The Brighton Connectiv: November 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.

Richard Freeman

Sarah Ticho

Charlie Symonds

, and 3 others

Nov 22, 2024

Edited by Richard Freeman, CEO of always possible

Hello - it’s getting cold, so we’ve really ramped-up the number of puns in this edition. The wincing will keep you warm. Sorry, not sorry.

And a shameless plug from me to start with for my own weekly blog called A New England. It’s a 10 minute read about a different English town or city published every Sunday - looking at the changing economic, cultural and environmental forces impacting places and the people in them. Would love to include you in the adventure.

ALSO - would you like to help sub-edit a section? It’s easy. And doesn’t take up much time. And guarantees you a place in [insert utopian afterworld destination of your choice]. Reply to this for info.

Mind the gap

Brighton-based Hyve Managed Hosting's IT and Tech Skills Gap Report 2024 reveals that 84% of UK businesses face IT and tech skills shortages, leading to issues like underperforming technology and reduced innovation. The report identifies rapidly evolving tech sectors and high competition for talent as primary causes. In response, 96% of businesses are investing in staff training and collaborating with managed service providers to bridge the gap.

Raising the roof

Brighton-based TrustedHousesitters has been selected for Tech Nation's Future Fifty 2024, the UK's leading accelerator programme for late-stage tech companies. This recognition highlights their significant growth and innovation in the house and pet sitting industry. The Future Fifty programme supports high-potential ventures, providing resources and networks to scale businesses towards unicorn status and beyond.

Greed-free gifting

Together Co launches its Good Gift Guide, featuring Sussex-based businesses that drive the circular economy.

Roots are back in fashion

The Body Shop is relocating its UK HQ, where it opened its first store in 1976. This ‘cultural reset’ aims to foster innovation and collaboration, with the sustainably built Plus X Innovation hub on Lewes Road becoming the brand's new home.

Grace and Maureen are from Silicon Brighton.

Stunning success for Sussex student start-ups

The University of Sussex won the 2024 National Enterprise Educators Award for its Sussex Student Entrepreneurship Programme. Celebrated for inclusivity and social impact, the programme supports 800 students annually, helping to launch innovative and sustainable business ventures.

Sprinting to silver

Brighton-based games industry pioneers, Into Games, have won silver at the Learning Technology Awards for Best use of Social and Collaborative Learning Technologies. This prestigious UK award celebrates their Into Games Sprints courses and their partnership with Ufi VocTech Trust.

Huge turnaround

Moulsecoomb Primary School in Brighton has been rated ‘good’ by Ofsted, just five years after it was told it was ‘inadequate’ in 2019. Inspectors praised the school’s inclusivity, high ambition for pupils, and improved attainment since the last inspection. Headteacher Adam Sutton attributed the success to the school’s supportive ethos and dedicated staff.

The twinkle is strong down here

Brighton & Hove has been named England’s best seaside experience for Christmas by Go Outdoors, scoring 9.38 on the Christmas adventure scale. The survey evaluated festive markets, pubs, walks, ice rinks, and snowfall, outshining cities like Nottingham and Manchester.

New tunes

Brighton Early Music Festival has named soprano Hannah Ely and recorder player Olwen Foulkes as co-artistic directors. Ely, founder of the Fieri Consort, and Foulkes, leader of Ensemble Augelletti, bring extensive performance and leadership experience to the role, aiming to enhance the festival’s accessibility and artistic excellence.

A new approach to player’s futures

Brighton & Hove Albion FC has teamed up with Pro-Fitness Academy to support players with education and career opportunities beyond football. With only 4% of academy players turning professional, the partnership offers personal training diplomas to widen future career opportunities and options.

Get lost in the weird and wonderful woods

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery has unveiled Vanishing Forest, an immersive art installation by Natalie Bradwell and George Sworder. The nine-metre steel tunnel explores nature’s fragility, featuring lifelike sculptures of Sussex wildlife. Highlighting the effects of climate change on biodiversity, the installation is a must-see. Learn more here.

Chris’ popular blog on culture is The Border Crossing

When the city puts its arms out

Brighton Cares Hub, a new community initiative, has launched a Winter Warmth drive to support homeless individuals through the colder months. The team has partnered with local charities, cafes, and shelters to provide essentials, including sleeping bags, winter clothing, and warm meals, directly to those in need. They've also set up pop-up donation points across the city for residents to drop off items or volunteer their time.

If you'd like to get involved with Brighton Cares Hub, contact them at info@brightoncareshub.org.

More solidarity on a cold night

Join The Clock Tower Sanctuary and the team as they come together for their annual night of support for youth homelessness in the city. The Big City Sleepout isn’t just about experiencing the hardships faced by young people without stable housing; it’s also a chance to connect, share stories, and spread a message of compassion across our city. The funds you raise will go directly toward resources, shelter, and programs that make a real difference.

This event has a registration donation of £10 and a fundraising pledge of at least £304, one pound for every day of support provided for young people experiencing homelessness.

To sign up today, please complete this short form or email info@thects.org.uk

A feast fit for a badger

We don’t usually profile paid events in The Brighton Connectiv, but sub-editors’ privilege is being reasonably used on this occasion.

This winter, The Social Society is hosting a series of Charity Supper Clubs in support of eight incredible charities making a real difference in Brighton. They’ve teamed up with the legendary Dan Kenny, founder of The Set and creator of Badger Supper Clubs, to bring you something truly special.

Join the charities and local Brighton folk for an evening of communal fine dining, an honesty bar and some festive cheer. More details here

Toni Finnimore is founder of The Social Society

Tides of support

Waves of Wellness Brighton focuses on mental health and well-being through beach-based workshops and surf therapy sessions. The team recently launched a new series of group sessions tailored for young people facing mental health challenges, emphasising building resilience and creating a support network among participants. Their latest Surfer's Sunrise sessions allow individuals to connect with nature, each other, and themselves in a supportive environment on Brighton Beach.

Interested in joining a session or learning more? Reach out to the team at connect@wavesofwellness.org.

Top tips for teams

Alex Young from Brighton-based co-working space Projects has identified ten trends for creating happier, more productive teams. Key strategies include flexible work arrangements, employee recognition, professional development, and conscious inclusion. Wellbeing initiatives, transparent communication, and empowering employees with autonomy also play vital roles. Purpose-driven work, team-building activities, and a positive work environment further enhance satisfaction and engagement.

Read about the the how, what and why here.

Around and around it goes

Circular Brighton & Hove hosts "How Circular is Brighton and Hove?" on December 3 at Barclays Eagle Labs for Circular Cities Week 2024. David Greenfield discusses the Circular Economy progress since 2018 and invites attendees to help update the local map. Stay in the loop at this free event. With snacks.

Oh, honey, beehave!

One of Brighton & Hove’s strengths can be it’s hive mind. But now it is literal as well as figurative!

The Brighton Bee Collective has been buzzy promoting biodiversity and urban beekeeping since its launch in 2020. The team has just expanded its educational programmes, offering hands-on workshops for local schools to teach children about pollinators and their essential role in our ecosystem. They’ve also set up additional hives in community gardens across Brighton, where volunteers are invited to join in and learn about beekeeping and sustainable practices.

Want to earn your apiculture stripes? Sign up for their next workshop or learn more at hello@brightonbeecollective.org.

Help to place the Pickle

Brighton’s beloved Indian restaurant, The Chilli Pickle, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to support its relocation from Jubilee Square back to The Lanes. Owners Alun and Dawn Sperring are offering supporters exclusive perks and gift vouchers to fund the move. Learn more about their plans here.