LEISURE property specialists Fleurets says that the city's leisure and hospitality markets continue to be at the forefront of change and innovation.

In its latest report, the company - based in Boundary Road, Hove - said it is no surprise that the city welcomes a bumper eight million visitors a year.

It claims that our proximity to London is of significant benefit when considering the number of external investors who are maintaining the city's ongoing popularity and increasing numbers of branded operators.

But it warns that the post-Brexit future is unclear.

The report says: "With the recent EU referendum, the affects both perceived and actual of Brexit are rippling through the licensed industry.

Whilst Brighton is not alone in holding its breath, local businesses are hoping that, in the short term, the weaker pound will make the UK a more affordable destination for overseas travellers and more attractive to UK residents for staycations."

Fleurets says there is no doubt that the city has a vibrant, multidimensional scene, which is going from strength to strength.

The city is now home to around 1,500 technological companies and the Greater Brighton City Deal plans to provide around £170 million

of investment from central government, for local public sector and private investment.

These funds will help Brighton’s Silicon Beach, assisting new tech start-ups and other young companies by providing advice,

support and facilities.

It says: "Alongside the development of digital businesses in the city, the leisure and hospitality market continues to be at the forefront of change and innovation."

Brighton and Hove "seemingly shrugs off many of the challenges that have affected provincial cities and towns and continues to go from strength to strength, demonstrated by the improving tourism and visitor statistics.

"This is further evidenced by the city’s hotels key performance statistics, which demonstrate an upward trend of growth in both occupancy and average room rates, ahead of already strong performance.

"The city’s heritage as a popular seaside resort ensures there is an eclectic mix of hotel and accommodation provision. Smaller independent hotels dominate the local market in terms of hotel numbers, however, corporate and branded hotels dominate room supply."

The independent beer offering is a market which is also gathering pace, says the report, with the likes of Laine Pub Company brewing their owns ales and Indigo joining the craft beer revolution and exploring micro brewing.

It adds: "Others include the Craft Beer Company, Brighton Bier Company, Liberty Beer, BrewDog and Bison Beer, plus many other similar operators looking for suitable small bar operations/off sales around the city.

"Independent cocktail bars have also recently made a big hit in the city with many bistros now following the leaders and offering their own versions of the classic cocktail menu."

For the corporate/branded restaurants, Brighton represents a key city for expansion. Many other operators are also expressing interest and searching for suitable sites, with some willing to pay significant premiums for the right space.