Stoke – on – Trent City Council have formed a partnership with Staffordshire University, Burslem School of Art and North Staffs Chamber of Commerce called Factory. It is a programme of Workshops, Events,Networking and Grants designed to encourage and help the creative sector to develop and flourish.
The launch of the programme was held at The Regent Theatre in Hanley. on Thursday 28th February 2013, opened by Jon Holmes, strategic manager for Culture and Tourism for S-O-T City Council. who spoke about how Factory is a programme of business support designed for the creative sector in North Staffordshire businesses. He also recognised that we have some great and talented creative businesses and how the project wll support them in their growth in the coming years.
He explained the partnership with Staffordshire University, Burslem School of Art and North Staffs Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NSCCI) and said that we believe you have the potential for growth. The 2 year programme is valued at £250k which we as organisations have matched.
Sara Williams Chief Executive of NSCCI spoke about the little gem of North Staffordshire and how the arts are dear to my heart having worked in the industry. She also said that the sector has passion, drive and excitement which produce products of desire, with the creative sector is crucial to this area in the future as it’s been in our past.
Cath Ralph of Burslem School of art and Catherine Feeley associate dean for scholarship, enterprise and research Staffordshire University were next to speak.
Cath spoke about a considerable increase in the creative industries in the area since she has been in post during the last 12 years.
She talked of the proud heritage and that we have world class artists now in the area as well as those we’ve had in the past.
Catherine mentioned the partners who have invested in the scheme and hoped that those taking part in the scheme could match the investment with energy and enthusiasm.
Marc Wootton and Paul Bailey from Stoke – on – Trent City Council’s Culture and Tourism department are the people that will be running the day to day operation of Factory and went into more detail about the project.
It is free, there’s a series of opportunities whether it be business analysis, market intelligence, trade show exposure, meet the buyer, training, small capital and grants, a series of networking events and an annual creative conference that will put the area on the map.
There is a small capital grants programme funded through the ERDF of £1500 which needs to be matched by an equivalent amount by the recipient which can be used to help purchase a vital piece of equipment you.
All enquiries please contact factory@stoke.gov.uk
