Brighton business news
Brighton business news, newest first: openings, closures, awards and jobs across the area.
Top story
Brighton Claimant Count Up 175 to 8,665 in September
8,665 people in Brighton & Hove claimed unemployment-related benefits in September, a second monthly rise. The count is up 5.3% in a year, faster than the South East.
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Business
Sussex Quantum Spin-Out Universal Quantum Raises $100m
Universal Quantum, born at the University of Sussex, has raised over $100m, the biggest Series A by a UK quantum firm. Here is who invested and what it is for.
Council
Western Road Red Route Called In: Scrutiny Vote Tuesday
Fourteen councillors have called in Cabinet's Western Road Red Route decision. Scrutiny meets on Tuesday 6 October and can send it back to Cabinet.
Food hygiene
Brighton Food Hygiene Ratings: Two Rated 1 in August
Two Brighton and Hove restaurants were rated 1, major improvement necessary, in August. 52 of 66 inspections scored 5. Every low rating, and two more from July.
Health
Brighton Tobacco Sales: Born 2009 or Later Barred From 1 Jan
From 1 January 2027 no shop may sell tobacco to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009. The city's 13% smoking rate is the South East's highest, says the council.
Business
Brighton New Businesses: 30 Registered, West St Pub Winds Up
At least 30 companies registered a Brighton or Hove office in early September. The company behind The Victory Inn on West Street has resolved to wind up.
University
University of Brighton Plans to Close Falmer Campus by 2030
The university told staff it wants to move to two campuses, City and Moulsecoomb, from 2030, a day after telling unions their agreements end in June 2027.
Jobs
Brighton Claimant Count Rises for First Time Since March
8,650 people claimed unemployment-related benefits in August, up 200 on July after four months of falls. At 4.3%, the city sits above the South East and UK.
Sport
Brighton Triathlon Sold: New Name, and a New August Date
The Brighton & Hove Triathlon has been bought by Supertri. From 2027 it is Supertri Brighton, on Sunday 29 August, and early-bird entries close on 19 September.
Business
Brighton Minimum Wage: Six Employers Named, £9,450 Owed
Six Brighton & Hove employers underpaid 23 workers £9,450.70, government figures published on 3 September show. Five of the six are hospitality businesses.
Business
Brighton Creative Workspace: 22,121 sq ft, Bids by 2 Oct
The council is offering 22,121 sq ft at Phoenix House and Lyndean House to creative firms. Bidders name their own rent, and bids close at noon on 2 October.
Christmas
Brighton Christmas Market 2026: None Yet, New Lights Due
Still no Brighton Christmas market for 2026. The BID says a new Christmas lighting scheme is coming, date unannounced. Free fairs: Wagner Hall 12-13 Dec, Dome 5 Dec.
Jobs
Brighton Claimant Count 8,575 in July, Up 260 in a Year
Brighton & Hove's claimant count reached 8,575 in July, 4.2% of working-age residents and 260 more than a year ago. Under-25s account for 160 of that rise.
Seafront
Brighton Wheel Could Return to Madeira Drive by Summer 2027
The Brighton Wheel's return to Madeira Drive goes to Cabinet on 17 September: a 25-year lease, then planning permission, and rides by summer 2027 if approved.
Food hygiene
Brighton and Hove food hygiene ratings, July 2026: every single inspection scored the top mark
All 21 Brighton and Hove food hygiene inspections rated in July 2026 scored the maximum 5, from Riddle and Finns and the Bandstand Cafe on the seafront to school kitchens, nurseries and Hove pubs.