SBT issue 503

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Welcome

Welcome to Issue 503 of Sussex Business Times.

As always, one of the real privileges of putting together Sussex Business Times is seeing the incredible breadth of stories emerging from businesses across our county.

This month's issue is a wonderful reminder that business isn't just about balance sheets and bottom lines. It's about people, purpose and the positive impact organisations can have on the communities they serve.

Our cover story shines a spotlight on London Women's Clinic, celebrating the relaunch of its Brighton clinic and the dedicated team helping individuals and families navigate one of life's most personal journeys. It's a story of compassion, innovation and putting people at the heart of healthcare.

Elsewhere, we're inspired by the work being done to create opportunities for the next generation. From Sussex Cricket Foundation's ambitious Breaking Boundaries programme, opening up the game to thousands of state school children, to the remarkable fundraising efforts supporting The Starr Trust, this issue is filled with examples of organisations using their influence to make a lasting difference.

You'll also find practical insight from experts across Sussex covering everything from founder transitions, strategic growth and surveying, through to leadership, business development and property. Whether you're running a start-up, scaling an established business or leading a growing team, there's plenty here to inform, challenge and inspire.

As always, thank you to our sponsors, contributors, advertisers and readers for continuing to support Sussex Business Times. Together, we're proud to keep celebrating the people and businesses that make Sussex such an exceptional place to live, work and do business.

I hope you enjoy Issue 503

Jackie Irving Managing Director & Publisher Sussex Business Times

Managing Director/Publisher

Jackie Irving

jackie@countybusinessclubs.co.uk 07727 243202

Chairman/Chief Storyteller

Sam Thomas sam.thomas@countybusinessclubs.co.uk 07894 762304

Production & Design

Kim Butler kim@lifemediagroup.co.uk

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

Copyright The Business Group Sussex Ltd. 2024 ©

06 | Business Connections Launches with Starling Bank Partnership

A new chapter for Sussex networking begins as Business Connections launches with a landmark partnership.

08 | Looking After Blocks, Protecting Investments

Why professional surveying support matters more than ever for leaseholders and property owners.

10 | Breaking Boundaries

How the Sussex Cricket Foundation is using the power of sport to transform lives across the county.

18 | Founder Transitions

Joel Lawton reflects on leadership, purpose and embracing the next chapter.

22 | Partnerships & Growth

Celebrating collaboration, innovation and the organisations driving Sussex business forward.

28 | Cover Story

Harley Street Fertility Care on Your Doorstep London Women's Clinic re-launches its Brighton Clinic at Preston Park, bringing worldclass fertility care closer to home.

38

| Businesses Drive Charity Success at Preston

Insurance Brokers Golf Day

A fantastic day on the course raises vital funds while bringing the Sussex business community together.

40 | Two Incredible Fundraising Feats for The Starr Trust

Celebrating the individuals and businesses making a lasting difference to young lives across Sussex.

46 | Scaling Up in Sussex

Expert insight into sustainable business growth and the opportunities available for ambitious organisations.

Business Connections Launch Brings Starling Bank Partnership to Sussex

On 24th June, the City Girl Network launched the next chapter of our business community, “Business Connections powered by Starling Bank”.

Held at PLATF9RM in Hove, the event brought together founders, freelancers, professionals and established business owners for an evening of networking, practical discussion and opportunities to share their businesses.

Business Connections itself isn’t new. Supporting businesses has been part of the City Girl Network for many years through our business directories, advertising opportunities, partnerships and events, and more than 200 Sussex businesses are already part of this community.

The partnership with Starling allows us to build on those foundations and develop Business Connections into a broader programme focused not only

on visibility, but also on knowledge, collaboration, meaningful relationships and long-term business support.

Brighton was the natural place to begin this next stage. The City Girl Network was founded in the city in 2016 and has since grown into a national community reaching more than 250,000 women across the UK – 70,000 of whom being Sussex based.

The launch reflected the variety of businesses already operating across Brighton, Hove and the wider county. Attendees represented sectors including finance, marketing, technology, professional services, hospitality, retail, wellbeing and the creative industries. Some were running established companies and growing teams, while others were building businesses independently or exploring their next move.

Opened by Michele Rousseau, Chief Marketing Officer at Starling, the evening brought together networking, business pitches, a panel discussion exploring the realities of running a business and a closing peer-to-peer problem-solving session.

The panel featured local business owners Harriet Dean-Orange and Alice Dewar-Mills, and Vicki Bracey, Starling’s Head of SME Expenses. I hosted the conversation as founder of the City Girl Network. Together, we discussed business budgeting, cash flow, pricing, negotiation, financial confidence and the value of forming strong partnerships. The conversation was practical and honest, reflecting many of the questions that business owners face regardless of their sector or stage of growth.

That balance of visibility and practical

support is central to the future of Business Connections.

The Business Connections programme began with a strong focus on helping businesses gain exposure through directory listings, advertising, event promotion and access to our audiences. Those opportunities remain an important part of what we offer, but over time it has become increasingly clear that businesses also need trusted relationships, useful information, opportunities to collaborate and spaces where they can speak openly about the realities of building and growing a company.

Starling is helping us power that evolution.

Our collaboration will see us host larger-scale flagship events nationally, coworking sessions, networking opportunities, founder support, practical digital content and research into the challenges facing small and mediumsized businesses.

The wider aim is to bring together community, knowledge and opportunity. By combining Starling’s business expertise with the City Girl Network’s national reach, we can create more

opportunities for Sussex businesses to be seen, supported and connected beyond the county.

At the same time, our wider communities allow us to bring new businesses, speakers, ideas and expertise into Sussex, encouraging collaboration across different locations and sectors.

Michele Rousseau, Chief Marketing Officer at Starling Bank, said: "At Starling, we’re committed to championing female entrepreneurs. By providing the expertise to upskill and the space to connect with experienced peers in inspiring and welcoming environments, we’re giving founders the confidence to scale.

Our mission is to help every customer be good with money, and by partnering with City Girl Network we are extending that support to more flourishing businesses in rural areas, towns, and cities"

Our first practical resource is ‘A Simple Guide to Business Budgeting’, which has already been utilised by hundreds of business owners navigating the earlier days of running a business. Future guides will continue to combine expert input with realistic examples, helping

business owners apply the information to their own circumstances rather than offering advice that feels too broad or difficult to use.

The content will focus on subjects that regularly come up in conversations with our business community, including business budgeting, VAT management, productivity, artificial intelligence and marketing, with a particular emphasis on how businesses can plan and budget more effectively for marketing activity.

Sussex already has a thriving and diverse business community, supported by a wide range of networks, venues, organisations, professional services and media organisations like the Sussex Business Times. Business Connections is an opportunity to contribute to that landscape by building on the community we have developed over many years and expanding the ways in which we support it.

For more information, visit citygirlnetwork.com/businessconnections

Looking After Blocks, Protecting Investments: Why Professional Surveying Support Matters More Than Ever

Managing a block of flats is about far more than arranging insurance and collecting service charges.

Whether you're a professional managing agent, a Residents' Management Company (RMC), a Right to Manage (RTM) company or a freeholder, maintaining a residential building brings significant responsibility.

From ageing roofs and external decorations to structural concerns, fire safety considerations and long-term maintenance planning, today's buildings require proactive management rather than reactive repairs. That's where experienced chartered surveyors can make all the difference.

At Sussex Surveyors, we work alongside block managers and property professionals across Sussex, helping them make informed decisions that protect buildings, budgets and the people who live in them. Our role isn't to replace a managing agent – it's to provide the independent technical expertise that supports them.

Prevention is Always Better Than Cure

One of the biggest challenges in block management is balancing the immediate needs of a building with long-term financial planning.

It's easy for maintenance to become reactive. A leak appears, residents report damp, or a section of roofing suddenly fails. By this point, repairs are often more disruptive, more expensive and far more stressful than they needed to be.

Regular inspections and planned maintenance programmes help identify issues before they become major problems. Small defects can often be resolved quickly, preventing larger structural deterioration and reducing unexpected costs for leaseholders.

A well-maintained building also protects property values and gives residents

confidence that their service charges are being invested wisely.

Independent Advice You Can Trust

At Sussex Surveyors, independence sits at the heart of everything we do. Our clients rely on us to provide impartial, honest and expert advice that is based solely on the condition of the building and what is genuinely required, never the interests of third-party contractors.

Managing agents are increasingly expected to justify maintenance decisions to leaseholders, directors and freeholders. Having an independent chartered surveyor inspect a building provides objective professional advice, helping everyone understand what work is genuinely required, when it should be carried out and how best to prioritise expenditure.

This can be particularly valuable when major works are being considered, where independent specifications, tender documentation and project monitoring help ensure contractors deliver exactly what has been agreed. It provides reassurance that decisions are based on technical expertise, transparency and the long-term interests of the building and its residents.

Supporting Every Stage of Property Management

Professionalism underpins every project we undertake. Our team maintains rigorous industry standards, keeps up to date with changing legislation and regulatory requirements, and applies extensive expertise across both residential and commercial property. Whether supporting a small converted building or a large apartment development, clients can be confident they are receiving advice that is technically robust, practical and reliable.

Our surveyors regularly assist with:

• Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) programmes

• Building condition surveys

• Defect diagnosis

• Specifications for repair works

• Contract administration

• Project monitoring

• Section 20 major works support

• Dilapidations and lease advice

• Insurance reinstatement assessments

By providing practical, straightforward advice, we help clients make informed decisions with confidence.

