The government has back tracked on its plan to allow AI companies to train their models using copyrighted works unless the rights holder opts out following strong protests from several groups and individuals in the creative industries.
In a policy update, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) said “a broad copyright exception with opt-out is no longer the government’s preferred way forward” after many people in the creative industries expressed concern that “a broad exception would allow generative AI to learn from their works, without compensation, and in direct competition to them”.
In a consultation, only 3% of the 11,500 respondents backed the government’s preferred option. High profile figures including Elton John also spoke out against the plans. He told the BBC it would be “committing theft, thievery on a high scale”.
When we asked Bristol Creative Industries members for their views on copyright and AI, several were against a broad copyright exempion too:
Catherine Frankpitt, Strike Communications:
“The government must work urgently with creative and tech sectors to establish a legally enforceable framework requiring clear disclosure of AI training data sources and mandatory opt-in licensing. We need a distinction between AI as a creative tool versus unauthorised training on copyrighted works. Creators must retain ownership and receive fair compensation for any AI usage of their work. Given AI’s global reach, this framework needs both robust UK legislation and international coordination.”
Susan Pearson, Wordways:
“The copyright for anything I write is 100% mine or my client’s. No-one or no ‘thing’ should ever have the right to reproduce the words of writers exactly unless these words are expressed within quote marks with the source of the quote acknowledged – unless they have specific permission. Anything else would be creative theft.”
Emma Barraclough, Epoch:
“For brand assets to be valuable, they must be protectable. And yet without clear rules AI generated assets are at risk of being copied and compromised by others. For AI to become a truly powerful tool for creatives, we need laws that make its output safe, ownable, and enforceable.”
In the policy update, the government said “we must take the time needed to get this right” and it will not introduce reforms to copyright law until we are confident that they will meet our objectives for the economy and UK citizens.
It added:
“This means protecting the UK’s position as a creative powerhouse, while unlocking the extraordinary potential of AI to grow the economy and improve lives. Any reform must ensure that right holders can be fairly rewarded for the economic value their work creates, and that they are protected against unlawful and unfair use of their work. It must also ensure that AI developers can access high quality content. It is clear through the consultation and our subsequent engagement that there is no consensus on how these objectives should be achieved.”
The government claimed there is “limited and uncertain evidence on the impact of copyright on the development and deployment of AI in the UK”, so the evidence base must continue to be built.
DSIT has also published a new economic impact assessment on copyright and AI which considers the available evidence.
The policy update said:
“We propose to address the gaps in evidence on copyright reform, consider alternative options and review our approach in light of wider market and international developments. Alongside this, we propose to take steps to help right holders control and license their work, including through encouraging greater transparency.
“We also propose to explore options for supporting human creativity and artistry. Across this, we will continue to seek input from voices across the economy, and engage with Parliament and technical experts to ensure any reform drives growth and supports adoption and diffusion of artificial intelligence.”
Other actions include:
Dan Conway, Publishers Association CEO, said:
“As the Publishers Association has long maintained, the UK’s gold-standard copyright regime is the foundation upon which growth and our world-leading creative and knowledge industries are built. Copyright is an enabler and a driver of UK competitive advantage, not an inhibitor, and the government should resoundingly dismiss any further tinkering with copyright as an alternative to the original exception. Alternative exception models – including those for science and research – must be taken off the table from this point. These exceptions have the potential to be even more damaging than the copyright exception initially proposed and are unjustifiable in the context of an established, growing AI licensing market.
“The significant positives in today’s announcement, in addition to the abandonment of the preferred exception, include the focus on transparency – on which we will continue to advocate strongly for legislative action – and on labelling to achieve clarity for readers in an increasingly polluted online retail space.
“The Publishers Association has advocated for the books and journals industry on AI and copyright for years and it’s gratifying to see progress being made on this generationally important issue. This is a step in the right direction, undoubtedly, but not all potentially damaging avenues have been closed down. We will continue to support the government with this work and we thank all of our members for helping us to campaign on this important issue on behalf of the sector we all care so much about.”
Paul W Fleming, Equity general secretary, said:
“The government has taken a welcome and marked change of approach, which has included engaging with Equity at the highest level in detail, and in advance of this announcement.
“The pause announced today is recognition that selling out the UK’s creative industries to benefit US tech companies would’ve been an act of national self-sabotage. The UK should be the best place on the planet to create, supporting the government’s growth agenda through a strong copyright regime and respect for creative workers.
“We welcome the government’s intention to introduce measures on digital replicas and we look forward to working with them to develop new protections against unauthorised and unpaid use of a performer’s voice and likeness, the bedrock of our members’ careers.
“What creators need after this pause is a firm commitment to copyright and neighbouring rights and support for collective licensing for AI uses, including via existing trade union collective bargaining mechanisms. We look forward to working with the Labour government on how best to secure these reasonable aspirations.”
March is B Corp Month, which celebrates businesses that have achieved certified B Corporation status, a measure of high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.
Our region has many B Corps. In fact, a report in 2023 said Bristol is home to the most B Corps of any UK city outside of London.
To mark B Corp Month 2026, we’ve updated our showcase of B Corps in the Bristol Creative Industries community. Read about inspiring businesses below, with their tips for how to become a certified B Corporation.
“My biggest piece of advice for businesses considering B Corp certification? Just start! The process may seem intense at first, but once you take that first step, it all becomes much more manageable. The B Impact Assessment gives you a clear benchmark, and it’s quicker to work through than you might think. More importantly, see it as a journey. Every step you take is a step towards becoming a better business for both people and the planet. By simply starting, you’re already making a positive impact!”
Tom Locke, Noughts & Ones (BCI member profile | B Corp profile)
“To become a successful B Corp focus on embedding sustainability deeply within your company culture. Start by clearly assessing your environmental impact. For example, Atomic Smash made a big step by transitioning a majority of clients’ hosting to providers that solely use renewable energy and prioritising greener digital practices. Regularly evaluate your performance through the B Impact Assessment, ensuring continuous improvement. By transparently integrating these purposeful practices into daily operations and clearly communicating your efforts, your business can successfully attain B Corp status and inspire positive change.”
David Darke, Atomic Smash (BCI profile | B Corp profile)
“One of the key tips about becoming a B Corp is that you don’t just become one and tick it off your list. Achieving B Corp certification is just the start of the journey. It’s about a wholehearted commitment from the top to the bottom of your organisation to do better business. It affects everything – from Articles of Association and company mission, to choice of suppliers, clients, company policies and so on. No business is perfect, but the B Corp assessment criteria help to set priorities and objectives towards meaningful change so that people and planet are considered equally alongside profit. It’s a huge commitment, but for us, there’s no other way to do business.”
Alex Ririe, The Collaborators (BCI profile | B Corp profile)
“Halo was one of the first 1,000 businesses in the UK to become a certified B Corp.
“Becoming a B Corp challenges you to focus on areas often overlooked and helps focus your business into a force for good. There is a lot to do, so I’d say start small—review suppliers, refine policies, and engage employees by letting them choose causes they’re passionate about. Keep it on the leadership agenda, talk and learn from other B Corps.
“The process is about continuous improvement, ensuring accountability and impact. Going green doesn’t mean an overhaul; think local, reduce waste, and measure your footprint- we plant a tree for every invoice we raise. The biggest tip? Just get going.”
Nina Edmonds, Halo (BCI profile | B Corp profile)
“Our mission is to shape an industry where paid media done the right way delivers client success whilst contributing to stronger communities and a healthier planet.
“This clearly aligns with the B Corp values and the accreditation has helped us focus on how we can expand our purpose.
“We had a mentor, Business on Purpose founder Andy Hawkins, to guide us through the process, which was very helpful. The B Corp community is a valuable one in which working collaboratively is at its core. If you are not sure whether to proceed with the accreditation, feel free to reach out to us (or any other friendly B Corp) and we’ll be happy to answer any questions.”
Toby Parkins, Flight Feather (BCI profile | B Corp profile)
“Our mission is to create work that has a positive impact on people and planet, so becoming a B Corp felt like a natural step.
“Our tip is to really make sure that your people are on board with what you’re trying to achieve. B Corp certification isn’t something that a couple of people within the organisation can be solely responsible for. It’s down to everyone playing an active role – from committing to volunteering days to understanding what reproductive policies look like in our agency.
“We take regular opportunities to share what we’re working towards and invite feedback from teams across the business, which is so far proving successful.”
Sarah Dennis, Aer Studios (BCI profile | B Corp profile)
“Becoming a B Corp isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about weaving purpose into your business’s DNA. It starts with a genuine commitment to people, clients, the community, and the planet. Prioritise ethical practices, transparency, and accountability.
“Continuous improvement is key; small, meaningful changes create a lasting impact. Use your business as a force for good, challenge the status quo, and resist pressures that push against positive change. The journey to certification is a mindset shift, not just a process. When you do it for the right reasons, everything else falls into place.”
