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Tom Cox, one of Scotland’s most successful entrepreneurs, has spoken out for the first time about the economic benefits accruing to Edinburgh as a result of the rapidly-expanding creative village centred on the floating office complex on the Water of Leith.

Three Brand Design, a successful branding company and one of many companies that Mr Cox has actively invested in, is based on the La Belle Esperance, one of the barges which house state-of-the-art offices owned by Water of Leith 2000 on the waterway’s Outer Basin.

He said: “For a company which is expected to be highly creative and a bit edgy, this location palpably demonstrates that we are not afraid to do something different. We are bringing UK and international clients – such as Virgin, Silverburn, Baxters and Diageo – into the heart of Leith and they are as impressed as we are.

“This quirky and innovative – yet architecturally magnificent – floating office complex is clearly instrumental in putting Leith on the map as a vibrant centre for the creative industries.”

There are three floating offices in the historic commercial port, and plans for three more. Three Brand occupies La Belle Esperance; the Leith Agency, one of the UK’s most dynamic and successful branding and advertising organisations, is occupying the sister barge, Mary of Guise; and major international creative consultancy Omnia, which operates in London, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is moving into the Water of Leith 2000’s biggest craft, the architecturally spectacular Barge 1502.

Mr Cox, a former Group Chief Engineer with national food companies, founded and sold Oakwood Foods for £14m, then co-founded and sold, Calbank Ltd, a property company for £48m. He is currently invested in several diverse UK based companies, a joint venture property company in the US and has entered the world of film making by investing in a Scottish-Canadian joint venture film company.

His first feature film, starring several well known actors, including Tom Conti, Donal Logue and with music by Phil Collins, is currently playing the film festival circuit before going on general release next year. He is also establishing a small business innovation park for start-up companies on his 230-acre estate near Stirling and is a major shareholder in Get Juiced, a fast-expanding Stirling-based fresh juice and smoothie company whose clients include Windsor Castle as well as a large number of Scottish quality deli’s, bars and restaurants.

He said: “I have considerable experience of company growth and I am aware of the importance of location for companies who are dealing with impact and image. The old harbour at Leith is in an historic Scottish setting, but is attracting organisations which are dealing internationally at the leading edge of technology.

“Three Brand has 14 employees who just love the water-based office in the heart of Edinburgh – as do our clients. After a hard days work it’s great to be able to go for a beer or meal in one of the area’s many excellent bars and restaurants, or even just a walk round the harbour. It’s so relaxing. You can’t measure that in terms of business.”

Ron Kitchin, managing director of Water of Leith 2000, said: “Tom Cox is one of Scotland’s most successful businessmen and his endorsement of the floating office concept is not only heartening for us but an important indicator of business thinking within the creative industries.

“Water of Leith 2000 is very pleased to be able to attract and retain such valuable clients.”

For further information, please contact Liquorice Media, 0141 564 8058 or 07971 823651