Gerald Ratner joins Best of British Eastbourne as event raises £9,000 for Russell Martin Foundation

Around 150 guests gathered at The Grand Hotel Eastbourne on Friday 25 September for an afternoon of business, stories and plenty of laughs with Gerald Ratner – raising £9,000 for the Russell Martin Foundation in the process.

The former Ratners’ chief executive and businessman shared stories from a career that has seen its fair share of highs, lows and headlines, giving guests an entertaining and candid look behind the scenes of one of Britain's most recognisable business stories.

The afternoon brought together members of the Sussex business community for a drinks reception, three-course lunch and charity prize draw, with the money raised supporting the Russell Martin Foundation's work with children, young people and adults through football, education, health and improvement.

Alan Sanders, Chief Executive Officer at the charity, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the organisers of this fantastic event and for the generosity of those who attended. The money raised will be used to provide children from low-income families with hot meals as well as free football coaching.”

Gerald Ratner became one of Britain's best-known business figures following his infamous 1991 speech, in which he publicly joked about the quality of some of his own company's products.

At Eastbourne, he reflected on the extraordinary reaction to those comments, what happened to his business afterwards and the lessons he took from the experience.

Ryan Heal, Managing Director of Best of British Events, said: “It was a brilliant afternoon and we're really pleased to have raised £9,000 for the Russell Martin Foundation. Gerald was a fantastic guest and gave everyone plenty to talk about, but it's the money raised for the Foundation that makes events like this worthwhile. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us, and to our sponsors for helping make the day possible.”

The event was supported by headline sponsor Mayo Wynne Baxter Solicitors, co-sponsor SRC Corporate Finance and media partner Platinum Media Group.

The Best of British events calendar continues with the Best of British Brighton Gala Dinner on Thursday 12 November at The Grand Hotel Brighton.

The Strictly Special will feature Anton Du Beke, including a live performance and Q&A, alongside a drinks reception, four-course gala dinner, cabaret, live DJ and charity prize draw. The evening will raise funds for Together Co, supporting people across Brighton and Hove affected by loneliness and social isolation. Tables of 10 are £1,250 + VAT, and there are only a few tables left.

For more information or to book a table, visit Best of British Events website here: https://bestofbritish.org.uk/public-events/best-of-british-gala-dinner-2026/