Around 30 local businesspeople gathered bright and early on Friday 21 August for the Uckfield Chamber of Commerce networking breakfast at Chailey Heritage Foundation.
These breakfasts are a regular fixture in the Chamber calendar, taking place every other month at venues around Uckfield. They’re open to both Chamber members and non-members, giving local businesses the chance to make new connections, share what they do and hear from other businesses and organisations in the local community.
For August’s event, we returned to Chailey Heritage Foundation, where guests were welcomed into the newly opened Bradbury Den – a wonderful space overlooking the patchwork farm and its animals including pigs, pygmy goats, Shetland ponies and donkeys.
It was only opened in June and offers a fantastic learning space for the young people it supports. The organisation is also offering local businesses the opportunity to use the space for work events and meetings.
On arrival, guests enjoyed a hot drink or fruit juice over a spot of informal networking, before being invited to help themselves to a delicious continental breakfast buffet provided by Chamber member The Wealden Kitchen.
Exploring possibilities
While everyone enjoyed their breakfast, Jan Bochinski from Chailey Heritage Foundation, gave an insight into the organisation and the vital work it does to support young people living with multiple physical, medical and communication needs.
It was a great opportunity to learn more about a fantastic local organisation while discovering more about the support available to the young people and families it works with.
Attendees were then invited to give their 60-second business updates, sharing what’s new in their businesses with the room.
The guest speaker was Natasha Smith from Chamber member Parfitt Cresswell, who gave an informative talk about upcoming changes to employment legislation. Looking at the changes from both an employer and employee perspective, Natasha highlighted some of the key things businesses need to be aware of as employment law continues to evolve.
We are grateful to guest photographer, Carine Roberts, for some smashing images that have truly captured the event. Click below to see the gallery and download, although kindly credit Carine Roberts Photography when doing so.
Join us at the next Chamber event
The Chamber’s networking breakfasts take place in alternate months, providing a regular opportunity for local businesses to connect in person in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Whether you’re a Chamber member or a local business looking to find out more about what the Chamber has to offer, we’d love to see you at the next breakfast on Friday 30 October at the Picture House Restaurant. Book here.
The next Chamber event, for our members only, will be the members’ meeting at Buxted Park Hotel on the evening of Wednesday 9 September. Book your place here.