The Big Business Breakfast Club- Behind the team of Brighton’s Biggest Monthly Networking Breakfast

The Big Business Breakfast Club (BBBC) is a vibrant monthly networking event that brings together local business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals to connect, collaborate, and share ideas.

Held over a friendly breakfast, it is known for its welcoming atmosphere and genuine sense of community. The BBBC is not about hard selling — it is about building real relationships, discovering new opportunities, and celebrating the success of Sussex businesses. With inspiring guest speakers, plenty of laughs, and meaningful connections made every month, it is the perfect way to start the day and grow both personally and professionally.

Jim Cunliffe

Most know me by my noble title, the Print Lord – I am the founder and ringmaster of the Big Business Breakfast Club (BBBC). For over twenty years, I have been at the helm of print, signage, merchandise, and brand wizardry across ventures like Printlord, Everyprint, Face Media Group, and more. But my crowning glory is not just ink on paper – it’s bringing people together.

The BBBC was born out of the ashes of Brighton’s Juice FM Business Breakfast. When Juice was gobbled up by Global (the Heart FM/Capital mob) and then booted off the dial by Covid, it looked like the end of Sussex’s favourite excuse to eat bacon and talk business. But – with a nod from Brighton legend Steve Darby – I was not having any of it. We resurrected the idea, stripped away the boring bits, and gave it the Printlord treatment: lively, inclusive, no nonsense, and a damn sight more fun.

Of course, even a Lord needs a good court. I summoned a crew of modern-day knights and jesters to keep the BBBC ticking. There’s Martin Leppard (the Frenchman from H2 Productions), Sam Thomas and Jackie from Sussex Business Times, Alex Ryan of Marketing 101, sharp-shooting photographer Michael Cheatham, video wizard Howie McConnell, and the door-dream-team Simon Gregg and Jenny Legg (no relation, but they’ll happily let you  think otherwise).

These days the BBBC isn’t just another networking group. It’s breakfast with bite – a movement where real connections are forged, friendships are struck, and local business gets the spotlight it deserves. And with me at the helm – part host, part jester, part cheerleader – you’ll always leave fed, fired up, and probably having laughed at least once at something you weren’t expecting to.

You’ll find the next Big Business Breakfast Club on the 3rd Friday of the month at a premium Brighton venue, come rain or shine. 12 months of the year. Sold out for 3 years solid, month on month.

Alex Ryan

I have been the resident marketing expert at #BBBC since January 2021, delivering my popular ‘BIG Steps for Small Business’ slot each month. Every session dives into a different aspect of marketing: from theory and strategy to practical tips, tricks and insights. The talks are designed to be engaging, varied and full of energy. My philosophy? Even if you don’t walk away with a new marketing skill, you’ll at least have fun learning about it!

Outside of BBBC,I run Marketing 101 – often described as Brighton’s favourite marketing agency. The team offers end-to-end marketing support for businesses across all industries, followingour signature approach: Brand > Strategy > Creative > Tactical Delivery. This ensures every touchpoint in the customer journey is refined for    maximum impact, whether that’s through social media, postal, events, PR, SEO, PPC, email marketing or even podcast production. If it drives growth, the Marketing 101 team is on it.

Beyond agency life, I am the Chair of Gaydio Brighton, the world’s biggest LGBTQ+ radio station, as well as a house DJ, podcaster and event host. I also delivers marketing seminars, workshops and education slots outside of BBBC… so whether you’re in the market for marketing, need a confident public speaker, or a way to get your brand on the radio, I am the person to talk to. Search for ‘Alex Ryan’ on Linkedin or head to marketing-101.co.uk to find out more.

Jenny Legg

Building Connections, Saving Lives

I’m Jenny Legg, Director and Trainer at Training Legs First Aid, where our mission is simple — to create everyday life-saving heroes in both physical and mental health first aid.

Running my own business has taught me that success doesn’t just come from what you know, but who you connect with. Networking has been one of the most powerful tools in growing my business, and the Big Business Breakfast Club has played a huge role in that journey.

Through this incredible network, I’ve built strong professional relationships and genuine friendships that have become part of my business and my life. Many of my clients first met me through this group, and I’d say most of my work now comes directly from those connections. It’s proof that when you invest in people, amazing things happen.

