Creative UK: Manchester – Mentoring Scheme

Advantage Creative

Mentor’s Name: John Holmes
Job Title: Managing Director
Sector working in: Education & Training 

John has over 20 years of experience in managing creative & cultural businesses including theatres, festivals, museums, tourism and marketing agencies. As Managing Director, John works with our partners on the design and delivery of our creative industries incubator and accelerator programmes, and creative industries development projects. John represents Advantage Creative on a wide range of investor networks and is often involved in a mentoring capacity to help creative entrepreneurs develop their business strategy and pitches through incubator programmes backed by Arts Council England, DCMS, Crafts Council, Digital Catapult, and others. 

“I particularly enjoy being a mentor for Creative UK, as I find it brings me into contact with a wide range of talented creative entrepreneurs and founders. I enjoy the mentoring relationships that flow from this, especially where I can draw upon my experiences of building businesses and leading teams in this sector.” 

Bellyfeel

Mentor’s Name: Krishna Stott
Job Title: Interactive Story Creator and Consultant
Sector working in: Video Games, Media, Education & Training 

Bellyfeel helps clients create compelling interactive story experiences that inspire, educate, and entertain. Run by Krishna, a Shropshire lad who has logged approx. 13,000 hours creating interactive games, developing, producing and consulting to create compelling interactive stories and unforgettable user experiences at Bellyfeel. In 2015 he published ‘Set the Storyworld to Random’, a book about how to connect with modern transmedia audiences. He also delivers talks and training around the world at Media Festivals and online. 

“I love working with interesting people who need a hand to move their creative ideas forwards towards bigger audiences and better business. So I’m pleased to be involved and hope you have some thorny problems and issues to work through with me…” 

Coaching by Claudia

Mentor’s Name: Claudia Mayer
Job Title: Creative Business Coach
Sector working in: creative sector, Education & Training 

Drawing on 10+ years of international marketing, business development and sales experience, Claudia is a specialized business coach for design and creative companies. With the mindset of a designer and the focus of an entrepreneur, she bridges the gap between creative talent, design and business success. Claudia has spent the majority of her career in the creative industries, (including lighting and architecture) across The Netherlands, Guangzhou, Singapore, Dubai and New Delhi. She founded Coaching by Claudia in 2015 to support creative companies in their entrepreneurial development, and additionally works as lecturer and module leader at In Holland University of Applied Sciences based in The Hague.  

“Take your creative business to the next level.” – With the mindset of a designer and the focus of an entrepreneur, Claudia Mayer bridges the gap between creative talent and business success. Together, we take strategic action by visual and creative exercises combined with commitment and online collaboration tools.

Creative Spark

Mentor’s Name: Manda Graham
Job Title: Creative Business Coach and Funding Mentor
Sector working in: Crafts, Advertising and Marketing, Museums, Galleries and Libraries, Performing Arts, Photography, Visual Arts, Other: creative sector, Heritage 

I work with artists and creative companies to help you to move forward in your creative career without giving up what’s important!  I provide support and resources for artists, makers, photographers, musicians and performers and cultural sector leaders drawing on my 21 years’ experience in the arts sector. I love working on things like budgets, fundraising, increasing your income or just helping you to work out where to start!

“Being a mentor for Creative UK is an huge honour. It’s great to be able to share my experience of all aspects of running creative organisations and projects, as well as having time to work with, get to know and develop bespoke coach/mentor programmes to help each creative business person understand where they are, what’s stopping them and to put together a toolkit to help them thrive – personally and in business!” 

Heather Niven

Mentor’s Name: Heather Niven
Job Title: Innovation and Business Consultant
Sector working in: Visual Arts, Film & TV, Education & Training, Design (Product, Graphic) 

I am a self-employed consultant, coach and mentor for the Creative industries and specifically the screen based industries, having been Head of Science City York. I’ve worked with Creative UK, Screen Industries Growth Network (SIGN), XR Stories and the University of York as well as developing training programmes for SIGN to support freelancers and screen based businesses to launch, grow and collaborate. More recently I have been working Vanitas Arts and Diva Creative Ltd building a new business called Geostories which combines storytelling with a createch platform which we intend to launch this this year. I also teach Business, Innovation and Enterprise skills to computer science and Theatre, Film TV and Interactive Media students at the University of York part time. 

