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The Brighton Paradox: RENEWAL

The Brighton Paradox

Release Date: 09/08/2024

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The Brighton Paradox

Hello!   I need your help with something that is going to be quite a big deal - if you don't mind me asking. I think (hope) it will be something you'll enjoy getting involved in that begins life on February 14th.   A mad project   Since the first lockdown in 2020 - when all of the most baffling parts of the economy, health, politics, society, science and culture took centre stage - I've been developing the idea for a project. A collaborative project that uses a mix of podcasts, animation and research to explain How England Works.   Huh?   I mean how the economic /...

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The Brighton Paradox

Summary: In Growth, the final episode of Series Two, we examine Brighton’s economic and social growth, with contributors reflecting on the city's challenges and opportunities. This episode delves into the debate around what it means to grow in a city known for creativity and activism. Is economic growth compatible with sustainability? Can Brighton thrive without exacerbating inequality? Key questions: How can Brighton foster both economic and social growth without losing its unique identity? What role does the tech sector play in driving inclusive and sustainable growth in the city? Can...

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The Brighton Paradox

In this episode, Renewal, we explore how Brighton is navigating the tension between decline and the potential for renewal. As the city grapples with a range of challenges, from the closure of iconic businesses to the need for better infrastructure, contributors share their thoughts on how Brighton can rebuild its social, economic, and cultural identity. Key themes include the importance of collaboration, the tech sector’s role in revitalisation, and the intersection of arts and community renewal. Key questions: What role does leadership play in Brighton & Hove’s renewal? How can...

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The Brighton Paradox

In this episode, Impatience, the focus shifts to the growing sense of urgency within Brighton’s creative, business, political, and educational communities. As the city grapples with the challenges of economic inequality, educational disparities, and social justice, the episode examines how impatience is driving new initiatives and pushing for change. Contributors discuss the tension between the desire to act quickly and the need for thoughtful collaboration to ensure sustainable progress, all while navigating significant political shifts within the city’s leadership. Key questions: How is...

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The Brighton Paradox

In this episode, host Richard Freeman explores Brighton & Hove as a metaphorical mycelium—an interconnected network of people, ideas, and movements bubbling beneath the surface. As the city grapples with post-pandemic challenges and economic fragility, this episode asks whether Brighton's current actions stem from hope or stress. Through interviews with local visionaries, the episode investigates how new technological, cultural, and community-driven initiatives are trying to address Brighton’s systemic issues, from inequality to economic sustainability. Key questions: How are the new...

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The Brighton Paradox

Hello!   A quick note to say that The Brighton Paradox will be back soon!   Series 2 will be examining the landscape across the city in 2023 and 2024 - what is changing, and what is building in economics, culture, community and technology.   Look out in this feed later this spring.   We're also delighted to announce that we are being supported again by who return as brilliant headline sponsors and partners. And the programme also returns as a valuable project partner. In addition - we have two new supporters; the exceptional folk at and the legends at .   ...

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The Brighton Paradox

This is the final episode. Where this part of the journey ends.   These clips are all about what's next for Brighton & Hove. The hopes, fears and dreams for the next decade.   In four sections, we have ordered contributors' thoughts into: Keeping Brighton weird? The city as the UK's laboratory and how to grow that philosophy Paying it forward? Making space for young people to shape, lead and disrupt Fixing the ecosystem? Being brave to make long-term change to the city’s infrastructure Community power? Harnessing the energy of everyone, everywhere to shape the future  ...

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The Brighton Paradox

In this penultimate episode, we look at how the city wanting to attract big business and London money - is also the city pioneering the weird, small, experimental ideas that are often best scaled-up elsewhere   And we try to answer the following questions:   Where does leadership come from in Brighton & Hove? What kind of leadership is needed to get things done? Do we need a mayor or stronger networks with teeth to make change? Should Brighton be more of a regional leader as a city?     Featured contributors:   Ed Chinn () Mat Hunter () Sarah Springford () Ian...

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The Brighton Paradox

We're taking a short break between episodes 8 and 9/10. We will be organising some follow-up events later this Spring and Summer, to take forward themes and ideas in The Brighton Paradox. Not just more roundtable discussions, but action-led spaces for learning and commitment.   But we don't want to own or dictate how these run. We'd like to have a range of people facilitate, and to consider different and engaging formats to usual panel or workshop formats.   Can you please head to and answer a few questions? Scroll down below the published episodes and you'll find a button. This...

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The Brighton Paradox

In this episode, we look at how the city wanting to attract big business and London money - is also the city pioneering the weird, small, experimental ideas that are often best scaled-up elsewhere   And we try to answer the following questions:   Can Brighton & Hove be comfortable as the UK's ideas lab? What is a laboratory approach to business/tech, social justice, public services and culture/sport? Who is investing in ideas and risk? How important are collaborative spaces? Messy spaces? Interdisciplinary spaces?     Featured contributors: Mat Hunter () Jack...