Josh Harrison, Taxi Studio (BCI profile | B Corp profile)
“First and foremost, you have to truly want to do it. When Something Familiar began our B Corp journey, it was because we wanted to wear our values on our sleeve and embed good practices from the start – ensuring our business grows in alignment with our principles.
“The process is rigorous and constantly evolving, but that’s the point. We started by being honest about where we were, then committed to change, growth, and improvement. It’s not just about policies, it’s about embedding impact into every decision.
“The benefits are super clear too, we’ve forged stronger relationships, engaged teams, and built long-term sustainability. If you’re considering starting your journey, the B Corp community is incredibly open and supportive, ready to guide you along the way.”
Rich Williams, Something Familiar (BCI profile | B Corp profile)
“Becoming a B Corp isn’t just about earning the certification, it’s about committing to continuous improvement in how your business operates. By embedding its principles into your company culture, you will ensure your team understands and embraces the commitment.
“From producing an annual impact report to recertifying every three years, B Corp principles should be woven into the fabric of your business, not forgotten once the plaque is on the wall. Tracking progress and gathering evidence are key to this. At our company, we hold a monthly B Corp team lunch to review each pillar and share updates. Certification isn’t the finish line–it’s the start of an ongoing journey to balance profit with purpose and drive meaningful impact.”
Lucy McKerron, Purplefish PR (BCI profile | B Corp profile)
“Give yourself plenty of time. Use the Impact Assessment questions to inform and guide your company policies and business practices before deciding to go for certification, so that the core values of B Corp are already embedded into your culture.
“Learn from others who have been through it but if you can, engage a consultant. We were guided through the process by Byen which made the whole experience very enjoyable.
“Be thorough and meticulous. Continually record and build your evidence to simplify the submission stage.
“Look for easy wins – small changes can have a big impact.
“If you have been honest and evidenced everything, you can be confident of your score when you submit.”
Alexia Mihranian, Osborne Pike (BCI profile | B Corp profile)
Be authentic
You should become a B Corp because you believe in the philosophy, not because it’ll benefit you, so do it for the right reasons and focus on initiatives that make a real difference to your team, your community and the world around you.
Focus on the Three Ps
People, Purpose and Planet are the cornerstones of being a B Corp. Get those right then in turn it will benefit your Profit.
Build B Corp into your culture
It takes time and energy to live your B Corp values. Embed purposeful initiatives into your company culture and objectives to stay focused and on track.
Make friends
It’s easier (and more impactful) to make a difference if you do so with others! Find your local B Corp community and make partnerships with like-minded businesses around you.
Be adaptable
What it means to be a B Corp changes with the times, so be adaptable to new landscapes within society and the planet as a whole.
Amy Stobie, AgencyUK (BCI profile | B Corp profile)
“The best way to become a B Corp is by not taking it as a set of requirements, but genuinely using them as principles to guide yourself as a business.
“Especially with the upcoming changes, becoming certified is a lot harder if you consider it as the minimum bar to jump. By thinking genuinely about the impact you can and want to make that aligns with who you are as a business it’s far easier to get everyone on board and embed B Corp into your culture, which in turn, makes the accreditation easier too.”
Alistair Paul, Bright (BCI profile | B Corp profile)
“We started our B Corp journey in 2018 and certified in 2019.
“The more we heard about it the more aligned we felt with it and that it gave us a framework to work towards and ultimately the recognition that we were running the company in the right way.
“The key thing is identifying where you feel as a company you can make a meaningful difference across the five core areas assessed. It’s important everyone has a voice and that you are all working towards the same goals you want to achieve.”
Steve Kay, ADLIB (BCI profile | B Corp profile)
“I’d suggest working through the Business Impact Assessment one section at a time. And take your time. Chip away at tasks little and often to make steady progress. Try to set aside dedicated time each week to move forward.
“Share the workload with your team, so you don’t feel overwhelmed. It’s also important that the process feels authentic. Ideally, you’ll find that many of the policies, procedures, or at least values, are already in place in your company. So going B Corp feels natural and genuine, like the next step in your journey.”
Jess Evans, Shaped By (BCI profile | B Corp profile)
“Becoming a B Corp is a transformative journey that reshapes your business around core values centred on people, planet and purpose. At ORCA, these principles have always guided our work, and certification has only strengthened our commitment.
“This process impacts every part of your business, so involve your entire team from the start. Define clear roles and responsibilities to ensure that everyone contributes to the initiatives that drive sustainable change. Embedding these values into daily operations is key, and tapping into the B Corp community for insights and best practices provides invaluable support, reinforcing your mission and driving continuous growth.”
Mila Embury, ORCA (BCI profile | B Corp profile)
“Get support and carve out time:
“In terms of the application itself, we found some of the questions quite jargon-heavy. So we found it really useful to work with someone who had been through the process who could clarify what sort of information the question needed as a response.
“Having support from an external party also kept us accountable for hitting deadlines around filling in the application. We set aside one day a week during the application process.
“Involve your team:
“It’s impossible for one or two people to do everything. We found that involving the team helped to share some of the responsibilities, as well as adding an element of team-building and fun to the process.”
Karen Pearce, Loom Digital (BCI profile | B Corp profile)
“Becoming a B Corp is just the beginning. Since certification, we’ve partnered with local B Corps to amplify our collective impact.
“We’ve focused on reducing energy consumption by installing new windows. Volunteering with charities like Bristol Zoo Project and St Peter’s Hospice has engaged our team and connected us more deeply to the local community.
“The quickest win? Switching to eco-friendly alternatives like CoCo+ for business travel and Ecosia, the greenest search engine on the planet. It’s the small, habitual changes that make a lasting difference in creating a more sustainable future.”
Lottie Pratt, saintnicks (BCI profile | B Corp profile)
“Being a B Corp is a commitment to ongoing positive change rather than a one-time achievement, a journey rather than a destination to tick off.
“What’s worked for us has been small but regular sustainable changes: changes that can be more easily embedded into business processes, adopted by everyone in the business and built on each year.
“Certification is truly a team endeavour but, practically, it helps to have one project leader to coordinate stakeholders and drive progress.”
Belle Farman, Sunhouse Creative (BCI profile | B Corp profile)
“For us the best advice we can give on how to successfully become a B Corp is simply to do it for the right reasons. If the B Corp set up is right for the values and direction of your business then it’s a no brainer. If however it’s primary use is that of a tool for sales, then reconsider. We’ve noted many controversial and immoral uses of the B logo by organisations hoping it’s a route to easy wins.
“The process of certification was a wonderful and thorough thing for us. It helped us ask questions of ourselves we wouldn’t have normally, set our business on a course for the foreseeable, and helped our team unite under clear and positive values. So our advice would be to enjoy the process with an open and honest mind. Even without certification you will take value from the process.”
Adam Millbank, JonesMillbank (BCI profile | B Corp profile)
“Becoming a B Corp back in 2022 was a real turning point for us at Skylark. The B Impact Assessment helped us dig into what we were already doing well and where we needed to step up – across governance, team, environment and community.
“My advice? Don’t wait until everything’s perfect – just get started. The Impact Assessment is famously a journey, and with good reason. You’re interrogating every facet of your business.
“In uncertain times, when businesses face economic pressures and competing priorities, it’s easy to let purpose take a back seat. But it’s exactly when people, planet, and integrity are at risk that we need values-led leadership the most.”
Nina Postans, Skylark Media (BCI profile | B Corp profile)
“Involve your team right from the start of your B Corp journey as you can’t do it alone.
“We needed to establish what was important to us and creating a culture where everyone is heard and can contribute means your B Corp statement is authentic and owned.
“We also would recommend being transparent, while creativity can be a force for good we also needed to be upfront with the sectors that we work in that can be playing catch up as they navigate change in sustainability.”
Ruth Clarke, Six (BCI profile | B Corp profile)
“Becoming a B Corp has been a hugely positive step for us, and something we’d absolutely encourage other creative businesses to explore.
“If you’re thinking about it, start with the Impact Assessment. Treat it as a diagnostic tool first – you’ll probably discover that you’re already doing a lot of positive things for your team, community and the environment, but simply haven’t captured or measured them yet.
“Our second tip is to focus on the areas where creative businesses naturally have influence: how you support your people and community, and the environmental impact of your operations.
“Finally, remember that B Corp is about continuous improvement. Certification is just the starting point – the real value comes from using the framework to keep strengthening your impact as you work towards recertification.”
Ricardo Martins, Epoch (BCI profile | B Corp profile)
“Becoming a B Corp was a natural step for us at S&B Originals. For 20+ years we’d built the business around doing the right thing, not just environmentally but for our team and wider community. B Corp gives us a framework to measure and improve that.
