewer than 10 employees. The
right support will make all the difference.
If we want more Sussex firms to scale, we need a stronger support system around them. That means closer
collaboration across institutions. Banks,
universities, local government, investors and business leaders all have a role to play, so we’re bringing them together. Our partnership with the University
will connect founders with students,
academics and industry experts, creating more opportunities for entrepreneurs and
university spinouts to turn promising ideas into launchable, scalable businesses. Taken together these actions will
Nationally, it’s our ambition to reach 50,000 members through our NatWest Accelerator in 2026 alone. There has never been such a big backing of Brighton’s innovative founder community until now. We’re coming here, because we know what’s possible. We know this city has the ideas, the talent and the ambition. With the right support, those ideas won’t just start here - they’ll scale here and stay here, keeping talent rooted in the region that made it. That’s why we’re backing Brighton.
continue to broaden and deepen
NatWest’s support for the region’s
economy. It’s our aim to help thousands of startups in Sussex and the South
East, strengthening our commitment to empower all of the UK’s regions.
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PARTN E RS H I PS & G R OWT H S P ON S OR
Compliance Doesn't Have to Be Complicated
Ana Christie, CEO, Sussex Chamber of Commerce
Employment
Partnerships & Growth
legislation continues to evolve, placing
greater responsibility on employers to
ensure they have the correct policies,
procedures and documentation in place. For businesses of all sizes, compliance is no longer simply a matter of good
practice. It is a critical part of protecting employees, managing risk and
safeguarding business growth. From contracts of employment and staff handbooks to absence procedures,
holiday management and workplace
policies, employers must be confident that their documentation reflects
current legislation and best practice.
60 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Failure to do so can result in disputes, employment tribunal claims, financial penalties and reputational damage. Changes Already in Force
• Trade Union and Industrial Action Reforms
• Family Leave Reforms
• Statutory Sick Pay Changes • New Fair Work Agency
• Sexual Harassment and
Whistleblowing Protection
• Tribunal Claims and Employment Disputes
Reforms Expected During 2027 • Unfair Dismissal
• Zero-Hours Contracts and Predictable Working
• Fire-and-Rehire Restrictions • Redundancy and Collective Consultation
• Additional Family-Friendly Protections For many SMEs, staying on top of
these requirements can be challenging. Business owners are often balancing growth, recruitment and operational
pressures, leaving little time to monitor legislative changes or regularly review HR processes.
This is where the value of Sussex
Chamber membership extends far beyond networking.
As part of membership, businesses
gain access to free practical support
PA RTN ER SH I P S & GR OW TH SP O N SO R
designed to help reduce costs, manage risk and stay compliant. This includes a dedicated HR and legal advice line,
access to more than 750 professionally drafted business documents and
templates, and £1 million of excess-free legal expenses insurance cover.
These benefits provide businesses with immediate access to expert support
when issues arise, helping employers make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary costs.
However, one of the greatest advantages of Chamber membership is choice.
Sussex Chamber members have access to a network of trusted professionals and service providers, allowing
businesses to choose the level and style of support that best suits their needs.
with another option, enabling members
important. Through membership,
best with their budget, resources and
resources and select the support that
For businesses that prefer a personal,
to choose the support model that aligns
businesses can access all of these
membership includes highly regarded
operational requirements.
works best for them.
advisers who can provide tailored support
In today's business environment, there
Because when it comes to compliance,
organisation's circumstances.
and employment compliance. Some
same for every business, but having
For those looking for an alternative
access to legal advisers who know
all the difference.
access the HR Member Plus+ service
the convenience of a technology-led
Whether you choose to utilise the
hands-on approach, the Chamber's
legal firms, HR specialists and professional and expert guidance specific to an
is no one-size-fits-all approach to HR
the best solution is not always the
organisations value having direct
the right choices available can make
managed solution, members can also
their business personally. Others prefer
from Quest Cover at a significantly
HR solution with ongoing support and
discounted rate.
regularly updated documentation.
