Trading Tough: How Brighton Businesses Are Thriving in a Challenging Climate

September 2026— Brighton, UK

Introduction

Costs are up. Customers are spending less. Every business in the city is feeling it.

Happening Wednesday 23rd September 2026, we're teaming up with Projects Nile House to an honest conversation with five Brighton owners and operators about what trading actually feels like right now, and what's working.

What we'll get into

Rising costs – wages, rent, overheads – and how they're being absorbed
Changing customer behaviour, and what people are still happy to pay for
Where they're cutting back, and where they're still investing
Why brand, loyalty and experience matter more when money is tight
What the last couple of years have taught them
Why Brighton is still a brilliant place to build something

The panel

Amber Sterck – Director, Oeuf and Bayon Bakery
Nathan Moseby – Director, The Joker, The Geese, Easy Tiger, and Patio
Tim Wallsgrove – COO, The Flour Pot Bakery
Laurence Stevens – Founder and Director, Wonky Coffee and The Salt Shed
Marley Dizney – aka Marley In Brighton, local content creator and host of the Support Local Supper Club

Hosted by our own, Kelly Donavan, New Business Growth Manager at Allpress.

How the morning runs

8:45 – Doors, coffee and pastries
9:00 – Panel discussion
9:30 – Audience Q&A
9:45 – Close

Filter coffee and an assortment of pastries are on us. Come with questions, the Q&A is the best bit.