Brighton business leaders invited to swim with the sharks

Some have compared the corporate world to shark-infested waters – and now business leaders can check out the comparison for themselves.

Members of Brighton and Hove Chamber of Commerce are heading to the Sea Life Centre for a behind the scenes visit.

Max Leviston, general manager of the Brighton seafront attraction, will share some insights into what it takes to run the world’s oldest operating aquarium.

And Chamber members will learn how a 19th century institution has evolved into a 21st century favourite.

The aquarium trip is part of series of behind the scenes visits organised by the Chamber – and in keeping with its focus on fun.

It’s not just about organising social events for the business community. The Chamber even devoted its annual summit to “business and pleasure” in its centenary year.

While many say that the two shouldn’t mix, the theme recognised how Brighton has long been a party town and tourist destination, reliant in part on businesses helping people enjoy their leisure.

The Chamber’s behind the scenes trips offer a mix of networking time, social event and learning opportunity while supporting local businesses.

The Chamber said: “You’ll learn how Brighton Aquarium was originally built between 1869 and 1872 and was designed and engineered by Eugenius Birch, who was also the designer of the West Pier, plus fascinating facts about how the Aquarium was modernised and acquired by the Borough Council in 1901.

“The building once hosted concerts, was used to display animals including penguins, chimps and bears, housed a dolphinarium and even had a mini golf course on the roof?

“There’ll be a short presentation on what it takes to run the world’s oldest operating aquarium delivered by general manager Max Leviston.

“Then you can see the wonders of the underwater world, including a tropical rainforest, sea horse nurseries, ray lagoons, shark-infested waters and maybe even a relaxing glass-bottom boat ride face-to-face with giant green sea turtles.”