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The Creative UK Manchester Programme ran from 2022 to June 2023 and offered tailored business support for creative and cultural practitioners, freelancers, organisations and SMEs based in Greater Manchester.
Over the course of the programme, we delivered 1:1 support and open access masterclasses, alongside workshops to support cohorts of enterprises to take a deep dive into specialist areas.
The programme was fully funded through the European Regional Development Fund and delivered in partnership with Manchester Growth Hub and Northern Powerhouse.
Past activity:
How to be a Successful Freelancer/ Business Owner
Are you a Greater Manchester-based creative freelancer or SME who is eager to grow and learn how to successfully run your business?
So often creatives find themselves dedicating more of their valuable energy to creating than to the running of their businesses – but now is the time to find simple strategies to take control of the whole picture and become unstoppable.
How to be a Successful Freelancer/Business Owner is a 6-week mini cohort here to teach you the fundamentals of creating a memorable business plan, how to effectively reach your target audience, practical marketing sales strategies, managing your finances and preserving your work/life balance.
All of our interactive sessions will be taking place online via Zoom starting from Wednesday 8th June 11-1pm and continue every Wednesday for a total of 6 weeks led by Claudia Mayer.
Register here to take part: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/how-to-be-a-successful-freelancerbusiness-owner-tickets-337330192687
Blueprints for Film & TV
Do you work in the Film & TV Industry? Are you looking for a way to get your vision noticed or take it to the next step but just don’t know how? Look no further as this September, Creative UK: Manchester present a brand new workshop designed to take you through the journey from Development to Distribution facilitated by course leader Angus Finney.
Blueprints for Film and TV is an unmissable free intensive workshop aimed for anyone based in the Greater Manchester Region and working in the Film and TV subsector looking for professional insight into this fast-paced industry. Participants will gain industry knowledge about building a sustainable business model and the demands and challenges facing content makers in the current climate. Angus will be giving expert advice on business planning, the complex landscape of finance and distribution and how to pitch and present your story.
Date: The in-person workshop will be taking place over two full days on Wednesday 21st and Thursday 22nd September 2022 at Manchester School of Art.
Catering: Refreshments and lunch will be provided on both days.
The deadline for registrations is on Thursday 15th September at 5pm.
Find out more and register here: Creative UK Manchester: Blueprints for Film & TV Tickets, Wed 21 Sep 2022 at 10:00 | Eventbrite
Breaking into Podcasting
Date: Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th November 2022.
Location: Media City, Manchester
Wondering what all the podcast hype is about? Ever wanted to launch your own podcast? Or perhaps you’re looking for another platform on which to communicate with your clients and followers, or a catalyst for collaboration?
‘Breaking into Podcasting’ is a 2-day intensive development workshop in partnership with Audio Always aimed at creative businesses and individuals based in the Greater Manchester region. Across the 2 days we’ll give you an insight into all things podcasting. From learning how to create your own podcast format that suits you, to recording perfect audio, to getting your podcast heard by listeners. To top it all off you will receive hands-on experience in a fully equipped professional studio, right here in MediaCity.
This two-day workshop will be a mix of interactive seminars, guest interviews, workshops and practical training from the Audio Always team.
• Formats and Examples – An Introduction to Podcasting across the globe
• Meet the Podcasters: Interviews with hosts and Q&A sessions
• Studio Training: Microphones, Headphones and more
• Creating Your Podcast: Practical recording workshop
• Launching, Marketing, & Distribution: monetisation of your new product
How to be a Successful Freelancer/ Business Owner
Are you a Greater Manchester-based creative freelancer or SME who is eager to grow and learn how to successfully run your business?
So often creatives find themselves dedicating more of their valuable energy to creating than to the running of their businesses – but now is the time to find simple strategies to take control of the whole picture and become unstoppable.
How to be a Successful Freelancer/Business Owner is a 6-week mini cohort here to teach you the fundamentals of creating a memorable business plan, how to effectively reach your target audience, practical marketing sales strategies, managing your finances and preserving your work/life balance.
All of our interactive sessions will be taking place online via Zoom starting from Wednesday 8th June 11-1pm and continue every Wednesday for a total of 6 weeks led by Claudia Mayer.