Communication Matters

Outstanding client service is about more than technical knowledge. We understand that managing agents, resident directors and leaseholders need clear, practical advice they can act upon.

That's why we pride ourselves on delivering fast, jargon-free reporting that is tailored to each property's specific needs. We explain complex building issues in plain English, helping clients understand the options available, communicate confidently with residents and make informed decisions without unnecessary confusion or delay.

Combined with responsive service and approachable surveyors, this commitment helps build long-term relationships based on trust, clarity and reliability.

A Long-Term Partnership

Successful block management isn't simply about fixing problems when they arise.

It's about understanding how a building performs over time, planning for future investment and ensuring maintenance budgets are spent effectively.

For many of our clients, we become an ongoing professional adviser rather than someone they contact only when something goes wrong. By developing a detailed understanding of each property, we can provide continuity, consistency and practical guidance as buildings evolve.

Looking After Sussex's Buildings

Across Sussex, residential blocks range from Victorian conversions and listed buildings to modern apartment developments, each bringing their own maintenance challenges and legal responsibilities.

Having access to experienced chartered surveyors means managing agents, freeholders and resident directors have an independent professional they can rely on whenever technical advice is needed.

Because when buildings are properly maintained, everyone benefits, from the people responsible for managing them to the residents who call them home.

If you're responsible for managing a residential block and would like independent surveying advice, the team at Sussex Surveyors is always happy to have an initial conversation about how we can help support your building, your residents and your longterm maintenance plans.

Tony Pearson Sussex Surveyors

www.sussexsurveyors.com

Sussex Cricket showcases £1m Breaking Boundaries programme

Breaking Boundaries is a £1m initiative from the Sussex Cricket Foundation to widen access to cricket for state school children and create clearer pathways into the game.

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Supported by Sussex Cricket and backed by Focus Foundation and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), it is already helping more than 4,000 young people across Sussex.

Through a growing network of State School Cricket Hubs, alongside professional coaching, teacher development, facility investment, club partnerships and representative competition, the programme is creating lasting opportunities for young people throughout their secondary school years.

The event will bring together pupils, teachers, schools, community partners

and cricket stakeholders at The County Ground, Hove, the home of Sussex Cricket, for a day that brings Breaking Boundaries to life through competitive cricket and the voices of the young people, teachers and schools already benefiting from the programme.

Throughout the day, four area-based franchise teams made up of Year 9 and 10 pupils from across Sussex will compete in a T20 competition, with the day also featuring firsthand stories from the schools, teachers and young people helping shape its success.

Early impact includes four new hubs, 62 teachers trained through CPD programmes, 169 students supported

through half-term activity and 290 students supported through after-school cricket.

The long-term ambition is simple: every child in Sussex should be within 30 minutes of a State School Cricket Hub.

Chris Goodman, Sussex Cricket Board member and Founder of Focus Foundation, whose investment has helped establish Breaking Boundaries, said: "For me, this has always been about opportunity. Cricket, like every sport, should be accessible to every young person, not just those fortunate enough to attend an independent school. Breaking Boundaries is about giving more children the chance to experience the confidence, wellbeing and aspiration that

sport can unlock. If it also helps produce future Sussex or England cricketers, that would be a fantastic byproduct."

Paul Farbrace, Sussex Men's Head Coach, said: "The more opportunities we can create for young people to experience cricket, the better it is for them and for the future of the game. Breaking Boundaries is about ensuring ability and enthusiasm are not limited by circumstance."

Gary Wallis-Tayler, Head of Sussex Cricket Foundation, said: "We're already seeing Breaking Boundaries make a real difference in schools across Sussex, but this is only the beginning. By working closely with schools, teachers, clubs and community partners, we are helping more young people discover cricket and fulfil their potential."

Breaking Boundaries builds on more than a decade of work by Sussex Cricket and the Sussex Cricket Foundation to widen access to the game. Central to that has been the long-standing partnership with Brighton Aldridge Community Academy (BACA), which has helped establish new opportunities and pathways for state school cricket in Sussex. Breaking Boundaries now builds on that work to extend those opportunities across the county.

Sir Rod Aldridge, President of Sussex Cricket, said: “Sussex Cricket has always believed the game is strongest when it is open to everyone. I have been a long-term supporter of state school cricket through the successful cricket programme run at BACA for the past 10 years in partnership with Sussex Cricket. Breaking Boundaries reflects this commitment to state school cricket and gives the opportunity to extend this work to many more young people across Sussex. I look forward to seeing the impact of this on the future development of the game and to the opportunities it will bring.”

Former England World Cup winner and broadcaster Alex Hartley has also lent her support, backing its ambition to widen access to cricket for state school children across Sussex.

"I'm proud to be associated with Breaking Boundaries because it goes straight at one of cricket's biggest challenges: access. Talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn't. By putting highquality coaching into state secondary schools, supporting teachers, improving facilities and linking pupils with local clubs, the Sussex Cricket Foundation is creating a proper route into the game for boys and girls who might otherwise never get one. That matters not just for future players, but for the future of cricket."

The programme is also backed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), which sees initiatives like this as an important part of widening access to cricket and strengthening pathways into the game.

Leshia Hawkins, Managing Director of the Recreational Game at the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), said: “Creating more opportunities for young people to discover and stay involved in cricket is one of the game's biggest priorities. Programmes like Breaking Boundaries show the impact that can be achieved when schools, clubs, recreational cricket boards, professional clubs and local communities work together to widen access and create meaningful opportunities for children and young people. We welcome, applaud and want to support scalable initiatives that complement the ECB's wider ambition to grow the game and help ensure more young people develop a lifelong connection with cricket.”

Media attending the event will have the opportunity to interview Chris Goodman, Gary Wallis-Tayler, Paul Farbrace, Sussex T20 captain Tymal Mills, Sussex Women's Head Coach Alexia Walker, together with other Sussex men's and women's players (all subject to availability), alongside participating schools, teachers and young people involved in Breaking Boundaries.

35 years for the Brighton Toy and Model Museum

Brighton Toy and Model Museum welcomed friends, supporters and members of the local community for a very special celebration beneath Brighton Station.

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The event marked the official opening of the museum’s striking new frontage, unveiled by its new Honorary Patron, Lady Judy McAlpine. President of the National Transport Trust and Patron of the Railway Heritage Trust, Lady Judy shares the passion of her late husband, Sir William McAlpine, for preserving Britain’s railway and mechanical heritage.

The new entrance allows passers-by to see inside the museum and forms an important part of the wider regeneration of the Trafalgar Street underpass. The project has transformed a previously overlooked gateway to the North Laine into a brighter and more welcoming space for residents, visitors and people using Brighton Station.

The museum was delighted to thank the organisations and individuals whose support helped to make the work possible, including the Railway Heritage Trust, South East Community Rail Partnership, Southern Railway and the Worshipful Company of Tin Plate Workers, alias Wire Workers.

The gathering also celebrated 35 years since museum founder Chris Littledale first opened the museum in 1991. Chris, a world-renowned tinsmith and former consultant to Christie’s, was presented with a specially made Tin Man figure in recognition of his extraordinary contribution. He then treated the audience to an unforgettable performance, recreating the sounds of steam locomotives in astonishing detail.

Guests heard lively speeches from outgoing Chair Vic Michel, new Chair Nigel Grinstead, Deputy Chair Steve Crump OBE and Museum Manager Jan Etches.

Nigel has enjoyed a highly successful career in the health and care sector, and is a fellow of the Institute of Directors. He brings a lifelong passion for vintage toys and trains, having previously run the Sidmouth Toy and Train Museum.

Steve has worked at a senior level across major humanitarian organisations and founded DeafKidz International. He is also an enthusiastic collector of Captain Scarlet toys and memorabilia. That particular passion will come to the fore next year, when the museum plans a major exhibition celebrating

the 60th anniversary of Captain Scarlet, in partnership with Anderson Entertainment and ITV.

Work has begun on an ambitious new strategy for the museum, including plans to secure additional space so more of its world-class collection can be displayed. This would also allow the museum to introduce more contemporary collectables alongside its historic toys and model railways.

There has also been encouraging progress towards a potential new rebranding as the National Toy and Model Museum in Brighton. With a revitalised entrance, new leadership and ambitious plans for the future, the museum’s 35th anniversary is just the beginning of its next great adventure.

Tech Connected Builds Momentum Following Successful Launch

A brand-new business networking community has got off to a flying start after its inaugural event attracted professionals, entrepreneurs and business leaders from across Sussex, all keen to explore how technology is transforming the way businesses connect, collaborate and grow.

Tech Connected officially launched at the Crawley Innovation Centre earlier this month, bringing together businesses from a wide range of sectors for an afternoon of networking, knowledge sharing and thought-provoking discussion. The event marked the beginning of what organisers hope will become one of Sussex's leading business networking communities, providing regular opportunities for organisations to build valuable relationships while staying

informed about the latest developments in technology and business.

The launch welcomed business owners, directors and professionals from a diverse range of industries, demonstrating that technology is no longer just an IT conversation. From professional services and manufacturing to property, finance and retail, every organisation is embracing technology to improve efficiency, strengthen customer relationships and support future growth. Tech Connected has been created to provide a platform

where those conversations can continue, helping businesses learn from one another whilst building meaningful, long-term connections.

