Eastbourne business news
Eastbourne business news, newest first: openings, closures, awards and jobs across the area.
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Eastbourne claimant count 2,960: up 105 in a year
September's count is 2,960, or 4.8%, and August was cut by 40 to 2,930. Under-25s are up 50 on the year, while Eastbourne's rise is the slowest in East Sussex.
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Business
Eastbourne Business Awards 2026: Fountain Digital wins
Fountain Digital is Overall Business of the Year 2026, and Tim Cobb and Keith Ridley share Lifetime Achievement. All 18 awards and the highly commended.
Jobs
Eastbourne claimant count 2,970: the year's rise is men
August's count is 2,970, or 4.9%. Men are up 90 on the year, women just 5, and July has been revised down to 2,955. Devonshire ward is still on 8.6%.
Business
Auntie Anne's opens at The Beacon today with free pretzels
The pretzel chain opens in The Beacon on Saturday 12 September: a giant pretzel pulling ceremony at 10.45am, then a free pretzel each from 11am to midday.
Business
Eastbourne's 67 New Companies in August, Down From 107
Companies House recorded 67 new Eastbourne companies in August, down from July's 107. A wine bar, a chicken shop and a barbers are among the plans on paper.
Jobs
Eastbourne claimant count hits 2,985, highest since March
July's count rose for a second month to 2,985, 4.9% of working-age residents. Devonshire ward is on 8.8%, yet Eastbourne's annual rise is East Sussex's mildest.
Business
Eastbourne Business Awards 2026: 88 finalists, 18 awards
Fountain Digital is Overall Business of the Year 2026. All winners are out; here are the 88 finalists by category, as shortlisted in August.
Jobs
Eastbourne claimant count: 2,985 in June, Devonshire 8.7%
2,985 people in Eastbourne claimed unemployment-related benefits in June, 4.9% of working-age residents; Devonshire ward's 8.7% is the borough's highest rate.