The Business Forum operates the city centre management initiative for the city. It is a company limited by guarantee and is funded by revenue generating projects such as its award winning Business Crime Reduction Partnership and also private sector contributions from key players in the city.

The Business Forum operates a number of schemes designed to make Brighton & Hove a better place to live, work and visit including the Business Crime Reduction Partnership and administering the city centre Business Improvement District (BID).

The Brighton & Hove Economic Partnership (BHEP) is an unincorporated partnership of 50 individuals representing each sector of the city's economy. It is also one of the five area partnerships making up the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

Working with the local authority, a wide range of businesses and the LEP it publishes the economic strategy for the city and encourages and facilitates its delivery. It is also responsible for handling inward investment enquiries from companies seeking to locate in the city.

BHEP is a key consultee for major developments and responds formally to strategic planning applications and local, regional and national consultation opportunities. It is represented on the Local Strategic Partnership (LSP), the Public Service Board (PSB), the Strategic Housing Partnership (SHP) and other strategic partnerships in the city.