News and events

Creating the Supercity

Published 21 April 2010

Local business, community and educational leaders gathered yesterday at the University of Brighton to understand the city's prospects for the future as the country enters into recovery - and debate how to enable Brighton to reach its potential as one of the UK's five 'Supercities'.

The event, attended by more than 80 of Brighton's business and education leaders, was held following a report from HSBC Commercial Banking and The Future Laboratory that predicted a dramatic shift in the UK's 'business map' as the 21st century unfolds. The Future of Business report revealed Brighton as a Supercity: one of five UK cities which are the ones to watch in terms of their changing economic status and global power.

The event, jointly hosted by HSBC Commercial Banking and the University of Brighton at the university's Falmer campus, saw The Future of Business report author Martin Raymond explain why the city is such an important business hub.

Mr Raymond said: "Brighton has seen strong employment growth of 19 per cent, compared to a national average of eight per cent. This has been especially evident in the industries that encourage Supercity status; media, marketing, digital, the so-called 'anarconomy' and in SMEs keen on running alternative and socially minded brands, businesses or services

"Often described as a mini-London, as our survey of 500 UK entrepreneurs suggested, Brighton had a higher than average share of the kind of Supercity worker – creative, collaborative, culturally aware – increasingly looking for an economic and lifestyle alternative without compromising on their ambitions. As such, the city is poised to capitalise on the rise of alternative economic models and new breeds of entrepreneurs."

The Brighton business community is keen to ensure that the city thrives as a future Supercity. These pioneering cities are defined as business centres that reflect new business practices, embracing innovation, technology, culture and the new sciences (such as bio-tech, stem cell, GM and gaming) in a way that is collaborative, 'glocal' (both global and local) and culturally enriching. Thanks to its London network, vibrant digital industry, café culture and liberal social values, Brighton has the right infrastructure to transform into a booming Supercity economy.

The event gave attendees the opportunities to discuss the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the city. The results of this debate will culminate in the development of a suggested strategy to help the city progress to Supercity status, elevating predictions made in The Future of Business report.

Yvonne Bear, HSBC Regional Commercial Director for the South, commented: "The event clearly demonstrates the commitment of the Brighton business community to ensuring the city reaches its potential. There's no doubt that the face of business is changing and I'm confident that the diligence and entrepreneurial spirit of business owners in the area will help Brighton make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead.

"HSBC is proud to be helping our Brighton-based customers prepare for the long-term, helping them shape and develop for future success. The Future of Business report reveals more businesses will look to trade across international borders and HSBC is well placed to help its customers make this challenging, but rewarding, leap."

Colin Monk, Pro-Vice Chancellor Marketing and Business, University of Brighton, added: "Brighton is a dynamic business centre – half our workforce is between 25 and 44, a large proportion of which are graduates. This relative youth, combined with the diverse mix of people living in a small city, provide the creative, dynamic environment vital to advancing the growth businesses of today and the new industries of tomorrow which will establish Brighton as a Supercity."

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