Living and working in Brighton is a life choice. With so many talented people migrating down to the coast and adopting this vibrant city as their own, we asked our gorgeous digital marketing team, what they love most about living and working here.
A true blooded Brightonian is a minority at ThoughtShift, with only 26% of the team born and bred. This resulted in a debate amongst the team as to what is the definition of a Brighton native and it was decided that living here for 10 years or more gives you the right to claim you’re a Brighton native.
So, what does make Brighton the best place for Digital Marketing professionals to work and live?
Digital Marketing Hub
Brighton is a major UK hub for Digital Marketing companies
Well firstly, and importantly Brighton has been voted one of the top ten happiest cities to work in the UK and at ThoughtShift we are ALL about happy. Brighton is also a UK hub for Digital Marketing companies, second only to London. Education is becoming much more focused towards digital marketing careers. The University of Brighton, Brighton MET and BACA are working closely with businesses to help grow and support the future work force. There is also a fantastic vibe within the digital community with forums such as Brighton Digital Women and various events throughout the year geared towards the industry. Because of this Brighton has secured the opportunity to be the national 5G testbed at the Digital Catapult Centre. Needless to say, it’s an exciting time to be in Brighton and it’s fast becoming the Digital tech capital of the UK.
Oh We Do Like to Be Beside the Seaside
Being by the sea was the number one reason the team love working in this great city! Brighton beach is a sight to behold in all seasons. The beautiful blue waters of summer and the grey, crashing waves in the winter. The delicious sea breeze scented with fried foods, paired with the screech of gull’s overhead, looking for their next victim. Not forgetting a quick saunter down to the beach for lunch, gives you the chance to soak up some much-needed vitamin D. There are so many activities and events down on the seafront throughout the year whatever the weather it really is the cornerstone of the city.
Journey to Work
With the infamous, ongoing train issues (less said the better), the journey to London has never been a pleasure. Working in Brighton the commute to work is much more tranquil. What better way to start and end your working day than a stroll along the sea front, jumping on a coaster bus or meandering along the Laines. The city is totally accessible on foot and for anything slightly farther afield the bus services work wonders. We also have the new SoBi Smart bikes scheme the council are rolling out this summer, so exciting times ahead.
Food Glorious Food
Brighton is a renowned foodie mecca and was named top destination for restaurants and bars by the readers of Conde Nast. With every cuisine catered for and enough restaurants to dine out in for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, you really can’t go wrong. It can become quite a heated debate in the office, on where to get the best pizza or yummiest Indian. The only option is to try them all and analyse the pro’s and con’s over the lunch table.
Culture on Tap
Brighton is the unofficial Festival Capital of the UK and proudly hosts the largest arts festival in England. You name it Brighton has a festival or event for it. Music, Comedy, Film, Art, Food, LGBT and everything in between. Madeira Drive is always buzzing with the latest event, whether it’s the Brighton Marathon, London To Brighton Bike Ride or the turn of the Classic Cars Run. The city is steeped in history and the famous Royal Pavilion and its stunning architecture sits happily alongside the latest street art. The list of things to do and see is endless in this fair city including lots of free events. Visit Brighton has a fantastic website detailing upcoming events.
South Downs
Whilst the sea is one of Brighton’s crowning jewels the South Downs National Park, which encompasses Brighton, gives this buzzing city an incredible back drop and the chance to hop on the bus and explore the Downs and all its bounty. Devils Dyke, Seven Sisters and Beachy Head to name but three, are all a must. Particularly if you are partial to a Sunday roast after a stroll around the Downs.
Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance is achievable and becomes something that you have rather than what you’d like.
Brighton also gives you the opportunity to really enjoy a work-life balance, to flourish, be individual and unique, be part of a wider community, that’s inclusive and respectful to everyone. It’s a melting pot of diversity and acceptance. There are no taboos. A work-life balance is achievable and becomes something that you have rather than what you’d like. It’s a massive part of ThoughtShift’s core values and the ethos of our Co-Founders AJ Coutts and Helen Trendell. Offering flexi-time, being able to go to the gym and start later or leave earlier to get home and walk the dog along the beach. Spending time with friends and loved ones and finding the right balance for you between work and life.
Brighton has it all! Where else can you walk along Western Road and watch the roller-blade disco train weave through the traffic, lit up with neon lights and thumping out disco beats. Where else can you witness couples dancing a steamy tango at The Bandstand or stroll past Chewbacca and a regiment of Storm Troopers walking to work on the 4th May. This wonderful city has so much to offer both work and play, being able to cherry pick the best bits makes Brighton life all the sweeter.
Thanks for reading. Follow my contributions to the blog to find out more about Digital Marketing careers or apply for a role with our awesome agency.
