Meet Karthik Durgaprasad, an integral part of the team at Essex County Council, where he serves as an Inward Investment Officer. Since April, Essex County Council has seconded him as an inward investment and innovation associate to Freeport East, making him work part time at both organisations. With a keen focus on promoting opportunities for inward investment, he fosters growth within the commercial and private sectors. His expertise lies in understanding the intricate needs of businesses, whether they are individual entrepreneurs or large corporate entities.
At the heart of Karthik’s work is a mission to foster innovation and stimulate job creation, skills development, and career progression within Essex and beyond, whilst aligning with global trends towards clean energy and technology. A mission the BEC has been striving to achieve for the past few years. With a keen eye on the future of sustainability, he advocates for integrating clean energy, clean growth, and cleantech opportunities into the economic landscape. Similar to the goals of the Barking Enterprise Centre (BEC), making it a perfect opportunity for the two to work together. Recognising the necessity of providing equal opportunities for all, his efforts are grounded in the belief that economic development must translate into tangible benefits for the local community and future generations. By identifying and facilitating investment opportunities that align with these principles, he contributes to job creation and the advancement of social mobility and higher earning potential within the community. His dedication to fostering inclusive growth underscores his commitment to creating a more equitable future for all.
Where his career started
Starting his career journey in the Barking and Dagenham public sector about 10 years ago, Karthik initially started in the private sector. His work in the private sector focused on Business Development and Consulting. His transition to the public sector saw him assume the position of Business Relationship Manager at Barking and Dagenham Council, where his primary focus was to create strong ties between local businesses. During this phase, he played a crucial role in understanding the challenges businesses face and facilitating their growth by leveraging various government-funded support mechanisms. Through his astute dedication, he found a passion for empowering businesses to thrive and flourish within the local economy.
What we need to develop B&D
According to Karthik, the development of Barking and Dagenham requires a holistic approach, one that prioritises the diverse needs and aspirations of its residents. Understanding that economic growth holds different meanings for different individuals, is a necessity to provide tailored solutions. For some members of the community, this may mean investing in infrastructure, improving connectivity, or access to favourable business contracts and reduced rates. Others may want expanded opportunities for education and skills development, it all depends on the person. He emphasises the importance of creating a deep-rooted understanding within the community, continuing to position initiatives like the BEC as accessible and dependable resources.
By nurturing a culture of trust and reliability, the BEC can continue to engage with the borough's local talent, including creative professionals, budding entrepreneurs, and tech innovators. In the future, the BEC wants to be the hub for anyone in the community looking to start their business. It is a space where the community recognises that they will not only have a physical space but also a supportive ecosystem for collaboration and innovation. When that mental association is created it will further drive sustainable economic development and prosperity in Barking and Dagenham.
Advice to current businesses
In the ever-evolving landscape of commerce, Karthik shares insightful advice for businesses in the Barking and Dagenham area. His first piece of advice focuses on embracing technology as a powerful tool for enhancing efficiency and expanding market reach. Karthik isn’t referring to the hardware alone but also the tools that come with it. He emphasises the importance of utilising technology-driven solutions to refine marketing strategies and streamline operations. Encouraging businesses to democratise the adoption of these tools across all levels of their organisation fosters a culture of innovation and adaptability.
Moreover, Karthik emphasises the value of forging strategic partnerships as a means to foster growth and resilience. By nurturing these relationships, businesses can access new markets, resources, and expertise, amplifying their competitive edge in the marketplace.
Lastly, he underscores the importance of setting realistic and achievable goals. By breaking down larger objectives into smaller, manageable milestones, businesses can maintain momentum and cultivate a sense of accomplishment. Celebrating these incremental victories not only bolsters morale but also fuels the drive to set and achieve higher aspirations, driving your business forward towards sustainable success.
Vision for the BEC
In the BEC’s future Karthik hopes to see them continue to be a premier destination for entrepreneurs across East London and acknowledges the awards the BEC has received for Best Business Support across East London. As an anchor institution in the borough, it is not just a place to start a business, but a nurturing environment where ventures can thrive and flourish. Like all involved in the BEC, Karthik recognises it as an inclusive space, where a diverse range of individuals can feel seen, welcomed and supported. Moreover, Karthik advocates for affordability, ensuring that costs are never a barrier to accessing the resources and expertise offered by the BEC. Becoming an entrepreneur is not just a dream that the privileged can gain and afford, it is a dream that anyone should be allowed to try and achieve.
