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The Brighton Paradox: GROWTH

The Brighton Paradox

Release Date: 09/15/2024

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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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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 Brighton tackle inequality and affordability while attracting investment?
  • How can grassroots movements and community-led initiatives shape the city's future growth?
  • Is "growth" in Brighton a dirty word, or can it be redefined to promote equity and sustainability?

Featured Contributors:

  • Paul Doran – Tech marketing specialist
    Paul discusses Brighton's ecosystem and the need for innovative, cross-sector collaboration to drive growth.

  • Flo Powell – PR Consultant, Midnight Communications
    Flo highlights the challenges and opportunities of Brighton’s property boom, emphasising sustainable urban development.

  • Rose Tighe – Co-founder, Brighton AI
    Rose talks about how AI can be used for social good in Brighton, addressing the city’s economic inequalities through tech innovation.

  • Bobby Brown – Community Worker and Creative Entrepreneur
    Bobby reflects on the intersection of creativity and grassroots activism in shaping Brighton's future growth.

  • Kayla Ente – Founder, Brighton & Hove Energy Services Cooperative (BHESCO)
    Kayla discusses the importance of green energy and community-driven solutions to support sustainable growth in Brighton.

  • Simon Chuter – Head of Centres and Investment Services, Sussex Innovation
    Simon reflects on the role of investment in supporting Brighton's growing businesses and scaling up local startups.

  • Vicki Hughes – Managing Director, Fugu PR
    Vicki discusses Brighton & Hove Albion’s economic impact and how sport can contribute to the city's growth.

  • Alex Young – Director, Projects
    Alex talks about Brighton’s business ecosystem, touching on how startups and young entrepreneurs can drive the city’s growth.

  • Gavin Stewart – Executive Director, Brighton Business Improvement District / Economic Partnership
    Gavin reflects on the challenges of Brighton’s wage gap, the gender pay gap, and how the city can create better opportunities for everyone.

  • LinkedIn: Gavin Stewart

Key topics covered:

  • Economic growth vs. sustainability: Can Brighton grow its economy without losing sight of its sustainability goals, and how can it maintain its identity amidst rapid change?

  • AI and tech-driven growth: The role of artificial intelligence in Brighton’s future is examined, especially how it can drive social good and create new economic opportunities.

  • Green energy and the circular economy: Kayla Ente and Vicki Hughes discuss the importance of the green economy and how community-driven initiatives like BHESCO and Brighton Loop can help the city thrive sustainably.

  • Tackling inequality: Many contributors highlight the challenges of income inequality, the housing crisis, and the need for more inclusive growth in Brighton.

  • Grassroots activism and community resilience: Bobby Brown and others reflect on how local movements are influencing policy and creating opportunities for underserved communities.

Conclusions:

There is a need for more investment, but this must be paired with community-led solutions, particularly in green energy and housing. Contributors agree that Brighton has the potential to grow into a more equitable city, but only if it addresses its deep-rooted issues of inequality and affordability.

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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