BRIGHTON and Hove experienced a major improvement in its economic growth across the final months of last year.

The new UK Powerhouse study also says the future is looking bright for the city.

Brighton experienced year-on-year gross value added growth (the total of good and services produced) of 1.2 per cent from October until the end of December.

This made the city one of the biggest movers in the latest Powerhouse table, with it rising 11 places compared with the third quarter.

The report also predicted a further increase in the city’s GVA growth across the next 12 months with a rate of 1.6 per cent.

Victoria Brackett, chief executive of the Irwin Mitchell’s business legal services division, said: “Our latest report undoubtedly makes positive reading for Brighton, with factors behind the expected acceleration in growth including its number of skilled workers and entrepreneurs.

“Centre for Cities’ data suggests the city is home to the eighth largest share of the population with a high level of qualifications out of all UK cities.

“Such a workforce will have an integral role to play in the future of this area.”

The UK Powerhouse study is produced by Irwin Mitchell and the Centre for Economics and Business Research.

It provides an estimate of GVA growth and job creation within 45 of the UK’s largest cities 12 months ahead of the Government’s official figures.

Brighton’s performance reflected a wider trend seen across the latest UK Powerhouse study, with other major cities on the South Coast enjoying or being expected to enjoy strong growth going forward.

Theses include Southampton, Portsmouth and Plymouth.

Bournemouth was also identified as a top performer in terms of job creation.

The news will come as a major boost for Brighton and Hove.

On Friday we reported that the Hove branch of Toys R Us is to finally close on Thursday.

Staff and customers at the Goldstone Retail Park had been waiting for a closing date.

The toy chain collapsed in February and insolvency specialist Moorfields has been selling off stock.