A highlight of the launch was an engaging presentation from Gerry Lawrence of Freeman Clarke, who shared practical insights into how businesses can use technology more effectively to improve performance, embrace innovation and prepare for future growth. His presentation encouraged lively discussion amongst attendees and perfectly reflected the

purpose behind Tech Connected –creating a community where businesses can learn from one another as well as expand their professional networks.

The atmosphere throughout the afternoon demonstrated there is a real appetite for networking events that combine genuine relationship building with practical business insight. Rather than simply exchanging business cards, attendees enjoyed meaningful conversations, discovered new opportunities for collaboration and left with ideas they could take back into their own organisations.

Guests also enjoyed a selection of food and refreshments while networking, including award-winning gin from Devils Dyke Distillery, the ever-popular TKO Rum Punch and a range of soft drinks. The relaxed setting created the perfect environment for conversations to flow naturally, allowing attendees to strengthen

existing relationships and make valuable new business connections.

Following the success of the first event, planning is already underway for the next Tech Connected networking meeting, which will take place on Wednesday 9th September from 9.00am until 11.00am at the Crawley Innovation Centre.

This time, Tech Connected will introduce a breakfast networking format, giving delegates the opportunity to start their day by making valuable business connections before heading into the office. The morning event will once again combine relaxed networking with expert business insight, and organisers are promising another engaging guest speaker, with details due to be announced nearer the event.

Looking ahead, Tech Connected will continue to host bi-monthly networking events, each designed to bring together

ambitious businesses that recognise the value of collaboration, innovation and sharing knowledge. As the community grows, organisers hope it will become a place where partnerships are formed, ideas are exchanged and businesses discover new opportunities to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.

With such a positive response to its debut event, Tech Connected is already establishing itself as a valuable addition to the Sussex business calendar.

For anyone looking to broaden their network, gain fresh ideas and connect with like-minded professionals, the September breakfast event promises to be another excellent opportunity.

To find out more and book your place at the next Tech Connected event, visit www.tech-connected.co.uk.

Devolution must close Sussex’s digital divide, not widen it

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By summer 2028, Sussex will have new authorities, new powers, new funding arrangements and a directly elected mayor. And this process is why devolution is often discussed through the language of structures.

But perhaps the more important question is what Sussex & Brighton will do with those powers. Will devolution simply reorganise existing institutions, or give us the means to address changes that are already reshaping our economy and people’s lives?

Two recent conversations I had for the Sussex And The City podcast offered different perspectives on that question when I explored the challenges and opportunities for Sussex within the global tech revolution.

Adam Stafford is founder and CEO of Fresh Egg, the Worthing-based digital agency. Since starting in a spare bedroom 26 years ago, Fresh Egg has grown into a business employing around 65 people and working with major brands including John Lewis, Vitality and the Open University.

Will Callaghan works in public-sector

digital transformation and helps lead Tech Resort, an Eastbourne community interest company supporting people who lack digital access, equipment or confidence. He also co-founded LocalGov Drupal, a Sussex-born opensource publishing platform now used by around 60 councils.

One operates in a fast-moving commercial market; the other works at the point where technology, public services and poverty meet. Their experiences, in different ways revealed to me the central digital challenge facing a devolved Sussex.

On one side, technology is moving faster than our institutions can respond.

Stafford described businesses such as Fresh Egg having to reconsider their strategies almost weekly as artificial intelligence changes how websites are built, information is found and work is organised. Junior roles that once gave graduates an entry point into digital careers may increasingly be absorbed by AI tools.

This creates a set of difficult commercial decisions. Employers need experienced people who can work confidently with emerging technology. But if entry-level jobs disappear, where will the next generation gain that experience?

Our education and skills systems cannot answer that question on their own. Curricula and funding programmes generally move too slowly. Stafford argued that Sussex needs much closer collaboration between employers, colleges, universities and government, potentially including new forms of training led by the technology sector itself.

On the other side of the digital economy are people who cannot participate in it at all.

TechResort in Eastbourne once handled around 300 interventions a year. Will Callaghan expects demand to reach between 1,700 and 2,000 in 2026. Most people seeking help are working-age adults; someone unable to update a Universal Credit journal because their phone is broken; a jobseeker without data; or a family unable to claim support because the application exists only online.

Digital exclusion is not a niche technology issue; it makes poverty worse. People without access can miss job opportunities, pay more for goods and services and struggle to reach

public support. Yet digital inclusion is not a statutory council service, leaving organisations such as TechResort dependent on volunteers and shortterm funding.

These are two ends of the same economic system.

Sussex cannot credibly promote itself as a centre for technology, creativity and innovation while residents are locked out of basic online services. Nor can it promise young people high-value digital careers without confronting how AI is changing the first rungs of the employment ladder.

What does this have to do with devolution.

The new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, is the UK’s biggest devolution advocate. And he has also taken the decision to get rid of the Government’s Department for Innovation, Science & Technology as a standalone entity in favour of integrating its responsibilities into business, media, education and cabinet office briefs.

Is this a clue?

The new Sussex & Brighton Strategic Authority could build a Sussex-wide picture of digital exclusion, rather than relying on patchy information held by individual districts. It could connect employers directly with education and skills planning. It could spread successful local approaches across boundaries instead of repeatedly starting again.

It could also use local government reorganisation to improve public technology. Callaghan’s experience with LocalGov Drupal demonstrates that is possible for new Sussex councils to be better at pooling knowledge, sharing open-source systems and improving public services

together, rather than buying multiple versions of much the same thing.

But there is a warning here. Reorganisation will place enormous pressure on council employees already doing more with less. Technology should not be treated as a magic route to instant savings. Systems still cost money, and badly managed digital change can exclude residents while making services harder to navigate. Devolution will not succeed because Sussex has a new map or another strategy. It will succeed if it connects knowledge currently scattered across businesses, councils, colleges and community organisations.

The opportunity is to create a region where digital innovation produces better businesses, better public services and wider access to opportunity. The risk is that we accelerate the front of the pack while leaving everyone else further behind.

That is a choice Sussex now has the power to make.

To follow devolution in Sussex, and all the perspectives on what will make it work, sign up to Sussex And The City for free weekly bulletins, podcasts and blogs.

www.sussexandthecity.info

By Richard Freeman

It's July. How's That January Vision Going?

By Joel Lawton – Founder Transition Expert Founder Transitions

You're doing it.

You're executing the plan. Hitting the milestones. Ticking the boxes. The revenue target? Hit. The team structure? Sorted. The new service launch? Done.

So why does it feel like something's missing? Is this really what you want?

Plans Are Guides

What I notice that all successful and established founders understand: the plan is only ever a best guess. It's built on data you had in January. On instincts you trusted then. On a vision that felt right at that moment.

The reality is things rarely go according to plan. That's not failure. That's just how business works.

The real superpower of those founders who sustain their success over years? Reflection.

The ability to take intentional time to look back. To see where you were. Where you are now. How your plan actually played out.

This is where many founders get stuck. They focus heavily on how to execute the plan but never pause to reflect. They don't build awareness of their patterns. Their behaviours. What's helped them. What's hindered them.

Without reflection, they get trapped. Stuck in patterns that worked three years ago but don't work now.

The founders who stay sharp? They reflect. Intentionally. Regularly. And that builds awareness.

It is from this awareness that change becomes possible.

The Real Question

This power of this reflection can go much deeper: if I'm close to my plan, why doesn't it feel good? If you're tracking it reasonably well, hitting most of the targets, then why is there a nagging feeling that something's off?

The answer is this clear: as a founder you never planned for your life.

Most founders build a business plan. Metrics and milestones. Growth targets and revenue goals. Team structure and product launches. But they rarely think about themselves.

A life isn't metrics. A life is how you spend your days. Who you're with. How you feel when you wake up. Whether you have time for the people you love. Whether you feel connected to what you're building. Whether your values are being lived, not just pursued.

A life is presence. Rest. Time. Connection. Meaning.

The majority of founders create the business plan. But the life plan, the one that was never written, stays empty.

Therefore, inevitably, when you achieve business targets, it still doesn't feel like enough.

The Misalignment Wasn't Sudden

This feeling didn’t come from that last 6 months. It's has slowly been growing often been there longer. We often fail to notice it. Let alone find the words to explain it.

What's happening is natural. It's the inevitable evolution of building something over years.

When you started, the founder and the business were aligned. You were the business. Your energy, your vision, your drive, that was the engine.

But after years of building, you've changed. You've grown. Your values have shifted. Your needs are different. You're not the same person.

The business? It's blueprint has been updated, as has been required to grown

and evolve, to solve challenges and take the next steps.

So July isn't when the misalignment appears. It's when you finally feel it. When you are invited to finally stop ignoring it.

The Invitation to Reflect

Halfway through the year. This is your moment. Not to judge. Not to fix. Just to pause and see what's true. Take intentional time. Look back.

How close are you to your plan? And more importantly: is that plan taking you where you actually want to go?

Is this business still aligned with the life you want to live?

Are your values being lived? Or sacrificed for milestones?

Is your time being spent on what matters? Or on what was supposed to matter in January?

Reflection doesn't give you answers. It gives you clarity.

And clarity is where you can choose to write a new chapter for yourself.

