With the launch of the Thrive Online UK business managed from our offices in Nottingham, one of our key USPs is the fact that we offer resources and expertise out of our offices in Cape Town, South Africa.
Based on this I have been asked interesting questions around what Cape Town’s digital marketing scene has to offer in the global digital marketing arena and I could not resist putting together an opinion piece for our UK website to answer this.
Cape Town is historically and increasingly a hub for global digital marketing. From the exceptional talent pool and the robust business environment to the thriving tech scene and quality of life that inspires us, this city is built to lead when it comes to technology, communications and digital savvy.
When I look at Cape Town’s growing technology sector, with a vast number of digital startups and large established companies in the digital and tech industry, it’s almost overwhelming to see what Cape Town has achieved.
The city that started Thrive Online Group over 15 years ago, is home to many international businesses and has a vibrant entrepreneurial scene. Local companies are heavily investing in digital marketing to reach both local and global markets and this in turn fuels a competitive environment in the digital space that drives innovation.
The talent pool that is being nurtured in this sector is ahead of many developed countries and combined with the South African ‘can do’ philosophy, will stay ahead via pure determination to showcase individual and collaborative skills that come out of The Mother City.
Local universities such as UWC, UCT and Stellenbosch with international standards of education together with tech colleges offer strong programs in marketing and digital media, contributing to the talent pipeline. There are various initiatives and support from both the government and industry organisations to promote Cape Town as a tech and digital marketing, as well as call-centre hub. These include funding, incubators, and internationally recognised networking events held annually at the CTICC.
However, as many people know from holidaying here, Cape Town is not all work and no play, and anything written about Cape Town has to mention Table Mountain as one of the seven wonders of the world … The city’s lifestyle, natural beauty, outdoor living and a plethora of entertainment options, as well as networking opportunities and its shopping scene, all at the foot of Table Mountain make it the place of choice for professionals in the digital industry as well as serving as a source of inspiration to continue creating the next level of digital and creative excellence.
So how does all this benefit our clients in the UK and why is it beneficial to run client-focused operations 6000 miles away?
The answer is simple… Similar time zones, the English language and digital online communication business tools all mean no barrier to working. Combine this with a crazy Rand-to-Pound exchange rate, a cheaper cost of living and considering that digital marketing is predominantly time-based work… Our UK office can offer clients all the above benefits at much better pricing.
So, to end with a fact-based pitch for our business structure – If we can account-manage your business onshore, save you money compared to most in-country digital agencies and deliver world class operations, with no barrier to business dealing… Cape Town just makes sense.
Edward Lindsay-Bowman, Thrive Online Group South Africa
