We are delighted to announce we’ve appointed James Hirst as Bristol Creative Industries’ (BCI) new managing director, alongside the addition of three new board directors: Nicky Clark, Aimée Norman and Robert Rawle.

James Hirst’s appointment reflects BCI’s commitment to strengthening our leadership and delivering enhanced value to its growing community of creative businesses and professionals.

Commenting on his new role, James Hirst said:

“I’m delighted to be joining BCI at such an important point for the sector in this region. The organisation has a strong foundation, supported by an active and highly engaged community. I’m looking forward to working with the team, our members and partners to further develop our offering, deliver our ambition to be the voice of creativity in the region and ensure we continue to create sustained value for our members.

“The South West has an extraordinary concentration of creative talent and entrepreneurial energy. There’s a real opportunity to build on this momentum and amplify the region’s reputation nationally and internationally, strengthening collaboration, and championing the sector as a key driver of innovation, growth and cultural impact.”

Hirst brings a wealth of experience in creative, digital and commercial growth, and will work closely with the board and wider membership to shape BCI’s future direction.

His appointment comes as we prepare for a landmark milestone – our 20th anniversary next year – offering an opportunity to celebrate two decades of championing creativity while setting an ambitious course for the future.

Joining the board are three highly respected industry figures:

• Nicky Clark, agency growth advisor and former founder of Synergy Creative
• Aimée Norman, co-founder of Liberi Consulting, a business consultancy helping companies and executives across the global entertainment sector with strategic profiling, positioning and corporate communications.
• Robert Rawle, media and tech partner at Milsted Langdon, who takes on the board role of Finance Director 

Together, these appointments reflect BCI’s intention to broaden its perspective, deepen industry connections and ensure it continues to serve a diverse and evolving membership base.

Lis Anderson, Co-Chair of Bristol Creative Industries, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome James as our new managing director and to strengthen our board with the appointments of Nicky, Aimée and Robert.

“BCI plays a critical part in supporting and representing the creative sector in the region – fuelling innovation, driving investment and shaping the region’s identity on the global stage. With this strengthened leadership team, we are well placed to build on our success, elevate the voice of our members and ensure the sector continues to thrive.

“We have ambitious plans for the future including adding more valuable benefits for our members, building on our events and training offer and expanding our partnerships to create new opportunities for skills development, collaboration and growth.”

As BCI approaches our 20-year milestone, we are focused on expanding our programme of events, training and advocacy, strengthening connections across the region, and further establishing itself as a powerful voice for the creative industries.

The new leadership team will play a key role in delivering these ambitions, ensuring that Bristol and the South West continue to be recognised as one of the UK’s leading creative hubs.

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About Bristol Creative Industries

Bristol Creative Industries is the membership network that supports the region's creative sector to learn, grow and connect, driven by the common belief that we can achieve more collectively than alone.