The Brighton Connectiv: February 2024
A celebration of dynamic 'doing' by and for people who live, work, love, build and collaborate in Brighton & Hove. Use this news to reach out and build a connected web.
Where Coding Meets Cupid: The unique (and free) Valentine's Day Game Jam at Barclays Eagle Labs invites tech enthusiasts to create love-themed games.
Invest In Creative is a free networking event that promises to connect creative minds across the Southeast, aimed at sparking collaborations that drive innovation forward.
Brighton's Startup Roadshow comes to town on 22nd Feb. An event from South East Creatives designed to guide and support aspiring entrepreneurs in Brighton, offering insights, resources, and networking opportunities.
£26m in Series B funding announced for Brighton-based biotech innovators Enterprise Therapeutics, promising advancements in respiratory disease treatment.
Sussex Tech Week 2024 is coming…
Brighton marketing beacons SiteVisibility have sold to Ipswich-based Crafted in a partnership that promises to transform the digital marketing landscape.
“What kind of impact is Generative AI - such as ChatGPT - having on skills development in small businesses”, you ask? Well, this new research project from the Digital Futures At Work Research Centre is planning to find out - with help from the University of Sussex and Brighton-based TechNative Digital. And you can be a part of it.
Some guy called Rishi Sunak came to hang out for a bit at Shoreham Port.
And the Freedom Works empire continues to expand, with a new site opened in central Brighton.
Brighton College: Singapore has officially launched.
As has the University of Brighton's pioneering free library membership offer for 16-19 year olds.
The extraordinary work of the Class Divide campaign and podcast has made national news, as Brighton & Hove become the first council in the UK to prioritise free school meal beneficiaries in the schools admission process. Proof that podcasts (and people like Curtis James and Dr Carlie Goldsmith) do change the world.
Round one of the Big Ideas contest, delivered by the University of Sussex in partnership with University of California, Berkeley, is complete. With six students now vying for a trip to the USA to pitch their social innovation ideas in exchange for £10k. All students are being mentored by Brighton & Hove business leaders.
Young people from Whitehawk, Manor Farm and Bristol Estate have been commissioned to make some beautiful noise for this year’s Brighton Festival.
Student film ‘Land In The Stars’ is crowdfunding. Check it out here, if you want to back a future certified oscar-winner.
‘Soulpaint’, the extended reality experience brainchild of Brighton artist and tech entrepreneur Sarah Ticho, will have its world premier at the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas later this year. Through the process of bodymapping, 3D drawing and movement, participants are invited to reveal their unique inner reality and then observe the creations of others.
Brighton Dome and Writing Our Legacy are working together on six projects that will bring to life lesser-known stories and people relating to Brighton Dome’s heritage.
Stuffed animal news! The Booth Museum in Hove has unveiled a new three-dimensional taxidermy diorama, entitled Life in the Garden. This is the museum’s first new permanent exhibit in 92 years.
The Royal Pavilion gets a £4.3m restoration grant for the gardens.
And a brand new £6m swimming pool in Brighton gets approved.
First Draft is Storythings’ pro-bono consultancy offer to small organisations, groups, networks or collectives who create change by working with under-represented communities. Hurry - the deadline is 16th Feb.
Happy birthday RISE 🥂 CEO Jo Gough looks back to look forward on the 30th anniversary of this brilliant Brighton & Hove charity.
Big news for hospice care in Brighton & Hove as Martlets announce their merger with St Barnabas and Chestnut Tree House.
Socially-focused magazine Support Local launches its first Brighton edition.
Follow Your Compassion is a fascinating new study, following the working lives of twenty two newly qualified and registered nurses and midwives across the UK in 2023. It is being masterminded by Brighton-based ethnographic consultancy, Fieldwork, and local academic and researcher Dr Simon Newitt from the King’s Fund.
Brighton & Hove is officially the UK’s most chilled-out city 😎. Who knew?
A significant new grant will support the University of Brighton's research into the health impacts of a warming climate, focusing on vulnerable populations.
Brighton Natural Health Foundation seeks new chair. Is it you?
Thrive Tribe have won the city-wide contract to support Brighton & Hove residents with weight loss and maintaining healthy lifestyles.
Sussex diver showcases films of unexpected sea life on home shores.
A blog from Brighton & Hove Energy Co-operative on why addressing climate change needed to be a priority at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Advice from Brighton & Hove’s circular economy experts on regenerative business strategy.
Sprite bottles without labels? Coca-cola experiments in Brighton.
Brighton dolphins! On Winterwatch! (from 54.39).
Lunch Positive have launched a crowdfunding campaign, hoping to expand the reach of a popular community service, providing meals and support to those in need.
Brighton Matcha tea wunderkinds, OMGTea, have been bought by Japanese company Aiya to supercharge its ability to spread more of the green stuff.
🤝 Movers & Shakers
Renowned placemaking leader, cultural and creative sector consultant-director and researcher Dr Cara Courage becomes Chair of Phoenix Art Space.
Jo Clarke has been promoted to Deputy CEO of Age UK (West Sussex Brighton & Hove).
Francine Gorman has been appointed as the new Conference Co-ordinator for The Great Escape.
Former Entrepreneurship Officer at University of Sussex, Joshua Lyon, is now the Community Manager across all Freedom Works sites in Sussex.
🎙️ Podcasts born in Brighton & Hove
Trailblazers of Inclusion
Brighton-based tech recruitment company Quotacom spotlight visionary digital leaders who aren't just riding the wave of cutting-edge tech, but carving-out a future defined by diversity, equity, and inclusion.
How Not To Run A Business
Jeremy Jacobs is an entrepreneur, coach, proudly neurodivergent and a member of the LGBTQ+ community. He explores the challenges and opportunities of running businesses with special guests.
The Brighton Paradox
charting 20 years since city status, with an investigation into Brighton & Hove’s economic and cultural opportunities and challenges. From always possible, Lo Fi Arts, Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Plus X.
Class Divide
personal stories of life growing up in Whitehawk, East Brighton, and how local government decisions have led to decades of education inequality. From Curtis James and De Carlie Goldsmith.
Connected Brighton
local businesses and celebrities give their top tips on making the most of Brighton & Hove’s eclectic food, drink and nightlife scenes
Refigure
Well-known couple from the city’s arts and tech scenes - Chris and Rifa Thorpe-Tracey - share their week’s adventures and observations on culture
Different Hats
Popular business connector, Sam Thomas, interviews local entrepreneurs and high-achievers about their personal and professional stories
Authentic Resilience
Brighton businessman and charity leader, Gary Peters, draws on his own experience, and that of his guests, to explore 21st century leadership
The Official BHA Albion Podcast
The club’s official regular update on everything Seagulls, including the team’s first travails across Europe
Butlers Wine Show
Staff from Kemptown’s infamous wine shop talk through their favourite vintages, bargains and rare finds from across the wine world