£13m earmarked for northern creative scene
SMEs in the North West are to receive a £13.9m shot in the arm as part of a government-funded initiative.
The Business Link network and the North West Development Agency are joining forces to roll out the initiative, which applies to all local companies that have “real potential for growth”, but has a specific focus on creative industry companies.
A group of regional business advisors have been appointed to hold consultations with SMEs in the area, with a view to awarding funding to those that need it. The two regional advisors for the creative industries are Andrew Patrick, former CEO of the British Film Commission, and Ray Hanks, former MD of Wunderman Worldwide.
In addition, there will be two more creative initiatives: the North West Creative Exchange and the Creative Alliance. The Exchange will help establish a “barter” system where skills and services can be exchanged without cost, while the Alliance will look to link two or more companies together to help win new business.