If something's been sitting with you, that feeling that the plan is working but the life isn't, we have two spaces designed for exactly this.

The Clearing is a half-day, one-toone session in nature. A held space to reflect on what's actually true about your business and your life right now.

Your Away Day (September 29th) is a full day with other established founders navigating what comes next. Walking, talking, looking honestly at how the plans for their business and their life combine.

You are doing the thing. Make sure you know why you're doing it.

Book a free conversation: www. inyourcorner.co/coaching

The plan got you here. Reflection gets you where you actually need to go.

How often do you really need to post to get visible?

Spoiler alert: it’s not as often as you think. Consistency, strategy and connection will always beat posting for the sake of it.

One of the most common questions I get asked as a Social Media Strategist and Manager is: “How often should I be posting on social media?” And I wish there was a magic number I could give you. The truth is, there isn’t.

There’s a lot of pressure online to be constantly visible, posting multiple times a day, jumping on every trend, creating endless reels and feeling like if you miss a day, your business will disappear into the algorithm abyss. But social media shouldn’t feel like another full-time job. For most businesses, posting more doesn’t automatically mean performing better, or that you’ll get more leads. In fact, creating content just because you feel like you “should” can often lead to rushed, uninspiring posts that don’t actually connect with your audience.

becomes part of your routine.

The key is consistency. Whether that’s posting twice a week, three times a week, or once a week - find a rhythm that works for you and stick to it. When your audience regularly sees your content, they become familiar with your brand. They know what to expect, and you stay front of mind when they need your product or service. Setting specific days or times to create and share content can also remove a huge amount of pressure. Instead of constantly thinking “I need to post something”, you have a process that

Of course, there are times when increasing your visibility makes sense. If you’re promoting an event, launching something new, raising awareness for a campaign or building excitement around a big announcement, posting more frequently can help you build momentum. But it should always have purpose behind it.

The other thing to remember? It doesn’t need to be perfect. In a world where we’re surrounded by AI-generated content and polished perfection, people are craving authenticity. They want to see the people behind the business. They want the behind-the-scenes moments, the honest updates and the personality that makes your brand

unique. Social media was created to connect people, and sometimes it’s easy to forget that when you run a business.

So rather than asking “How often should I post?”, perhaps the better question is: “Am I creating content that gives people a reason to connect with me?”. Visibility isn’t just about how often people see you, it’s about how memorable you are when they do.

Website: lemondrizzlesocial.co.uk

Instagram: @lemondrizzlesocial

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Benefits in kind payrolling: what the phased introduction means for employers

Claire Huckle, Tax Director, Carpenter Box

HMRC has confirmed that the mandatory payrolling of benefits in kind has been delayed and will now be phased in over time, instead of being introduced for most taxable benefits and expenses on a single start date.

The change means employers will have more time to prepare for one of the biggest shifts in employee benefits reporting for many years. However, the revised timetable also means businesses may need to manage both payroll reporting and traditional P11D

reporting during the transition period.

What is payrolling benefits in kind?

Benefits in kind, often referred to as BiKs, are non-cash benefits provided to employees or directors. Common examples include company cars, private medical insurance, fuel benefits, beneficial loans and living accommodation.

At present, many employers report taxable benefits after the end of the tax year using forms P11D and P11D(b). These forms must usually be submitted to HMRC by 6 July following the end

of the tax year, with Class 1A National Insurance paid by the employer.

Payrolling benefits in kind changes this process. Instead of reporting benefits annually, the taxable value is processed through payroll in real time. This allows income tax to be collected during the tax year, rather than through a later adjustment to the employee’s tax code.

Key changes to mandatory benefits in kind payrolling

Mandatory real-time reporting was originally expected to apply more widely

from April 2027, following an earlier delay from April 2026. HMRC has now confirmed that the rollout will be phased to give employers, payroll providers and software developers more time to adapt.

The updated approach significantly reduces the number of benefits included in the first stage of implementation. HMRC has also indicated that fewer Real Time Information data fields will be needed at the outset, which should reduce the initial administrative and software burden for employers.

Phase 1 payrolling benefits from April 2027

From 6 April 2027, mandatory payrolling will apply to a narrower group of benefits. These are expected to include:

• Company cars

• Car fuel

• Vans

• Van fuel

• Employer-provided medical benefits, including private medical insurance

Employers providing these benefits will need to report them through payroll and account for the associated Class 1A National Insurance in line with the new real-time reporting rules.

This means payroll teams should start reviewing their data, systems and internal processes now, particularly where benefit information is currently gathered only once a year.

Phase 2 payrolling benefits from April 2028

Most other benefits in kind are expected to move into mandatory payrolling from April 2028. However, beneficial loans and employer-provided accommodation are not expected to

be included in the mandatory regime at this stage and should remain voluntary for the time being.

During the transition, employers may need to operate a mixed system. Some benefits will be processed through payroll, while others may still need to be reported using P11D forms. This could create additional complexity, particularly for businesses offering a wide range of employee benefits.

What does this mean for employers?

The delay gives employers more breathing space, but it should not be seen as a reason to pause preparations. Payrolling benefits in kind will still require accurate, timely and payroll-ready data.

Employers should consider:

• Reviewing which benefits they currently provide

• Checking whether company cars, vans, fuel or medical benefits are offered

• Speaking to payroll software providers about system readiness

• Reviewing benefit data collection processes

• Training payroll, HR and finance teams

• Communicating the changes clearly to employees

Employees may notice changes to payslips and tax codes as benefits begin to be taxed through payroll. Clear communication will be important to avoid confusion.

Do employers still need to file P11D forms?

For the time being, yes. Benefits not included in the first phase may still need to be reported on P11D forms unless they are voluntarily payrolled. Employers already payrolling benefits may be able to continue doing so, but they should check how the new

reporting requirements apply to their specific arrangements.

The key point is that the move to mandatory payrolling has not been cancelled. It has been delayed and phased.

Preparing for mandatory payrolling of benefits in kind

Although the phased approach should make implementation more manageable, employers should use the additional time wisely. Waiting until the final months before April 2027 could leave payroll teams under pressure, especially where benefit data is held across different systems or supplied by third parties.

A practical next step is to review your current benefits reporting process, identify which benefits fall into phase one, and confirm what changes will be needed before the start of the 2027/28 tax year.

Need support with payroll or benefits reporting?

If your business provides benefits in kind and you are unsure how the new payrolling rules will affect you, our Employer Solutions team can help you prepare. We can review your current P11D process, identify the benefits affected by the phased rollout and support you with payroll and tax compliance ahead of the changes.

To find out more, please get in touch with us on 01903 234094 or visit www.carpenterbox.com

Spend Nothing on Saving Money…

Some companies partner with Seico because it is core to their business but they don’t have the inhouse expertise or an established reputation in mortgage brokering or commercial finance. Mortgages is a service they want to offer to their customers to enhance their service and they want to enjoy the additional revenue stream.

Other businesses want to broaden out the services they offer and see mortgages as complementary and helpful to their customers as well as generating an income stream for their company.

Partners benefit from being able to confidently refer clients to a mortgage and commercial finance specialist with over 33 years in the industry

who can expertly look after them for all their residential or commercial borrowing needs.

If your business would like to discuss partnering with Seico Group and start enjoying the benefits, get in touch by emailing: gemma.king@seicogroup.com

A New Criminal Offence Is on the Horizon: What This Means for Executors

On 23 June, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has launched a public consultation on a proposed new criminal offence for making reckless untrue statements or declarations in direct tax.

The consultation will close shortly on 16 August 2026, and the proposals carry real consequences for Executors who make statements to HMRC in connection with estate reporting.

What Is the Government Proposing?

An equivalent offence already exists for VAT and customs duties, but none currently apply to Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Corporation Tax or Inheritance Tax. The government's proposal would close this gap.

The consultation makes clear that genuine misunderstandings, errors or mistakes arising from a failure to take reasonable care would not fall within the scope. The intention is not to penalise honest mistakes. Instead, the new offence will target conduct where someone is aware there is a risk that their statement could be untrue but unreasonably proceeds to make it anyway.

The proposed maximum penalties would be significant: up to two years imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine. The offence would apply equally to agents and Executors who recklessly make a

statement or declaration to HMRC.

What This Means for Executors

Administering an estate is, at the best of times, a demanding and often unfamiliar responsibility for lay Executors. They must identify and value all of the deceased's assets and liabilities and account for lifetime gifts.

These steps involve making statements to HMRC. Under the proposed offence, an Executor who submits an Inheritance Tax account containing an untrue statement, while aware of the risk that

the information might be inaccurate, could face criminal prosecution.

Consider a practical example, for example, if you know or strongly suspected that the deceased transferred a car to a relative before death. You then go on to submit a full Inheritance Tax account (Form IHT400) without making any enquiries about the transfer, resulting in a materially inaccurate return, that failure could be viewed as reckless. Similarly, an Executor who knew about physical assets (such as gold bars or items of jewellery) but failed to value or report them accurately could face the same.

Fiona Dodd the Private Client Head of Department at Mayo Wynne Baxter comments:

“If approved, this legislation is likely to make lay Executors far more cautious about taking on the role in the first place and much more inclined to obtain professional advice. Once the prospect of personal criminal liability is introduced, acting on any assumptions or guesswork simply will not be worth the risk to them.

I’ll be expecting to see more Executors seeking legal support at an earlier stage of the estate administration process, as well as an increase in the number of clients choosing to appoint the firm as a professional Executors.”

