Academics help grow London’s creative and digital firms

Masterclasses delivered by academics from Goldsmiths, University of London will help nurture creative and digital firms as part of a £2million project to support entrepreneurs in the capital.

The dek Growth programme is aimed at people who are in the process of starting a new creative or digital business or those who are in the first years of trading.

It is intended to deliver deliver strategic, practical and innovative support for SMEs across London, with a particular focus on south London businesses.

Experts from Goldsmiths and London South Bank University are delivering free masterclasses to enhance firms’ skills and knowledge to create capacity and environment for growth, as well as maintaining or improving profitability.

This list of masterclasses being delivered by Goldsmiths is here. 

The masterclasses will see academics from the two universities connect with companies to show how the latest developments in areas like Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality and other tech innovations can be used to support SMEs.

The three-year programme is open to individuals and businesses with up to 250 employees and there is no cost to participating firms. dek Growth is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Lewisham Council.

It is led by Lewisham Council in collaboration with Goldsmiths, London Southbank University and London Small Business Centre/Nwes.

Professor David Oswell, Pro-Warden Research and Enterprise at Goldsmiths, said: "Connecting local entrepreneurs with our academics and their work is hugely important for us as it gives Goldsmiths the opportunity to further support creativity and innovation in Lewisham.

"It’s also beneficial to everyone involved, with our researchers getting the chance to learn as their work is applied to support the opportunities and challenges of growing a business."

Mayor of Lewisham Sir Steve Bullock said: "Frequently, all an SME needs is a helping hand with finding a key piece of the puzzle to get the idea from mind to market, that’s why we’re proud to promote this programme to support the growth, innovation and commercial viability of local creative and digital businesses."

dek Growth is being launched on 22 November 2017 with a special event at dek Catford, an enterprise hub based in repurposed buildings previously used by Lewisham Council.