Big Business Breakfast Club kicks off 2026 in style

The Big Business Breakfast Club returned with purpose, pace and plenty of bacon on Friday 16 January, filling the Leonardo Royal Hotel once again with over 1000 local business owners, founders and leaders for the first BBBC of 2026.

With coffee flowing from two stations, a packed room by 8am and a buzz of conversation before breakfast had even landed, the tone was set early. This was not a sleepy January networking meet. This was business, community and momentum, served hot.

January’s event was proudly sponsored by Woodhart Property Enhancement, part of the Woodhart Group, with Mission: HOME chosen as the supported charity for the month. A combination that summed up BBBC perfectly – commercial credibility paired with genuine local impact.

A strong welcome, and plenty of fresh faces

One of the standout stats from the morning was that around 20 percent of attendees had never been to a BBBC before. Some had never networked at all. These first-timers, affectionately known as “Fresh Meet” at BBBC, were welcomed warmly and visibly, reinforcing what the club has become known for – a room that feels inclusive, friendly and unintimidating, even at 7am.

With over 100 attendees at each monthly event and a consistent influx of people new to networking, BBBC continues to prove that traditional, relationship-led networking still works when it is done properly.

Sponsorship with substance

January’s sponsor, Woodhart Property Enhancement, took to the stage to introduce their work across Sussex. Managing Director Matt Woodhart shared how the business delivers smart, professional property solutions for both residential and commercial clients, spanning refurbishments, structural renovations and new builds.

With a focus on long-term value, safety and energy efficiency, Woodhart positioned itself as a trusted local building partner rather than a quick-fix contractor – a message that resonated strongly with a room full of business owners who understand the value of doing things properly.

Charity at the heart of the room

The charity segment saw a lively and engaging conversation between BBBC co-host Sam Thomas and Scarlett Chapman from Mission: HOME. Scarlett shared the story of how she began campaigning against homelessness at just eight years old, busking on the streets of Brighton, and how that passion has grown into a serious mission to unlock council-owned land for social housing.

Big ideas and practical steps

Marketing expert Alex Ryan returned with his popular “Big Steps for Small Business” slot, delivering three practical marketing hacks designed not only to improve business performance but also to help owners sleep better at night. His sessions continue to strike the right balance between strategic thinking and immediately actionable advice, making them a regular highlight of the BBBC agenda.

The main guest speaker for January was Jon Barnes of Pala – strategic business leader, consultant and TEDx speaker. Jon spoke about autonomation in the workplace and productivity, offering insights into how businesses can work smarter rather than harder. His session sparked plenty of post-event conversation, helped by his generous offer of free one-to-one coaching sessions for leaders.

Celebrating the ambassadors

A key moment in every BBBC meeting is the Ambassador Awards, recognising consistent attendance and contribution to the community. January saw two new ambassadors welcomed into the fold – Pippa Moyle of City Girl Network and Richard Holder of Lumimix.

With over 160 ambassadors now active across the Brighton business scene, the programme continues to reward loyalty while reinforcing the culture of welcome and connection that defines BBBC. If you have ever walked into the room and felt immediately at ease, chances are an ambassador helped make that happen.

Prizes, people and momentum

The ever-popular business card draw delivered over £1,000 worth of prizes, from print packages and branded merchandise to spa days and hotel stays, reinforcing BBBC’s reputation for generosity and fun alongside serious networking.

The morning closed with open networking until 11am, giving attendees the time and space to deepen conversations without being rushed out the door.

Looking ahead

BBBC returns on Friday 20 February at The Old Ship Hotel, sponsored by Unleashed Exec. With consistently sold-out events, over 30,000 monthly social impressions, email campaigns reaching more than 4,000 local business leaders and full-page editorial coverage in Sussex Business Times, BBBC remains one of the most effective and welcoming business communities on the South Coast.

As always, networking at BBBC is a long game. Show up, keep showing up, and let relationships do the heavy lifting.

www.bigbusinessbreakfastclub.co.uk