Register here to take part: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/how-to-be-a-successful-freelancerbusiness-owner-tickets-337330192687
Blueprints for Film & TV
Do you work in the Film & TV Industry? Are you looking for a way to get your vision noticed or take it to the next step but just don’t know how? Look no further as this September, Creative UK: Manchester present a brand new workshop designed to take you through the journey from Development to Distribution facilitated by course leader Angus Finney.
Blueprints for Film and TV is an unmissable free intensive workshop aimed for anyone based in the Greater Manchester Region and working in the Film and TV subsector looking for professional insight into this fast-paced industry. Participants will gain industry knowledge about building a sustainable business model and the demands and challenges facing content makers in the current climate. Angus will be giving expert advice on business planning, the complex landscape of finance and distribution and how to pitch and present your story.
Date: The in-person workshop will be taking place over two full days on Wednesday 21st and Thursday 22nd September 2022 at Manchester School of Art.
Catering: Refreshments and lunch will be provided on both days.
The deadline for registrations is on Thursday 15th September at 5pm.
Find out more and register here: Creative UK Manchester: Blueprints for Film & TV Tickets, Wed 21 Sep 2022 at 10:00 | Eventbrite
Breaking into Podcasting
Date: Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th November 2022.
Location: Media City, Manchester
Wondering what all the podcast hype is about? Ever wanted to launch your own podcast? Or perhaps you’re looking for another platform on which to communicate with your clients and followers, or a catalyst for collaboration?
‘Breaking into Podcasting’ is a 2-day intensive development workshop in partnership with Audio Always aimed at creative businesses and individuals based in the Greater Manchester region. Across the 2 days we’ll give you an insight into all things podcasting. From learning how to create your own podcast format that suits you, to recording perfect audio, to getting your podcast heard by listeners. To top it all off you will receive hands-on experience in a fully equipped professional studio, right here in MediaCity.
This two-day workshop will be a mix of interactive seminars, guest interviews, workshops and practical training from the Audio Always team.
• Formats and Examples – An Introduction to Podcasting across the globe
• Meet the Podcasters: Interviews with hosts and Q&A sessions
• Studio Training: Microphones, Headphones and more
• Creating Your Podcast: Practical recording workshop
• Launching, Marketing, & Distribution: monetisation of your new product
Survive & Thrive: Growing Your Creative Business During Uncertainty
A fully-funded 12 hour business support programme designed for freelancers and Small or Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the creative sector.
The stronger your business is, the less likely it is to be affected by risks or unforeseen events, which is fair to say has been an ongoing theme of the past few years! This series of online workshops aims to give creative businesses in Greater Manchester a robust toolkit to survive – and hopefully grow – in 2022 and beyond.
Survive & Thrive: Growing Your Creative Business during Uncertainty is a 6-week mini cohort here to help your creative business with resilience. This course is being taught by Advantage Creative and weekly guest industry experts. Topics covered will include strategising, building a team, securing investment or developing new partnerships. From self-employed studio creatives to directors of production companies – Survive & Thrive is designed to support professionals from any creative subsector to make informed decisions about your growth during these uncertain times.
Mentoring Scheme
Creative UK: Manchester launched a new mentoring scheme aimed to provide bespoke one-to-one support to creative and cultural practitioners, freelancers and organisations from any creative field or artistic discipline, who are based in the Greater Manchester region.
This scheme was designed to build confidence and support participants to develop better communication skills, to expand their imagination, perspectives and ideas. Mentees on the programme were able to tap into the wisdom of skilled experts, have access to a supportive sounding board and someone who was able push their boundaries in a safe space.
The Games Lab – Secrets from the Insiders
Up your game at The Game Lab! Do you work in the Games Industry? Are you looking for a way to get your vision noticed and take the next step?
‘The Games Lab – Secrets from the Insiders’ is an unmissable workshop aimed at anyone based in the Greater Manchester Region and working in the Games and interactive sectors looking for professional insight into this fast-paced industry.
The workshop is designed to take you through Brand Development, Publisher Pitching and Talent Management facilitated by course leader Gina Jackson OBE and a selection of industry experts.
