An Exciting Autumn Programme of Free Business Growth Workshops: Launched for Sussex’s Hospitality & Tourism Sector.
A new season of inspiring, expert-led workshops launches this autumn at East Beach Café, Littlehampton – designed to empower Sussex’s tourism and hospitality community. In partnership with Experience Sussex, Sussex by the Sea, and the West Sussex Growth Hub, the Regenerative & Growth Workshop Series brings together passionate professionals for a dynamic programme of free business development events.
Running from September through November, the workshops offer practical advice, expert guidance and fresh ideas across essential areas like marketing, photography, mindset, and storytelling – all with a focus on sustainable growth and regenerative business practices. Whether you run a B&B, café, vineyard, visitor attraction, retail outlet or food and drink brand, there’s something here for you.
The workshop programme
Grab your diary and book your place on one or more of these free workshops.
Marketing for Hospitality: Secrets of Social Media
Tuesday 9 September, 18:00
Learn how to shape your marketing strategy and maximise your social media presence with Victoria Hilditch (Vinco Marketing).
In this workshop, you’ll be going back to basics – cutting through the noise of “posting for the sake of it” and showing you how to make social media work harder as part of your overall marketing strategy. Packed with real-world tips and hospitality and leisure-focused insights, this session will help you build a more consistent, effective approach to attract customers and grow your business through the use of social media.
Victoria Hilditch is a neurodivergent multi-business owner with a love for chocolate, cake and all things marketing and design. She began her career in London, becoming Marketing Manager of the iconic Dolphin Square residential complex. From there, she moved agency-side, working with major brands including Mastercard, Virgin, Boeing, RSPCA, Sir Chris Hoy and many more whilst still working with clients within the tourism and hospitality sector.
In 2015, she founded Vinco Marketing, an award-winning marketing and communications agency whose designs have appeared in national retailers such as John Lewis and Costco. Alongside Vinco, Victoria is a shareholder in several other ventures, including a property company, and a successful MOT, service, and repairs centre – giving her first-hand insight into the challenges of running SMEs in today’s climate.
Victoria has extensive experience promoting town centres and destinations, including Chichester and Bognor Regis, as well as working with tourism brands such as Sussex by the Sea, where her team has grown their Facebook audience from 3,500 to over 13,500 and delivered more than 1.3 million social impressions since April. She also founded Love Bognor Regis, building it to over 40,000 followers before selling it to the BID in 2021.
Named one of the UK’s Top 100 Marketing Directors to Watch in 2023, Victoria is passionate about giving businesses the tools, strategies, and confidence to boost sales, raise brand awareness and achieve measurable growth.
iPhone Food Photography for Social Media
Tuesday 23 September, 18:00
Learn the secrets to compelling food photography with Sarah Thompson (Sussex Kitchen PR).
Discover how to take compelling food photography using just your phone – ideal for social media and menus. This session promises to be an invaluable resource for restaurants, cafes, hotels, and other food-related businesses within the Sussex region looking to elevate their visual marketing.
Sarah Thompson is a Sussex-based freelance creative with over 25 years of experience in the food and drink industry. She brings a unique blend of culinary understanding and photographic expertise to her craft, known for her ability to make food look both delicious and achievable. Sarah’s work has graced various publications and campaigns, helping brands and businesses tell their culinary stories visually. Her background as a Hospitality & Tourism PR & Journalist ensures a holistic approach to presenting food at its best.
“In today’s digital world, a captivating image can be just as important as the dish itself,” says Sarah Thompson. “I’m thrilled to share practical tips and tricks with the Sussex Hospitality & Tourism Network, empowering them to showcase their incredible offerings and truly make mouths water with just a smartphone.”
Email Marketing for Hospitality Businesses
Tuesday 7 October, 13:00
Unlock the power of email to nurture your customer base and drive bookings with Ben Walton (On a Plate Growth).
Ben will share his approach to email marketing – the session will be packed full of actionable insights and tips that you can apply to your business right away.
How to Develop Your Entrepreneur Mindset
Tuesday 4 November, 18:00
Boost your confidence, creativity and resilience in business with Andrew Mosely (Hospitality Consultant).
This workshop will bring together a panel of some of the county’s most acclaimed chefs to talk about ‘all things food’ including menu planning, market trends, sustainability and the challenges facing food and drink businesses – and how they are overcoming them. The panel is hosted by Andrew Mosley, previously the MD of The Grand Hotel, Brighton.
Andrew’s Hotel General Management career spans over 30 years and includes time as Director of Operations at The Belfry as well as, notably, Managing Director/General Manager of The Grand Hotel in Brighton – a post he held for nearly 15 years. Andrew left The Grand in December 2024 to start his own business offering Consultancy and Business Improvement services to small to medium sized hospitality businesses as well as Mentoring and Executive Coaching.
Harnessing SEO through Content Writing & Blogs
Tuesday 11 November, 18:00
Discover how to use content to improve your visibility online with Lucy Pitts (Sussex Exclusive).
Is blogging dead or still relevant in today’s influencer world? In this workshop, we’ll dive into the ‘whether, why and how’ of content writing to improve your brand awareness and search engine ranking. And yes, we’ll also talk about AI and if and how you should use this technology in your content writing.
Lucy Pitts is a copywriter and journalist with over a decade of experience. She started her working career as a barrister practising in London, before a career change into the world of copywriting. Having launched her own copywriting business in 2011, in 2016 she took up the role of deputy editor of The Good Life France magazine and shortly thereafter, took on the role of editor of Fine Sussex and Surrey. In 2021, Lucy co-founded Sussex Exclusive (of which she is also editor) on a shoestring budget. Sussex Exclusive magazine now gets over 4 million views per quarterly edition.
Workshop Details
Location: East Beach Café, Littlehampton
Dates: Tuesdays from 9 September to 11 November
Cost: FREE (limited spaces available)
Booking: Register via Eventbrite
Eligibility: Open to all tourism and hospitality businesses in Sussex – including retail, food and drink, attractions, campsites, hotels, and more.
Why Attend?
- Learn from Industry Leaders – Gain practical insights from experts.
- Build Your Network – Meet like-minded professionals and collaborators.
- Grow Your Business – Take away actionable strategies to elevate your offering.
- Shape the Future – Be part of a stronger, more sustainable visitor economy for Sussex.
Where and how to book?
You can book your place at these events here:
Sussex Hospitality & Tourism Network
Join us this autumn to spark ideas, build resilience, and grow your business – together.
