Tell us about Connected Brighton
Connected Brighton is a City Concierge service, providing a curated social and business networking community designed to bring people together in meaningful ways by supporting local businesses. We host exclusive events that showcase the best of Brighton’s hospitality and local businesses while helping individuals make genuine connections—whether for friendships, business, or simply enjoying what this city has to offer. Our events range from social gatherings, food and drink experiences, and well-being activities to business networking sessions, all designed to build connection and community in an authentic and engaging way.
What inspired you to start Connected Brighton?
Connected Brighton was born out of my own experience as someone born and bred in Brighton but needing to rebuild my social circle. After going through divorce and infertility, I found myself questioning how to make new friends as an adult—especially during a pandemic when socialising was nearly impossible. I realised so many others were in the same position, struggling to find genuine connections in a way that felt natural and enjoyable. That’s when the idea of Connected Brighton took shape—to make it easier for people to find their tribe, build confidence, enjoy everything our incredible city has to offer and to help independent hospitality recover from lockdown.
Networking is at the heart of what you do. What do you love most about building connections in Brighton and Hove?
Brighton and Hove has such an incredible sense of community. This place, it’s like no other! Long live the Brighton Bubble. It’s a city that thrives on creativity, collaboration, and individuality. What I love most is seeing the real relationships that form—friendships, business partnerships, and personal growth journeys. I’m passionate about helping people feel confident in themselves as individuals and as business owners to believe in their brand, and networking is such a powerful tool for that. It’s about so much more than exchanging business cards; it’s about genuine connections that can change lives. Our Business Club, The Connected100, lists the best brands in the city and I network on their behalf too, wherever I can make a connection to help another business I will.
What role has networking played in your success?
Networking has been everything for me—it’s how I built my business from scratch. The key to strong business relationships is authenticity. People buy from people, so showing up as your true self and honestly adding value to others is crucial. My advice? Be consistent, be generous with your support, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Relationships take time to build, but the connections you nurture will be the foundation of your success. As they say your network is your net worth!
What are some of your favourite networking events in Brighton?
Of course, I love our own Connected Brighton events! Beyond that, Brighton is home to some great networking opportunities. Platforms like the brilliant panel discussions at Best Before Events, Big Business Breakfast Club is always fun, and various sessions at the great co-working spaces provide different levels of connection and learning. The best events are those where you walk away with meaningful interactions, not just business leads. I also find that informal settings—like a shared experience over food or a creative activity—create deeper relationships as it takes the pressure off, keeps the conversation flowing and gives you a shared experience to bond over (that’s why we do what we do at Connected).
Can you walk us through your daily routine?
No two days are ever the same, but my routine typically includes a mix of planning, outreach, and event hosting. Mondays and Tuesdays are my admin days to write newsletters and check in with my team. It’s also when I host my coaching & mentoring group – The Compass Club – to support other business owners grow their brands. Wednesday and Thursdays are at Soho House for strategic work—emailing, content creation, planning events and meetings, whether with clients, business partners, or networking groups. Evenings are when the magic happens—hosting Connected Brighton events and engaging with our community. I also make time for self-care, whether that’s a workout, a run in Preston Park (I am a Fiveways girl!) or a moment of mindfulness to keep myself balanced. I’m trying to make more time to meditate (this is a work in progress!)
Connected Brighton collaborates with many hospitality venues. Which venues do you work with?
We work with some of Brighton’s best independent venues, from restaurants and cocktail bars to unique event spaces. Partnerships are built on mutual support—we bring them new audiences, build their brand awareness, create new customers and they provide a fantastic setting for our events. Some of our Connected100 venues include Nostos, Apiary, Red Roaster, Southern Belle, The Old Market and Sea Lanes. These collaborations help showcase the best of Brighton while creating incredible experiences for our members.
Nostos Greek Restaurant in Hove
What steps are you taking to make Connected Brighton more sustainable?
Sustainability is important to us, and we’re always looking at ways to reduce our impact. We prioritise working with local, independent venues that focus on ethical sourcing, minimising waste at our events, and promoting businesses that align with sustainable values. We also encourage mindful consumption—whether it’s food, drink, or how we engage with our local community.
How are you adapting to the current challenges in the industry and economy?
Since Connected started it’s been relentless bad new but for us adaptability is key. With the rise of digital networking and changing consumer behaviours, we continue to evolve by offering a mix of in-person and online engagement. We’ve introduced new coaching and personal brand development services to support entrepreneurs beyond networking. We also keep our community at the heart of what we do—by listening to their needs, we can tailor our offerings to ensure we stay relevant and valuable. For our Social Club we know spending is getting harder so we work on providing a range of affordable events to ensure people can still come out and have fun with us, whatever their budget.
Can you share more about how you mentor and support others?
I help business owners build confidence in themselves and their brand so they can share their story, connect authentically with their audience, and create a thriving community. Through my coaching programs, The Compass Club, and The Lighthouse Sessions, I offer guidance on visibility, personal branding, and strategic networking. I focus on helping people remove limiting beliefs, step into their authority, and develop a brand that truly reflects who they are. I really love being able to share my experience of building Connected to help others through mentoring business owners and speaking at events. I also love my Visibility Blueprint days to help people build their content, I get a lot of compliments on our socials so I teach others how to find their style too and make reels with them. It’s all about the reels!
Name three of your favourite places to eat or drink
Oh this is hard because we have so many exceptional dining experiences in this city. I love a Sunday Roast, Preston Park Tavern is my local where I go with my family. My favourite for a cocktail is Valentino’s, I love the prohibition feel of it. And being a Brighton girl eating fish & chips on the beach or on Brighton Pier brings me a lot of joy. I do love the views from Brighton Palace Pier, this city is just so beautiful. We watch the Murmurations every year with Connected and it never fails to mesmerise and amaze me how incredible the birds are. They can’t find a reason why they meet, the theory is it’s a social activity.
Birds of a feather flock together, and that is very much what Connected Brighton represents.
Bar Valentino on New Road
How do you like to unwind and spend your free time?
Hmm not working you say, free time you say, haha. Seriously I love (and need) holidays, put me in sunshine and I am a happy Clay! My family are nearby and we hang out regularly, plus I love a good workout, from yoga to strength training, and of course, catching up with friends over great food and wine. Also I can’t lie, just lying on my sofa watching the latest crime documentary with Bokshop buffallo chicken and fries is truly one of my favourite things to do.
What do you love most about living and working in Brighton?
I think it’s just so cool. I love that we are so different, boutique and unique here. The energy of this city! Brighton is a place where creativity, individuality, and community come alive. There’s always something happening, from live music to food festivals, and the mix of people here who are so open and welcoming. It’s the perfect mix of city buzz and coastal calm, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. And I have travelled extensively, but nowhere beats my hometown for me.
What is next for Lyndsey Clay?
Big things! I keep joking that I am going through growing pains because so much is happening for me and for Connected. I’m focused on growing my coaching programs to help more business owners be successful by following their passion by expanding The Compass Club, securing major brand partnerships for Connected Brighton and reaching 100 brands in the Connected100.
One of my big goals is to franchise Connected Brighton, bringing the same vibrant community experience to other cities.
I also have personal goals around health and mindset that I’m working on to be able to do everything. The future is all about elevation—more impact, more visibility, and helping more people build confidence in themselves and their brand. Watch this space!