Lightning Fibre was proud to sponsor the Community Spirit award at the 1066 Business Awards, which took place on Thursday 5th June2025 at the Bannatyne’s Hotel in Hastings. Well done to our winner –The Bright Foundation!
Organised by the Let’s Do Business Group, the event celebrates the resilience, innovation and success of local businesses and individuals across Hastings and the wider 1066 area.
In 2024, the 1066 Business Awards were brought back to celebrate 30 years of Let’s Do Business Group, and following the success of last year’s return, the 2025 event proved to be just as uplifting.
With a wide range of categories, the awards lunch brought together entrepreneurs and charities for a well-deserved celebration.
The event also included two inspiring speakers:
- Jens Knoop, Founder of Knoops – the ‘expertly crafted chocolate drinks’ company, that started with a shop in Rye and is now operating from 27 stores in the UK and overseas!
- Emily Craig MBE – British Olympic Gold Medallist in Paris 2024 for rowing - lightweight women’s double.
This year’s award categories, sponsors and winners were:
- Best Start-Up Business – Sponsored by Holland Harper LLP – Winner was 1066 Kitchens
- Lone Ranger – Sponsored Fresh Financial Services – Winner was Tranquility Salon
- Growth Champion – Sponsored by Lloyds Bank – Winner was Vehicle Smart
- New Directions – Sponsored by Hastings Independent Press – Winner was 3D Recruit
- People First – Sponsored by Kiley’s Karpets – Winner was Gaby Hardwicke Solicitors
- Future Leader – Sponsored by Bexhill College – Winner was Alice Doucy from Bournes Moves
- Sustainability Champion – Sponsored by AAK BD Foods – Winner was Marshall Tufflex
- Extra Mile – Sponsored by Only Lifts – Winner was Bodiam Boating Station & Lime Wharf Cafe
- Community Spirit Award – Sponsored by Lightning Fibre – Winner was The Bright Foundation
- Business of the Year – Sponsored by Fresh Online – Winner was Parker & Son
Our Winners – The Bright Foundation
Lightning Fibre was honoured to sponsor the Community Spirit award – a category that celebrates organisations who go above and beyond to bring people together and improve the lives of others. This year’s shortlist of companies that all provide incredible community support was:
- 247 Transport Solutions
- The Bright Foundation
- Marshall Tufflex
- Project Rewild
After a thorough (and difficult) judging process, we were delighted to announce The Bright Foundation as the winner.
So what does The Bright Foundation do?
Founded and funded by Academy Award-winning costume designer John Bright, The Bright Foundation is an arts education charity with a big vision – to spark imagination and support wellbeing in children and young people, no matter their background. Based in and around Hastings, the charity operates from two incredible venues:
- The Barn Theatre in Westfield (opened June 2022), a 50-seat theatre showcasing puppet shows and live performances for children and families.
- The Benbow Arts Space in St Leonards (opened May 2024), a vibrant new creative hub for young people focused on filmmaking. Here, budding filmmakers can explore the world of cinema and TV, building practical skills and confidence to pursue creative careers.
The Foundation doesn’t just support creativity – it also boosts local employment. Since launching, it has engaged 57 creative freelancers to deliver its programmes.
Emma Pearce said:
“Huge congratulations to The Bright Foundation for winning this award. There were a number of impressive submissions so it was a difficult decision for Rob Reaks, our Chief Commercial Officer, and the judges at Let’s Do Business to determine a winner.
However, the team at The Bright Foundation came out on top due to their very clear vision and the way they’ve adapted to ensure inclusivity for all.
The impact of their support is incredible – with 94schools and community groups having creative educational workshops in the last 2 years, as well as delivering 5 different week-long projects, and launching two Youth Film Collectives for young people that meet weekly.”
As a locally-based broadband provider, Lightning Fibre is committed to supporting the communities where we operate. We’re an active member of the Hastings Chamber of Commerce and always keen to shine a light on the businesses and organisations making a real difference.
Huge congratulations to all the winners of the 1066 Business Awards in 2025 – and a round of applause for the Let’s Do Business Group for hosting such a positive, inspiring event.
Is hyper-fast, reliable and affordable broadband available at your address?
· Check your postcode or call our friendly local team on 01323 380260 (8am–8pm daily).
· Businesses – contact Joe Brownell at business@lightningfibre.co.uk to explore connectivity options.