library, work directly with one of Sussex
This service provides professionally
The real benefit of Sussex Chamber
member firms, or take advantage of the
and employee handbooks, together with
have to choose between compliance
membership provides access to the
System that helps employers manage
access to a range of solutions that can
help your business remain compliant,
sickness absence and expenses
risk and control costs, whilst ensuring
included advice line and document Chamber's trusted legal and HR
drafted and legally compliant contracts
membership is that businesses do not
discounted HR Member Plus+ service,
a dedicated Employee Management
and affordability. Membership provides
tools, expertise and support needed to
employee records, annual leave,
help employers stay compliant, reduce
reduce costs and focus on growth.
efficiently from one platform.
they have expert support available
sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk
Importantly, HR Member Plus+ is
when needed.
https://www.
not intended to replace the excellent
As employment legislation continues to
sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk/
Chamber's professional member
compliant documentation and specialist
support-services/chamber-protect-
expertise available through the
evolve, having access to trusted advice,
business-support-sussex/member-
network. Instead, it provides businesses
expertise is becoming increasingly
services.html
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 61
TAILORED RECRUITMENT SOLUTIONS
0333 7723787 07376 210442 www.placrrecruitment.co.uk lorraine.ali@placrrecruitment.co.uk
Why the Best Candidate May Not Have the Perfect CV
When recruiting, it is natural to look for candidates whose CV matches every requirement in the job description. However, this approach can sometimes mean overlooking people with the potential to become exceptional employees. Experience matters, but it is only one part of a successful appointment.
Transferable skills, attitude, motivation and the ability to learn can be equally important. A candidate may not have
worked in your exact industry, but they
could bring valuable experience from a
similar environment, a fresh perspective and a strong desire to develop.
The first step is to separate what is
genuinely essential from what can be taught. Professional qualifications,
licences or specific technical knowledge may be non-negotiable, but familiarity
with a particular system or sector can often be developed through training. It is also worth considering what the
business will need in twelve months, rather than focusing solely on the
immediate vacancy. Someone with
curiosity, adaptability and the capacity to grow could deliver far greater long-term
Recruitment is not about finding a perfect CV. It is about finding the right person for the role, the team and the future of the business.
Interviews should explore achievements,
By remaining open-minded and assessing the whole person, Sussex employers can access a much broader pool of talent—and may discover their strongest hire where they least expected.
previous job titles. Ask candidates how
Lorraine Ali, Founder of Placr Recruitment
value than a candidate who simply ticks every box today.
behaviours and potential—not just
placr top job Are you an analytical finance professional with experience in cost or management accounting within a manufacturing environment? Our client is looking for a Cost Accountant to join its finance team in Lower Dicker. This is a hands-on role responsible for maintaining accurate product costs, inventory valuations and financial reporting, while providing meaningful insight to support operational performance and profitability. This opportunity would suit an experienced Cost Accountant or a part-qualified finance professional
62 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
they have solved problems, learned new skills, handled change and contributed to their wider team.
Cost Accountant - Salary: DOE Location: Lower Dicker, looking to develop their career within a busy manufacturing business. Why Apply? This is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of an important area of finance and work closely with both financial and operational teams. You'll have the opportunity to improve reporting, strengthen processes and provide analysis that directly influences business performance. Apply today with your CV, and a member of the Placr Recruitment team will be in touch.
Tax Manager
Location: Sussex Hours: Full-time | Flexible working patterns considered
Are you an experienced tax professional looking for greater
What's on Offer
responsibility, a varied client portfolio and the opportunity to lead and develop a team?
• 25 days' holiday plus bank and public holidays • The option to buy or sell up to five days' annual leave
Our client is a fast-growing accountancy firm with multiple
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
offices across Sussex and Surrey. Supporting thousands
• Workplace pension
of businesses and individuals, the firm provides specialist
• Cycle-to-work scheme
accountancy, taxation, payroll, advisory and financial
•E xcellent career-development opportunities within a growing firm
planning services. If you're ready to lead, advise and make a genuine impact They are now looking for a confident and technically strong Tax
within a growing tax team, apply today for a confidential
Manager to join their expanding team.
conversation with Placr Recruitment.
Senior Maintenance Engineer
Location: Small Dole Hours: Full-Time Salary: Competitive / DOE
Placr Recruitment is recruiting for an experienced Senior
Maintenance Engineer with strong mechanical and electrical
Maintenance Engineer to join a well-established manufacturing
fault-finding skills, ideally gained within a CNC or precision
business in West Sussex.
manufacturing environment.
