IF YOU'RE creative, have talent and want to start or grow a business, a second gateway dedicated to creative industry could be just the job.

The creative industries – part of the knowledge economy – are among the fastest growing sectors in Kent, a fact that was underlined by the official launch of Enterprise Gateway Folkestone.

It joins its Medway counterpart in helping talented people set up businesses in art, writing, printing, record production, fashion design, IT, jewellery, public relations and a host of other creative activities.

The new agency offers free expert advice on starting a business, running it, and making it grow.

More than 100 guests from Shepway and beyond attended the official launch in The Metropole Galleries on Folkestone’s Leas.

Roger De Haan, the driving force behind the town’s Creative Quarter, which has so far attracted around 100 enterprises, is the Gateway’s Business Champion.

As he was unable to attend the ceremony because of another commitment, Nick Ewbank, chief executive of the Creative Foundation, Folkestone, took his place.

Small businesses were vital to the area’s economic future, he said.

"The more we have, the more prosperous Folkestone will become. All the evidence from across the world is that people who use services offered by the Enterprise Gateway multiply their chances of success many times. It’s incredibly unstuffy, approachable, accessible and friendly," he said.

Martin Roche, former public relations chief and now gateway director, had this message for people with talent and ideas.

He said: "Whether you’re in business, about to start a business, or just dreaming about it, everybody here wants you to succeed." He hoped a flow of businesses would turn into a torrent.

Since the Gateway got going in May, it had worked with more than 30 pre-start businesses, converted one into a new business, helped three part-time businesses start and seen four more full-time enterprises poised to start.

Public relations expert Robin Thornton, 51, from Appledore, set up the first business Prime PR with Gateway help.

After many years in senior positions at Dungeness A power station and with the police in Manchester, Mr Thornton is an expert in crisis management.

He paid tribute to Gateway staff. "Everything they advised me has been worthwhile," he said. "The advice is free, they go out of their way. I’ve had complete support.

"Anyone who is thinking of starting up a business in and around Folkestone or anywhere on the Romney Marsh area would be a fool not to get involved."

* The Gateway, based in The Glassworks, Mill Bay, is backed by Kent County Council, the South East England Development Agency, Business Link Kent and Shepway council. It can be contacted on 01303 223239.