“My advice? If you’re thinking about going for it, chances are you’re already doing a lot right so don’t be daunted. Ask for help and chat to others who have been on that journey. And if it feels like too much, start small, become a Living Wage employer, get involved in your local community. The B Corp badge is great, but working ethically is what matters most.”
Sara Strickland, S&B Originals (BCI profile | B Corp profile)
“Becoming B Corp Certified is vital for any business wanting to shout about their environmental or social credentials. Without this mark of trust and authenticity, you risk ‘talking the talk’ but not ‘walking the walk’.
“Being B Corp Certified means understanding and evidencing what you do (in fine detail), as well as understanding how you can improve, not to mention being honest and transparent about it.
“If you’re considering the B Corp journey, amazing! It has been invaluable for our business in so many ways. My best piece of advice would be to work with a B Leader to help guide you through the process as it is both lengthy and detailed. Be prepared to look at every corner of your business under a microscope, embrace that challenge and reap the multitude of benefits later.
Simon Winter, Winter Design (BCI profile | B Corp profile)
“My first ‘tip’ would be to recognise that becoming a B Corp starts with the right mindset. It’s definitely not about ticking boxes and filling-in forms (although there is a fair bit of that!). It’s all about looking at how your business really works – how you treat people, how you make decisions, the impact you’re having on the world around you. Once you start thinking like that, the assessment becomes much more interesting (possibly even enjoyable?).
“You’ll discover things you’re already doing well, and start finding ideas for doing things even better. Absolutely get the whole team involved, be open and honest, and keep good evidence as you go. The real reward isn’t just the certification. It’s building a better, more inclusive and more thoughtful business along the way.”
Phil Robinson, Proctor + Stevenson (BCI profile | B Corp profile)
“The biggest tip I’d give to any business considering B Corp is to treat it as a framework for improvement. From working on your own certification and speaking to clients who have through the process, the businesses that get the most value are those that are honest about where they are now and use the assessment to prioritise meaningful change. B Corp gives you structure, language and accountability, but it works best if it’s embedded into how decisions are made day to day.”
Elli Robinson, AMBITIOUS (BCI profile | B Corp profile)
“Our biggest tip for becoming a B Corp is to treat each pillar of the B Impact Assessment as its own project. Breaking the process into manageable chunks makes it far less overwhelming and helps you stay focused. Remember, everything must be backed by evidence, so transparency is key from the start.
“At its core, B Corp is about putting structure behind your intentions. It’s about committing to continuous improvement and using your business as a force for good. For us, that’s included everything from strengthening our policies to volunteering initiatives and driving measurable impact for people and the planet. It’s an ongoing commitment to do better and keep challenging ourselves to raise the bar.”
Andrea Jonat, Grace & Green (BCI profile | B Corps profile)
“Becoming a B Corp as a digital agency starts with aligning your mission, operations, and impact. Begin by understanding the B Impact Assessment and benchmarking your current practices. Strengthen governance by embedding purpose into your legal structure. Improve employee wellbeing, diversity, and professional development. Audit your environmental footprint—optimize energy use, hosting, and remote work policies. We engaged Andy Hawkins at Business On Purpose to demystify the Impact Assessment and guide us through the process; this proved invaluable.”
Pete Williams, Gibe Digital (BCI profile | B Corp profile)
The creative industries contributed £145.8bn in gross value added (GVA) to the UK economy in 2024, new government figures have revealed.
Creative industries GVA rose by 4.6% between 2023 and 2024, compared to the UK economy as a whole which grew by 1.0%, the data from the Department for Culture, Media Sport (DCMS) shows.
The sector’s GVA was 19.7% higher than pre-pandemic (2019) and 60.3% higher than in 2010, in real terms.
The growth was driven by the ‘IT, software and computer services’ subsector which increased by an estimated 8.7%, followed by ‘film, TV, radio and photography’ and ‘advertising and marketing‘ which grew by 4.6% and 2.1% respectively.
‘IT, software and computer services’ is the largest subsector of the creative industries by GVA, contributing an estimated £62.4bn in 2024. ‘Advertising and marketing’ is the next largest with £24.3bn.
Growth in creative industries subsectors, in chained volume measures (CVM):
Other data released this month showed the creative industries account for almost a 10th of UK firms classified as having ‘high-growth potential’, and a lot of those businesses are in Bristol and the south west.
The DCMS report also included data for the cultural sector which contributed an estimated £40.3bn in 2024, accounting for 1.5% of UK GVA.
GVA grew by around 2.4% from 2023 to 2024, compared to the UK economy as a whole which grew by 1.0%. From 2010 to 2024, culture GVA grew slightly faster than the UK economy (25.4% vs 24.3%).
DCMS said the increase in cultural sector GVA was almost entirely due to a 4.1% increase in the ‘film, TV and music’ subsector.
The subsectors that saw the largest relative growth in cultural sector GVA were the ‘radio’ which increased by an estimated 11.8% and ‘crafts’ subsector which grew by an estimated 4.9%.
‘Film, TV and music’ is the largest cultural subsector in size economically, contributing an estimated £23.8bn to the UK economy in 2024. The second largest is ‘arts’ with £11.4bn.
Growth in cultural sector subsectors, in chained volume measures (CVM):
Alongside the data for the growth of the creative industries, the government has announced new funding and related support for creative businesses.
It follows the publication last year of the creative industries sector plan. In addition, the creative industries is one of the eight key sectors of focus in the government’s industrial strategy and the West of England is one of the government’s priority areas for the creative industries. As part of that, the £25m Creative Places Growth Fund will run for three years from April 2026.
The new funding and support announced this month is:
DCMS has also published new resources to help creative businesses access funding including a map of finance available to the sector, and case studies of successful creative scale-ups.
Bristol Creative Industries also a regularly updated guide to funding for creative industries businesses in the West of England here.
Click on the map for links to all the sources of creative industries funding
The creative industries account for almost a 10th of UK firms classified as having ‘high-growth potential’, and, in exciting news for our region, a lot of those businesses are in Bristol and the south west.
The report by the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (Creative PEC) and Beauhurst found there are almost 6,000 high-growth potential firms (HGPFs) operating across the creative industries. This is 9.7% of the UK’s total HGPFs and it compares to 5.1% and 2.4% respectively in life sciences and advanced manufacturing.
While London accounts for half of creative industries HGPFs with 2,942 firms, the report said other regions are home to significant numbers including 362 in the south west and, when looking at the top local authorities by number of creative industries HGPFs, Bristol is in 9th place with 129.
Over two-thirds (3,981) of creative industries HGPFs operate in application software, with significant numbers too working in marketing, branding and advertising, films and TV and video games.
The report said the figures show there is “huge untapped investment potential” for the UK’s creative industries, which currently face many challenges when it comes to funding.
The number of equity deals for creative industries HGPFs fell by 16.5% between 2021 and 2024, compared to drops of 6% for life sciences, 14% for advanced manufacturing HGPFs and 30.6% for the economy as a whole.
Creative PEC estimated there’s an equity gap of up to as much as £1.4 billion in potentially unmet demand in the creative industries.
Creative businesses also face structural challenges in relation to debt finance, the report said. They are more generally are more likely to have asset bases that are made up of intellectual property, brands and other forms of intangible capital which banks and lenders are less likely to accept as collateral.
This is shown by data which found that only 4% of creative industries HGPFs have secured debt finance compared with 6.1% and 6.2% of life sciences and advanced manufacturing HGPFs respectively.
The report highlighted Bristol Creative Industries member Watershed, which operates an independent cinema and supports creative technology, film, and media projects, as an example of how funding can work for the creative industries.
It said Watershed has received multiple grants from Arts Council England and Innovate UK, including £2.3 million grant from the Arts Council’s Grants for the Arts in 2022.
Its most recent Innovate UK grant was £1.2m in 2021 to support the MyWorld programme, led by the University of Bristol, which develops R&D infrastructure and new talent for immersive media in the Bristol and Bath region.
Additionally, MyWorld, also a Bristol Creative Industries member, is backed by a £30 million UKRI Strength in Places Fund award, which the report said illustrates how place-based UKRI funding and Innovate UK project grants specifically often work together.
Hasan Bakhshi, director of Creative PEC and report co-author, said:
“There are somewhere between 260,000 and 270,000 firms in the UK’s creative industries but not all of them have the same growth potential. Our research estimates that within this population are a vital group of almost 6,000 businesses that have especially high-growth potential.
“Given the UK’s well-known strengths in IT, it won’t be surprising to investors that the majority of these firms operate in software, but less well known will be that as many as 30% of creative industries high-growth potential firms working in software work in sub-sectors like advertising, films and TV, video content and video games too.
“This suggests that investors may identify significant new investment opportunities if they include the creative industries within the scope of their prospecting activities. Growth-focused policymakers for their part should consider the needs of high-growth potential creative industries firms in their regions.”
