Last Friday, I, along with several other Kent agency representatives, went to a Creative Strategy meeting organised by MediaTree and The Kent County Council. The objective: How best to strengthen Kent’s creative proposition in the short, mid and long term.
It was a good session that dealt with the issues of being ‘outside of London’, the diverse cultural variations of a large county, defining what makes working in Kent attractive (and what doesn’t), adopting European mindsets – where the focus of an industry isn’t so centered around a single locale, getting creative at a grass routes level, Kent’s Brand (or lack of), identifying and retaining the talent and support from our local government to grow what is an already important industry to the county and country.
After years of working in London, as well as all over the world for top tier agencies, I walked away with even more conviction of what I already believe to be true – knowing that creative Kent has a growing and relatively untapped creative potential. And, as potential is core to success, that this should be explored via inter-agency thinking with council support to help activate and encourage ideas. That there are companies in Kent that are making a difference to our industry, that push boundaries without the blinkered and repetitive approach of many London based agencies. That here is a place that allows exploration of idea and space to grow. An alternative, and a good one at that.
That people who fail to understand what Kent has to offer, that beat the London drum far too loudly, are in fact intimidated by the challenge. Who wish to be just another number, rather than a valued player. Someone who hides behind others decisions and doesn’t really want to think for themselves. There is ample opportunity to work for the ‘Big Brands’ in Kent… and to ‘own the project’ with it. They just have to open their eyes.
I look forward to continuing these conversations with MediaTree, the KCC and likeminded agencies. Expect more. The Future is Digital Kent…
