As a trailblazing marketing agency, it was simply an obvious step to take.
Freeport East has opened its new Harwich Innovation Hub which aims to deliver impactful, visible and collaborative AI-driven projects which not only serve Freeport East partners but also enhance the profile and performance of businesses across clean energy, maritime, digital and AI-reliant sectors.
So, of course, we had to be involved.
In fact, KAT Marketing is the first local business to be welcomed into the innovation hub and we could not be more excited about the opportunities which lie ahead.
This year, we are coming of age as we celebrate our 18th year in business. So what better time to expand from our headquarters in Boxted, Colchester, to a site in Tendring which so perfectly aligns with our AI-related services alongside our long-established portfolio of work in traditional marketing, web design, training and event management.
As well as the provision of office space, the hub will encourage growth and collaboration through hosting workshops, networking events as well as delivering training and mentoring programmes.
Refurbishment of the space to create the Innovation Hub was delivered in partnership with Tendring District Council and was supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund which is enabling investment in important local initiatives.
The hub is also part of the emerging Harwich Innovation District which is a key element of Freeport East’s broader strategy to drive economic development and innovation across Harwich and the wider Tendring area. In this project, it will be working closely with Tendring District Council, the University of Essex, Essex County Council and Harwich Haven Authority.
Katie Skingle, Managing Director of KAT Marketing, said: “We are delighted to make the Harwich Innovation Hub KAT Marketing’s dedicated office space in Tendring and to be the first business to be a part of this exciting new project.
“Collaboration with other businesses is at the heart of our success over the past 18 years and we bring with us a range of creative and inventive marketing skills which I am sure will benefit others in and around Tendring.
“We have proved ourselves as one of the leading innovators in the region in helping SMEs implement the potential of AI into their business as well as being at the cutting edge of green innovations locally. As a result, the move to the Innovation Hub was the most natural step and we are thrilled to be here.”
Steve Beel, Chief Executive of Freeport East, is unashamedly excited about the future.
He said: “Freeport East offers a unique opportunity to access international markets as well as providing a showcase for products and the gateway to pitch for new investment.
“The launch of the Harwich Innovation Hub is a major step forward in our mission to make Freeport East and Harwich a leading hub for sustainable growth and innovation.
“We are so pleased KAT Marketing is the first to be a part of this new project with us. The team brings expertise and cutting edge thinking which will be a valuable asset within the Innovation Hub, helping to inspire and innovate with other local businesses. It is a pleasure to welcome KAT Marketing on board.”
The theory is simple but the potential is extraordinary. The Harwich Innovation Hub offers a number of desks which are accessible to businesses for a monthly fee. Benefits include free car parking, access to meeting rooms and regular networking opportunities.
And, as they say, the sky’s the limit. Watch this space for future developments.