Business Leaders Wine Club – networking with a difference

Business Leaders Wine Club is not your average networking event. Its mission is to make discovering new wines an exciting, shared experience that will develop your presence in the thriving Sussex business community. By Jackie Ashwood.

Business Leaders Wine Club (BLWC) launched in September 2022 and was founded by Sandra Murphy, a business coach and mentor, Alex Ryan, owner of the agency Marketing 101, founder of Vermouth Actually and board member for Gaydio,  and Karl Elwood, founder of Elwood Wine Selections.

Other co-founders include Chris Mansfield, owner of Fusion, The Business Catalyst. He is a full-time professional and dedicated networker

Also Mike Monk, who has mentored and helped a number of small businesses to grow while running successful business to business shows for the past 35 years.

Together they host regular, exclusive wine tastings at a variety of venues around Brighton, and with some incredible partners and guest speakers providing some amazing icebreakers, such as the wines to taste, the cheeses to accompany, some wine industry education, or even getting hands-on and creative with wine itself.

I had the absolute pleasure of being a guest at their most recent event, which was a blind tasting event. For those who don’t know me, cheese and wine are my two favourite things!

Being the wine connoisseur I am, I was so game for this event. Turns out I don’t know as much as I thought. It was an interesting and informative event. It’s a great way to not only maintain existing relationships, meet new people but also learn something new.

I do have to also give a shout out to Curds & Whey, the food sponsor based in Hove. Some of the most delish cheese and charcuterie I’ve had. The game changer for me was the Golden Cross goats’ cheese, amazing.

As from 2024, the BLWC chose Together Co as their charity partner, working with their CEO, April Baker and her team to help raise their profile in the business community.

Together Co connects people, places and ideas to create a society that everyone can be part of.

They think the human connection is powerful. They help people make connections through their befriending, social prescribing and volunteering services in Brighton, Hove and beyond.

They do this through two amazing ways:

Befriending – everybody should have somebody. They match people with people to create friendships that make life better. They’ve been doing so for over 20 years. In that time, they’ve seen loneliness eased and lives changed – all through the simple power of human connection.

Social prescribing – social connections are key to wellbeing. They help people find the people and places they need to be happier and healthier. This might be having someone they can chat to when you need to, or someone who helps them navigate local services that could benefit you. ‘’We connect, and we care.’’

So, what’s next…

Well, get ready for an unforgettable adventure with the Business Leaders Wine Club (BLWC) as they embark on another scenic journey, this time to the picturesque Wiston Estate nestled in the stunning South Downs. Prepare for an exquisite evening of wine, mingling, and entertainment!

On Wednesday 26th June from 4.15pm- 9pm

After a welcome glass of bubbles, you’ll get to climb aboard a charming vintage Routemaster double-decker bus, picking you up from outside WRAP, a co-working space just outside Brighton Station. Enjoy the unique experience of “speed” networking on the bus as you make your way to Wiston Estate, with our very own Sam Thomas conducting a series of podcasts on the lower deck.

Savour a curated selection of cheeses and charcuterie, perfectly paired with a selection of wines at Wistons’ Chalk Restaurant. And then get to enjoy the summery beats of Alex Ryan, who also happens to be a great DJ.)

Book your ticket here: The Business Leaders Wine Club 26/6/2024 – Business Leaders Wine Club