Ramsgate is set to host the inaugural Seaside Summit on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the historic Albion House. This one-day event will bring together business leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to explore the evolving landscape of Britain’s coastal economy. The summit aims to highlight how seaside towns are transforming into vibrant centres for business, creativity, and community life, fostering a new era of enterprise and regeneration.
Key Takeaways
- Coastal towns are emerging as significant hotspots for new business creation.
- The event will focus on investment, connectivity, sustainable tourism, and attracting new residents and entrepreneurs.
- Success stories and innovative ideas for revitalising high streets will be showcased.
Coastal Enterprise on the Rise
Recent research indicates a significant surge in business start-ups within coastal locations across the UK. Andrew Gradon, head of GoDaddy UK & Ireland, noted that many iconic coastal towns are at the forefront of this entrepreneurial boom, particularly in the south of England, a trend amplified by post-Covid shifts in population.
The National Coastal Tourism Academy further supports the economic significance of coastal areas, reporting that 10% of all international visitors to the UK choose coastal destinations.
A High-Profile Gathering
The Seaside Summit will feature an impressive roster of speakers, including Lord Bassam of Brighton, Polly Billington MP, Nick Gliddon from Vodafone, Neil Brocklehurst from The Post Office, Paul Barlow of Southeastern Rail, Tim Davies-Pugh from Power to Change, Theodora Hadjimichael of Responsible Finance, Rob Kenyon of Heritage Labs, and Louise Brooks from Ramsgate Space. Emma Jones CBE, Non-Executive Director of Ramsgate Space and host of the event, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "The Seaside Summit is about celebrating the coast as a place of opportunity for enterprise, innovation and quality of life. Britain’s coastal towns have extraordinary potential, and this event will bring together people who are helping to unlock it."
Exploring Future Opportunities
Discussions throughout the day will delve into critical topics such as securing investment for coastal businesses, enhancing connectivity and transport infrastructure, promoting sustainable tourism practices, and strategies for attracting new residents and entrepreneurs. The summit will also provide a platform to share success stories from local founders who are building thriving businesses by the sea, alongside innovative concepts aimed at filling vacant retail spaces.
The event, supported by GoDaddy, will run from 10 am to 4 pm, followed by networking drinks until 6 pm. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy a full programme of talks, networking sessions, and local hospitality, including lunch at Albion House. A new publication, "Seaside CEO," profiling local business owners from Ramsgate, will be launched during the post-event drinks at Perico Lounge.
Tickets, which include access to all sessions, refreshments, lunch, and networking drinks, can be secured via the eventbrite link.
