How two business leaders redefined networking in Brighton and beyond
When Paul Britton, Managing Director of Britton and Time Solicitors, and local entrepreneur Chris Mansfield first met at a business event, they found themselves facing a familiar problem. Like many professionals, they were often seated next to the same people for hours, struggling to build more than a handful of new connections. They agreed there had to be a better way. One that encouraged conversation, collaboration, and genuine relationship-building.
That conversation sparked an idea that would change the local networking scene. In 2021, the pair launched The Barrow Club, an invitation-only business networking lunch in Brighton designed to help professionals connect more effectively. The club’s signature rotating seating plan ensures that guests meet new people with every course, making every lunch a dynamic experience that delivers far more value than traditional networking events.
A new approach to connection
Hosted monthly at The Grand Hotel Brighton, The Barrow Club quickly became one of the city’s most sought-after business gatherings. Each event combines high-quality dining with relaxed, structured networking that attracts leaders from law, finance, design, property, and beyond.
Alongside founders Paul and Chris, each Brighton event features VIP table hosts, including Jon Kennet, Matthew Cox, and Rebecca Blott, who help introduce guests and guide discussion throughout the event. The result is an atmosphere that feels both exclusive and genuinely welcoming.
A forum for insight, influence and relationships
Beyond networking, The Barrow Club features expert-led talks designed to inspire and inform. Recent sessions have included a Confidence Workshop with Tahira Herold, a discussion on how to leverage PR with Sarah Henderson from PurelyPR, and how your business can create impact through staging and styling with Sarah King from Flamingo Styling. Each talk is designed to give attendees practical insights they can use to grow both personally and professionally.
Expanding into London
After two successful years in Brighton, The Barrow Club officially expanded into London in 2025, launching its second chapter at the Middle Eight Hotel in Covent Garden. The London events follow the same signature format as the Brighton lunches but are held quarterly, giving professionals from across the capital an opportunity to experience The Barrow Club’s unique blend of conversation, collaboration, and community.
Supporting our community
At its heart, The Barrow Club is about more than business. The event proudly supports St Wilfrid’s Hospice, a Sussex-based charity providing specialist end-of-life care and support to patients and families. By championing this cause, the club ensures that every connection made at the table contributes to something greater within the local community.
An exclusive invitation
The Barrow Club remains strictly invitation-only, ensuring every event maintains its premium standard and carefully curated guest list. With consistently sold-out events and limited places available, professionals interested in joining are encouraged to request an invitation and experience first-hand how The Barrow Club is redefining business networking in Brighton and London.
Request an exclusive invitation on The Barrow Club website.
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