Networking Nirvana: Business Networking in Brighton & Sussex

Your Essential Guide to Connecting, Collaborating and Growing in the Local Sussex Region

Brighton and Sussex aren’t just great places to live, they’re thriving hubs for meaningful business connections.

Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or an ambitious start-up, the region’s vibrant mix of industries, co-working spaces and community-driven spirit make it a hotspot for professional networking. This guide breaks down the most valuable networking opportunities across Brighton, Hove, Shoreham and wider Sussex, grouped by location, sector and style – so you can find the right fit for your goals.

We will cover off:

• The best Brighton business networking groups for startups and established SMEs
• Where to find Sussex networking events by industry and professional interest
• How to choose between referral networks, socials, or innovation-led hubs

So let’s explore where your next game-changing conversation could begin.

General Business, Commerce and Regional Chambers (Connecting Across Sussex)

For business owners looking to build long-term relationships and stay connected with the wider economic landscape, Sussex’s regional chambers and business networks offer high-value opportunities. These groups host regular events across the county and support professionals in every sector – from creatives and consultants to trades and traditional services.

Brighton & Hove Business Core

Brighton Chamber is the largest and most active business network in the city. Known for its inclusive and supportive atmosphere, it offers an impressive range of events including:

• Chamber Breakfasts and Pop-up Breakfasts, hosted in unique venues across the city
• Slo-mo Networking, a structured yet informal speed-networking format
• Brighton Chamber Socials, which are informal drinks-based meetups
• Netwalking, combining business networking with fresh air and light exercise
• Behind the Scenes Tours, giving members exclusive access to city landmarks and businesses

Wider Sussex Support

Across the county, several well-established chambers and networks offer structured support and event calendars.

• Gatwick Diamond Business supports professionals in West Sussex and East Surrey. It hosts regular business breakfasts, seminars and peer-learning groups like Diamond Leaders for Growth in Crawley.
• Eastbourne unLtd Chamber of Commerce is one of the largest chambers in the South East, offering varied events including monthly lunches, speaker sessions and casual networking opportunities.
• Sussex Chamber of Commerce runs regional events throughout the year, such as the Go Slow Ultimate Sussex Network, which combines networking with engaging activities and is held in cities like Brighton and Eastbourne.
• Worthing & Adur Chamber hosts Chamber Hub meetups in Lancing and regular business breakfasts for members along the coast.
• Chichester Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCCI) caters to businesses in and around Chichester through monthly breakfast meetings, member socials and topical speaker sessions.

Structured and Referral Networking

If you prefer accountability and a results-driven approach, structured referral networks can help you build a steady stream of business.

• BNI Sussex is the regional chapter of Business Network International. Its format is highly structured with weekly meetings and strict sector exclusivity – meaning only one representative per industry is allowed per group. Brighton-based chapters like Pavilion BNI offer fast-paced, professional sessions focused on lead generation.
• The Big Business Breakfast Club (Brighton/Hove) is a relaxed but focused network that also operates a category-exclusive model. Their events are social in tone but geared toward referrals and collaboration.

Industry-Specific Communities (Technology, Digital and Creative)

Brighton’s digital and creative economy is among the most vibrant in the UK, with a long-standing culture of innovation and collaboration. Whether you work in cloud computing, UX, game development or marketing, there are specialised communities designed to support your growth and spark new ideas.

Tech, Data and Cloud Computing

• AWS Brighton User Group gathers local developers and cloud professionals to explore the latest in Amazon Web Services. Events are typically hands-on and hosted in local co-working spaces like Freedom Works Brighton.
• Brighton Data Forum is a community for data scientists, analysts and engineers working in big data, machine learning and AI. Sessions often feature guest speakers and real-world use cases.
• Async is one of the UK’s longest-running web tech meetups. Focused on JavaScript and open web technologies, Async’s monthly events offer technical deep dives as well as beginner-friendly sessions.
• Brighton Web Development Meetup hosts informal monthly meetups for developers across all skill levels and tech stacks.
• Brighton Blockchain connects Web3 professionals and crypto enthusiasts through relaxed socials, panels and themed discussions. Topics include DAOs, NFTs and decentralised finance.

Creative, Media and Design

• Brighton Business Connections: Creative Industries is a networking event tailored to creatives working in media, design, events, PR and the arts.
• Culture In Our City is a local government-backed network supporting artists, musicians and cultural organisers across Brighton & Hove.
• UX Brighton is a cornerstone of the UK’s UX (user experience) scene, with an annual conference that explores everything from AI trends to design thinking.
• brightonSEO is the world’s largest search marketing conference, hosted twice a year. Alongside talks from industry leaders, it offers extensive networking opportunities for digital marketers, content strategists and agency professionals.
• The Decorcafe Brighton is a collaborative network for interiors professionals – including interior designers, garden designers and lifestyle business owners.

Game Development

• Develop:Brighton is a leading UK event for the games industry, held annually in Brighton. It attracts global game studios, indie developers and technical artists for three days of talks, networking and an expo.
• Game Dev Local Brighton runs regular social meetups and an indie expo that gives local game makers a platform to connect, test ideas and collaborate.

Specialised Professional Support and Innovation Ecosystem

Brighton and Sussex offer more than just social mixers and referral groups. For entrepreneurs and professionals looking to scale, innovate or upskill, the region is home to a number of specialised networks and support organisations designed to move businesses forward. There’s never a bad time to upskill so it’s worth taking a look at our post on facilitating your professional development to stay ahead of the curve.

Institutional Growth Support (Brighton and Sussex)

• Brighton & Hove Growth Hub provides free advice, mentoring and workshops for small businesses at every stage.
• Sussex Innovation, based at the University of Sussex, supports high-growth businesses in tech, sustainability, health and social impact. In addition to expert consultancy, members can access co-working space, pitch coaching and leadership programmes.
• University of Brighton Business Services runs training programmes like Help to Grow: Management – a government-funded course for SME leaders looking to boost strategic thinking and operational performance.

High-Level and Premium Networking

For directors, senior decision-makers and B2B service providers, premium networking groups offer access to valuable partnerships and strategic insight.

• Institute of Directors (IoD) hosts policy discussions, expert panels and leadership networking events across Sussex. Events are aimed at business owners, board members and senior executives.
• Network at American Express Stadium is a premium bi-monthly business lunch held at Brighton & Hove Albion’s stadium in Falmer. Organised by Network My Club, this event draws a professional crowd from industries like law, finance, HR, property and marketing.

Women-Focused Networking

Brighton and Sussex are also home to supportive, women-led networks that empower female founders, freelancers and professionals.

• Thrive in Business is a private membership network for women entrepreneurs, offering group coaching, personal development and accountability-focused meetups.
• Networking in Brighton runs sector-exclusive women’s business lunches and evening events designed to build trusted relationships in a relaxed setting.
• Women in Business run regular local events focused on connection, collaboration and inspiration for women in leadership and small business roles.

Maximising Your Connections in Sussex

With such a rich and diverse networking landscape, Brighton, Hove, Shoreham and Sussex offer something for every business owner, freelancer and creative professional. Whether you’re looking to build long-term partnerships, grow your client base or stay inspired by innovation and creativity, there’s a community here that fits your needs.

The next step? Choose one event that fits your industry or style and give it a try. Whether you prefer a casual coffee, a structured referral group or an expert-led forum, making that first connection is where real momentum begins.

If you’re also looking for a flexible base with community vibes and likeminded professionals in the local area, why not consider our serviced office space in Brighton and Shoreham? Your next collaboration could be just one desk away!