This mid-summer Uckfield Chamber members’ meeting was held at the beautiful Horsted Place Hotel – once a favourite weekend retreat of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, back in the 1960s!
With glorious weather on our side, it was the perfect evening for a spot of al fresco networking on the croquet lawn. Guests were welcomed with a glass of fizz or non-alcoholic alternative, before catching up with fellow local businesspeople ahead of the formal meeting.
Updates and announcements
Once everyone had taken their seats in the Garden Room overlooking the lawn, Chamber President Chris Dowling delivered his president’s report.
Chris announced that the Uckfield Chamber now has a record number of members, making it larger than neighbouring chambers in Wealden.
He also confirmed that judges are busy contacting entrants for this year’s Uckfield Business Awards, with finalists due to be announced at the beginning of August.
There was even a mention of the dreaded C-word, with planning already underway for Uckfield’s Late Night Shopping event in the first week of December.
Emma Towner from Horsted Place then shared more about the hotel’s history and the exciting events planned over the coming months, including its private Christmas dining experiences.
Uckfield Mayor Karen Bedwell spoke next as she enters the final year of her mayoral tenure. Fundraising will be a major focus, with support going to two fantastic charities – PHAB and EGFR+ (UK). Karen outlined a packed programme of events to help raise funds, including a sponsored abseil down the Spinnaker Tower, an afternoon tea on 26 September, and a race night on 10 October. Read more in Karen’s blog.
She’ll also be hosting an end of mayoral year party on 8 May 2027, to which all Chamber members are invited to attend.
Free support for local businesses
The evening’s guest speakers were Emma Ridley and Sarah-Jane Leyland from Employment & Skills at East Sussex County Council.
They highlighted the wide range of free support available to local employers, including their Careers Hub, which connects schools with local businesses, their Transform programme for apprenticeships, and Connect to Work, which helps people who have been out of work to find employment again.
After the formalities, everyone headed back outside to enjoy a delicious buffet on the lawn while making the most of the warm summer evening and continuing the conversations.
To view the pics from the evening, please click on the button below. You are free to use any image although kindly credit Michelle from MW Candid Photography.
Upcoming events
Our next event will be an informal lunch on 18 August at the Picture House Restaurant on Uckfield High Street. Simply book your place here and pay for what you order on the day.
Then later that week, we’ll be heading to the newly opened Bradbury Den at Chailey Heritage Foundation for a networking breakfast. Book your place here.
Our next evening event will be the members’ meeting in early September at Buxted Park Hotel.