Creative experts bring big ideas to Margate for Digital
Conversation
East Kent can be one of the UK’s leading creative and
digital business hubs - if it seizes the opportunity. That was the
message from industry experts gathered at the Kent Digital
Conversation, jointly hosted by Grow for It and GEEK 2013 in Margate.
The Conversation brought together over 50 entrepreneurs,
educators and public sector representatives to discuss the future
of the creative and digital industries in an exclusive preview of
GEEK 2013, which took place last week in Margate.
A panel discussion featured industry experts including Ashley
Stockwell, Guest Academy Director of Wayra; Gina Jackson, CEO of Women in Gaming Jobs; and
Mark Jennings, digital entrepreneur and founder of
#themeetup140.
The sessions were chaired by John Newbigin, Chair of Creative England, and
focused on issues ranging from how digital communities can be
nurtured, to how creative communities can encourage collaboration
and benefit from improved education and skills training.
"Coming to an event like this and seeing the ideas reach across
the room is so important in creating a community”, Mark Jennings
said. “It feels like there's the birth of something pretty awesome
here."
The conversation was part of the launch of the GEEK 2013, the
annual gaming exhibition which features retro and modern consoles,
artistic innovation in gaming, and highlights the contribution of
gaming and the creative industries to the UK economy.
Cllr Mark Dance, Kent County Council Cabinet Member for
Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “East Kent is a
brilliant place to do to live and work, hopefully today will
encourage businesses in the digital industry to use the Regional
Growth Fund to create a digital hub here in East Kent.”
Nicola Sharman from Genetic
Moo, who moved her business from London to Margate six months
ago, attended the Conversation. She said: “There’s a lot of
activity going on here and we’ve easily connected with a lot of
people involved with digital arts and IT.”