Chamber Scrutinises State of the City

The sixth annual ‘State of the City’ event has been announced by the Brighton & Hove Chamber of Commerce for June 20th, at the Sallis Benney theatre in Brighton. The 90 minute Question Time-style debate will consider how Brighton & Hove is really doing, learn what businesses and residents think of the city’s progress and hear what politicians and city leaders are planning.

Now an established part of the city calendar, the evening is widely regarded as the best forum for discussing the state of Brighton & Hove, whether it be about the true economics of parking, the benefits of the i360, the desirability of attracting more big companies or the challenges of sustainability.

Although staged by the Chamber, the event is not only open to businesses: anyone can book a seat to attend, on a ‘first come’ basis, entry is free and – to stand a real chance of being aired – questions are invited in advance by email.

Chaired once again by Roger French of the Brighton & Hove Bus Company, the debate will be led by 200+ business owners and citizens. The audience will include a number of council officers, chairs and councillors – including Council Leader Jason Kitcat – and there will be a panel comprising

John Barradell, Chief Executive of Brighton & Hove City Council
Julia Chanteray, President of Brighton & Hove Chamber of Commerce
Olivia Reid, Marketing & Events Manager, Terre a Terre
Tony Mernagh, Executive Director of Brighton & Hove Economic Partnership

Julia Chanteray, Chamber of Commerce president, said: “Brighton & Hove is in the unique position of having the country’s only Green-led council and a local economy that still seems to be bucking the national trend in growth and employment, all of which provide a background for what should be an extremely lively and informative debate covering almost every aspect of city life.”

Places must be booked in advance by visiting http://www.businessinbrighton.org.uk/event/the-big-debate-state-city-2011 or by calling 01273 719097. Questions may be submitted by email to admin@businessinbrighton.org.uk .

Press release by Rob Shepherd, The Press Dispensary

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