'I jump in the sea to refresh my brain': How remote workers are boosting coastal towns

'I jump in the sea to refresh my brain': How remote workers are boosting coastal towns10 hours agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleBea SwallowWest of EnglandJack JohnstoneAs more people can now work from anywhere, many are choosing to settle in places that have historically struggled to retain talent, investment and year‑round visitorsAlex Hill can finish a morning of work in a shared office overlooking St Ives harbour, then head straight into the sea to clear his head before his next meeting.The producer, who works remotely from Cornwall, is part of a growing number of professionals choosing to settle long-term in coastal and rural towns once seen mainly as seasonal destinations.Enabled by remote working, they are spending locally, joining communities and helping sustain places that have historically struggled to retain talent and year-round visitor numbers.Across the West Country and beyond, this shift is reshaping local economies. Creating the infrastructure to stayRather than commuting to city offices, remote workers are putting down roots, renting homes, enrolling children in local schools, joining clubs and co-working spaces, and contributing skills that once flowed almost exclusively to major cities.For some towns, the impact is already visible, with steadier trade for local businesses and high streets that no longer rely solely on seasonal tourism.A spokesperson from the Langport Area Business Group in Somerset said the move makes the area feel "more active and lived in"."Compared with a few years ago, weekday trade is stronger, which really matters for small businesses," they said."Cafés, shops and local services are seeing familiar faces more often, which builds both community and a more reliable income."In nearby Shepton Mallet, Sam Cunningham founded Distil Coworking to give remote workers a professional base without leaving the countryside."During and after Covid, there was a big swell of people moving to t...