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/