Baroness Shriti Vadera, co-chair of the Creative Industries Council, said:
“This research fills a critical gap in the evidence base, making clear that there are substantial untapped investment opportunities in the UK’s high-growth creative industries – across a wide range, from advertising, films and TV to video games and software.”
Tom Adeyoola, executive chair of Innovate UK, added:
“This is an important report as we aim to drive economic growth and ensure a thriving creative industries sector. This helps us understand who and where the high potential businesses are, the conditions for success and how to target the interventions needed to drive our breakthrough ideas to global greatness.”
For the latest available funding for creative businesses, read our guide.
Find lots of great creative industries businesses in our member directory.
In summer 2021 we ran an event discussing funding for creative businesses with the south west team at Innovate UK EDGE and a group of Bristol Creative Industries members.
During the discussion, attendees said it would be useful if we could provide regular updates on the finance schemes that are available for creative companies in the south west and beyond. This guide is our response.
The guide is one of Bristol Creative Industries’ most popular ever blog posts. We keep it updated with the latest funding schemes for creative businesses so check it regularly. We also include the post in our monthy email newsletter, BCI Bulletin. To sign up, go here.
Funding news:
The West of England is one of the government’s priority areas for the creative industries and the West of England Combined Mayoral Authority will receive £25m of the funding to support the region’s creative industries through the Creative Places Growth Fund.
The funding will run for three years from April 2026. Read more details about the fund here.
The British Business Bank, the government-owned business development bank, has launched the £200m South West Investment Fund (SWIF) “to help address market failures by increasing the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for UK smaller businesses, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment”.
Aimed at businesses in Bristol, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire, the fund provides:
SWIF is managed by four fund managers:
The region is split as follows:
North of the region:
South of the region:
The funding is split as follows:
Businesses can apply for funding directly to the relevant fund managers here.
Grants of £2,500 to £10,000 are available to help small businesses, sole traders, charities, community interest companies (CICs), community organisations and creative and cultural groups open new premises.
The deadline for applications is 11.59pm on Monday 30 November 2026.. If all available funding is allocated before the deadline, the scheme may close early.
Successful applicants must start trading from the funded property by Friday 26 February 2027.
This £35m Creative UK and Triodos Bank investment fund provides loans of £100,000 to £1m.
Finance is directed to post-revenue creative businesses presenting promising growth potential and who:
PRS Foundation offers various grant funding schemes for music creators and organisations, including The Open Fund for Music Creators and The PPL Momentum Music Fund for artists/bands to break through to the next level of their careers.
The Black Artists Grant, offered by Creative Debuts, is £500 no-strings attached financial support to help Black artists.
The fund is an open access programme for arts, libraries and museums projects.
Funding of between £1,000 and £100,000 is available.
Loans of between £100,000 and £1.5m to UK charities and social enterprises based in England, Wales and Scotland.
Funding of between £20,000 and £50,000 for social enterprises grow. Repayments are based on a percentage of revenue so if revenue falls, repayments reduce.
This fund from Arts Council England supports individual cultural and creative practitioners in England thinking of taking their practice to the next stage through things such as: research, time to create new work, travel, training, developing ideas, networking or mentoring.
Grants of between £2,000 and £12,000 are available.
The next round of funding will open to applications in April 2026.
The £5m Supporting Grassroots Music fund supports rehearsal and recording studios, promoters, festivals, and venues for live and electronic music performance.
Craft practitioners and organisations can apply for small grants to fund projects that support endangered crafts. The deadline is 5pm on 8 May.
Travelwest provides match-funded grants for initiatives that improve sustainable travel provision in a business.
The aim is to provide financial support and incentives to employers to enable them to encourage sustainable modes of commuting or in-work travel (including site visits and meetings) amongst their staff.
The grants can be used for the implementation of physical measures, promotional events or any other measure that will encourage mode change amongst staff.
Grants are currently availables for businesses in Bristol and North Somerset.
Innovate UK’s £100m BridgeAI programme aims “to help businesses in high growth potential sectors such as creative industries, agriculture, construction, and transport to harness the power of AI and unlock their full potential”.
The programme offers funding and support to help innovators assess and implement trusted AI solutions, connect with AI experts, and elevate their AI leadership skills.
This fund supports organisations who work at the intersection of art and social change. It offers grants between £90,000 and £300,000 over three years.
Applications are currently closed but details of the next round will be announced soon.
This new £23m social impact investment fund is for socially driven arts, culture and heritage organisations registered and operating in the UK. It offers loans between £150,000 and £1m repayable until May 2030.
The Elephant Trust says its mission is to “make it possible for artists and those presenting their work to undertake and complete projects when frustrated by lack of funds. It is committed to helping artists and art institutions/galleries that depart from the routine and signal new, distinct and imaginative sets of possibilities.”
Grants of up to £5,000 are available. The latest round of funding closes for applications on 12 April 2026.
Grants of up to £100,000 are available for arts, libraries and museums projects.
The grants support a broad range of creative and cultural projects that benefit people living in England. Projects can range from directly creating and delivering creative and cultural activity to projects which have a longer term positive impact, such as organisational development, research and development, and sector support and development.
Awarding National Lottery funding to develop innovative new solutions which tackle the UK screen sector’s most critical challenges.
Between 2026 and 2029, up to 12 challenge calls will be identified where innovative new thinking could catalyse a step change in the industry, while producing learning and insights that benefit the whole screen sector.
The latest challenge has up to £400,000 for exploring the impacts of providing independent filmmakers with access to new technologies. The deadline is midnight on 9 April 2026.
The UK Global Screen Fund (UKGSF) is designed to boost international development, production, distribution, and promotional opportunities for the UK’s independent screen sector. It has the following schemes:
This fund aims to grow exports and global demand for UK independent film by supporting the UK film industry to achieve measurable results which would not have been achievable without the support.
Applications close on at 11.59pm on 31 March 2028.
This scheme supports the festival launch of UK films in order to enhance their promotion, reach and value internationally.
Applications close on at 11.59pm on 31 March 2028.
Supports UK producers to work as partners on international co-productions and help create new global projects.
The next round of funding is due to open for applications in February 2026.
A Start Up Loan is a government-backed unsecured personal loan for individuals looking to start or grow a business in the UK. Successful applicants also receive 12 months of free mentoring and exclusive business offers.
All owners or partners in a business can individually apply for up to £25,000 each, with a maximum of £100,000 per business.
The loans have a fixed interest rate of 6% p.a. and a one to five year repayment term. Entrepreneurs starting a business or running one that has been trading for up to three years can apply. Businesses trading for between three and five years can apply for a second loan.
If you’re running a creative social enterprise you may be able to access funding from UnLtd.
Finance of up to £5,000 is available for starting a social enterprise and up to £15,000 for growing a social enterprise.
Successful applicants also get up to 12 tailored business support plus access to access to expert mentors and workshops.
Businesses can apply for up to £3,500 to cover the costs of installing gigabit broadband.
Check if the scheme is available in your area here.
Grants to provide support towards the costs of the purchase, installation and infrastructure of electric vehicle chargepoints at eligible places of work.
The scheme covers up to 75% of the total costs of the purchase and installation of EV chargepoints (including VAT), capped at a maximum of £350 per socket and 40 sockets across all sites per applicant.
The deadline for applications is 11.59pm on 31 March 2026.
This grant supports the uptake of electric vans and trucks. It currently offers discounts up to £2,500 for small vans, £5,000 for large vans, £16,000 for small trucks, and £25,000 for large trucks.
On 18 August 2025 the government announced the plug-in van and truck grant has been extended until 2027.
If you know of another scheme that we haven’t listed and you’d like to share it with other creative businesses, email Dan to let us know.
Tom Bowden-Green, Bristol Creative Industries board director and a senior lecturer in marketing within Bristol Business School at UWE Bristol, shares an update on how we are supporting students to pursue creative sector careers and connecting them to employers looking for talent.
“Ask me what my three priorities are as a board director at Bristol Creative Industries and I tell you education, education, education…” OK, I may have borrowed that from a former prime minister 30 years ago (yes 30 years!), but developing ‘talent’ is one of the reasons BCI exists, and a key pillar in our overall strategy.
We are really lucky in this region to have four great universities, and many wider colleges and schools, supporting the creative sector. Whether you want to employ students and/or graduates, or learn from academics engaged in relevant research, there are plenty of opportunities for greater links between members and educators. So, what does this mean in practice?
Number one, we have a database of members who want to support students and educators in the region. This might involve offering mentoring or work experience during holidays, for example, or perhaps providing longer term placements or part time employment.
There are also opportunities to provide more structured support such as talks and guest lectures within established programmes. UWE, for example, has a scheme called Course Connect, linking businesses to specific and relevant modules.
