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Every business has an idea behind it but bringing the idea to life means having confidence and being well prepared.

For the past six years, The Tiger’s Pen has helped Sussex-based entrepreneurs make the leap. Set up by Network Xpress Ltd, the parent company behind The Tiger’s Pen.

It provided the chance for founders to pitch their start-ups to experienced entrepreneurs and investors. This opened doors to funding, mentoring and commercial contacts.

Over the years, we have invited scores of start-ups to participate in The Tiger’s Pen. We assisted the founders in honing their ideas, improving their presentation, answering tough questions from the investors and building confidence in pitching to a large audience of business professionals. Some got the money they wanted, some managed to forge partnership deals, while others only walked away with a clearer vision and improved confidence.

However, as Network Xpress moves on to the next stage of its development, The Tiger’s Pen pitch competition comes to an end. Although the live event is no longer going to be hosted, support around it will certainly not disappear.

Some of the key things which made The Tiger’s Pen successful are now incorporated into The Directors’ Hub.

The founders and business owners will still receive practical help in the form of presentation coaching, pitch training, confidently answering tough questions, improving business propositions and presentation skills. All these are important if you want to obtain funding, approach your clients, address your board or simply better explain your business.

The Directors’ Hub was set up with the purpose of helping business leaders develop through open dialogues, exchanging experiences and useful advice. Incorporating some elements of The Tiger’s Pen will let us continue our mission in a natural way for our community of peers.

Not every entrepreneur requires funding. Sometimes all he or she needs is a sounding board, constructive feedback, improved presentation or confidence. That is exactly what our members can provide.

Although The Tiger’s Pen is coming to an end, its tradition lives on in The Directors’ Hub. We would also like to thank the University of Brighton for hosting the Tiger’s Pen with their students for three years.

We were also supported by Jo Stuart of Ayres Consulting, who’d introduce each start up as they enter the pen, and support Sonny with the event. Well done to Marilyn Chelliah of Durban Curry Club for winning the top prizes in 2025.

Please also see the articles we’ve created to support Founders with Presentation Training, Handling Questions and Pitching Support.

Thank you to last year’s investors from left to right. Stuart Carpenter, Helena Jevons, Damien Burke, me as host, Sonny Cutting, Matt Turner and Aiden Dunning.