Practical Guidance for Executors

An Executor's duty is to identify and disclose all estate assets, which requires some investigation rather than reliance on what is immediately apparent. This might involve searching the home, reviewing bank statements, and other records for signs of undisclosed assets. Gifts made by the deceased in the seven years before death may also need to be reported. Do not assume you have the full picture: ask family members and

Georgia Dellar

beneficiaries, check bank statements and enquire about any assets the deceased may have given away but retained a benefit from.

Now... this is where the proverbial gold bars come in. Estates often include assets never held in a formal account such as gold, jewellery, art, antiques, or cash. These are easy to overlook, but just as easy for HMRC to ask about later. If you have reason to believe such assets exist, you must take steps to find and value them properly and accurately.

If you are uncertain about any aspect of the estate, such as whether a relief applies or how to value an asset, do not guess. Making assumptions without proper enquiry is the kind of conduct that could cross the line from carelessness into recklessness. The consultation itself even gives an example: a taxpayer who claims a significant tax relief without carrying out proper checks is engaging in conduct

HMRC considers reckless. Professional legal advisors can help you understand what must be declared, obtain proper valuations and ensure your returns to HMRC are accurate and complete.

The consultation remains open until 16 August 2026 but the government is clear, Executors who take their responsibilities seriously and seek proper advice have nothing to fear. Those who cut corners, ignore warning signs, or hope that what HMRC does not know will not hurt them may soon find that the law has moved on.

Georgia Dellar, Solicitor gdellar@mayowynnebaxter.co.uk

www.mayowynnebaxter.co.uk

Harley Street Fertility Care on Your Doorstep

London Women's Clinic (LWC) has re-launched its Brighton clinic at Preston Park, bringing four decades of fertility expertise to a considered, welcoming space just minutes from the seafront.

For LWC, this is more than an expansion. It's a homecoming of sorts – and it means specialist fertility care is now on the doorstep for people across Brighton and Sussex, with the benefit of expertise in our cutting-edge embryology laboratory right in the heart of Harley Street.

Cover Story

A Legacy Four Decades in the Making

Go back to 1977, when a young doctoral

student named Kamal Ahuja travelled to Cambridge to study reproductive physiology under Professor Robert Edwards. Edwards would go on to win the Nobel Prize for pioneering IVF alongside Patrick Steptoe and embryologist Jean Purdy. Their work led to the birth of Louise Brown, the world's first IVF baby, in 1978 – and it set the course of Dr Ahuja's entire career.

Mentored by Edwards for the next three decades, Dr Ahuja carried that founding spirit of patient-centred, scientifically

rigorous care into London Women's Clinic, which he established on Harley Street in 1985. It's a legacy he brought full circle in 2024, when LWC opened a clinic in Cambridge – back where his own journey in fertility medicine began. Four decades on and twenty clinics later, that same philosophy has arrived in Brighton.

40,000 Families and Counting

London Women's Clinic is now one of the UK's leading independent fertility providers, part of the JD Healthcare group

alongside Kind iVF, London Egg Bank and London Sperm Bank. In four decades, LWC has helped create more than 40,000 families and published over 100 research papers – including the UK's largest egg freezing study, the first UK study into trans fertility, and the first into shared motherhood. As the only fertility clinic in the UK holding a research licence, LWC has helped shape the treatments patients across the country now rely on, from egg freezing to the IVF treatment of same-sex couples and single women.

London Sperm Bank, run from the same network, now supplies over 85% of UK licensed fertility centres, while London Egg Bank is the UK's largest home-based source of donor eggs –together supporting thousands of solo mothers, same-sex couples, and shared motherhood arrangements.

Why Brighton, and Why It Matters To You

None of this would mean much to Sussex without a way to bring it closer to home. That's where LWC's “huband-spoke” model comes in – a system that's defined the clinic's growth for forty years and now spans twenty locations across England and Wales, including new satellite clinics in Newcastle, Oxford and York alongside Brighton. In practice, this

means your consultations, scans and monitoring can happen right here, without the pressure of repeated trips to London – while procedures themselves take place at LWC's full-service centres, all a short, well-connected train ride away.

It's a model built on a simple idea: that world-class fertility care shouldn't depend on where you happen to live.

A Clinic Built To Feel Different

Brighton has always been a place that welcomes people as they are – and that spirit runs through everything at LWC's Preston Park clinic. Beautifully designed and carefully considered, it's a sanctuary for those on a fertility journey; a calm, unhurried space that feels like it belongs to this city, because it does. This is your clinic, rooted in your community, and built around you.

That welcoming approach reflects something personal to Dr Ahuja, whose mother was a midwife and whose own family's story – as firstgeneration immigrants building a life in the UK – shaped his belief in inclusive, compassionate care. It's why LWC has long been an advocate for equitable access to fertility treatment, supporting LGBTQIA+ patients, single women, and others who have historically found fertility care harder to access.

Specialist Care, Close to Home

The Brighton team offers a full range of specialist fertility treatments, including IVF, ICSI, egg freezing, and dedicated pathways for LGBTQIA+ families, all tailored to your individual circumstances from the very first conversation. An onsite andrology laboratory means semen analysis and treatments happen right here, alongside consultations, monitoring and scans. When egg collection or embryo transfer is needed, these take place at LWC's Bromley or Harley Street clinics –both fully equipped and easy to reach, so you're never far from the care you need.

Whether you're based in Brighton, Hove, or anywhere across Sussex, worldclass fertility expertise is here on your doorstep, delivered by a team who take the time to truly understand your journey.

London Women's Clinic Brighton is located at 169 Preston Road, Brighton BN1 6AG.

To find out more visit londonwomensclinic.com

London Women's Clinic Brighton Team

The Brighton clinic is home to a dedicated team of experienced clinicians and support specialists, each committed to providing exceptional, personalised fertility care. Combining decades of expertise with a compassionate, patient-first approach, they work together to ensure every individual feels informed, supported and confident throughout their journey.

Dr Suman Dadhich

Consultant in Reproductive Medicine

Dr Suman Dadhich has over 20 years of experience in obstetrics, gynaecology and reproductive medicine, and is a valued member of the clinical team at London Women's Clinic's Preston Park clinic. She is known for her thorough, considered approach, ensuring that every patient receives care tailored to their individual circumstances from the outset.

Dr Dadhich provides inclusive, evidence-based care to individuals and couples pursuing parenthood, including same-sex female couples and LGBTQIA+ patients. Her clinical interests include fertility preservation, advanced maternal age, and personalised treatment planning, with each treatment plan developed according to the specific needs of the patient rather than a standardised protocol.

For patients across Brighton and Sussex, Dr Dadhich's extensive experience and attentive approach provide confidence in their treatment plan and consistent support throughout their care.

Melanie Collenette Clinical Operations Nurse Manager

Melanie Collenette has over 20 years of clinical experience and leadership in fertility care, and serves as Clinical Operations Nurse Manager at London Women's Clinic's Brighton. She is a skilled nurse ultrasonographer, proficient in diagnostic gynaecology, early pregnancy scanning and HyCoSy, in addition to a wide range of nursing-led procedures including intrauterine insemination and embryo transfer.

Melanie combines clinical expertise with a calm, patient-centred approach, providing reassurance to patients throughout each stage of treatment. She oversees clinical operations to ensure procedures are delivered to a consistently high standard.

For patients during their fertility journey, Melanie's experience and clinical oversight provide an additional level of confidence and continuity of care.

Fabienne Rauter

Senior Healthcare Assistant

Fabienne Rauter joined London Women's Clinic in January 2020 and works as a Senior Healthcare Assistant at the Brighton clinic, supporting patients throughout Sussex. Prior to relocating to the UK in 2019, Fabienne completed a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry and Medical Science and subsequently worked at an IVF clinic in Munich, gaining a strong foundation in the clinical and scientific aspects of fertility treatment.

Fabienne has just completed a degree in Psychology and Neuroscience, complementing her clinical role with a deeper understanding of the patient experience. She is committed to supporting patients through their fertility journey and takes pride in the contribution she makes to their care.

Afsaneh Khoshkerdar

Senior Andrologist

Afsaneh Khoshkerdar is a qualified veterinary surgeon, having earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree with first-class honours from Tabriz University, Iran. She went on to complete a Master of Medical Science in Assisted Reproduction Technology at the University of Nottingham, followed by a PhD in Gynaecology and Obstetrics at the university's Queen's Medical Centre, researching the impact of paternal diet on maternal metabolic health during late gestation.

Afsaneh now works as a Senior Andrologist working between London Sperm Bank in London Bridge and at LWC’s Brighton clinic, where her scientific background and clinical experience combine to support patients throughout their treatment.

For patients across the London Women’s Clinic network, Afsaneh's expertise and dedication to her field provide added confidence in the care behind the scenes of their treatment.

Emma Hill

Regional Marketing Lead

Emma Hill spent over a decade with London Women's Clinic in Harley Street before moving to the Brighton clinic, where she plays a key role in supporting the clinic's growth and its ongoing relationship with the local community. Living on the outskirts of Brighton herself, Emma has been able to build strong, meaningful connections within the area.

Emma has been with London Women's Clinic since its early years, during which time the organisation has grown from four clinics to twenty. She has been closely involved in the marketing, branding, PR and events for LWC throughout this time, including the launch of London Sperm Bank and London Egg Bank.

