Big Business Breakfast Club - Help Desk
Monthly in-person business networking in Brighton. Around 100 local business owners and decision-makers. Friendly, no-pressure, relationship-first.
Use this page as your BBBC quick-reference guide: tickets, timings, venues, sponsorship, charity giving, and what to expect on the day.
Real-world, once-a-month networking for Brighton & Sussex businesses – no forced sales, just good people and good breakfasts.
Monthly, in-person, Brighton
Around 100 attendees
Around 70% business owners
No forced pitches
Breakfast included
Charity supported via JustGiving
What is the Big Business Breakfast Club?
BBBC is Brighton’s long-running big-room business breakfast. Once a month, around 100 local business owners and decision-makers meet for relaxed but structured networking, a good breakfast, and a focus on building relationships that last.
- No pressured elevator pitches
- No forced stand-up introductions
- No being put on the spot
- Structured but relaxed agenda
- Professional, light-hearted atmosphere
You’ll get time to meet people at your table, hear from the sponsor and host team, and make your own connections without pressure.
When and where does BBBC happen?
BBBC is typically held on the 3rd Friday of each month - always confirm the exact date on the event page.
- Typical timing: arrive from 8:00am, finish around 10:30am
- Venues rotate across Brighton & Sussex – for example: The Grand Brighton, Malmaison Brighton, The Old Ship Hotel, and other quality venues
- Parking depends on the venue – details are always listed on the specific event page
- Public transport options are often available nearby
Exact address, parking tips, and any venue-specific notes (access, room layout, breakfast options) are always confirmed on the live ticket page.
Who is BBBC for?
If you’re active in the Brighton & Sussex business community and want to meet people in a relaxed, high-energy environment, you’ll fit right in.
- Business owners and founders
- Managing directors and senior leaders
- Sales and business development professionals
- Marketing and brand specialists
- Creatives, designers, and digital agencies
- Property, finance, and legal professionals
- Trades and service-based businesses
- Consultants, coaches, and advisors
- Growing teams who want more local presence
- No industry lockouts – multiple people from the same sector are welcome
What makes BBBC different?
- Not BNI – no weekly early starts or rigid scripts
- No weekly membership commitments – book the events that work for you
- No referral quotas – you’re never pressured to bring leads
- Relationship-first networking – focused on conversations, not card-collecting
- Big-room energy with a friendly, open atmosphere
- Local, Brighton-led, and rooted in the city’s business community
First time at BBBC?
You don’t need to “know people” before you walk in. A big part of BBBC is welcoming first-timers and helping you find your feet quickly.
- Many people come alone – you won’t be the only one
- No forced intros – you can speak when you’re ready
- Arrive at 8:00am for relaxed coffee and conversation before the formal bit starts
- You’ll be seated at a table so you’re never left standing on your own
- Take it at your own pace – dip in, listen, and chat when you feel comfortable
If you’d like the team to keep an eye out for you on arrival, just add a note in your booking or use the enquiry form below.
What does success look like at BBBC?
BBBC is about long-term relationship-building, not walking out with a stack of instant leads.
- Being remembered for the right reasons
- Having meaningful conversations with a handful of people
- Booking follow-up coffees and meetings
- Showing up consistently so relationships can grow
- Becoming part of the Brighton & Sussex business fabric
Success is NOT usually: leaving with 20 hot leads, closing deals by 10:30am, or “pitching the room”. Those sometimes happen, but they’re a bonus, not the design.
Tickets, discounts, and dietary requirements
- Tickets are sold online via the main BBBC website
- Sometimes there are early-bird, ambassador, or promo codes – these are event-specific and shown on the ticket page
- Breakfast is included in the ticket price unless clearly stated otherwise
- Dietary options commonly include: Full English, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, and Continental (always venue-dependent)
- Select your dietary requirements during booking so the venue can cater properly
- Accessibility and step-free access vary by venue – contact the team if you’re unsure or need specific support
If you have complex dietary or access needs, it’s always best to book early and include as much detail as possible so the team and venue can plan.
Charity partners and donations (JustGiving)
BBBC regularly highlights a chosen charity partner, often selected by the monthly sponsor. Giving is simple, transparent, and handled via JustGiving.
- Each month highlights a specific charity partner
- Donations are collected via JustGiving (usually through a shared link or QR code)
- Money goes directly to the charity’s JustGiving account – not via BBBC
- Gift Aid may apply where eligible, increasing the value of donations
- Totals and progress are visible in JustGiving for transparent tracking
Charity FAQ
Q: How does the charity get the money?
A: Donations are made via JustGiving and go directly to the charity (including Gift Aid where eligible). BBBC does not handle the funds.
Charity alignment for sponsors
Sponsors often nominate or support the chosen charity for their event, giving them visibility in the room and via the JustGiving campaign.
Monthly sponsorship – how it works
Each BBBC event has one headline sponsor. Sponsorship is booked per event, not as a rolling retainer (unless something bespoke is agreed). Platinum-level positioning is reserved for venue partners.
Sponsor benefits
- Exclusive stage time to tell your story and add value
- Pre-event promotion via email, website, and socials
- On-the-day visibility on slides, signage, and from the host team
- Inclusion in post-event debriefs and content where relevant
- Charity alignment – often linked to your chosen charity partner
What sponsorship is NOT
- Not guaranteed leads or sales
- Not performance marketing or pay-per-lead
- Not a trade show stand with constant footfall
- No attendee database or email list is provided
Sponsor fit questions
- What sector are you in and what do you want to be known for?
- Are you comfortable speaking to around 100 people?
- Are you targeting SMEs and local decision-makers?
- Do you have a clear message that adds value to the room?
