Sunday, 13th December 09

On Thursday 10th December a group of local LGBT business people, together with representatives from Pride in Brighton & Hove came together to form the Pride Business Forum.

Chris Gull, who is both a prominent local businessman and has a long track record of working with local community groups, acted as the independent chair of the meeting which included representatives from Aeon Events and Wild Fruit, REALBrighton, Inn Brighton and The Marlborough, Cardome and the St James’s Street Action Group, Revenge and R-Bar, Refire Management, Vavoom, iCrossing, Simply Stained Glass and Pride in Brighton & Hove.

Speaking at the start of the meeting Chris Gull explained that the forum needed to be solution focused and, although no decisions could be made by the group, all suggestions and discussions will be feed into the Pride board meetings and vice versa.

The concept for the forum was put forward at last month’s public meeting and suggested as a constructive means of involving the local LGBT businesses to help deliver a successful Pride in 2010.

At the inaugural meeting all parties agreed that the concept was a positive move that would help improve communication and allow Pride to tap into the expertise that exists across the business community.

Among the numerous issues discussed were ideas for tackling underage drinking at Preston Park, the use of the Pride logo for ‘official Pride parties’, the appointment of a new production company for Preston Park, the importance of getting the right messages out and how Pride can tap into the ‘Gay for a Day’ businesses and hotels.

It was agreed that for the first few months the meetings should take place fortnightly, then moving to a monthly cycle. The next meeting will take place on Thursday 7th January at 4pm and there is an open invitation for other interested businesses to participate and join the forum.

Businesses and community groups wishing to participate in the initial forum meetings should email Judith Manson: