A NEW event celebrates a thriving LGBT business community.

The inaugural Brighton and Hove Summit brought together almost 100 representatives from businesses, charitable organisations, Pride networks and community groups in Brighton last week.

The networking event provided an opportunity to discuss community needs, share best practice and connect with other LGBT groups.

Those in attendance heard keynote speeches from five-time Olympic swimmer Mark Foster, who talked about some of the challenges he experienced during his professional career, and Lord Hayward, who was named by Pink News as its politician of the year and who continues to fight for the rights of the LGBT community, most recently delivering equal marriage for Northern Ireland.

Tim Ehinger, executive vice president at American Express, said: “We’re delighted to back the first Brighton and Hove LGBT community summit.

“There are so many fantastic LGBT charitable organisations, groups and networks in Brighton and Hove, and more widely across Sussex.

“This forum has brought all these key groups and representatives together in one place, at the same time, to create a common dialogue, share and learn from each other’s experiences and make valuable connections for the future.”