If you’re a BCI member and you’d like to support these efforts, email Alli Nicholas at [email protected]
We’re also growing our BCI student membership. It remains free, and we are going to be increasing the specific activity for these members. As well as providing tickets to some of our events, we intend to increase regular communication through a dedicated student newsletter. If you have an opportunity to share with students of any level, we’d be happy to communicate this through the newsletter.
In the longer term, we are also planning a dedicated student conference in early 2027. We’d love volunteers to speak to students about working in the creative industries, plus there are likely to be sponsorship opportunities. Do let us know if either appeals to you. Email Alli Nicholas at [email protected]
So, what kind of students do we envisage working with as we expand student activities? Well, we already have hundreds of student members, many of whom attend university courses in the region. For example, many of you are involved in some aspect of marketing, and there are thousands of marketing students in the region.
However, there are also many students studying broader creative topics relating to TV and film or digital technology for example. Whatever your expertise or niche, there is bound to be a course and a cohort of students who could benefit from your expertise. Many will also be seeking employment in the years to come.
Of course, university education is not the only route into the creative industries. Student membership is therefore open to students at all levels, including those in post-16 education, and those studying courses later in life. Opportunities to engage therefore include post-16 courses, such as apprenticeships, T-levels, and a range of relevant A-level, as well as postgraduate degrees and professional qualifications.
Beyond working with students directly though, there are many wider benefits of engaging with educators and academics. BCI signed a memorandum of understanding with UWE last year, with an intention to benefit from broader collaboration such as research and knowledge exchange.
BCI has recently supported various Skills Bootcamps for example, including the ‘Broadcast to Branded’ Skills Bootcamp relating to TV and Film production, as well as skills bootcamps in digital marketing and the creative industries.
Whether you’re seeking to attend a bootcamp, or share expertise with learners, there will be many opportunities in the coming months, and probably wider training courses beyond bootcamps. There are also opportunities for research collaboration, including funded Knowledge Transfer Partnerships. If you have a problem requiring an academic mind, just let us know.
On 25 February, we will be hosting our first BCI event at Bristol Business School. This will be a chance to network with academics and others from the creative industries, but also a great opportunity to hear about specific research relating to marketing and psychology. Come along, meet those teaching and researching in this area, ask questions and let us know how we can help you.
The opportunities are broad and varied. I feel a new dawn is breaking, is it not?
Top image credit: © Tom Sparey, All Rights Reserved.
Bristol is preparing to take its first steps towards a potential bid to become the UK City of Culture in 2029, a title that celebrates creativity, community, and the power of culture totransform lives.
On Tuesday 20 January councillors agreed to submit an expression of interest to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). This marks the beginning of a journey that could see Bristol shortlisted for one of the country’s most prestigious culturalhonours.
The UK City of Culture programme shines a national spotlight on the cultural life of cities, bringing opportunities for residents and visitors to experience creativity in new and exciting ways.
Previous winners have seen lasting benefits: increased local pride, stronger community connections, and a boost to the local economy through tourism and investment.
For Bristol, the ambition is clear: to use culture as a force for inclusion and opportunity.
Philip Walker, head of culture at Bristol City Council, said:
“Our city is renowned for its creativity – from street art and music to festivals and independent venues. While we take pride in our city’s offer not everyone has equal access to cultural experiences. Barriers such as cost, location, and representation mean some communities feel disconnected from Bristol’s cultural offer.
“A bid for UK City of Culture would aim to change that. The UK City of Culture programme is about more than events and festivals – it’s about creating lasting change. For Bristol, this means cementing culture as a means to tackle inequality, strengthen communities, and inspire future generations.
“It means celebrating what makes the city special while opening doors for those who feel excluded. A Bristol approach is one that is rooted in its grassroots cultural scene – the community-led projects, local artists, and neighbourhood initiatives that give our city its distinctive character. By building from the ground up, our bid would seek to ensure that everyone, regardless of background or postcode, can experience and benefit from Bristol’s vibrant cultural life.
“We want to empower a whole city bid that captures the spirit of the sector and the communities of Bristol. Should the committee give us the go ahead to start the bidding process we want to build a bid on the power our cultural offer has to bring people together, foster understanding, and strengthen the voices of our communities.”
LaToyah McAllister-Jones, founding partner and lead facilitator at Citizens for Culture, said:
“After more than a decade working in Bristol’s cultural sector, I’ve seen first-hand the extraordinary breadth of creativity this city offers. As a founding partner of Citizens for Culture, Bristol is already shaping its cultural future with its citizens. This bid is about Bristol’s role in the wider West of England ecosystem and how UK City of Culture can deliver lasting regional benefit.”
Bristol now join other cities in the race to become UK City of Culture 2029. The process involves several stages, starting with the expression of interest and leading to a shortlist of cities invited to develop full bids.
We are proud to have several cultural businesses and organisations as Bristol Creative Industries members. They include:
Design West | RWA (Royal West of England Academy) | Watershed | Bristol Beacon | Curzon Cinema & Arts | St George’s Bristol | Bristol Cathedral | We The Curious | Tobacco Factory Theatres | Aardman Animations | Wake The Tiger
At Bristol Creative Industries, we’re committed to informing young people about the diverse range of job roles within the creative sector.
Over the coming months, we’ll be catching up with some of the inspiring people within the BCI network to learn about their career journeys and hear their top tips for anyone starting out in the industry.
To kick things off, we spoke to Tom Harber, CEO at Aer Studios, a creative technology studio based in Box, Wiltshire.
The variety. Through my work in creative agencies and studios, I’ve worked across just about every major industry sector. No one week feels like the last and I am constantly learning and growing, with new problems to solve.
I started out at Red Bull in the events marketing team. I then moved to a Bristol-based design agency called Epoch, working with some of the world’s biggest brands, including Coca-Cola and Unilever. After a short stint running my own creative studio, I then led a team creating adverts for financial services and consumer brands at a well-known creative agency called Bray Leino.
After that, I travelled to Sydney Australia to become Managing Director/Partner of an agency there. That company was acquired by a larger business, so I helped integrate the two companies before moving back to the UK during the pandemic! I had an interim role as a Global Chief Marketing Officer in London, but then moved back to the South West to become CEO of Aer Studios. I now co-own the business too.
Aer Studios is a creative technology studio. We blend user-centred design and creative problem solving with cutting edge technology. This means that we help our clients to apply technology in ways that a range of people can use. Overall, we want to create meaningful digital experiences that have a positive impact on both people and the whole planet.
Our team is a mixture of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) designers, as well as researchers and software engineers. You need to have some experience of working with technology as well as being able to consider how people will actually use it.
We advertise for roles on our website and other job boards including Bristol Creative Industries and TechSPARK. When searching for a more specialised role, our head of People & Culture, Emily, will source candidates directly, primarily through LinkedIn. We use industry specific recruiters from time to time (eg. AdLib, SR2) but the majority of our roles will be sources directly or will come from inbound enquiries.
Stay uncomfortable. If you feel comfortable in your work, the likelihood is you won’t be stretching yourself to your full potential. Constantly seek out ways to challenge yourself and do the thing that feels beyond your capability. Because, more often than not, you will surprise yourself. It keeps things more interesting and it’s where the best creative work is done.
You can find Aer Studios’ Bristol Creative Industries profile here.
You can learn more about me on LinkedIn here and more about Aer Studios here.
One of the big benefits of Bristol Creative Industries membership is the ability to self-publish content on our website. We’ve seen lots of great content published in 2025 including some brilliant business advice.
Here are the 30 most popular advice posts of the year. The list includes some posts from previous years that have continued to attract views thanks to their great tips.
Keep up to date with members’ advice throughout 2026 via our newsfeed.
Want to publish business advice on our website and make it into the top 30 most popular content in 2026? Become a member of Bristol Creative Industries.
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Posted by Carnsight Communications
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Posted by Halo
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Posted by Moxie and Mettle
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Posted by Imagineerium
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Mastering the Art of Pop-Up Experiences: A Guide for Experiential Designers
Posted by Bill Mansfield
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Revolutionising Creativity: How Artificial Intelligence is Empowering Creatives
Posted by Varn
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Is AI Crawling Your Website? How to Check and Why It Matters
Posted by Moxie and Mettle
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Written by Varn
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Posted by Moxie and Mettle
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Posted by Carnsight Communications
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Posted by Growth Space
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Reflective Goal Setting for 2025: A Guide to Personal and Business Growth
Posted by Janusz Stabik
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Posted by Blog Write Ltd
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Posted by Varn
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Is AI Crawling Your Website? How to Check and Why It Matters
Posted by Un:Fade Employee Benefits Consulting
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Posted by Duchess Media
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What the new HFSS ad rules mean for Hospitality (and why you shouldn’t panic!)
