If you run a creative business in Croydon (or indeed have wanted to find one) you may have heard of Croydon Creative Enterprise Zone (or CEZ) because of their creative directory they set up a few years back. Well, next Wednesday, 26 November the CEZ is launching a physical space for creatives, in the centre of Croydon, and is also running a festive pop-up market until Christmas Eve there. We wanted to find out more, so we caught up with the Chair of Creative Enterprise Zone (CEZ) Consortium: Croydon, Lizzy Lambie, for a chat.

Croydonist: In a nutshell, what is the CEZ for our readers who might not have come across you?

Lizzy: The Croydon Creative Enterprise Zone (CEZ) is accredited by the Mayor of London to be the central platform supporting the growth of Croydon’s creative industries. We connect local artists, makers, and businesses to resources, skills training, and networking opportunities. Our mission is to ensure the creative sector in Croydon can flourish and grow.

Croydonist: When did your organisation start and who runs it?

Lizzy: The CEZ programme started back in 2019. It is run by the Croydon Creative Enterprise Zone CIC – an independent social enterprise established in 2023 to create skills development opportunities for our creatives. Our operations are guided by a board membership network representing the entire local creative business community.

Croydonist: You’re launching a new creative space next week – how often will it be open and what will creatives be able to do there?

Lizzy: The new CEZ Creative Space on the LG Floor of Croydon Centrale launches on 26 November. It will be open for varied times depending on booked workshops and events, but the general operating hours for the market are 10am – 7pm. It’s a versatile hub designed for networking, collaboration, workshops, and showcases. Creatives can book the space for talks, exhibitions, training, or simply utilise the coffee & workspace area.

Croydonist: Do creatives need to be members to use the space, or can anyone local take advantage of the facilities and events?

Lizzy: Anyone local can attend our large public events like the Grand Opening and the Christmas Market (which are free). However, we strongly encourage all creatives to join the Croydon Creative Directory (which is free) to become official members of the Croydon Creatives Network. Members get special perks, including an exclusive discount when hiring the creative space for their own projects.

Croydonist: Tell us more about your upcoming Winter Market – what can we expect?

Lizzy: The ‘Made by Croydon – Xmas Edition’ is a festive pop-up market running from 26 November to 24 December. You can expect a fantastic selection of independent brands and unique local finds, making it the perfect place for holiday shopping. It kicks off with the launch event next Wednesday, which also celebrates the official opening of the Croydon Creatives Network space.

Croydonist: Why a CEZ physical space now?

Lizzy: The physical space is essential to activate our space and community pillars. While our directory and online training have successfully built a virtual network, the physical hub provides a vital, centralised location in Centrale to bring that community together. It offers a prime venue for local businesses to showcase their achievements, run affordable workshops, and connect face-to-face, truly cementing Croydon’s status as a Creative Enterprise Zone.

Thanks to Lizzy for chatting with us. You can reserve your free place here for the launch of Croydon Creative Enterprise Zone (CEZ) Creative Space, which takes place between 4pm and 7pm next Wednesday, 26 November.

Find out more about the CEZ on their website, Instagram and LinkedIn. 

Images courtesy of Croydon Creative Enterprise Zone

Posted by Julia