BBBC ambassadors
Over 150 ambassadors champion BBBC in the city and beyond. They’re regular attendees who bring guests, share events, and help keep the community vibrant.
- Ambassadors promote BBBC and invite new faces
- Help first-timers feel welcome and plugged in
- Support the wider Brighton & Sussex business community
- Ambassador status is earned through involvement – it’s not something you can buy
- An ambassadors-only concept and events are being explored for the future
BBBC origin story
- Juice FM Business Breakfast launched around 2006, becoming a staple of the Brighton business calendar
- In 2017, Juice FM was sold to Global (Capital/Heart) and the event evolved into the Global Business Breakfast Club
- Lockdowns paused in-person events and reshaped how people met and networked
- Post-lockdown, the community appetite for a big, friendly, Brighton-first breakfast event remained
- BBBC was born independently, carrying forward the energy and relationships built over nearly two decades
Built from nearly two decades of Brighton business breakfast culture.
Hosts and team
BBBC is run by a small, hands-on team who care about the room, the energy, and the experience for every attendee.
Jim Cunliffe – Owner & Co-Host
Took ownership of BBBC in 2021 after being a regular sponsor from June 2018. Jim sets the direction, leads sponsorship conversations, and makes sure the event stays focused on relationships and local business.
Steve Darby – Co-Owner & Resident Heckler
Brings humour, energy, and the occasional well-timed heckle to keep the room lively. Steve also runs Sarson & Darby and the Laughing Seagulls merch, tying Brighton character into the events.
Martin Leppard – Technical Lead
From H2 Productions, Martin looks after sound, AV, and tech, including support through the hybrid era. His work underpins the production quality and professional feel in the room.
Jackie Irving – Event Support
Provides operational support and coordination, including links with Sussex Business Times. Helps keep things running smoothly behind the scenes and on the day.
Alex Ryan – Co Host
Having run the the “Big Steps for Small Business” marketing slot at BBBC for over 5 years, Alex has recently stepped up to become the co-host of the BBBC. He takes charge of things after breakfast is served. Alex is a whirlwind, he'll definitely grab your attention. He;s has quite a lively career. Presnter, DJ, marketeer and he was also in a boyband in his youth.
Jenny Legg & Simon Gregg – Front of House
Your first friendly faces at sign-in. Jenny and Simon welcome guests, help with badges, and make sure people know where they’re going. Jenny also runs Training Legs First Aid and Bra Off Defib On, and Simon runs Fusion | The Business Catalyst.
Video introductions
From time to time, attendees may be invited to submit short video content linked to BBBC.
- 60-second introduction – who you are and what you do
- Referral ask – the kind of introductions or opportunities you’re looking for
- AOB announcement – a concise update relevant to the BBBC community
These are designed to give you a little extra exposure beyond the room – through social media or follow-up content – and are always optional and clearly briefed when available.
Data and privacy
- BBBC does not share attendee lists with other attendees or sponsors
- BBBC does not sell contact data to third parties
- Sponsors do not receive an attendee database or email list
- Networking is opt-in and relationship-driven – you choose who you connect with and how
- Introductions are never promised without consent from both sides
- Any email communication you receive will be in line with what you opted into
Refunds and transfers
- Tickets are generally non-refundable once purchased
- Transfers to another person may be possible with reasonable notice
- Any event-specific terms (for example, if a venue has stricter rules) will be noted on the ticket page
- If you can’t attend, contacting the team as early as possible gives the best chance of finding a sensible solution
Contact the team for specific cases – especially around illness, access needs, or last-minute issues – and they’ll advise based on the event and venue.
FAQs
Do I have to stand up and speak?
No. There is no point in the event where everyone is forced to stand up and pitch. There are structured elements and opportunities to speak, but you won’t be put on the spot without warning.
Is this like BNI?
No. BBBC is not BNI. There are no weekly meetings, no referral quotas, and no requirement to bring leads. It’s a monthly, big-room, relationship-first event.
Can I come alone?
Yes. Many people come alone, especially the first time. You’ll be welcomed at the door, shown where to go, and seated at a table so you’re never left standing on your own.
Is breakfast included?
Yes, breakfast is included in your ticket unless the event page clearly says otherwise. Dietary options (such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and continental) are usually available, depending on the venue.
What’s the dress code?
Smart-casual is typical. Some people come straight from the office, others from home or client visits. As long as you’re comfortable and presentable, you’ll be fine.
Is there parking?
Parking depends on the venue. Each event page includes notes on nearby car parks, on-street parking, or public transport options, so always check the specific listing.
How many people attend?
Attendance varies by month and venue, but typically around 100 people are in the room, with around 70% being business owners or senior decision-makers.
How does the charity receive the money?
Donations are made via JustGiving and go directly to the charity’s account (including Gift Aid where eligible). BBBC does not touch or hold the funds.
Can I sponsor?
Yes, there is one headline sponsor per event, with platinum positioning reserved for venue partners. Use the sponsorship enquiry route on this page to start the conversation and check availability.
Will I get attendee contact details?
No. BBBC does not share attendee lists or contact data. Any follow-up is based on the connections you make in the room and the details people choose to share with you directly.
Contact the BBBC team
Use this form for questions about tickets, sponsorship, charity partnerships, venues, or anything else related to BBBC.
For sponsorship, include your sector and what you do so the team can quickly see if there’s a good fit and availability.
Typical response times are within a couple of working days, a little longer immediately after an event.
Fields to include: Name, Email, Phone, Enquiry type (Tickets, Sponsorship, Charity, Venue/Partner, Other), and your message.
Ready to book your next Big Business Breakfast?
For the latest venue details, timings, and announcements, always check the event page.