This is an excellent opportunity for a highly skilled, hands-
This isn't simply a role focused on responding to breakdowns.
on engineer who wants more than a traditional maintenance
You'll have the opportunity to influence how the factory
position. Alongside keeping complex manufacturing
develops, improve existing machinery and contribute to the
equipment operating effectively, you will play a key role in the
introduction of new automation and robotic technology.
site's continued development, including automation, robotics and capital improvement projects.
It's an excellent opportunity for an experienced Maintenance Engineer looking to take on greater technical responsibility while
The position would suit an experienced multi-skilled
remaining hands-on within a modern manufacturing environment.
Test, Service & Installation Engineer
Location: Storrington Salary: OTE up to £52k + Benefits
Travel the World. Work with Advanced Technology. Build
facility through to customer sites across the UK and internationally.
Something Exceptional. No two projects are the same, making this an ideal role for an Are you an experienced engineer who enjoys solving technical
engineer who enjoys variety, problem-solving and working with
challenges and seeing your work in action? Do you want a role
innovative technology.
that combines hands-on engineering with international travel, working on cutting-edge equipment used around the world?
International travel is a key part of the role, with overseas assignments typically lasting up to three weeks at a time.
Our client is looking for a Test, Service & Installation Engineer to join their growing team. This is an opportunity to work with
If you're looking for a career that combines advanced
highly specialised engineering systems, carrying out testing,
engineering, global travel and the opportunity to work on
commissioning and installation projects from their West Sussex
unique, high-value projects, we'd love to hear from you.
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 63
Her Future Self: Women, Wealth and Wellness
Anya Sizer, Patient Advocacy Lead, London Women's Clinic On the morning
Lifestyle
of Monday 7th September, I
welcomed a room full of businesswomen
for yourself. A nervous system reset,
fertility guidance, emotional support and a financial checklist. Here is what our attendees took away.
to something rare. A few hours that
The Micro Reset Method
the first Her Future Self: Women, Wealth
Camille Pierson, founder of The Float
belonged entirely to them. As host of and Wellness event at The Grand
Brighton, my hope was simple. Not
another task, but permission to slow down and take stock.
Over keynote talks, expert Q&As
and conversations over coffee, four
speakers offered four ways of caring
64 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
Spa, opened with what she calls the
Micro Reset Method. Three small habits that take only a few quiet seconds, wherever you are.
thirty seconds.
•T he ten second transition. A brief pause, feet on the floor, one slow
breath, before stepping through the
door, opening the laptop or picking up the phone.
•P rotecting your drain. Identifying
whatever is depleting your energy that week, and treating the fix as fixed and essential, the way you would treat a meeting with your boss.
“Stress is actually very healthy and
•T he physiological sigh. Two inhales
understanding that stress happens.
through the mouth, repeated for about
matters,” said Camille Pierson.
through the nose, one long slow exhale
It's how you then overcome that, that
L I F ESTY L E SP ON SO R
Anya Sizer
Fertility, Body and Mind
What They Did Not Teach You In School
Professor Nick Macklon, Medical
Closing the morning, Samantha Kaye,
like exactly the conversation Brighton women needed.
Wealth Management Partner at True
Mental health is an enormous part of the
supporting fertility over time:
a different kind of self care. Financial
was building a holistic picture of how
• Eat a Mediterranean style diet.
every woman's financial wellbeing were:
essential that women all over the country
• Income.
after your future self, physically, emotionally
• Wills and power of attorney.
consistent steps. For many attendees, the
• Pensions.
the middle of a busy week, and sit quietly
Director at London Women's Clinic, spoke about everyday steps
• Maintain a healthy BMI. • Avoid smoking and vaping. • Limit alcohol intake. • Consider a fertility health check if you are unsure where you stand. “Small, consistent changes can make a meaningful difference over time,” said Professor Nick Macklon. I followed with a softer, more personal note on the emotional side of fertility. Drawing on research from Jacky Boivin, I spoke about stress often being a reality of fertility treatment but one that doesn't impact success rates once in a clinic. My key points to support yourself on the journey: • Build a nurturing toolkit. • Support your mind, body and soul. • Balance fertility and work.
