Building a Brand

In this session we welcome entrepreneur and founder of Loungers plc, Alex Reilley, and local creative strategist Gemma Pearson.

Alex Reilley is co-founder and Chairman of Loungers, the nationwide café, restaurant and bar group. Having spent years in the restaurant and bar trade, Alex and two friends, Jake Bishop and David Reid decided it was time they did their own thing in 2002. Loungers now operates over 250 sites across the UK including Perico Lounge in Ramsgate.

Gemma is a key part of Think Studio, which has been helping clients for over 15 years with their brand, marketing and digital strategies. The agency has delivered work for clients including global corporates such as Mondelez and, closer to home, Thanet District Council.

Alex and Gemma will share how to build a distinctive brand on a budget; with tips especially relevant to those opening a business in Ramsgate’s town centre. Drawing on her experience developing the “Ramsgreat” place brand for Ramsgate, Gemma will explain how aligning with the town’s identity can strengthen your business brand and help you connect with local customers and Alex will share with us news of a new opening in the area and the company's growth plans.