Helen Wilkinson and Maggie Morgan are the co-owners of Brighton’s Metrodeco, the UK’s only 1930s Parisian-style tea shop.

At this breakfast, Helen and Maggie talk about their decision to go into business together, the problems they’ve faced (and overcome) running a business in an area with little footfall and how they’ve maximised their highly unique selling points such as ‘dog-friendliness’ to secure their business national television coverage.

They also talk about how their management and promotion of Metrodeco as a brand as well as offering tips on harnessing the power of the social web through Foursquare, YouTube and Twitter.

Julia Jeyes is co-founder and owner (with her husband, Nigel Jeyes) of three local recruitment businesses, each dealing with distinct areas of professional recruitment.

The newest business, Grafton Banks Finance, was set up in September 2008 to focus on the senior finance market in the Sussex area, placing qualified accountants and Finance Directors into local businesses.

At this breakfast, Julia shares her and Nigel’s experiences of setting up a third business whilst continuing to run two others. She also talks about the double challenge of breaking into a new market during a recession and overcoming many of the negative feelings surrounding the recruitment industry.

Together, Tim and Jacky Misson have set up and grown two local businesses within the last eight years. Their latest venture, Rise Sales Development, was established earlier this year to help companies identify, successfully sell to and retain more of their ideal clients. Tim and Jacky will be talking about the highs and lows of running a small business and the challenges that come about from living and working with your other half. They will also share valuable tips on winning and retaining profitable new clients and how to keep a few steps ahead of the competition.