There’s something rough-edged and quietly confident about Portsmouth’s digital scene. You’ll find a lot happening in Southsea, Old Portsmouth, Albert Road, Fratton and North End. Not flashy, but full of movement.
Creative agencies here aren’t trying to be something they’re not, which cannot be said for some other cities in the UK. They just get on with it. The city’s location helps. Easy to reach London, Southampton, Brighton. You’re in it, but out of it.
The university has some real weight too. Graduates often stay, feeding the ecosystem. I’ve seen agencies work with names you’d expect in a capital, not a coastal city. Some good coworking space as well, and more popping up.
The city hosts a few solid digital meetups, and there’s always something ticking in the background. It’s not trying too hard, and that’s exactly why it works.