The in-person workshop will be taking place over 2 full days on Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th March 2023 at Chamber Space 2nd Floor, Elliot House, 151 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3WD
Survive & Thrive: Growing Your Creative Business During Uncertainty
A fully-funded 12 hour business support programme designed for freelancers and Small or Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the creative sector.
The stronger your business is, the less likely it is to be affected by risks or unforeseen events, which is fair to say has been an ongoing theme of the past few years! This series of online workshops aims to give creative businesses in Greater Manchester a robust toolkit to survive – and hopefully grow – in 2022 and beyond.
Survive & Thrive: Growing Your Creative Business during Uncertainty is a 6-week mini cohort here to help your creative business with resilience. This course is being taught by Advantage Creative and weekly guest industry experts. Topics covered will include strategising, building a team, securing investment or developing new partnerships. From self-employed studio creatives to directors of production companies – Survive & Thrive is designed to support professionals from any creative subsector to make informed decisions about your growth during these uncertain times.
Mentoring Scheme
Creative UK: Manchester launched a new mentoring scheme aimed to provide bespoke one-to-one support to creative and cultural practitioners, freelancers and organisations from any creative field or artistic discipline, who are based in the Greater Manchester region.
This scheme was designed to build confidence and support participants to develop better communication skills, to expand their imagination, perspectives and ideas. Mentees on the programme were able to tap into the wisdom of skilled experts, have access to a supportive sounding board and someone who was able push their boundaries in a safe space.
The Games Lab – Secrets from the Insiders
Up your game at The Game Lab! Do you work in the Games Industry? Are you looking for a way to get your vision noticed and take the next step?
‘The Games Lab – Secrets from the Insiders’ is an unmissable workshop aimed at anyone based in the Greater Manchester Region and working in the Games and interactive sectors looking for professional insight into this fast-paced industry.
The workshop is designed to take you through Brand Development, Publisher Pitching and Talent Management facilitated by course leader Gina Jackson OBE and a selection of industry experts.
The in-person workshop will be taking place over 2 full days on Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th March 2023 at Chamber Space 2nd Floor, Elliot House, 151 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3WD
EmpowerHer: A 2-Day Workshop for Women in Creative Businesses
EmpowerHer was a free workshop aimed at anyone based in the Greater Manchester Region and identifying as a women looking for professional insight into thriving and excelling in the fast-paced creative industries.
Grant Funding Demystified: Masterclass for Creative Entrepreneurs
Grant Funding Demystified, delivered by Creative UK Manchester is part one of our funding series, and a free 3-hour online masterclass designed to assist creative entrepreneurs in Greater Manchester in navigating the current funding landscape and developing grant-winning ideas. Whether you are seeking to understand the available funding options or uncover the reasons behind unsuccessful funding bids, this webinar offers a unique opportunity to engage with funding experts and successful grant awardees.
Led by Keith Jeffreys, this masterclass provides invaluable guidance on various funding opportunities, application planning, pitch deck creation, and identifying the right stakeholders to approach. Regardless of whether you are a self-employed studio creative or a director of a production company, this course is tailored to professionals from all creative subsectors, enabling them to make informed decisions about their next steps.
Investment Demystified: Masterclass for Creative Entrepreneurs
Considering pitching for investment to grow your creative business? Curious about what’s out there and what’s possible? If you’re running a creative business in Greater Manchester and thinking about taking the next step towards investment applications then this is the masterclass for you.
Investment De-mystified is the second part of Creative UK Manchester’s 3- hour masterclass in funding series – here to help you plan for your investment journey. Participants will gain invaluable guidance on the different kinds of investment available, planning for your application, building a pitch deck, and who to approach. We’ll include a segment from our in-house expert investment team here at Creative UK to give you an insider’s insight into what creative investors are looking for. Whether you’re a self-employed studio creative or the director of a production company – this masterclass is designed to support professionals from any creative subsector to make informed decisions about their growth.
EmpowerHer: A 2-Day Workshop for Women in Creative Businesses
EmpowerHer was a free workshop aimed at anyone based in the Greater Manchester Region and identifying as a women looking for professional insight into thriving and excelling in the fast-paced creative industries.
