Create South East Programme open for final round of applications, as creative businesses across the region get support to prepare them for investment.
Today, 22nd of March 2024, Create South East is delighted to announce the third and penultimate cohort of 18 businesses to be taken on to its investment-readiness programme.
Made possible by the Create Growth Programme, and funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the businesses in this latest cohort will be supported in the form of mentor relationships, cohort workshops and specialised sector-specific events
A range of creative subsectors are represented within programme, with businesses working in performing arts, design, film, Createch, fashion, travel and more.
Commenting on the announcement, Dan Chilcott, Strategic Lead, Create South East, said:
“We are excited to see the continued growth of our programme with the addition of this new cohort. We feel very privileged to witness the progress of our founders across the programme, and to welcome a new group into the fold.
“The wide variety of talent across the programme is testament to the thriving nature of the creative industries on the South East and we look forward to seeing how this new and dynamic cohort develop over the next nine-months. As we approach recruitment for our final cohorts, we want to encourage anyone who is interested in the programme to get in contact with us and take the chance to apply.”
Applications for the final cohort round are now open. The deadline to apply is Tuesday 16 April.
More information can be found at https://createsoutheast.org.uk/.
About the businesses
The companies in cohort three are:
- Earthy Timber (West Sussex) – Led by artist AS Stawicki, Earthy Timber is a family-run business creating unique and beautiful furniture from kiln-dried wood. With a focus on ‘live edge design’, the business also has experience in timber grading, wood drying and forest management within the Forestry Commission.
- Fleur de lis Theatre (Medway) – Fleur de Lis Theatre specialises in producing shows that contain advanced physical skills including: stage combat, physical theatre, puppetry, dance and circus skills to create gritty, raw and visually stunning shows.
- Fuud London (Kent) – Fuud London is an independent, sustainable brand known for statement genderless clothing from vintage dead stock, upcycled or organic fabrics.
- Gimme Shelter Global (East Sussex) – Established in 2021, GSG’s primary aim in its first year is to conceptualise, design, develop, produce, and provide innovative, high-performing shelter solutions under the H7 brand.
- Hai (Kent) – Hai is a full-service creative agency with efficiency at its core. They work with brands to develop solid strategies and multi-channel creative on a tight turnaround, using the latest AI technology.
- Hastings Art School (East Sussex) – Hastings Art School is a local, accessible alternative to a traditional art school model. The aim is to provide creative development and career opportunities to artists who do not want to, or cannot, attend a traditional art school.
- Hatsumi (Brighton and Hove) – Hatsumi is a design studio that explores how the arts, our brains and bodies collide. They develop tools that make invisible, intangible experiences visible to help us better understand ourselves and each other.
- Japeto (Essex) – Japeto creates AI-powered chatbots with heart. Based in Essex and funded by an Innovate UK Smart Grant, they build innovative conversational tools for high-risk scenarios.
- Kerry Lemon (Brighton and Hove) – Kerry Lemon is an award-winning artist commissioned by architects, developers, local authorities and luxury brands.
- Knot Works (Kent) – Knot Works host events, workshops, exhibitions and studio provision. Through their work they bring people together to learn, share and grow in the arts.
- Lighthouse Arts & Training (Brighton and Hove) – Lighthouse is a charity that supports artists who use digital technology in their work, and helps people find routes into and succeed within the creative & cultural industries.
- MakeHub (West Sussex) – MakeHub is dedicated to transforming design and technology education through its innovative digital platform.
- Move Animation (Brighton and Hove) – Move Animation is an award-winning animation studio in Brighton turning ideas into animated stories full of character, magic and joy.
- Right Light Films Limited (Essex) – Right Light Films is a Film & Television production company with over twenty years’ experience. They are committed to developing and producing commercial projects with a global reach.
- Silverbox Films (Brighton and Hove) – Silverbox Films are a team of passionate educators, mentors and film makers who believe that every young person should have the chance to make the most of their creativity.
- Sussex Tweed (East Sussex) – Sussex Tweed is an established business formerly engaged in the making of high-end caps made entirely in England, now moving completely over to a sustainable, scaleable micro-mill producing locally sourced fleeces into sustainable cloth for the fashion industry.
- Wildwood Media (Kent) – Video production company covering all aspects of AV requirements. Celebrating their 10th year in 2024.
- Young Soles (Essex) – Young Soles is an award-winning children’s footwear brand, who are experts in bringing British heritage and contemporary styling to children’s shoes.
This announcement follows the launch of cohort two and the programmes first early-stage investment cohort of 12 businesses. The programme team are looking towards their final recruitment stages and hoping to meet many new and exciting South East creative businesses in preparation.
Applications to apply for the final 9-month cohort are open from February 2024 – April 2024.
Create South East is one of 12 regions to run the Create Growth programme, which is being delivered by Angels @Essex, Creative UK and Screen South.
To find out more about any of the businesses, to hear more about the programme, or for any interview requests please contact press@wearecreative.uk.
Create South East event panel – image credit Chris Whittam Photography
