University of Sussex and Circular Brighton & Hove Walkshop

Exploring Brighton's Local Circular Economy in Action.

Circular Brighton & Hove Co‑Founder Steve Creed recently led MSc International Business and Development students from the University of Sussex on a “walkshop” through the city, as part of their Business Activity and Sustainable Development module.

The walkshop brought theory to life, showcasing how Brighton’s independent businesses are applying circular economy principles: designing out waste; keeping resources in use; regenerating value through creativity and community enterprise.

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Did you know Brighton is home to over 17,000 small businesses, with more than 97% employing fewer than 20 people? This makes small enterprises a powerful force in shaping a circular local economy.

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The journey began at Brighton Railway Station, where Victorian architecture has been restored and reused for nearly two centuries. The site continues to adapt for modern sustainable transport, reminding us that circularity can be embedded in infrastructure as well as business. From there, students visited Kindly Brighton, a zero‑waste refill grocery store where shoppers bring their own containers to refill dried goods, cleaning supplies, and toiletries. It’s a consumer‑facing innovation that makes sustainable choices convenient and habitual.

Passing through Pelham Square, the group arrived at To Be Worn Again, Brighton’s largest vintage and second‑hand clothing retailer. Operating for 20 years, the business tackles fast fashion by reintroducing garments into circulation — saving water, energy, and emissions while preserving cultural value. The walk continued to Fair, a store offering sustainable, long‑lasting clothing and repair services. The owner spoke passionately about slow fashion, encouraging us to choose durable, eco‑friendly garments. At Mud Jeans, students explored denim made from recycled and organic materials, alongside garments crafted from apple and mushroom fibres — creative alternatives to leather that sparked lively discussion.

A welcome stop at Red Roaster highlighted ethical sourcing, minimal waste, and local engagement in the food sector. Their coffee is even supplied across the University of Sussex campus, connecting students directly to Brighton’s circular food practices. The walk concluded at Bird & Blend, a student favourite. Founded in Brighton, this B‑Corp business is celebrated for its high standards of social and environmental performance. With zero‑waste‑to‑landfill operations and compostable mushroom‑based packaging, Bird & Blend embodies how circularity can scale from local roots to national recognition.

The walkshop highlighted how Brighton’s small businesses are not only surviving but thriving by embedding circular principles into their models. From refill groceries to slow fashion and ethical coffee, these enterprises demonstrate that sustainability is not abstract theory; it’s a lived practice shaping our community every day. For Sussex students, the experience was a chance to connect classroom learning with real‑world innovation, and to imagine how future business leaders can champion inclusive, circular approaches to development.

Thank you to all the circular businesses that welcomed us!

If you’d like to organise something similar for your organisation, university, or community group, please reach out via the Contact Us section of our website.