The Californian technology entrepreneur and the man who has literally written the book on how to run a successful new business in the creative and digital sector was in Folkestone last week for the launch of his School for Creative Start-ups in East Kent. Doug Richard, who has also been one of the Dragons on the BBC TV series, Dragon’s Den, knows a good opportunity when he sees it, and believes that now is the right time for people to be starting a business in Folkestone. The arrival of the school, which will be based at the Creative Foundation in the town, adds to the excellent business infrastructure we now have in the area. Firstly, this investment would not have come to the town without the High Speed rail link. This not only reduces journey times to the capital, but links Folkestone with St Pancras station which is just a stones throw from Tech City in East London. The school will also work well alongside the new ‘Workshop’ and ‘Factory Floor’ in Tontine Street, which provide office and incubator space specially designed for creative and digital businesses.
The School for Creative start-up has also been supported by Kent County Council and the ‘Grow for It’ campaign, and the objective is to launch of 300 new businesses in the area. You can find out more about the School, and how to apply to be part of it at their website www.schoolforcreativestartups.com/kent/programme/
Sarah and I were delighted to attend the Hythe Venetian fete last Wednesday. We all enjoyed a perfect evening and congratulations are well deserved for John Schoner and his committee, and everyone involved in putting on the event. The crowds, and residents of Hythe, also enjoyed a spectacular fireworks display sponsored by the Roger De Haan Charitable Trust. The overall prize for the best float was won once again by Hythe Gardening Services for their tribute to the classic family film Mary Poppins; even including a moving carousel. The Hythe town twinning association amused the crowds, including Jean-Marie Krajewski the Mayor of Berck-sur-Mer, with their float inspired by the comedy show ‘Allo, ‘Allo. Amongst the other dignitaries present, including representatives from all of the Cinque Ports it was good to see the new Honorary Freeman of Hythe, Chris Capon. I recently attended the special meeting of Hythe Town Council to see him receive this rare honour, whose other recipients include Michael Howard, Lord Boyce and Philip Sassoon. The award is a well deserved recognition for his near fifty years of service to the people of Hythe.
On Sunday last week we were again blessed with good weather for the Sandgate Festival of the Sea. This event seems to go from strength to strength and this year there were more stalls than ever before. It was good to see the beach full and people enjoying a pleasant bank holiday weekend by the sea. Again my congratulations go to Cllr Nina Bliss and everyone who worked so hard to make this event a success.
On Bank Holiday Monday I took my son Hugo to watch his first football match, for the local derby between Folkestone Invicta and Hythe Town. The honours were shared, 1-1 with a good goal from Invicta’s young forward Johan Ter Horst.