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South East startup scene: Why small businesses are thriving outside the capital

During May and June, I’ll be exploring the startup scene in Surrey, Kent and Sussex with the aim of exposing a vibrant and entrepeneuerial business community. Since launching Bdaily South East last year, I’ve found that these areas, often seen merely as residential zones for city commuters, are in fact hubs for creative and entrepreneurial expertise - London is no longer the be all and end all of the South East’s startup scene.

A rise in commercial and residential property prices coupled with an increasingly chaotic public transport system has meant that the capital is no longer the first choice for many budding entrepreneurs. As a result of competitivity and the soaring cost of infrastructure, the home counties have seen a boost in economic output.

Brighton is often seen as a hub for technology and creative investment in the South East. According to a report by Centre for Cities, the seaside town has the highest number of startups per capita outside of London. Meanwhile, organisations such as Locate East Sussex and Let’s Do Business giving financial support and advice to businesses across East Sussex.

Earlier this week I spoke to Ian Wakeman, the man behind Brighton’s TribeHive, an app that increases data coverage for mobile users in crowded places, like football stadia and music festivals. The football club or event organiser can then target the user with relevant advertising material such as discounted season ticket offer. The University of Sussex spin-out, which is already working with several major football clubs including Brighton & Hove Albion, has benefitted greatly from choosing to stay in East Sussex - something I will expore in more detail in my upcoming feature.

In Surrey, government-led initiative Woking Works gives startups access to exclusive offers, expert advice and invaluable resources. In the next few weeks, I will be talking to several businesses that have benefitted from the Woking Works scheme, as I hope to highlight the changing landscape of entrepreneurship in the South East. The UK is no longer a one-city economy, and as a result, the home counties are nurturing an increasing number of exciting and inventive new businesses.

Keep your eyes peeled for my interview with Ian later this week. If you run a business in the South East, or you work with startups in the region, get in touch with me direct at ellen.forster@bdaily.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .