Supercity Brighton

Lucinda Adam The Politics Show South East

A recent report named Brighton as one of five "supercities" that will save the country's economy.

Innovation in new technology will drive growth

It is said Brighton, along with Leeds, Liverpool, London and Newcastle would become a supercity focusing on new economic endeavours like digital media, broadcasting, nanotechnology, cybernetics and other bio and technological sciences over the next 20 years.

The supercity phenomenon has been driven by the recession which has highlighted the need to find innovative ways of working in order to increase international business and entrepreneurship.

Powerhouse economy

BUSINESS SUPERCITIES Future of Business 'Supercities' report [660 KB] Most computers will open this document automatically, but you may need Adobe Reader Download the reader here

It is claimed these cities will emerge as a powerhouse economy over the next 20 years in what will be the biggest shake-up since the industrial revolution.

Britain's traditional landscape of factories, power stations and farms could be replaced with areas devoted to creative media, robotics and wind farms.

The report was commissioned by HSBC and was written by The Future Laboratory, a global company for trend forecasting, consumer insight and brand strategy.

Its author, Martin Raymond, said, "These supercities and regions will derive their status, income and prestige from new economic income streams such as biotech, stem cell research, innovation, gaming and even alternative work practices and business models."

Exploit 'liberated' image

Mark Froud: Brighton and Hove is unique

While northern cities are expected to become science and financial hubs, Brighton is expected to cash in on its 'liberated' image to create an alternative economy.

Head of Sussex Enterprise Mark Froud said, "Brighton and Hove is unique.

"There is only one of its kind in the world and that is its great strength."

The city is already a 'media hotspot' and but it is also now attracting leading lights in the computer gaming industry.

Around 11% of the city's workforce is employed in creative industries, which is far above the national average of 3%.

Others emulate?

Now other areas of the South East are hoping to emulate Brighton's success.

Hastings, Folkestone and Chatham Dockyard have both recently undergone regeneration projects aimed at attracting creative industries.

Maidstone has worked hard to develop business networks with its television studios and Margate is hoping its iconic Turner Contemporary gallery will attract creative minds to the town.

But some people question whether these industries can really thrive without having Brighton's transport links, quality of life and its regular supply of science and arts graduates from its two universities.

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