Fashion & Design

 Afu Namb is a creative atelier specialising in bespoke garments for any occasion. We collaborate closely with our clients to design unique, one-of-a-kind pieces tailored to their personal style. Our mission is to become a reputable production company dedicated to supporting emerging brands in their journey to establish themselves. In addition, we proudly offer community-led workshops focused on sewing and design fundamentals, catering to all ages. We strive to create a safe and inclusive space where individuals can learn, express their creativity, and acquire valuable skills.

“I have gained so much from this programme, I have developed essential business knowledge, organisational skills, money management expertise, and a strong understanding of my worth—key elements in achieving my business goals.”

Shanice Harris, Founder

Broadcast Media

AmberGlass Presents envisions a world where boldness is celebrated, authenticity is valued, and resilience is rewarded. As a multi-faceted media company led by Anne-Marie Batson, she is carving her path in the industry, shattering glass ceilings and inspiring the next generation to be unapologetically bold. Her vision is to create a legacy of empowerment through our diverse projects and initiatives and foster a community that embraces individuality and encourages bold self-expression.

“The Create South East Programme offered me the chance to find that support network to develop my skills and gain the guidance needed to elevate my career and make the impact I know I can achieve.”

Anne-Marie Batson, Founder

Gaming

Since 2018, Analog Events has been steadily building a suite of experiences for the UK games industry that are compelling, inclusive and vibrant.

“Analog Events joined the Create South East programme to seek insight into investment strategy and utilise the programmes access to one to one specialised mentorship. Through the programme we have gained knowledge and a deeper financial understanding of our business, focusing on monitoring outputs and forecasting realistic goals. ”

Alex Boucher, Founder

Performing Arts

 Blown Fuse Theatre makes innovative projects for inquisitive minds. Working with the local community in initial stages of the creative process, authenticity of experience and inclusivity for all are at the heart of what we do. The company is made up of Michelle Barrington & Eleanore Frances, two female multidisciplinary artists who create new performance possibilities by exploring the combination of storytelling, theatre and technology.

“The programme has been instrumental in shaping our next five-year plan, helping us set achievable goals and identify the necessary steps to reach them.”

Michelle Barrington, Artistic Director

Film & TV

Buckle Up Entertainment is a UK production company in Essex delivering a diverse slate of dark and edgy commercial elevated genre film & series from emerging talent across the regions to a global market. Founded by produced / “Brit-Listed” screenwriter and award-winning filmmaker Dan Bronzite, the company has ambitious plans to build its slate and grow its business first domestically then internationally as part of a comprehensive and researched 5-year strategy.

“The programme has helped us to develop our original growth and investment strategy and allowed us to re-evaluate the plan and build a stronger more convincing proposal to potential investors.”

Dan Bronzite, Producer

Fashion

Donna Forte, meaning “strong woman” in Italian, is a purpose-driven brand transforming post-surgery lingerie by combining medical innovation, comfort, and fashion. Founded by Caroline Hill after her own breast cancer journey, the brand bridges the gap between healthcare and fashion, offering adaptive designs that redefine recovery wear. Through collaborations with hospitals, researchers, and breast cancer charities, Donna Forte creates stylish, functional lingerie while actively funding breast cancer initiatives and raising awareness to drive positive change.

“My time on the Create South East programme has been transformative, providing both strategic clarity and invaluable support for Donna Forte..”

Caroline Hill, Founder

Craft & Education

 ForestTots is nature-inspired sensory play for toddlers! We hold monthly themed events, host birthday parties and create subscription boxes. We also have a retail offering called “ForestTots at Home”, with sensory play and nature dough kits. Our website and social media also offer home inspiration in the form of blogs and “Ideas for the Weekend” posts.

“Being members of the programme has helped foster a new spirit of collaboration for Forest Tots, benefitting from shared learning and experiences with fellow cohort members.”

Michael Hopkins, Director

CreaTech

LimboTech offers a range of digital technology services designed to empower creatives in bringing their artistic visions to life. Through technical expertise, dedicated support, and tailored advice, we bridge the gap between creativity and innovation.

“The programme provides us with the strategic guidance and resources needed to scale our business, refine our commercial approach, and develop sustainable revenue models. We have experienced a huge growth in our skills, learning from the programme and strengthening our business model. The programme has given us a renewed confidence and provided us with access to a wider network to learn and grow with.”

Dave Norton, CEO

Media

Based in sunny Southend, Essex, we’re a video and animation production agency working with businesses, charities and purpose led brands to create content for social, web and broadcast. We specialise in authentic storytelling in partnership with our clients and enabling people to tell the stories that matter to them. We provide a full production service that takes a project from initial idea to final deliverable and we’re passionate about growing creative communities in Essex and beyond.

“I’ve grown in confidence and ambition as a result of the programme and I think it shows in a new attitude to our future progress within the company.”

Ben Hole, Creative Director

Design & Media

 MAKER MOTEL is where bold ideas find their visual voice and fearless brands come to make their mark. We are design disruptors crafting unforgettable identities for the dreamers and doers. This is where brave brands live.

“One of the biggest benefits has been gaining practical tools and knowledge in areas we weren’t confident in before. Understanding things like financial planning, business development, and growth strategies has given us much more confidence in making decisions about our future.”

Alistair Ager, Co-Founder

Visual Arts

Matt Mackman creates and sells original paintings and limited edition prints from a variety of outlets including direct studio sales, galleries, and online. They produce bespoke commissions for individual clients and organisations. In addition, providing an educational service delivering private workshops and working as an Artist in Residence in schools and educational trusts.

“Meeting with other creative individuals and businesses has been invaluable and it has provided the opportunity to share good practice and discuss ideas with like minded people.”

