Copyright © 2025 Discover. All rights reserved

All views, information or opinions expressed in Discover Brighton are solely those of individuals involved and do not represent the opinions of any entity whatsoever, including the businesses mentioned within this publication and those to which are affected.

Cooler Than You

30 May, 2024

Lyndsey Clay

www.connectedbrighton.com

 

Tell us about your brand?

We are Connected Brighton, your City Concierge. We help you make new friends with our Social Concierge service – small group experiences that support local businesses. And our Business Concierge the Connected100, championing the best Brighton brands through marketing and networking services. Come out with us to make new connections with city professionals and small business owners, enjoying our bespoke events that champion independent hospitality, culture and tourism. We also organise private parties, team events and team building experiences. And everything we do supports independent and local businesses in Brighton & Hove.

What inspired you to create Connected? 

I needed it for myself. My friendship circle changed when I got divorced and didn’t have kids. I had a great job and money to spend, but my friends weren’t around to spend it with due to family commitments. Add to that the pandemic which changed my circle again. When lockdown was ending I realised I needed new friends in my 40s, I didn’t have a hobby but wanted to put money back into my hometown independent hospitality having watched great brands struggle to survive. I wanted to make a difference to getting Brighton thriving again, but I couldn’t do it alone. So I started an Instagram account, set up a website and talked about what Connected Brighton was, my story and what we would do when the world opened up. Now we are 3 years old!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? 

This is hard! I’ve had so much great advice about following your gut, taking risks and believing in yourself. When I’m struggling with something I remember one of my favourite quotes “whatever you are not changing, you are choosing” by Laurie Buchanan. It’s very sobering and makes me rethink what I’m doing and check in with what I’m choosing that isn’t working for me. And why I’m doing it and what I’d rather do instead. I use this quote a lot when coaching other entrepreneurs who are over working, stressing out and sacrificing their health for their business.

Tell us three things you most love about living in Brighton 

It’s such a walkable city, I love walking everywhere, taking in the sights and appreciating the change in architecture from Brighton to Hove. The beach is so special, not just because it reminds me that there is more to life and a whole world to discover, but it’s naturally beautiful and a perfect spot for mindfulness or time with friends. We are so unique here. The boutique shops,  restaurants, bars, street art, queer scene, people and culture make Brighton so special. I’m so proud to be a born and bred Brightonian!

Ahmed Khalil
Author: Ahmed Khalil

Related Articles

The Pub Quiz Awards

Calling all quizmasters and quizzers! The Pub Quiz Awards is the UK’s first-ever award ceremony solely dedicated to the quizmasters and the vibrant pub quiz community that fills our local pubs with knowledge, laughter, and healthy competition. This unique,...

Picnics, palaces and Pride

Picnics, palaces and Pride: join us for our dazzling summer events to celebrate Brighton Pride 2025 To celebrate Brighton Pride, Royal Pavilion and Brighton Museum & Art Gallery are offering 2 for 1 admission 1-3 August. Simply show your rainbow on entry to...

Rugby for all: Women & girls in Sussex

The Women’s Rugby World Cup kicks off on 22nd August and 6-7 September sees the tournament come to  our city and we’re already embracing the spirit Hove Rugby Club has been flying the flag for women’s rugby for more than 35 years – this isn’t a new trend. Brighton...

Elements Martial Arts

Tucked away on Brighton’s St James’s Street is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu gym where empowerment and community collide. Elements Martial Arts was founded by Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and head coach Yousuf, who has impressive credentials that include 19 years’...

Meet the Padel Peeps

Karen and Lucie’s love story on and off the court When Karen Hazzard first picked up a padel racket, she had no idea it would eventually lead her to her partner Lucie Wade and the creation of a whole new community movement. Karen is the powerhouse behind padel at...

The best of BIMM 2025

Bands and artists to watch out for. As we kiss goodbye to another triumphant academic year, BIMM looks to reflect upon some of its greatest achievements. Here’s an (inexhaustive, of course) list of some key artists to watch out for.    Dan Mercer With eight...

Lazy Bird

A Brighton jazz kissa with a modern soul. There’s a sensory solace that greets you as you step inside Lazy Bird, nestled in Brighton’s Open Market. The scent of cinnamon drifts from the oven behind the counter, while the velvety tones of Miles Davis purr through a...

Pride Weekend: Editor’s top picks

With so much happening over Pride weekend, our editor has handpicked the must-see events for LGBTQIA+ shenanigans in Brighton.   DJ Jack McNamara Sat 2 Aug 20:30 @Pride Street Party Catch local legend DJ Jack McNamara spinning at the iconic Pride Street Party...

Brighton August bank holiday inspo 2025

As summer draws to a close, Brighton comes alive for one last sun-soaked hurrah over the August bank holiday weekend. Whether you’re dancing under the stars, discovering bold new art or soaking up classic seaside charm, here’s your essential guide to what’s on… ...

Abba Voyage: a dazzling digital resurrection

Step into a world where nostalgia meets next-generation technology. ABBA Voyage is not just a concert, it’s a revolution. Nestled in the custom-built ABBA Arena in London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, this spectacular show brings the Swedish supergroup back to...