Innovation in Shoreditch: Greg McCulloch Managing Director of Interxion

Greg-McCullochGreg is UK Managing Director of Interxion covering various areas including expansion strategies to technology implementations, product development and customer relationships.

G: Tell us about your organization? How does it drive innovation and help entrepreneurs?

A: Interxion is a leading provider of carrier-neutral colocation data centre services in Europe, serving over 1,200 customers through 28 data centres in 11 European countries. Interxion’s capabilities go beyond just colocation, its financial services, digital media and cloud communities or ‘hubs’ allow customers to benefit from shared infrastructure, developing mutually beneficial relationships and providing access to a marketplace of suppliers to more efficiently develop, launch and manage new services and applications.

G: Why do you think Shoreditch is becoming the centre of innovation?

A: Shoreditch is a unique centre of innovation because of the variety of businesses that are located in a relatively confined area; cutting edge technology ventures are based in the same building as some of the most creative minds in the country. It’s an exciting, vibrant place to be and whether you are simply grabbing a coffee or having a drink after work there always seems to be a buzz and some new business or technology that everyone’s talking about.

G: What/who could help for the development of Shoreditch entrepreneurial community? What this community is still missing?

A: Whilst I think Shoreditch has made huge strides in becoming the next silicon valley I still think that the whole community really needs to pull together to take things to the next level, so that’s government initiatives, large enterprises and small start-ups all working together and sharing ideas and resources. I think we are starting to see the beginnings of this with the likes of Digital Shoreditch and Tech City and I’m sure if we continue to nurture this creative community it won’t be long till we get there.

G: Does the growth of Silicon Roundabout benefit local communities?

A: In my opinion I think it can only benefit local communities, especially when you consider the number of new companies popping up and the jobs they create. This helps twofold with not only new jobs in the area but the wealth these new jobs bring with more people spending in local shops and restaurants.

G: What are the main threats for innovation in Shoreditch?

A: I think when you start out in any business getting credit and having a decent cash flow is a real concern. With this in mind I would say one of the main threats to innovation is not being able to access credit. Unlike many established businesses that have cash in the bank young starts up need to be able access credit to grow and develop their ideas and businesses into established enterprises.

G: What advice could you give for people thinking to start a business in Shoreditch?

A: The best advice I could give anyone starting up a business in Shoreditch is to research your idea and see if there is a real market for it. Sometimes what seems a good idea on paper may not work in the commercial world. I would also advise to get out there and meet the people working in the other innovative companies in the area. Not only can it open new avenues to grow your own business, but you’re always learning something new and increasing you contacts book.

G: What is the future of Shoreditch?

A: I think the future looks good for Shoreditch, especially when you consider the amount of interest that is around the area at the moment. I think the key to its success will be the continued interest not just from the government, but large organisations investing in the area too.