A New Monthly Gathering for a Stronger, Smarter, More Connected Sussex Business Community
We are excited to launch the Sussex Member Collective, a brand‑new monthly event series created exclusively for Sussex Chamber members. This is more than a meeting. It is a movement.
A community.
A catalyst.
A collective.
Every month, members from across the county will come together to gain insights, strengthen connections, and help shape the future of the Sussex economy. This is your chance to be part of something bigger. A county‑wide network working collaboratively to support growth, innovation, skills, and success.
🎤 This Month’s Host
Amanda Young - Head of Membership
We are delighted that the Sussex Member Collective is hosted by Amanda Young from Sussex Chamber of Commerce. Amanda leads on membership growth as well as the Chamber’s events and training programmes, playing a key role in driving engagement, creating opportunities, and delivering value to businesses across Sussex.
She is passionate about connecting the business community, building meaningful relationships, and developing initiatives that support growth, skills, and collaboration. Through her work, Amanda helps businesses raise their profile, expand their networks, and access the insight and support they need to succeed.
With a strong commercial focus and hands-on approach, she works closely with organisations of all sizes to ensure the Chamber remains relevant, impactful, and member-driven, bringing together businesses to learn, connect, and grow as part of a stronger, more united community.
🎙️ Keynote Speakers
Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Field KVRM - British Army
Lieutenant 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.
Charlie began his military career in 2000 with the University Officer Training Corps before commissioning into the Royal Yeomanry, the Army’s largest light cavalry reserve regiment. He has extensive operational experience, including leading soldiers on deployment in Iraq in 2004, and went on to serve as Commanding Officer of the Royal Yeomanry. His leadership has also extended to high-profile ceremonial duties, including leading the regiment’s contingent in the procession for the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Alongside his military career, Charlie is Deputy Chairman of CPJ Field & Co Ltd, a long-established, family-run funeral business serving communities across Southern England. He successfully balances his responsibilities in both civilian and military roles, bringing leadership, resilience and a strong commitment to service into all aspects of his work.
Charlie is passionate about supporting the Armed Forces community and championing the value that reservists bring to businesses and society.
Leigh Thomas
South East Defence Relationship Manager – Sussex & Kent
Leigh Thomas is the South East Defence Relationship Manager covering East Sussex, West Sussex and Kent. In this role, Leigh works closely with businesses, organisations, and service personnel to strengthen connections between the Armed Forces community and the wider business landscape. With a strong focus on partnership and engagement, Leigh supports employers in understanding the value that veterans, reservists and service families bring to the workforce. He plays a key role in promoting the Armed Forces Covenant, helping organisations to develop inclusive practices and unlock opportunities that benefit both businesses and the defence community.
Leigh is passionate about building meaningful relationships across the region, ensuring that collaboration between defence and industry continues to grow, creating positive outcomes for individuals, organisations and local communities alike.
Hansa Raja
CEO and Founder of Holding Space
Spending over 11 years working in the charity sector, including six years leading her own award-winning charity, Holding Space, which offers parent/carer support across Sussex. Her work has given her extensive experience in community engagement, strategic planning, and building networks that create meaningful impact for both families and local organisations.
As a Sussex Chamber member, Hansa has attended numerous events and delivered workshops finding inspiration in the Chamber’s ability to connect businesses, provide practical support, and foster collaboration. She has personally benefited from networking opportunities and the guidance offered, which have helped her grow her charity and forge new partnerships.
As an Ambassador, Hansa is passionate about sharing the benefits of Chamber membership with her networks and supporting other businesses in discovering the opportunities it offers. She looks forward to collaborating with fellow Ambassadors to promote the Chamber’s values, expand its community, and strengthen connections across Sussex, helping local organisations and businesses thrive together.
Our celebrated Sussex Chamber Awards Charity Partner
Nominated by Headline Sponsers - Chrysalis Workplace
🌍 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 - Lieutenant 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
🚀 Join Us for the monthly
Sussex Member Collective
👉 Book your place today
👉 Be part of something bigger
👉 Shape the future of Sussex business
Charlie Field
Hansa Raja
Leigh Thomas
