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 the Chief Executive Officer of the Sussex Chamber of Commerce, leading the organisation’s mission to champion, connect and support businesses across Sussex. Working closely with members, stakeholders and policymakers, Ana is a passionate advocate for the region’s business community, driving initiatives that stimulate economic growth, improve business performance and create opportunities for organisations of all sizes.

With a diverse international business background spanning aviation, hospitality, hotel development, recruitment and pharmaceuticals, Ana brings a wealth of commercial experience to her role. Her career has seen her manage the London Aquarium, serve as Executive Vice President of an HR recruitment consultancy in the Philippines, work with the British Deputy High Commission in India, and oversee the project management of global clinical trials for a pharmaceutical company.

Since joining Sussex Chamber of Commerce in 2014, Ana has played a pivotal role in strengthening and expanding the organisation, ensuring members have access to the knowledge, connections and support they need to grow and succeed. Under her leadership, the Chamber has continued to develop innovative services, strategic partnerships and influential programmes that help businesses navigate challenges, seize opportunities and thrive in an evolving economy.

As a strong voice for Sussex businesses, Ana works closely with the British Chambers of Commerce network to influence national policy and ensure the needs of local businesses are represented at the highest levels of government.

Outside of her professional commitments, Ana is an accomplished martial artist and qualified Karate instructor, bringing the same discipline, determination and leadership to her personal pursuits as she does to supporting business growth across Sussex.