Posted Wednesday 19 April 2023
A digital marketing entrepreneur shared how a creative network led by a Kingston University academic had benefited his business ahead of the launch of the latest cohort.
Chandeep Khosa, managing director of digital agency 2Toucans, was a guest speaker at a Creative Industries Network virtual event, where he talked about his positive experience as a member and the impact it has had on the development of his company.
Led by Professor Maria Chatzichristodoulou, Associate Dean of Research, Business and Innovation at Kingston School of Art and managed by Bernett Thornes, Business Development Manager, the network brings together a dynamic group of entrepreneurs and academics from across the creative sector in South London.
Members benefit from a bespoke academic-led programme featuring seminars, networking, mentoring opportunities and access to insights into future industry developments.
"I found being part of the first cohort of the Creative Industries Network a really valuable experience, both for me personally and for improving my business," Mr Khosa, from Richmond, said. "Being part of the network really helped me develop personally and took my business to the next level. Connecting with a network of like-minded professionals in the creative sector has resulted in more opportunities opening up and the academic expertise from Kingston has been invaluable."
Mr Khosa shared some of the learnings from his 13 years as an entrepreneur during the event, highlighting how working with the University had provided an insight into the benefits of working with students. He is looking into hosting a hackathon with Kingston students in the near future. "Relationships are everything in business and that's why a network like this is so important," he added.
The launch event was opened by Robin Hutchinson, director of Community Brain and one of the founders of the Rose Theatre, who praised the impact the network was already having on creative businesses in the local area.
New members also heard from Professor Chatzichristodoulou about how the success of the network demonstrated the value of creating a space in which the South London creative sector could discuss common challenges and share best practice. "The network has created a real opportunity for creatives in the area to come together and exchange ideas," she said. "We want this to be a long-term project that can help businesses for years to come."
The network was set up as part of the partnership between Kingston University and Business, Innovation and Growth (BIG) South London.
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