The friendliest business community in Chichester! “Last Friday Club” 👏

  • Our Story

    Born from a desire for authentic connection, The Last Friday Club began in May 2016 when Debbie Ford of The Chichester Social found herself craving meaningful professional relationships beyond the isolation of solo entrepreneurship. Teaming up with Emily Perry of The People Consultancy, they created the business community they wished existed—one that prioritises genuine relationships over transactional exchanges.

    From our earlier days meeting in coffee shops and bars, we've grown into a vibrant community of 100s, and regularly welcome more than 50 business owners who gather monthly to support, inspire, and collaborate with one another.

    What Makes Us Different

    We believe in community over competition. Our gatherings embody our EPIC values:

    • Encourage: Everyone gets a chance to speak and be heard

    • Purpose: Meaningful connections that serve your business goals

    • Integrity: Authentic relationships built on trust

    • Community: Supporting each other's growth and success

    Whether we're meeting at Fernleigh, or taking our twice-yearly walks around the City walls (August and December), we create spaces where “networking” feels less like work and more like catching up with friends.

    Who Belongs Here

    • Freelancers & Consultants: Service providers, creators, designers, marketers, and tech specialists

    • Solo Entrepreneurs: From brick-and-mortar shop owners to digital empire builders

    • Small Business Owners: Leaders who value community and collaboration

    The Magic That Happens

    When you bring together passionate business owners in a supportive environment, surprising collaborations emerge. We've witnessed singing tutors partnering with brand strategists, photographers joining forces with event planners, and countless other creative alliances that have helped our members thrive.

    Members regularly share their expertise as speakers, offering valuable insights that benefit the entire community.

    Our Promise

    Attendance at our in-person, monthly meet-ups will ALWAYS be FREE. No hidden fees, no membership costs—just genuine connection and community.

    Join us on the last Friday of every month and discover the power of community!

  • Our Members make perfect speakers, through regular attendance they understand their challenges and needs,  This is your chance to share your expertise and experience as a freelancer/business owner. 

    The focus should always be one of value and generosity, it’s not just a platform to pitch to a captive audience!

    Need to know: 

    • a 15-min slot, inc Q&A

    • no screen — just you talking

    Formats that work well: 5 or 10 tips to XXX to help you XXX

  • The last Friday of the month at Fernleigh on North Street. Doors open at 8.30am for a prompt 9am.

    Click on the button below to register, it’s FREE!

Festival of Business

Business awards are flawed by their design; they celebrate the few and not the many.

We wanted to change that with a business community event where everyone can be celebrated and feel supported.

How does it feel to work with me?