“I really enjoy working with business founders to set up, develop and grow their businesses. Having coached and mentored for over 4 years I am always surprised and delighted by the creativity and innovation I find talking to entrepreneurs. I am always happy to support that creative development in others.” 

Erica Wolfe-Murray

Mentor’s Name: Erica Wolfe-Murray
Job Title: Founder
Sector working in: Business Planning, Products Development, Business Strategy, New Business Models, New Products, Application & Services, IP 

During a career working in advertising, design and tv production, I became aware of how many creative companies worked in silos, not learning from other sectors with the industry. I started Lola, to set out to borrow ways of working, earning, creating, owning IP from across the creative industries.  And having been both a creative head and a financial director, I also know how vital it is that both sides of the business work in alignment to ensure growth is baked into a company’s vision.  To date I have helped over 400 companies and organisation to see what they could be.  From household names such as Puma, Disney and NatGeo, to talent such as Rachel Khoo and Inua Ellams, my clients have come from all sectors of the creative industries – whether tv, film, animation, product and graphic design, advertising, events, games, apps, education and schools, theatre and performance. 

For the last 3 years she has been leading Creative England’s acclaimed Female Founders Scale-up Programme. 38 founders of screen-based companies – VR, factual, scripted, animation,   and branded content – have taken part in a 7-month programme of workshops and intensive 1-2-1 business coaching generating exciting growth and expansion.

“Having the right mentor to support your launch, and growth, makes such a big difference. It is having someone who you can feel supported by, can share your worries and vulnerability with, but who will help you to stay answerable to your ambitions.” 

Lord Whitney 

Mentor’s Name: Harry May-Bedell / Lord Whitney 
Job Title: Creative Associate
Sector working in: Design (Product, Graphic), Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Advertising and Marketing, Film & TV 

Lord Whitney is an innovative artist-led creative studio based in Leeds that exists to spark wonder and create spaces for people to connect with themselves. With a duel offering of commercial art direction and immersive design work that spans theatre, film, tv, heritage, fashion and more it is our mission to immerse people in new worlds and provide escapism that inspires and reveals new possibilities through high-quality experiences, spaces and opportunities. 

 “As the recipients of mentoring in various forms over the years we’re committed to helping other artists and creative organisations to explore and fulfil their potential through mentoring and support.”

Mission Accomplished 

Mentor’s Name: Alison Grade
Job Title: CEO
Sector working in: Business Planning, Financial Management, Pitching, Products Development, Leadership & People Management, Developing Networks, Marketing & social media, Branding, Business Strategy, New Business Models, New Products, Application & Services, IP 

Alison describes her key skill as transforming creative ideas into a business reality. She accomplishes this with the films she produces, the creative entrepreneurs she mentors, SMEs and freelancers she advises and in her Penguin published book, The Freelance Bible. Alison has an unique skillset in that she has formal academic training (INSEAD MBA);has worked at senior level in many media companies;is an entrepreneur who has established several businesses and is a Nesta accredited Creative Enterprise trainer and mentor. She has recently joined the Digital Leadership Board for the Centre for New Midlands and is a member of Creative Industries Federation UK Council. She brings her passion, knowledge and experience with her in all the work she does. 

“I’m delighted to be a mentor for Creative UK. As a mentor I’m here to help you take your business / career forwards and support you to reach your goals. Mentors have been incredibly important to me in my career so I’m delighted that I can now offer mentoring support.” 

