Meet two of our longest-standing Chamber members

We've been looking back recently at the Chamber over the years, with 2022 marking 110 years since the formation of Brighton & Hove Chamber of Commerce. 

There are over 50 businesses who have been members of the Chamber for over 10 years. We caught up with two of those members, to get their take on how the Chamber, Brighton and business has changed since they joined the Chamber. 

Julie Roff, Director of ABC Translations and Chamber President 

Chamber member since 2009

1. Why did you join the Chamber, and why are you still a member?

I met the then President of the Chamber, Julie Stanford, at another networking event; she was bright, friendly and made me laugh, so I took her advice and went to a Carluccio's breakfast. I was welcomed and looked after by both members and staff, and decided I’d found my tribe.

Since then, I've found customers, suppliers and mentors through the Chamber. But more than anything I've found friends who feel like family. And you wouldn't leave your family, would you?

2. Do you have a standout event memory?

So many. Elvis and Marilyn closing the first ever Summit. Steve Bustin dressed as an explorer leading us all to a drinks party after the second Summit. Learning improv during Dare Hour at another Summit. Crying while listening to Sam Roddick, Gina Miller and Guy Standing (Summit keynotes).

And the brilliant online Base Camps: James Dempster dressed as a banana, Natalie Haynes laughing at something I'd said, Dr Sabrina Cohen-Hatton making me cry again, Stephen Grant being inappropriate and making us laugh out loud at 9am.

Can you tell I'm a fan of the big events that the Chamber excels at? 

3. When did you become Chamber President, and why did you want to become Chamber President?

I was asked to join the Board about two years into my membership; mainly, I think, because I turned up to so many events.

I became Vice President with the strict proviso that it was for admin purposes only, because I was never going to become President (stand on stage and make announcements? No thanks).

Then Carol Rigby, our then President, went on maternity leave in January 2017, so I stepped up as cover for six months. Five years later I'm still here, but our wonderful CEO Sarah Springford and the fabulous, supportive members of the Board have made it a complete pleasure. 

4. What do you think makes Brighton Chamber different?

Ask the general public what they think when they hear 'Chamber of Commerce', and the answer will usually be 'old white guys in suits'. Now, I have nothing against the occasional old white guy in a suit, but they're definitely in the minority in Brighton Chamber.

Our Chamber reflects the city: an eclectic mix of businesses, a lack of formality, a huge sense of fun, an inclusive outlook and no truck with any form of discrimination. I think what we do above all is recognise that businesses are run by and for people, and it's the people that make Brighton Chamber the welcoming and vibrant place that I love.

Ed Allison-Wright, Director of Haydon Consulting and Construction Voice event partner

Chamber member for 10+ years

1. Why did you originally join the Chamber?

I joined the Chamber because I knew then that it was important to have a voice within what is an influential and extensive network of Brighton & Hove businesses.

I also believe it’s becoming increasingly important in the eyes of consumers that companies have tangible connections to the community in which they work, and joining the Chamber adds weight to that sentiment.

That, plus the continuously busy and diverse programme of events and workshops that, even when they might not be sector specific to your needs, tend to be extremely interesting and beneficial to attend. 

2. What impact has being a long-standing member of the Chamber had on your business?

Whilst the networking aspect was initially a secondary focus for me, I’ve come to value this much more as I realised the depth of the network - and the fact that on virtually every occasion when I was seeking out a particular service, the Chamber would be the only place I would need to look for prospective partners.

This has given my business new opportunities to grow, in a less resource intensive and more efficient way.

As members of the Chamber, we grow with it, and over the years, the Chamber’s voice and influence has evolved in such a way that it is now one of the leading and strongest voices for business in the city.

3. How has the landscape of Brighton, and Brighton business changed in that time?

In the time I’ve been a member, the landscape of the city has changed. This was inevitable with historic events such as a global pandemic, COP26 and Brexit taking place; but in each of those occasions, the environment in which we work has never been more requiring of the Chamber, to provide a platform for business to debate, explore, learn and share business practices and experiences with other businesses in the city and with key stakeholders too.

Not a member of Brighton Chamber? Find out more and join the Chamber here: 

If you want to contribute to the Chamber blog, contact us on hannah@brightonchamber.co.uk