Business Networking

We believe in the great benefits that can be gained by networking with local companies and organisations around Chichester and West Sussex. We attend many events and run the First Friday Network monthly meeting which attracts large numbers of local businesses.

If you would like to know more about networking, then please explore the links to the right or contact us.

First Friday Network

The First Friday Network is a monthly free business networking event with meetings across East Sussex, West Sussex and Hampshire. Free entry –  no fees: just turn up, no need to pre book, no ‘lock-outs’. Just bring plenty of business cards and promotional material…

If you are looking for new customers, new suppliers or merely want to meet and chat with other business people to share experiences, talk about your recent successes or discuss mutual problems, then bring some business cards and come along.

There is no prior booking, no registration, no fees and no pressure!

The First Friday Network was started by Steve Wilson in Chichester in March 2003 for those people who didn’t want either an early morning breakfast or a weekly commitment.

The success of the format has captured the imagination of local small businesses and support organisations and several new groups have started over the last 12 months expanding the network to include as far as Brighton and Lewes.

• Visit the First Friday Network website for more details >
• First Friday Network LinkedIn Group >
• First Friday on Twitter >

Chichester Chamber of Commerce

The Chichester Chamber of Commerce & Industry provides the voice of business and liaises with various partners to ensure the continued economic prosperity of the area. CCC&I encourages a culture of best practice, sustainable growth and works with the community to ensure that Chichester remains an attractive place to live and to do business.

CCC&I also works with ‘Visit Chichester’ and partners to actively promote Chichester as an attractive destination. The monthly Chamber meetings feature guest speakers and provide great opportunities for networking. The newsletter ‘Chichester Business News’ and the ‘Business Matters’ monthly feature in Chichester Observer also reach a wider audience in the region.

Visit the CCCI website >

South Coast Design Forum

The South Coast Design Forum (SCDF) is a membership organisation for designers of all disciplines with branches in Brighton, Worthing, Chichester, Portsmouth and Southampton. Since its launch in Chichester in 2006 the membership has grown to over 400. It offers networking and collaboration opportunities as well as various events for the benefit of members.

SCDF aims to promote good design and be a voice for designers by addressing specific local issues particularly in the built environment.  It also seeks to inform and educate as well as raise standards and expectations. Strong links have been established with all the universities along the south coast as well as regional and local government and national bodies such as the Design Council.

It has established a leading position amongst design bodies in the regions. It works with the ‘Designing Demand’ programme to promote the business benefits to SMEs of incorporating design in their strategic planning.

Visit the SCDF website >