Month of events to celebrate trailblazing women

Month of events to celebrate trailblazing women

Local innovation hub Plus X Brighton is hosting a series of events to mark International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month this March. Virtual panel events, masterclasses, interviews and digital content will celebrate women who are innovating for social, environmental, and political good, in Brighton and beyond.

Created in partnership with female founders’ network Found & Flourish and BRITE, the £10.5million programme helping Sussex businesses scale, Trailblazing Women brings together speakers from investment, technology, politics, and the creative arts. Each is on a mission to deliver positive change through their work. Delegates will meet other female entrepreneurs in the community, learn from inspiring success stories and discuss how to help more purpose-led businesses thrive and inspire change.

The events are part of Spring Forward, Brighton’s largest celebration of women in digital culture, set up in 2016 to encourage women to step into tech-focused careers.

Tickets to Trailblazing Women can be purchased on a pay-what-you-can basis, with all proceeds going to local charity Brighton Women’s Centre. Each ticket holder will be entered into a raffle to win a month’s free desk space at Plus X Brighton on Lewes Road.

Programme highlights include:

Trailblazing Women | Innovating for Good

A panel chaired by Lara Sheldrake, founder of Found & Flourish, exploring ways of using technology and innovation to meet social and environmental goals.

Speakers include:

• Erika Brodnick – Sky News’ resident parenting expert, founder of software companies Karisma Kidz and Kami, and board member of the APPG for Entrepreneurship.

• Deepali Nangia – angel investor, advisor to female founders, and co-founder of Alma Angels, a company set-up to democratize and demystify angel investing.

• Lucy Hughes – designer and founder of MarinaTex, a biodegradable material that serves as an alternative to plastic film that’s transforming our approach to plastic pollution.

Trailblazing Women | Serious About Games

An interactive talk with two female founders running businesses on the BRITE programme for high growth enterprises. Expect immersive activities, presented by Sarah Ticho, founder of Hatsumi, and Hazel Reynolds, founder of Gamely Games. Sarah and Hazel will also discuss their journeys, the lack of women in gaming tech and what the future looks like, as well as demonstrating their creations.

The final event taking place on March 26 will be an interactive masterclass hosted by a local leader in the creative arts.

Olga Hopton, managing director of Plus X Brighton: “Plus X is already home to some exceptional female-led start-ups and scale ups – boosted by the launch of the BRITE programme last year. Collaborating with like-minded organisations in our community – like Found & Flourish and Spring Forward – on the inaugural Trailblazing Women has been a real pleasure, and a natural step for Plus X as we look to support Sussex women in business as the world opens up post-COVID.”

Lara Sheldrake, founder of Found & Flourish: “We are thrilled to have been invited to share this wonderful celebration of trailblazing women with PlusX and BRITE to mark IWD. Every day we see women underselling themselves and holding back from building businesses for fear of failure or simply because they don’t know where to start. From sharing experiences, we can learn practical lessons and insights to empower us on our entrepreneurial paths. Crucially, storytelling de-risks entrepreneurship so we believe it is an essential pillar in closing the opportunity gap for women entrepreneurs.”

Plus X creates innovation hubs, enabling businesses of all sizes to scale through innovation and curated collaboration. Working in partnership with property owners such as regeneration specialists, U+I plc, Plus X innovation hubs help transform areas by unlocking potential, making local economies more vibrant and resilient. The Brighton site opened in July 2020 as part of the Preston Barracks development.

First Wired Certified Platinum workspace in Brighton offers first world class digital connectivity in city

First Wired Certified Platinum workspace in Brighton offers first world class digital connectivity in city

Plus X Brighton, the new innovation hub opening at Preston Barracks in January, will be the first work space to open in Brighton & Hove that has achieved a Platinum Wired Certification, offering the best connectivity in the city.

Wired Certification is the global rating scheme for digital connectivity in real estate delivered by WiredScore. Plus X Brighton will have the same rating as The Shard in London and The Empire State Building in New York.

Mat Hunter, co-CEO of Plus X said, “Fast and reliable internet connectivity is one of the top three most important factors for tenants who are searching for office space, alongside cost and location.

“We are proud to have built the fastest, most reliable internet connection into the design of our stunning new building – and what’s more, our new members won’t have to wait for the usual lead-in period, they’ll be able to access it right away.”

William Newton, President and Managing Director of WiredScore, said: “Digital connectivity is a crucial priority for companies in their workplace and Plus X Brighton has demonstrated a clear commitment to investing in the right digital infrastructure for its new innovation hub.

“The members of Plus X Brighton will benefit from a level of connectivity able to support the highest technology requirements and their business needs and ensure the building is future-proofed for years to come.”

Plus X Brighton commissioned Backbone Connect to install world leading internet connectivity into the building. Backbone Connect installed two high capacity fibre lines and a radio dish, using three separate suppliers, meaning triple resiliency with no single point of failure anywhere on the network.

Michael Swain, Senior Business Development Manager from Backbone Connect, said, “If you’re committing to an office move, you don’t want to then be told that you’ll have to wait for three months to get the internet up and running.

