What Makes a Great Place to Work? Brighton’s Cream HR on Culture, Hiring & Honest Leadership
- 12 minutes ago
- 3 min read
What makes people stay in a job? Or leave one?
We speak to Anthony Sutton, founder of Cream HR and a VIP Connected100 Business Club member, about the real challenges facing business owners, leaders, and teams in today’s workplace.
From hiring well to leading with empathy, Anthony brings a refreshing, no-nonsense take on building teams and cultures that actually work — and why getting your people strategy right is just as important as your profit strategy.
The content from this blog is taken from the Connected Brighton Podcast - Episode 47 - The one with Anthony Sutton
HR with Heart (And Honesty)
Based in Brighton, Cream HR supports small and medium-sized businesses across the South East, helping them with everything from recruitment to team management, performance coaching, culture-building, and conflict resolution.
But Anthony is clear: he’s not your standard HR consultant.
“We don’t just come in with a clipboard and tick boxes. We help businesses build relationships with their people. That means being honest, being kind, and sometimes having the hard conversations early, before they become disasters.”
For Anthony, HR isn’t about avoiding risk. It’s about investing in people.
Hiring for Character, Not Just Skill
One of the biggest issues he sees? Hiring based on experience and a rushed job spec, instead of really thinking about who you need in your business, and why.
“Too often, people hire in panic. But hiring well means slowing down. Think about mindset, values, behaviours, not just qualifications or CV buzzwords.”
Cream HR works with clients to map out what a great hire looks like in real life, and to put the right support in place once that person joins. That means onboarding, feedback, training — and creating a workplace that people actually want to be part of.
The Power of the Honest Conversation
We often call them “difficult conversations” but Anthony reframes them as honest conversations. Whether it’s giving feedback, navigating conflict, or helping someone grow into a new role, clarity and kindness are key.
“If you’re avoiding a conversation, ask yourself why. Often the longer you leave it, the harder it becomes. Say the thing. But say it well.”
This people-first mindset is at the heart of everything Cream HR does, and it’s changing how Brighton businesses think about leadership.
Mindset Coaching for Leaders
Anthony is also a qualified coach and NLP practitioner, helping founders and managers navigate the mental load of running a business.
In the podcast, we talk about how our own beliefs and habits can shape how we lead, and how coaching can help us shift unhelpful patterns.
Whether it’s decision-making, self-confidence, or dealing with pressure, Anthony supports leaders to get clear, calm, and confident in how they show up for their teams.
Brighton Life & the Power of Local
Anthony’s move to Brighton 10 years ago wasn’t just a career change, it was a life one.
He talks openly in the episode about starting over, rebuilding confidence, and why this city has become a powerful part of his personal and professional journey.
He’s a passionate advocate for connection over competition, and a firm believer in the magic of Brighton’s small business community, especially when people support each other.
“We’re not meant to do this alone. Whether you’re leading a team or running a business, the most powerful thing you can do is ask for help.”
Final Thoughts: People First, Always
If there’s one takeaway from this episode, it’s this: Your business is only ever as good as your people.
Whether you’re hiring your first employee or leading a team of 50, investing in relationships, communication, and culture will always pay off.
Want help building a better workplace? Get in touch with Cream HR.
Website: Cream HR Limited
Facebook: Cream HR Limited
LinkedIn: Cream HR Limited
The content from this blog is taken from the Connected Brighton Podcast - Episode 47 - The one with Anthony Sutton
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