Creative UK Devon

🌟 Innovation Talks & Pitches: A Day of Insights 🌟 A huge thank you to Steph Hamill FRSA and Robin V. for their thought-provoking presentations on the power of innovation within the Creative Industries at the Creative UK Devon & Cornwall #BIGSUMMIT25 🚀 Arts University Plymouth University of Plymouth Steph shared her deep insights into the role of possibility and “imagineering” in driving creative industry innovation. Her approach was thoughtful and deliberate, challenging us all to think about how we can push boundaries and envision new possibilities. Robin, a seasoned VC, angel investor, and recent founder, took us on a journey through his vision of the how to make it work — highlighting Devon & Cornwall's unique blend of creativity and culture. Yet, he pointed out the region’s struggle with confidence in showcasing its brilliance. Rob encouraged both investors and founders to embrace more risk, build momentum, and launch ideas as early as possible. Focus on building traction and a loyal customer base rather than striving for a perfect product before taking it to market. It’s clear: traction > perfection. 💡 Don’t wait for everything to be flawless—get started and let your customers shape your journey. What risks are you ready to take today? 🚀 #BIGSUMMIT25 #Cornwall #Devon #Innovation #CreativeIndustries #Entrepreneurship #Startups #RiskTaking #TractionOverPerfection Creative UK

📣 REGIONAL CREATIVE INNOVATION FUNDING CLAXON 📣 DCMS Create Growth Programme Competition 4 🚦 Opening: 31 March 🚨 Closing: 28 May As part of this funding there are 2 competitions of different scales for creative businesses who are in one of the following regions: - Greater Manchester - Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire - North East of England - West of England and Cornwall - South East Coast - Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Greater Lincolnshire - Nottingham and Nottinghamshire - Hull and East Yorkshire - West Midlands - West Yorkshire - Devon - Hertfordshire ⭐ Small Projects: ✅ Apply for between £20,000 and £50,000 ✅ Funded at 100% ✅ Details - https://lnkd.in/e3h43Jxg 🌟 Large Projects ✅ Apply for between £50,000 and £200,000  ✅ Funded at 70% ✅ Details - https://lnkd.in/euibZriS 🗓️ A briefing event will take place on April 3rd, Zoom registration link: https://lnkd.in/ei4qDYNi Happy Friday! Andy Curtis FRSA Emma Fadlon Beth Campbell Rachel Beach Richard Foggie Anna Bagley Laura Smith Winn Faria Karen Souza Amy Potter Asha Easton Amy Chao

🌟 Creative UK Regional Summit – Plymouth 2025 🌟 We're glancing back at the awe-inspiring day that was our #BigSummit25 in Plymouth! The energy was electric as creatives, innovators, and industry leaders gathered at Arts University Plymouth and University of Plymouth & The Bridge, University of Plymouth to share ideas, collaborate, and inspire. From insightful panels to lightning pitches, talks, networking and the launch of the Fab Lab South West, it was a day full of connection and creativity. Thank you to all the speakers, partners and attendees who made this summit truly unforgettable. It’s clear that the future of the Southwest's Creative Industries is set to soar. 🚀 Check out the highlights from the event in our film... linked below #CreateUK #BigSummit25 #CreativeIndustries #CreateUKCornwall #CreateUKDevon Film by Chetwode Ram Associates Yasmin Jones-Henry xigxag Real Ideas Dark Cornwall Edward Tellwright British Business Bank Creative UK Suzie West Sam Spake Charlie Gray Lucy Ward https://lnkd.in/dvXxRPT7

We spoke to 1,272 freelancers - here's what needs to change! 👇 Freelancers face significant barriers that make their working lives challenging, especially in the aftermath of a pandemic whose repercussions still run deep. With 30% of freelancers making up the creative workforce, it is vital that they are protected and supported. We surveyed 221 organisations and 1,272 freelancers and have used those findings to propose major policy changes to improve the freelance economy. These include: ✅appointing a Freelance Commissioner ✅ developing talent through curriculum revision, careers advice and professional development support for freelancers ✅ payment protection for freelancers ✅ tailored financial products and pensions for freelancers Find out more through the link in comments ⬇️ #FreelanceReport #CreativeEconomy #ValueCreativity #SupportFreelancers #CreativeFreelancers

