I recently spoke at a special event in London to promote the creative and technology economy in East Kent, which was organised by the ‘Grow for it ‘campaign. This day brought together investors and business leaders from Tech City in London, with local firms like Sleeping Giant Media which specialises in helping businesses promote themselves online; The Workshop which provides business space for tech and creative start up’s and netanagent.com an new online service that helps people who are trying to sell their home to find the right estate agent. These innovative young businesses are part of a rapidly growing sector of the economy which is creating jobs locally, and there are now over 200 such companies in the Shepway area. Often, people are not aware of these businesses as they do not always have a shop front or a traditional office block or factory. However one local creative business is try to get around this problem. Cognitive Media, a Folkestone firm which specialises in digital animation is opening a Cognitive Museum to promote thought and ideas; you can see this taking shape in Folkestone's Old High Street, and it will open later in the year.
At this ‘Grow for it’ event, another of the speakers was Dale Murray, who is an entrepreneur, and angel investor as well as being on the board of UK Trade and Investment; the government agency that promotes businesses and exports. She made the observation that one of the most important factors in developing a successful new cluster of creative and technology businesses is ‘great coffee’. It’s true that when you go into many coffee shops and cafes you will see people working on their tablet or laptop computers. Creative people often like creative places to relax as well. Folkestone’s vibrant new business economy has also emerged alongside the opening up of new independent cafes and restaurants in the town.
At 7pm on Thursday this week, two of the local purveyors of ‘great coffee’ are coming together to promote Folkestone's independent cafes and artists. Keith Holland at Googies in Rendezvous Street is holding a private view of a new art exhibition on the Googies Art Wall. The coffee at the event is being provided by Thomas Burrows from the Manifest coffee shop in the Old High Street. The art on display includes works by Samuel Capell, The Dirty Pen, Lewis Perry, Laura Foote, Dream Safari, Dan Catt and El Davo. I hope you get the chance to call in and to enjoy the art and the coffee.
On Monday I met students from Earlscliffe school in Folkestone and took them on a tour of the House of Commons. It is always a pleasure to show parliament to schools and local community groups and if this is something you would be interested please do get in touch and we will try to help you organise a visit.