A specialist programme designed to grow West Yorkshire's creative
industries and the regional economy is back for a second year
after helping around 40 businesses to secure over £1 million of
investment.
The region's ‘Create Growth' programme - funded by the Department
for Culture, Media and Sport - is now open to applications from
creative businesses that are ready to scale-up, attract
investment and break into new markets through tailored support,
mentoring and high-profile networking opportunities.
In the inaugural year of the programme, 78% of the 41 businesses
that took part expanded their teams, 61% developed or launched
new products, and 66% reported a growth in turnover, securing a
combined total of £1.2 million in investment from private sector
investors and Innovate UK, the country's innovation agency.
It follows the creative industries being identified by the UK
Government as a key growth sector, with West Yorkshire being
named as one of six creative industries priority places set to
receive funding as part of next month's Spending Review. It will
support the region to maximise its strengths, deliver on its
growth plans, and encourage strong, continued investment in the
creative industries to create jobs and vibrant places.
, Mayor of West Yorkshire,
said:
“Ensuring that our creative sector thrives, creates more jobs and
attracts inward investment will turbocharge economic growth and
help us to build a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire.
“This innovative programme has given creative businesses in West
Yorkshire the tools and support they need to grow.
“I'm thrilled that more local businesses will have the
opportunity to fulfil their potential as we open applications for
a second year.”
Caroline Norbury OBE, CEO of Creative UK, said:
“It's positive to see the Create Growth Programme return to West
Yorkshire for another year. Its first iteration, delivered by
Creative UK and West Yorkshire Combined Authority, was a vital
springboard for some of the most innovative creative businesses
from the region, who were able to gain exposure to a broad range
of investors at our regional and national investment summits
earlier this year.
“This second run of the West Yorkshire Create Growth Programme
promises to continue the job of providing investment readiness
support to businesses who will help drive forward the creative
industries which, in 2024, made up 9.8% of all UK businesses and
which have been identified by UK Government as a key growth
sector."
In February, the successful businesses exhibited their ideas
at the Big Creative UK Summit in Bradford to an audience of
over 150 investors, partners, creative networks and local
business owners, with several taking part in a pitching
competition.
Bradford based gymwear brand Samson Athletics delivered the
winning pitch and won a stand at the UK's Festival of Business
Growth, Climb25 - taking place in Leeds in July.
Sam Cordingley, owner of Samson
Athletics said:
“The Create growth programme has really pushed me out of my
comfort zone.
“I am often squirrelled away working in the business and not on
the business; the programme has pulled me out and put me in front
of people.
“I've been pitching, which is certainly not something I would
have been doing without the programme.”
The ‘Create Growth' programme is delivered in partnership
with Creative UK and West Yorkshire Combined Authority as
part of Mayor Brabin's You Can Make It Here campaign - a £2.3
million support package designed to grow the region's creative
industries and create opportunities for talent to thrive.
Find out more and apply: https://www.wearecreative.uk/support/regional-growth-programmes/west-yorkshire-create-growth-programme/