“Backbone Connect has installed ‘bullet proof’ internet connectivity at Plus X Brighton which allows members to have immediate internet access that will always be on.”

“It’s about creating world class connectivity; having everything enabled or as streamlined as possible,” explained Mat Hunter.

“Super fast connectivity at Plus X Brighton enables global collaboration opportunities, helping our members and partners achieve faster growth and bigger ambitions.”

Plus X aims to create healthiest work space in UK

Plus X aims to create healthiest work space in UK

On average, people in the UK spend over 3,500 days of their life at work, that’s 35 per cent of their total waking hours and yet offices are often uninspiring places that hinder rather than help productivity.

Olga Hopton, Managing Director of Plus X Brighton, aims to change that. Supported by CEOs, Mat Hunter with a background in California-based IDEO and the Design Council and Paul Rostas, ex-investment banker turned entrepreneur, her goal is to create and manage the healthiest work space in the city and indeed the UK.

Plus X Brighton is the shiny new seven-floor innovation hub opening in January in a spectacular new building currently being fitted out as part of the wider U+I Plc regeneration of Preston Barracks on the Lewes Road.

There is more to the building than its world class design by Studio Egret West featuring the happiness colour yellow as the design principle.

Everything about the building’s design and the special features being created for its future members, has health and wellbeing in mind, from its nutritionally balanced and locally sourced café on the ground floor, to its stylish, ergonomic furniture and décor, to its spectacular roof terrace with abundant edible planting.

Olga Hopton moved to Brighton from Birmingham, where she had extensive experience in events and hospitality management prior to working on transforming the Bird’s Custard original factory into a media and creative cluster.

Formerly General Manager of the shared workspace PLATF9RM in Brighton, she moved on to advise developer U+I on work space design, including the £7m Victorian Power Station renovation in West London and the £15m Plus X Brighton.

As MD at Plus X Brighton, she is seeking to achieve the platinum WELL Building Standards Certification, which has the tagline “Buildings and communities that help people thrive”, ensuring that work spaces at Plus X are optimised for wellness, health and resilience.

To that end, everything must be taken into consideration including air quality, materials, light, biophilia – the new buzz word for greening and access to nature, water quality, community engagement and mental health support.

“We quite literally want to make Plus X Brighton the healthiest workspace in the country – a place where the environment aids positivity and productivity and the Plus X team will be fostering a nurturing environment as well as providing resources for members with tips on how to be healthy,” said Olga.

“I believe people react to their environment and it is possible to feel healthy and inspired in the work place. Plus X is there to make it easy so you can focus on what you do best - running your business.”

The Plus X team will regularly monitor air quality in the space, ensuring that it meets WELL standards. Details such as rosemary infused water served in the meeting rooms, proven to help focus and boost immunity, and essential oil blends available to aid positivity and focus, as well as weekly yoga and meditation, will all contribute to getting members’ creative juices flowing.

Biophilia refers to the inherent connection humans have to plants and nature.Studies have proven that when surrounded by plants, people’s happiness, focus and productivity improves, so Plus X has a ‘Biophilia strategy’ incorporating plenty of greenery allowing people to commune with nature both inside and out. Brighton’s first rooftop terrace featuring edible plants and herbs will be opening in spring for private events and members access to break out or enjoy as thinking space. Work spaces will also be flooded with natural light from large windows, as this is believed to support the circadian rhythm, improving people’s sleep-wake cycles.

Continued Olga, “As part of the WELL building standards, we are compiling a WELL Guide which will be available to all members in the space, helping them use the space for optimum wellness and we will also be curating a library of books that encourages and enhances mindfulness and wellness.

“Our extensive events calendar will include a rich variety of wellness focussed events and workshops, with yoga classes at the beginning of each week, so that partners can start their week the right way – focussed and intentional. We will also have classes on a Friday - these will be the perfect way to wind down and enter the weekend feeling refreshed. It is so important to switch off and take time out to recharge and thrive. I have discovered yoga at It’s Yoga Brighton just over a year ago and I can honestly say it has changed my life - Leena, my teacher always reminds me that it is the journey that counts and makes us grow. I think this is important recognition for many of the serial entrepreneurs and inventors that we work with.”

As one of the WELLness initiatives members will also benefit from access to Moment Pebbles, modelled from Brighton beach, encouraging those who hold them to remember to take a moment away from their work and to take a break from screen time.

Plus X has also partnered with Bird and Blend Tea Co to create ProductiviTEA, an exclusive fusion of yerba mate for alertness and productivity, lemon balm for stress reduction and rosehip and ginger for immunity and digestion.

Plus X believes that what is good for people is also good for the planet and Olga is a passionate advocate of all that is green and sustainable. She has partnered with Paper Rounds to provide a zero to landfill waste policy, has sourced a green energy supplier and eco cleaning products, as well as sustainably delivered local milk and Red Roasters direct trade coffee. The team at Plus X will also encourage green and healthy ways of travelling to work, with a new Brighton Bikes station just outside the hub.

