New ‘Creative’ guide launched for West Midlands entrepreneurs » Communities » 24dash.com

A special guide has been launched today for the Creative, Cultural and Digital Industries in a bid to help start-ups and boost business performance in what is one of the fastest growing sectors in the West Midlands.

Business Link in the West Midlands has teamed up with respected business adviser and author David Parrish to produce the 48-page publication, which aims to provide entrepreneurs and bosses with expert information and useful contact details, whilst helping to promote some of the region’s leading firms to the rest of the UK and overseas.

Starting with a section on ‘developing your idea’, the cutting-edge brochure takes you through the journey of setting up a business and making the most of opportunities, including advice with strategic planning, protecting your intellectual property, promoting your firm and financial management.

It also looks at recruiting the right people, developing skills and tackling legal issues that can be so important when maximising potential.

Lara Ratnaraja, Sector Development Director, was delighted at the outcome.

“The Creative, Cultural and Digital industries currently generate £6.6bn to the West Midlands economy and this equates to over 12% of our Gross Value Added – it’s a major industry and one that is growing faster than the more traditional sectors we have been reliant on.

“What is ironic is that the rest of the world sees our region as a real influencer in the international creative scene, yet we don’t actually realise how good and successful we can be. This is something we are looking to change and the latest guide will go some way to achieving this.”

The creative and cultural industry is extremely diverse and counts a wide range of companies amongst its ranks, from graphic designers and visual artists to music promotion and fashion designers.

Heading the growth list is digital media, both in terms of content (serious games, film, design) and distribution (advertising). Visual art, education work, live art and music are also key economic and cultural drivers.

“We have worked with some fabulous companies and some of these are featured in the publication, including 383 Project (graphic design agency responsible for the design on Sprite cans and Birmingham’s Walk of Stars), Gas Street Works (multi-award winning digital media specialist) and the internationally acclaimed Stan’s Cafe,” continued Lara.

“Lisa Meyer and Jenny Moore – founders of music, arts and promotion specialists Capsule – are the final case study to be featured. They have enjoyed tremendous success for hosting music events with a difference and even saw their Supersonic festival win international festival of the year in Plan B Magazine. Off the back of their success they now have their own record label.”

She added: “This is just a quick snapshot of the talent we have available in the region.”

David Parrish, Author of the book 'T-Shirts and Suits: A Guide to the Business of Creativity', was commissioned to write the guide:

“Creative entrepreneurs are a unique breed and this publication recognises that. It speaks to them in their language and provides useful information on some of the issues facing emerging companies – all are great with ideas, but the practicalities of running your own business sometimes fall out of the picture.”

He went on to add: “I recently met Barbara Follett MP, the minister for Culture, Creative Industries and Tourism, at an event in Liverpool. She was engrossed in the guide and feels the West Midlands has set the precedent for publications of this type.”

Business Link West Midlands is currently working with over 500 firms across the region, providing support in strategic planning, marketing, business planning, skills and intellectual property.

In addition, it has also developed a 1000-strong list of quality approved consultants through its ‘Select Supply’ database. Lara concluded: “We have a real opportunity to be an international centre of excellence and it is now time for everyone involved in the sector to stand up and shout about what we do and how we do it.

“There is no doubt in my mind that we have the widest cross section of talent anywhere in the world and this was clearly evident in six of our companies (Stan’s Café, DA Recordings, Fierce Earth, IE Design, LHM Design and Substrakt) winning top accolades at the recent Creative City Awards.

“I’m also confident we possess the business support structure needed to help the sector realise its full potential.”

For further information, please contact 0845 113 1234 or email creative@businesslinkwm.co.uk