The Property Professionals Lunch is back

Bigger and bolder than before, the Sussex-based property networking event where even those with just a smidge of an interest in property can rub shoulders with real estate titans. 

If you have been around the networking block in Brighton and Hove, Property Professionals may not be new to you, but behind the scenes it has been all change for 2023. As we wave a fond farewell to the team at Searches UK for their expert organisation of previous lunches, we herald in a new era under the guises of Sophie Campbell-Adams, of Britton and Time Solicitors, and Dan Skipp, of White House Block Management.

The lunch, held on a quarterly basis, offers a fantastic opportunity for people to network with like-minded professionals to generate business, grow connections and support local businesses all within a relaxed and friendly environment. This year’s series of lunches will also see continued support for Sussex-based Rockinghorse Children’s Charity through a series of raffles with all proceeds going towards their good cause in providing life-saving support for sick children throughout Sussex.

The lunch is not limited to the obvious property professions and anyone who works with property, would like to connect to those who do, or who provides services to the sector is welcome. This allows guests to connect with a broad spectrum of individuals that they might not meet in their usual networking circles, which could lead to new and exciting doors being opened.

We spoke to both Sophie and Dan about how they plan to take the event to the next level and how their drive and determination will allow them to do just that:

Sophie Campbell-Adams, Solicitor and Head of Property Litigation at Britton and Time Solicitors, said: “As a frequent attendee at the Property Professionals Lunch and other networking events in the local area, Property Professionals is second to none for meeting individuals from the property sector. 

“In my opinion, the key to networking is simple – you need great people, great food, and a great environment for people to come together and talk. I also find that in some events, there is an over-emphasis on business and attendees will consider the event to be unsuccessful if ‘business’ is not conducted or a new lead gained.

“Networking for me is not first and foremost about generating new business (yes, it is important, but it is not the be-all and end-all), it is making genuine connections with people. Once those connections are made and established, business can then flow organically from that relationship. 

“With this in mind, my focus for Property Professionals is creating an environment where those foundations can be made and where generating business is a natural product of those connections.  I am excited to breathe new life into the well-established event and take it from strength to strength.  We have many exciting ideas in the pipeline that will shake up the event and entice even more professionals to attend. 

“I love meeting new people who share the same passion for the property sector as me and cannot wait to welcome everyone to the event.”

Dan Skipp, Managing Director of White House Block Management, said: “Having attended the Property Professional Lunch events since 2019, I’ve seen first-hand what a great event it is and how the lunch occupies a niche that no other event does in Sussex.

“So, when the opportunity came to take the event forward and to the next level with Sophie, I jumped at the chance. I believe it’s crucial when taking over any successful event that understanding what has worked well, combined with growing the event by adding value to those attending are the keys to success. 

“As a host, I want to provide greater opportunities to network before, during and after the lunch through hosting, making introductions, and helping guests to maintain long-standing relationships. Essentially, I’m here to ensure everyone has a positive afternoon.”

To complement the two new hosts, the lunch itself has also been upgraded to include a welcome glass of fizz, alongside the usual sumptuous three-course meal, paired with two glasses of wine per guest. And to top it all off, tickets also include an invitation to the exclusive après networking at The Cricketers, Brighton.

To kick-start January’s event, which will take place on Thursday 26 January, Sophie and Dan will be joined by guest speaker and award-winning wine connoisseur Olly Smith, courtesy of Rockinghorse. Alongside Olly’s celebrity presence, the raffle is set to feature a dazzling array of wine-based prizes for any wine aficionados.

And for those keen to attend future events, the dates for your diary in 2023 are: Thursday 20th April 2023, Thursday 20th July 2023 and Thursday 19th October 2023.

Tickets to this month’s event are available now through the Property Professionals LinkedIn, following the links to the lunch’s Eventbrite page. Or alternatively, you can contact Sophie at sca@brittontime.com or Dan at dan@whblockmanagement.com.