Emma's own experience of infertility brings a valuable combination of personal insight and professional expertise to her work. She is responsible for overseeing marketing across eight LWC clinics in the South East, including Brighton.

Glenda Pearce

Patient Experience Coordinator

Glenda Pearce is part of the Patient Experience team at London Women's Clinic's Brighton clinic, providing administrative and operational support across a wide range of services. Working closely with the clinical and management teams, she helps ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the clinic while supporting patients throughout their fertility journey.

As Medical Records Clerk, Glenda ensures patient information is managed with accuracy, confidentiality and care. She also supports the Brighton clinic's marketing initiatives and patient open days, helping create a welcoming environment for prospective and existing patients.

Before joining London Women's Clinic, Glenda built a career in film and talent management, holding a degree in Film Studies and a Master's in Music Journalism. This creative background has strengthened her communication skills and ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

For patients at our Brighton clinic, Glenda's varied experience and warm approach help ensure every step feels supported.

Niamh Maye

Receptionist

Niamh Maye is proud to be part of the team at London Women's Clinic's Brighton clinic. As one of the first faces patients meet on their fertility journey, Niamh's goal is to ensure every patient feels welcomed and supported from the moment they arrive.

She holds a degree in Applied Social Sciences from the University of Sheffield, where she developed strong skills in data analysis, information management, and GDPR compliance. These skills enable her to support the administrative side of patient care with accuracy and professionalism, working closely with the clinical team to help appointments run smoothly and ensure patient records are kept up to date.

For patients at our Brighton clinic, Niamh's warmth and attention to detail help ensure their fertility journey is supported and reassuring from start to finish.

Specialist Care, Close to Home

Together, the Brighton team provides a complete range of specialist fertility services, including IVF, ICSI, egg freezing and dedicated treatment pathways for LGBTQIA+ families. With consultations, monitoring, scans and an on-site andrology laboratory all available at the Preston Park clinic, patients benefit from

expert, personalised care close to home. Where egg collection or embryo transfer is required, treatment is carried out at London Women's Clinic's fully equipped Bromley or Harley Street clinics, ensuring seamless continuity of care.

Whether you're taking your first steps towards parenthood or continuing your

fertility journey, the Brighton team is committed to delivering world-class expertise with genuine compassion, supporting patients across Brighton, Hove and Sussex every step of the way.

London Women's Clinic Brighton 169 Preston Road, Brighton BN1 6AG londonwomensclinic.com

The “Gayby Doctors”: Four Decades of Building Every Kind of Family

London Women's Clinic has spent over four decades helping people build the families they wanted, in whatever shape that took.

Now, we're bringing that same experience to Brighton – a city that has always understood the value of being unapologetically yourself.

Cover Story

A Different Kind of Fertility Care, From the Start

Rewind to the 1980s and 1990s, and UK fertility care looked nothing like it does today. Access to treatment was often shaped by prevailing attitudes rather

than clinical need, and for many, the answer from clinics was simply no.

London Women's Clinic chose a different path. Under figures like Dr Kamal Ahuja, our Scientific and Managing Director, and Mimi Arian-Schad, our Director of Nursing, the clinic began building fertility care around the needs of LGBTQIA+ people and same-sex couples, writing the rulebook where none existed. The press took notice, and Dr Ahuja became known as “the gayby doctor” – a label we've worn with pride ever since.

Pioneering Then, Pioneering Now

Under Medical Director Professor Nick Macklon, our team continues to push fertility research forward, including a growing focus on gentler, milder treatment protocols – lower doses, fewer injections, and a physical experience that's easier to live alongside, without sacrificing outcomes.

That same philosophy runs through how we work. Reciprocal IVF gives lesbian couples the chance to both

play a biological role in creating their child. Fertility preservation gives trans and non-binary patients room to plan a family alongside their transition, rather than choosing between the two.

Every Family, Every Path

Our job is simple: help people understand their options, feel confident in their choices, and know they're supported at every stage –from donor programmes through to surrogacy. For over four decades, London Women's Clinic has stood beside LGBTQIA+ people and modern families with real expertise and genuine respect, from the first

conversation through to the first scan.

That same spirit of building families beyond the traditional route now lives at our Preston Park clinic. Reciprocal IVF, donor sperm and egg programmes, fertility preservation for trans and non-binary patients, and support through surrogacy are all part of the conversation here from day one – not an afterthought, but the starting point.

When it comes to procedures, egg collection and embryo transfer take place at our Bromley or Harley Street clinics – both fully equipped and easy to reach – while consultations, monitoring and scans happen right here in Brighton.

Whether you're a same-sex couple, building a family alone, or navigating fertility alongside transition, the team here has spent four decades learning how to get this right – and how to make sure you never have to explain yourself to be understood.

London Women's Clinic Brighton is located at 169 Preston Road, Brighton BN1 6AG. To find out more visit londonwomensclinic.com

The Rockinghorse Relay returns

The Rockinghorse Relay returns this September giving you the chance to join a spectacular overnight swim at Sea Lanes on Brighton seafront.

As part of the charity’s latest campaign, helping to make dreams come true for children in hospital, Rockinghorse are organising their third annual overnight swimming event on 24 September 2026.

Participants can be sponsored to swim for a whole hour themselves or split the hour up with others. And larger teams can also take part to swim for longer, with teams in previous years taking on the whole twelve-hours between them.

But what elevates this from a normal sponsored swim is the fact that it’s taking place from 7pm to 7am so swimmers get the opportunity to swim overnight, not something usually available as Sea Lanes normally shuts to the public at 9.30pm.

“We are so pleased to be running the Rockinghorse Relay again this year. Since we launched the event in 2024, it’s gone from strength to strength with more and more people taking part,” said Jules Billigham, Fundraising Manager at Rockinghorse.

“Being able to swim at night is a really magical experience, and not one that many people get to experience. But what makes it even better is the knowledge that every stroke, every length, is making a difference to children and young people throughout our community.”

Rockinghorse, your local children’s hospital charity, are asking swimmers taking part to raise a minimum £100, which could fund specialist equipment for children with additional sensory needs who find visits to hospital particularly traumatic.

For these children a visit to hospital for any reason can be particularly challenging; the noises, sounds and smells can be really difficult to manage, and can have a real impact on their ability to manage their appointment or treatment.

But having a range of sensory items, like weighted blankets and lap pads, can help them feel calm and make their visit to hospital so much more manageable.

The event is once again kindly being sponsored by Ace Scaffolding, the Brighton based scaffolding company. Elliot Quant and Arthur East, company directors, both took part last year and really wanted to get involved again this year.

Arthur said, “We are so pleased to be able to sponsor this brilliant event

again this year. It’s a great one to be involved with, not to mention how important the cause is to our hearts. We grew up in Brighton so we know the impact their work has on the local community, and we really want to support this wherever we can.

“We’ll also be taking part in the swim again this year as we had so much fun at the last one – here’s hoping for nice weather!”

"We’re really grateful to Ace Scaffolding for sponsoring the event again this year, their support is really invaluable. And of course, we are so grateful for the support of our community, who make events like this possible," added Jules. "The Rockinghorse Relay is a wonderful chance for people to come together, enjoy a unique swimming experience, and be part of an event making waves

for Rockinghorse across Sussex.”

All proceeds from the event will go directly to Rockinghorse Children's Charity, helping to fund essential services for children being cared for at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton and children’s NHS settings across Sussex.

Registration for the Rockinghorse

Relay is now open, and swimmers are encouraged to sign up early to secure their ideal spots during the 12-hour session. The registration fee is just £25 per person, with a suggested fundraising target of £100.

To register, or for more information on how to get involved, please visit the Events page on their website at www. rockinghorse.org.uk or contact Jules at jules@rockinghorse.org.uk.

Businesses Drive Charity Success at Preston Insurance Brokers Golf Day

Businesses from across Sussex came together once again for the Preston Insurance Brokers Charity Golf Day 2026, enjoying a memorable day of golf while raising valuable funds for two deserving local charities.

Held at Mid Sussex Golf Club, the event welcomed 11 teams made up of clients, business partners and friends, all united by a shared commitment to supporting Rockinghorse Children's Charity and Adur Special Needs Project. From breakfast and the first tee through to the presentations, charity auction and a well-earned curry, the day combined friendly competition with an important fundraising purpose.

The event demonstrated the strength of Sussex's business community, with companies not only enjoying the opportunity to network and reconnect but also giving generously to help make a positive difference for children and families across the region. Every team, sponsor and donor played an important role in the day's success, helping to

raise valuable funds that will directly support the work of both charities.

A number of local businesses also helped make the event possible. Mid Sussex Golf Club provided an excellent venue and warm hospitality throughout the day, while Nick Ford Photography captured the action on and off the course. Artelium Wine Estate generously donated English sparkling wine, which was presented as part of the day's prize-giving.

Beyond the golf itself, the event highlighted the important role businesses can play in supporting their local communities. Bringing people together outside the workplace creates opportunities to strengthen relationships, build new connections and raise awareness for causes that make a real difference.

As another successful Charity Golf Day came to a close, it was clear the event had achieved far more than celebrating good golf. It showcased the generosity, collaboration and community spirit that continues to define Sussex's business network and demonstrated how businesses working together can create a lasting impact far beyond the fairways.