Rebel Creatives Ltd 

Mentor’s Name: Amrit Singh
Job Title: Creative Director and Artist
Sector working in: Advertising and Marketing, Design (Product, Graphic), Visual Arts, Arts and Crafts, Marketing & social media, Branding, Content creation, Strategy

Amrit is a multi-award winning artist, creative director and mentor. With over 15 years of experience working in the design and advertising industry, Amrit has worked with top companies around the world delivering first class design, digital projects and has led successful campaigns. Due to the popularity of his creative content on various social media platforms and 6 years of live streaming, his art brand Wild Lotus Art has an international customer base with his art and public sculptures featured in over 30 exhibitions around the UK, Europe and US. Amrit leads on several digital and creative initiatives, including being a Create Central executive board member and is an advocate for the arts and culture as well as digital skills sharing. He’s the creative director at Rebel Creatives, a creative business specialising in content production, short-form media, immersive technology, social media, strategy, branding as well as digital training and mentoring.

‘Providing knowledge and support to other companies is very rewarding and I know how difficult it can be finding the right help. Having worked in the creative sector for many decades, I’m delighted to be a mentor for Creative UK and share my expertise.’ 

See Ahead 

 Mentor’s Name: Helem Hoyle
Job Title: Director
Sector working in: Business coaching, Crafts, Performing Arts 

Set up in 2011, SEE Ahead is a social enterprise, run by 3 SFEDI accredited business advisors with a social enterprise specialism, Business Coaching & Mentoring and PTTLS Level 4 qualifications. Our ethos is to support people to become more commercially minded, whilst retaining their social and/or environmental aims. We empower people to do things for themselves, rather than do it for them; that means that they can continue to flourish without the continued need for help and support. Our quarterly mentoring programme for senior managers has been running for 10 years as has our successful self-employment programmes for long term unemployed and individuals with barriers to work. We have worked with many creative organisations over the last 10 years and delivered contracts for various local authorities. 

‘We are pleased to be a mentor on the Manchester programme. As a team of fully qualified business advisors and mentors with combined experience of over 50 years, we love meeting new people and helping them to grow their business and achieve their dreams.’ 

HeyStephenHey 

 Mentor’s Name: Stephen Hey
Job Title: Director
Sector working in: Video Games 

Stephen’s career spans nearly 30 years of games PR, advertising, product marketing and latterly the role of Marketing Director at EA studio, Chillingo. Although Stephen loves games, he is terrible at them, but has a deep understanding of why people play games and what triggers people to buy them. He has worked on some stand out games and franchises from Worms, Lego Star Wars, Resident Evil, Cut The Rope and Micro Machines to WWE, FIFA and PES. In March 2017 Stephen set up games marketing consultancy HeyStephenHey, dedicated to helping indie developers formulate and execute marketing strategies. Since starting Stephen has worked with developers such as Milky Tea, Huey Games, Yippee Entertainment, Wargaming Ghost Broadband and Merge Games. Stephen is a BAFTA and UKIE member and an ambassador for the game’s charity, SpecialEffect.  

‘I love working with companies that are starting out or growing in the games space. It’s a big business but its also incredibly hard to break through, and it feels great to be able to help creative and passionate people navigate the commercial and marketing aspects to give them a fighting chance of building a successful business.’ 

StoryCentral  

Mentor’s Name: Alison Norrington
Job Title: Creative Director/Experience Designer
Sector working in: TV and Film  

Alison Norrington is a storyteller, writer & producer, Founder & Chief Creative Director of storycentral, an entertainment studio that incubates and develops ground-breaking IP with global partners in film, television, animation, publishing, advertising, branding, theme parks, Virtual Reality and gaming. Over her 25+ year career she has worked with and consulted to SundanceTV, CBS Interactive, Walt Disney Imagineering, FOX International, AMC Networks, BBC, and more.   She works as a writer and script consultant for film and television, and she most recently was part of the huge global Xbox ‘Sea of Thieves’ Alternate Reality game ‘The Quest for the Golden Bananas’. 