Matt Mackman, Director

Gaming

MI Pixel is an indie game studio inspired by 80s/90s retro gaming. We combine the nostalgia of classic titles with modern twists to create unique experiences that capture the magic of the golden era. With a passion for both indie and AAA games, our mission is to revive the charm of retro gaming and share it with players worldwide.

“The support from the programme has been invaluable in helping MI Pixel develop its marketing approach, build stronger connections within the industry, and refine the studio’s overall strategy. The knowledge and experience gained will continue to shape the studio’s growth and success moving forward.”

Michael Armstrong-Ingram, Founder

Design & Media

Planet Positive Production leverages 25+ years of filmmaking expertise to drive sustainability within the advertising industry. We focus on environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability. Our services include strategic sustainability consulting, carbon footprint reduction, staff training and workshops. Founder Carly Stone, a leader in the UK production sector, brings extensive experience and has built a global network of suppliers and partners. Our clients include brands, advertising agencies, media, and production companies.

“I have gained a new network of very talented business founders whom we have been on a journey with, and that is powerful.”

Carly Stone, Executive Producer

Digital Media & Marketing

ReadyAimFire is a full service production studio, creating video marketing for games companies, and brands who want to speak to gamers. Our recent clients include: Sony PlayStation, Ubisoft, Capcom, and Hasbro, along with numerous major games agencies. As the world’s only live action production studio dedicated to gaming, we apply big ideas with expert execution, to create AAA video marketing that gets results.

“[Our mentor’s] guidance has only strengthened our overall plan for business growth.”

Frank Tamburin, Creative Director

Immersive Health Tech

Sensory Design & Technology (trading as eScent) owns wearable fragrance technology with applications in Creative, Perfumery, Wellness, and MedTech industries. The company has won awards from InnovateUK, NIHR i4i, Medilink Midlands, and Stelios Foundation, and holds two awarded international patents for the Scent Bubble® innovation. eScent’s development is supported by Health Innovation East, HIVE Female Founders, Accelerate at Cambridge Judge Business School, International Fragrance Association, and The Fragrance Foundation UK.

“The Create South East Invest Readiness Program has been instrumental in accelerating the growth of

Sensory Design & Technology.”

Dr Jenny Tillotson, Director

Culture & Marketing

 Show Up! hosts two brand operations across Southend-on-Sea and the Essex area. Show Up! Southend is a platform that promotes creatives and events in Southend-on-Sea. Show Up Productions creates excellent theatre – usually female led comedy. A space for new writing and new theatre makers to create theatre in non traditional theatre spaces.

“We joined the programme to learn more about the investment landscape and build their understanding of how to grow further. Show Up! is particularly keen to create an app build that services the area with a What’s on?’ events page to share productions and events to new audiences. The programme allowed the company time to prepare for the next steps of their business journey.”

Rachel Dingle, Founder

CreaTech & Immersive

Studio Go Go designs and choreographs unique emotional experiences by blending digital technology and physical movement. Using VR, we transform ordinary rides into extraordinary adventures. Our team’s expertise spans the creative industries, including theme parks, gaming, theatre, music, TV, and advertising. With a strong R&D capability and a growing IP portfolio across patents, design, and copyright, we are at the forefront of innovation in the field.

“One of the most amazing features of the programme has been being paired with a personal mentor. The programme funded a schedule of regular 1:1 meetings over many months. The advice and sense of camaraderie quickly felt more like something you might expect from a trusted non-executive director.”

Brendan Walker, Founder & Director

Digital Media

At TeQ Media, we’re not just a multimedia platform we’re your compassionate allies in the journey of human connection. Our mission is deeply rooted in understanding the human experience and addressing the challenges that our clients often face. In a world full of noise, reaching the right audience can be a daunting challenge. We’re here to empower you to share your wisdom, tools, products, insights, and services, helping you make a meaningful impact.

“The Create South East Programme has provided the critical knowledge, mindset and support network needed to take TeQ Media to the next level and better position it within the Creative Industry.”

Adebayo Onafuwa, Director

Music

The Song School community is based in Southend and offers a variety of music-making programmes for children and young people, regardless of their circumstances. All can experience the benefits associated with participating in learning and playing, such as enhanced confidence, self-esteem, improved mental wellbeing, social skills, and employment and academic aspirations.

“We joined the programme to hone our messaging and understand what we needed in place to support any growth plans.”

Louisa Strachan, Director

Film & TV

Vaticinate Pictures is a production company of writer/director Shan Ng and producer Robert Williams operating in UK and Hong Kong. We develop and produce Radio, TV and Film content for broadcasters, streamers, distributors and other production companies. In the past we have also worked in radio drama and theatre. We are developing projects in two native languages, English and Chinese, for both the Mainland Mandarin Chinese speaking market and the Cantonese speaking Hong Kong market.

“We are seeking investors in our flagship project called ‘Chinese Friends’, a TV Series Comedy with 10 episodes. We are hoping to develop this project based in Essex, employing local cast and crew, and have a longevity that spans for years. In order to expand our business, we are looking at avenues from both soft money and hard equity investment into the business.”

Robert Williams, Producer

Fashion

Young Soles is an award-winning children’s footwear brand who are experts in bringing British heritage and contemporary styling to children’s shoes, effortlessly blending comfort with cool. The UK’s only children’s footwear brand lovingly produced in Europe using premium sustainable materials. Young Soles footwear stays true to the brand’s ethos of evoking childhood memories whilst ensuring that all styles maintain optimum foot health for growing feet.

“The Create South programme was the perfect programme to help Young Soles become investor ready and as it is focussed on creative industries and the challenges they face it was able to offer additional relevant support and insight.”

Louise Shill, Founder