West Sussex

Female founders in Hassocks are thriving!

Last November, Ditchling resident and founder of Lock Healthcare Recruitment, Abigail Lock launched the Thrive Meetup in Hassocks with the support of The Thrive Effect - a purpose-led, membership organisation for female founders and women in business in Sussex.

Since then, over 60 women in business have attended the Thrive Meetup in Hassocks to develop their business skills and make new connections. During the first half of the meetup, attendees learn from a
female business owner who shares her expertise or experience on a particular topic. So far, the attendees have learnt how to present with confidence, how to create a successful brand and how to develop customer personas. During the second half, members participate in a peer support session where they find practical solutions for each other’s business challenges.

The attendees come from a range of industries and include artists, business consultants, hairdressers, marketers, nutritionists, retailers, social entrepreneurs and solicitors.

Abigail explained: “I have really enjoyed building the Hassocks meetup and getting to know other women in business from the local area. Our attendees have told me that they have found the meetups really inspiring and informative and a great opportunity to meet likeminded women.” The group meets on the second Tuesday of the month at the Talking Hands Coffee Shop in Hassocks. Tickets cost £6 and free drinks and nibbles are provided.

The next Thrive Meetup is on Tuesday 11th February from 6pm to 8pm. To purchase your ticket, go to: www.thethriveeffect.co.uk/our-events

If you would like to talk at a future Thrive Meetup, please email Clare Griffiths, the Founder of The Thrive Effect, at clare@thethriveeffect.co.uk or tweet @TheThriveEffect.

Music and ale festival rolls into Hassocks

James Walker

James Walker

Hassocks resident James Walker is putting on a mini music and ale festival in the village later this month.

The Mid Sussex Americana & Ale Festival is now in its third year, and is a celebration of the best UK Americana artists. The event takes place at The Hassocks Hotel, with main acts performing in the 300 capacity hall. Outside there will be an ale tent and trailer to add to the festival vibe.

James, as founder of Brighthelmstone Promotions, has put on many shows, from Brighton all the way to Nashville. “It’s really important to me to bring quality music to my village and when Rich and Chris Lambe at The Hassocks showed me the stunning function room, I just knew I needed to do something in one of the best sounding and looking halls in Mid Sussex,” he explained.

Ten artists are booked for the festival, including winners of the Fender Undiscovered Artist of 2018 ‘Lucas & King’ and also ‘Porchlight Smoker’, who have been described by legendary country music DJ Bob Harris as ‘an absolute gem’.

“It’s a tradition that Hassocks resident Ben Featherstone is a part of the festival,” James commented, “and we’re delighted that he will be celebrating the release of his new album with us.”

The Mid Sussex Americana & Ale Festival will take place on 24th August at The Hassocks Hotel, and starts at 11.30am. Tickets are available now from The Hassocks and Proper, as well as online.