What the new Economic Strategy means for businesses in our city

Dreaming about the eco-system we want in Brighton & Hove

In November, the Council officially launched its new Economic Strategy for the city at an event at the Brighton Centre. There were about 100 of us from businesses and other interested organisations across the city - from education to transport, charities and public sector.

The strategy has been developed through a series of consultation meetings representing the many sectors within the city including hospitality and tourism, sustainability and financial services.

I took part in some of the events and noticed how generous people were with their time and contributions. People care about Brighton & Hove and want to see the challenges addressed and the city thrive.

Thinking back to those early meetings with the consultants and representatives from different sectors, I was able to bring examples of where the smaller businesses are collectively bringing the vibe, diversity and activity to the city. We discussed how we could better support businesses to take the next steps to growing. Keep your eyes peeled for some timely support to be announced shortly.

Another issue that has come out clearly in the new plan is one that came up at our Big Debate last year, on ‘creating a fairer city’ and that is a need for the look-and-feel of the city to be literally ‘cleaned up’. The Council have taken this on board knowing this affects businesses, their employers and their customers.

The strategy’s overarching aim is to create a more prosperous city and a better Brighton & Hove for all. This includes twin goals of supporting businesses to grow while also helping those living in poverty to upskill and find good jobs and places to live.

There are eight leading areas of focus:

1. Capitalise on our digital competitive advantage

2. Build community involvement as a response to poverty and economic inequality

3. Decarbonise and create a more regenerative economy

4. Build a stronger, more inclusive labour market

5. Celebrate our city and welcome investment

6. A world-leading creative destination worthy of the UK’s best small city

7. Build new knowledge partnerships to benefit all of our communities

8. Thrive within a city region with a clear economic identity

The new strategy leans into the value of tech and the digital sector, and the talent it needs to develop and shine. I saw first-hand at Hello Future - the skills fair we helped organise in the city in November for 1000 college students - that young people need to hear from employers to learn about future jobs and careers, and what skills they’ll need. Through the project that the Chamber is part of to help refugees find jobs or self-employment, we see how hard it is to get established and contribute if you don’t have a network to help you get in.

I think you will agree that with local authorities having to make huge budget savings, the way to move things on in the city, solve some of the challenges and energise the economy for everyone, is finding a way to work in partnership, and to collaborate. Just last week I have seen early evidence of this with a number of us from separate organisations working on several funded city projects together (which may not have happened a few years ago).

You can read the strategy here. And browse the action plan for year one here.

We’re planning a City Event early next year, where we’ll dig deeper into some of the fascinating data, stats behind the strategy and ways for businesses to contribute or benefit. Keep your eyes peeled and make sure you’re signed up to our mailing list to be the first to hear about it.

Sarah Springford is CEO at Brighton Chamber - a purposefully welcoming, inclusive and diverse membership organisation for businesses of all sizes. Find out more about joining the Chamber's brilliant business community here. 

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