Grant Funding Demystified: Masterclass for Creative Entrepreneurs
Grant Funding Demystified, delivered by Creative UK Manchester is part one of our funding series, and a free 3-hour online masterclass designed to assist creative entrepreneurs in Greater Manchester in navigating the current funding landscape and developing grant-winning ideas. Whether you are seeking to understand the available funding options or uncover the reasons behind unsuccessful funding bids, this webinar offers a unique opportunity to engage with funding experts and successful grant awardees.
Led by Keith Jeffreys, this masterclass provides invaluable guidance on various funding opportunities, application planning, pitch deck creation, and identifying the right stakeholders to approach. Regardless of whether you are a self-employed studio creative or a director of a production company, this course is tailored to professionals from all creative subsectors, enabling them to make informed decisions about their next steps.
Investment Demystified: Masterclass for Creative Entrepreneurs
Considering pitching for investment to grow your creative business? Curious about what’s out there and what’s possible? If you’re running a creative business in Greater Manchester and thinking about taking the next step towards investment applications then this is the masterclass for you.
Investment De-mystified is the second part of Creative UK Manchester’s 3- hour masterclass in funding series – here to help you plan for your investment journey. Participants will gain invaluable guidance on the different kinds of investment available, planning for your application, building a pitch deck, and who to approach. We’ll include a segment from our in-house expert investment team here at Creative UK to give you an insider’s insight into what creative investors are looking for. Whether you’re a self-employed studio creative or the director of a production company – this masterclass is designed to support professionals from any creative subsector to make informed decisions about their growth.
The Calling Card Script & The Writer’s Voice
The Calling Card Script & The Writer’s Voice, led by Paul Ashton, Head of Film & TV at Creative UK. With an impressive track record in the industry, Paul shared his expertise and guidance towards scriptwriting success.
The webinar explored the key ingredients and elements that make a calling card script compelling and attention-grabbing. Participants learned how to create scripts that stand out, capture readers attention, and leave a lasting impression. Additionally, Paul dove into the concept of the writer’s voice, helping to understand how to infuse unique perspective and authenticity into writing.
The Art of Branding and Storytelling
Unlock the power of storytelling and discover how to create compelling narratives around your brand. We’re thrilled to invite you to a transformative free 3-hour online workshop with renowned storyteller and experience designer, Alison Norrington.
Join us from the comfort of your own home in your favorite pair of pajamas for this engaging workshop. We’ll guide you through the essential aspects of company brand and ethos, helping you discover your personal core values, define your brand mission statements, and uncover your big ‘why.’ Gain valuable insights into aligning your brand or creative values with both new and existing clients, whether they belong to a wider or more niche suite of brands.
Sign up now for ‘The Art of Branding & Storytelling‘ webinar with Alison and take the first step toward creating narratives that captivate and resonate. Limited spots available, so secure your place today!
The Calling Card Script & The Writer’s Voice
The Calling Card Script & The Writer’s Voice, led by Paul Ashton, Head of Film & TV at Creative UK. With an impressive track record in the industry, Paul shared his expertise and guidance towards scriptwriting success.
The webinar explored the key ingredients and elements that make a calling card script compelling and attention-grabbing. Participants learned how to create scripts that stand out, capture readers attention, and leave a lasting impression. Additionally, Paul dove into the concept of the writer’s voice, helping to understand how to infuse unique perspective and authenticity into writing.
The Art of Branding and Storytelling
Unlock the power of storytelling and discover how to create compelling narratives around your brand. We’re thrilled to invite you to a transformative free 3-hour online workshop with renowned storyteller and experience designer, Alison Norrington.
Join us from the comfort of your own home in your favorite pair of pajamas for this engaging workshop. We’ll guide you through the essential aspects of company brand and ethos, helping you discover your personal core values, define your brand mission statements, and uncover your big ‘why.’ Gain valuable insights into aligning your brand or creative values with both new and existing clients, whether they belong to a wider or more niche suite of brands.
Sign up now for ‘The Art of Branding & Storytelling‘ webinar with Alison and take the first step toward creating narratives that captivate and resonate. Limited spots available, so secure your place today!