Exclusive Strategic Partner Gathering with Sarah Willingham at Brighton i360

Sarah Willingham

Entrepreneur, Investor & Owner of Brighton i360, Nightcap PLC

Sarah Willingham – Entrepreneur, Investor & Owner of Brighton i360

Sarah Willingham is a renowned British entrepreneur, investor, and hospitality leader, best known for her role as a Dragon on BBC’s Dragons’ Den during the 13th and 14th series (2015–2016). She is the Chief Executive and co-founder of Nightcap PLC, a rapidly growing hospitality group behind popular brands such as Tonight Josephine, Blame Gloria, and The Cocktail Club.

In 2025, Sarah acquired Brighton’s iconic i360 attraction through Nightcap, with a vision to transform it into a vibrant hub for locals and visitors alike.

Originally from Stoke-on-Trent, Sarah began working in the restaurant industry at just 13 years old. Her career includes leading international expansion for PizzaExpress and Planet Hollywood, and building The Bombay Bicycle Club into the UK’s largest Indian restaurant chain. She later co-founded The London Cocktail Club, which became a celebrated brand in the UK bar scene.

Sarah holds two business degrees (Oxford Brookes University and École Supérieure de Commerce de La Rochelle) and an MBA from Cranfield School of Management. She has received multiple accolades, including being named one of The Times’ “35 Most Successful Women Under 35” and earning honorary doctorates from Staffordshire University, Oxford Brookes, and Cranfield for her contribution to business and entrepreneurship.

A passionate advocate for mentoring and investing in businesses, Sarah combines her expertise in hospitality and leadership to create unforgettable experiences and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Ana Christie

CEO, Sussex Chamber of Commerce

Ana Christie is CEO of Sussex Chamber of Commerce supporting and campaigning for the business community.

Ana’s extensive business experience both in the UK and internationally, began in aviation, hospitality, then hotel project development. Previously she managed the London Aquarium, a major attraction, before relocating to the Philippines as Executive Vice President of an HR recruitment consultancy and subsequently locating to the British Deputy High Commission in India. Back in the UK, Ana joined a pharmaceutical company overseeing the project management of global clinical trials.

Ana joined the Sussex Chamber of Commerce in 2014 as Chief Executive and has since grown and developed the business membership organisation through the services provided to support business economic growth and performance in the area. She campaigns on key issues through the British Chambers who represent the national and global interests of business in government.

Ana is also an experienced in Martial Arts and in her spare time is a Karate instructor.