This month's Chamber Hero: Brian Warren

The Brighton Chamber relies on over 60 volunteers to help provide the events and services that we offer. Without them, we just couldn’t do it. This month’s Chamber hero is Brian Warren from Quick HR.

Please tell us a bit about your business, what you do and who you work with

We provide human resources and employment law support for a wide range of companies, from digital media start-ups to more conventional firms going through changing times. We also help individuals with problems and issues at their workplace, from conflicts and worries about job security to personal development. I love the variety: it’s not just the work, but finding options that will be the best fit for the particular business and its culture.

What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever been given?

“Nothing is impossible.” Okay, in reality some things are – I’ve had to accept that I’ll never be able to fly, sadly. But it’s still a great and motivating piece of advice, especially when you’re faced with a difficult situation and it’s tempting to drop it because you think it can’t be done. The person who gave me this advice also said I had a “liquid” problem-solving approach that flowed around potential obstacles and always found a way forward. So when I’m tempted to give up, I try to remember this advice and find a way to keep going. There’s always something that can be done, even if it involves coming at the issue from different approaches until you find an answer.

What is your favourite place in Brighton?

That’s a tough question. The Sidewinder, Terre a Terre, Withdean Park, Brighton Museum, Duke of Yorks and Concorde2 made the shortlist, but Snooper’s Paradise nudged ahead. I love wandering around and browsing. Half the things in our home probably came from there or from the Flea Markets, especially books and my partner’s burgeoning collection of exotic insects in perspex cubes.

In your opinion, what’s the best thing about living and/or working in Brighton and Hove?

The people. I love the fact there are brilliant places to go, plus all kinds of things going on all year round and the wonderful street art everywhere, but the sheer variety of people made it the place I chose to live. You’re never too young or old or oddly-dressed or anything else to do things in Brighton and Hove. Whatever you’re like, you’re not on your own here.

What book are you currently reading?

Running With Scissors by Augusten Burroughs. I read it about a decade ago and spotted it in a friend’s house recently. I remembered it as funny, disturbing and incredibly readable, which it is because I’ve nearly finished reading it again in a week. It’s based on his childhood and being handed over, by his mother, to live with her odd psychiatrist and his bizarre family. The first time I read it, it seemed entertaining, well-written and a little bit trashy, to be honest. This time around there are so many small details and minor characters jumping out that I hadn’t noticed before, that make it seem more real and unsettling, although it’s still very funny too.

What’s the best thing about being a member of the Chamber?

Meeting all kinds of interesting people at the fantastic events, of course. Before you think that’s glib sycophancy, there aren’t many organisations where you can talk to so many different kinds of other business people at formal events or the fun activity sessions, especially during the annual Summit. Last year I discussed a tricky employment law issue while ice-skating with the Chamber, which was a real “only in Brighton” moment.

If you want to contribute to the Chamber blog, contact us on hannah@brightonchamber.co.uk