If you would like more information about Preston Insurance Brokers please contact them at Contact Us | Preston Insurance Brokers

Preston Insurance Brokers are also the "Insurance Broker of Choice" for Golf Management Group, so if you are a Golf Club then please get in touch and see more about the offering at Golf Insurance | Preston Insurance Brokers

Sussex Rallies Round!

Two Incredible Fundraising Feats in aid of The Starr Trust!

Two very different fundraising efforts are putting the spotlight on The Starr Trust this year, with a college sports football team and a group of local businesses both stepping up to support the Sussex charity's work with disadvantaged young people.

Charity

BHASVIC Students' Futsal Marathon Scores Big for the Starr Trust

One of the standout fundraising efforts recently came from BHASVIC's Women's Football Academy, whose students took on an epic 12-hour futsal marathon in support of the charity. The gruelling challenge saw the team play non-stop for half a day, and their determination paid

off in style, raising an impressive £2607 for The Starr Trust!

Joe McTiffen, Sports Academies Manager at BHASVIC, praised the students for their endurance throughout the day. "We couldn’t be prouder of our Women's Football Academy for completing the 12 hour futsal marathon and raising an incredible £2,607 for the Starr Trust. Throughout the challenge, they showed unbelievable resilience, commitment, and team spirit, giving absolutely everything from start to finish. We are delighted to wear the Starr Trust logo on our shirts, and it was a privilege to raise so much money for such an amazing cause. The girls should be proud of themselves for making a real difference while

representing the academy in the best possible way."

Gearing Up for Scotland: Local Businesses Saddle Up for The Starr Trust

Meanwhile, a very different kind of challenge is taking shape for September, as Starr Trust Ambassador Matt Smith of Webtrends Optimize gears up to lead his annual charity bike ride once again. This year's route takes riders through some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery, starting in Tarbet and finishing in Applecross, with three demanding days of cycling covering over 200 miles in total, including the notoriously tough Applecross Pass on the final leg.

Webtrends Optimize, an awardwinning web tech business is once again organising and sponsoring the ride as headline sponsor. The event is co-sponsored this year by long-standing supporters The Implant Centre, who provide dentistry and dental implants in their Hove and Haywards Heath branches - continuing a partnership that has seen them loyally back the Starr Trust bike ride for many years.

Also joining the ride this year is Paul Thatcher of THL Accountancy in Worthing. A keen cyclist, Paul is a new supporter of the charity and will be taking on the Starr Trust bike ride challenge for the first time. Paul said: “Delighted to be able to play a part in supporting the Starr Trust, really looking forward to the challenge and the team camaraderie a ride like this brings!"

Together, these two fundraising efforts highlight the breadth of support The Starr Trust receives, from passionate young athletes to established local businesses, all pulling together for the same cause. Whether through a sponsored sporting challenge or a

demanding multi-day cycling event, every fundraising effort helps the charity continue its vital work, providing grants and opportunities that can change the entire trajectory of a young person's life.

Tracey Starr, Partnership Liaison at The Starr Trust said:

"The BHASVIC Women's Football Team's mammoth fundraising effort has been incredible to watch and we're so grateful to the team at Webtrends Optimize and The Implant Centre in Hove and Haywards Heath for taking on such a demanding challenge along with all the cyclists who have signed up to be part of it! Both are truly inspiring, and we're incredibly thankful to everyone involved for helping us continue our vital work with young people across Sussex.”

For young people facing financial hardship, ill health, disabilities, or other significant challenges at home, the support of The Starr Trust can make all the difference between a dream going unfulfilled and a future being transformed. It is thanks to fundraising efforts like these that the charity is able

to continue reaching young people across Sussex who need help the most.

Every contribution, however large or small, goes directly towards helping local young people succeed and thrive as all running costs of the charity are covered by Starr Trust Founder, Rob Starr through his business SEICO Insurance & Mortgages.

If you would like to show your support for The Starr Trust and help continue this vital work, you can make a donation here: www. justgiving.com/campaign/starrtrustbike-ride-2026

Or scan the QR code below:

The Directors’ Hub

Peer to Peer Support for Directors, Founders and CEOs.

In contrast with networking groups, the Hub provides an opportunity for sincere dialogue, trusted relationships, and true peer to peer support among entrepreneurs who know what it is like to run a business. Unlike networking events which just tell everyone else how wonderful life is, and how busy you’re. The hub tells the real story!

The community functions based on a growing number of local Hub groups around Sussex, meeting on a monthly basis during lunch and selected supper clubs that take place in

Brighton, Hove, Worthing, Eastbourne, Chichester, Haywards Heath, Horsham, Crawley and Hurstpierpoint. The number of participants at each meeting of any particular Hub does not exceed twelve people in order to ensure that high-quality conversations can take place, which would foster mutual respect and trust.

Besides regular Hub gatherings, members of the community also have an opportunity to attend Spice Club, a business curry networking lunch meeting organised by the Directors’ Hub

team once a month in Hurstpierpoint. And now, in Brighton.

Spice Club offers members and their guests a space where they can socialise and develop business. Additional benefits of membership include participation in private WhatsApp groups, quarterly socials, Hubbub podcast, collaboration opportunities and access to more than 100 annual business events.

Reach out to its founder, Sonny Cutting. Visit the site for info directorshub.uk

65+ Members, 9 Hubs... and Growing

On the right, we showcase two of our Hub Leaders, and below's pic is the Hurstpierpoint Hub in July, a few members are away on holiday, but we now only have 1 space left in Hurst hub, so if you want to join, jump in now.

Worthing Hub

Janet Webb Consulting, Worthing Hub Leader

“The Hub is part of what keeps me going through the hard times and a place to celebrate in the good times. It’s also a place to find ideas, get advice and explore options with people who understand.”

With over 30 years in L&D and project management, Janet Webb supports businesses to do what they do best, by helping their staff be better. She’s worked at all levels – from executive teams to front line staff.

Areas of expertise include assertiveness, presentation skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving. She is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and has a slightly idiosyncratic style.

Chichester Hub

Jo Stuart, Ayres Consulting, Chichester Hub Leader

"Being part of the Directors' Hub reminds me that none of us has all the answers. Sharing experience with other directors makes better decisions much easier."

Jo is the founder of Ayres Consulting, bringing a unique blend of program delivery and executive coaching to business leaders. Known as the 'glue' that brings cross-functional teams together to build highperforming units, she leverages her APMG/PRINCE2/MSP credentials to guide complex digital change (for organizations like the NHS).

Alongside program delivery, through her coaching, Jo empowers individuals to navigate crossroads, clear operational static, and stand tall in their space.

EVOLVE was never meant to be another tech conference where everyone pretends to have all the answers It was built to create a space where the big questions could sit next to the practical ones Where AI ethics could sit next to engineering reality Where deep tech, human leadership, product thinking, sustainability, funding, education and community could all be part of the same conversation

Across the day, that is exactly what happened Some rooms were dealing with huge societal questions Some were getting into the reality of building with AI properly. Some were focused on leadership, communication, trust, visibility, skills and what all of this means for people It was ambitious, slightly mad in places, and probably only possible because of the amount of goodwill around this community

EVOLVE worked because people showed up properly Speakers didn’t just arrive, do their session and disappear Sponsors didn’t just put logos on things Volunteers didn’t just help around the edges The audience didn’t just sit there passively waiting to be impressed People leaned in, asked better questions, stayed in the room, made introductions, challenged things, cared That is what made the day so special

EVOLVE has always been more than an event It’s about proving that this region has the talent, appetite, creativity and seriousness to be part of the bigger conversation Not as a smaller version of London, but as a place with its own voice, its own energy and its own role to play

EVOLVE [26] was the second edition of EVOLVE. It was bigger, brighter, and it proved that the conference is growing alongside our city’s ambition evolve siliconbrighton com

Scaling Up in Sussex

by Simon Chuter

Partnerships & Growth

Over the course of this article, I will introduce you my new venture Scaleup Sussex. I will also define exactly what we mean when we say the word scaleup in the context of a business, explore what is happening with scaleups in Sussex and why Scaleup Sussex is needed in response. I’ll explore my career journey to date and give you links to find out more should you so wish.

So, let’s start at the beginning: What is a Scaleup?

According to the OECD, a scaleup is an enterprise with:

• more than 10 employees that

• grows its turnover or number of

employees by over 20% per year on average

• for 3 consecutive years

So, now we know what they are: Why do Scaleups matter?

Scaleups are…

• Productive – scaleups are more productive than their peers, generating an average of £558k turnover per employee.

• Innovative – 9 in 10 scaleups have introduced or improved a product/ service/process in the last three years, twice the rate of large firms. 7 in 10 say their appetite for innovation is higher than it was in 2024.

• Across all sectors – scaleups span the economy and most of them operate in sectors outside of technology.

• International – 7 in 10 scaleups say export markets are crucial to future growth, seeing opportunities in a range of markets across the world.

• Diverse – 24% are Women-led businesses. 30% are Minority Ethnic Group-led businesses.

• Creating high quality jobs –scaleups help create high-quality jobs with more satisfied employees –employing 3.9m workers.

• Planning to grow – 8 out of 10 scaleups expect to grow again in the coming year. (Source: Scaleup Institute, Annual Review 2025)

What’s the story with productivity and growth in Sussex?