Of course, I’m not just known for my training — many also know me through my charity, Bra Off Defib On (BODO). Our mission is to educate, empower and influence, changing our shocking behaviour one bra at a time. We raise awareness about the importance of defibrillation and CPR, encouraging everyone to #GetYourTitsOutForThePads — because knowing what to do in an emergency truly can save a life.

At the heart of everything I do is connection. When people book Training Legs First Aid, they’re not just booking a company — they’re booking me. The sessions are personal, engaging, and memorable, empowering people with confidence to make a difference.

For me, business is all about connection, confidence, community — and saving lives, one conversation at a time.

Jackie Irving

I’m the Head of Content for Sussex Business Times, where I get to share the stories of the amazing businesses and people that make our local community so vibrant. Alongside that, I support Prior Media with social media management and PR opportunities for clients.

For nearly five years, I’ve also been part of the Big Business Breakfast Club (BBBC) team, which has been such an awesome journey. I’ve seen the power of networking up close — how one conversation over coffee can spark collaborations, friendships, and real business growth. What makes the BBBC so special is the energy in the room: it’s warm, supportive, and full of people who genuinely want to help each other succeed.

I also host the Ladies Lunch Club, which brings together women from across Sussex to share experiences, ideas, and a good laugh over lunch. It’s all about connection, confidence, and community — three things I believe are essential in both business and life.

Outside of work, I also run a community social club in Hove, a space where locals can come together, relax, and connect. It’s a lovely reminder that community spirit isn’t just for the office.

Whether I’m writing stories, building social campaigns, or bringing people together at events, my goal is always the same: to connect people. Because when we support one another and share what we know, amazing things happen and this is why you should come and join us at the next BBBC.

Simon Gregg

I’m Simon and alongside Jenny I will be one of the first people to greet you when you come along to the BBBC, making sure you have your badge and directing you to a Tea or coffee on arrival.

Having been in the Sussex networking arena for 25 years I would like to think I know a good event when I see one. The Big Breakfast is just that, a well facilitated and friendly environment for relaxed conversation and contacts to be made, with a bit of fun thrown in for good measure.

I work as a professional networker and connector at Fusion, building relationships across all sectors, connecting organisations with opportunities, and facilitating strategic alliances. I have a rich network of contacts and a passion for matching businesses with the right partners, suppliers, or talent — effectively operating as an extension of clients’ internal business development capability.

Working for clients by attending events, generating leads, facilitating strategic alliances, and essentially “networking on behalf” of clients who may not have the time or bandwidth to do so themselves.  My approach is grounded in curiosity and active listening — more about discerning what others do and where they might fit than pushing a hard sales pitch.

My ethos can be summarised in one idea: success in business is often about who you know and the conversations you start. By doing what I do I strive to facilitate those connections — bridging gaps, enabling collaborations, and helping businesses scale through relational capital and amplifying the impact and reach of businesses through human connection.

Outside of work I love spending time with my son, and I also like Melodic House and Trance music and attend events and festivals all over the UK and Europe. I do a bit of mixing and, sometimes, DJ at events too.

Martin Leppard

It’s always a privilege to support the Big Business Breakfast Club, an event we’ve been involved with since its inception. As co-director of H2 Productions alongside Nigel Hurst, our primary role is to ensure the event’s technical production is flawless. Making sure every speaker is seen and every word is heard clearly by everyone, both in the room and online, is our top priority.

Navigating any technical challenge comes naturally to us; between Nigel and myself, we have over 60 years of combined experience in the events industry. Our commitment to this local business community is long-standing, stretching back many years to when the event was the Juice Business Breakfast. That dedication to local events is matched by our work for global brands, from Tik Tok and Big Beach Boutique to AXA and Quorn Foods.

For us, it’s about more than just technology; it’s about facilitating powerful connections and conversations. Really, it’s this ‘customer first’ mentality, the very backbone of our company since we founded it in 2000, that we bring to every BBBC meeting. Every event reinforces our belief in the power of a well-connected local network. Now, with Nigel heading up our Dubai office and me running the UK business, we bring a world of experience to our Sussex roots. Certainly, the BBBC has become an essential pillar for professionals across the region. Here’s to the next event, and please contact us at H2 to see how we can make your next event stand out from the crowd.

Howie McConnell

After more than 20 years in sales and marketing, I started to realise something, the best content isn’t about fancy visuals or polished lines. It’s about people. It’s about emotion, connection, and making someone stop for a moment to really feel something. That’s what inspired me to create 28thStreetMedia.

We’re a boutique, creative agency that helps brands share their stories through honest, meaningful visuals. Whether it’s a corporate film, promotional video, product shoot, or event project, my goal is always the same: to capture the heart of what makes each client unique.

I’ve learned that great work comes from listening. Taking the time to understand what someone’s trying to say and finding the best way to bring it to life. My background definitely helps; it gives me a wider perspective on how creative content can really make an impact.

But at the end of the day, it’s not about numbers or buzzwords. It’s about telling real stories, beautifully. And that’s what I love most about what we do at 28thStreetMedia, creating something that feels genuine, that people connect with, and that lasts.

Sam Thomas

I’m a passionate entrepreneur with over a decade of experience, driven by the belief that with the right mindset, anything is possible. Throughout my career, I’ve worn many hats, from business owner to podcast host, co-founder, and consultant, each role fuelling my commitment to the power of community and human connection.

As the founder of multiple businesses, including FirmBalls and County Business Clubs, and the host of the Different Hats Podcast, I strive to create platforms that inspire, connect, and challenge the way we think about success.

In 2021, I launched Different Hats, a podcast dedicated to uncovering the authentic, often untold, stories of entrepreneurs. It’s my mission to reshape the narrative around success, especially for men in the UK, and contribute to reducing the suicide rate by opening up conversations around the pressures of entrepreneurship. The podcast gives business owners a space to share their journey, free from the need to wear every hat at once.

In 2020, I co-founded County Business Clubs (CBC), a dynamic, membership-based community designed to foster meaningful connections. CBC isn’t just about networking, it’s about translating authentic insights into actionable growth and building relationships that prioritize genuine reflection over self-promotion.

FirmBalls Ltd, which I’ve led since 2013, takes a unique approach to networking by bringing professionals together through sport. Whether it’s 5-a-side football, golf, or pool leagues, FirmBalls creates a competitive yet collaborative environment for business leaders across the UK to connect, now operating in major cities including London, Birmingham, and Manchester.

At the heart of everything I do is a desire to inspire, connect, and challenge the conventional ideas of success. Through my businesses, podcast, and community-driven ventures, I aim to foster environments where entrepreneurs can thrive authentically, without the pressure to fit into a one-size-fits-all mold. My mission is to change the narrative around entrepreneurship by creating platforms that encourage genuine storytelling, foster meaningful relationships, and ultimately, contribute to a healthier mindset for business leaders, particularly men, across the UK.

I am the host of the Big Business Breakfast, alongside the ‘Print Lord’ himself and invite many of the inspiring guests from the podcast to the stage to share their story with the attendees. I have been hosting the event for the past 3 years and love being part of this crazy gang.

Michael Cheetham

I am a Brighton-based photographer, founder of Amity Studios, and the person behind Amity Weddings, a photography brand built on the belief that a wedding day isn’t just about two people, but everyone they choose to share their life with.

I have spent over a decade documenting weddings, events, portraits, and brand stories across the UK and abroad.My work is known for being sincere, natural, and grounded in real connection. Whether I’m photographing a business event or a destination wedding, my aim is always the same, to quietly capture what’s really happening, without forcing it or getting in the way.

Through Amity Weddings, I have shifted the focus of the wedding album from formality to familiarity. Guests are photographed with the same care as the couple, and many leave with natural, candid portraits of their own. The result is a collection of images that feels more like a shared memory than a posed record.

In April 2025, I opened Amity Studios, a coworking and photography space in central Brighton, designed for creative people who value focus, collaboration, and community. The studio is now home to a mix of solopreneurs, photographers, social media managers, and marketers.

I am also active in the wider business and creative community, collaborating with organisations like TEDxWorthing, Connected Brighton, Growth Animals, Reason First, and Barclays Eagle Labs. He runs a monthly photography workshop at the Big Business Breakfast Club, highlighting a new creative each month to a room of over 100 local business owners, with the aim of spotlighting the creative talent on our doorstep.

I’m usually either behind the camera, hosting a workshop, or putting the kettle on at the studio.