Continued Olga, “Many of these ideas are ones that business leaders want to implement, but don’t have the time or knowledge to do so for their growing businesses. The value of situating your business at Plus X is that it’s the easiest way for you to take care of your team. If you are a business leader who is trying to build the best team you can, we believe that moving into Plus X can create a competitive advantage for you.”

Plux X has 53,000 sq ft of work space with room for over 550 people, including 11 studios for 4-20 people and bespoke turn-key solutions for 20+ size businesses. Memberships cost from £100 per month.

Opening January 2020, Plus X is the winning formula for business and social success.

Plus X Brighton Reaches The Top

Plus X Brighton Reaches The Top

Building construction for brand new Innovation Hub marks major milestone

The team behind the first ever Plus X Innovation Hub in Brighton is celebrating a major milestone in building progress, ahead of its official opening in January 2020.

Construction for Plus X Brighton has reached the top of the building, marking a significant moment in its development.

Plus X transforms places, creating spaces that unlock potential, driving business growth and innovation, community collaboration and positive social impact.

In partnership with specialist regeneration developer U+I, Plus X hubs will be launching across the UK, evolving an existing site at the Central Research Laboratory, London and soon to be launched Plus X Brighton early next year.

The Plus X formula blends flexible work spaces with a wealth of facilities and support. These include media studios, prototype workshops and product labs, integrating innovation programmes, start-up accelerators and access to Plus X business growth services from marketing to team talent experts.

Over 7 floors and 53,000 sq. ft, Plus X Brighton will accommodate more than 550 people, attracting a wide community of members including freelancers, start-ups, scaleups, corporates and education partners.

Driving education and skills training through strong college and university partnerships is key to the unique Plus X formula. This approach is coupled with a commitment to deliver a positive social impact in every new Plus X location, working with members, community and government to help resolve local challenges.

As Plus X Co-CEO, Paul Rostas explains “We are excited to mark this important milestone in the construction of Plus X Brighton. Our first innovation hub will play a vital role in enabling entrepreneurs, established business, education partners and communities to thrive and prosper through a unique blend of inspiring space, world class facilities and curated collaboration”

Richard Upton, Chief Development Officer at U+I adds: “Innovation is an integral part of our business. We exist to unlock potential and drive growth into mixed-use regeneration by breathing new life into neglected or underestimated places. The first Plus X will open at Preston Barracks in Brighton in early 2020 and we have also submitted planning for a purpose-designed facility at The Old Vinyl Factory. This is just the start, as we plan to develop further Plus X holdings at other major regeneration projects. This concept delivers substantial wash over of value to our wider regeneration activity and we believe it is the first of its kind in our industry. Every Plus X building will embrace beautiful architecture, inspirational interiors and deliver substantial economic growth”.

A wealth of world class services and customised facilities will be on offer at Plus X Brighton including:

● Blended work space incorporating hot desks, fixed desks, dedicated studios, meeting rooms, video conference booths, event space, quiet zones and an outdoor roof terrace to enhance member cohesion and space to develop ideas.

● Prototyping studios for product processing, testing and assembly, featuring the latest 3D printers, CNC milling machines, laser cutters, spray booths & microelectronics workshops.

● Soundproofed podcast facilities with state of the art digital, image and video facilities.

● Business innovation programmes led by expert and experienced innovation teams, connecting major corporations with the talent and skills of Plus X members and education partners.

● Accelerator and innovation programmes designed to drive business growth & resilience for business start-ups and scaleups

● The first Platinum standard WiredScore building in Brighton offering ultra-reliable and super-fast internet connectivity.

Furthermore, Plus X Brighton is aiming to be the first innovation hub of its kind to focus on business growth through the international WELL building standard that drives human success through positive physical and mental health. Features include a café with a natural menu designed to enhance productivity, ample natural light, biophilia, meditation and yoga classes, aromatherapy infused rooms and access to open outdoor roof terrace space for quiet contemplation.

From solar roof panels, a zero to landfill policy, green electricity and regional suppliers including milk delivered from local farms and Direct Trade coffee from Red Roasters, Managing Director for Plus X Brighton, Olga Hopton is dedicated to ensuring the new building is sustainable – reducing the carbon footprint and supporting local suppliers where possible.

“I am looking forward to building Plus X Brighton into a place that maximises both purpose and productivity” she explains. “whilst integrating world leading facilities, services and a pioneering attitude to help our members collaborate and thrive, we are committed to delivering a positive impact through connecting with local business and community”.

Jonathan Sharrock, Chief Executive at Coast to Capital, said: “Greater Brighton is one of the fastest-growing city regions in the UK, rated in the top five for jobs growth in the past five years and one of the best places to start a new business. Home to the University of Brighton, the city has an entrepreneurial and innovative edge which has led to the emergence of a world-renowned creative and digital tech cluster.

“The Preston Barracks project will transform Lewes road into a new, state of the art facility which will enhance the offer for local students and support business growth. We are delighted that our £7.7 million LGF investment has helped to get the project off the ground and the topping out ceremony of the innovation hub Plus X is a key milestone in the development. We are excited to see future developments as they arise.”