Future-Focus Friday Breakfast Networking

Mikayla Bernstein

Corporate Partnerships Manager, Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare

All animals deserve to be understood and cared for with respect, compassion and kindness. Inspired by our founder Miss Mabel Raymonde-Hawkins who established Raystede’s first rescue centre in 1952, we remain committed to help, rehabilitate, rehome and give sanctuary to animals that need us.

Today we are one of the most diverse rescue centres in the UK because we care for so many different species of animals. We currently have around 400 vulnerable animals at any one time on a 43-acre site in East Sussex.

It’s not a zoo, a farm, or a fun park - it is a place where animals can feel safe.

 

: https://www.raystede.org/

Zara Burtonshaw

Major Donation Fundraiser, Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare

I am a passionate and highly motivated fundraiser who is new to the charity sector, but with 5 years management experience in a high revenue and sales-turnover environment and a personal focus on inclusivity and HR.
I have 12 GCSEs, 4 A-levels, a diploma and I am currently working to finish my psychology degree. I have additional training and qualifications in first aid, music, drama and classical languages.
 

 

: https://www.raystede.org/

Ben McNamara

Founder, BMDM Events & Media Ltd

A strategic event leader based in Sussex (UK) createing a wide range of compelling and commercial events.

Ben currently serves as a Director with Prestel & Partner, collaborating with the UHNWI and Single Family Office community, providing forums and conferences that discuss the latest trends and topics impacting private wealth. These internationally renowned, invitation-only events have been leading the industry for more than 15 years, and consistently bring together a diverse range of families from around the world wanting to learn and share thoughtful insights at different stages of the family’s governance and investment journey.

He has been making events professionally for almost 10 years, with a wide understanding of the finance industry and the move to sustainability in the international marketplace, working in a range of businesses throughout his career. His roles have included producing events for the world-renowned Private Equity and VC series 'SuperReturn' (an Informa Plc brand), as well as international forums, online webinars, and conferences for a range of Startups, SMEs, and high-growth event companies.

Ben is the Founder & Managing Director of BMDM Events & Media Ltd – a rights-owner business that creates and leads the strategy for a range of consumer events, which include: Audio Optic Craft, Brighton 7s Festival, and the Sussex 7s Series.

On weekends, he is a Semi-Professional Rugby Union Match Official, officiating matches for both England Rugby and the Sussex Society of RFU Referees (SSRFUR), having refereed at National 3 (Level 5) and been an assistant referee at Men's National 1 and the Women's Premiership (Level 3) of the RFU's competition structure. He is also an RFU qualified Referee Educator, and is the Training & Development Officer for SSRFUR.

Ben has an MA in Theological & Biblical Studies from Durham University and enjoys listening to a wide range of new and independent music.

: https://www.sussex7sseries.com/

Steve Pomery

Co-Owner, Tottington Manor Hotel

An experienced Operations and Finance specialist with a diverse background spanning manufacturing, marketing, education, training, events, and hospitality. Currently leading Empirical – a specialist agency focused on marketing for wedding venues – while also serving as Finance Director at Tottington Manor, a beautifully restored 17th-century venue near Brighton. Tottington Manor is renowned for its warm hospitality, locally sourced menus, and exceptional events and accommodation for both corporate and leisure guests.

Hansa Raja

Founder, Holding Space

Parent Peer Support in East Sussex

We work with parents/carers whose children and young people are struggling with life; whether this be mental health, emotional issues, school struggles.

Book a 1:1 appointment with our parent peer support team or drop in to our hub on the high street. Connect and chat with other local parents at our coffee mornings and workshops.

Hansa has 20 years of experience in cancer nursing both at a clinical level and strategic level. She also has experience in the charity sector having held the position of Operations Manager at Eastbourne Foodbank. Having spent all her career in the NHS Hansa has always had a passion for helping others and making a difference. Previous trustee and Vice Chair for TAMBA (Twins & Multiple Births Association)

Hansa has 3 children. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and walking along the coast.

: https://www.holdingspace.org.uk

Amanda Young

Head of Membership, Events & Training, Sussex Chamber of Commerce

Amanda has served as the Head of Membership at Sussex Chamber for over three years, where she leads the membership team with dedication and strategic vision. Alongside her leadership duties, she also oversees the planning and execution of the Chamber's events and training programmes. Amanda is deeply committed to engaging with the Chamber's diverse business community and is passionate about fostering strong relationships to support the growth and success of businesses across Sussex.

: https://www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk/