The Big Debate: Could this be the best time to start or build a business in Brighton?

Some of the world’s most successful businesses were set up during times of economic crisis.

Despite Sussex seeing record figures for new registered businesses and self-employment in the past 12 months, for many 2021 doesn’t feel like a good time to start or build a business.

At the next (virtual) Big Debate on 25 May, Brighton Chamber is bringing together a panel of experts to discuss whether this could be the best time to start or build a business in Brighton. They’ll ask whether there are ever optimal conditions – or if the best time is always now.

Ahead of the discussion, the panel shared their business journey and insights.

Kurt Henderson – Rassa

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Kurt Henderson, a multi-award-winning serial entrepreneur and designer by day. I’ve spent the last number of years building start-ups in various industries ranging from music to travel and food. Through these businesses, I’ve branded, raised funding, grown a team, mentored and managed. One of the most known start-ups I’ve co-founded is called NAVA, a city discovery app focused on creating immersive city experiences in the UK and Germany. Currently I’m co-founder of a food start-up called Rassa, which is cultured cooking schools. We’ve raised funding and are in the process of building out our schools with a team of five.

Are there any opportunities for development or growth that can come out of pivoting a business?

There are plenty of opportunities that come out of pivoting a business. We’ve done this at Rassa – from a recipe platform, landing a Y-Combinator interview within four months of operation, then pivoting to ‘cooking schools’ with more in-depth content for enthusiastic cooks centred around culture – removing the concept of food appropriation and discrimination within the industry. Now we’ve raised funding, grown the team, secured office spaces and built out the first cooking school with the next two on the horizon.

Jessica Rameau – Wellstreet

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Jess, I’m a partner and Fund Manager at Wellstreet, a Nordic early-stage VC, based in Stockholm. I began my career as an International Relations Development master’s graduate, and after spending three years in operational roles I joined the investment arm of a family office, taking over the management of a portfolio of 35 early-stage start-ups in cleantech and social impact space.

At Wellstreet, I manage our Ventures Fund I, which currently includes 25 start-up companies which we work with very closely.

What is the top bit of advice you give to start-ups to help them succeed?

For me, the key factor of success is speed of execution. I coach founders to test and iterate on their ideas and plans fast, and to take action.

We set ambitious and clearly defined goals and founders monitor their team’s progress regularly, sometimes weekly. That way they can keep track of how they are progressing and if they are not, understand why. This is why our company moto is #foreverforward

Viktorija Vasiliauskaite – Roadways

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m originally from Lithuania and have master’s degrees in Engineering and International Business Management. I’m an expert in business transformation having worked internationally at executive level in multi-disciplines in the typically male-dominated agriculture, insurance, technology, and healthcare sectors.

Five years ago, my partner James and I were looking for a fresh challenge and we purchased a long-established road construction company – Hailsham Roadways (now Roadways). We bought a business steeped in traditional methods and culture which meant there was ample potential to transform it into the modern, ethically based organisation it is today.

What are the biggest opportunities for your business in your industry at the moment?

While other industries have become vastly more efficient, construction has lagged behind. Now forward-thinking firms like us are looking at the ways in which technology can help. The sector hasn’t changed substantially since the 1970s. Low levels of investment mean that opportunities to overcome legacy issues around the time, cost, safety and quality of project delivery are few. The construction industry is one of the last to be disrupted. But disruption is on its way.

We have just moved our R&D operation into Plus X in Brighton – it means we have a new facility to develop our portfolio of innovative eco-friendly construction materials.

Sign up for your free ticket to the (virtual) Big Debate on 25 May here.

Thanks to event sponsors Hartley Fowler – chartered accountants, registered auditors and tax advisors in Brighton and Wimbledon, providing a personalized accountancy service to business owners and individuals.

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