Hastings was identified in the Regional Economic Strategy as a Regional Hub for economic activity and development. The area is the focus for a major 10-year programme of regeneration and investment for growth.

Recently significant developments have began to make an impact on the area and its residents such as the University Centre Hastings and Hastings Innovation Centre. Also planned is a rebuild of the main train station which should also contribute to the regeneration of the area.

Reports on the labour market by sector in Hastings & Rother have been produced by the Learning & Skills Council. Each sector report is available for download at the bottom of the page.

Providers of learning opportunities include:

• University Centre Hastings - a higher education centre in Hastings which provides a broad range of courses from it partners including Brighton, Chichester, Sussex and the Open University
• Academy 6 - Hastings College's new 6th Form Centre
• Hastings College - further education provider
• Bexhill College  - based in Rother district
• Horizons Community Learning Project - offers adults the opportunity to acquire new knowledge and develop their skills. The project offers non-traditional learners in Hastings and St Leonards the chance to return to learning in their own community, with the opportunity to study a wide range of subjects.

Organisations working in Hastings include:

• Hasting Borough Council - details of their plans and strategies
• Local Strategic Partnership - a partnership of public agencies, business, voluntary and community sectors working together for the benefit of local people.
• Sea Space - the economic development company for Hastings and Bexhill.
• Hastings Trust - a charity for those who live, work or visit hastings, which aims to care for the environment and to help the local economy.
• Hastings Voluntary Action (HVA) - a local action group for hastings.

Other related websites:

• Hastings Skills Match - a resource on jobs and training within Hastings
• Visit Hastings - information about Hastings and surrounding areas for visitors and tourists.
• Hastings Observer - the local paper for Hastings and St. Leonards