Posted by Ambitious
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Posted by Varn
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Posted by Varn
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Why schema markup is important for AI search and how to do it
Posted by SIM7
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Posted by Carnsight Communications
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Posted by Varn
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Posted by Proctor + Stevenson
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Posted by Carnsight Communications
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Posted by Varn
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SEMRush vs Google Search Console: How Accurate is SEMRush Organic Data?
Posted by Weston College
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How Video Gamers Bring Unique, Transferable Skills to the Workplace
Posted by Gather Round
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Posted by Tell ’em Mo
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Posted by Growth Space
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Help Your Team Manage Stress and Build Resilience: 10 Tips for Leaders
Posted by Blog Write Ltd
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Want to publish business advice on our website and make it into the top 30 most popular content in 2026? Become a member of Bristol Creative Industries.
It has been a tough year for creative businesses, but Bristol Creative Industries members have achieved many great things in 2025. We wanted to celebrate those achievements and asked the community to tell us what they’ve got up up in the last 12 months plus their plans for 2026. We had a fantastic response from 39 members!
Read what they shared below. Click on the links to find out more about the businesses on their BCI profiles.
Keep up to date with members’ news and successes throughout 2026 via our newsfeed. Not a member and want to share your news on the website? Join today.
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Kate Harris, NABS:
NABS’ biggest achievement in 2025 was launching the Yay List, this year’s industry list to be on.
The Yay List, in partnership with Campaign, celebrates the fantastic donors who power NABS’s purpose: to advance the mental wellness of everybody working in adland. This is the first year that we’ve run the Yay List, and our donors joined in enthusiastically, helping us to create a list that has the feelgood factor with a serious message behind it. NABS is funded entirely by the industry alone, and we cannot exist without your support.
Our key ambition for next year is to help even more people, thousands of adlanders come to us each year, by working with the industry to raise funds and awareness of our vital cause.
NABS, Stranger Than Summer, The HAC, London, 5 Jun 2025, Photographer: Bronac McNeill
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Russell Jones, JonesMillbank and Nine Tree Studios:
At the start of 2025 we hosted over 150 screen professionals at Nine Tree Studios – supported by Bristol Creative Industries and West of England Mayoral Combined Authority – eager and trepid to find out what the year had in store.
And that trepidation was founded; it’s been incredibly challenging for everyone.
But we’ve also seen many of those same faces come through our doors, working on everything from TV commercials to podcasts, showcasing the talent that Bristol has to offer.
We’ve hosted and worked on productions for Dyson, ITV, Bolney Wine, Heineken, Uniqlo, MGM and Hasbro amongst many other clients, partners and friends.
Our studio’s birthday party in July saw many of these come together to chew the fat and celebrate.
And so what does 2026 hold?
Probably the same uncertainty, scope creeps, strained budgets and stretched pipelines.
But with it? Also the same creativity, collaboration, resilience and downright graft that’s seen us through 2025, I’m sure.
Merry Christmas everyone!
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David Darke, Atomic Smash:
In 2025, Atomic Smash celebrated its 15th birthday, a huge milestone that gave us space to reflect on how far we’ve come from a 2 person studio to a specialist WordPress team partnering long term with ambitious organisations. Our biggest achievement this year has been deepening those partnerships: helping clients continuously improve their digital products rather than treating websites as one-off projects.
In 2026, our ambition is to push that even further, investing more in wider performance services, growing our team, and measuring our impact not just in launches, but in the real-world results our clients see over time.
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Sarah Dennis, Aer Studios:
This year has been a huge year for Aer Studios, with plenty of exciting developments. As a company we have both grown and grown up, with a newly appointed leadership team driving the future direction of the business. We’ve branched into new sectors, launched the first Aer Venture Studios product and broadened our consultancy credentials with existing and new clients.
A highlight of 2025 was being a key sponsor of the inaugural BTF+ in October, where we continued our partnership with Bristol Creative Industries and TechSpark. Our collaboration at the event with Bristol-based Condense Reality and MyWorld saw the launch of a world-first proof of concept in the form of Pocket Talks, an augmented reality experience that streams live immersive 3D keynotes to your phone.
Next year we want to continue on our mission to deliver positive impact for people and planet through digital experiences. We’re hoping to partner with even more high impact organisations and to collaborate and connect with more people in the creative and tech ecosystem.
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Ben Henry, Novera Coaching:
2025 has been a breakthrough year with the launch of Novera Coaching. After fifteen years in education, stepping into Bristol’s creative community has been so energising, and the perfect place to grow a people-focused coaching practice. Novera now supports entrepreneurs, creatives and career-changers to find clarity, confidence and direction in their next steps.
Joining the Bristol Creative Industries network has been a real highlight. The openness, support and conversations I’ve had this year have shaped Novera more than I expected.
In 2026 I simply aim to deepen these relationships, support more clients through one-to-one coaching and workshops, and contribute to the community where possible. I’m excited to see what we can build together next year!
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Sarah Woodhouse, AMBITIOUS:
Over a year of hard work and dedication earned us our B Corp accreditation in November 2025. This was a defining moment that reflects our commitment to balancing people, planet and profit.
We promoted Laura Lear to Managing Director at a time when we are increasing our leadership in AI and rolled out an ongoing AI training and development programme that equips our team with future-ready skills.
We doubled down on strategic creativity, keeping a laser focus on what our clients need for impact. A core service offering was cemented in 2025 with our content and production team delivering 288 videos as part of strategic campaigns.
The areas we’ve succeeded continue to be our focus for 2026, and we’re launching a client-facing AI visibility service and continuing our investment in ethical AI adoption.
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Sarah Morris, Immersive Ideas:
This year has been a proud one for Immersive Ideas. We celebrated our first birthday which still feels a bit mad, and our first international project went live, a family attraction in Dublin called Dream Point, it has since picked up several awards and brought new clients our way which has been a really encouraging end to the year and shows that we are creating brilliant live experiences – which is the goal.
In 2026, I want to focus on steady, sustainable growth, developing new arms of the business, building stronger partnerships with South West creatives, and expanding the internal team; exciting times ahead!
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Mustafa Mirreh, Tell ’em Mo:
2025 was a big shift both personally and mentally, which led me to finally make the push into the freelance world. I launched Tell ’em Mo in the summer, built a full-service offering from scratch, and through consistent outreach, networking and positioning, I’ve secured a handful of clients with a growing pipeline heading into 2026.
My biggest wins have been setting up AI-driven systems to improve project delivery, bringing creative value to small businesses and founders, and sharing my wider knowledge and insights with the creative community in the South West.
I’ve laid the foundations and I hope 2026, with a full year of being self-employed, brings more momentum, long-term partnerships and sustainable growth not just for my business, but for everyone in the creative industry.
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Robin Worrall, Rednine:
This year has undoubtedly been another tricky one to navigate, but remembering that old keys don’t open new doors pushed me to completely rewrite my own brand story — visually and narratively. It was probably the hardest creative challenge I’ve ever attempted, but also one of the proudest I’ve achieved. It reminded me how important it is to step out of your own way, reconnect with your authentic voice and allow a little vulnerability to shine through.
I’ve seen plenty of worry, concern and hesitation across the creative community and among clients, yet it’s always the bold, tenacious and determined who eventually push through.
These days it takes more effort and resilience just to stay afloat, but the small moments still matter most — the tears of joy (mostly mine), the smiles of relief and the very welcome warm hugs when a team finally finds its true voice again and feels able to express itself with honesty and heart.
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Natalie Matti-Brown, Taxi Studio:
This year, we’re most proud of the impact we created for our clients. It’s what we’re known for, and nothing beats working with ambitious partners who back transformational work that drives growth. Our relationships grew even stronger as we deepened category insight and built unforgettable brands together. We moved into our new Bristol studio, which helps us collaborate faster and smarter, and three major new business wins show our approach continues to resonate globally.
Our 2026 resolution: stick to what we love – grow the people who grow the work, open doors for emerging talent, and continue giving back to our clients and the creative community.
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Penny Beeston, Beeston Media:
In 2025, we are most proud of strengthening relationships with our science and technology clients, partnering with them to produce highly engaging narratives that connect with audiences and attract investment.
Amongst a raft of fascinating projects, Isambard-AI, the UK’s fastest supercomputer is a major highlight, with its incredible potential to boost national innovation and global standing and generate knock-out case studies.
For 2026, we remain focused on becoming the primary creative partner for a wider range of UK technology leaders who share our vision on the critical role that consistent, inspiring communication plays in propelling the British economy and elevating the research sector worldwide.
Underlying all this is our belief that Bristol is perfectly positioned to fuse its massive talent in the tech and creative industries and truly make magic happen. A huge thank you to the BCI community for being a key player in this. Let’s keep Bristol unique, wonderful, and successful in 2026!
