Get Involved This September
September brings a range of opportunities designed to support and strengthen the creative business sector. The listing below provides numerous opportunities for creative entrepreneurs and businesses to get involved.
Portsmouth Creates Opportunities
1-1 Business Support Sessions with CEO Gemma Nichols/Erica Smith
Use the link to book an appointment: https://calendar.app.google/1h5JRWszfTLzjrnY7
1-1 Entry Level Business Support with Business Support Officer, Jane Hodgkins
Use the link to books an appointment: https://calendar.app.google/6XK2egTfLym4Nwmz8
Portsmouth Creates FREE Branding Workshop 15th September, 10:15am–12:15pm | Playlands, Commercial Road, Portsmouth
Join us for a FREE branding workshop at Playlands, beneath the Portsmouth Creates offices at 1–9 Commercial Road. The venue is opposite McDonald’s and easy to spot by its large red “Playlands” sign.
The session runs from 10:15am–12:15pm, with informal networking afterwards. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided. There are several nearby car parks and good public transport links.
To reserve your place: Jane Hodgkins – jane@portsmouthcreates.co.uk
WHAT TO EXPECT
The workshop will explore the ‘3 Layers’ of Your Brand – who, what and why, alongside:
- Audience clarity
- Brand personality and voice
- Moodboards
- Positioning statements
- Guest speaker: Jo Alexander, Creative Clique
- Case studies: Isobel Bickerton, MadeBrisk, and Jacob Skinner, Pitt Street Skatepark
JO ALEXANDER – MANAGING DIRECTOR, CREATIVE CLIQUE
Jo Alexander leads Creative Clique, a Portsmouth-based creative agency specialising in branding, creative design, web design and marketing. With 16 years’ industry experience, Jo works with businesses across the South to develop distinctive brands and engaging marketing solutions.
Her approach combines creativity, collaboration and strategy, with a focus on understanding each client’s audience, vision and market.
ISOBEL BICKERTON – FOUNDER, MADEBRISK
Isobel Bickerton is co-founder of MadeBrisk, a Portsmouth-based mobile specialty coffee and matcha pop-up. Founded with her university friend, Isobel helped grow the idea from concept to a successful local business.
She has played a key role in developing MadeBrisk’s brand, customer experience and growth strategy. The business now appears at Love Southsea Market, University of Portsmouth events, local pop-ups and private bookings.
JACOB (JAKE) SKINNER – FOUNDER & MANAGER, PITT ST. SKATEPARK
Jacob Skinner is co-founder and manager of Pitt St. Skatepark, alongside Jenna Skinner. A lifelong skateboarder, Jacob has over three years’ experience as a qualified skateboarding coach and 14 years in hospitality.
Jacob and Jenna founded the Undercover Skatepark Project in 2018, creating an inclusive space for wheeled sports. Their vision became reality when Pitt St. Skatepark opened in December 2022, transforming a former Sainsbury’s into a large indoor facility.
Today, Pitt St. includes skate and wheeled sports facilities, Pitt St. Kitchen café and bar, coaching, events and community activities, with a strong focus on accessibility, wellbeing and community.
Addition workshops:
16th October
Workshop 3: E-commerce & Shopify
Focus – What Actually Sells -What are you selling? Who is it for? Why would they buy it?, shopify basics, product pages, pricing + shipping, getting the first sale
16th November
Workshop 4: SEO / GEO
Focus – Reframing SEO: helping the right people find you at the right time, how people find you, Keywords, the “Money Page”, SEO Basics, intro to GEO (Generative Engine Optimisation), content that gets found.
8th December
Workshop 5: Wholesale and Digital Marketing
Focus – What is Wholesale?, is your product wholesale-ready? pricing for wholesale, what shops actually want, creating a simple wholesale offer, approaching shops, managing orders + relationships
Southsea Library Window Installation | Ongoing each month | | Monthly creative installations at Southsea Library, curated by Portsmouth Creates, showcasing local talent. Experience rotating displays of art, design, and innovation, celebrating the city’s vibrant creative community and inspiring installations.
Email Jane Hodgkins with pictures of your pieces: jane@portsmouthcreates.co.uk
Other Local Opportunities
