Ed Gould is Creative Director and Founding Partner at Carswell Gould, the Southampton creative communications agency he has helped run for 33 years. He went straight into work from school rather than university, building a career across creativity, technology and business. About a decade ago, that experience led him and a group of partners to establish Venturefest South, a not-for-profit network designed to connect innovators, universities, investors and businesses across the region.

Ed explains why inclusive networks matter. He has run Venturefest South's open-mic pitching for around nine years, welcoming ideas from children, older people and disabled founders as well as established businesses. He recalls two Innovator of the Year winners whose AI product went on to attract £2 million in funding, while arguing that five per cent growth across many local firms can be just as valuable as one spectacular success. Southern Creative Catalyst extends the same thinking to coders, designers, architects, music technicians and other commercial creatives.

The conversation also covers dyslexia, changing attitudes to academic routes, the effect of AI on entry-level work and the need to retain local talent. Ed urges students to strengthen their cognitive and creative capabilities, reminds founders that a world-changing business can begin in a cupboard, and asks business leaders, freelancers and listeners to stop working in silos. His call to action is simple: show up, share ideas, build trust and help create the opportunities the region needs.

Guest: Ed Gould, Creative Director and Founding Partner, Carswell Gould

Recorded for The Technology Show on Voice FM 103.9, Southampton — broadcast 16 October 2026. Listen live on Fridays at 1pm. More episodes: thetechnologyshow.uk