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Aggie Wojciechowska, Rocksteady Finance:
This year has been transformational for Rocksteady Finance (formerly CFO for Growth). We have not only continued to work with some amazing clients but also made huge strides in reflecting the business we wish to become. We have rebranded, built a new website, and expanded our team providing strong foundations as we move into 2026.
This time of year, is ideal for reflecting on the year just past and to set plans for the year ahead. Next year we plan to focus on significant growth, supporting more creative, marketing and PR agencies to make their finances work harder and more effectively for them. I won’t be doing it alone, as noted in my latest blog article, setting your plans and finances should be a team sport. We look forward to connecting with you. Click here to join our community and learn more about the world of finance.
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Sally Hunt, Floresco Media:
2025 was the year Floresco launched. Since opening our doors in April, we’ve welcomed our first team member, moved into our Bath office, and laid the foundations for a strong start to 2026. And the outlook is already very positive. Our team is expanding again in January – which we can’t wait for – and we’re gearing up to launch a new service that will bring something fresh, creative and strategic to the South West’s already amazing agency landscape. We’re excited to keep building an agency that’s easy and brilliant to work with, and at!
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Ben Biddiscombe, Light-up Media:
This year, our biggest achievements at Light-up Media has been maintaining business-as-usual for our clients while increasing revenue and beginning production on our first ever feature film ‘Electio’. Balancing our commercial projects with the demands of long-form storytelling is something we’re incredibly proud of, especially the growth, resilience and creativity it reflects.
In 2026, our ambition is to complete and launch the feature film and continue elevating the quality and impact of the work we produce for our clients. We’re focused on strengthening partnerships within the creative community and pushing our craft even further.
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Ben Lowndes, Distinctive Communications:
This year had its challenges, but it also felt like we took some big strides forward and turned heads towards us for the right reasons.
When I set up Distinctive in 2022, I wanted to us to be seen as good employer.
So, it meant a great deal to become the smallest fully accredited member of West of England Mayoral Combined Authority’s Good Employment Charter earlier this year. Since then, we’ve grown as a team with Heather McKay and Ryan Devlin joining and doing incredible things.
At a time when flexible, inclusive employment is coming under pressure, it’s good to be part of a network that’s keen to make work better.
Looking ahead to next year, my resolution is to find more time to think. Those moments of clarity and inspiration felt fleeting against the daily rush. I’m keen to make time for them. It’s where the growth will come from.
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Megan Jervis, social media manager and content creator
After struggling for a couple of years to figure out where I wanted my career to go, I took the plunge to begin my own business in Social Media Management for hospitality establishments, as well as other businesses, and WOW am I glad I did.
I am loving every minute of helping hospitality businesses showcase their incredible food and building businesses’ on social media.
Beginning my business in mid-September, I am so happy that I already have 4 paying clients, with a few more to start in 2026. Every week I am building on my skills, as a social media manager, a content creator and a business owner (the last bit is the hardest – no one teaches you how to do everything by yourself!!).
A year ago I never would have imagined this is how I would be ending 2025. I have loads of ideas of where this could go, and I can’t wait to see where I will be in 5+ years time.
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Andy Boreham, Bristol Beacon:
In 2025 Bristol Beacon celebrated a second year of re-opening in which they welcomed 500,000 visitors to 789 events including 42 conferences and significant festivals like BBC Proms and Simple Things. As the West of England’s music hub lead organisation, Bristol Beacon delivered 59,000 music lessons and ran 296 workshops with early years, families, elders and community groups, and supported 270+ emerging artists, creatives and industry professionals through networking, events and 1-1 support. And audiences are having a blast, with an average rating of 4.6/5 for the year.
Next year, the Beacon looks forward to building on the foundations of the success of the first two years of opening, playing host to major tours by the likes of Lily Allen, Suede and Bristol’s own Tricky, the return of BBC Proms for a third year, and the launch of major new projects that will grow new skills and deepen musical connection between communities across the West of England.
Photography by Soul Media
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Rob Wilde, Varn:
2025 saw us celebrate Varn’s 15th birthday and it has been a year of real momentum for our agency, as we help our clients navigate a very fast moving SEO and search AI visibility space. Our standout achievement has been onboarding 40 brand new clients, whilst delivering brilliant results for our clients with an outstanding retention rate of 94%. Our efforts have been focused helping our clients to untangle complex data, build strong SEO foundations, and get visible in AI search…ultimately supporting real commercial growth. We are also particularly proud of our VarnFest events and how our presence on leading industry stages like brightonSEO, have strengthened our role as a trusted voice in search marketing.
Looking ahead to 2026, we are ambitiously focused on being the market leader in AI search, SEO and data…expanding with the launch of our new Varn London team. Exciting times. Our plan is continued strong growth and to invest in the next generation of talent, accelerating our momentum and raising the standard of what clients can expect from a specialist search consultancy.
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Victoria Hockley, Loom Digital:
Loom Digital’s biggest achievement this year has been welcoming 22 new clients. Even in a tricky economic climate, their trust reflects a wider shift – businesses are turning to digital expertise to navigate a fast-moving landscape and make sense of constant change.
This growth is a testament to the team at Loom. Our commitment to learning, adapting and collaborating has helped clients cut through an increasingly competitive space; where in-house specialists, freelancers, agencies and AI all vie for attention. Our strength lies in listening carefully to each business’s challenges and applying the right expertise to move our client’s forward.
We’re also equally proud of the type of organisations we’ve partnered with this year, including fellow B Corps and value-aligned brands.
For 2026, our focus is clear: deepen partnerships, continue raising the bar on digital expertise and champion sustainable, measurable growth for every client.
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Jonathon Galvin-Wright, Burleigh Design:
A ‘Bristol original’ is back…
2025 has been a huge year for Burleigh, and picking one standout achievement feels impossible. We completed a major restructure, with me joining Fraser Ebbs as a shareholder and director. We refreshed our positioning and reclaimed our heritage as Bristol’s oldest design agency, established in 1895. We reshaped our offer and have built an agile, experienced team that we think reflects how clients genuinely want to work today. We even brought the business back to Bristol, and somehow managed to keep delivering great client work throughout all this change.
Looking ahead to 2026, our ambitions are simple: build on what we’ve (re!) started, meet new clients who genuinely align with what we do and make sure Burleigh is a place where good people can do their best work – and enjoy doing it.
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Ralph Mann, Purple Heron:
2025 was my year of ‘the other AI’- embracing ancient, artistic intelligence with pen and paper to visualise transformation. I crafted large graphic recordings for global engineering firms like Bristol’s GKN Aerospace. In 2026, I’m looking forward to growing visual facilitation workshops, unlocking creativity in teams.
Photography by Chris Cooper / ShotAway / www.ShotAway.com / #shotawaydotcom
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Danie Stincombe, Gather Round:
It’s been a tough year in creative industries and we’ve had some challenging times but we’ve also had some big achievements at Gather Round.
In March, we opened our third coworking space for creatives, Trinity, in central Bath (on Queen Square). Launching with 80 members signed up, a community from day one.
We won a Sparkles Award for our series of free events for the local creative community – Gather Round Presents (the next one is on 22nd January so watch this space!).
But more importantly our creative community has thrived. We’ve seen members collabing at each location every week. Some are one off projects and others are long term partnerships still flourishing today.
In 2026 we have even more exciting new ‘members only’ events coming up plus our Gather Round Presents series continues for its third year running. Sign up to our newsletter for an invite to our free events.
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Leigh-Ann Hewer, Carnsight Communications:
We were so excited to have won the Agency Award at this year’s Creative Bath Awards! This recognition means so much to us because it comes from the incredible creative community that we’re so proud to be part of. It’s a real honour to see our work and dedication acknowledged among such inspiring talent. Moments like these remind us why we love what we do and motivate us to keep pushing boundaries for our clients.
As if that wasn’t exciting enough, we’ve already started preparations for a major milestone: our 10-year anniversary celebration next year! It’s hard to believe a decade has flown by, and we can’t wait to mark the occasion with our amazing team, clients, and supporters.
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Alex Pilkington, Mostly Media:
This year at Mostly Media I am most proud of our winning some pretty major media accounts, especially Truespeed and Ecotricity. It has been a good momentum for the business, and it says a lot that we have been able to keep building the team during a tough economic period.
Looking ahead to 2026, we want to keep that momentum going by helping our clients scale with confidence. Our focus is on driving measurable growth, strengthening existing partnerships, expanding performance across more channels, and continuing to invest in great people so we can deliver even stronger results.
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Manni Pearce, Manuel Pearce Photography:
My biggest achievement in 2025 was securing and delivering my first 360° project for a well known film studios in the UK. The 360° project I provided has already attracted positive feedback from their clients who can remotely visualise the studios, offices and other facilities from wherever they are located in the world. My services are now attracting film & music studios from overseas and I already have projects booked for 2026.
