Introduction

I am very pleased to introduce this sixth edition of the Brighton & Hove Business Directory.

The directory includes information about 5,500 local businesses and the goods and services they offer. In the editorial section you will find a profile of the city's economy and its key business sectors, together with details of the help available to businesses, employers, start-ups and those considering investing in the city.

As we go to press the world is facing a challenging and uncertain time economically. As one of its recession relief measures, the local authority is encouraging businesses and residents to support Brighton & Hove's economy by 'buying local' and this directory is a core tool for providing information about where to source a wide range of local products and services.

If you would like to add your business to the online directory the process is free and simple. You can add your business to the online directory for free by clicking on the 'Search database' link.

Culture, recreation and tourism play a vital role in Brighton & Hove's economy and this edition includes an article on the growing contribution that creative businesses and cultural events make to the city's prosperity by attracting large numbers of visitors from all parts of the world.

The city council is committed to supporting the city's existing businesses and is particularly focused on encouraging the small and medium sized businesses that help to make the city such a unique place to live and visit.

The council's Economic Development team is working to attract new companies into the city, to expand employment opportunities and foster newly emerging sectors such as digital media and environmental businesses. A recent report commissioned by HSBC predicted that Brighton & Hove will be one of five super-cities to emerge in the UK in the next few decades, due to our strong knowledge economy and openness to new working practices.

I would like to wish all our local businesses, both established and those starting out, the greatest success in the future.

Cllr Mary Mears
Leader, Brighton & Hove City Council