700 people have signed a letter to The Times calling on the UK Government to improve creative education, including our CEO, Caroline Norbury, OBE The arts have the power to enrich the lives of millions of young people across the UK and it's time for the UK Government to ensure the Curriculum and Assessment review puts the arts back where they belong - at the heart of our schools. See the full letter in the link in our top comment. #CreativeEducation

A big shout out to the all female Creative UK Devon & Cornwall team on International Women’s Day. Charlie Gray Lucy Ward Sam Spake. A sisterhood that’s supportive, mighty and intelligent, and I couldn’t live without!

Congratulations Different View!! Creative UK Devon are so pleased to be able part of your Innovation journey.

🌟 Highlighting Female Founders in the Creative Industries 🌟 Looking back to the #BIGSUMMIT25 - one of our key panels put the spotlight firmly on female founders, particularly in the creative industries. A special highlight was the inspirational talk by Dr. Vivienne Heyhoe who shared her incredible journey as both a female founder and investor. Her message was clear and powerful: life is short—focus on what you’re passionate about, shout from the rooftops, and build a community around you. Most importantly, lean on your community, and lift others up along the way. We believe it’s time to give our brightest female founders from our Create Growth Programme, a platform to shine. So, we provided a pitch opportunity for female-led businesses across CreaTech, commercially touring theatre, fashion & screen, and live arts studios, with names such as ASONE Park, TOPSTYLISTA IMAGE CONSULTANCY LTD, Gabby Vautier & Charlie Bunker from ImPOSSIBLE Producing Ltd and Rachael Malthouse from Jam Up! —giving them the stage to showcase their invaluable, ambitious ventures. Let’s continue to push for more investment, support, and visibility for female founders in the creative sector. Together, we can help amplify their impact and drive change. #FemaleFounders #WomenInBusiness #CreaTech #BIGSUMMIT25 #Leadership Creative UK

💥 We all left the Create UK National Summit feeling super inspired this week 🌟 As part of the mix, four of our CGP Devon-based companies showed the rest of the country what they were made of, demonstrating their creativity and ingenuity in tech, film, and design. A big shout-out to Nautoguide Ltd. Filmily Different View and Szabotage! From advanced navigational technology to immersive cinematic experiences and pioneering design, these companies are transforming the landscape of creativity. 🌍💡🎬 We were so proud to see Devon’s innovators at the forefront, challenging norms and leading the way on a national scale! 🙌💥 #CreateUKSummit #DevonInnovation #CreativeIndustries #NationalSummit Creative UK Photos by John Ford

🌿 At our #BIGSUMMIT25 we were proud to host a lively panel discussion at the newly launched Fab Lab South West, focused on ‘Peninsular Circular Economies in Design and Manufacture'. Industry leaders, including Yasmin Jones-Henry, Ben Mundy, John Mathers British Design Fund, David Kirkland, and Associate Professor Stephanie Owens Arts University Plymouth came together to share their valuable insights on all-things sustainable design. From our unique geography influences, to sustainable design and the vital role of innovative resourcing, the conversation highlighted the importance of lo-fi systems as drivers of the circular economy within our communities, the need for upstream design solutions, and the power of cross-sector collaboration. With a wealth of talented designers, makers, and creatives throughout the region, it's clear that Cornwall & Devon are poised to lead the way in impactful and sustainable design. 🌍✨ A huge thank you to everyone who participated and shared their insights on the day and through our feedback form! #BIGSUMMIT25 #CircularEconomy #CornwallAndDevon #FabLabSouthWest Creative UK