SOME seismic movements in the world of business over the past seven days. As well as the usual success stories in this week’s Business Matters, including food award wins, the digital festival’s conclusion and tourism recognition, there were a few pieces of city-moving news garnering a big reaction.

  1. The long-rumoured restructure at Bupa International, now Bupa Global, was announced to staff last week with “at least 120” fearing for their jobs – and many more roles at risk of leaving the city. Our report uncovered a very different work culture to the community-rooted company that has employed many in the city. This will be a story that goes on.

 

2. Another bit of bad news came from Brewin Dolphin, which is leaving the city to consolidate its office in Reigate. The Brighton base may have been relatively small but its director David Pegler, a Business Matters columnist, was a familiar, well-liked figure in the business community and will be missed. The move also raises questions over the city’s capability of retaining professional services companies like Brewin.  

3. In better news, more plaudits for the city’s seaside economy. According to Lastminute.com Brighton is the top-searched tourist destination for spontaneous visits. Alongside business and high-end tourism, last minute visits are a clearly a big deal for the city and worth celebrating. 

4. In other success stories, last night saw Brighton and Hove’s best food and drink businesses recognised at the city’s food and drink awards. Some of the winners, such as 64 Degrees, Burger Brothers and Chilli Pickle, may not come as any surprise to seasoned foodies. But they deserve celebration for spearheading a revolution in the city’s food scene that has seen it named the top place to eat by Condé Nast earlu this year.  

5. Finally, last week saw the conclusion of the Brighton Digital Festival 2014 – described by organisers as the biggest and best yet. Some may question the merit of some of the more far-out events, but the festival’s growing year-on-year success is symptomatic of the city’s place at the heart of a digital and tech revolution that has given it the nickname the Silicon Beach.