• The Sussex economy was valued at £51.75bn in 2023, representing

2.4% of England’s total economy and achieved growth of 39.5% across the last 20 years.

• Sussex productivity has risen by 28.7% since 2004, which is twice the rate for England.

• Brighton & Hove’s productivity growth is outpacing the region and the country.

• The Gatwick corridor is losing ground, likely still carrying aviation’s pandemic scars

• In East Sussex, the story is that it’s catching up, yet still the weakest productivity performer in the region.

• What is the Sussex economy really made up of? The top 5 sectors are: Health and Social Work, Manufacturing, Wholesale and Retail, Finance and Insurance and Education – these 5 form roughly half of the Sussex productive economy.

• The tech sector has grown in the county by 134% in the last 20 years, but lags behind the rest of the country which has seen 275% growth.

What is Scaleup Sussex?

Scaleup Sussex is my new venture that sees me working alongside founders and leaders as a trusted thinking partner. Helping them find clarity, confidence and direction through the opportunities, challenges and decisions that come with scaling a business.

The core insight driving me to take Scaleup Sussex forwards is that being a business leader is a lonely place, and most leaders don't need more advice.

They need space to think. They need honest challenge, fresh perspective and someone who can help them see the opportunities, risks and options more clearly.

That's where I come in.

Rather than providing prescriptive frameworks, consultancy reports or

coaching methodologies, Scaleup Sussex creates the space leaders need to think clearly, test assumptions and navigate complex decisions with confidence. It is designed for founders, co founders and senior leaders carrying the weight of consequential choices, offering structured strategic conversations, honest challenge, fresh perspective and access to relevant networks.

The service helps leaders untangle competing priorities, sharpen strategic intent, turn intentions into meaningful action and reduce second guessing. Built around deep, confidential dialogue rather than formulaic programmes, Scaleup Sussex adapts to each leader’s context. Supporting them through growth, people decisions, market shifts and moments of uncertainty. Its value lies in clarity, conviction and the ability to move forward with purpose.

My career journey to date

I have spent more than a decade working with founders, entrepreneurs and leadership teams across startups,

scale-ups, innovation programmes, investor communities and business organisations. In that time, I have helped hundreds of leaders navigate growth, uncertainty, opportunity and change. My approach combines commercial experience, strategic thinking, honest challenge and a genuine commitment to helping people build successful, sustainable businesses — without the ego, the jargon or the agenda.

I am MBA qualified and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts & Commerce.

Where can I find out more?

Could you benefit from that kind of support?

Or do you know someone that could?

Check out the website and book a free introductory call with me: www.scaleupsussex.com

Two Years In: Building Relationships, Not Just Filling Vacancies

This September marks an important milestone for Placr Recruitment as we celebrate two years in business.

Like many businesses, our journey has been one of learning, adapting and growing. The recruitment industry has changed significantly in recent years, with advances in technology, changing candidate expectations and an increasingly competitive hiring market. Throughout it all, one thing has remained constant for us – recruitment is, and always will be, about people.

When Placr Recruitment was founded, the vision was simple: to provide a genuinely personal recruitment service built on honesty, integrity and long-term relationships. Rather than becoming another agency focused purely on

numbers, we wanted to become a trusted recruitment partner that clients and candidates could rely on.

Recruitment isn't about sending CVs or filling vacancies as quickly as possible. It's about understanding businesses, recognising their culture and introducing people who will genuinely make a difference. Equally, it's about helping candidates find careers where they can develop, succeed and enjoy coming to work every day. That philosophy has shaped every decision we've made over the past two years and continues to be the foundation of our business today.

Being based in Brighton & Hove has also been a huge part of our journey. Sussex is home to an incredible community of

businesses, from innovative technology companies and specialist manufacturers to financial services firms, construction businesses and hospitality venues. Supporting local employers while helping talented people build successful careers within our region is something we are incredibly passionate about. Two years later, that original vision remains exactly the same.

Over the past 24 months, we've had the privilege of supporting businesses across Sussex and beyond, helping companies secure talented individuals while supporting candidates in finding careers where they can genuinely thrive. Every successful placement represents much more than simply filling a vacancy – it's about helping businesses grow

and changing lives through meaningful career opportunities.

As the business has evolved, so too has our specialist expertise.

Today, Placr Recruitment operates across a number of dedicated sectors, including Engineering & Manufacturing, Construction & Property, Supply Chain, IT & Technology, Financial Services, Commercial & Office Support, Marketing & Digital, and Hospitality.

Each of these industries faces its own unique recruitment challenges, and by specialising in these markets we can provide genuine insight, advice and access to high-quality talent. Whether we're supporting an engineering company looking for a skilled CNC Programmer, Production & quality Engineers, an IT business searching for an experienced Helpdesk Engineer, or a financial planning firm recruiting administrative professionals, our approach remains the same: understand the business first, then find the right person.

One of the most exciting developments this year has been welcoming Michelle John as Director of Placr Recruitment.

Michelle has played a significant role in the growth of the business, and her appointment reflects our commitment to investing in the future. Expanding our leadership team allows us to support more clients, strengthen our relationships and continue delivering the high levels of service that our customers have come to expect. It also reinforces our ambition to build a business that is sustainable, forward-thinking and recognised as one of Sussex's leading specialist recruitment consultancies.

Growth has never been about becoming the biggest agency. Instead, it's about becoming the best recruitment partner we can be.

Recruitment has undoubtedly embraced technology over recent years, and we have been no exception. We actively use modern technology and AI to improve efficiency, streamline administrative processes and enhance the service we provide. However, while technology can make recruitment quicker, it cannot replace trust, experience or human judgement.

A CV can tell you where somebody has worked.

A conversation tells you who they are.

That philosophy underpins everything we do. We invest time in getting to know our candidates, understanding not only their technical skills but also their motivations, ambitions and personalities. Equally, we spend time learning about our clients' businesses, cultures and future plans, ensuring every introduction has the greatest possible chance of becoming a long-term success.

As we celebrate our second anniversary, we're incredibly grateful to every client who has trusted us with their recruitment, every candidate who has chosen us to represent them and every business that has supported our journey. Many of our clients continue to return to us time and again, and for us there is no greater compliment than becoming a trusted extension of their business.

Looking ahead, we're excited about what the future holds.

Our ambition is to continue growing Placr Recruitment as one of Sussex's leading specialist recruitment consultancies while remaining true to the values on which the business was founded. We will continue investing in our people, strengthening our specialist divisions and embracing innovation where it enhances the experience for our clients and candidates.

Most importantly, we'll continue doing what we enjoy most: building lasting relationships, creating opportunities and connecting great people with great businesses.

After two years in business, we're proud of how far we've come. Get in touch today to arrange a face to face or online meeting.

But we firmly believe the best is still to come.

0333 7723787 07376 210442 www.placrrecruitment.co.uk

Sussex Business Times’ Wine of the Month July 2026

Everflyht Brut Cuvée Edition 3 NV

Background to the Vineyard Everflyht Vineyard was founded in 2015 by Sam and Ben Ellis, who transitioned from careers in modern property development to pursue their passion for English viticulture. Situated across ten hectares, the estate saw its first three hectares planted in 2016 with the classic Champagne varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Meunier. A further 3.8 hectares were added in 2021, marking a steady expansion of ambition and confidence.

Wine Tasting

1) Colour

In the glass, the wine presents a refined yellow-gold hue, bright and polished, suggesting both freshness and a degree of maturity from its lees and oak ageing.

2) On the Nose

The nose is immediately inviting. Crisp apple and zesty citrus lead the way, followed by layers of brioche and gentle toastiness. A delicate note of golden syrup adds warmth, while a depth of red orchard fruit brings richness and beautifully composed bouquet.

3) On the Palate

The palate delivers vibrant citrus notes are supported by a refreshing, mouthwatering acidity that lifts the wine. Fine, persistent bubbles create a silky texture, enhancing the sense of luxury in the mouth. A subtle tannic structure derived from a small proportion of oak-aged wine adds depth and balance, echoing traditional Champagne techniques.

What truly distinguishes this cuvée is its intensity of red fruit, a characteristic not often seen in vintage English sparkling wines, never mind Non Vintage (NV). The finish is long, rich and deeply satisfying.

I doff my cap to owners Sam and Ben, this is a wonderful wine from Everflyht a remarkable achievement from relative newcomers to the industry.

Technical Details

Base Vintage - 2021

Reserve Wine -11% (2018, 2019 & 2020)

Lees Ageing - 3 years

Food Pairing Suggestion

This cuvée pairs beautifully with dishes that balance richness and freshness. Consider smoked salmon with lemon crème fraîche, roast chicken with herbs, or even a lightly spiced crab dish. Its acidity and texture also make it an excellent companion to soft cheeses such as Brie or Goats Cheese.

Awards

Everflyht has also won the English Sparkling NV Trophy at the 2026 International Wine Challenge. Judges at the International Wine Challenge described it as “taut and focused with lively lemony fruit and subtle toasty depth,” awarding it an impressive 95 points.

Where to buy?

This wine can be bought from £30 upwards for a 70cl bottle bought from the vineyard and selected local and online retailers, although supply is limited.

Written for Sussex Business Times by Michael Yeoman, English Wine Specialist and producer of Spirit of the Downs, award-winning local artisan Sussex Brandies, Grape Vodkas and Liqueurs based at Bolney.

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22nd September 2026