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Meet our programme alumni!

The Create South East programme was launched in 2023 and has so far supported six cohorts and over 100 creative businesses in their growth journey. We hope to continue championing these businesses as they move on to their next steps, and look forward to seeing them thrive. Here is a run-down of some of the exceptional businesses that joined us for the programme from the West Sussex area.

To find out more about the programme and when we will next be accepting applications, please sign up for our mailing list via the contact page below:

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West Sussex

Performing Arts

AndAlso teaches improvisation both as performance and as a way of improving confidence, creativity, and communication skills. Doing both is why we are called AndAlso. We do classes in Brighton and online, and corporate training worldwide. Our methodology concentrates on the balance of individual expression and teamwork. We create supportive, experiential learning environments that are accessible to anyone, whether or not they have a performance background or training.

“This programme has focussed our minds on how to talk about improv as a ‘how’ rather than a ‘what’, focussing on the tangible benefits and marketable outcomes.”

Jules Munns, Director

Advertising & Marketing

New Icon is revolutionising the athlete sponsorship landscape by democratising access to sponsorship opportunities for athletes and brands alike. Our innovative platform eliminates traditional agency gatekeeping, allowing direct, values-based connections between athletes and sponsors. With a focus on transparency, data-driven insights, and AI-powered campaign creation, we are poised to disrupt a $57 billion global sports sponsorship industry.

“We joined the Create South East Programme to better understand how to position ourselves to investors and access expert advice on areas such as finance and IP. It was important to us to join a cohort to gain insights into how others have found the process of expansion and approaching investment.”

Linzi Sortain, Founder

Music

Brighthelmstone presents the very best in Americana and Roots from around the world. It was founded in Brighton by James and Amy Walker in 2011. Brighthelmstone also project manages festivals such as Americana Music Association UK week and stage manages at The Great Escape.

“The dedicated help on specific areas that we find challenging within our business, such as with finance and accounting, has been really helpful to us. We’ve also had great mentors that have helped us to think more strategically about the business and where we want to take it.”

Amy Walker, Co-Director

Professional Services

Hatch Ideas is a consultancy and training firm dedicated to helping individuals and organisations worldwide develop businesses and initiatives for cultural change and social impact. We support innovators and pioneers across a wide range of sectors and specialise in supporting those in the Creative and Cultural Industries. We offer tailored coaching services, training workshops and development programmes to help build and grow unique projects, businesses and initiatives.

The programme has given us the confidence to scale our business and has acted as a validating experience for Hatch Ideas. We now feel confident in our business plan and validated in our future path. The sky’s the limit!”

Yemisi Mokuolu, CEO

Design & Education

MakeHub is an EdTech platform transforming Design & Technology (DT) education in UK primary schools. It provides high-quality digital resources that support teachers in delivering engaging, curriculum-aligned lessons, helping students develop creativity, problem-solving skills, and technical knowledge. By bridging the gap between traditional DT teaching and industry-relevant skills, MakeHub empowers the next generation of designers and makers, ensuring they are equipped for the future.

“The programme provided opportunities to refine our pitch, receive critical feedback from industry experts, and develop a clear roadmap for growth.”

Kris Pointer, Director

Digital Media

ManufacturingTV is a specialist media company that has developed a powerful reputation for producing high quality video content for and about the manufacturing sector: documentaries, panel discussions, news reports, company profiles, case studies and webinars. We also provide event coverage and promotion.

“We wanted someone from outside our business to help us understand how to grow from a start-up into a multi-divisional business that delivers value to an increasingly wide client base.”

Nick Peters, Editorial Director

Music & Games

 Founded in 2022 and based in Worthing, UK, Record Games is a forward-thinking game development and AI studio on a mission to redefine music gaming for a new generation. At the core of our vision is Starstruck Galaxy, our free-to-play social music game that immerses players in the fantasy of becoming celebrated musicians.

“Our time on the Create South East programme has given us clarity, confidence, and a stronger foundation for growth.”

Robert Edgington, CEO

Publishing & Marketing

Sussex Local is a monthly, quality, through-the-door community magazine delivered directly into over 57,000 homes and businesses in West Sussex. Supported by a county-wide website featuring local news, events from across the county and a digital business directory.

“We have developed a clearer growth pathway and now understand how to prioritise our plans more logically. We have a greater understanding of investment and the different forms it can take.”

Kris Nutbeem, Director

Film, TV & Media

Award-winning writer, producer and director, delivering high-impact commercials, campaign films, branded web content, live event coverage and animation. The Filmworkers have written and directed films for Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering, Sotheby’s, Tesco, The National Lottery, UKTI, British Business Bank, Glyndebourne Opera House, The Grange Festival, Leon Restaurants, Haymarket Publishing, The Royal Navy, Intesa San Paolo, Grant Thornton, Trinity Mirror Solutions, London & Partners, Tech London Advocates, and Passion Capital.

“I was seeking to build the business through support, mentorship and networking opportunities – and the programme delivered just that.”

Dominic Santana, Director

Art & Design

 The Modern Calligraphy Co are the leading lettering artists in the UK and have pioneered this dynamic and expressive art form, applying our talents on behalf of some of the world’s most iconic luxury brands.

“As a small business owner, I recognized the value of being part of a programme that encourages collaboration, learning, and professional development. ”

Jill Hembling, Managing Director

Film & TV

Forever Video is an agency of highly technical and passionate creatives delivering scalable production values. Their strong storytelling has connected them to local and international industries, world leaders, A-List talent, and global media outlets.  

Forever Video’s clients include the BBC, ITN, and many AV events companies, who trust them to handle their marketing and logistical needs so they get the best results. 

Games

Despite advances in game engines and creative tools, production management; the process of coordinating development, QA, certification, localisation, release, and post-launch updates in the computer games industry remains underdeveloped and inconsistently addressed. 

Design

My dad didn’t lose his dignity to cancer – he lost it to the nappy he wore. In his final months he was left feeling humiliated, degraded and suffering painful skin infections. My mum, his primary carer, was unseen – physically and emotionally drained by the experience. Joyvié exists to end that. We’re developing a patent-pending faecal incontinence brief that transforms how care is delivered and, more importantly, how dignity is preserved. 

Digital Media

Offbeat Media Agency is revolutionising how brands connect with creators and journalists, driving real-world impact and undeniable ROI. Specialising in tourism and hospitality, we empower small and medium Enterprises (SMEs) to monetise their social channels, transforming content into additional income streams. 

Visual Arts

Sorcha Bridge Photography is a Brighton-based creative studio blending photography, digital art, and hand-finished printmaking to create distinctive, collectible artworks. Led by Sorcha Bridge, a photographer and artist with a strong background in music culture, the studio produces limited-edition art prints celebrated for their vibrant textures and unique finishes, including gold leaf, silkscreen, and holographic elements. 

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