‘I have been a Creative UK mentor for a couple of years and love helping support businesses, storytellers and brands. I’m thrilled to be a mentor on these Creative UK programmes. With over 25 years’ experience in storytelling, audience/consumer awareness and engagement, experience design and branding I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and skillset to mentor, educate and inspire businesses to reach a wider audience, but with more of a laser focus!’ 

T-shirt & Suits 

Mentor’s Name: David Parrish
Job Title: Creative Industries Mentor, Speaker, Trainer, Author
Sector working in: Education & Training, Publishing 

David works with creative entrepreneurs in all subsectors of the creative industries, helping them to be more successful, both creatively and commercially. David has direct experience of setting up, growing and internationalising businesses in the creative industries. He has advised hundreds of creative, cultural and digital enterprises in the UK and internationally. David has worked in more than 60 countries around the world and this international experience means he can bring a wider range of ideas and perspectives to help his clients. He is the author of the highly acclaimed creative business guide: ‘T-Shirts and Suits: A Guide to the Business of Creativity.’ The book has been translated and published in 14 countries around the world.  

‘As a mentor for Creative UK, I help creative people to make their businesses even more successful, both creatively and commercially. I have managed and grown creative businesses myself, so I know what it’s like to be a creative entrepreneur. As a mentor I offer practical and creative solutions to business growth.’ 

Tendo Ltd 

Mentor’s Name: Gary King
Job Title: Chief Freedom Fighter
Sector working in: Advertising and Marketing, Design (Product, Graphic), Education & Training, Other: creative sector  

Gary King: Helping business owners to have the freedom to choose where, when and how they work.  After 25 years in high-growth businesses delivering results at a senior level, Gary knew he could use his skills to help SMEs. He now helps ambitious business owners create the freedom to make choices about their life through a range of online and in-person programmes. Gary runs three successful businesses and it’s his experience he uses to help other entrepreneurs ditch the guilt, start earning what they are worth, and have the ability to make choices about how they spend their time. He creates what many hard-working business owners are missing the freedom to choose. Gary is also Northern Regional Head for the Association of Business Mentors and sits on the Executive Team. 

‘I am delighted to be a mentor on this important programme and help more small business owners build a business they are proud of and that gives them Freedom.’ 

Travis Baxter 

Mentor’s Name: Travis Baxter
Job Title: Various
Sector working in: Advertising and Marketing, Film & TV, Media, Radio & Audio  

I have been a mentor on the Creative UK Evolve programme over the last 4 years and have been able to mentor, film companies, production studios, special effects companies, games companies and many others. My working life has been as a senior executive with RTL Group, Emap PLC, and Bauer Media.  I have also been an angel investor with a number of media related tech. I started my career working with the BBC on local radio and Radio 2. Currently I work with Bauer Media in the UK on strategy, government relations (DCMS, Ministers etc) and regulation, I am an advisor to TreeHouse Digital and non-executive director of ‘4Wood TV and Film’ who create and build high end TV and Film sets and scenery. 

“Creative UK provides some really helpful services to the Creative Sector, and being a mentor is a great opportunity to help develop people’s ideas and their businesses for the future.’’ 

Yellow Door Productions  

Mentor’s Name: Lucy Lumsden
Job Title: MD, Executive Producer
Sector working in: Film & TV, Media 

Lucy runs TV company Yellow Door Productions which specialises in scripted comedy and comedy drama. Lucy worked for BBC and Sky for 16 years heading up comedy for both Broadcasters. Through Yellow Door, Lucy has been responsible for the comedy ‘The Cockfields’ for Gold starring Joe Wilkinson, Sue Johnston, Nigel Havers and she has made two Urban Myths for Sky Arts “The Mysterious Case of Agatha Christie’ starring Anna Maxwell Martin and ‘Hendrix and Handel’ starring David Haig. Lucy is soon to go into production with Ruby Speaking, a sitcom set in a call centre starring Jayde Adams, soon to be seen in this year’s Strictly Comedy Dancing. 

‘I’ve loved being a mentor for Creative UK, it’s so rewarding to be able to give something back at this stage of my career and see others flourish.’