A New Monthly Gathering for a Stronger, Smarter, More Connected Sussex Business Community

We are proud to introduce the Sussex Member Collective, a dynamic new monthly members’ meeting series, created exclusively for Sussex Chamber members.

This is more than a meeting.
It is a movement.

A community.
A catalyst.
A collective.

Each month, businesses from across Sussex will come together to share insight, build meaningful relationships, and play an active role in shaping the future of our local economy, while connecting into a wider national and global business network through the British Chambers of Commerce.

This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger, a collaborative, forward‑thinking business community driving growth, innovation, skills, and long‑term success across the region.

🎤 This Month’s Host

Amanda Young – Head of Membership, Sussex Chamber of Commerce

Amanda leads on membership growth, events and training, creating valuable opportunities for businesses to connect, collaborate and thrive across Sussex.

🎙️ Key Speakers

We’re bringing together a powerful panel of voices from defence, business and the community, each offering a unique perspective on leadership, resilience and impact.

Colonel Charlie Field KVRM - British Army

Colonel Charlie Field is a distinguished British Army Reserve officer and senior executive in the funeral profession. In recognition of his exemplary service, he was awarded the King’s Volunteer Reserves Medal (KVRM) in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours.

Senior Army Reserve officer and business leader, bringing real-world insight into leadership, resilience and the value of reservists in the workplace.

Leigh Thomas
South East Defence Relationship Manager – Sussex & Kent

Leigh Thomas – South East Defence Relationship Manager (Sussex & Kent)
Works with businesses to strengthen connections with the Armed Forces community, helping organisations unlock the value of veterans, reservists and service families.

💼 Why It Matters

This event goes beyond networking, it brings together global themes and local action.

By hearing from speakers like Charlie and Leigh, members will gain valuable insight into how collaboration between business and defence can deliver tangible benefits, including:

• Stronger leadership and workforce development
• Increased resilience within organisations
• Access to skilled, experienced talent
• Stronger, more connected communities

As a Gold Award holder of the Armed Forces Covenant, Sussex Chamber is proud to lead in this space, championing inclusive employment and helping businesses recognise the exceptional value that Armed Forces personnel bring.

Through the Sussex Member Collective, we connect these national and global initiatives directly into our local business community,  ensuring Sussex businesses are informed, supported and empowered to grow.

Hansa Raja 
CEO and Founder of Holding Space 

Leads an award‑winning Sussex charity supporting young people, families and carers, with a strong focus on community wellbeing and mental health.

💙 Why It Matters – Supporting Holding Space

Alongside business and defence, this event also highlights a critical global challenge with a very real local impact, youth mental health.

Through Holding Space, Hansa Raja supports young people and families experiencing mental health crises, providing essential support at critical moments.

This is not just a social issue, it is a future workforce issue.

By supporting young people today, we are helping to build:

• Resilient, confident future employees
• Healthier communities
• A stronger long‑term economy

This event shines a light on the role businesses can play in supporting initiatives that make a lasting difference, locally and globally.

🌟 Charity Partner

We are proud to support our Sussex Chamber Awards Charity Partner, nominated by our Headline Sponsors, Chrysalis Workplace, recognising organisations that create meaningful impact across our communities.

🌍 Connecting Sussex to the World

As part of the British Chambers of Commerce network, Sussex Chamber connects members to a wider national and international business community, opening the door to global opportunities, insights and partnerships.

The Sussex Member Collective brings that global perspective into a local, accessible, member‑focused setting, helping businesses in Sussex stay informed, competitive and connected.

🌍 What is the Sussex Member Collective?

This monthly event is designed to deliver:

✔ High‑value insights on the issues shaping business
✔ Stronger member connections across the whole county
✔ A united platform to share knowledge, influence decision‑making and support growth
✔ Opportunities for members to shape the Sussex economic landscape
✔ A flagship community event created exclusively for Chamber members

Each month follows a structured, business‑focused format including:

• Economic updates
• Member expertise segments (legal, digital, skills, sustainability)
• Welcomes for new members
• Charity spotlights
• Plenty of meaningful networking

With rotating locations across North, South, East and West Sussex, every member gets access to the Collective.

🗓️ Event Format
(Monthly – Every 3rd Thursday)

8.30am – 11.00am

• 8.30 – 9.00 - Registration, refreshments & networking
• 9.00 – 9.15 - Welcome & Chamber updates 
• 9.15 – 9.45 - Hansa Raja (Holding Space)
• 9.45 – 10.15 - Keynote Speakers - Colonel Charlie Field KVRM and Leigh Thomas
• 10.15 – 11.00 - Networking

🤝 Why Attend?

• Strengthen your business connections
• Gain insight you can act on immediately
• Stay ahead of economic and regulatory changes
• Engage directly with Chamber leadership
• Support a growing, county‑wide business movement
• Be part of a stronger, more resilient Sussex economy

Thank you to our Venue Sponsors 

Delegates

🚀 Join Us for the monthly
Sussex Member Collective

👉 Book your place today
👉 Be part of something bigger
👉 Shape the future of Sussex business

Sponsor This Event

Event Sponsor

From:
£150.00

Insight Sponsor

From:
£200.00

Strategic Economic Sponsor

From:
£250.00

More

Charlie Field

Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Field KVRM and Deputy Chairman, CPJ Field & Co Ltd, British Army and CPJ Field & Co Ltd

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Hansa Raja

Founder, Holding Space

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Leigh Thomas

Regional Employer Engagement Director at South East Reserve Forces'​ & Cadets'​ Association, Ministry of Defence

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Amanda Young

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

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