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Alistair Aitcheson, game developer and interactive performer:
This year I was awarded the Bernie de Koven Big Fun Award at the IndieCade Festival in Los Angeles.
IndieCade is one of the world’s longest-running independent games festivals. At the start of my career just exhibiting a game at IndieCade would have been a dream come true. To be given an honorary award by them is something I could never have imagined.
Bernie de Koven was one of the leading academic theorists on play. He was a pioneering member of the New Games movement in the 1970s, who created big public play events for adults and children alike. Many of the non-competitive, social and physical games we know from summer camps, theatre workshops and teambuilding have their roots in this movement.
The award recognises creators continuing the work that Bernie began, and to be considered a part of that lineage is a massive honour indeed.
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Jardine Miles, Bright:
2025 has been a big year for Bright, we’ve doubled the size of our team, become B Corp certified and structured the team to be ready for growth with key hires at a director level. As we turn 21, our ambition is to deepen client relationships and continue to develop our specialism in delivering employee engagement events.
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Karis Copp, Karis Copp Media:
2025 has been a bit of a whirlwind! We’ve continued to grow the team as well as growing our global client base, and have been lucky enough to support clients and partners at events all over the world, so it’s been an incredibly rewarding one for us. Becoming part of some wonderful communities such as BCI this year has been a great move for us in terms of networking, learning, and personal development.
In 2026, our plan is to continue to grow with intention, as well as giving more back as we do it through more structured support for causes that help our industry. With more projects scheduled for the new year, hopefully we’ll have the opportunity to expand our fantastic small team too. I’m excited to see what 2026 has in store for us!
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Simeon de la Torre, SIM7:
We applied for more tenders than most heart doctors would recommend in 2025. I cried in the street when we lost one that I presumed was ours for the taking (will I EVER learn?), but ultimately, we won several major new clients, so the agency’s in a good place.
We got our heads around AI last year. And then we got ahead of AI this year. In fact, we have reshaped SIM7 and reframed our proposition as a result.
And personally, getting by with my schoolboy French when visiting clients in Paris was something of an achievement, but it’s also indirectly set the agenda for one of our ambitions for 2026: more international clients.
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Amy Stobie, AgencyUK:
It’s been a fantastic 2025 here at AUK, with another successful 12 months of helping brands mean more to their customers, stakeholders and communities.
We’re also proud to have been recertified as a B Corp organisation, underlining our commitment to being a force for good in business for both our people and the planet. We’ve given local students their first tastes of work experience, we’ve worked with some fantastic causes and even found time to plant some (slightly wonky) hedgerows at Bath City Farm – it’s been a busy year!
A big thank you to our brilliant teams, clients and the wider Bristol Creative Industries community for helping make 2025 such a success – here’s to more of the same in the new year!
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Rosia Curtis, writer, editor, and fundraiser:
My biggest achievement in 2025 was becoming braver as a business owner! I set up a second business this year, called Carrina’s Book. It’s a biography and memorial book company established in memory of my sister, so it’s a really personal and meaningful venture for me.
I also raised several hundred thousand pounds for my charity clients in 2025, and I co-founded Charity Freelancers Bristol, a monthly networking group for charity professionals.
I have done a lot of things this year that have pushed me out of my comfort zone, so I’m proud of that.
I’m looking forward to developing my new business in 2026, helping individuals and families to bring their incredible stories to life. I’m also looking forward to connecting with more amazing freelancers and professionals in the new year. I have benefitted so much from local connections.
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Andrew Styles, Styles Studio / AD Styles:
Our biggest success was successfully delivering branding and website projects for Bristol institutions Boomsatsuma and Creative Communities (part of Bristol Drugs Project) – it’s great to see your work up around the city.
We also delivered the new Canons Wharf website, for the development of the old Lloyds building in the harbour side. Hoping to continue working for Bristol-based organisations in 2026.
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Madeleine Zapletal, MZ Copy:
My biggest success this year has been receiving a consistent stream of interest from some fantastic businesses with very little promotion or outreach. It’s lovely to know that your clients appreciate and trust you enough to put in a good word for you. It’s kept me afloat during what could have been some particularly tricky times.
In 2026, I’m keen to expand my client base and focus on more creative projects that do good. Working in marketing and advertising can open you up to some of the “not-so-ethical” sides of the industry, which has made me all the more eager to give back, create work I’m proud of, champion human innovation (not just AI!), and support local businesses with ethics that align with mine.
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Sophie Jones, Proctor + Stevenson:
Our proudest achievement this year has been establishing ourselves as genuine pioneers in the creative, strategic use of AI. Not by chasing trends, but by using it in ways that genuinely amplify the value we give clients.
We’ve built a clear AI roadmap, delivered more complex, high-impact work, expanded our consultancy-led SEO, GEO, creative and marketing services, and watched the team embrace new tools with real energy. And we’ve done it all while staying true to the human side of who we are: our client relationships, our care for each other, our B Corp values, and the support for young talent that make this place what it is.
Our ambition for 2026 is to take that even further: to put P+S, and the South West, firmly on the map as a hub for brilliant AI-powered creative work, while opening the door wider for more of the next generation to join and shape our industry.
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Oli Garnett, Something Familiar:
2025 was a year of stepping back and leaning forward at the same time. My biggest achievement was shifting my role from day to day creative delivery and moving into a role focused on growth, partnerships, and clarity, both internally and externally. That gave Something Familiar the space to take the agency to New York properly, not to pitch, but to build relationships with people and businesses going through change.
We spent time with founders, B Corps, and teams who had outgrown what they were and needed a partner to help unlock momentum again. It reinforced our belief that better work comes from better relationships, and that growth is less about doing more and more about doing the right things well.
In 2026, the ambition is simple: fewer distractions, deeper partnerships, and work we are genuinely proud to put our name on. Becoming a better agency, not a bigger one, and continuing to help brands evolve in the moments that matter most.
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Franco de la Croix-Vaubois, Frog Events:
2025 has been a landmark year for Frog Events, with clients across the UK, Europe, the US and Canada trusting us with some of their most important programmes.
We delivered Avon Valley’s Summer Event Development Plan which generated £200,000 in its first year, including a 600-person festival for a major construction firm.
We hosted a 6-day UK study tour for US agritainment owners and a 36-person strategy retreat across Canada, both fully hosted by Franco and praised for exceptional delivery.
Our hybrid and virtual expertise shone through global projects, including a multinational hackathon for a multi-billion tech firm, a 5-day hybrid medical conference in Seattle, the Japanese/UK annual virtual career fair and PepsiCo’s North America WIN Conference. We also delivered the UK Librarians Conference with a 9.3 NPS score and 92% turnout.
With 32 hosted buyer meetings at IBTM Barcelona, we close the year stronger than ever and ready for ambitious growth in 2026.
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Martin Barnes, 8 Seconds to Connect
My biggest realisation this year was that I didn’t need to keep chasing new leads. When I looked back, the lions share of my work had come from people I’d already worked with. The people who knew me and trusted me. So I slowed down a bit, got back in touch with them, and just had normal conversations about how things were going on both sides. Plus a lot of AI geek outs.
It took a lot of pressure out of the business. The work felt easier, the projects were a better fit, and I had more time for family. Much less of that frantic “always on” feeling.
For next year, I want to keep going in that direction. Stay close to the people I enjoy working with, keep things simple, and let the right opportunities grow from there.
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Andy Marshall, Our Media:
This year, we strengthened our purpose as a business: creating inspiring, trusted content that enriches people’s lives. We expanded our presence across Apple News and Google Discover, cementing our position as one of Apple’s fastest-growing content providers. We published 484 digital editions and achieved a staggering number of engaged minutes on Apple News. We’ve continued to innovate as a business, launching new podcasts and building relationships with new partners.
Looking ahead to 2026, our ambitions is to grow our content offering even further, reaching an ever-increasing number of people. We’ll build on this year’s momentum to strengthen partnerships and continue to deliver trusted content.
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Eliot Shiner, Bind Media:
Bind Media’s biggest achievement in 2025 was demonstrating that purpose and performance can thrive together. Our commitment to excellence was recognised through award-winning client work at The Drum, UK Search Awards, European Search Awards and the European Paid Media Awards, and our team culture was honoured with Campaign Best Place to Work.
This success was sustained while championing the planet by proudly retaining our B-Corp status, funding carbon removal via Ecologi, and dedicating time to volunteering, pro-bono work and raising money for local charities.
Looking ahead to 2026, we plan to deepen the positive impact we can have on both people and planet, whilst evolving our services to compliment the ever-changing landscape of digital. We’re excited to soon unveil Virgil™, our proprietary AI brain, strengthening our ability to deliver powerful insights and clarity at speed for both our team and our clients.
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