Brighton might be famous for its pebbled beach, iconic pier, and vibrant nightlife, but don’t let the seaside charm fool you—this city has serious business clout.
From digital innovation to green tech,Brighton blends entrepreneurial energy with creative spirit, making it one of the UK’s most exciting places to build a business.
Let’s take a quick look at how Brighton became more than just a weekend escape—and why it’s now one of the UK’s most forward-thinking business hubs.
Brighton’s roots go back to Roman times, but it really took off in the 18th century when sea-bathing became trendy amongLondon’s upper class. Then came the Royal Pavilion, Victorian rail links, and a booming seaside economy.
But Brighton didn’t stop at deckchairs and rock candy—it evolved into a progressive, diverse, and innovation-friendly city, known for its openness, activism, and creativity.
And that’s exactly what drives its modern business scene.
So what makes Brighton such a great place todo business? Here's why entrepreneurs, startups, and global brands are setting up shop here:
Brighton has one of the highest concentrations of creative and digital businesses outside of London. From game design and animation to marketing, media, and music—this is a city where creativity isn’t just appreciated, it’s profitable.
The Brighton Digital Festival, TheFuseBox innovation hub, and dozens of coworking spaces mean there's constant collaboration, inspiration, and innovation happening on every street.
Brighton is a tech hotspot, home to hundreds of startups and scale-ups across fintech, edtech, AI, and gaming.The city is part of the “Silicon Beach” movement—offering London-level innovation with less stress and more sea air.
Brighton is packed with smart, ambitious people—many drawn here by the lifestyle, others graduating from theUniversity of Sussex and University of Brighton, which supply a steady stream of skilled grads across creative, digital, and STEM fields.
Remote workers and freelancers also loveBrighton for its laid-back vibe, fast trains to London (just over an hour),and collaborative business culture.
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Brighton was the first UK city to elect aGreen MP, and that eco-consciousness runs through local business too.Sustainability is baked into many startups’ DNA here, with strong growth in green tech, ethical retail, and circular economy ventures.
Let’s face it—people want to live in Brighton.Whether it’s the sea views, coffee culture, independent shops, or diverse, inclusive community—it’s a city people stay in, and that means better talent retention for employers.
Brighton is home to some seriously cool companies:
Plus hundreds of thriving SMEs, freelancers, and creative collectives—working across sectors but united by Brighton’s energy.
Because Brighton is smart, creative, and full of opportunity. It's a place where businesses can thrive without losing their soul. Where your team can grow and enjoy the journey. Where work and life don’t clash—they click.
Whether you’re launching a startup, scaling a creative agency, or looking for a base that inspires innovation, Brighton delivers.
Brighton’s waiting—with the sea breeze and a startup scene to match.
