A ground-breaking scheme designed to boost the fortunes of the most promising businesses in Brighton and Hove has hit an impressive century.

The Hub 100 was set up in September 2002 to give ambitious managing directors and CEOs the chance to share their expertise and experiences.

Now the initiative boasts 100 members - ranging from sports clubs to theatres, software manufacturers to marketing agencies.

All passed a rigorous vetting procedure, by accountancy firm Baker Tilly, before being allowed to join.

It is estimated the scheme has led to growth in revenues for the Hub 100 companies of more than £50 million.

Company chiefs attend seminars and workshops on, for example, brand awareness and are paired up with "business friends" to forge long-term collaborations.

The Hub was originally established with funding from SEEDA and the Brighton and Hove Regeneration Partnership but is now owned by its members.

A new company is currently being formed with a management board made up of representatives of Hub 100 companies and various partners.

Hub 100 operations director John Burns said: "We now have more than 100 members and, while we want to preserve some exclusivity, there is no limit to the number of companies that can join.

"It is not about attracting the biggest companies in Brighton and Hove but those who show the most growth potential over the next few years.

"The range is important, which is why we have links with sports clubs. Brighton Bears is also a very successful business with a lot to offer."

Unlike traditional networking groups, the Hub 100 is predominantly a place where businesses swap ideas rather than barter for trade.

Steve Penfold is managing director of PH Media, an IT company that sells software packages to architecture firms.

His firm, which was founded three years ago and now employs ten people, was one of the most recent firms to join the Hub.

Steve, 29, said: "We wanted to be a part of what I think is going to be the most influential business group in Sussex.

"I have been to lots of other events and, to say it in the nicest possible way, the quality of the people has not always been great.

"At Hub 100 events I know I am just speaking to managing directors and CEOs of the best companies in the region.

"Some networking events just turn into a marketplace where everybody is trying to sell you something or do business. But that's not the idea of Hub 100.

"The whole ethos is to help each other. Some companies have 400 staff, others have ten but the common bond is a desire to grow."

Steve was the first to be put into a business-friends relationship and was paired with Rod Flavell of FDM, a long-established IT services company.

Rod, 45, said: "The Hub 100 works as a virtuous circle. The more established companies can pass on their experiences while picking up interesting new ideas from younger firms. There is a synergy at work."

Wednesday January 07, 2004