KAT first to pounce at Freeport East Harwich Innovation Hub

Trailblazing marketing agency, KAT Marketing, has been named as the first local business to be welcomed into Freeport East's Innovation Hub.
By being located in the new Harwich Innovation Hub, KAT Marketing will be uniquely positioned to deliver impactful, visible and collaborative AI-driven projects that not only serve Freeport East partners but also enhance the profile and performance of businesses across clean energy, maritime, digital and AI-reliant sectors.
Now in its 18th year, KAT Marketing has a head office in Boxted, Colchester, but the opportunity to expand and have a site dedicated to Tendring has come at the perfect time to align with the company's numerous AI-related services alongside its long-established portfolio of work in traditional marketing, web design, training and event management.
The Innovation Hub, based with Freeport East's office at Scandinavia House in Harwich, is designed to support Freeport East partners and businesses which tie in with key growth sectors including AI, clean energy and maritime.
As well as the provision of office space, the hub will also 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 supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), which is enabling investment in important local initiatives like this one.
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.

It is 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 last 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, 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 that KAT Marketing are the first to be a part of this new project with us.

Their 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 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.
There are 12 Freeports across the UK, each with a simplified customs model which allows businesses to import, export, store or process goods more efficiently, creating streamlined processes for bringing goods into and moving goods between customs sites.
New investors can access net zero, skills and innovation support including funding and investment opportunities.

Supporting initiatives include renewable power generation and storage, electric and hydrogen vehicle facilities.