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More Episodes

In this episode, Renewal, we explore how Brighton is navigating the tension between decline and the potential for renewal. As the city grapples with a range of challenges, from the closure of iconic businesses to the need for better infrastructure, contributors share their thoughts on how Brighton can rebuild its social, economic, and cultural identity. Key themes include the importance of collaboration, the tech sector’s role in revitalisation, and the intersection of arts and community renewal.

Key questions:

  • What role does leadership play in Brighton & Hove’s renewal?
  • How can Brighton’s tech and creative sectors adapt to the loss of key institutions?
  • What’s the balance between grassroots renewal and corporate growth?
  • Is Brighton’s physical decline an indicator of broader systemic issues?
  • What lessons can Brighton learn from other cities?

Featured contributors:

  1. Paul Doran – Tech marketing specialist
    Paul discusses the current economic challenges facing Brighton, sharing ideas about the city's lack of cohesive strategy and the need for leadership to drive meaningful change.

  2. Flo Powell –Co-Director, Midnight Communications
    Flo reflects on the visible decline of Brighton’s city centre and the increasing safety concerns in once-thriving areas. She shares personal anecdotes about the effects of the pandemic and the city’s ongoing struggle with anti-social behaviour.

  3. Gavin Stewart – Executive Director, Brighton Business Improvement District (BID)
    Gavin highlights the role of the BID in revitalising Brighton’s city centre, focusing on efforts to improve cleanliness, reduce graffiti, and create a more vibrant and welcoming environment.

  4. Susuana Amoah – ONCA Gallery
    Susuana reflects on the decline of Brighton’s arts scene, particularly the loss of galleries and cultural spaces. She discusses how financial pressures have forced the repurposing of these spaces, and the impact on the city’s identity as an arts hub.

  5. Alex Morrison – Founder, CoggAp & Former Chair of Wired Sussex
    Alex discusses the closure of Wired Sussex and the significant implications this has for Brighton’s tech sector, particularly in terms of collaboration, education, and community inclusion.

  6. Rosie McColl – Headteacher, Brighton Girls
    Rosie shares insights into the partnership between Brighton Girls and Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, which promotes inclusivity in sports, particularly for young girls across the city.

  7. Vicki Hughes – Managing Director, Fugu PR
    Vicki discusses the broader impact of Brighton & Hove Albion’s success on the local economy, emphasising the club’s role in fostering pride and attracting investment.

  8. Lord Steve Bassam – Labour Peer and Former Leader of Brighton & Hove Council
    Lord Bassam shares his vision for Brighton’s renewal, focusing on the role of sports and cultural institutions in driving economic growth and improving the city’s global profile.

  9. Cllr Bella Sankey – Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council
    Bella outlines her administration’s priorities for economic and social renewal in Brighton, emphasising infrastructure improvements and efforts to bring women’s football back to the city.

  10. Cllr Ty Goddard – Lead Councillor for Economic Development
    Ty discusses plans for revitalising Brighton’s infrastructure, including efforts to improve the city’s appearance and engage local businesses in the renewal process.

Key Topics Covered:

  • Economic challenges and the closure of key businesses: Contributors discuss the impact of losing institutions like Wired Sussex and The Body Shop, and how this reflects broader issues in Brighton’s economy.

  • Tech sector renewal: The role of Brighton’s tech industry in driving economic growth is explored, alongside concerns about the loss of community-focused initiatives and educational outreach due to Wired Sussex’s closure.

  • The state of the city’s physical appearance: The visible decline of Brighton’s city centre is a key focus, with calls for better maintenance and cleanliness. The importance of creating a more welcoming environment for residents and visitors is emphasised.

  • Arts and cultural decline: The closure of galleries and art spaces is a major concern, with discussions on how the arts community can adapt and seek alternative funding models to survive in a post-pandemic landscape.

  • The role of sports in renewal: Brighton & Hove Albion’s success is highlighted as a symbol of the city’s potential for renewal. The club’s economic impact and its efforts to promote inclusivity through women’s football are explored.

Credits:

This is an always possible podcast: alwayspossible.podcastpage.io/

In collaboration with Lo Fi Arts: linkedin.com/company/lo-fi-arts/

Supported by Brighton & Hove Albion FC: brightonandhovealbion.com

Project partners:

Written and presented by: Richard Freeman
Produced and edited by: Chris Thorpe Tracey
Project support by: Kate Regester and the always possible team
Podcast artwork by: Meg Fenn

Original music by:

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