500 Issues. Thousands of Stories. One Powerful Reminder.

By Sam Thomas, Chief Storyteller

On 30th April at Soho House Brighton, something very special happened.

We gathered to celebrate the 500th issue of Sussex Business Times, a milestone marking five decades of storytelling, community and connection across Sussex business.

For me personally, it also marked 82 issues since taking stewardship of the magazine back in 2017.

But as I stood in that room looking around at familiar faces, friends, partners and people who have supported this journey over the years, I realised this celebration was about far more than a magazine.

It was about people.

It was about relationships.

About stories.

About what happens when we create spaces where people feel seen, heard and connected.

Over the past decade, one of my biggest learnings has been this:

In business, people don’t just want networking.

They want genuine connection.

They don’t crave more polished content or highlight reels.

They crave honesty.

Authenticity.

Humanity.

And Thursday night reminded me just how powerful that can be.

As part of the evening, I shared a poem I had written especially for the occasion. Many people know I love writing little verses for milestone moments, but this one felt particularly emotional to deliver.

At times my voice caught slightly.

Not because of nerves.

But because of the weight of what this journey has meant.

For years I thought I was simply helping produce a business publication.

But somewhere along the way, I realised Sussex Business Times had become something deeper.

A bridge between business and humanity.

Between success and struggle.

Between achievement and authenticity.

Because behind every business story is a human story.

And perhaps that’s why SBT has endured for 500 issues.

Not because of headlines or advertisements.

But because stories matter.

Stories help people feel less alone.

They challenge perspectives.

They inspire action.

And sometimes, they simply make someone say:

“Thank God it’s not just me.”

The evening was also an opportunity to support our incredible charity partner, the Starr Trust, with guests generously helping raise over £1,500 through the raffle on the night. Special thanks to Robert Starr MBE and Tracey Starr for the extraordinary work they continue to do supporting young people across Sussex.

Five hundred issues feels like a huge milestone.

But somehow, it also feels like the beginning of something new.

Here’s to the next chapter.

And here’s to keeping business human.