Why Eastbourne’s digital and tech sector is growing – and what happens next
Eastbourne is not always the first place people think of when they picture digital and technology.
But that picture is increasingly out of date.
Over the past decade, a growing number of businesses, professionals, and organisations have built careers, products, and services in and around Eastbourne’s digital, creative, and technology sector. What was once less visible is now becoming harder to ignore.
What is changing now is not just the scale of that activity, but the confidence around it.
A sector that is already here
There are already thousands of businesses operating across digital and technology sector in Eastbourne and the surrounding area.
This includes everything from software development and digital marketing to design, content, and specialist technical services. Alongside this, the town has a strong technology background, with well-established engineering and manufacturing sites around the outskirts.
Eastbourne also benefits from a strong digital infrastructure, including widespread full fibre connectivity, alongside a growing number of co-working spaces that support collaboration and shared working.
There are also increasing opportunities to learn, retrain, and build new skills locally, helping more people move into digital and technology roles.
More than just a seaside town
Eastbourne’s appeal goes beyond its traditional image.
Set between the sea and the South Downs National Park, the town offers a quality of life that is increasingly difficult to find elsewhere. With a population of just over 100,000, Eastbourne combines the feel of a close-knit town with access to wider opportunities.
The seafront stretches for around 6 kilometres, and the surrounding area offers everything from countryside walks and pubs to a regenerated town centre and one of the largest marinas in northern Europe.
The town also has a strong creative and cultural presence. Institutions like the Towner Eastbourne, the Devonshire Cultural Quarter, and developments such as Black Robin Farm are helping to attract creatives and contribute to a broader cultural identity.
With over 30 schools and an average age of just 45, there is a lively population with strong potential for future talent, alongside a growing number of people choosing to build their careers here.
Connected, not isolated
Eastbourne is well connected.
Its proximity to Brighton and London means businesses and professionals have access to wider markets, networks, and opportunities, while still benefiting from being based locally.
At the same time, the rise of remote and hybrid working has made it easier than ever for people to live in Eastbourne while working with organisations across the UK and beyond.
High quality of life, combined with more accessible house prices than many larger cities, is making the area increasingly attractive to those looking to balance career and lifestyle.
And with nearly 500 more hours of sunshine per year than the national average, it is not difficult to see the appeal.
The opportunity ahead
These combined factors create a genuine opportunity for Eastbourne as a fantastic place to live, work, and play.
More people are able to build careers in digital and technology without needing to relocate. Businesses can access talent in new ways. And individuals are choosing where to live based on more than just proximity to an office.
Eastbourne is well placed to benefit from that shift.
But opportunity on its own is not enough.
The challenge to overcome
Despite this progress, perception has not always kept pace with reality.
Eastbourne is still often seen as a traditional seaside town, rather than a place where modern, high-value work is happening.
There are also ongoing challenges around:
visibility of opportunities
awareness of career pathways
connections between education and industry
Without addressing these, growth can remain fragmented and harder to sustain.
A community-led response
In response to this, a business-led community began to take shape through Chalk Eastbourne.
The aim was simple: bring people together, raise the profile of the sector, support talent, and create better connections locally.
Over time, that community has helped highlight what is already happening in Eastbourne, while strengthening links between businesses, educators, professionals, and career builders.
The role of Eastbourne DigiFest
Eastbourne DigiFest builds on that foundation.
Its aim is to inspire Eastbourne’s growth in the world of digital and tech by making knowledge, ideas, and opportunities more visible and more accessible.
Through an annual conference and a growing programme of events, it brings people together to:
share practical insight from real organisations
connect individuals across sectors and experience levels
showcase local businesses and success stories
help people understand what to do next
It is grounded in what is actually happening, and focused on what comes next.
Looking ahead
The way we work is changing quickly.
AI, automation, and digital tools are becoming part of everyday work across many industries.
For Eastbourne, the opportunity is not just to keep up with these changes, but to play an active role in shaping them.
That depends on:
stronger connections between people and organisations
better visibility of opportunities
and a shared belief in what the town can become
Eastbourne DigiFest is one part of that wider effort. Will you be part of it?
