Brighton and Hove business owners and mental health experts could team up to promote happiness and economic growth.

At a Brighton and Hove Economic Partnership (BHEP) debate on the pursuit of happiness in the city, more than 60 business leaders discussed the benefits of a healthier and happier workforce.

Tony Mernagh, executive director at the BHEP, said the next step could be to organise a series of workshops with the Action for Happiness (Brighton) group which includes health professionals.

The Action for Happiness group has 350 members in the area and organises regular meetings and events.

At the debate, director of public health in Brighton and Hove Tom Scanlon also revealed to the audience they live and work in a divided city.

When asked in a health survey, 83% of people in the Rottingdean Coast ward area said they were happy.

This was significantly higher than the 72% average for the city as a whole and the national average of 71%.

At the other end of the scale, only 63% of those questioned in Brunswick and Adelaide said they felt happy.

Mr Mernagh said: “I thought Brighton was a happy-go-lucky place to work in but the research suggests otherwise. I was surprised that no-one at the debate said they employed people and that's enough. The next step could be to link up with the Action for Happiness group.”

Alex Bailey, a 'positive psychologist' based in Brighton and a member of The Action for Happiness Group, said she would welcome the opportunity to discuss the issue with businesses.

She said: “I work regularly with organisations on how they can increase the happiness of workers. The research shows the more money does not make people happier, but we have to recognise the importance of economic growth.”

The BHEP members also heard that The Argus will be launching its “That's Good News!” campaign in the new year.