Potential Wealth Management, offered
fertility journey, and for me the real value
peace of mind. Her five priorities for
finances, fertility and stress fit together. It is can have conversations like these. Looking
• Life insurance.
or financially, means taking small, kind and
• Savings and ISAs.
real gift was simply permission to stop, in
“Money is a big stress worry for lots of
with what their future self might need.
people. Allowing yourself to get your
Her Future Self: Women, Wealth and
you think about having a family or while
Women's Clinic, is intended to be the
finances in order, whether that is before you are building one, is really important too,” said Samantha Kaye. Looking Ahead By the end of the morning, I had
reconnected with old friends, made new ones, and taken away plenty myself.
Wellness, sponsored by London
first of many such mornings. I am already looking forward to hosting the next one. For more on London Women's Clinic, visit londonwomensclinic.com. Find us at 169 Preston Road, Brighton BN1 6AG.
Finance, fertility and stress are closely connected. Financial worries affect
stress levels, and stress in turn affects fertility. Bringing that mix together felt
www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 65
W I N E O F TH E MO NT H S P ON S OR
Sussex Business Times’ Wine of the Month September 2026
Super Tuscan Il Debbio Cabernet Franc, Costa Toscana 2023, Emiliano Falsini
As the evenings draw
WOTM
in across the Downs and the first fire of
the season is lit, my
thoughts turn to Italy
and stone. The result has real depth without heavy oak.
Michael's Tasting Notes
and the red wines that make autumn
Colour: Deep, inky ruby with a violet rim.
chosen a pure Cabernet Franc from
Nose: Blackberry, blackcurrant and
such a pleasure. This month I have
the Tuscan coast which, at around £35 to £40, offers Bolgheri quality without
the Bolgheri price tag. For most people Cabernet Franc is typically blended as part of the great wines of St-Émilion,
but grown in sunnier climes it becomes the star of the show, with a wonderful
richness, savoury note and silky texture. Emiliano Falsini has long been one
of Italy's most respected consultant
winemakers, and it is a joy to see him making wine under his own name
since 2019, on Etna and in Castagneto Carducci, where he grew up. He farms just two hectares of Cabernet Franc here, hand picking the grapes and ageing the wine for ten months in
small oak barrels and “cocciopesto” amphorae made from crushed brick
66 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
dark cherry, lifted by violets, wild Tuscan herbs and a hint of cedar. It has another level of richness.
Palate: Generous dark fruit balanced by lovely freshness and a savoury herbal note of dried thyme and rosemary,
with fine polished tannins, a touch of
spice and tobacco, and a long, clean
finish. Delicious now after an hour in a decanter, but it will reward even more
a few years resting in the cellar. Serve
just under room temperature around 17 degrees centigrade.
Overall: Wow, what a wonderful wine! Food pairing: Slow-roast South
Downs lamb with rosemary, a Sussex venison casserole or a family Sunday roast of beef.
14% vol. Available for £36
from Spirit of the Downs Distillery and specialist independent merchants.
If you enjoy this style, try Le Macchiole's
Paleo, the benchmark Bolgheri Cabernet Franc, or a good Chinon from Bernard
Baudry. But for me, Il Debbio is a musttry this autumn.
Written for Sussex Business Times by Michael Yeoman, English wine
specialist and founder of Spirit of the Downs, award-winning local artisan
Sussex brandies, grape vodka, Boosy Barista, Sussex Shot and Moreish Morello Cherry liqueurs.
Royal Pavilion 17th - 19th December 2026 6:30pm –11:00pm
Price Per Person: Non-members £195 / Members £175
(or £175 per person if you buy a table of 10)
Guests are greeted with Roebuck Estates premium English sparkling wine in the beautiful Great Kitchen, before enjoying a traditional carol concert in the stunning Music Room, to really get you in the festive spirit! Following the concert, guests process to dinner in the iconic Banqueting Room to enjoy a delicious three-course Indian inspired feast beneath the two-story dragon chandelier.
Dress code: Festive glamour. www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 67 Please visit brightonmuseums.org.uk to book
68 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk